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How to spend 10 days in italy: 5 italy itinerary ideas for 2024.

If you’re wondering how to spend 10 days in Italy, I’ve got you covered with these 5 itineraries! Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary.

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Itinerary Ideas for your Trip to Italy

Italy is an incredible country that should be on any traveler’s bucket list! Italy has given us so much: the Renaissance, famous artwork, timeless classical music, stunning architecture, pasta, pizza, gelato …need I say more? Not only is Italy the birthplace of so many things, but it is also home to breathtaking natural beauty , from the lakes and mountains in the north to the gorgeous stretches of coastline on either side of the country.

Here are my top 10 day Italy itineraries:
Gotta See it All: Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, & Venice
Classic Italy: Rome, Florence, & Venice
Northern Lakes of Italy: Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como , & Lake Maggiore
Italian Island Hopping: Sardinia & Sicily
Exploring Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Chianti, & San Gimignano

Here's a Short Cut

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Italy Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

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We love Italy and have spent time living there and also being tourists there many times! It’s one of our favorite places to visit over and over again.

Any trip to Italy will be amazing, but I wanted to give you a few Italy itinerary options to choose from. They are all great options, but everyone has different tastes, and one might be a better fit for your needs and group.

If you want to learn more about Italy before planning your trip, be sure to read my complete Italy Travel Guide.

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

How long should you plan for your trip around Italy? How about indefinitely? Two weeks in Italy is really nice, but if that’s not an option for you, I think that 10 days in Italy is a good amount of time for your first visit. It will allow you to see around three sites without getting too worn out, and it’s the average paid vacation time for most Americans.

A full 10 days in Italy gives you enough time to visit several cities in the country and have some in-depth experiences without feeling too rushed. But if you only have one week in Italy, you can still have a great time. Just cut one location out of any of these itineraries and you’ll be fine! There are so many things to do in Italy and you’ll never be able to see them all, but you can see the best!

If you’re stressing about how to plan a trip to Italy, take a deep breath. Anywhere you choose will be great! Once you’ve decided to spend 10 days in Italy, it’s time to get planning your trip! This is the fun part, but it can also be pretty stressful. Be sure to read all the information here , and once you pick which itinerary works best for you, do all the research you can!

The best time to travel to Italy can be a tricky question! The best time to go to Italy will be different depending on what you want to do or see. If you want to see snowy mountains in the Dolomites or go skiing, obviously you’ll want to go in the winter. If you want to spend most of your time on the beach, you’ll want to go in the summer. Summer in Italy can be hot, humid, and really crowded. So if you want to see the big cities, it’s best to go during shoulder season (April-May or September-October).

The best time of year to visit Italy is probably May or September in my opinion. Keep your preferences in mind when choosing when to go to Italy. I give my recommendation for each itinerary below.

Getting around Italy can be fun and easy! In my opinion, traveling by train is the best way to travel around Italy and see the country. It allows you to sit back and relax between destinations, and with the cost of fuel and tolls in Italy, it’s actually the most affordable way to travel Italy. Traveling around Italy by train can sound a little scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. Be sure to read my guide so that you feel confident before booking tickets and traveling by train.

Read My Guide to Train Travel in Italy Here

Many will recommend purchasing a Rail Pass for your trip to Italy. A Rail Pass allows you to ride many trains in Italy without a reservation. This means you can hop onto almost any train in Italy. You can read more about it in my Italy Train Guide . Depending on the length of your trip, how often you’ll be riding trains, which trains you’ll be taking, and how many countries you’re planning to visit in Europe , it can be a great deal…

But it can also be a waste of money . For these itineraries, I don’t recommend buying one. I’ve done the math on each of these itineraries and I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are straying from any of these Italy itineraries, you really need to do the math and decide if it’s right for you. This Italy Train Guide lays all of the information out for you.

There are some areas in Italy that I think it’s definitely worth renting a car! In the northern lakes, dolomites, Sardinia, and Tuscany are all great places to drive in Italy. That can be a little terrifying in some areas. Be sure to read this guide to driving in Italy. I always tell people that once you drive in Italy you can drive anywhere!

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

How much does a trip to Italy cost you ask? Your trip to Italy cost will be very different than the next person. You’ll need to budget for your 10 days in Italy. Your budget will depend a lot on where you choose to go. Large cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence will be more expensive than staying in the countryside.

Italy uses the Euro like a lot of Europe. The exchange rate is usually around .90 Euros to 1 USD. Food costs around the same as in the US, fuel is a lot more expensive, and accommodation will vary widely.

I would plan on spending around €100-300/night for accommodations depending on your group size and level of luxury. If you’re a small group, VRBOs and house rentals can be very cheap! If you’re traveling Italy on a budget, I highly recommend using VRBOs over hotels.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you’ll want to follow my basic advice, especially if its your first trip to Italy!

Learn a few basic words in Italian (grazie, ciao, preggo)
Be sure to validate your train tickets (avoid getting a €300 fine and read this! )
Try the local food and venture away from the main tourist sites to get it
Be sure to pack an Italy-specific power adapter (they have 2 types of plugs). I use THIS ONE for Italy specific plugs. And THIS ONE for European plugs also found in Italy.
Beware of pickpockets ( you can learn about what happened to me here )
Beware of a Coperto charge. This is a charge to sit and eat.
Read my Tips for Visiting Europe

Where to go in Italy you ask? When planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you. The country is so large, it can be overwhelming. After visiting Italy 5 separate times, I have found it best to focus on one region of the country at a time if possible. I know that it’s so hard to visit Italy and not want to see it all, but you won’t want to spend your entire trip on a train, or in a car, or on a plane.

See this list of the best places to see in Italy

While it’s tough to say just which are the best places to visit in Italy, because, let’s be honest, all of Italy is so dang amazing, I do have some personal favorite Italy vacations. When I help friends plan their trip to Italy, I like to give them a little taste of everything: city, history, nature, beach, culture, and food!

I love getting off the beaten path, but there are just some places that are a must see in Italy! There are literally hundreds of choices you can make for your first Italy itinerary, and they would all be amazing. Every person or group has different preferences and interests. That’s why I have created five different 10 day Italy itinerary ideas for you.

