The Magnificent Four: A 12-Day Italian Journey through Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan

12 Day Tour of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan

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Trip Map
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12 Days 11 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

History Buffs

Cultural Exploration

Discover the timeless beauty and rich history of Italy on this enchanting 12-day journey through Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Begin in Rome, a city of almost a thousand churches and home to the awe-inspiring Colosseum and other ancient ruins. Travel to Florence and marvel at the masterpieces in Florence's famed art museums, then glide through Venice's picturesque canals before experiencing the chic elegance of Milan. This trip promises unforgettable private guided tours, breathtaking sights, and detailed travel guidance through our Go Real Travel mobile app, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Visit the Vatican City and explore the Sistine Chapel's stunning frescoes and St. Peter's Basilica.
See the fruits of Renaissance creativity in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.
Soak in incomparable sights on a private gondola ride on Venice's Grand Canal.
Stroll through Milan’s historic center and visit the majestic Duomo.
Be captivated by lake-side villages, mountains, & crystal-clear waters on a day trip to Lake Como.

Visit the Vatican City and explore the Sistine Chapel's stunning frescoes and St. Peter's Basilica.
See the fruits of Renaissance creativity in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery.
Soak in incomparable sights on a private gondola ride on Venice's Grand Canal.
Stroll through Milan’s historic center and visit the majestic Duomo.
Be captivated by lake-side villages, mountains, & crystal-clear waters on a day trip to Lake Como.

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo

Cultural

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Museums & Galleries

Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Must see sights

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo

Cultural

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Museums & Galleries

Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Starting from

$3175

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM:

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Rome's Historic Center

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Spanish Steps

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Exploring Rome's Historic Center (Centro Storico)

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Spanish Steps and surroundings

The streets spreading out from grand Piazza del Popolo (People's Square) form a trident that hosts some of the most popular shopping and tourist sights in Rome. These include the Spanish Steps, the adjacent Keats-Shelley House where Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in the famous scene from Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

In the Heart of The Empire - Private Guided Tour of Ancient Rome

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Piazza Venezia & Surroundings

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring the Villa Borghese Gardens

The Villa Borghese Park acts as the main respite and sanctuary for Romans and tourists alike away from the din of central Rome. Overlooking Piazza del Popolo and only a stone's throw from the Spanish Steps, the area was a district of market gardens, olive groves, and patrician villas until taken over as summer estates by the city's wealthy during the Renaissance. The most notable is Villa Borghese, which now houses one of the city's best non-Vatican art collections. The adjacent Pincio Gardens offer a grand vista over Rome.

Evening

Piazza Navona - An Italian Night Out

Arguably the most beautiful of all the piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is particularly stunning at night. As one of the largest and most romantic piazza squares in Rome, it is a great spot to spend the evening, with a whole host of restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer. See its three impressive fountains illuminated by night, sip on an Aperol Spritz, take an evening stroll or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream. When night falls, this is the place to be.

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Early Morning to Afternoon

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Castel Sant'Angelo

Designed and built by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the great circular hulk of Castel Sant'Angelo provides one of the best routes to the Vatican and St Peter's via the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Appropriated by the popes, the mausoleum was turned into a fortress and attached to the Vatican with a passageway for the popes to use as a refuge in times of siege or invasion - this is where Pope Clement VII sheltered during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Discover the Jewish Ghetto

The Ghetto is an area of confusing switchback streets and alleys which is currently undergoing a resurgence with lots of kosher cafes and restaurants. The highlight is the huge synagogue built in 1904, which includes the Museo Ebriaca recounting the history of Roman Jews, many of whom died in the Holocaust. Immediately across the road is the Teatro di Marcello built by Julius Caesar and Augustus. The remains of the first Roman bridge to cross the Tiber are also nearby.

