15 days in Northwest Italy Itinerary

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

Get some historical perspective at Colosseum and Piazza Navona. Do some cultural sightseeing at Pantheon and Centro Storico Associazione Centro Storico. And it doesn't end there: stroll the grounds of Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura, delve into the distant past at Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali, and pause for some serene contemplation at Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo.

For where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Rome trip planning site.

Dallas, USA to Rome is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Dallas to Rome is 7 hours. Traveling from Dallas in April, things will get little chillier in Rome: highs are around 69°F and lows about 49°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to take a train to Florence.

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

Visit Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Duomo di Pisa for their historical value. Do some cultural sightseeing at Florence Academy of Fine Arts and Battistero di San Giovanni. Get out of town with these interesting Florence side-trips: Pisa (Knights’ Square & Camposanto), Basilica of San Frediano (in Lucca) and Historic Centre of San Gimignano (in San Gimignano). The adventure continues: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Baptistery of St. John, examine the collection at Museo di San Marco, get engrossed in the history at Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore, and appreciate the history behind Perseus Statue.

To find reviews and other tourist information, read Florence online travel planner.

Getting from Rome to Florence by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. In April, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) so you can drive to Ravenna.

Famous for its wealth of original mosaics, Ravenna is a hub of artistic and cultural heritage.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Basilica di San Vitale and Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. Basilica Di Sant'Apollinare In Classe and Battistero degli Ariani will appeal to history buffs. Change things up with these side-trips from Ravenna: Ferrara (Le Mura di Ferrara, Palazzo dei Diamanti, &more). And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi), contemplate the long history of Cripta Rasponi e Giardini Pensili, don't miss a visit to Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, and see the interesting displays at Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Ravenna day trip app.

You can drive from Florence to Ravenna in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a train. Expect a daytime high around 65°F in April, and nighttime lows around 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can drive to Venice.

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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Piazza San Marco and Doge's Palace. Step off the beaten path and head to Basilica of St. Anthony and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Venture out of the city with trips to Vicenza (Piazza dei Signori & Basilica Palladiana) and Padua Botanical Garden - World Heritage Site (in Padua). And it doesn't end there: admire the striking features of Venetian Arsenal, admire the masterpieces at Ca' Rezzonico, don't miss a visit to Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo), and steep yourself in history at Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

For reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Venice trip itinerary builder.

Getting from Ravenna to Venice by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In April in Venice, expect temperatures between 65°F during the day and 49°F at night. On the 2nd (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.