You’ll have tons of amazing things to do in Italy, and what you choose to do will largely depend on where you go and what time of year you go, but here are some of the top things to do in Italy:

Take a cooking class
Eat gelato at least twice a day
Go to the beach
Visit ancient ruins
Ride on a Vespa

Download my FREE Italy Bucket List by clicking here.

Packing for Italy can be tricky depending on the time of year you’re visiting. Our family backpacked around Europe , spending an entire month in Italy. You can see our Italy Packing List here. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes. I love these sandals for warmer months and these boots for colder months.

The Best Way to See Italy in 10 Days 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas

I’ve compiled 5 itineraries for your 10 day trip to Italy. Any of these will be a great choice, it just depends on your personal preferences and what you really want to prioritize during your time in Italy. I’ve made some really classic itineraries and some more off the beaten path itineraries! Each Italy trip itinerary has been tried and tested by myself and I can highly recommend any of them. These are my top 5 Italy vacation ideas.

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

This is one of the best Italy vacations for really energetic and active travelers. This itinerary is great for those visiting Italy for the first time, who think they may never have the opportunity to return again. Not everyone travels all the time, which is totally understandable. Some can’t afford to travel often, and some don’t really want to. If you think you’ll only be in Italy once in your life, this is the itinerary for you. It’s definitely an aggressive itinerary that requires you to move through the country nearly every day and spend about one day in each city, but it can be done!

I’ve done this Italy itinerary several times with friends and with my kids. It’s exhausting, but doable, and you’ll so SO much!

If you want to make your life easier, you can purchase this full itinerary , which includes interactive maps, an hour by hour guide, walking you through each moment of your trip. This full itinerary provides you with specific tours and classes, and exact train schedules, as well as recommended accommodations. My interactive 40 page PDF contains everything you need to pull off this amazing itinerary!

Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, & Venice

Day 1: rome, day 2: rome, day 5: florence & pisa, day 9: venice, day 10: venice.

Most affordable flights to Italy will take you to Rome. It’s where I’ve flown into every time I’ve visited Italy. But shop around and find the best deal because you can begin this Italy itinerary at any point.

You can start your Italy itinerary anywhere you wish, but I always recommend starting in Rome . Rome is the third most visited city in Europe, after Paris and London, with 7-10 million visitors per year, and for good reason.

Rome is full of art, history, culture, and amazing food. It is incredible to wander down a street and suddenly come upon an ancient structure or statue! Ancient history is everywhere in this large city.

When you first arrive in Rome, jetlag will probably get the best of you. Give yourself a day to recover and take in all the beauty (and gelato ) that this ancient city has to offer. You’re going to get here and never want to leave.

There is so much to see and do in Rome, it could literally take you a lifetime. Don’t be discouraged by not being able to do it all. There is still so much that you can see just in a day and a half! Be sure to read my guide to Rome in One Day before you go.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Rome:

Wake up early to beat the crowds
Vespa Tour of Rome ( more info here Seriously one of the best things to do in Italy)
Tour the Colosseum BOOK HERE
See St. Peter’s Basilica BOOK HERE
Wander Trastevere

Rome, Florence, & Venice

Day 1-3: rome.

You’ll begin your classic tour of Italy in the capital of Italy. There is so much to see in Rome, you’ll be glad you have three days to see it!

Here are some ideas for your 3 days in Rome:

I recommend getting up early in the mornings to see sites like the Pantheon and Spanish Steps before the rest of the tourists wake up. The city is so beautiful in the morning light.
Your first day in Rome is a great day to take a guided tour of the city so that you can get a lay of the land and check the main sites off. I recommend taking a Vespa Tour! It’s so much fun and even kids can go. Knowledgable tour guides drive you around the entire city, stopping to show you classic and little-known sites. They even stop for gelato. Read here for more Vespa Tour information.
Eat dinner in Trastevere , where you’ll find many tiny little restaurants all serving delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.
Try several gelato shops each day to find your favorite. Read this to find out the best gelato shops in Italy. My personal favorite is Gelato del Teatro!
Take a cooking class . Rome is home to some of the best food in the world. Don’t skip out on learning how to make it yourself. This cooking class is amazing and I love this food tour.
If you’re visiting Rome with Kids, there is so much to do! My kids love Rome, and not just for the gelato. Read my guide to Rome with kids.
Book a Photoshoot in Rome: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.

You can take a direct train from Rome to Florence in under an hour and a half. It’s an easy train ride from city center to city center.

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Cost: $22- Adults $11- Children

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must for your classic trip to Italy. You’ll have the opportunity to see celebrated artwork and architecture.

Some ideas for how to spend your next few days in Florence:

Walk the Ponte Vecchio: This ancient bridge has been around forever and is one of the most iconic sites in Florence.
Take a Food Tour of Florence: BOOK HERE
Take pictures in the iconic Florence photobooth
Book a Photoshoot in Florence: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.
Walk up the Duomo . You’ll need to get tickets for this, but this massive, iconic building is just gorgeous.
Tour the many museums of Florence. Don’t miss Michaelangelo’s David.

You can easily get from Florence to Venice by train. Be sure to buy tickets to Venice Santa Lucia and NOT Mestre ! Santa Lucia will take you directly to the archipelago of Venice while Mestre takes you to the industrial part of Venice.

Time: 2 hours Cost: $37- Adults $17- Children

Spend the last few days of your classic Italy itinerary in Venice. It’s one of the best cities in Italy and unlike anywhere else in the world. If you play it right, Venice can be a relaxing way to end your trip. I seriously recommend waking up with the sun and exploring Venice in the early hours while it’s quiet and not overcrowded. It is truly beautiful. When it starts to get too busy or hot, go back to the hotel and take a nap! Then go back out around dinner time and explore until dark. I’ve done this during several trips to Venice and it was perfect!

Be sure to take advantage of the Vaporetto (public water transportation) and visit the islands of Murano and Burano!