Early Evening/Evening

Exploring & Dining Out in Trastevere

Stroll around Trastevere, a formerly working-class district which has now been transformed into one of its hippest neighborhoods. You'll discover a heady nightlife mostly free of the tourist traps which mar other parts of the center, and you'll discover hidden corners beloved by locals and visitors alike. We highly recommend dining out in one of the district's top-rated restaurants or cafes, but beware, this is Rome's most popular spot for dinner, so booking ahead or dining early is highly advised. If you don't make a reservation, here's one tip for finding a restaurant: if someone is standing outside trying to convince you to come in, it's not popular with the locals.

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit Rome's Esquilino District

Upon first glance, this urban neighborhood of Rome may seem busy and overwhelming, but hidden among its traffic-noisy streets are some of Rome's most beautiful churches, artistic treasures, and cultural museums, including the Baths of Diocletian.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Go South of the Center & Get Off the Beaten Path

While most tourists stick to the Vatican and historic center of Rome, just south of the Palatine Hill lay several attractions that are definitely worth seeing. Start with a quick visit to the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held in ancient Rome, and then make your way further south for a look at the fascinating pyramid tomb of Caius Cestius, one of classical Rome's best preserved ruins. It was built for a Roman aristocrat during a time when all things Egyptian were the rage. Just next to pyramid is the Protestant Cemetery, holding the earthly remains of Rome's non-Catholic residents, locals and foreigners alike, and not just Protestants. Within this beautiful cemetery, you will find the graves of the poets Keats and Shelley and Gregory Corso, as well as the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci. Farther up the road are the huge Baths of Caracalla - named after one of classical Rome's cruelest emperors.

4:35 PM

Private Transfer to Rome Termini Train Station

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to Rome Termini Train Station. Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

17:35 - 19:11

Rail Journey to Florence

Your approximately hour-and-a-half-hour rail journey to Florence will leave Rome behind and shortly enter the picturesque region of Umbria, where you can watch for the medieval hilltop town of Orvieto. You'll then travel through the famously beautiful countryside of of Tuscany, where you'll enjoy a landscape of green hills covered by vineyards, fields, and forests, and see winding roads lined by the iconic cypress trees. Be sure to keep an eye out for more medieval hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Arrezo. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

7:11 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and trams and buses pick up next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are usually honest (but certainly not always). Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit Italy's Greatest Display of Art at the Uffizi Gallery

As the capital of the Renaissance, it's only fitting that Florence should also host Italy's greatest art gallery at the Uffizi. It's understandably busy throughout the year, but it's nevertheless worth the crowds to see to see some of the most sumptuous masterpieces of Renaissance art, including Botticelli's Primavera and Venus, and works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. If you're planning to visit other galleries and museums in Florence, then it's definitely worth investing in a Firenze Card, which gives you free entry and priority access to 72 venues in the city. At a minimum, you should book ahead for the Uffizi to avoid very long queues.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Piazza Della Signoria: The Heart of Renaissance Florence

Piazza Della Signoria represents the very soul of Renaissance Florence and Italy. It was here in the Palazzo Vecchio that the rulers of Florence began commissioning work from the great masters of the Florentine, Roman and Venetian art world before they moved across the Arno River to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza remains an open-air sculpture museum, with eye-catching works such as the Neptune Fountain. Nearby the world famous Bargello Gallery contains the overflow of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, including Donatella's famous rendering of David, while the Loggia dei Lanzi houses some of the greatest statuary to have come out of Renaissance Italy. The piazza is still the most popular meeting point in the city, particularly during political campaigns when speakers address the crowds from the terrace in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Visit to the Duomo and the Piazza del Duomo

Discover the medieval marvel of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome offering panoramic views of Florence. Founded in 1296, it aimed to be the world's largest church, showcasing unmatched Renaissance grandeur in Piazza del Duomo. While entry to the Duomo is free, dome access requires a reservation. Consider a Firenze Card for easy access to other sites.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out In Santa Croce

While the focal point of Santa Croce is its exquisite Franciscan basilica, there are a number of culinary gems scattered around the quarter demanding the attention of gourmands and casual foodies alike. With fresh, high-quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a treasure trove of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the necessary requisites to be a culinary paradise. You can choose from dynamic restaurants with innovative menus serving a hip clientele, or more formal restaurants hewing closely to Florence's strict culinary mores of the past. You can also discover plenty of unpretentious traditional mom-and-pop trattorias serving regional classics such as ribollita and bistecca all Fiorentina.

