20 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sun): stop by Cannaregio, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at San Giorgio Maggiore, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Scrovegni Chapel, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica of St. Anthony. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Mon): pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, admire the striking features of Scala Contarini del Bovolo, then take in the views from Ponte dei Sospiri, and finally take a stroll through Dorsoduro.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Venice itinerary builder tool.

Perth, Australia to Venice is an approximately 23.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Western Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is minus 7 hours. In September, Venice is a bit warmer than Perth - with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Family-friendly places like Piazza dei Signori and Parco Natura Viva will thrill your kids. Get a sense of the local culture at Il Vittoriale degli Italiani and Borghetto sul Mincio. Get out of town with these interesting Verona side-trips: Palazzo Te (in Mantua) and Grotte di Catullo (in Sirmione). And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di Santa Anastasia, don't miss a visit to Piazza Bra, explore the historical opulence of Museo di Castelvecchio, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.

For traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Verona online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Venice to Verona takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a train. In September, daily temperatures in Verona can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can take a train to Florence.

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

Family-friendly places like Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Loggia dei Lanzi will thrill your kids. Do some cultural sightseeing at Centro Storico di Siena and Torre del Mangia. Dedicate the 1st (Sun) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Pitti Palace, admire the striking features of Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, ponder the world of politics at Museo Nazionale del Bargello, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Baptistery of St. John.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Florence trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

Traveling by train from Verona to Florence takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In September in Florence, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can travel to Portoferraio.

Portoferraio is a town and comune in the province of Livorno, on the edge of the eponymous harbour of the island of Elba. On the 2nd (Mon), tour the pleasant surroundings at Spiaggia Della Biodola, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Acquario dell'Elba, and then kick back and relax at Spiaggia di Cavoli. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sand and surf at Spiaggia Di Sansone, then enjoy the sand and surf at Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, and then look for gifts at Gelateria Zero Gradi.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Portoferraio trip maker site.

You can do a combination of car and ferry from Florence to Portoferraio in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry. October in Portoferraio sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Assisi.

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

Kids will enjoy San Damiano and Basilica di Santa Chiara. Do some cultural sightseeing at Paper and Watermark Museum Fabriano and Rocca Maggiore. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Assisi: Cattedrale di San Venanzio, Duomo (in Fabriano), Grotte di Frasassi (in Genga) and Rocca Paolina (in Perugia). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli - Porziuncola, steep yourself in history at Eremo delle Carceri, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi.

To see ratings, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read Assisi trip maker site.

Traveling by combination of ferry and car from Portoferraio to Assisi takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and train; or do a combination of ferry, train, and bus. Traveling from Portoferraio in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Assisi, with lows of 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Orvieto.

The striking town of Orvieto, perched on a volcanic cliff overlooking the Umbrian countryside, is known as the Green Heart of Italy.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Sat): make a trip to Pozzo di San Patrizio, then do a tasting at Custodi Winery, and then admire the landmark architecture of Duomo di Orvieto.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Orvieto vacation website.

You can drive from Assisi to Orvieto in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Rome.

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

Get a sense of the local culture at Forum of Augustus and Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls and Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura. Venture out of the city with trips to Zoomarine (in Torvaianica) and Villa d'Este (in Tivoli). Next up on the itinerary: appreciate the extensive heritage of Centro Storico Associazione Centro Storico, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Louis of the French, take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, and take an in-depth tour of Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini.

To find ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Rome itinerary planner.

Drive from Orvieto to Rome in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Rome can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly back home.