2-Week Tour of Rome, Florence, Venice, & Italy's Scenic Countryside

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The majestically balustraded Spanish Steps were built in 1723-6 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinita dei Monti and the Pincio. It quickly became a favorite spot of poets, artists, and writers who gathered on its 137 steps, and it's now a favorite stop for tourists from all over the world. Yet this highly attractive stairway still somehow manages to retain a sense of romance even at the height of the tourist season, and if you happen to get there at the beginning of May you’ll find it laden with tubs of magnificent azaleas. A masterpiece of 18th-century town planning, the steps actually contain a religious message – the three flights and three landings are an allusion to the Holy Trinity.

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic sights in Rome thanks to the antics of the shapely Anita Ekberg casting herself into its waters in Frederico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, La Dolce Vita. The fountain curiously seems to appear out of virtually nowhere within a warren of backstreets but is nevertheless discovered reasonably early each day by endless crowds of tourists looking to ensure their future return to Rome by tossing a coin back over their should into its crystal clear water (the coins are raked up each morning and donated to the Church organization Caritas). 

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected by Agrippa in 27 BC, the Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The majestically balustraded Spanish Steps were built in 1723-6 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinita dei Monti and the Pincio. It quickly became a favorite spot of poets, artists, and writers who gathered on its 137 steps, and it's now a favorite stop for tourists from all over the world. Yet this highly attractive stairway still somehow manages to retain a sense of romance even at the height of the tourist season, and if you happen to get there at the beginning of May you’ll find it laden with tubs of magnificent azaleas. A masterpiece of 18th-century town planning, the steps actually contain a religious message – the three flights and three landings are an allusion to the Holy Trinity.

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Visit one of Rome's greatest but most unheralded museums of antiquity.

This light-filled museum holds one of the best classical art collections in the world. The ground and first-floor feature famous Greek and Roman sculptures, mosaics and statues, as well as impressive sarcophagi and high reliefs. The second floor showcases the best preserved Roman frescoes in the world, which are considered the highlight of the museum. Originally located in Villa of Livia (the wife of Augustus) and Villa Farnesina, these colourful frescoes, sometimes covering an entire room, offer a unique view into life in ancient Rome and the critical importance of gardens, nature, and the villa atmosphere to upper echelon Romans. A must visit room is the painted garden room of Villa Livia. There is also a cinema room with a video showing a 3D reconstruction of the Villa Farnesina as it would have been, showing the layout of the rooms in the villa and the frescoes you had seen just moments before. 

Walk the ruins of what was once the largest themal baths in the ancient Roman world.

Covering an area of more than 13 hectares (some 32 acres), the bath complex was commissioned by Emperor Diocletian in 298 AD, with a capacity to host over 3,000 people (twice as many as the Baths of Caracalla). The baths were made of bricks, coated in marble and decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The complex included a gymnasium, a library, a large outdoor swimming pool and cold, hot, and tepid public baths. They remained open until 537 when the Goths cut off the aqueducts in an attempt to conquer Rome. After they fell into disrepair and were left abandoned. Even though only a small part of the public bath complex can be seen and visited, it is extremely impressive, with the possibility to see at some points the high ceilings the baths possessed. The interior includes part of the National Museum of Rome and a permanent exhibition on pre-historic populations of the area. In the outdoor part of the baths, it is possible to stroll through a sixteenth-century garden with nearly 400 works of art, including statues, sarcophagi and reliefs. 

See a Michelangelo-designed church built within the former Baths of Diocletian.

In 1561, almost 1000 years after the baths of Diocletian fell into disuse, Pope Pius IV decided to build a basilica consecrated to Our Lady of the Angels within the baths. He commisioned the 86-year-old Michelangelo to plan the church, making use of some of the existing structures of the baths. Today a visit to the basilica gives you an idea of the enormous size of the baths. The church was constructed at the site of the former frigidarium (a large cold pool which would be used to close the pores after using the hot baths) and incorporates several elements of the former thermae. The vestibule occupies the former tepidarium (a Roman-style relaxation room) and the imposing entrance is an exedra of the caldarium (a room with a hot plunge bath). Other highlights include the meridian solar line running across the floor, which still accurately calculates the length of the year and the summer and winter solstices. There is also an impressive organ with 5,400 tubes. It is capable of leaving those visitors lucky enough to hear it spellbound.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Discover the crypt and catacombs of an ancient Christian burial site estimated to hold half a million bodies.

