Enjoy the Vatican highlights, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with skip-the-line entrance tickets on this tour!!
Highlights:
–Vatican Museum– The Vatican Museum is a must-visit destination for art and history lovers! The museum is located in the Vatican City in Rome and has an extensive collection of art and artifacts collected by the Catholic Church over the centuries. The museum is famous for its stunning Renaissance art, including works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.
-Sistine Chapel- One of the most iconic attractions within the Vatican Museum is the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is most known for thebreathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The ceiling features intricate frescoes.
-St. Peter’s Basilica-St. Peter’s Basilica is a magnificent church known for being a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. St. Peter’s Basilica is built where Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is believed to be buried. The basilica boasts beautiful sculptures, mosaics, and artwork, including Michelangelo’s famous Pieta.
Explore these historic and artistic treasures by booking a guided tour. The rich history and stunning architecture make the attractions a highlight of any trip to Rome.
Amsterdam is a beautiful and vibrant city known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. One of the best ways to experience the city is by boat. Cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam during this 60-minute boat tour, which includes a delicious cheese platter and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Hop aboard the classic wooden saloon boat, sit back, and enjoy the beautiful city pass you by. The stunning houses and charming bridges will take your breath away!
Disneyland Paris is a magical theme park 30 minutes outside of Paris, France. The park has two main sections: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. This ticket will give you unlimited access to one or both parks for 1 or 2 days.
Highlights:
-Disneyland Park– Disneyland Park has fairy-tale magic and immersive lands of wonder. The park is home to iconic attractions such as Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
-Walt Disney Studios Park– Walt Disney Studios Park, on the other hand, is dedicated to the world of film and television. You can experience thrilling rides based on popular movies like Ratatouille and Crush’s Coaster.
Enjoy the Tower of London and make the most of your day with a guided tour through this infamous complex. View the remarkable Crown Jewels and visit the White Tower, Traitors’ Gate, and Tower Green.
Highlights:
-Tower of London- The Tower of London is a historic castle located in central London, England. Originally built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, it has served various purposes over the centuries, including a royal residence, a prison, an armory, and a treasury.
–View the Crown Jewels- You will get to see the Crown Jewels, which are spectacular symbols of the British monarchy.
-White Tower– The White Tower is the oldest part of the complex. The White Tower has been used for different purposes throughout history, including as a royal residence and later as a prison for high-profile prisoners.
-Traitors Gate-Traitors Gate was once the entrance for prisoners brought into the Tower. It gained its name from the high-profile prisoners who passed through it, including Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, and Sir Thomas More, a prominent statesman and author.
–Tower Green– Tower Green is where Anne Boleyn met her grisly end.
#5: Seoul DMZ Tour + Red Suspension Bridge- BOOK THE TOUR
See the highlights of the DMZ stress-free on a half-day sightseeing tour from Seoul. Your group will visit the Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park, Bridge of Freedom, tour the DMZ, Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory. From beginning to end, your guide will provide insight into the history and culture of South Korea.
Highlights:
–Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park–
This park was built to comfort the refugees who left North Korea during the Korean War.
-Bridge of Freedom-
In 1953, a bridge was constructed to free 12,773 prisoners. South Koreans who were returning home from the North used this bridge. Today, you can walk in their footsteps and experience the cultural and emotional significance of the space. The bridge is set against a beautiful natural backdrop and is an excellent spot for taking photos.
-DMZ–
The highlight of this tour will be at the DMZ or the Korean Demilitarized Zone, where you will watch a short video about the Korean conflict. The video provides a South Korean perspective on the Korean War. At the Exhibition Hall, you will see some key artifacts containing photos and documents. The hall will provide you with more knowledge of the conflict. There are many exhibits on display with interesting facts!
–The Third Tunnel-
The third tunnel was discovered in 1978 and was created to be used to invade the South. When the tunnel was discovered, North Korea claimed the South had built it for a surprise attack, but evidence points to the contrary.