Here are some ideas of things to do during your time in Venice:

Take a Mask Making Class BOOK HERE
Take a Murano Glass Tour BOOK HERE
Visit Burano BOOK HERE
Take a Gondola Ride BOOK HERE
Go on a Food Tour BOOK HERE

When to go: Summer

This Lakes of Northern Italy itinerary is one of my favorites, and not something that most people try. This is best Italy itinerary if you’re intereseted in exploring the beautiful lakes of Northern Italy. It’s some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see in your life.

I love this itinerary for a family trip to Italy. I do recommend that if you choose this itinerary, you book a trip for late spring or early fall as the lakes do get crowded during the summer, and are very cold during the winter months.

Each lake has something unique to offer and it’s worth visiting all of them, but if this itinerary seems a little intense for your 10 days in Italy, I recommend cutting out one or two lakes and just sticking with two or three areas. The great thing about this itinerary is that you’ll also be able to see Milan, so you’ll get a taste of a large Italian city while also enjoying the countryside and beach time.

For this Northern Italy itinerary, I highly recommend flying into Milan and renting a car. The lakes and northern scenery can be best seen while taking leisurely winding drives around the lakes.

Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como, & Lake Maggiore

On your first day of this 10 day Italy itienrary, you will fly into Milan. Here you can spend an entire day or half day exploring the city. Be sure not to miss the imposing Duomo of Milan and The Last Supper if you are interested in art history.

Known for its crystal clear waters, Lake Garda is a beautiful destination for relaxation and fun. Be sure to visit the stunning Scaligero Castle for magnificent views. You can also visit Gardaland , a great family amusement park!

Lake Iseo, known as Lago d’Iseo is a little-known lake between Garda and Como that is a hidden gem in Italy. You can spend your time here hiking, ferrying across the lake, or visiting Grumello Castle.

Lake Como is one of the best places in Italy and one of my favorite places on earth. Yes, it’s popular, but its worth spending at least a few days here. We spent several months and never got sick of it! Rent a boat and cruise the lake yourself and visit the famous town of Bellagio. You can read all about what to do in Lake Como here.

Laggo Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and claims both Italy and Switzerland as it crosses the borders. It is located just south of the Swiss Alps which means there are beautiful mountains surrounding the lake all with incredible views. As such a large lake, you have many options for where to stay. There are beautiful lush gardens and old villas dotting the lake. you really can’t go wrong!

Head back to Milan after your wonderful 10 days on the lakes of Italy.

Sardinia and Sicily are the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and are both worth visiting. You can easily ferry between the two islands via an overnight ferry, which can be really fun. Both islands offer a unique taste of Italy that is something a little different from the mainland boot!

Sardinia & Sicily

Spend 5 days on this beautiful Italian island that is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of my favorite places to go in Italy to enjoy the beach! With over 1,200 miles of gorgeous coastline, sandy beaches, Star Wars-esque rocky beaches, beautiful mountains, and centuries of history, it’s an easy choice for anyone looking for a tropical Italian holiday. Italy beaches are known as some of the best in the world, and, in my opinion, most of them are on Sardinia!

Sardinia is known as a “Blue Zone” which means that people who live here live longer than anyone on Earth. The people there are so friendly, the food is amazing, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

You can fly to Sardinia, or you can take the ferry from Livorno to Olbia, or take the ferry from Sicily to Cagliari. Depending on which side of the island you decide to spend most of your time on (remember, it’s huge) either one of these could work for you.

Time: Livorno to Olbia: 8 Hours Trapani to Cagliari: 11 hours Cost: Around $70/person with a car (extra for private room for overnight ferry)

Mountains, history, food, beaches…Sicily really does have it all! It’s one of the best places to vacation in Italy for sun lovers. Located in the soccer ball of Italy, just off the toe of the infamous boot, Sicily is the largest Meddeteranian island and worth spending a few days on. Sicily boasts some of the best beaches in Italy and evenin the world, like Cefalu, San Vito Lo Capo, Isola Bella, but also offers a rich history and culture as well as a delicious tradition of cullinary delights. Spend time on the beach, hiking, visiting ancient ruins , and tasting classic Sicilian food . It’s a great place to take a cooking class (BOOK HERE) .

Sicily is a great place to have a car so that you can really see the island. Read this guide to an Italy road trip in Sicily .

You can fly to Sicily or take the ferry over. Flying into Naples and driving 4.5 hours down the coast can be beautiful and gives you the option of stopping in the Amalfi coast if you have time.

Time: Naples to Sicily: 5 Hours Cost: $40/person (ferry)

Exploring Tuscany is one of the most classic Italian experiences you can have. What I love about visiting Tuscany, especially as a family, is that it is laid back and you can usually rent a nice villa with a pool for a good price on VRBO, while being surrounded by enchanting scenery. I’ve created a list here of beautiful villas in Tuscany at affordable prices (ps. most of them have pools)!

For this Tuscany Itinerary, I highly recommend picking a home base in one place and taking day trips from there. Everywhere on this list is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in Tuscany. Maybe take a day trip every other day from your home base. This is perfect if you want to do an Italy road trip through Tuscany.

If you’d rather base yourself in Florence and take a day trip to San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti, this is a great tour that hits all those locations.

Florence, Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, &

Visit Florence for a day trip. Enjoy the ancient feel the the city, walk the Ponte Vecchio, visit famous museums and see incredible artwork!

Spend time enjoying your Tuscan Villa. Look for cooking classes near you and try local food.

Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Lucca, stopping in Pisa on your way there. Climb up the leaning tower of Pisa (you must book in advance) .

Spend the majority of your time in Lucca, an amazing walled city, largely free from traffic and filled with beautiful architecture. I think it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Rent a bike and ride around the ancient walls of the city. You can even take a self-guided bike tour of the city. Be sure to grab a few gelatos during your time in Lucca as these were some of my favorite gelato shops in Italy.

Take a day to explore your own little Tuscan town. Sometimes the local hidden gems can be your favorite part of your trip to Italy! You never know what you’ll find. As the locals what they recommend doing nearby.

With lush vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns, Chianti is a beautiful region of Tuscany. This is a great area to take a scenic drive or rent bikes to enjoy more views. If you’d like some help seeing Chianti, you can actually book a half day tour that will take you to all the best spots.

San Gimignano is a beautiful and well-kept walled city in Tuscany. This medival city still has its original house towers.

