Slideshow: My Way® Italy, Day by Day
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My Way® Italy in 13 Days, Day by Day
Not a group tour person? Enjoy the freedom (and savings) of independent travel — but with Rick Steves' Europe handling all your hotels and transportation. Our My Way® Italy vacation starts by following a route that connects Italy's must-see sights — from Venice to the Dolomites, the Cinque Terre, Florence, Assisi, and Rome. We'll take care of all the logistical hassles so you can focus on choosing your own sightseeing priorities and pace. Hop aboard this slideshow preview of our My Way Italy in 13 Days adventure!.
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Day 1: Welcome to Italy
Welcome to Italy! Today is a great day to simply get lost in Venice (remember, it's an island), exploring the alleys and cruising the canals. We'll meet at our hotel for a group get-together. Your tour manager will give an overview of the days ahead, answer your questions, and offer a quick orientation to our neighborhood. Then you're free for dinner on your own.
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Day 2: Exploring Venice
The entire day is yours to experience the Byzantine majesty of St. Mark's Basilica, the formidable Doge's Palace, the masterpiece-packed Frari Church, maybe take in a church concert, waltz on St. Mark's Square, or pub-crawl your way through this unique city.
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Day 3: To the Italian Alps
This morning we'll say "ciao, Venezia" as we hit the road and drive to Italy's majestic Alps. Here where the locals speak German first, Italian second, we'll experience a unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture. This afternoon you will have plenty of time to explore your Tirolean home base of Bolzano, the gateway to the region, where cobbled lanes pave the way to a colorful street market and the impressive South Tirol Museum of Archeology, home to the 5,300-year-old Ötzi the Iceman.
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Day 4: Exploring the Dolomites
Today is all yours to explore the dramatic Dolomites, Italy's hiking and skiing mecca. Hop on a local bus or chairlift for a day of endless mountain options. Dotted with farms and crowned by towering cliffs, the meadows of the mighty Dolomites offer hundreds of miles of trails with an array of challenging hikes and easy walks to suit everyone's pace.
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Day 5: Italian Riviera
Today's destination is the Italian Riviera, home to the cliff-hugging hamlets of the Cinque Terre, pastel beach towns, and stylish resorts. We'll arrive late this afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy the pleasant eateries and ambience of our seaside town.
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Day 6: Exploring the Cinque Terre
Ahh, it's time to take a "vacation from your vacation" today in our Mediterranean getaway. Pick a Cinque Terre village and spend your day exploring the stairways and alleyways, sunning yourself on the rocks, or sipping a cappuccino and catching up on your journal at an outdoor café. Or, if you're looking for lots of exercise, fresh air, and panoramic views, start your day early and hike the cliffside paths that connect the towns. For dinner tonight, enjoy what's local and fresh: the seafood and the "best pesto in Italy."
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Day 7: Florence and David
This morning we'll drive to Europe's cultural capital, Florence. This afternoon is yours to explore the Renaissance city, including Brunelleschi's magnificent cathedral dome, Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, and other creations that helped define this world-changing era. You could even take time to visit the Accademia Gallery and marvel at works of sculptural genius: Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David.
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Day 8: Renaissance Florence
Today is yours to devote time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi — home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere — including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. Or you could stroll across the delightfully medieval Ponte Vecchio and visit several of the city's art-filled churches and museums, browse the colorful markets, and find a special trattoria for dinner.
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Day 9: To the Hill Town of Assisi
Today we'll venture into the heart of magical Tuscany, stopping for several hours to poke around the quiet lanes of a friendly hill town. This afternoon we'll make a modern-day pilgrimage to the beautifully preserved hill town of Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis.
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Day 10: St. Francis' Assisi
In a time of unprecedented church wealth, St. Francis inspired a refocused spirituality through poverty, humility, and the beauty of nature in Umbria. You'll have all day to experience the beautifully frescoed Basilica of St. Francis*, and wander through (and wonder at) this charming town and its surrounding hills.
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Day 11: La Dolce Vita Rome
This morning we'll get an early start as we make our way from Assisi to Rome, with a quick stop for lunch along the way. Arriving at our Rome hotel this afternoon, you can enjoy dinner at the outdoor café of your dreams, then celebrate la dolce vita Roman-style, with an after-dinner stroll through the floodlit heart of the city, lacing together lively campos, classy piazzas, and splashy fountains. Don't forget to sample some refreshing gelato along the way!
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Day 12: A Day of Roman Roamin'
Rome is the grand finale of our trip, packed with historical riches, cultural delights, and an infinite supply of wows. Today, aided by Rick's audio tours, you could follow the footsteps of emperors through the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Pantheon. If the Renaissance is more your speed, consider that the immense St. Peter's Basilica (home to Michelangelo's sublime Pietà) and the sprawling Vatican Museums (home to his mind-boggling Sistine Chapel) are a metro or bus ride away. It's your final night in Rome, so get out and make it special. Salute!
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Day 13: Tour Over After Breakfast
It's a breeze to reach Rome's airports by taxi or train. Your tour manager will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!