Welcome to Venice! From the airport the cheapest and fastest way to get into the city is by Express bus.
You can enjoy a walk through the city, take a ride with a gondelier or paddle in your rental kayak through the canals.
If you really have no idea where to start and finish, than download our “Venice in two Days” walking tour from the travel app, onto your smartphone.

St. Marco’s Square is the heart of Venice and one of the city’s busiest places. You will find all the cafés and restaurants and also the famous San Marco Basilica. It is therefore the ideal place to start your walk through Venice. This square is a special place during the Carnival of Venice (each February).

De Biblioteca Marciana is one of the oldest libraries in Italy. The library houses an impressive collection of books including a very large collection of centuries-old manuscripts.  Visit the Basilica di San Marco on your city trip The Basilica of San Marco is Venice’s largest church and one of the city’s biggest landmarks.  The cathedral is open every Monday to Saturday between 09:30 and 17:00. Every Sunday and public holiday from 14:00 to 16:00 in the winter season and until 17:00 in the summer season. The basilica is free to visit. If it is just one of those super hot days in Venice, we recommend a visit to the nearby island la Certosa. The island is open to the public and recently transformed into a wide green area where locals picknick and breathe some fresh air.

Take a look at the Doge’s Palace along the  Ponte dei Sospiri. For years, the Doge Palace was the home of the leaders of the Venetian Republic and thus the center of the city’s power.  Climb the Scala (stairs) del Bovolo, of The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, was the family palace of one of Venice’s richest families. The clever piece of architecture testifies to the power and richness of the city. The absolute eye-catcher in the building is the beautiful spiral staircase. You can also climb the building for stunning views of the city.

The giant dome of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute dominates the streets of Venice. A visit to the basilica should not be skipped during your visit to Venice. The basilica is across the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco. The best way to reach the basilica is the Vaporetto, the water bus.

The Torre dell’Orologio stands right next to the San Marco Basilica and immediately catches the eye. The building dates back to the fifteenth century and has a special façade. It is especially the blue-gold timepiece that stands out. The hands not only indicate the time, but also show the constellations.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous and also one of the largest bridges in Venice. On top of the bridge you have a beautiful view over the Grand Canal. The bridge serves not only as a crossing point, but also as a small shopping street. In the stalls on the bridge you can purchase both small souvenirs and luxury products.

EXPERT TIPS FOR VENICE

How to travel from Venice Marco Polo airport to the city of Venice
$ BUS nr 5, 23 min. to Piazzale Roma
$ EXPRESS BUS, 20 min. to Piazzale Roma
$$ WATER BUS, 7 min walk from terminal building to Dock, transfer 1 hour to Rialto Bridge,
$$$ TAXI
Arriving in Venice with your own car
Cheapest parking is at ParkVia at Mestre (€ 10 p.d.) only a few minutes walk to the Mestre Train Station.
From here you take the train T1 and get out at the final point Piazzale Roma.

TIP: buy a CityPass Venezia Unica online, 48 hours costs € 30, valid for ACTV buses and vaporetto within (!) the City of Venice. You receive a PNR code by mail, enter this code in ACTV automatic ticket machine at (any) Mestre Train Station and it will print your CityPass.

Our hotel recommendations for VENICE
Hostel Generator Venice, at Giudecca island, they have doubles with on shower and kingsize bed.
Ca’ della Corte, in Dorsoduro, beautiful 16th-century building, romantic design, lovely courtyard,  5 min. Piazzale Roma car park.
B&B Corte dei Miracoli , in Cannaregio, 15 min walk from train station shared bathroom, views of San Marco’s bell tower
B&B San Firmino,  in 16th-century building, baroque vibe, overlooks The Chanel, 5 min. from Piazza San Marco
B&B Bloom Settimo Cielo, baroque with a modern twist, rooftop terrace, great view, opposite Santo Stefano Church
3749 Pontechiodo, hidden gem, in Cannaregio, cosy Italian vibe, breakfast in garden

Check out our best hotel deals for all Venice hotels here.

our recommendations for the best VENICE tours
1. Venice Gondola Ride our best price for Gondola Tour in Venice
2. Best of Venice Tour with St Mark’s Basilica and Grand Canal Boat tour
3.  Peggy Guggenheim Collection
4. Real Venetian Kayak – Venice Tour 
5. Murano Island Glass Blowing Demonstration
6.  Venice Walking tour with local guide
7. Venice Street food tour, including visit Rialto Market
Looking for another tour? Here is the full list of Venice tours.

our insider tips for Venice:
Scala Contarini del Bovolo:  Enjoy fresh air at island La Certosa take vaporetto lines 4.1, 4.2 or 5.1, and 5.2 in front of the

Today you continue to explore the city of Venice.
The Cannaregio district is a quiet and cosy neighbourhood, the ideal place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city during your city trip Venice. Go where the locals go and start the day with a freshly roasted cup of coffee from Cannaregio Roasting Company. In this whole area you will find the affordable restaurants a great value for money. You can brush up your Italian and chat with Venetian people.  Also in the Castello district you will come across a more authentic Venice without large hordes of tourists.

Ghetto Ebraico / Venitian Ghetto is the Jewish quarter of Venice and is located in the northern district of Cannaregio. The district is the setting of a special piece of Venetian history. When the Jews were expelled from Spain in the 16th century, it was officially stipulated that the Jews were welcome in Venice in this part of the city. This is how the Ghetto Ebraico was born, a separate Jewish island that could only be reached via two bridges. At night, large fences were placed on the bridges so that no one from the island could leave. The Jews were not granted full citizenship until 1818. It is also the only place in Venice where buildings of 6 storeys high could be built. In the middle of the district you can visit the Jewish Museum, an interesting part of Venice.

