Following The Da Vinci Code’s Trail
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Beginning a seven-day Italian adventure around The Da Vinci Code is stepping into an art, history, and mystery maze. Imagining yourself strolling through ancient streets where every backstreet exhales history is one experience. Merging with elegance and intrigue, the experience takes you through some of Italy’s most iconic locales.
Day 1: Rome – The Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica
Scene Overview
Whereas the film begins in Paris with Jacques Saunière’s murder, our own journey begins at the Vatican, where Robert Langdon finds himself caught up in a world of clues and conspiracies. St Peter’s Basilica is the perfect place to begin.
Why Visit
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the great works of the Renaissance, featuring Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin. For the best view of the dome, visit St. Peter’s Square at sunrise or look from the nearby gardens.
Where to Stay
FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, a refined stay near the Vatican.
Hotel Nazionale, elegant and close to Piazza Navona.
The Westin Excelsior, a traditional choice on Via Veneto.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Aroma, high-class eating with Colosseum views.
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, authentic Roman food.
Pizzeria La Montecarlo, famous for its crunchy base pizza.
Travel Notes
From Fiumicino Airport, Leonardo Express to Termini Station (30 minutes), then a brief taxi ride to St Peter’s.
Day 2: Rome – Castel Sant’Angelo
Scene Overview
Castel Sant’Angelo is a key location of The Da Vinci Code since Langdon finds vital clues in its confines.
Why Visit
Once the mausoleum of Hadrian, it later became a fortress and papal refuge. The terrace offers great views of Rome. As the sun sets, the outline of the castle against the river is excellent for photos.
Where to Stay
Hotel Sant’Angelo, a short walk from the site.
Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel with gardens.
Le Méridien Visconti Rome, upscale and in the heart.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Il Margutta RistorArte, vegetarian and stylish.
Hostaria da Pietro, cozy with classic Roman fare.
Gelateria Giolitti, Roman institution for a gelato.
Travel Notes
15-minute walk from St Peter’s, or bus 23 from Piazza San Pietro.
Day 3: Florence – The Boboli Gardens
Scene Overview
In Florence, Langdon makes a dramatic escape through the Boboli Gardens, weaving among sculptures and fountains.
Why Visit
The gardens are an open-air museum of statues, grottos and manicured avenues. From certain spots, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Florence.
Where to Stay
Grand Hotel Minerva, with rooftop views of the city.
Hotel Brunelleschi, near the Duomo.
B&B La Terrazza sul Duomo, affordable and central.
Where to Eat
Trattoria Mario, lively and known for Florentine steak.
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori, Tuscan home-style cooking.
Gelateria Dondoli, award-winning gelato.
Travel Notes
Take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence (1.5 hours). Walk 20 minutes from Santa Maria Novella Station to Boboli Gardens.
Day 4: Florence – Palazzo Vecchio
Scene Overview
Palazzo Vecchio looms large in the story, its tall ceilings concealing secrets and encoded messages.
Why Visit
This old palace holds vast collections of Renaissance art. The facade shines beautifully at golden hour, and the interior is full of opulent rooms and frescoes.
Where to Stay
Hotel Brunelleschi, classy and central.
Palazzo Castri 1874, chic modernity in a traditional setting.
B&B Il Marzocco, affordable and welcoming.
Where to Eat
Trattoria da Rocco, relaxed local fare.
Caffe Gilli, vintage café for coffee and pastry.
All’ Antico Vinaio, mythic sandwiches.
Travel Notes
An easy walk from the Boboli Gardens is Palazzo Vecchio.
Day 5: Venice – St Mark’s Basilica
Scene Overview
Venice may not be a central element of the story, but St Mark’s Basilica, with its mosaics and drama, falls right into the atmosphere of The Da Vinci Code.
Why Visit
The basilica is a Byzantine architectural masterpiece. Arrive early in St Mark’s Square to take a photo of the building without hordes of tourists. Inside, the golden mosaics are mesmerizing.
Where to Stay
Bauer Palazzo, Grand Canal views.
Hotel Antiche Figure, close to Santa Lucia Station.
Casa Verardo Residenza d’Epoca, small and inexpensive.
Where to Eat
Osteria alle Testiere, famous seafood restaurant.
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, in Burano for Venetian fare.
Gelato Fantasy, sweet relief after a day’s strolling.
Travel Notes
Train travel from Florence to Venice (2 hours). Use the vaporetto to St Mark’s.
Day 6: Milan – The Last Supper
Scene Overview
Langdon faces Leonardo’s famous Last Supper, one of the most storied paintings in the world, at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Why Visit
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must for art fans. Although photography within the interior is not allowed, the mural’s presence is indelible. The church facade and surrounding streets provide atmospheric photos.
Where to Stay
Room Mate Giulia Hotel, modern and central.
NH Collection Milano President, stylish and handy.
Starhotels Anderson, near the main station.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Da Giacomo, sophisticated and elegant.
Trattoria Milanese, traditional Milanese cooking.
Pasticceria Marchesi 1824, pastry to be savoured.
Travel Notes
Venice to Milan by train is 2.5 hours. The church is near Centrale Station by tram or metro.
Day 7: Turin – The Shroud of Turin
Scene Overview
Although not in the film, Turin provides background to the trail. The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist houses the Shroud of Turin, an object which is a mystery to both believers and atheists.
Why Go
The Shroud is Christianity’s most debated relic. Even apart from this mystery, the cathedral and Piazza San Giovanni are atmospheric.
Where to Stay
Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze, upmarket and central.
NH Torino Santo Stefano, stylish and modern.
Best Western Plus Hotel Genova, handy and easy to locate.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Del Cambio, classic Piedmontese specialties.
Trattoria Piemontese da Felicin, authentic and straightforward.
Gelateria Pepino, since 1884 gelato.
Travel Notes
Turin from Milan, one hour by train. The cathedral is 15 minutes from the Porta Nuova Station.
A Journey into Mystery
The Da Vinci Code tells the story of Robert Langdon as he follows hidden clues across Europe. In Italy, his path leads through places filled with art, history, and culture. Walking the same streets gives you the chance to see masterpieces that shaped the world and explore monuments with rich stories. Each corner invites discovery, and along the way you may even find a few secrets of your own.
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