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Best of Florence: Half-Day Walking Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Florence, the perfect introduction to the masterpieces of this city. Stroll around the historic center and take in sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora and end your tour at the famous Galleria dell'Accademia where you can enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

In the footsteps of the Medicis - Ponte Vecchio & Palazzo Pitti

The Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge over the Arno River, dates back to Roman times and is a key Florence landmark. Once home to butchers, it now houses jewelers and art dealers. The Vasari Corridor above was a Medici family passage linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art by Raphael, Titian, and others. Walk across this magnificent bridge that connects the two sides of the city and learn about its history along the way.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Explore the Oltrarno District

Meaning literally "the other side of the Arno", Oltrarno is often the forgotten side of Florence, with tourists generally more focused on central Florence, but sometimes it's also worth venturing off the tourist trail! Oltrarno is one of Florence's most popular and trendiest neighborhoods and offers visitors a trove of cultural treasures. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to the heart of this thriving neighborhood which is host to beautiful gardens and artistic churches. You'll also find the most famous viewpoint in the city - Piazzale Michelangelo.

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

9:20 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is available in Florence, and if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

10:20 - 12:34

Rail Journey from Florence to Venice

Your approximately two-hour rail journey to Venice will travel through the famously beautiful countryside of Tuscany and cross the also picturesque regions of Emilia Romagna and Veneto, traversing the Apennine Mountains and passing through historical cities such as Bologna and Padua. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

12:34 PM

Arrival at Rail Station & Transfer by Water Bus or Water Taxi

All trains should arrive in Venice Santa Lucia (Venezia S Lucia) station, the main station in Venice. If by chance your train ends in Venice Mestre Railway Station, that means you have not actually arrived in Venice, and must switch to a train that takes you across the water to Santa Lucia station. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that there is no wheeled traffic in Venice. That means you will either need to take a public water bus or pre-book a private water taxi to the dock nearest your hotel. Water buses are very reliable and one-way tickets can be purchased on the spot. Better yet, you can also purchase Venezia Unica Cards or another city pass which includes transport. Private Water Taxis are generally expensive (around 70 euros depending on the distance) but they will take you nearer to your hotel, or if your hotel has a dock, directly to the dock.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

Early Evening

The Grand Canal

Snaking through the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice. Flanked by Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish palaces, a trip down the Canal is often the highlight of many people's trip. While the Gondola is the most romantic option, many opt for the less glamorous but equally as enjoyable ride on the 3.8 kilometres Water Bus Line 1, which passes some 50 palazzi and passes underneath the famous Rialto Bridge.

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

Morning/Mid-Day

Rialto Bridge & San Polo District

The graceful arch of the Rialto Bridge is perhaps the single most iconic sight in Venice since nearly everyone passes beneath it on their journey along the Grand Canal. It connects Venice's two most visited districts, San Marco and San Polo. While San Marco is famous for St. Mark's Square, San Polo more than holds its own as a must-see destination, as it contains some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and most picturesque canals and bridges. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Venice, and admittedly some of its worst tourist traps as well. Among many highlights is the bustling Rialto Market, which was once one of medieval Europe's busiest financial and trade markets, and still does a brisk trade in fresh seafood and produce.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