-Dorasan Observatory-
The Observatory is ideal for looking across the border. Use the binoculars on the third floor to see the bronze statue of Kim Il-sung and Gaesong city from a distance.
–The Gamaksan Red Suspension Bridge –
The bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views you won’t find anywhere else. Be prepared to capture stunning photos!
We shared the five BEST SELLING tours on Viator! Have you ever completed these BUCKET LIST items, like visiting the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museum? Please comment below about your experience.
Top of this Post: Top 5 Best Selling Tours on Viator
Italy is a fascinating country known for its history, architecture, monuments, art galleries, and delicious food. In this 9-day Italy itinerary, you will travel from Rome to Venice with stops at Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Florence. Of course, you will have to go back to Italy in the future to see the Dolomites, Lake Como, Milan, and the infamous Amalfi Coast. Below we cover where to stay, transportation, and tours to book!
Book your one-way flight to Rome and your one-way flight home from Venice. We recommend booking your flights through the app Hopper for the best prices.
Step 2: Book Hotels
Reserve hotels in Rome, Venice, and Florence. Below we cover where to stay and how many nights in each place. You can extend your trip and stay longer in each place if you have more time to explore. The hotels we recommend below are LUXURY options.
Step 3: Book Your Tours
We recommend tours because the professional guides give you more insight about the history and culture of a new place that you are visiting for the first time. In most cases, the tours provide transportation and allow you to skip the line. Viator, TripAdvisor, and Get Your Guide have tours available all of the world.
Step 4: Train Tickets
Book your train tickets in advance from TrenItalia.com. Book train tickets at Rail Europe if you plan to extend your trip and go to another country.
Step 5: Pack!
For this trip, we recommend packing a carry-on ONLY because you will be constantly on the road going from place to place and it can be annoying to bring a suitcase everywhere. Download our TRAVEL PLANNER below. This planner has packing lists and other details to help you plan your trip.
DISCLAIMER: I list MANY tour options to book and things to do. You can pick and choose which ones you want to do best. You will not have time to do everything in this 9-day Italy itinerary.
We recommend staying two nights at the Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel. This modern luxury Marriott hotel sits in the center of Rome within walking distance of the Pantheon.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, please compare hotels at Booking.com!
Rome, the capital of Italy, is located in the region of Lazio. Walking through Rome is like strolling through HISTORY, especially if you visit iconic places, including the Coliseum and Roman Forum. In every corner, you will find something beautiful to photograph.
Colosseum- The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of Rome. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and still standing today. Construction to hold 50,000 spectators began in 69 AD. Many gladiatorial fights took place at the arena. Booking the tour will enable you to SKIP the long line with access to the ARENA FLOOR. You will walk the steps the gladiators once took to enter the Colosseum.
Roman Forum- The Roman Forum has Ancient Rome’s most important structures, from shrines to government houses and monuments. Ancient ruins at the Roman Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
The Vatican Museum + The Sistine Chapel- The Sistine Chapel, spiral staircase, and Raphael Rooms are treasures within the Vatican Museum. You will find Greek and Roman statues and oil paintings on the walls of this Museum.
St Peter’s Basilica- At St. Peter’s Basilica, you can climb 551 steps to the summit. This panorama view of Rome’s landscape is stunning.
The best place to enjoy gelato in Rome is Fatamorgana. Neve di Latte is in a class by itself.
2- Campo de Fiori–
Campo de Fiori is a free market with numerous pizzerias, cafes, and gelaterias.
Things to Do:
1- Trevi Fountain-
Visiting this fountain is a must-see spot to add to your bucket list. The Trevi is a powerful example of Baroque design with a distinctly mythological character.
2-Pantheon-
The Pantheon was a former Roman temple and is now a church. You can also pay respects to the Italian kings buried inside the Pantheon.
