Going to Italy for vacation is always one of the top destinations on any traveler’s bucket list.  And with good reason.  There are endless things to do, see, eat and shop for in Italy.  It’s an art, food and fashion mecca.  There are many cities and regions in Italy — all offering its own flavor and distinction.  With Italian trains receiving a facelift in recent years, travel around the country is even more accessible.

I took this 10 day vacation with my family in May/Spring.  We started in Rome and ended in Venice. However, you could easily do the reverse or even start in the middle at Florence and pick up either leg.

Below is my recap of each place with links to my blog posts that have more detailed information about sights, getting around and maps to help you out.

Rome wasn’t built in a day but you can do a pretty good job of covering major sights around town.  Start with the most iconic, The Colloseum, and take a walk through history.  Don’t forget to stop for gelato or get a café.  The many squares are great places to people watch.

Check out my Walking Tour post of Rome for more information.

Explore a Roman Villa in Tivoli

Consider taking a day trip from Rome to get out in the countryside.  Visit the small town of Tivoli where you have access to a few Roman villas.

My suggested Roman villa is Villa D’Este which has a beautifully frescoed villa and expansive gardens.

Seek inspiration in Vatican City

Seeing Michaelangelo’s masterpieces is a must do for any traveler and Vatican City doesn’t disappoint.  Although small in size, the art and history of the Vatican overwhelms.

Get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time in the Vatican.

Eat, Shop & Stroll in Florence

Appease your senses in Florence with a stroll through the city.  Gardens, retail therapy, gelato, David and incredible art await.  Make sure to take in the view of it all from the hilltop, Piazza Michaelangelo.

Read more about the many ways to enjoy your time in Florence.

Discover Siena in the heart of Tuscany

Explore the Tuscan medieval city of Siena for a  look at Florence’s rival city.  Stroll the winding cobblestone streets and enjoy a café at the Campo in the center of town.

Check out my post on what this beautiful, red city has to offer.

Snap your pic@Pisa

Get swept away in the craziest, cheesiest photo taking session at Pisa.  Don’t fight it — just join the fun.

Read more on this fun and funny tourist attraction.

From Verona with Love

No where is eternal love more cherished and celebrated than Verona.  Come explore this sweet and lovely city with its cobblestone streets, Romeo & Juliet balcony and heart shaped confections and pasta.

View all the loveliness of Verona.

Visit this unique and beautiful floating city in all its splendor, starting with San Marco’s square and the Doge’s Palace.  Ride the Grand Canal, see a glass blowing demo on Murano Island and explore the connecting bridges and neighborhoods.

Take to the water and discover Venice.

*Featured photo by Federico Beccari.