St Mark's Square & Surroundings

St Mark's Square was the embodiment of The Most Serene Republic of Venice's power and prestige, and as such contains its most magnificent public buildings: the extraordinary golden mosaic-encrusted basilica of St Mark's, the exquisite Doge's Palace, the all-seeing bell tower, the Bibliotecca Marciana library, and what is nowadays the famous Correr Museum. If timed correctly, it is possible to see all these sights on your own within half a day, although a guide can make the process much more efficient (and more educational as well). Keep in mind that the square is one of the most heavily touristed places in the world, so crowds and lines can be an issue. St Mark the Evangelist was not the patrion saint of Venice until 829 AD, when two Venetian merchants stole St. Mark's remains from their original resting place in a chuch in Alexandria, Egypt, and then smuggled the relics home trussed up in a canvas sheet. The pretext for the theft was that the Muslim conquerors of Alexandria were expected to defile and plunder the church. While this may have been true, it is no coincidence that bringing such an important saint's relics to Venice was hugely important politically and signaled Venice's place as a rising independent power. A church was built to house the relics, and St. Mark's Square was established as the spiritual and political heart of the city.

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Private Gondola Ride

The gondola is no doubt one of the most universally known symbols of Venice; this elegant, elongated black wooden boat inspired innumerable writers & poets and was used by rich & famous people of any age. From Lord Byron to Hemingway, from Elton John to George Clooney, they’ve all been on a gondola ride! Now it is your turn to be rocked down the ancient, peaceful canals, while your gondolier will tell you about the construction of gondola itself and the meaning of the strangely shaped iron on its bow. Venetian palaces will appear to you in all their charm, as the fanciest facade is always the one facing the water!

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out In Zattere

The Fondamenta delle Zattere in the Dorsoduro sestiere (district) is a beautiful promenade with many bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. It has a great view across the Giudecca Canal and therefore makes for a lovely evening out to enjoy some Venetian cuisine and wines from the Veneto region. The nearby canals of Dorsoduro are also home to myriad bars and al fresco dining venues in the summer months.

Day 9

Venice to Milan

Day 9

Venice to Milan

Day 9

Venice to Milan

Day 9

Venice to Milan

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit the Dorsoduro District

Discover the less well-known sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro and visit its world-famous art collections at Gallerie dell'Academia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Cà Rezzonico. Once a haven for artists before rising rents drove them out, it is still a charming and unique district with many lively spots, such as the Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice's largest squares. Be sure to take a walk along its enchanting waterfront promenade known as Zattere and explore the cafes along its canals.

3:20 PM

Transfer to Rail Station by Water Bus or Private Water Taxi

Because it's impossible to travel by a land taxi in Venice you will need to take a water bus (Vaporetto) from the nearest dock on the Grand Canal to Santa Lucia train station. You can use a Venezia Unica card or other travel pass, or simply buy a one-way ticket on the spot. If you do not want to take the Vaporetto, you can arrange a private transfer by water taxi or ask your hotel front desk to arrange one for you. Be sure to give your front desk some advance notice though, as it can be difficult to get a water taxi on the spot. Water taxis are expensive (about 75 EUR +), but they should be able to pick you up much closer to your place of lodging, or if your hotel has its own dock, directly from the dock.

16:48 - 19:15

Rail Journey from Venice to Milan

Your train journey from Venice to Milan should take about 2.5 hours if you are travelling by the direct high-speed trains which can reach speeds of up to 155 miles per hour (250km/h). As you leave Venice, you will travel across the lagoon by bridge before you reach the mainland. You will then travel through the countryside of Veneto and Lombardy, passing Vicenza, Verona and Lake Garda on your right. Definitely, a pleasant way to spend a few hours on a train!

7:15 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Milano Centrale station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. Taxis are available at all rail stations but some are known for taking advantage of tourists so you may want to agree on a price before getting into the taxi or choose public transport during peak hours when there may be heavy traffic if you want to save money. However, if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are an option. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Day 10

Milan

Day 10

Milan

Day 10

Milan

Day 10

Milan

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Best of Milan Private Walking Tour

Milan is the center of business and the capital of Italian fashion, but it also has an ancient heritage and a fascinating history; here you find some of the greatest masterpieces of Italian art! Together with your guide, you’ll explore the magnificent Duomo, Galleria, Scala opera house, merchant square, financial district, food street, and Sforza Castle.

