27 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Peter's Square. Family-friendly places like Colosseum and Trevi Fountain will thrill your kids. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rome: Villa d'Este (in Tivoli) and Zoomarine (in Torvaianica). And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pantheon, appreciate the extensive heritage of Centro Storico Associazione Centro Storico, admire the local landmark of Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and appreciate the history behind La Pieta.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Rome trip itinerary builder tool.

Sydney, Australia to Rome is an approximately 24.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a -9 hour difference. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Sydney in September, with highs in Rome at 32°C and lows at 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Assisi.

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

Explore hidden gems such as Cascata delle Marmore and Ponte delle Torri. Kids will appreciate attractions like Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli - Porziuncola and San Damiano. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Assisi: Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta Spoleto (in Spoleto), Gole dell’Infernaccio (in Montefortino) and Piazza Grande (in Gubbio). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilica di Santa Chiara, appreciate the views at Piana di Castelluccio di Norcia, stroll around Mount Subasio, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica Papale e Sacro Convento di San Francesco d'Assisi.

To see photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Assisi trip itinerary planning app.

Getting from Rome to Assisi by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in September, and nighttime lows around 16°C. On the 4th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon 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. Kids will appreciate attractions like Spiaggia Di Sansone and Spiaggia di Marina di Campo. Discover out-of-the-way places like Spiaggia di Cavoli and Spiaggia Della Biodola. Step out of Portoferraio to go to Pomonte and see Spiaggia del Relitto, which is approximately 50 minutes away. There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Acquario dell'Elba, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Spiaggia La Sorgente.

For reviews, maps, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Portoferraio trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by combination of car and ferry from Assisi to Portoferraio takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of bus, train, and ferry. Traveling from Assisi in October, plan for a bit warmer nights in Portoferraio, with lows around 17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) early enough to travel to Florence.

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

Family-friendly places like Food Tours and Centro Storico will thrill your kids. Step off the beaten path and head to Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Perseus Statue. Change things up with these side-trips from Florence: Castello di Verrazzano (in Greve in Chianti) and Poggio al Bosco (in Chiostrini). Next up on the itinerary: explore the world behind art at Gallerie Degli Uffizi, admire the striking features of Loggia dei Lanzi, take in the spiritual surroundings of The Baptistery of St. John, and examine the collection at Pitti Palace.

To find more things to do, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read our Florence itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry and car from Portoferraio to Florence takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and train. October in Florence sees daily highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to San Giorgio Maggiore and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Kids will appreciate attractions like Canal Grande and Cannaregio. Explore Venice's surroundings by going to Padua (Scrovegni Chapel & Basilica of St. Anthony) and Caribe Bay (in Jesolo). The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza San Marco, examine the collection at Doge's Palace, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, and take in the views from Ponte dei Sospiri.

To find ratings, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Venice trip planner.

Getting from Florence to Venice by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Florence in October, expect nights in Venice to be about the same, around 12°C, while days are slightly colder, around 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can catch the flight back home.