Of course, a city trip to Venice can’t be done without sailing along a traditional gondola. A gondola ride can be a little more expensive, but the boat ride is a unique experience. You will find the authentic gondolas not only on the water but also in the squeri, the special workshops where the gondolas are made. There are not very many squeri left, but it is definitely recommended to visit one of the gondola workshops, i.e. in San Trovaso. The Campo Santa Margherita is a square in the middle of the Dorsoduro district, venice’s student neighborhood. Enjoy the  young and hip atmosphere  here.

Murano is one of the islets in the Bay of Venice and resembles a smaller version of the city itself. Murano is in the cross with canals and you will find beautiful bridges and cosy streets. The island is best known for its impressive glassware. In the bay in front of Venice lies just past Murano the even smaller island of Burano. Also on this island you can also walk in small streets and along canals, but Burano is best known for its many colourful houses and authentic lace work. The lace is made and sold all over the island.

The death island of Isola di San Michele, Isola di San Michele is an island that serves as a cemetery. The island has a different character than the rest of the city due to the large stone wall that surrounds the cemetery. The cemetery is still being used. The dead are then taken to the island with a black mourning gondola where they find their final resting place.
Peggy Guggenheim lived here for a long time and regularly exhibited modern art from her personal collection. After her death, the Foundation decided to continue to organize the exhibitions. Both inside and outside the building you will find many modern works of art by Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Albert Gleizes, among others.

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is the big shopping centre in Venice, that every fashion lover should definitely go to. From the roof terrace you have a beautiful view over Venice. Nevertheless, a visit is also interesting for less fashion-conscious tourists, because from the roof terrace of the building you have a beautiful view over Venice. Please note that you have to pick up (free) tickets in advance and you also have to choose a certain time to go on the roof terrace.

Leave early, pick up your (rental) car and drive to the west coast, to Cinque Terre (4 hours drive).  The world-famous Cinque Terre (in the Liguria region) is home to the five quaint fishing villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Monterosso al Mare In Monterosso al Mare, the largest village of the Cinque Terre, you will find a long promenade that is flanked by lovely beaches. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, beach tents and terraces.

Vernazza Vernazza is the most prosperous town of the Cinque Terre, as a result of a larger port, guarded by a watchtower, which was once part of the imposing Castello Doria. The castle was built in the eleventh century, high above the harbour of the city, opposite the Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, which you can picture beautifully from the castle. The view over Vernazza from this point is really insanely beautiful. Part of the city muur, called Torrione, is also still standing. The most beautiful part of the sixteenth-century walls can be seen in the garden of the monastery of San Francesco. From the station, be sure to walk to the eleventh-century shrine of the Madonna di Reggio (about two kilometres away). Crusaders are said to have brought the black Madonna (also known as ‘the African’) here.Vernazza is  on the list of i borghi più belli d’Italia, the most beautiful villages in Italy. Seen from the sea, you’ll step directly out to the square of Vernazza, stroll over the  piazzetta (square) up into the village and be surprised by the picturesque streets, charming houses and hidden loggias. The village was founded around the year 1000. The Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, which was built in 1318, is right on the bay. The octagonal, forty-metre high bell tower rises proudly, like a kind of lighthouse for the colourful fishing boats that float at the foot of the church. In the church you can find the phas finger of Saint Catherine.
Enjoy the splendour of Vernazza on a terrace, with a glass of local wine in hand. For a delicious plate of seafood pasta, head to Taverna Del Capitano, at the central  piazzetta  (Piazza Guglielmo Marconi), or at Antica Osteria Il Baretto, also on the square.

Corniglia Corniglia is the only village of the Cinque Terre that lies not directly by the sea, but on a rock that rises a hundred meters above the water. On the way to this village you will see many terraces with vines. Small cog wheels traverse the vineyards; this is the way in which the grapes from the vineyards are brought to the higher road. From the coast you have to climb 365 steps up to reach Corniglia. A great reward awaits: a truly magnificent view! In the village, the fourteenth-century San Pietro can be admired with a marble façade.

Manarola is the oldest village of the Cinque Terre. The photogenic houses, in all colours of the rainbow,  will be seen when you leave the busy ‘centre’ behind and admire Manarola from a distance, from one of the coastal hiking trails. You can get a fantastic view during an aperitivo  at  Nessun Dorma  (Localita Punta Bonfiglio, Manarola). You can taste fresh fish at Da Aristide (Via Discovolo 290).

The most southern village, Riomaggiore, is build onto the rocks.  You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars and a few terraces overlooking the sea. A must for fish lovers is Il Pescato Cucinato (Via Colombo 199), in Primo Piatto (Via Colombo 72). you can buy fresh pasta. Enjoy the view and  ambiance of the colourful boats and house from the harbour.

Tellaro is village  “numero sei” and as pretty as the other five villages. Especially on a very busy day it is worth visiting Tellaro located 40 km South of Cinque Terre, this is the only village that can be reached by car.

EXPERT TIPS FOR A VISIT TO CINQUE TERRE

VENICE
Travelling with a rental car? Only pick it up today and do this at the Mestre Train Station. The airport might have better rental deals. If so, take the Express airport bus from Piazzale Roma to Marco Polo airport (20 min) and collect your rental car here.

CINQUE TERRE
Don’t drive with your car into Cinque Terre as the streets are very narrow  and unaccessable. Take the train from La Spezia station it takes you in 18 mins to Vernazza.  You can access the other towns bij train too, or by ferry boat. One or multiple day train cards can be purchased online. The recommended hotels are within 10 min walking from the La Spezia train station except CDH La Spezia is 15 mins. walking and NH La Spezia is 20 – 25 mins. walking.