Afternoon

Visit the Duomo, Milan's Cathedral

The Duomo of Milan is the last of Italy's great Gothic structures. Standing proud in the spacious Piazza del Duomo, this behemoth church is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, and by far the most visited sights in Milan for tourists. Step inside and visit its interior before climbing up its stairs or riding the elevator to its terraces, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Milan cityscape and spires up close. Note that entrance to the Duomo and Terraces are by paid admission only. During high season, we recommend purchasing advanced tickets to save you time in Milan.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Sforzesco Castle & Sempione Park

The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most popular monuments in Milan. It has undergone various transformations over the centuries; it has been a defensive fortress, a military barracks, and a private residence. Today it is a center of cultural institutions and contains several specialized museums that hold important fragments of Milan's cultural and civic history. Located behind the castle is Parco Sempione, Milan's largest English style park, where you'll also find one of the best lookout towers in the city.

Evening

The Navigli Canals

Although far from Italy's surrounding seas, Milan, much like Venice, was for many centuries a navigatable city due to an intricate system of canals. In their heyday, the Navigli canals formed a 100 mile (150 km) long network that connected the city with the rivers and lakes in the Lombardian region, including Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, the Ticino River and the Po River. Built between 1177 and 1257, the canals were primarily used for transporting goods, such as blocks of marble that were used to construct the city’s marvellous buildings. Today, little remains of its waterway history, but the first stretch of the Naviglio Grande can still be visited. It is now lined by canal-side cafes, making it one of the city's trendiest areas. The Navigli neighborhood as a whole was until recently a working-class district with a few rough edges, but now you'll find small boutique shops alongside popular pubs and excellent restaurants serving authentic Milanese cuisine. You'll also find plenty of outdoor bars perfect for a late afternoon aperitivo and numerous art studios and little galleries hidden amongst small courtyards and side streets. Sunset on the Naviglio is one of the most popular times to visit, therefore it may be wise to book a table ahead of time if you are planning on visiting in the summer seasons.

Day 11

Milan

Day 11

Milan

Day 11

Milan

Day 11

Milan

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self Guided Excursion to Lake Como

Often cited as the most picturesque lake in Europe, Lake Como has enchanted artists and travelers for centuries and it's easy to see why. Tucked away in the foothills of the northern Italian Alps, Lake Como is the perfect day trip destination from Milan, offering the perfect chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover some of the picturesque lakeside villages, take a thrilling boat ride across the lake, or explore the many grand villas and beautiful gardens.

Early Evening/Evening

Brera District & National Gallery

Brera is the artistic heart of the city. Its tightly-packed together cobbled lanes and ancient buildings are a reminder that Milan was not always the modern metropolis that it is today. At the heart of the neighborhood, you'll find the Pinotecca di Brera (National Gallery), home to Italy's biggest collection of paintings of the 15th & 16th century. Indeed, Brera has been synonymous with art ever since the romantic artists of the 19th century turned the quarter into a hub of Bohemianism. Around the gallery you'll find some of the city's most fashionable boutique shops, and a host of trendy bars and restaurants, making it an area to be seen when the sun sets.

Day 12

Depart Milan

Day 12

Depart Milan

Day 12

Depart Milan

Day 12

Depart Milan

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi. Train or Bus

There are three main airports in Milan. You will likely depart from Malpensa although you may also depart from Milano Bergamo or Milano Linate if you are flying within Europe. The most affordable and fast way to reach Milan Malpensa airport is by train. The Malpensa Express train takes only 35 minutes and leaves directly from the main Centrale station in central Milan. The most affordable way to reach Milan Bergamo airport is by bus. The bus takes about 1 hour and leaves directly from Milano Centrale Train Station in central Milan. To reach Linate Airport you are best taking a taxi as it is only 10km from the city center. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 4 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the Malpensa or Bergamo airport with about 3 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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The Magnificent Four: A 12-Day Italian Journey through Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan

12 Day Tour of Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan

$3175

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Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

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Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

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Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.