The only country you love before arriving — pizza, pasta, gelato and espresso all began here. We cover both poles: Rome's three stacked millennia (Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi — walk everything, three days minimum) and Milan, fashion capital and gateway to Lake Como an hour away, with Serravalle outlet an hour out. Schengen visa; direct flights ~5-6h; Frecciarossa links the two in 3h. Best: Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct.