12 days in Italy, Zurich & Louisville Itinerary

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

Rome is known for historic sites, nightlife, museums, classes, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the ancient world of Colosseum, contemplate the long history of Palatine Hill, make a trip to Trevi Fountain, and get to know the fascinating history of Piazza Navona.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Rome online visit planner .

Huntsville, USA to Rome is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of car and flight. Traveling from Huntsville to Rome, you'll lose 7 hours due to the time zone difference. In September in Rome, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 60°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to take a train to Florence.

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

Go for a jaunt from Florence to Pisa to see Leaning Tower of Pisa about 1h 35 min away. Dedicate the 12th (Thu) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. The adventure continues: admire the masterpieces at Uffizi Galleries, get great views at Piazzale Michelangelo, appreciate the extensive heritage of Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy breathtaking views from Campanile di Giotto.

For more things to do, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read Florence vacation planner .

Getting from Rome to Florence by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or fly. In September in Florence, expect temperatures between 78°F during the day and 59°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can travel to Zurich.

The financial hub of Switzerland, Zurich is most often associated with money and banks.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): explore the world behind art at Museum Rietberg, then explore the activities along Lake Zurich, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fraumünster Church. On the 14th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take a stroll through Old Town, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Grossmunster, then get lost in a book at Bibliothek Rechtswissenschaftliches Institut, and finally admire the masterpieces at Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich).

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Zurich itinerary builder website .

Getting from Florence to Zurich by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Florence in September, with highs in Zurich at 67°F and lows at 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Louisville.

Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, is best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sun): Head underground at Louisville Mega Cavern, then savor the flavors at Food & Drink, and then sample the fine beverages at Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Mon): examine the collection at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, see the interesting displays at Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum, and then get your game on at Bluegrass Karting & Events.

To see ratings, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Louisville trip website .

You can fly from Zurich to Louisville in 13.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Zurich to Louisville, you'll gain 6 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Zurich in September, expect Louisville to be a bit warmer, temps between 82°F and 61°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) to allow time to drive back home.