Our hotel recommendations for La Spezia

Atmosfere Guest House
CDH Hotel La Spezia
Hotel Firenze e Continentale
Hotel Venezia La Spezia
NH La Spezia

Our tour recommendations for Cinque Terre
Sunset Cinque Terre boat tour with Italian snacks and drinks
See Cinque Terre from a kayak at sea.
Manorola traditional wine tasting and cellar tour

Food!
What about a 4 course Ligurian dinner in a local house in Spezia with a view on Cinque Terre?

Your destination of today is Florence.  Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.
The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius.

Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the “newest” area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence, Italy.

Florence and its magnificent treasures await your visit!

EXPERT TIPS FOR FLORENCE

Florence boasts an enormous amount of sights, museums and cathedrals, therefore we planned three nights. If this is too long for your, we can adjust the program. You can exchange one night Florence for Siena, or any other adjustment that appeals to you.
You are always in control of your own holiday planning!

With over 4400 hotels in Florence to choose from, we thought some hotel tips come in handy.

Hotels in Florence on walking distance of the famous sights
Hotel Berchielli mid-range, overlooking the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio
Il Guelfo Bianco, budget, charming family owned hotel with architectural details
Hotel Spadai, luxury, bathroom with rain shower, five minute walk from Duomo
FH55 Calzaiuoli Hotel, mid-range, views of the cathedral dome, prime spot
San Firenze Suites & Spa, luxury, only 19 rooms, great service close to Ufizzi gallery and the Duomo.
Hotel La Scaletta, mid-range, in charming old building rooftop terrace
Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio, mid-range, roof terrace, for solo travellers.

Our best value for money hotels in Florence
Room Mate Isabella, only 22 rooms, great location and service, romantic design with a modern twist
Hotel Davanzati, historic center near Piazza della Signoria and the cathedral, patio, but no elevator
Hotel Rosso23, 600 meters from Duomo, at Piazza Santa Maria Novella, contemporary design, double and triple rooms, small courtyard
Palazzo Guadagni, 14 rooms, great for cultures vultures, Xfactor is the hotel balcony overlooking the piazza, 15 min. walk to Duomo.
Antica Dimora Firenze, only 6 rooms, great location, romantic four poster beds,  1km to Duomo.
Hotel Torre Guelfa, 8 min. walk to Duomo, for families with teenagers, enjoy drinks and  360° view from the private tower.
Hotel Duomo Firenze, spectacular view of the Duomo, along Arno river near Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi.
Hotel Degli Orafi, right next to Ponte Vecchio, breakfast room with frescoed ceiling, rooftop terrace with river views.

Our Florence hotel tips for budget travellers and backpackers
Hotel Casci, historic house, two blocks from Duomo, smaller rooms, breakfast room with lovely frescoed ceiling.
Hotel Santa Croce, halfway Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria, small rooms, great location and staff.
Hotel Pendini, Piazza della Repubblica with typical Italian atmosphere, 5 min. to Duomo, some family rooms too, old-world charm.
Hotel Collodi, great for foodlovers, lots of restaurants, next to Piazza San Lorenzo market, 15 min. walk to historical centre.
Hotel Lorena, across the street from Piazza San Lorenzo, spacious (family) rooms some have views of the Duomo.

Our hotel tips Florence for Luxury Lovers
Villa Cora,on a hillside overlooking Florence, opulent, free car shuttle to city centre, pool
Portrait Firenze , on the Arno River overlooking Ponte Vecchio, spacious suites contemporary Italian design.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze,  shuttle service to the historic center, spa, pool, afternoon teas
Palazzo Castri 1874, lovely spacious courtyard and garden, small pool, spa, complimentary afternoon tea.

Our Hotel recommendations in Florence for families
N4U Guest House Florence, only 5 very spacious quirky rooms, breakfast in own room, historical building, 50m from Duomo!
Grand Hotel Minerva, mid-range to luxury rooms, close to main train station, rooftop pool with sun beds, terrace downstairs, spa and gym
Hotel Ginori al Duomo, next to San Lorenzo church, pool, wine cellar, no elevator, larger rooms for families
Pensione Bencistà, family run, great service, build on a hill, beautiful views of Florence, pool, gym, spa and own restaurant
Hotel Perseo, 20 rooms on upper floors of historic building, elevator to all floors, close to railway station and Dumo.
Hotel Mulino di Firenze, away from the crowds, historic features, free parking and free shuttle into the center, pool, restaurant serves dinner too.
Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo, 1,3 km from Pitti Palace, beautiful views, big swimming pool, spacious suites with frescoed ceilings and four poster beds.
Ville sull’Arno Hotel, luxury, close to Santa Croce, shuttle to center, restaurant, garden, heated pool, bicycles for guests. 

The dome of the Duomo of Florence can be seen from a long distance, but no matter how many times you see this masterpiece, it remains impressive. The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is  Florence’s most famous monument. The dome of the cathedral towers over the city, the  cathedral is one of the largest in the world. Only St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London and the Duomo in Milan are bigger.

Inside you will find a massive fresco of 3600 m2 that is definitely worth a visit. Climb the dome and enjoy a beautiful view of Florence and the  surrounding hills. The 463 steps take you to the top level, from here you have a beautiful  view of  the city and all the monuments.
Who builds the most beautiful dome?  In the middle ages the city of Florence was full of painters, sculptors and architects. However, only a few architects dared to design the big dome. Spurred on by the challenge of winning the commission, Filippo Brunelleschi threw the traditional views on building domes overboard. He devised a technique that allowed him to build a vault of unprecedented size. After sixteen years of construction on the dome, the last stone was bricked in place in 1436. The dome, with a wingspan of more than forty meters on the inside and fifty meters on the outside, and with a supposed weight of 26,000 tons was ready – Brunelleschi’s plan was successful!
Against the wall of the Uffizi, which forms one end of the piazza, is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an outdoor sculpture gallery with several notable pieces. Most widely recognized of these is Benvenuto Cellini’s best-known work, Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
Michelangelo’s best-known work, David, is copied all over Florence, but inside the Accademia Gallery, you’ll find the original. Unfortunately, as a result of an attack on the sculpture, it is now behind glass, but it still never fails to inspire.

