Interrail Trip: Backpacking in Italy

How was the Interrail experience?

"Every day we would wake up at 5 in the morning to search for the best light and enjoy the calm of each place. We laughed, slept on the street and in the pure nature, enjoyed a beer and gathered a lot of memories."

1. Manarola, Italy

Manarola and the 4 other fishing villages of Cinque Terre will captivate you with their stunning scenery and authenticity.

• Enjoy the taste of Manarola from the freshest fish to the especially renowned local wine.

• Delight in the Mediterranean sea while exploring each of the Five Lands.

• Hike through the walking trail, Via dell'Amore, to Riomaggiore. Get lost among the hills and vineyards above the town.

From Manarola to Pisa

2. Pisa, Italy

Pisa is well known for its famous architectural masterpiece, the Leaning Tower. Head to Campo dei Miracoli and enjoy Pisa's principal tourist attractions.

• Visit the Leaning Tower (Torre Pendente di Pisa), known worldwide for its unintended tilt.

• Take a look at the imposing Pisa Cathedral, a large striped Romanesque baptistery.

• Explore Camposanto, a cloistered cemetery said to have been laid with earth brought by crusaders from the Holy Land.

From Pisa to Florence

3. Florence, Italy

Florence (Firenze), birthplace of the Renaissance, will enchant you whether you're an art lover, a history buff or just a curious adventurer.

• Visit Michelangelo's Statue of David in Galleria dell'Accademia, one of the most recognised sculptures on the planet.

• Walk through Florence Cathedral (il Duomo) and climb the 463 steps up to the top for a panoramic vista of the city.

• Walk to San Miniato al Monte above Florence and enjoy the beautiful view at sunset.

From Florence to Rome 

4. Rome, Italy

As one of Italy's highlights, Rome's ancient monuments will fascinate you, but don't forget to indulge yourself with an Italian espresso. The combination of both will definitely make you return!

• Visit the largest Colosseum built during the Roman Empire, one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture.

• Close by, the hip quarter of Monti hosts an urban market every weekend. You will find everything you want there!

• Explore the world's Roman Catholic hub and residence of the Pope - the Vatican City - and marvel at some of the most breathtaking art and architecture known to man.

From Rome to Venice

5. Venice, Italy

Venice, one of the most romantic cities worldwide, promises to charm even the most hardened of souls.

• Admire grand Renaissance palaces and intricate arch bridges, on board of the iconic Venetian gondola.

• Visit San Marco Basilica at Piazza San Marco, a perfect example of Venetian-Byzantine architecture.

• Be part of one of the most famous carnivals in the world. The Carnavele di Venezia makes the whole of Venice come alive every February.

From Venice to Peschiera Del Garda

6. Sirmione, Italy

Sirmione is a beautiful coastal village surrounded by the largest lake in Itay, Lake Garda. Enjoy the scenery from the middle of the lake.

• Walk through the idyllic pathways into the peninsula, to find Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera) in the historic centre.

• Drift around the ancient Grotte di Catullo, an enchanting villa dating from the Roman Empire.

• Take any of the boat tours in Sirmione or Peschiera Del Garda to discover hidden gems around the water.

From Peschiera Del Garda to Milan

7. Milan, Italy

Milan is the image of Italian class and elegance and offers some of Europe's best shopping, plus much more.

• Visit Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century mural The Last Supper, in Santa Maria della Grazie.

• Explore the magnificent Milan Cathedral - swoon at the Gothic architecture and marvel at its intricate pieces of art.

• Wear your new Italian glamorous clothes for an opera evening at Teatro alla Scala.

• ​Experience the Italian night scene. Camouflage yourself between locals at the bars along the streets of Brera.