Best of Italy

A complate travel package of 7 nights stay in Italy: From Rome where it all began, to Florence and Siena and all the way to Venice also covering Cinque Terra.. A fascinating itinerary that will bring you to discover Rome, the Eternal City,Florence, Siena, Cinque Terre  and the beautiful canals in Venice. A perfect combination of culture, history, natural beauty and culinary indulgence!

Day 1: Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day, but you can see the major sites in two. Fly into Rome as early as possible and check into your accommodations. Resist the temptation to take a nap and head out immediately to sightsee. Start by exploring the ruins of the Roman Forum, then head west for a short stroll down Via dei Fori Imperiali, which leads to the Colosseum. Remember to stop for a bite of gelato on the way. Spend the evening gazing at the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon before dinner.

Day 2: Rome
Spend your second day in Rome exploring Vatican City. This tiny city-state can easily fill a week, but focus your sightseeing on St. Peter's Basilica, including a climb to Michelangelo's panoramic dome, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Eat a quick lunch at a pizzerie and save your big meal for your final dinner in Rome, perhaps at a local trattoria.

Day 3: Florence
Start your day with an early morning train ride north to Florence in the Tuscan region. Check into your accommodations and head out immediately to explore the city of the Renaissance. Begin at the Uffizi Gallery, which houses da Vinci's "The Annunciation" and Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus." Enjoy a light lunch at a piazza café before heading to the Duomo, Florence's great domed cathedral. End the afternoon with a visit to the Accademia Gallery to gaze at Michaelangelo's "David" before a leisurely din

Day 4: Florence and Siena
First thing in the morning, hop a bus for a day trip to Sienna, only 21 miles south of Florence. This walled, medieval city is well-preserved and a stroll through its narrow lanes and pedestrian-friendly squares will fill the morning. Have lunch on the Piazza del Campo, the main square. After lunch, climb to the top of the square's Torre del Mangia for a panoramic view before visiting the Museo Civico in the Palazzo Pubblico. Head back to Florence in time for dinner.

Day 5: Cinque Terre
Grab a train for the short ride north to Cinque Terra, five tiny villages perched on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Each village is connected by slow, local trains and ocean-clinging pathways, and there are no museums or famous monuments here. Cars are not allowed in four of the five villages. Rick Steves recommends basing this part of your trip in Vernazza, the only village with a natural harbor. Take it slowly the next two days -- life doesn't move very fast in this part of Italy. Spend your first day exploring the tiny Vernazza, sampling some local wine and seafood and swimming in the Mediterranean. Take part in the passeggiata, an evening stroll where the locals walk up and down the tiny streets together.

Day 6: Cinque Terra
On your second day in Cinque Terre, choose the local trains or meandering pathways to explore the other four villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Monterosso. Like Vernazza, there are no major sites, only the rocky Riviera, local fishermen in their tiny boats, vineyards and tiny cafes and bars. Don't forget to sample the local pesto sauce on your linguine.

Day 7: Venice
On the seventh day, wake up early and catch a train to Venice, northeast of Cinque Terre on the Adriatic Sea. From the station, take a vaporetti  (water bus) through the Grand Canal to the city center. Check into your accommodations and head out immediately to explore this city of canals and water. Grab lunch or a coffee on the Piazza San Marco. Other must-see sights here include the Basilica di San Marco, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Have dinner in a Venetian tavern before embarking on a gondola ride. The following morning, catch a flight home from Venice.