More restrained in its furnishing and décor than the showy palaces of later members of the Medici family, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi is more in line with the earlier dukes, who governed a more democratic society. Completed in 1464, it was the home of the Medicis for nearly a century until Cosimo I moved to the Palazzo Vecchio.

EXPERT TIPS FLORENCE
You need a ticket to climb the Duomo di Firenze, prebook.
Please note that it is very advisable to book tickets in advance for both the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries. The line-ups at these museums are always long and the time to visit them is limited.
With this ticket you have access to Florence Cathedral, Baptistery, Duomo Museum & Bell Tower
If you want to include Galleria degli Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia you can buy a combi ticket.
If you want to read everything about Brunelleschi’s Dome, buy the book of Ross King.
Here you find all museums of Florence.

It would take weeks to see everything Florence has to offer. Almost any one of its dozens of churches would be the prize tourist attraction of a smaller city. Some of its sights are among Italy’s best-known icons – Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David, Brunelleschi’s Dome – and the entire city is a showcase of the Italian Renaissance, the humanist artistic movement that broke Europe out of the Dark Ages.

Enjoy the lookout over Florence at the Piazzale Michelangelo, if you want to avoid the crowd go here in the afternoon or early evening. Piazza della Signoria is a favorite meeting place for the locals. At its center is the Neptune Fountain, at one side the Palazzo Vecchio, still housing the city’s government. In front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a copy of Michelangelo’s David. The sight of San Miniato al Monte’s inlaid green-and-white marble façade is worth the short climb beyond the favorite viewpoint of Florence, Piazzale Michelangiolo.

In Museo Nacionale Bargello you will find the four Michelangelo masterpieces and works by Donatello, the della Robbias, Cellini, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and 14th- to 16th-century Tuscan artists fill the palace, along with a room of ivory carvings and a collection of majolica.

Behind the Pitti Palace, the Medicis’ Boboli Gardens rise up the hillside in 111 acres of green terraces. Grand Duke Cosimo I spared no expense in their building, between 1550 and 1560, and the result became the model for royal gardens all over Europe. Still beautifully manicured, the gardens climb to overlooks that reveal increasingly sweeping views over the city.

Your final destination for today is Rome!
SIENA
Leave early and have breakfast or lunch in Siena (1 hour drive) at or close to the Piazza del Campo. This square is famous for its Palio horse races that take place here twice a year, on July 2 and August 16 . The Palio is much more than a simple event for the Sienese, it actually is a large part of their lives since the time of their birth. From the Piazza del Campo it is only 3 mins. walk to the beautiful cathedral, Siena Duomo. 
ROME
From Siena it is another 2,5 – 3 hours to Rome. In a city so filled with icons of antiquity and the Christian faith, it’s hard to know where to go first. Of course, your own interests will govern your choices, but there are certain sites that are almost obligatory landmarks of Italy and of all Europe, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
Avoid the crowd at the Colosseum by first visiting the Forum Romanum at Palatine Hill, via the south entrance of the forum you enter the Colosseum. Your Palatine ticket is also your entry ticket to the Amphitheatre. Another way to skip the crowd is to visit the Colosseum in the evening.
A word of caution: try to vary your experiences as you explore Rome, so that you don’t visit too many ancient sites or churches in a row. And intersperse these more serious attractions with a few that are simply tourist icons: the Spanish Steps and that place all tourists must go to toss in their coin, the Trevi Fountain.

Via Condotti, leading southwest from Piazza di Spagna, is Rome’s most fashionable shopping street, where the Caffè Greco is famous for the artists, writers, and musicians who have frequented it.

EXPERT TIPS

Our travel app on your smartphone will follow the route via Siena. Direct to Rome? Take highway E35 all the way from Florence to Rome non stop in 3 to 3,5 hours.

SIENA tips 
Read all about the Palio races.
Are you looking for good local food in an outdoor setting at a reasonable price? Go to Via Camollia, which is a street full of local, cozy, and good value restaurants.  From Via Camollia it is 15 mins walk to the Piazza en another 3 mins to the Duomo.
Osteria Titti, small but very cozy, Via Camollia, 193, +39(0)577 285813
Osteria Il Vinaio di Bobbe e Davide local specialties, try ribollita , tripe, assorted cheeses and hams Via Camollia, 167, +39 (0)577 49615
Fonte Giusta  family friendly, spacious and an extensive menu, Via Camollia, 102, +39(0)577 40 506
Closest and largest parking at Parking Santa Caterina, Via Esterna di Frontebranda, from here it is only 10 mins walk to the Piazza del Campo.

Where to stay in Rome?

ROME most popular neighbourhoods:

Tridente is a posh area with designer shops and galleries. Here you will find plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants to hang out. Drop a coin in the Trevi Fountain and admire the Ara Pacis of emperor Augustus along the river Tiber.
Trastevere used to be the working-class neighborhood in Rome and is well known for its typical Italian atmosphere, small streets, trattorias and cozy squares that attract tourists and locals alike.  A must see is the Santa Maria in Trastevere, a church with elements from the Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque. Walk up the Janiculum Hill, which towers over the rest of the neighborhood and enjoy the great view.
Parione as dusk falls, Parione is the place to be. A mix of business people, students and tourists like to hang out in this Roman nightlife hub. In between the most vibrant squares, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, you will find the cuisine and wine of Rome.
Monti is a virbrant area only five-minutes walk from Colosseum and the Roman Forum.  Young and hip Rome socialize here while sitting on the scenic streets. Perfect area to stay for the value- and budget-minded travelers.
Prati  is a modern neighbourhood in Rome, it has a mix of commercial and residential buildings. With the St Peter’s Bassilica towering above the area, you can find some famous restaurants here like Pizzarium Bonci, which serves the best pizza.
Testaccio is a urban hip place where you will find authentic dishes and a fantastic food market that is extremely popular with “foodies”. It is away from  all cultural highlights, but can be reached easily by metro B or tram.
If you have purchased our selfdrive route for on your smartphone, click “documents” and see our helpful map with the 12 central districts of Rome and the locations of the 27 most important places of interest.