This beautiful medival town will steal your heart the moment you enter its walls. Be prepared to climb some steep hills in Siena. Grab a pizza and hang out on the Piazza del Campo, the fan shaped public square where everyone comes to enjoy the city.

Spend one last day in Florence seeing the sites before heading home.

Whichever itinerary you choose for your trip to Italy will be wonderful. You really can’t go wrong by choosing any of these. I love helping my readers plan their travel, so if you need any help please reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram . You can learn more information about traveling to Italy on my Italy Website, I Heart Italy . If you want some great tips on traveling Italy, join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my resource page for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

26 thoughts on “ how to spend 10 days in italy: 5 italy itinerary ideas for 2024 ”.

Thanks for your detailed descriptions of each place. I am so tempted to visit all of them but I will be on a cruise this time. If you only have one day to visit between Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terre, which one(s) would you recommend? We are a group of multi-generation travellers (incl 1 72 yo and 1 4 yo kid). Thanks.

Hi Angie! A cruise sounds so incredible!! You’re going to love Italy. Hands down I would choose Cinque Terre! All 5 towns are so incredible and they are easily accessible by the trains. Not sure of the stamina of the 72 year old and the 4 year old, but I would avoid Corniglia just because there are a million stairs! There IS a bus that will take you from the train station to the top of the town though, but it was very crowded and unreliable. Riomaggiore and Vernazza were my favorites though. You’re going to love it! Let me know where you end up going! Have the best time!! xo Vanessa

Just purchased your 10 day itinerary and love it! Hubby and I are planning for Sept/Oct 2020 for 2 weeks. We are thinking about using 5-6 of those days to visit Sardina while we are there. Any suggestions for trimming a few days off the 10 day itinerary and suggestions for Sardinia. Or, is it too much to add Sardinia in 2 weeks? Thanks! Erin

Hi Erin, I’d cut out Lake Como and Venice and head to Sardinia instead. We spent a month in Sardinia last year and loved it. It’s super low key and not very touristy! Feel free to email me if you’d like help with a customized itinerary. xo Vanessa

Hi there. We are a family of three (1 son age 13yo) traveling to Italy in mid/end of May 2020. We definitely want to see Rome and then I am torn between going north(Florence/NW(Cinque Terre)/really North Dolomites/Alps)or South towards Sorrento and Amalfi coast. We have 10 days flying out of NYC. We are first time visitors to Italy and don’t want a jam packed schedule. Can you point me in the right direction? Love all your info! TY!

Hey Diane! That sounds like an amazing trip. I agree, especially with teens you don’t want to pack too much in. How long are you in Italy for? I would recommend flying into Rome, spending 2-3 days there, then catching the train to Cinque Terre. Then spend a day in Florence and see the famous artwork. With teens I like to break up the history/culture with some beach time! You can read more about Cinque Terre here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/things-to-do-in-cinque-terre/ May is a great time to go. Great weather, but not too crazy busy! Let me know if you need more help planning! xo Vanessa

We are there for 10 days. I decided Rome/Florence for day/Cinque Terre/Lake region and home out of Milan. I have read all your i fo and LOVE it. Ty!

That sounds perfect! Definitely spend some time in Lake Como!! It’s one of my favorite places ever! Good luck and holler if you need help! Enjoy!

What do you do with the bags, when you do the half day tour to Pisa enroute to Cinque Terre. Is there storage facility at the train station?

Hey Danny! Great question! There are storage lockers in the Pisa Train station. You can find that here: https://www.stowyourbags.com/en/shop/pisa/luggage-storage-pisa-centrale-station/

Hi there. We are couple planning our vacation to Italy, we will be there for 12 days. We are flying into Rome so we will spend some time there, we also plan on going down to the Amalfi coast. We would like to add another spot or two to visit during our trip, we’ve both been to Florence, so we were thinking about maybe doing an Airbnb in Tuscany, or perhaps going somewhere south since we’ll be in Amalfi. We are not really sure what to do. Any suggestions/or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi Charles. Have you thought of visiting Puglia or hopping a flight to Sardinia or Sicily for something a little different? Renting a house in Tuscany would also be lovely. You honestly can’t go wrong!

Great post with lots of helpful information in Italy travel. Italy is my favorite country, I just can’t get enough of it!

Thanks Whitney. Italy has everything! Love it!

Hi – We are family of 4 which includes boys age of 5 and 10. We are visiting Italy for 11 days in March 9-20. I am more concern about the weather than anything else. What cities should I cover?

Hi Rohan, Italy will be great! The weather will vary greatly in March depending on what area you’re going to. If you want warmer, definitely stay south. If you need any help planning feel free to email me at [email protected] xo Vanessa

This guide is amazing! My boyfriend and I will be in Italy for 12 days at the end of December and beginning of January. It will be our first time and we are having a hard time because we want to see everything. Any recommendations for this time of the year? We heard that the Amalfi Coast shuts down during the winter. Should we save that for another trip? Thanks!

Hey Katie. So exciting about Italy! You guys will love it! Amalfi does sort of shut down, but it’s also great to see it without hordes of tourists. Cinque Terre is also another amazing place. Are you doing Venice? It’s beautiful at Christmas time.

This is the first truly helpful piece of content I’ve read trying to plan my honeymoon in Italy and not knowing where to start. Super grateful that I came across this!

This is a fantastic guide! Thank you! My husband and I are planning for one week in May – 9-10 days max. So wondering if I do your “see-it-all” itinerary but take out Lake Como and Milan. That’ll give me time to do a day trip to Capri right? How would you break up the 10 days for Rome, Amalfi (Positano & Capri), Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice?

Yes you could definitely cut out anything. I think 2 days in each location is sufficient. 1 day for Capri.

We plan on visiting Italy in the fall and hitting Rome-Amalfi-Naples(Pompeii and Mt.Vesuv)-Florence-Venice. We planned to fly in to Rome, but we’re just wondering if you typically book a flight out from Milan or another city at the end of these itineraries or just take a train back down to Rome for the last day so you can book round trip? We were also interested in maybe spending a day relaxing at a winery and visiting a hot spring. Would Florence be a good spot for that? Thanks!

