Embark on an exhilarating 10-day adventure, blending cultural immersion with iconic European exploration. From Amsterdam, journey by train and ferry on a fast-paced itinerary to marvel at the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and Leaning Tower of Pisa, enjoying a gondola ride and a beach escape along the way.
Begin your journey by taking a bus or train from Athens to Patras or Igoumenitsa, Greece, the main ports for ferries to Italy.
This journey offers glimpses of the Greek countryside.
Check bus/train schedules in advance. The journey from Athens to Patras is approximately 3 hours by bus.
Arrive at the port for check-in and boarding your overnight ferry to Italy.
Enjoy the sea views as you prepare for your journey.
Ferry check-in typically closes 1-2 hours before departure. Have your tickets and passports ready.
Enjoy an overnight ferry crossing the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, heading towards Italy.
Most ferries offer cabins, restaurants, and amenities for a comfortable journey.
Booking a cabin is highly recommended for an overnight journey to ensure rest. Consider booking well in advance, especially for popular routes.
Disembark from your overnight ferry in Bari or Ancona, Italy, and prepare for your onward train journey.
Grab a quick Italian breakfast at the port.
Be prepared for customs and immigration procedures. Have your passports ready.
Take a high-speed train from your arrival port to Naples.
From Naples, you'll transfer to a regional train for a scenic ride to Sorrento, a charming coastal town.
Book train tickets in advance for best prices. The journey to Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana line offers beautiful coastal views.
Check into your hotel in Sorrento and enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza for lunch at a local trattoria.
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the bay.
Head down to a local beach, such as Marina Piccola or Marina Grande, to enjoy the coastal atmosphere, dip your toes in the sea, or simply relax by the water.
Take a stroll along the picturesque Marina Grande fishing village.
Sorrento's beaches are often on platforms or small coves. Marina Grande offers a more traditional fishing village feel.
Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and local produce, perhaps with a view overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Enjoy a leisurely morning walk through Sorrento's charming streets and a traditional Italian breakfast with espresso and a pastry.
Take the Circumvesuviana train back to Naples, then connect to a high-speed train directly to Rome.
Enjoy the changing landscapes on your journey north.
High-speed train from Naples to Rome is efficient and comfortable. Book tickets ahead.
Check into your hotel in Rome and grab a quick, authentic Roman pasta dish or a panino for lunch.
Take a relaxing walk through Rome's historic center.
Admire the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, then marvel at the architectural wonder of the Pantheon.
Entry to the Pantheon is free but can have queues; sometimes requires a timed entry booking, check closer to date. The area is great for people-watching.
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome, then stroll up to the Spanish Steps for sunset views over the city.
Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner in the charming Trastevere neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent trattorias.
Embark on an immersive tour of the Colosseum, Rome's iconic amphitheater, followed by a walk through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Booking skip-the-line tickets well in advance is essential as this is a very popular attraction. Consider a guided tour for deeper insights.
Depart Rome by high-speed train towards Florence, then connect to a regional train to Pisa.
This is a quick stop to see the famous tower.
You'll likely change trains in Florence or another major hub. Store luggage at Pisa Centrale if possible for a quick visit.
Head straight to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) to marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, and the Baptistery.
Snap your classic 'holding up the tower' photo!
To save time, consider taking a taxi or local bus from Pisa Centrale to Piazza dei Miracoli. Climbing the tower requires a timed ticket and is an additional cost.
Continue your journey by train from Pisa to Venice Santa Lucia.
This will be an evening arrival.
The train usually requires a connection in Florence or Bologna. Venice Santa Lucia is directly on the Grand Canal, making it convenient.
After checking into your hotel, find a trattoria near your accommodation for a late Venetian dinner.
Enjoy a simple, hearty meal.
Experience Venice from its iconic waterways with a traditional gondola ride.
Glide through the narrow canals and under picturesque bridges.
Gondola fares are standardized. Confirm the price before starting. Rides are typically around EUR 80 for a 25-30 minute ride during the day for up to 5 people.
Explore the famous St.
Mark's Square, admire St. Mark's Basilica, and see the Doge's Palace from the outside. Take in the bustling atmosphere.