With over 11.000 hotels on offer in Rome, we will help you finding the perfect hotel that suits you best.

Hotels in Rome on walking distance of famous sights
Hotel Valadier, district Campo Marzio, classic and baroque with modern twits, 5 min. walk to Tomb of Augustus, 7 min. Spanish steps, 3 restaurants, piano bar, magnificent rooftop terrace, bikes for guests, plus parking.
Rhea Silvia Navona, Parione district, 450 m from Pantheon and Fiori market, enjoy drinks at Piazza Navona in front of the hotel
Due Torri Roma Guesthouse, district Parione, famous historic villa converted into 26 rooms, historic heart of Rome, 100 metres from the lively Piazza Navona, apartments are great for families.
Nikis Collection Navona, 500 m to Piazza Navona very nice breakfast on the rooftop terrace!
Albergo del Senato, Pigna district, balconies with view on Pantheon, Trevi Fountain only five minutes walk, great local restaurants in the area.
Hotel Capo d’Africa, Monti district, great cosy courtyard, restaurant, gym and parking, contemporary design, 5 min. walk to colloseum.
Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri, Monti district, perfectly located, 500 m. from Colosseum, parking, great staff and lively bar.
Residenza Ave Roma, district Ponte, six classic rooms with four poster beds, antique rugs, mirrors and cherubs, close to river Tiber, only 20 min. walk to Vatican city.

Hotel recommendations in Rome for families
Hotel Navona, district Parione, classic meets modern, close to lively Piazza Navona, 2 min. walk to Pantheon, 10 min. to pizzarias of Trastevere.
ELICAL exclusive private suites, Trevi district, close to Trevi Fountains, contemporary, various apartments, lovely staff.
Hotel San Carlo, district Campo Marzio,40 rooms, in between Spanish Steps and Mausoleum, Borghese Gardens nearby with pony and paddleboat rides, breakfast on terrace.
The Inn at the Spanish Steps, district Campo Marzio, roof terrace overlooks Spanish Steps, rooms and family suites, on the fashionable Via Condoti.
Le Meridien Visconti Rome, Borgo district, west of river Tiber, 5 min. walk from Vatican City, 15 min. walk to historical heart, spacious (family) rooms, parking € 35 p.d.
Hotel Modigliani, Trevi district, 10 min. to Trevi fountain, owner run, family rooms up to 4 – 6 pers., an unusual, delightful place, hidden down a side street, breakfast in courtyard, some rooms have balcony, bike rental.
Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori, Parione district, this hotel has an quadruple annex nearby, fully equipped kitchen, free access to rooftop garden of hotel overlooking daily market in traditional old neighbourhood, 2 min. walk to Piazza Farnese, 10 min. to Pantheon.

Our hotel tips in Rome for couples
Lifestyle Suites Rome, Parione district, 13 spacious suites, superb design, 1 min. to lively Piazza Navona,short walk to Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori, hot tub.
Barocco Hotel, Trevi district, 37 rooms, romantic rooms, 600 meter from Trevi Fountain, Taxi rank, hop-on-hop-off bus, city buses and tube within one minute walk.
Hotel Artemide, Monti district, 15 min. to Trevi Fountains, 91 rooms, Celebrating? Book the penthouse honeymoon suite with huge patio and hot tub, rooftop restaurant, spa, massages, indoor pool.
The Fifteen Keys Hotel, Monti district, Monti district, on a quiet street, short walk toe Colosseum and train station, well known for its scrumptious breakfast and afternoon tea.
B&B Venus Inn, close to Vatican St Peters square, with city views and romantic rustic decor

Our Hotel tips for lovers of luxury and honeymooners
Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Chateaux, district Monti, 19 rooms, breakfast on rooftop terrace with views of the Colosseum, inhouse Michelin-starred AROMA Restaurant.
The Inn at the Roman Forum, district Monti, 13 rooms,Roman ruins inside the hotel itself, for families they have 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.
J.K. Place Roma, district Campo Marzio, 30 rooms, close Spanish Steps and Borghese Palace, part of the Leading Hotels of the World group.
Portrait Roma, Campo Marzio district, rooftop lounge area with fire place, balcony or patio, breakfast at the top of the hotel with views of the Spanish Steps.

The best budget hotels in Rome and hostels
Basilio 55, district Trevi, 750 meter to Trevi Fountains, 10 spacious (family)rooms, some with balcony, great breakfast, attention to detail, contemporary, parking.
Hotel De Monti, Monti district, 7 rooms, classic design, marble finishing, no elevator, 20- to 30-minute walk from the Forum, lovely terrace.
Cassiodoro 19, Trastevere district, 6 classic rooms with modern colours, self-catering, 150 metres from Castel Sant’Angelo in Prati, surrounded by traditional restaurants and shops.
A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel outside center, free parking, stylish, contemporary, family rooms with sleeper couch, fitness center, sauna, outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa, Public transportation 5 min. walk.

Full day to explore the city! You might start early in the morning with Vatican City.
The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls. Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square, an area ruled by the Pope, supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church. This compact space offers a lot of things to see, between its museums and the great basilica itself.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s masterpiece, Pieta, the unquestioned highlight of the Vatican museums is the Sistine Chapel, whose magnificent frescoed ceiling is Michelangelo’s most famous work. In the Vatican Palace are the Raphael Rooms; the Borgia Apartments; the Vatican Library, and a number of museums that include the Picture Gallery, Museum of Secular Art, Etruscan Museum, and others.

