Exploring Italy in Twelve Unforgettable Days
Italy surprised us at every turn with its art, history and la dolce vita moments. Over twelve days we experienced private glass-blowing on a Venetian lagoon, soaked up coastal views on the Amalfi Coast, explored the ruins of Pompeii and zipped through Rome’s must-see landmarks. Here’s how to structure your trip, plus planning tips and full budget details.
Venice – 5 Days:
Amalfi Coast Notes
Emerald Cave
A boat tour into the Grotta Azzurra; ours was cancelled due to choppy seas.
Capri Day Trip
Ferry over to the island of Capri; ours was cancelled because of weather.
Backup: Explore Amalfi town, walk the clifftop Path of the Gods, or simply relax on the beach when excursions are cancelled.
Arrive via the Pompeii Scavi train station and pay the €16 entrance fee. Highlights include:
The Forum and marketplace ruins
Frescoed villas and mosaics
Plaster body casts preserving final moments
Allocate at least two hours to absorb the site’s atmosphere.
Pompeii Exploration
Vatican City
No passport checks at the two-mile border. Tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are €29 per person; plan at least three hours.
Pantheon
Free entry; marvel at the oculus and ancient columns.
Spanish Steps
Free to climb; a great spot for people-watching.
Colosseum
Entry fee €42 per person; book a morning slot to beat the crowds.
Trevi Fountain
Free to visit; toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return trip to Rome.
We rented an electric moped for USD 120 over two days to move efficiently between dispersed sites.
Venice Experiences
Gondola Ride
Licensed gondoliers charge a fixed €80 for thirty minutes (cash only). We opted for side canals to drift past hidden courtyards rather than the Grand Canal.
St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
Allow 2–3 hours to explore the piazza, enter the Basilica (lines move quickly with a reservation) and admire the mosaics and domes.
Murano Glass Making Class
Private three-hour session at Original Murano Glass. Watch a master demonstration in their furnace, then craft your own piece. Cost is €460 for two people.
Rome Highlights
Tips
Italy is vast—focus on one or two regions per trip.
Train travel is the best way to get around; book high-speed routes in advance for the best fares.
Carry euros in cash for gondolas, small cafés and some B&Bs.
Many “American-Italian” dishes (for example, fettuccine Alfredo) do not exist in Italy—don’t expect to find them on menus.
Learn basic Italian greetings (“Buongiorno,” “Grazie”) to connect with locals.
Always build in at least one buffer day for rest or weather-canceled activities.
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation (12 nights): USD 3 510
Venice: USD 652 (2 nights windows view) + USD 482 (2 nights bathtub) + USD 200 (1 sick-day hotel)
Amalfi Coast: USD 169 × 3 nights
Naples: USD 181 × 1 night
Rome: USD 118 × 3 nights
Transportation: USD 1 170
Flight Nice → Venice: USD 92 per person
Car rental near Venice: USD 260 (3 days)
Trains & ferries between cities/islands
Electric moped in Rome: USD 120 (2 days)
Activities: USD 804
St. Mark’s Basilica: USD 6 per person
Murano class: USD 250 per person
Vatican Museums: USD 29 per person
Colosseum: USD 42 per person
Pompeii: USD 35 per person
Gondola: USD 80
Miscellaneous: USD 409
Eye exam & contacts: USD 77
Lost-luggage toiletries: USD 33
New clothes: USD 98
Venice parking: USD 147
New luggage: USD 50
Public bathrooms: USD 4
Total Trip Cost: USD 5 893
Average per Day: USD 475
Average per Person per Day: USD 237
We're the adventure-loving duo behind the lens and the keyboard, swapping nine-to-five predictability for jet lag, desert sunrises, and stories worth replaying. Follow our journey to 50 countries while we share all our tips, mistakes and hidden gems along the way. We love finding the world's most unique bucket list adventures and stays to share with you here!
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