Entrance to St. Mark's Basilica can have long queues. Dress modestly to enter the Basilica. Be aware of pigeons and pickpockets in the square.
Enjoy a quick lunch near St.
Mark's Square or find a quieter spot away from the main tourist hubs for more authentic Venetian cuisine.
Board a regional train for a scenic journey along the coast from Venice to Trieste, a port city with a unique blend of Italian and Central European influences.
Direct regional trains are frequent. Enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea as you approach Trieste.
Check into your hotel in Trieste, then take an evening stroll to Piazza Unità d'Italia, one of Europe's largest squares opening directly onto the sea.
Enjoy the grandeur and coastal breeze.
The square is especially beautiful at sunset and when lit up at night.
Savor dinner in Trieste, experiencing its unique culinary influences which blend Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian traditions.
Enjoy a relaxing morning at one of Trieste's city beaches, like Barcola, soaking in the Adriatic Sea views before continuing your journey.
Barcola is easily accessible from the city center by public transport or a short taxi ride. It offers pleasant waterfront promenades and swimming spots.
Board a high-speed train for a scenic journey from Trieste to Venice, preparing for an iconic experience.
Book train tickets in advance for better rates and guaranteed seating. The journey offers picturesque views.
Experience the timeless romance of Venice with a traditional gondola ride along its enchanting canals, admiring the historic palaces from the water.
Gondola prices are fixed, but can be negotiated for duration. It's customary to share a gondola to split the cost.
Enjoy a quick dinner in Venice before heading to the train station to begin your long journey towards Paris.
This will likely involve connecting trains, possibly including an overnight leg or a very early start.
Pack snacks and drinks for the long train journey. Ensure you have comfortable clothing and any essentials for travel.
Embark on a significant train journey from Italy across scenic landscapes to the heart of Paris.
This day will be dedicated almost entirely to transit.
Prepare for a long day of travel. Bring entertainment, snacks, and water. Enjoy the changing scenery as you cross countries.
Arrive in Paris, check into your hotel, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a charming local bistro to kick off your Parisian experience.
Many restaurants around your hotel in central Paris will be open late. Consider a classic French meal.
Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris.
Pre-booking tickets is highly recommended.
Book your tickets online several weeks in advance to secure your desired time slot and avoid long queues.
Stroll through the Tuileries Garden and admire the exterior of the Louvre Museum, including its famous glass pyramid. Given the tight schedule, a full interior visit is difficult, but enjoying the surroundings is a must.
The area around the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden is perfect for a leisurely walk and offers great photo opportunities.
Explore the charming streets of Montmartre, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy dinner in this artistic district.
The Sacré-Cœur offers stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. Be prepared for uphill walking.
Board a high-speed Thalys train from Paris Gare du Nord to Amsterdam Centraal, a comfortable and efficient journey.
Book your Thalys tickets in advance for the best prices and seat selection. Enjoy the smooth ride across borders.
Arrive in Amsterdam, check into your hotel, and grab a quick lunch before exploring the city.
Amsterdam Centraal station is well-connected to all parts of the city by tram, metro, and bus.
Discover Amsterdam's famous waterways and historic sights from a unique perspective on a 60-minute guided private canal cruise, complete with drinks.
Booking this private cruise offers a more intimate experience. Dress warmly if traveling in cooler months.
Walk around Dam Square, see the Royal Palace, and enjoy dinner in the bustling city center of Amsterdam.
Dam Square is a central hub for activity and a great starting point for exploring the city on foot.
Embark on a private guided tour of the Rijksmuseum to explore Dutch Golden Age masterpieces by Rembrandt and Frans Hals.
A private tour offers deeper insights into the museum's extensive collection. Pre-booking is essential.
Walk through the historic Jordaan district and past the Anne Frank House (if an interior visit isn't feasible due to time/bookings).
The Anne Frank House requires tickets booked months in advance. Even a walk around the area provides historical context.
Enjoy a final Dutch lunch and pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts in Amsterdam's charming shops.
Explore the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for unique boutiques and cafes.
Take a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) for your departure.
Trains run frequently from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport. Allow ample time for check-in and security.
This 10-day itinerary for Italy (various cities) can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.