Tuscany is a great place to relax at a winery. If it’s cheaper to fly round trip out of Rome, I would just take the train from Milan to Rome. The trains are really affordable in Italy. Here is some more train info that might be helpful: https://iheartitaly.co/train-italy/

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BEST of Italy in 2 Weeks: Detailed 14-Day Itinerary (+Map & Planning Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

BEST of Italy in 2 Weeks: Detailed 14-Day Itinerary (+Map & Planning Tips)

Planning a trip to Italy for the first time and getting overwhelmed? You are not alone! We get this question all the time: ‘What is the best Italy itinerary for a first trip’ ?

In all honesty, there is no one ‘best’ way to plan a trip to Italy. It’s a big and incredibly beautiful country and pretty much everywhere is worth visiting. But if this is your first trip to Italy and you don’t know where to start, I recommend focusing on the ‘musts’ – some of the most beautiful places in Italy that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.

To help you plan a trip, in this guide, we share a detailed 2-week Italy itinerary that brings you to all the most famous places in the country : Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, but also the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan countryside, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and a few other destinations that should be at the top of every Italy bucket list.

Will you see everything in Italy in two weeks? No, definitely not! But if you want to see the main highlights and get a good idea of what Italy is about, this itinerary is a great first introduction to this amazing country. And take my word for it – you will want to go back and explore more!

So why do we recommend 2 weeks? In my opinion, you really need at least two weeks in order to quickly see all the ‘musts’ in Italy. If you have just a week or ten days, don’t worry – Italy is still more than worth a trip (it always is!). But if you want to cover all the main highlights, you’ll really need at least 12-15 days.

In this article, we focus on helping you make the most of your first trip and plan the most complete Italy itinerary in 2 weeks. At the bottom of this guide, you can also find our additional suggestions on places to see if you have more time.

2 weeks in Italy itinerary including all the top places

Good to know: You can visit Italy in any season and this trip itinerary is suitable for any time of the year. Some coastal areas might be a bit deserted in winter, but if you absolutely want to see them, it’s possible too.

Also, this itinerary is structured in such a way that you don’t have to change hotels too often . This will save you time for practicalities and leave more time to explore.

Since most of the places covered in this Italian itinerary are cities, we DO NOT recommend renting a car for this trip . You can’t do much with a car in Rome or in Venice and you can easily travel between the main cities by train . And for those few places where it would be useful to have a car, you can take day tours (you can find all this info in our article).

If you want to explore a few places in northern Italy deeper, you could rent a car after you visit Venice and then return it in Milan . Depending on what exactly you want to see, it might make sense to consider hiring a car for this part of the trip.

How to use this itinerary: As you’ll see, this 2-week trip starts in Rome and ends in Milan . Both cities have major international airports and it’s quite easy to find flights to/from Rome or Milan from pretty much anywhere in the world. Of course, you can do the trip in the other direction, or you can also make a round trip starting and ending at any of the cities mentioned below . This itinerary is solely meant to give you an idea of what can be done and how you can plan a 2-week trip to Italy.

MAP: To help you get a better idea of where all these places are located, we also created a map indicating all the places covered by our itinerary.

Take a look!

This is our recommended Italy itinerary that covers all the best places in two weeks:

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

There is no better place to start your Italian vacation than in the Eternal City – the capital city of Italy – Rome .

For this itinerary, I recommend that you spend at least 3 full days in Rome: 2 days in the city itself, plus make a day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. This way, you won’t have to change hotels too often and can see (albeit very shortly) some of the best places in southern Italy as well.

Depending on when your flight arrives, you might be able to see some of the landmarks of Rome on the first day already.

TIP: If you can make it, I highly recommend joining an evening walking tour of the city’s highlights – it’s a great first introduction to the city!

Accommodation: Stay in Rome for 4 nights. Here you can find our guide to the best area to stay in Rome . We recently stayed at 9Hotel Cesari and loved it (especially the breakfasts on their rooftop terrace). On a bit lower budget, Hotel Accademia is an excellent choice, and you’ll find many other hotels in the same area.

Days 2-3: Rome

While two days are really short for Rome, if you plan well, you can see most of the ‘musts’ in just 2 days.

We recommend focusing on the main attractions, such as the Vatican , the Colosseum , and all the famous sights in the historic city center (Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, etc.). In addition, you can also add one or two more local experiences such as e.g. a food tour . It will make your visit more memorable and also a bit more relaxing!

Good to know: Be sure to book your tickets/tours for the Colosseum and also for the Vatican in advance!!! Both are extremely popular attractions and tickets often sell out (in high season, sometimes a few weeks in advance). Tip! This Rome Tourist Card allows you to book timed entry tickets for both these attractions in one place, so you’ll also immediately see what is open on the day when you are there (and can adjust your itinerary if needed).

TIP: If you didn’t get the tickets in advance and they are sold out, you can usually still join one or the other guided tour (they usually have access to tickets that are reserved for tour groups). In any case, at least for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, we highly recommend going with a guided tour rather than on your own. We took this amazing tour that also includes the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor (these levels are not included with the regular ticket).

For more info on what to see and how to best plan your time, please see our 2-day Rome itinerary below . This itinerary includes all the top sights that you absolutely shouldn’t miss, a detailed schedule, as well as our experience-based tips on how to make the most of your short visit. Check it out!

LEARN MORE: How to see the best of Rome in 2 days

Trevi Fountain in Rome - must see when traveling to Italy

Day 4: Pompeii & Amalfi Coast day trip from Rome

You could easily spend this day in Rome and find plenty to do too. But if you want to make the most out of your two weeks in Italy, we recommend visiting Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Rome . You don’t necessarily have to do it on day 4 of this itinerary; days 2 or 3 would work too, so you can move things around depending on your preference.

It’s quite a long drive to get to Pompeii from Rome, but if this is your first time in Italy and you want to see as many of the most famous places, then it’s probably worth it.

There are various tours that visit Pompeii and either Mt Vesuvius , Amalfi Coast , or Naples from Rome in one day. Any of these tours will be rushed if you only have a day, but all are really nice and you can’t really go wrong with either option.