The catacombs are the most important landmark along the ancient Appian Way route because they include the Crypt of the Popes, which contained the remains of nine popes buried between the 2nd and 4th centuries. In times of persecution, the catacombs also provided a secret place of worship for early Christians. There are five levels and roughly 12 miles (20km) of passageways. Over time, the catacombs were mostly forgotten as the relics of the popes and saints they contained had been moved to different churces of Rome. It was not until the 19th century that Italian architects rediscovered it.

Make time to visit this gallery holding precious art and history from the Gothic era, when Siena's power and influence peaked.

This is the main state art museum of the city and includes a rich collection of masterpieces from the famous Sienese school of artists, which created mainly large, majestic altarpieces with golden decorations. The "gold" background paintings include a piece by Master of Tressa which marks the beginning of the golden age of Sienese painting.

Experience a riot of the senses as you walk into one of Tuscany's most colorful and remarkable cathedrals.

Siena's Duomo is a fabulous conglomeration of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, delineated by encircling bands of black and white marble. It is the earliest of all the great Tuscan cathedrals, having been mostly completed by 1263. Before you enter, take a moment to admire the marble facade and its remarkable statuary. Once inside, you can invest in the audio guide to get the most out of a visit. The standout artistic treasure is the pulpit with columns resting on the backs of alternating lions and lionesses. The Piccolomini Library was added on to the cathedral in 1495 by the future Pope Pius III, and is one of the loveliest rooms in all Italy thanks to its cycle of crystal-sharp, brilliantly colorful frescoes.

Stop and linger in one of the more glorious and satisfying urban spaces ever built.

With its remarkable fan shape and gentle slope, the Piazza del Campo is one of the more memorable and unique public squares in Europe. It has been heart of Siena since the mid-12th century when it was built on the site of a Roman marketplace. Cafes line the square offering coffee and aperitivo for the young and old alike who relax and take in the scene. The piazza is made doubly famous by the fact that it hosts the annual Palio horse race, a hotly-contested event which splits the city into competing factions. 

Make your way into the courtyard of this brick palace built in the 13th century and enter the Museo Civico, where you will marvel at the beautiful murals which adorn the interiors.

Dominating the Piazza del Campo, this 13th century palace and tower was built as a symbol of the independence and wealth of Siena by the Government of Nine (Governo dei Nove) - nine representatives of the people elected by the merchant class, not noble families. Looking at its façade from the Piazza del Campo, it's possible to immediately see its different periods of construction: on the lower level of the three-mullioned (triple-arched) windows the stone that was used and then later brick. The 400 steps to the top of the palace tower is no easy feat even for the fittest of travelers, but the view over the city and Piazza del Campo below make the narrow ascent worth it. Inside the palace courtyard you will find the entrance to the Museo Civico, a treasure trove of magnificent works of art which can be seen inside the palace. One of the most beautiful rooms in the palace is the Sala dei Nove, the Hall of the Nine, with the Allegories of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti where you can see the medieval city with its workshops and artisans. 

Discover some of the Florence's best but often overlooked museums in the former palace of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

You'll find the Pitti Palace just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. In 1457, wealthy banker Luca Pitti began building the palace, but by the time it was completed, the family fortunes had run dry. He was forced to sell it to their arch-rivals, the Medicis, and thus it became the official residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. On the first floor you'll find the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments, the two most popular museums in the palace. They contain a collection of 16th and 17th-century paintings (including works by Raphael), and 28 beautiful rooms with original furnishing. On the ground floor is the Treasury, displaying a vast collection of Medici household treasures, from table silverware to precious stone vases, rock crystals and precious jewelry. There is also a Gallery of Modern Art, Porcelain Museum, and a museum showcasing costumes and fashion from the last 300 years. You can get a combined ticket which includes all the museums housed within the palace.

Join locals and tourists alike in a park which the Medici's poured their hearts (and money) into creating.

Directly behind the Pitti Palace are the marvellous Boboli Gardens, which were developed over hundreds of years and funded by the immense gold reserves of the Medici family. This green hidden oasis in the heart of Florence is often considered an open air museum, rich in history and art, and blessed with plenty of water features, hidden paths, and fascinating grottoes. For those with museum overload, it makes for the perfect retreat, as well as a precious refuge from the city’s heat during the summer months. The adjoining Forte di Belvedere is also worth the hike up to it, as it offers spectacular views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. 

Discover some of the Florence's best but often overlooked museums in the former palace of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

You'll find the Pitti Palace just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. In 1457, wealthy banker Luca Pitti began building the palace, but by the time it was completed, the family fortunes had run dry. He was forced to sell it to their arch-rivals, the Medicis, and thus it became the official residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. On the first floor you'll find the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments, the two most popular museums in the palace. They contain a collection of 16th and 17th-century paintings (including works by Raphael), and 28 beautiful rooms with original furnishing. On the ground floor is the Treasury, displaying a vast collection of Medici household treasures, from table silverware to precious stone vases, rock crystals and precious jewelry. There is also a Gallery of Modern Art, Porcelain Museum, and a museum showcasing costumes and fashion from the last 300 years. You can get a combined ticket which includes all the museums housed within the palace.

