9 days in Italy Itinerary

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.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Fri): make a trip to Piazza del Duomo, explore the historical opulence of Castello Sforzesco, and then contemplate the long history of Il Cenacolo. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the striking features of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, take in the spiritual surroundings of Duomo di Milano, then pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di Santa Tecla, and finally explore the world behind art at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Milan trip planner .

Brussels, Belgium to Milan is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of shuttle and flight; or drive. Traveling from Brussels in May, expect Milan to be a bit warmer, temps between 26°C and 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) so you can take a train to Cinque Terre.

Made up of five picturesque towns on the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre is Italy's answer to the French Riviera.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sun): take a stroll around Vernazza, then hike along Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Santa Margherita di Antiochia Church. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre.

To see reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Cinque Terre online attractions planner .

Take a train from Milan to Cinque Terre in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In May, daily temperatures in Cinque Terre can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Florence.

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

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Tue): get great views at Piazzale Michelangelo, take in the views from Ponte Vecchio, then explore the world behind art at Uffizi Galleries, then steep yourself in history at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza del Duomo.

For maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Florence trip planning website .

Traveling by car from Cinque Terre to Florence takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. May in Florence sees daily highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train 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.

Take a break from Venice with a short trip to Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, about 54 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Canal Grande, contemplate the long history of Squero di San Trovaso, examine the collection at Doge's Palace, and admire the striking features of Basilica di San Marco.

To find where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read Venice online trip planner .

Getting from Florence to Venice by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Venice can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can travel back home.