If visiting in the warmest months (+-March to October), we recommend this tour . It includes Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
If visiting in the lower season, we recommend this tour . In winter, it brings you to Pompeii and Naples.

TIP: If you’re just interested in the city of Naples, you can also easily come here for a day by train from Rome. In that case, see our recommended 1-day Naples itinerary . Here you can also find a more detailed guide to the best things to do in Naples .

And if you have a few days extra to add to your Italy itinerary, definitely consider spending more time in this area. In that case, you could probably better fly to Naples first, before going to Rome.

Alternative: If you don’t feel like doing a 12-13-hour day tour to Pompeii and rather stay in Rome, it’s a great choice too. In that case, we recommend getting a bit off the beaten path and visiting some of the most incredible ancient sites in Rome .

We recently did this amazing e-bike tour that brings you to the famous Appian Way, Roman aqueducts, and catacombs.

And with the extra time left in the city, you could visit some of the hidden gems of Rome or see some of the best viewpoints .

Ancient Appian Way is one of the most special places to visit in Rome

Day 5: Rome to Florence & visit Florence

Next on your Italy itinerary is Tuscany , one of the most beautiful regions in the country. We recommend basing yourself in Florence for the next few days. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is well worth a visit, but there are also some really nice places that you can see nearby. With just a few days here, you’ll have difficulties choosing where to go and what to skip!

Florence is just a short ride from Rome (+-1.5 hrs by train). Try to get an early train so you have enough time to explore the city after you arrive and drop off your luggage at your hotel.

On the first day in Florence, be sure to visit the musts, such as the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and/or Accademia Gallery . Depending on your interests, you can visit one or all three, but be sure to plan it well.

Good to know: All these places require a ticket and are extremely popular, so it’s essential to get tickets/tours in advance! Having your sightseeing itinerary well-planned upfront is the only way not to miss any of the most important sights and keep your Italian vacation enjoyable without feeling overwhelmed.

TIP: If you want to see as many of the musts in a short time, we recommend this popular tour that includes both – Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery. Afterwards, visit the Florence Cathedral and climb the Dome (be sure to get a timed-entry ticket !).

Then, stroll the streets of the city center and see some of the main highlights that don’t absolutely require tickets or reservations – such as Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Basilica Santa Croce, etc.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Florence

Florence Cathedral and the Baptistery of St John - Firenze, Italy

You’ll still have some additional time to explore Florence in the next days, but – depending on the day trips you choose – it will likely be just a few hours in the evenings after you get back from a tour. That’s why we recommend visiting the places that require a ticket on your first day already.

In the evenings, you can also enjoy some of the best sunset views from the nicest rooftop bars in Florence .

Needless to say, if you can add an extra day in Florence, you’ll be able to explore the city at a much more relaxed pace. But this counts for pretty much every place in this itinerary…

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Florence

Accommodation: Stay in Florence for at least 3 nights. Florence city center isn’t that big, but – to make things easier with the luggage and tours, stay somewhat close to the railway station. For one of our recent trips to Florence, we booked Hotel Croce di Malta – the location is excellent, they have a pool, and you can’t beat those rooftop views! On a bit lower budget, B&B Le Stanze del Duomo is one of the best price-quality hotels in the center!

Florence is a must in any Italy trip itinerary

Day 6: Tuscany day tour from Florence

While there’s plenty to see and do in Florence to fill a few days, you’ll likely want to see some of the famous Tuscan countryside as well.

So on your second day in Florence, we recommend taking a day tour to some of the nicest towns of Tuscany .

You could just take a train and visit the cities like Siena or Pisa on your own, but you would likely only see one town that way (and waste too much time in transit). Also here – if you want to make the most of your time, it’s best to go with an organized tour that visits a few of the very best places in a day.

TIP: We recommend this highly-rated day tour . It brings you to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the beautiful city of Siena, the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, and more. You could never see all these places in just a day on your own.

If you rather not join a tour, then take a train to Siena. Here you can find our guide to the best things to do in Siena , including a sample itinerary for your first. As an absolute minimum, don’t miss the Siena Cathedral !

Leaning Tower of Pisa should be in every Italy itinerary

Day 7: Cinque Terre day trip from Florence

Next is another place that’s probably high on your Italy bucket list – Cinque Terre . The famous 5 villages on the Ligurian coast are among the most visited and most photographed places in Italy.

If you plan well, it’s possible to see the best of Cinque Terre in just a day, also if you are visiting from Florence. You could take a train to La Spezia and on to Cinque Terre, following our detailed 1-day Cinque Terre itinerary . If you decide to go on your own, be sure to also read our practical tips for visiting Cinque Terre .

However, Cinque Terre is very popular and extremely busy (especially in the high season from March to October). So planning a quick visit here might be overwhelming…

TIP: If you want to see all the best places without having to plan anything, you’ll be glad to know that there are also some organized day tours from Florence to Cinque Terre. This highly-rated tour is one of the very best options for a day trip from Florence and covers all the musts in Cinque Terre.

Alternative/ addition day: If you are visiting Italy in the low season, you may want to skip Cinque Terre and visit Bologna instead (it’s just 40 minutes by train from Florence). Or, you could also add a stop in Bologna when traveling between Florence and Venice.

One day is enough to see the main sights in Bologna and it’s worth it if you can squeeze it in. But – as already mentioned before – you can add extra days pretty much everywhere in this itinerary and still not see it all…

READ ALSO: Florence to Bologna Travel Info & Best Things to Do in Bologna

Day 8: Florence to Venice & explore Venice

The second part of this 2-week Italy itinerary takes you to northern Italy. The next stop is Venice , just about 2.5 hrs from Florence by train. Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and so no Italy trip itinerary would be complete without visiting here!

If you take a train early in the morning, you’ll be in Venice by noon, which leaves you plenty of time to get acquainted with the city and see some of the main highlights. We recommend spending 2 nights here, so you have 1.5 days, plus two evenings in Venice. Venice is magical at night – the city is so pretty and you can appreciate it so much more without all the day tourists around.

