13 Days in Italy: City-by-City Highlights, Lessons & Travel Tips
- Bianca Paola Gonzalez
- Jul 3
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 16
13 Days in Italy
Italy has always lived in my imagination like a beautiful dream. Ever since I read Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in 9th grade—then later watched the 1996 film adaptation with Leonardo DiCaprio, along with movies like The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Letters to Juliet, and Eat Pray Love—I’ve dreamed of walking through Italian streets, feeling the weight of its rich history, tasting authentic pasta, standing before iconic art and landmarks, and doing my best to speak the language I studied at university.
Spending 13 days in Italy was nothing short of magical. It was my first time in Europe, and what made it even more special was sharing it with my mom—our first mother-daughter trip. What a blessing. My heart is full, and I’m excited to share the cities we visited and some of the things we did, plus a few travel tips that I hope helps you plan your own unforgettable trip to Italy.
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Florence & Tuscany – Art, Wine, and The Renaissance
Highlight: Taking a walking tour with a professional architect who was passionate about art, culture, and the history of the Renaissance city was such a wonderful and enriching way to experience Florence. It gave the city so much more depth.
Also, the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had was in Siena. Thick, rich, and delicious.
Lowlight: The weather. The first few days were cloudy, rainy, and really cold. Not the most fun, especially when you're not dressed for it (that’s on me). But it didn’t stop us from enjoying every second—smiling through trembling teeth! Toward the end of our Tuscany tour, we also got caught in traffic and ended up with just 15 minutes in Pisa. We spent most of that time trying to get the perfect “hold up the tower” photo. 😅 A must if you visit Pisa!
Things to do & places to see:
Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo: Offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Florence.
Basilica of Santa Croce: The burial place of famous Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Accademia Gallery: Houses the original Michelangelo’s David. Seeing it in person gave me chills. Definitely an awe moment.
Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli (The Birth of Venus), Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. It is one of the most famous museums in the world.
Palazzo Vecchio: Located in Piazza della Signoria, it’s known for The Medici family once holding the seat of government. The fact that Florence is so rich in art and culture is accredited to the Medici family.
Ponte Vecchio: the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence. Onced used by the Medici family to travel between Palazzo Vecchio (the seat of government) to the Palazzo Pitti (their residence) through the Vasari Corridor; now, populated with shops, mostly jewelers.
Siena
Piazza del Campo: One of Italy’s most beautiful medieval squares and the heart of Siena. This is where the famous Palio di Siena horse race takes place.
Siena Cathedral: features works by Michelangelo and Donatello.
Piccolomini Library: Filled with color and very antique scriptures.
Try hot chocolate at Gastronomia Morbidi Cocktail Bar. The best hot chocolate I’d ever had.
San Gimignano:
Eat at Gelateria Dondoli: An award-winning gelateria. (Was not a huge fan. Our favorite gelato was from Gelateria Carbé in Florence and Gelateria La Romana in Rome)
Piazza della Cisterna: A charming triangular square with a historic well in the center, surrounded by towers and cafés.
Visit local artisan shops: Great for buying handmade ceramics and leather goods.
Wine tasting in the Chianti region: San Gimignano is known for its white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Pisa:
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa Cathedral
Venice – Lost in a poem
Highlight: Venice felt like stepping into a painting or wandering through the pages of an unwritten story. Getting lost in its alleys and having quiet moments of stillness to absorb every sound, smell, sight, and taste truly felt like living inside a poem.
Lowlight: Not having enough time to visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello. As well as experience a see a live opera performance, visit the Museum of Torture, or attend The Doge's Ball. Oh well… I guess I’ll have to come back.😉
Things to do & places to see:
St. Mark’s Square: Venice’s principal public square, known as “the drawing room of Europe.” Due to its low elevation and proximity to the sea, during acqua alta seasons, the square floods.
St. Mark’s Basilica: Styled with gold mosaics, it houses five domes and was made to preserve the remains of the evangelist, St. Mark.
Doge’s Palace: Once the seat of government and residence of the Doge, it’s a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture built of Istrian marble (15th century).
Gondola ride through the Grand Canal: The main waterway that cuts through the city.
Rialto Bridge: the oldest and most famous bridge over the Grand Canal.
Verona: The city that inspires Love
Highlight: Enjoying walking through the city that was beautiful, tranquil, historic, and peaceful—a true hidden gem.
Lowlight: The main reason I wanted to visit Verona was because of Romeo & Juliet. Naturally, I yearn to visit Juliet’s House, climb to the balcony, maybe write a letter to Juliet’s secretary, if I felt inspired 🤭, and visit her tomb. Poor research on my part, I thought Juliet’s house was an open and free space. Little did I know, I needed a ticket to reserve a time slot and they were sold out. I was only there for a day trip so that didn’t work out, as well as the tomb since Mondays are closed and we went on a Monday.🙃
Also, I’m not sure if it was because it was a Monday or if siesta hours are more strictly observed in Verona than other cities, but we couldn’t find anywhere to eat for lunch. Everything was either closed or only serving apperitivos. Verona was absolutely beautiful, though, and I’m so glad we went, but I won’t lie and say I wasn’t a little disappointed that I couldn’t experience the things I had always envisioned. Then again… lesson learned, and all part of the adventure! Another reason to come back.