You leave the Vatican and head to Palantine Hill. The site is now mainly a large open-air museum while the Palatine Museum houses many finds from the excavations here and from other ancient Italian sites. Emperor Augustus and other well known people used to live here. You can visit The Roman Forum near by.

If you would like to shop: Via Condotti, leading southwest from Piazza di Spagna, is Rome’s most fashionable shopping street, where the Caffè Greco is famous for the artists, writers, and musicians who have frequented it.

EXPERT TIPS FOR ROME
Ticket lines for the Vatican’s top attractions are incredibly long, and you can spend several hours waiting in line. To save time, purchase a Skip the Line: Vatican Museums with St. Peter’s, Sistine Chapel, and Small-Group Upgrade tour in advance. This three-hour tour allows you to bypass the long lines and walk straight into the museums with a knowledgeable guide. Headsets are provided, and you can choose from several different departure times or upgrade to an evening or small-group tour.
Ticket lines for the Vatican’s top attractions are incredibly long, and you can spend several hours waiting in line. To save time, purchase a Skip the Line: Vatican Museums with St. Peter’s, Sistine Chapel, and Small-Group Upgrade tour in advance. This three-hour tour allows you to bypass the long lines and walk straight into the museums with a knowledgeable guide. Headsets are provided, and you can choose from several different departure times or upgrade to an evening or small-group tour.

Leave Rome and drive in about 2,5 hours to Pompei. Explore the archeological ruins of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii and see how the Romans lived in the seaside town of Pompeii. On your way to Naples you can make a stop at the Vesuvius volcano, you can park the car and hike up to the caldera.
Drive to Naples and check in at your hotel.
This afternoon you might want to spend some time relaxing. For the most beautiful view of Naples you have to go to Vomero. This district is built on the Hill San Martino and you can easily reach the funicolare  from Montesanto station. This little train will take you up the hill in no time. Then, stroll to Castel Sant’ Elmo for spectacular views of the city, bay, and Mount Vesuvius. Find yourself a spot on the terrace of restaurant & lounge bar Renzo e Lucia(Via Tito Angelini 33) , order a drink and enjoy the most spectacular view on the city.

If you want to visit some more interesting sites we can recommend: Naples National Archaeological Museum, San Gennaro Catacombs, the ruïns of Herculaneum, Capella Sansevero, Castel Nuovo,  San Domenico Maggiore, Naples Cathedral, Palazzo Reale , 
You can visit Naples Harbour, s​​​​​​tretching from the Castel Nuovo to the Piazza San Giovanni Battista where you could easily spend hours walking through the docks and ports and watching the intriguing business that occurs here. Furthermore, if you continue to the west you will find Porto di Mergellina an area full of trendy restaurants and cafes and has a great vibrant atmosphere. In district Sanat Lucia you will experience Neapolitan life at its best, it is located west of the Piazza del Plebiscito.

Hike the VESUVIUS
Latest news on how to get to the Vesuvius parking and available hikes you can find here.

Drive to Sorrento, park you car and take the ferry to the island of Capri. Since the island is small and the roads are very narrow, taking your car to the island would be a pain.  During the day it is very crowded at Capri with day visitors and people from the cruise ships. Therefore we recommend to overnight at the island. When the sun is going down and the day visitors disappear, the island retains its tranquillity and charm. Book your accommodation close to Anacapri, so most of the highlights are on walking distance.
The harbour is the perfect spot for the start of your boat tour around the island and the visit to the Blue Grotto. From Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, you can take the chairlift up to the peak of Mount Solaro where you can take in the view from the top, snap pictures, and stop for a drink at the “La Canzone del Cielo” café. Walk back down the mountain slope, following the signs for the Cetrella Hermitage, a tiny chapel perched on the mountainside which was once a retreat for hermits. If the church is open, take a peek inside; the custodians will be happy to show you the gorgeous terraces over the sea.
From the Piazzetta, walk down towards the Hotel Quisisana, making sure to window shop at the luxury boutiques along the way. Once you turn the corner, you’ll find yourself on the bright, silent Via Tragara. This lane skirts the gardens of the most beautiful villas and hotels on Capri, with the sea shimmering beyond the sweet jasmine and colourful bougainvillea, ending at a scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni rock formations.
From here, you can opt to continue your walk towards Pizzolungo.
The best spot for sundowner cocktails is at Punta Carena Lighthouse, i.e. Da Antonio snack bar, or . Arrive early, take a dip in the sea and enjoy your drinks when the sun “plunges” in the Mediterranean Sea.

The ferry from Sorrento to Capri takes you in 20 – 30 mins to the beautiful island.
Book your ticket way in advance if you travel in high season,  +/- € 20,-  for an adult plus charges and taxes.
Capri sundowners and the best “Caponata” at Da Antonio or Sunset Malibu, both at Punta Carena.

EXPERT TIPS FOR CAPRI ISLAND

Our hotel tips for where to sleep at Capri Island. For the best price, click on the hotel links and wait 60 seconds.

for lovers of Luxury:
J.K. Place on Capri was featured in CN Traveller magazine and is the favoriete place of a lot travel writers.
Punta Tragara with 1920’s atmosphere looks out onto the Faraglioni pinnacles
Villa Mediterranea Capri just a short walk from the glossy shopping streets and close to the romantic Villa Jovis of the Roman Emperor
Capri Palace white contemporary design, with the best medical spa of Italy and two onside restaurants with Michelin star.
La Scalinatella just a funicular ride and 8 minute walk away from the Marina Grande with relaxed Capri elegance.
Capri Tiberio Palace great location and views, design is quirky and colourful, with vintage armchairs, 20-30 minute walk to Villa Lysis.