On your first day, you could tick some of the must-see places on your Venice bucket list. One of the musts is St. Mark’s Square and Cathedral (one of the most beautiful churches in Italy ), and the other – Doge’s Palace , just next door. Needless to say, these are very popular attractions, so also here you have to book your tickets (or tours) in advance.

TIP: We recommend a tour like this that covers some of the musts in the most efficient way. Ideally, opt for an afternoon tour, so that you don’t have to rush in order to get there on time.

After that, explore the city center on foot, see Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. You should also take a Venetian gondola ride , which is another must-do in Venice!

READ ALSO: How to see the best of Venice in 1 day

Accommodation: Stay in Venice for 2 nights. To make things easy for yourself, you could stay close to the railway station – e.g. Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal is a very good option and usually great value for the money. Alternatively, if you don’t mind taking a water bus to the more centrally-located places, check out H10 Palazzo Canova close to Rialto Bridge or Bauer Palazzo not too far from San Marco Square. For the ultimate Venitian experience, take a look at the famous luxury Hotel Danieli .

Venice is a must in any Italian itinerary

Day 9: Venice

Today, you have an entire day to explore Venice and its surroundings . You could opt to spend the day in the city, or you could also take a half-day trip to the nearby islands Murano, Burano, and Torcello (there are various boat tours that visit the islands in 4-6 hours ).

While not an absolute must, a visit to these islands is a nice opportunity to see some smaller Italian towns. Murano is famous for its glass-blowing factories, Burano – for its lace, and Torcello – for its Byzantine basilica. In addition, the towns are very colorful and picturesque, and completely different from Venice.

There is so much to see and do in Venice that you will easily fill the entire day in the city. So it all depends on your interests and how many activities you want to pack into your itinerary.

As a minimum, in addition to the places mentioned before, we recommend going to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile for some of the best views over the city and the Venetian Lagoon. In some seasons, it is now possible to reserve the tickets in advance (do it!). Otherwise, you’ll have to queue and wait a long time. If you can do it first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, it will be easier to plan the rest of your day.

TIP: If you are looking for something special to do in Venice in the evening, check out this dinner cruise on the Venetian lagoon . Alternatively, see if there’s something interesting going on at Teatro La Fenice .

And if you can squeeze in an extra day in your itinerary, Venice is definitely worth a longer stay. In that case, check out our 3-day Venice itinerary for some inspiration on what to see and do depending on how much time you have.

Day 10: Venice to Verona & explore Verona

The next stop on this Italian itinerary is Verona , one of the most romantic cities in Italy. It gets this reputation because of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, and Juliet’s House is one of the top attractions in the city.

The train ride between Venice and Verona takes about 1.5 hours, so you’ll have a big part of the day left to explore Verona. The city is quite compact and you should be able to see all the musts in a day.

As a minimum, be sure not to miss the Verona Arena , built 2000 years ago (best get a priority ticket for this one). Also the views from Torre dei Lamberti and the earlier-mentioned Juliet’s House with its famous balcony are must-see in Verona.

Just as in all the other cities, you can also find some really nice Verona city tours led by locals. There are walking tours , a very nice bike tour , and this food tour is very popular as well. The nice thing about Verona is that it’s not that big, and so you can see a lot at a rather relaxed pace.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to See & Things to Do in Verona

Accommodation: Stay in Verona for 2 nights. We recommend Hotel Milano & SPA***S – it offers excellent price/quality in the city center. And yes, it also has a beautiful rooftop terrace with an amazing view – something we recommend in every city in this itinerary because we love staying at hotels with nice rooftop terraces ourselves. It makes any city visit so much more memorable!

Day 11: Lake Garda day trip from Verona

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and if you have an extra day in your itinerary, it’s well worth planning a short visit here as well. This is especially the case if you are traveling in the warmer months.

If you don’t mind changing hotels more often, you could stay in Sirmione on your way between Verona and Milan. However, keep in mind that there is no direct train from Verona to Sirmione, so you’ll have to travel by bus or train + bus, or arrange a private transfer. To make it easier and simpler to plan, you can just visit Lake Garda as a (half) day trip from Verona. It’s good not to have to pack/ unpack every day.

You can come here by public transport and explore on your own. In that case, be sure to decide in advance where you’ll visit – just Sirmione or also some other towns along the lake, and research the public transport options to get back to Verona in the evening. See our Lake Garda itinerary suggestions on how to spend a day here.

There’s also a nice half-day tour from Verona that visits Sirmione town and includes a short boat ride on the lake. Sirmione is one of the best places to see at Lake Garda and the one that’s the easiest to visit if you don’t rent a car and/or don’t have at least a few days in the area.

TIP: If you take a half-day tour to Lake Garda, you’ll have a free afternoon in Verona. If visiting on weekends in summer (Thursday to Sunday, from +- mid-June to early September), you can attend an opera at the Verona Arena . It’s a really special experience!

Alternative: If you decide to skip Lake Garda altogether, then you could add an extra day in Florence or in Bologna as mentioned before. Or – if you visit Lake Garda with a half-day tour, you could take a train to Milan in the afternoon already and save some time in your itinerary this way.

Sirmione town and castle at Lake Garda in Italy

Day 12: Verona to Milan & explore Milan

The final destination in this 2-week Italy itinerary is Milan , where you can also visit the beautiful Lake Como nearby.

One of Italy’s biggest and richest cities, Milan is also one of the most fascinating places in the country. It has such a unique mix of old, historic places and modern contemporary lifestyle and architecture. Plus, if you like Italian fashion and want to do some shopping, Milan will not disappoint either.

The train ride from Verona to Milan takes about 1.5 hours, and since you have almost two days for the city alone, you should be able to see all the musts in a rather relaxed way.

On your first day in Milan, you could visit the two main attractions – the Duomo Cathedral and see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper . There are also some great tours that visit The Last Supper and some of them also bring you to the Cathedral. It’s also well worth visiting the Duomo rooftop , but you can leave it for the next morning as well.

Good to know: Also here, whatever you decide, be sure to book tickets/ tours for the most popular places in advance! Tickets for The Last Supper are often sold out a few months upfront, but finding a guided tour is much easier (they pre-book tickets and can usually accommodate last-minute bookings as well).

Accommodation: Stay in Milan for 3 nights. Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo is a great option right in the heart of the old town.

