16 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Basilica of St. Anthony and Scrovegni Chapel. Doge's Palace and Peggy Guggenheim Collection will appeal to museum buffs. Step out of Venice with an excursion to Chiesa degli Eremitani in Padua--about 54 minutes away. There's still lots to do: wander the streets of Cannaregio, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Scuola Grande di San Rocco, admire the striking features of Basilica di San Marco, and take in the views from Ponte dei Sospiri.

For reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Venice route builder website.

San Juan, Puerto Rico to Venice is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Atlantic Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is 5 hours. Traveling from San Juan in April, expect Venice to be colder, temps between 21°C and 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) so you can go by car to Ravenna.

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

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Sun): examine the collection at Archiepiscopal Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Battistero degli Ariani, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica San Vitale.

To find where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Ravenna travel route builder website.

Getting from Venice to Ravenna by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 21°C, and evening lows to 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can go by car to Assisi.

Rich in culture and religious tradition, Assisi is known as the birthplace of St.

You'll explore and learn at Museo della Porziuncola and B.A.T. Assisi. Explore hidden gems such as Duomo di Orvieto and Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta Spoleto. Change things up with these side-trips from Assisi: Pozzo di San Patrizio (in Orvieto), Cascata delle Marmore (in Marmore) and Civita di Bagnoregio (in Bagnoregio). There's still lots to do: pause for some serene contemplation at San Damiano, make a trip to Eremo delle Carceri, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cripta di San Francesco, and admire the striking features of Basilica di Santa Chiara.

To see photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Assisi day trip website.

Drive from Ravenna to Assisi in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Assisi are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can drive to Rome.

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

Popular historic sites such as Colosseum and Vatican Museums are in your itinerary. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica. And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at St. Peter's Basilica, ponder the design of Trevi Fountain, admire the masterpieces at Centrale Montemartini, and pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Louis of the French.

To find ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Rome itinerary planner.

Getting from Assisi to Rome by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) 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.

Popular historic sites such as Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano are in your itinerary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Florence Academy of Fine Arts and Basilica San Miniato al Monte. Venture out of the city with trips to Pisa (Duomo di Pisa & Camposanto), Siena (Siena Tartufi (truffle hunting), Tabernacoli della Contrada della Civetta, &more) and Abbazia di San Galgano (in Chiusdino). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of The Baptistery of St. John, admire the masterpieces at Pitti Palace, admire the striking features of Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, and get engrossed in the history at Museo di Santa Maria Nuova.

To find photos and more tourist information, refer to the Florence itinerary maker site.

You can take a train from Rome to Florence in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or fly. In April, daily temperatures in Florence can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Thu) to allow time for travel back home.