Our Capri Value-for-Money-hotels:
Hotel Orsa Maggiore  with rooftop terrace offering 360-degree vies, beautiful gardens and amazing elevated swimming pool.
Casa Morgano, five star, three pools, just a 15 min. walk to the lively Piazza Umberto I, sophisticated style of bygone eras.
Hotel Gatto Bianco with an interior that makes you purr and rooms that did not change a lot since Jacky O stayed here, great for families!
Hotel Luna, with a rooftop bar with sea views, exquisite design with hand-painted floor tiles, close to the monastery and Gardens of Augustus
Hotel Villa Brunella a former 70’s restaurant on the cliffs that expanded to a hotel with an unusual lay out, pool, lots of stairs, great views.
Hotel Canasta only 16 rooms and a great next door restaurant, pool and garden, only 7 min. walk to Capri’s favourite square, Piazza Umberto I ​​​​​​​

Best hotels for families on Capri
Hotel Carmencita , spacious rooms, pool with sun loungers, sandwich bar, complementary shuttle to beach, harbour and Anacapri , great staff
La Minerva family owned hotel a short walk from the city centre and Augustus Gardens, pool and views of the Bay of Marina Piccola
Hotel La Reginella, family rooms up to 5 people, just 10 minutes walk to La Piazzetta, very good onside restaurant, great staff, magnificent views
Hotel Mamela, 45 rooms, great pool and pool bar with amazing views, 1,1km to Marina Piccola Beach, massage, tennis courts and garden.
Hotel Villa Cessele, 13 rooms, great vibe, out door pool, near the cable car to Monte Solaro and the central square Piazza Caprile.

A typical day on the island: Enjoy a relaxing boat tour around the island with stop at the world famous Blue Grotto, have a traditional 3-course Italian lunch, visit Mount Solaro by Chairlift, explore the historic center of the island.
Piazza Umberto I, known as the Piazzetta, is a lively square under its clock tower , it is where the funicular drops passengers arriving at Marina Grande. It’s one of the favorite places to go, where tourists linger in hopes of spotting celebrities in the cafés that face it. You’ll find shops displaying souvenirs, flowers, brightly painted pottery, clothing, locally made perfumes, and Capri’s other specialty – sandals custom made in only an hour.

During a walking tour you can visit The Garden Of Augustus and the famous Villa San Michele. Close by you will find the Certosa di San Guiacomo, founded in 1371, it was sacked and burned in 1553, and abandoned after 1807. But at its height, this Carthusian monastery dominated the island.
Marina Piccola is the little harbor on the south coast that gets the most sun and is protected from the winds by steep cliffs, so it’s often warm enough for sunbathing even in the winter. Take the bus from Capri town or walk down Via Krupp, continuing down the steps from the little church of Sant’Andrea to find the free beaches of Marina di Pennauro and Marina di Mulo. At the southeast tip of Capri, a terrace on the promontory of Punta Tragara overlooks the south coast and the three sea stacks known as the Faraglioni. The view sweeps from the mainland Amalfi peninsula to Monte Castiglione, with its castle, and down to the bay of Marina Piccola.

Boats leave from Marina Grande at Capri. The perfect day trip that has it all, book a guided tour.

Leave early and take the ferry boat from Capri to Sorrento, you final destination of today is the beautiful Amalfi Coast. One of the world’s most famous road trips, the Amalfi Drive (aka SS163) is also arguably the most beautiful 48 kilometers of coastline in Italy, and certainly high on the list of Italy’s top tourist attractions. Carved into cliffs that are already cut by deep ravines, the road clings high above the Tyrrhenian Sea in a series of breathtaking views and curves bounded by almost vertical mountains rising on one side and long vertical drops on the other.

Leave Sorrento on the SS145, after 2,7 km take a right and continue on SS145 Via Mortora that becomes Via Meta / Amalfi Drive SS163.  The Amalfi Coast has walking paths, stone stairways, and ancient mule paths wind along the coast, and you’ll walk through forests, lemon groves, wildflowers, and tiny villages, with almost constant sea views. At any point, you can stop to take pictures, eat a picnic, or just absorb the view.
Stop for coffee in Positano and walk to the view point Costiera Amalfitana. If you left early today you can walk Sentiero degli Dei “the Footpath of the Gods”. This is a 4 hour hike from Bomerano to Positano.
Continue for about 12 km and park your car and pay a visit to Grotta dello Smeraldo, just before the village of Conca dei Marini. Stairs and an elevator descend to a marine cave, Grotta dello Smeraldo . Boats wait at the cave entrance to take you inside, or you can take a boat to the cave from the beach in Amalfi, about a 15-minute ride.
From Atrani, just east of Amalfi, a winding road (SS 373) climbs through orange-groves to Ravello, an old town in a superb site overlooking the sea from the brink of the deep Valle del Dragone (Valley of Dragons). In the center of the town is the Romanesque Cathedral of San Pantaleone. Villa Rufolo The gray stone tower opposite the cathedral is the gate to a villa whose gardens and terrace views inspired Wagner’s magic garden of Klingsor in Parsifal.  Past the church of San Francesco, which has a Romanesque cloister, and the church of Santa Chiara, you’ll find Villa Cimbrone. An avenue runs through its beautiful park to the Belvedere Cimbrone with incomparable views of the Amalfi coast.