Things to do & places to see:
Verona arena: A Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century. Nowadays it’s used for opera performances and concerts.
Juliet’s House: 14th century house with a balcony, associated with Romeo & Juliet’s balcony scene. People go to write letters to Juliet and rub Juliet’s bronze statue to have luck in love.
Piazza delle Erbe: historic square with market stalls, cafes, and beautiful buildings with Renaissance architecture.
Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero: A medieval castle turned museum
Juliet’s Tomb: It is believed to be the final resting place of the fictional Juliet Capulet. Keep in mind that, although the story Romeo & Juliet is fictional and there is no evidence the tragic romance or the characters ever existed, it is believed to have been inspired by a real rivalry between two Italian families, the Montecchi and the Capuleti.
Naples & the Amalfi Coast – Pizza, Limoncello & Aperol Spritz with a view
Highlight: Taking a Neapolitan pizza-making class using the freshest ingredients—it was such a fun and delicious experience. Honestly, it turned out to be one of my favorite pizzas of the entire trip!
Lowlight: A day trip to the Amalfi Coast definitely leaves you wanting more. A day trip is just not enough time to leisurely explore the towns, but it does give you a beautiful overview and a reason to come back, knowing where you want to spend more time.
As for Naples, the historic center wasn’t exactly my favorite. It felt chaotic, with messy streets and buildings showing their age. But that raw, unfiltered energy is also part of the city’s charm—a real glimpse into another side of Italy. If you venture beyond the historic center, you’ll find a more peaceful, colorful, and picturesque Naples that offers a striking contrast.
Things to do & places to see:
Naples:
Lost city of Pompeii: A remarkably preserved ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offering a glimpse of ancient daily Roman life. Best to go with a tour guide to get the most out of it.
Pizza-making class at Naplesbay Cooking Lab: A fun way to experience Naples, the birthplace of pizza, with enthusiastic and passionate chefs who teach you the technique to make a Neapolitan pizza with fresh and local ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala.
Walk through the historic center
Sorrento:
Wander the narrow, cobblestone streets filled with shops, lemon-themed products, and cafes.
Try limoncello in its hometown
Positano:
Take in the view from Spiaggia Grande (the main beach and most recognized post-card view)
Explore boutiques and handmade sandals
Amalfi:
Walk the scenic coastal promenade
Visit the Amalfi Cathedral
Boat tour along the coast-side
Paper Museum
Path of the gods hike
*We didn’t do all of these activities in Amalfi, but I’m including them as a reference since I noticed they’re some of the most recommended things to do.
Capri – The Land of the Giant Lemon
Highlight: Taking in the iconic view of the Faraglioni Rocks and tasting the most delicious lemon sorbeto made from fresh lemons grown right on the island—Capri is known for its ginormous lemons, and now I understand the hype!
Lowlight: The weather definitely didn’t do us any favors—cloudy skies ruined the view and we were absolutely freezing.
Things to do & places to see:
Gardens of Augustus: Terraced gardens overlooking the Faraglioni rock formations and Via Krupp.
Faraglioni Rocks view: The iconic three rock formations jutting out of the sea just off Capri’s coast. Wish I could’ve seen it on a boat tour.
Rome – Walking Through History
Highlight: Riding through Rome like a local on a Vespa was my Lizzie McGuire moment—yes, we were singing “Volare, oh! Cantare, oh-oh-oh-oh!” at the top of our lungs. (If you know, you know!) We also took an incredible pasta-making class that was nothing short of phenomenal—dare I say, it was my favorite pasta of the entire trip.
Lowlight: Pope Francis passed away right as we arrived in Italy, and his funeral took place the same day we got to Rome. Because of the Conclave, the Sistine Chapel was closed to the public, so sadly, we weren’t able to see it.
On top of that, our Trastevere city tour was cut short due to an unexpectedly strong gust of wind that left everyone coughing, sneezing, and nearly blinded by flying dust. As if that weren’t enough, it started pouring and thundering. This was our final night before heading home—but we ended it with a bang: drinking wine, eating pizza, and savoring lemon sorbet with messy hair, swollen eyes, bright smiles, and lots of laughter.
Things to do & places to see:
Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most famous fountain where people throw a coin over their shoulder to ensure a return to Rome. It is said that if you throw a second one, you find love.
The Pantheon: Known for having the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world—still standing 2,000 years later.
