18 days in Italy Itinerary

The famous setting for Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of northern Italy's main tourist destinations, largely owing to its incredibly rich artistic heritage.

To see photos, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read Verona tour site.

Cape Town, South Africa to Verona is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from South Africa Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is minus 1 hour. While traveling from Cape Town, expect warmer days and somewhat warmer nights in Verona, ranging from highs of 35°C to lows of 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Venice.

Virtually unchanged for the last six centuries, Venice is actually a group of islands made famous by a series of canals, bridges, monuments, piazzas, and narrow pedestrian lanes.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): browse for treasures at Gioielleria Eredi Jovon and then stop by Magie di Carnevale.

To see traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Venice trip planner.

You can drive from Verona to Venice in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a shuttle; or take a bus. August in Venice sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 22°C at night. On the 16th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Florence.

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Do your shopping at Mercato Centrale and Microfficina Gioielli. Step out of Florence to go to Santa Brigida and see Castello del Trebbio, which is approximately 36 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, stop by I'Mago, and don't miss a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Florence online journey builder.

You can drive from Venice to Florence in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Florence can reach 35°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. You will leave for Genoa on the 23rd (Thu).

Once the most important harbor in the Mediterranean Sea, Genoa has a long history as a rich and powerful trade center in northern Italy.

Visiting Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza and Cinque Terre Trails will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Genoa side-trips: Vernazza (Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church & Vernazza) and Ente Parco di Portofino (in Santa Margherita Ligure). The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi, enjoy breathtaking views from Spianata Castelletto, and admire the striking features of Via Giuseppe Garibaldi.

To see photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Genoa trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Florence to Genoa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Florence in August, expect a bit warmer with lows of 25°C in Genoa. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Turin.

A city of technology and industry, Turin is in northwestern Italy, a one-hour drive from the French border and slightly more than that from the Mediterranean Sea.

Step out of Turin with an excursion to Zoom Torino in Cumiana--about 46 minutes away. There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at Museo Egizio, make a trip to Basilica of Superga, steep yourself in history at Palazzo Reale, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Santuario della Consolata.

For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our Turin trip itinerary planning site.

Drive from Genoa to Turin in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Genoa in August: high temperatures in Turin hover around 28°C and lows are around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) to allow enough time to take a train to Milan.

In many ways the most modern of Italian cities, Milan is a busy, elegant metropolis with an impressive list of grand palaces, fine churches, and important museums.

For more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Milan travel planner.

You can take a train from Turin to Milan in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Turin in August, expect nights in Milan to be about the same, around 22°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 34°C. On the 30th (Thu), you'll travel back home.