9 days in Bologna, Florence & Cinque Terre Itinerary

A city famous for its cuisine, Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bologna: Ferrara (Monastero di Sant'Antonio in Polesine, Castello Estense, &more) and Ravenna (Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra, Basilica di San Vitale, &more). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell, admire the landmark architecture of Archiginnasio di Bologna, take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica di San Domenico, and contemplate the long history of Piazza Maggiore.

For traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Bologna trip planner.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major aiports are Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, Peretola Airport and Verona Villafranca Airport. April in Bologna sees daily highs of 67°F and lows of 48°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) so you can take a train 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 2nd (Tue): contemplate the long history of Basilica of Santa Croce, explore the world behind art at Florence Academy of Fine Arts, make a trip to Mercato Centrale, then make a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, and finally examine the collection at Pitti Palace. Here are some ideas for day two: ponder the world of politics at Palazzo Vecchio, get to know the fascinating history of Piazza del Duomo, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, then pause for some photo ops at Campanile di Giotto, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Baptistery of St. John, and finally take in the views from Ponte Vecchio.

Make your Florence itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Take a train from Bologna to Florence in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. May in Florence sees daily highs of 71°F and lows of 52°F at night. You'll have a few hours on the 4th (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling to Cinque Terre.

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

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Cinque Terre: Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi a Nervi (in Genoa), Portovenere (in Porto Venere) and Baia del Silenzio (in Sestri Levante). There's still lots to do: explore the striking landscape of Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre, trek along Footpath Monterosso - Vernazza, take some stellar pictures from View Point Corniglia, and take a stroll around Vernazza.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Cinque Terre trip itinerary app.

You can drive from Florence to Cinque Terre in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a train. In May in Cinque Terre, expect temperatures between 71°F during the day and 52°F at night.