Spanish Steps: A stylish, iconic staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna to the church above. A popular spot for sitting, people-watching, and taking photos.
Piazza Navona: Visited for its Baroque architecture, street artists, and lively atmosphere. Features the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini in the center.
Coliseo Romano: Known for being the largest ancient amphitheater ever built.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Said to be the heart of ancient Rome—political, religious, and social life. The Forum has ruins of temples, arches, and basilicas. Palatine Hill is where emperors lived—legend says it’s where Romulus founded Rome.
Vatican Museum: Housing one of the world’s greatest art collections.Includes the Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo’s ceiling and “The Last Judgment”) and Raphael Rooms.
Fettuccine and tiramisu cooking class: Learning the art of making pasta. Such a fun and recommended experience.
Vespa Tour: Seeing Rome like a local—on the back of a classic Italian Vespa scooter. Again, a wonderful experience.
Trastevere City
Italy Travel Tips
Bring Plenty of Euros — Especially for Restrooms
Public restrooms in Italy typically cost between €1 and €1.50, depending on the city. A few rare ones may accept credit cards, but it’s best to carry cash. Otherwise, most private restrooms are reserved for paying customers only.
Weather
Check the forecast before you pack so you’re prepared for what the days will look like during your stay. Bring a raincoat, umbrella, jacket, or whatever the weather might require.
Learn some Italian
Try to learn basic Italian phrases. I found that when we made an effort to speak the language, most Italians truly appreciated it — and their interaction with us changed in the best way. Even when we struggled, they saw the effort and often responded by doing their best to communicate however they could. One of my favorite memories is seeing their faces light up when I spoke Italian. It made the trip feel even more special.
Tips, Charges, and Service Culture
Tips are not necessary nor expected in most places. However, be aware that prices often vary depending on how you consume your food. For example, getting a coffee to go is usually cheaper than sitting at a table.
Also, don’t expect quick service. Servers won’t rush to bring you the menu, take your order, or drop off the check. It’s not bad service — it's cultural. If you need something, including the bill, just ask politely.
Eating the Italian way
Italians eat in courses — unlike many of us in the West, who are used to having everything on one plate. Meals are typically divided like this:
Antipasto (appetizer)
Primo piatto (first course) — usually pasta
Secondo piatto (second course) — usually meat or fish
Contorno (side dish) — vegetables or salad
Dolce (dessert)
These courses are served separately, not all at once. This was an adjustment for us since we don’t usually eat large meals — we mostly stuck to pasta since we got full by the time we finished.
Still, if you want the full Italian food experience, I recommend trying all five courses at least once during your trip. Sharing plates is a great option if you're not a big eater.
Trains
Trains in Italy were relatively easy to manage. I used the Omio app for booking all our rides — it lets you compare times and prices across different rail operators.
Italy has two main ones:
Trenitalia — the national railway
Italo — a private high-speed service
I used both and liked them. For shorter trips, Trenitalia works well. For longer journeys, Frecciarossa (Trenitalia’s premium high speed train) and Italo (especially in business class) were more comfortable and worth the upgrade.
Pickpockets
Thankfully, I had no issues and never felt unsafe — but I stayed mindful. I carried only the essentials and used a secure fanny pack/crossbody bag. I wasn’t paranoid, but I stayed alert. Italy is known for pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, so it's smart to be aware and stay cautious.
Venice Entrance Fee
As of 2025, Venice now charges an access fee to the island.
There are exceptions — if you’re staying on the island and paying the local tourist tax (as we were), you don’t need to pay the fee. However, you do need to fill out a form, which your hotel will usually send you in advance.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code as proof. Keep it handy — inspectors may ask to see it at any time.
For more information, visit the official website.
Siesta hours
Unlike in many Western countries, you can’t always eat or shop whenever you want in Italy. Many shops and restaurants close between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a mid-day break (called siesta).
They reopen for aperitivo (a pre-dinner drink with light snacks) and serve dinner between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. approx.
Plan your day accordingly so that you don’t end up like us wandering to see what was available.
Book everything in advance
Do your research! Make sure your tours, day trips, attractions, and tickets are booked in advance to avoid surprises. I learned this the hard way in Verona.
Final Thoughts
My first trip to Italy was everything I hoped it would be — full of beauty, history, wonder, and unforgettable moments. From the ancient streets of Pompeii to the storybook charm of Venice, and every cappuccino, Aperol Spritz, and slice of pizza in between, Italy gave me a perfect mix of culture, art, and magic.
I’m leaving with a heart full of memories, a camera full of photos, and a very strong desire to come back.
If you’ve made it to the end — thank you! I hope my 13 days in Italy trip recap and these tips help you plan your own Italian adventure. May it serve as both inspiration and practical guidance for a smooth, unforgettable journey.
Arrivederci for now, Italy — until we meet again. And to you, friend — see you in my next post.
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