Join locals and tourists alike in a park which the Medici's poured their hearts (and money) into creating.

Directly behind the Pitti Palace are the marvellous Boboli Gardens, which were developed over hundreds of years and funded by the immense gold reserves of the Medici family. This green hidden oasis in the heart of Florence is often considered an open air museum, rich in history and art, and blessed with plenty of water features, hidden paths, and fascinating grottoes. For those with museum overload, it makes for the perfect retreat, as well as a precious refuge from the city’s heat during the summer months. The adjoining Forte di Belvedere is also worth the hike up to it, as it offers spectacular views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. 

See the villa where Tuscany's first Grand Duke spent his childhood.

Villa di Castello is a 15th century Medici villa mostly famous as the residence where Duke Cosimo I de’Medici spent his childhood. Cosimo, who was later called the Father of the Nation, was the first member of the Medici political dynasty. Not surprisingly, Villa di Castello was his favourite villa and as an adult he expanded it with an extensive garden second only to the Boboli Gardens that included footpaths, fountains and the world famous Animal Grotto. The Villa is not accessible to the public since it has been the home of the prestigious Crusca Academy since 1583, a school dedicated to the study of the Italian language. You can, however, visit the splendid gardens without paying.

Experience an amazing view of Florence as you stroll the gardens of this Medici family villa.

This fortified hilltop mansion was purchased by the Medici in the 16th century and transformed into a princely residence by Cardinal Ferdinando. The villa is richly decorated in the interior and has a beautiful Italian garden that attracts visitors from all around the world. The courtyard that is decorated with frescoes by Cosimo Daddi is probably the most impressive part of the villa, while a series of rooms you can visit present a later style. Both the structured Italian garden and the villa are open to visitors and the admission is free, with guided visits.

See the villa where Tuscany's first Grand Duke spent his childhood.

Villa di Castello is a 15th century Medici villa mostly famous as the residence where Duke Cosimo I de’Medici spent his childhood. Cosimo, who was later called the Father of the Nation, was the first member of the Medici political dynasty. Not surprisingly, Villa di Castello was his favourite villa and as an adult he expanded it with an extensive garden second only to the Boboli Gardens that included footpaths, fountains and the world famous Animal Grotto. The Villa is not accessible to the public since it has been the home of the prestigious Crusca Academy since 1583, a school dedicated to the study of the Italian language. You can, however, visit the splendid gardens without paying.

Experience an amazing view of Florence as you stroll the gardens of this Medici family villa.

This fortified hilltop mansion was purchased by the Medici in the 16th century and transformed into a princely residence by Cardinal Ferdinando. The villa is richly decorated in the interior and has a beautiful Italian garden that attracts visitors from all around the world. The courtyard that is decorated with frescoes by Cosimo Daddi is probably the most impressive part of the villa, while a series of rooms you can visit present a later style. Both the structured Italian garden and the villa are open to visitors and the admission is free, with guided visits.

Check out a renaissance clock tower dating from 1499.

St Mark's Clocktower or the Moors' Clocktower is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Venice. Originally built during the 15th century, the clocktower features an elaborate clock that displays the signs of the Zodiac and the current phase of the moon. It played an essential part of daily life in historical Venice, with seafarers setting out from the Grand Canal replying on its time to decide when to head out to sea. You'll notice at the top of the tower, two bronze wild men. They ring the bell on the hour. One of the men is old, the other is young, representing the passing of time.

Take a fascinating journey through the history and art of Venice inside one of its most important museums.

Established in 1830, 33 years after Venice lost its independence, the Museo Correr depicts life and culture in Venice during its glory days of wealth and strength. Somewhat ironically given that the museum is dedicated to Venice's glory, the city's loss of independence made the collection possible, as many formerly wealthy Venetian families were forced to sell their treasures in the difficult conditions. Highlights in the museum include works by the famed Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and a fine art collection that covers the work of many famous Venetian painters of the 13th to 16th centuries. Also fascinating are the collected antiquities from the city's long history, such as ship flags, nautical instruments, books, maps, and coins. 

Visit the magnificent monumental rooms of the Marciana Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Venice.

The Sansoviniana library, also referred to as National Marciana Library, is one of the biggest and most important libraries in Italy. Located in a beautiful Renaissance building opposite the Doge's Palace, it holds a number of valuable Greek and Latin manuscripts. The interior is richly decorated, with an impressive ceiling and a collection of Venetian paintings including works by Tintoretto and Veronese. 