3- Piazza Navona-
Piazza Navona is one of the best-known public squares in Rome because street performers and artists are present. Cafes, shops, and restaurants abound.
4- Spanish Steps-
The Spanish Steps, also known as Piazza di Spagna, is where visitors can tread the same stairs that writers Balzac and Byron climbed for inspiration. They are only steps; however, it is stunning during the spring because you can admire the blooming azaleas.
5- Galleria Borghese-
This museum has a massive art collection. The collection has famous works of popular sculptures.
6- The Jewish Ghetto-
The Jewish Ghetto is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city. It shows the religious, social, and cultural life of the Jews in Rome. Visiting this small neighborhood should be on your Rome Bucket List!
7- Gianicolo Hill-
Gianicolo Hill has a panoramic view of the Eternal City. At the top, you can see some of the most famous buildings in Rome. One building you can see is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not one of the seven hills of Rome because it sits right outside the ancient city.
8- Trastevere–
Trastevere is one of the most adorable neighborhoods in Rome to visit, as it is home to restaurants, bars, and cobblestone streets. This neighborhood is one that you do not want to miss out on!
Day 3-4: Rome to Florence
On your first full day in Florence, we recommend booking either the Uffizi Tour or the David and Duomo Tour. Following the tour, visit the Boboli Gardens.
Transportation:
Visit TrenItalia.com and book your trip from Rome to Florence.
Where to Stay?
Stay at the luxury Milu Hotel for 4 nights at the heart of Florence’s historical center. The hotel is an elegant 14th-century building within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery.
Who does not want to skip the line? This tour takes you to the Florence Duomo and Accademia Gallery without waiting. Piazza Del Duomo is in the heart of the historic center of Florence. The square is home to various monuments and churches.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore took 140 years to complete. Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze
2: Watch the Sunset at Ponte Vecchio-
This medieval stone bridge does get packed with tourists; however, it is fun to experience walking along it at least once in your lifetime because it is super historic. Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, has small, historic shops that sell jewelry or gold.
3: The Boboli Gardens-
This beautiful park has sculptures that date back to the 16th to 18th centuries.
4: The Baptistery of St. John–
This religious building is one you will not want to miss. Did you know? The eight lower panels of the south doors depict the virtues of hope, faith, charity, humility, fortitude, temperance, justice, and prudence. Address: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
This one-day tour will stop at some of the most iconic places in Tuscany. This tour covers exploring Siena, wine tasting in the Chianti region, visiting medieval San Gimignano, and snapping photos in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Enjoy a stress-free day trip to the Chianti wine region. You will try different types of wine without worrying about transportation on this fun day trip from Florence!
You will swim at Cinque Terre and visit the Leaning Tower of Piazza Dei Miracoli on this fun day trip from Florence. Cinque Terre is home to five towns along a rocky coast in the hills along the water. It is a great place to explore colorful buildings, go hiking, or relax near the water. This trip will be a nice getaway from the city.
The best way to see the city is to go on a boat or a Gondola ride. A friendly, knowledgeable tour guide who sings is an experience you do not want to miss.
3–Dolomites Tour
The tour from Venice will enable you to see the incredible Dolomite Mountains and Cortina.
St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous church in Venice to visit. The church is unique, as it has a mix of influences. The beautiful domed ceilings and gold-leaf mosaics stand out the most.
3- Doge’s Palace-
Did you know? The Doge was also known as a chief magistrate elected for life by Venetian nobles. This Palace is where the Doge lived. The Palace is home to a museum today. The museum happens to be one of the most famous landmarks in Venice to date.
4- Libreria Acqua Alta Book Store-
This is perhaps the most picturesque library known to man in that there are quirky backdrops for photos around the store. All of their books are in bathtubs that have waterproof containers. There is even a full-sized gondola!
Where to Eat:
1- Private Food Tour
What better way to experience the taste of Venice than by getting advice from the locals who live there on a private food walking tour?
