14 days in Italy & Amsterdam Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls, admire the masterpieces at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, explore the ancient world of Pantheon, then look for gifts at Giuliani Fabbrica Marrons Glaces & Cioccolateria, and finally view the masterpieces at Palazzo delle Esposizioni. Keep things going the next day: explore the galleries of Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini, appreciate the extensive heritage of Centro Storico Associazione Centro Storico, make a trip to Cupola di San Pietro, contemplate the long history of St. Peter's Basilica, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Vatican Necropolis, and finally explore the ancient world of Colosseum.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Rome travel planning site.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Rome is an approximately 14-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Johannesburg to Rome. In December, Rome is much colder than Johannesburg - with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can catch the train to Florence.

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

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Sat): enjoy breathtaking views from Campanile di Giotto, take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, then get great views at Basilica San Miniato al Monte, then make a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Centro Storico. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the striking features of Loggia dei Lanzi, engage your brain at Museo Galileo - Institute and Museum of the History of Science, examine the collection at Stibbert Museum, then look for gifts at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, then explore the world behind art at Florence Academy of Fine Arts, and finally explore the world behind art at Pitti Palace.

To find maps, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Florence online trip builder.

Traveling by train from Rome to Florence takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. Expect a daytime high around 15°C in December, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to 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.

Shop till you drop at T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi and Mercati di Rialto. Get some cultural insight at Scuola Grande di San Rocco and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Dorsoduro, explore the activities along Canal Grande, take in panoramic vistas at Torre dell'Orologio, and browse the exhibits of Doge's Palace.

To see traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Venice day trip tool.

Traveling by car from Florence to Venice takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Florence in December: high temperatures in Venice hover around 11°C and lows are around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) so you can travel to Amsterdam.

Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.

Get a sense of the local culture at Anne Frank House and Kroller-Muller Museum. Do your shopping at Markthal and The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Amsterdam: Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace) (in The Hague) and Paleis Het Loo (in Apeldoorn). There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at Van Gogh Museum, steep yourself in history at Portuguese Synagogue, get curious at Body Worlds, and see the interesting displays at Tassenmuseum Amsterdam.

For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Amsterdam online trip itinerary builder.

You can fly from Venice to Amsterdam in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In December, daily temperatures in Amsterdam can reach 9°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.