Ascend this reconstructed cathedral bell tower for amazing views over St Marks Square, St Mark's Basilica and the Venetian lagoon.

Standing at 325 feet (99m) high, the Campanile, i.e. bell tower, of St. Mark's Basilica dominates the city's iconic square. Crowned by a spire that once acted as a lighthouse for Venice's naval ships, the cathedral tower was first built in the 10th century AD but underwent repeated repairs, reconstructions, and additions until reaching its current form in the 16th century. It was also a prominent part of the Venetian penal system as criminals were sometimes subjected to the Supplizio della Cheba (Torture of the Cage), which involved being incarcerated inside a crate that was hoisted up the south side of the tower to be left dangling there for several days or more in all weather. The tower collapsed in 1902, and what you see today is actually an exact replica (with the convenient addition of an elevator). The bell tower is now one of the most visited sights in Venice, offering some incredible panoramic views over the city and its canals. Lines are long, but a ticket can be reserved in advance for an extra few Euros.

Step inside Venice's most sacred and famous landmark and admire the glittering mosaics of the basilica's domes.

Important Note: Entry to the basilica itself is free, but there are huge crowds queuing up outside to see the interior at almost any time of year (waiting times are on average 45min), so we very strongly advise you to purchase a 'skip the line' ticket A private chapel for the use of the Doges, the rulers of Venice, was purpose-built on the site and consecrated in 832 to house the stolen relics of St Mark. Destroyed in a fire, a replica was soon built, but this was in turn superseded by a third structure in 1063-94; the Basilica of St Mark. Today, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and a sight to behold for all visitors. The glittering mosaics, the golden altar behind St Mark's sarcophagus, its beautiful chapels, and treasury make it a sight you absolutely can not afford to miss.  The stunning golden mosaics lining the interior were begun in the 12th century and work continued on them over the intervening centuries, but much of the exterior and interior decoration is actually art and monuments looted from cities defeated by Venice in its many wars. Many trophies seem out of place in a church, such as the Four Horses of San Marco, which were taken from Constantinople where they had once stood in the Hippodrome (the chariot racing arena). But the Venetians felt that anything which glorified Venice also reflected the glory and intercession of their patron saint, and thus belonged in the Basilica.

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

Important Note: Entry lines can be very long. We suggest taking advantage of skip the line entry. As the name suggests, the Palace was the official residence of the Venetian rulers, the Doges, and the chief magistrates. The building was founded in the 9th century, but the present one dates from the 14th century. Tour its elaborate staterooms, grand halls and the 24-carat golden staircase before seeking out its collection of priceless masterpieces by Venetian artists including Titan, Veronese and Tintoretto. Be sure to spend some time in the most incredible room of all, the Chamber of the Great Council, the assembly hall where all Venetian patricians gathered to participate in the running of the city - up to 2,500 at any one time. There you will find the Doge's throne and the world's longest canvas painting in the world, Tintoretto's Il Paradiso.

Step inside this inconspicuous Gothic 15th-century church to discover some of Venice's most famous tombs and artwork.

The relatively austere brick Gothic Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari holds many surprises. It has the second tallest campanile in Venice after St Mark's, and contains numerous masterpieces of painting and sculpture by the likes of Titian, Bellini and Donatello, plus a number of important doges' tombs, as well as Titian's tomb. Titian's majestic painting of The Assumption in the sanctuary, with its dramatic movement and coloring, is the work that established Titian's reputation as one of the greatest of all Italian painters. Even if you feel you've seen too many churches already, this one is definitely worth visiting and we recommend investing in the audio guide to get the best out of your time here.

Visit this underrated art museum featuring works by the famed Renaissance artist Tintoretto.

Next door to the Frari, one of the most magnificent of Venice's charitable associations, The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of the most magnificent of Venice's charitable associations. The building was completed in 1560, and Tintoretto won a competition held to select an artist to decorate the interior. Over the next 23 years, he executed an incomparable series of paintings that cover the walls and ceilings. According to the writer Jan Morris, "no collection of sacred pictures is more overwhelming of impact than the immense series of Tintorettos in the Scuola [...] - often dark, often grandiose, often incomprehensible, but culminating in the huge masterpiece of the Crucifixion, which Velazquez humbly copied, and before which, to this day, you may still see strong men moved to tears."

