23 days. 1100 km. One elongated and culturally diverse nation. My idea of a north-south journey down the Adriatic Coast of Italy was conceived as an attempt to link four fascinating regions -- the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, romantic Venice and Verona in Veneto, the gastronomic capital of Emilia-Romagna, and exotic Puglia in the deep south. Then there are lesser-known but equally intriguing gems such as Ravenna, San Marino and Urbino.
For foodies like myself there are Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma and Aceto Balsamico di Modena in Emilia-Romagna, truffles and porcini in Le Marche, and the freshest seafood in the Salento Peninsula. For those seeking culture there are 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (and potentially more if tentative sites such as Bologna and Lecce get their wish). And for shoppers ... the tax-free enclave of San Marino.
Did I mention that the entire journey was completed via public transportation? As most of the locales are directly on or within striking distance of the train routes, this itinerary would also suit budget travelers seeking a survey of the authentic Italy beyond the most popular tourist destinations.
Day 01: Arrival at Venice
Day 02: Venice
Day 03: Venice
Day 04: Venice - Padova - Verona
Day 05: Verona
Day 06: Verona - Vicenza - Val Gardena (Ortisei)
Day 07: Val Gardena (Ortisei, Selva, Passo Gardena)
Day 08: Val Gardena (Ortisei, Seceda) - Val di Funes (St. Magdalena, St. Peter)
Day 09: Val di Funes (St. Magdalena, Zanser Alm)
Day 10: Val di Funes - Bologna
Day 11: Bologna - Modena - Bologna
Day 12: Bologna - Ferrara - Bologna
Day 13: Bologna - Ravenna - San Marino
Day 14: San Marino
Day 15: San Marino - Urbino
Day 16: Urbino - Bari - Alberobello
Day 17: Alberobello
Day 18: Alberobello - Lecce
Day 19: Lecce - Ostuni
Day 20: Ostuni - Bari - Matera
Day 21: Matera
Day 22: Matera - Bari Airport - Rome Fiumicino Airport
Day 23: Depart from Rome Fiumicino
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