8 days in Northwest Italy Itinerary

Virtually unchanged for the last six centuries, Venice is actually a group of islands made famous by a series of canals, bridges, monuments, piazzas, and narrow pedestrian lanes.

On the 9th (Mon), enjoy breathtaking views from Torre dell'Orologio, appreciate the extensive heritage of St. Mark's Square, then examine the collection at Doges' Palace, then take in the views from Ponte dei Sospiri, and finally wander the streets of Cannaregio.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Venice sightseeing planner.

Washington DC, USA to Venice is an approximately 19-hour flight. You'll lose 6 hours traveling from Washington DC to Venice due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 65°F in October, and nighttime lows around 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a train to Verona.

The famous setting for Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of northern Italy's main tourist destinations, largely owing to its incredibly rich artistic heritage.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Tue): take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, then explore the historical opulence of Castelvecchio Museum, then delve into the distant past at Arena di Verona, and finally don't miss a visit to Piazza Bra.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Verona tour planner.

Traveling by train from Venice to Verona takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 66°F in October, and nighttime lows around 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a train to Florence.

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Wed): examine the collection at Galleria dell'Accademia, see the interesting displays at Uffizi Gallery, then take in the views from Ponte Vecchio, then admire the striking features of The Baptistery of St. John, and finally admire the striking features of Loggia dei Lanzi. Here are some ideas for day two: get great views at Piazzale Michelangelo, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, then get engrossed in the history at Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and finally see the interesting displays at Pitti Palace.

To see maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Florence vacation planner.

Traveling by train from Verona to Florence takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Verona in October, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Florence: temperatures range from 72°F by day to 54°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to take a train to Rome.

Aptly nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is the birthplace of the Roman Empire, one of the world's greatest civilizations ever.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at San Pietro in Vincoli, delve into the distant past at Colosseum, then admire the striking features of Pantheon, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at St. Peter's Basilica. On the 14th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza Navona, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Vatican Museums, and then delve into the distant past at Palatine Hill.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Rome trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by train from Florence to Rome takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. October in Rome sees daily highs of 73°F and lows of 55°F at night. On the 15th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.