Continue to Minori and spend the night in this Foodies Haven. Minori is recently designated as “The City of Taste“. Since the 16th century the local inhabitants have devoted themselves to the production of hand-made pastas. Pastas are served Since the 16th century the local inhabitants have devoted themselves to the production of hand-made pastas,  Pay a visit to the limoncello factory next to the main church in town. Taste the wonderful liqueurs like limoncello, fennel, mandarin, wild strawberry and more.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE AMALFI COAST

FERRY
Ferry from Capri to Sorrento, fast ferry 25 mins., regular ferry 30 mins. Here you find the Capri ferry schedule.
Book your ticket way in advance if you travel in high season.  A regular car cost +/- € 30,- , adult € 14,- plus charges and taxes.
Check if your rental car is allowed on a ferry.

POSITANO
Find here all you need to know about the 4 hour hike Footpath of the Gods.

our RESTAURANT tips for Minori
Giardiniello, seafood, cozy atmosphere, where the locals go.
Bistro 52,  family run, pure Italian tastes C.so Vittorio Emanuele, 52, +393388044701
Ristorante La Botte, family run, with passion for quality Via Santa Maria Vetrana, 2 +39089877893
Antares Ristobar , Italian cuisine, lovely location
Soto i Limomi, a bit out of the center, next to dinner you can enjoy some magical cooking classes over here. Via Torre, 86, +39 347 351 7596

Our hotel recommendations for Minori

BeB Palazzo Mancini, Brand new, 3 very tastefully furnished rooms, great location, super hosts.
Hotel Santa Lucia, 35 rooms, close to sandy beach, pool, great dining atmosphere like an extravagant old Bond Movie.
Castle Mezzacapo, sleeping in a fairy tale castle, spacious apartments great view over Maiori bay, only 200 m from Maiori Beach.
Costa d’Amalfi Apartments in the centre of Maiori, new, modern, with great rooftop terrace suitable for dining.

Our hotel recommendations for Maiori

La Serenata Luxury, 4 rooms, close to the harbour, romantic with modern twist, small balcony, amazing host.
4blu Camere Marine, 4 rooms with decorated in Mediterranean colours, 100 meters to the beach, close to shops and restaurants.
B&B Dipino Accommodation. 3 modern rooms with comfortable beds, close to the beach, beautiful views.
Il Giardino Dorato, 3 rooms, amongst the lemon trees, up on the hill, the beautiful agriturismo, super hosts.
Al Raggio di Sole in Costiera, 5 rooms, great location, right by the beach and a variety of restaurants.

Explore the authentic Italian villages of Manori, Maiori on the coast and Tramonti up hill. The local residents continue to keep their traditions alive and you can experience the authentic life on the  coast.
MANORI
In the center of Manori you will find the Basilica of Saint Trofimena who was canonized by the Catholic Church. The original crypt houses the remains of the Saint, a female martyr from Sicily, whose bones washed ashore in an urn here during the 9th century. Saint Trofimena is the patron saint or heavenly protector of this town. This tiny coastal village has roots dating as far back as a Roman Maritime Archeological Villa established here at sea level in the 1st century BC. The villa is known for its mosaics and frescoes that are now housed in the Antiquarium museum. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to visit THE pastry shop number one of Italy, Pasticceria Sal DeRiso. Chef Sal De Riso, will lure you with his famous ricotta and pear cake filled with hazelnut crumbs or the lemon delight, or the chocolate mandarin cake.
MAIORI
To Maiori it is an easy to walk over pedestrian footpath, Centiero dei Limoni (The Path of Lemons) that traverses the one kilometer distance between the towns. Admire the colorful majolica-tiled dome of the The Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare  in Maiori. It is the main church in town and it dates back to the 13th century. The view from here is spectacular as it overlooks the coast.
TRAMONTI
Tramonti lies just 8 kilometers above the sea and is composed of thirteen hamlets scattered among the rugged hills above the Amalfi Coast. In the area you will find grazing sheep, vineyards, chestnut woods, olive trees, scented lemon groves all set in the rural countryside. Since the Middle Ages, pizza has been part of Tramonti’s heritage. Ancient ovens were used to bake the so-called ‘pizza base’ made of rye flour, germanella, millet and barley. They ate the pizza freshly baked and seasoned only with spices and lard.
Visit the cheese factory of Tramonti Antica Latteria  located in the countryside. This is the place to buy some artisan and autentique Italina cheese. This latteria makes heavenly cheeses like, mozzarella, provola (fresh and smoked), scamorza, caciota, fresh ricotta, and cheese with herbs and spices.

Relax on the beach or drive to Salerno and visit the Cathedral of San Matteo. Built about 1080 and restored in 1768 and again after 1945, this cathedral houses the remains of the Evangelist Matthew, brought here from Paestum, and one of Italy’s most important holy relics.

The best beaches of the Amalfi Coast are: Marina Grande and Arienzo Beach and the steep Tordigliano Beach (Positano), Maiori Beach (Maiori), Erchie Beach, Gavitella Beach (Praiano),  Duoglio and Santa Croce Beaches plus Marina Grande  (Amalfi), Marina di Vietri (Vietri sul Mare) and the pittoresque Marina di Cetara (Cetara).

EXPERT TIPS AMALFI COAST

BAKERY 
Pasticceria Sal DeRiso, Via Roma 80, the bakery is open 24 hours  except Mondays (7:00 am to midnight)
RESTAURANT tips for Maiori
Torre Normanna, dining on top of a 13th century tower
Donna Maria, for the real Napolitan pizza
Casa Mandina, food from farm to table
Ristorante Masaniello,  fast service, anti pasto, fish and meat, the tiramisu is very good
Il Faro Di Capo D’Orso, fine dinging , Michellin star*

Today is the last day of this tour. Drive to the airport of Naples (1,5 hours) or the airport of Rome (3,5 hours) to drop off your rental car and fly home!

We hope that you can look back on an unforgettable and relaxed journey along the highlights of Italy. Our aim is that travellers take the most out of their road trip with the use of our travel app on the smartphone. With our day to day itinerary in the palm of your hand, we make sure you won’t miss out on anything!

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