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

The 16th-century Rialto Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Venice. With a width of other 75 feet (23m) and span of over 100 feet (31m), the wide stone footbridge crosses over the Grand Canal and connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. It stands on the spot of an earlier wooden drawbridge which collapsed under the weight of a crowd gathered on it to watch a wedding procession. It took almost 150 years before the current Rialto bridge was built, this time in stone, and thus still stands as a symbol of the city. Surrounded by tourist shops and pricey restaurants, it sits on 12,000 wooden pilings and will be forever immortalised in millions of photographs as the backdrop to the classic Venetian photo shot, which captures the city's gondolas as they ferry lovers around the Grand Canal. While for many a gondola ride is a must-do experience in Venice, it's also possible to admire the bridge on foot. For a less-pricey way of seeing it from the water, you can always take the Number 1 local Vaporetto (water bus) and see the bridge as you pass underneath. 

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Venice's historic "Pescaria" fish market, as well as the fresh produce market.

Located close to the Rialto Bridge stands the Rialto Market, "the incomparable fish market of Venice, a glorious wet, colorful, high-smelling concourse of the sea, to which in the down hours fleets of barges bring the day's supply of sea-foods" (Jan Morris). Established well before the bridge was built, Venice's iconic market is a sight to behold, with colourful vegetable stalls and loud market vendors touting for business. It is a great spot for photographs and of course for a taste of the freshly caught fish with a host of appetising snacks on offer. Adjacent to the fish market you'll find a produce market, which is also important for a city which demands fresh ingredients for its cuisine. Keep in mind that the markets close at 1pm, and both markets are closed on Sundays (the fish market is also closed on Mondays).

Be sure not to miss this oft-overlooked historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings.

Lined by notable buildings and historic palaces, this public square is often overlooked by tourists. That is a shame as it is not only one of the most historic spaces in the city, but also one of the most elegant. Lining the square you'll see a number of buildings intricately tied to the city and its historic governance, such as the courthouse and the Scala Family Palace. In the center of the square you'll discover a monument of Dante, who spent seven years in Verona during his exile from Florence. 

Stand in a first century Roman amphitheatre that is so well preserved that it hosts concerts even today.

From gladiators to grand summer operas, this magnificent first-century Roman Arena, sitting in the heart of the city, has seen it all. In its heyday (circa 130-1100 AD), the arena could seat 30,000 spectators and was one of the biggest of its kind in the world. These days it hosts one of the most famous opera festivals in the world between June and September. While there’s little to see inside except the impressive stonework, it is quite an experience to visit a Roman arena that is still a thriving concert venue. Indeed, for many, the arena is more memorable than even the ruins of the Colosseum in Rome, simply because it is so intact. Indeed, when stepping inside the arena, you can truly feel as if you are experiencing the same venue that specators visited two thousand years ago. If you climb to the top, you’ll also enjoy great city views.

Climb to the top of the 275 feet (84m) high medieval tower overlooking the heart of historic Verona.

The Torre dei Lamberti is Verona's tallest Medieval tower, built by the Lamberti family in 1172. The red-brick clock tower dominates the Piazza delle Erbe that sits below, and defines Verona's medieval skyline. As such it is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors heading to the top of the tower to admire the 360-degree panoramic views over the city and the 13th-century bells in the belfry. The Piazza delle Erbe, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. What used to be a Roman forum and later a medieval marketplace, the square is now home to a number of cafes, souvenir stalls, and the Madonna Verona fountain, which dates back to the time of Roman rule.

Take a break in one of Verona's most beautiful and historic gardens.

A litle ways from the center you'll discover an enchanting and relaxing retreat, the Giardino Giusti. These gardens are named after the Giusti family, which first used the property for wool dyeing in the 15th century. In the 16th century, the now quite wealthy family decided to use part of the property for more refined purposes, and a formal Renaissance garden was laid out, with maze-like short hedge rows, cypress trees, fountains, and grottoes.

Visit the fictional setting of Shakespeare's tale of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet.

Shakespeare never set foot in Verona, yet his legendary tale lives on. The restored medieval building with its 1930s balcony opens into a courtyard of giggling teenagers and chattering tourists. Its bronze statue of Juliet is kept shiny by hundreds of thousands of hands who touch her right breast for good luck. Inside the house, period furniture and cinematic memorabilia are often overlooked by the hordes of tourists in line for the must-have "balcony" photograph.

Be sure not to miss this oft-overlooked historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings.

Lined by notable buildings and historic palaces, this public square is often overlooked by tourists. That is a shame as it is not only one of the most historic spaces in the city, but also one of the most elegant. Lining the square you'll see a number of buildings intricately tied to the city and its historic governance, such as the courthouse and the Scala Family Palace. In the center of the square you'll discover a monument of Dante, who spent seven years in Verona during his exile from Florence.