Duomo di Milano cathedral in Milan Italy

Day 13: Milan

Today, you have an entire day to explore Milan . Visit the highlights in the old city center, but don’t miss the modern part of the town either!

For more information on what to see and do and how to plan your day, please see our recommended 1-day Milan itinerary . It includes all the musts and the details on how to best plan your time.

If you already visited the Duomo and/or Duomo Terraces and/or Da Vinci’s Last Supper the day before, just adjust your itinerary accordingly.

If you have some time left, you can go shopping in the center or visit Designer Outlet Serravalle (although this one will likely require an entire day).

In the evening, head to the Navigli district , aka the canals of Milan. It’s a very nice and lively neighborhood with lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes – a perfect place to end the day of sightseeing.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Milan

Milan Duomo Terraces - cathedral rooftop

Day 14: Lake Como day trip from Milan

On the last day of your 2 weeks in Italy, we recommend visiting another famous lake in northern Italy, Lake Como . Located just near Milan, it’s an easy day trip destination and a wonderful addition to any Italian itinerary!

Just as with Lake Garda, you could visit Lake Como on your own. In that case, simply take a train from Milan to one of the towns (Como or Varenna are both good options) and then explore further.

However, ideally, you also take a boat trip on the lake and visit several of the nicest towns of Lake Como instead of one. And for that, it’s easier to join an organized tour and have them guide you to all the best places without having to plan or arrange anything.

TIP: We recommend this highly-rated day tour. It brings you to Como (including Villa Olmo), Bellagio , and Varenna – some of the most scenic places on Lake Como. It would be very difficult to plan a similar trip and see all of these sights in just a day on your own (mainly because tours use private transportation and don’t have to waste time waiting for trains or delayed ferries).

Also here, you could easily spend more time at Lake Como than just a day. In that case (or if you rather not take a tour even if visiting for just a day), you may want to read our guide with tips for visiting Lake Como .

READ ALSO: Top Places to See & Things to Do in Lake Como

So, this is it – the ultimate Italy itinerary that allows you to see ALL THE BEST PLACES in 2 weeks. Of course, there’s much more to see and do in Italy than the destinations covered here. But if you want to visit all the ‘musts’, this sightseeing itinerary does exactly that.

We planned this Italy itinerary in such a way that it starts and ends at the biggest towns with major international airports, Rome and Milan. There are lots of direct flights to/from both of these cities to many other places in the world. So it should be quite easy to plan your trip in such a way that you can fly home from Milan.

And if you absolutely want to make a loop, a round trip starting and ending in Rome, you can simply take a train from Milan to Rome, and fly out of there. The fast train between the two cities takes about 3.5 hours.

Good to know: If you take regular trains in Italy, you can just get a ticket at a station. However, if you opt for high-speed trains between the main cities (recommended), it’s best to reserve your seat in advance. You can use the official Trenitalia website for that, but keep in mind that standard tickets are usually non-refundable. We also recommend checking this website for all the best options for train tickets .

If you have more time…

If you have more time in Italy, you could add extra days pretty much anywhere in this itinerary and you’ll find plenty to do. We already included some additional recommendations above. And here are a few extra suggestions:

You could add some extra time at the Amalfi Coast and also visit Capri Island and Naples . So instead of visiting this area on a day trip from Rome, you could stay here for several days. See our Amalfi Coast itinerary and Naples day trips for more suggestions on what to see and do there, and this guide for more information about the best areas to stay in Naples . You could easily add at least 5 days to your Italy trip itinerary just for this area – there’s so much to see!
If visiting in summer, I also highly recommend adding at least a few days in the beautiful Italian Dolomites . You could rent a car in Venice and visit the mountains for a few days, continuing past Verona and Lake Garda and on to Milan. Here you can find some Dolomites itinerary suggestions a,d our guide on where to stay in the Dolomites .
Tuscany is another area where you could easily add a few extra days. There are so many beautiful places to see! See our Tuscany itinerary for some additional inspiration for the best Tuscan towns .
Bologna , one of the foodie destinations in Italy, is another nice addition to any Italy itinerary. You could just visit for a day from Florence, or spend several days here as well. Also Rimini , Ravenna , and San Marino are all worth a visit. See our Emilia Romagna itinerary for more information about these places.

…. I could go on and on. As you can see, there’s plenty to see in Italy to fill another few weeks or months. And once you visit this incredible country, you’ll definitely want to come back and explore more.

But for your first trip, this is a very complete itinerary that shows you the best of Italy in two weeks .

Yes, this itinerary is quite packed and yes, you’ll probably want to stay longer at many places you visit. But it gives you an amazing overview of what Italy is about, and you can always plan a repeat trip to the areas that you liked the most. You can also find a lot more travel inspiration in our Italy travel guide .

READ ALSO: Italian Food – traditional dishes to try in every region

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Tuesday 5th of March 2024

Please offer your ideas and suggestions for a 1-week trip to Italy in May 2024. We only have a short time to visit so any guidance to enjoy Italy in a few days will be so helpful!

Thursday 7th of March 2024

Hi Shannah, there are so many options, so pick the places that interest you the most. And don't overdo it in terms of too many different locations. With a week in Italy and if it's your first trip, you could visit Rome (2-3 days + potentially a day trip to Pompeii/Amalfi e.g. like this), Florence (1 day in the city and one day trip, e.g. to Tuscan towns like this or to Cinque Terre - see this tour), and Venice (1-2 days). Of course, you can just visit one specific region, but there are literally thousands of options, so you have to see what interests you the most. Hope this helps. For more details about all these places, please see our article above.

Monday 26th of February 2024

We are to Italy/Switzerland for 3 weeks in August. We are starting in Switzerland for a week then two weeks in Italy starting with Milan and working our way down as far south as the Amalfi Coast. We are a bit stressed because we finally booked our flights and then read that August is the worst time to travel to Italy due to the weather, horrendous crowds and Italy national holiday starting August 15 when Italians and other Europeans go to the coastal cities (where we wanted to end our trip) an overcrowd those areas.

Do you have any tips on places to go to make an August trip most enjoyable? We prefer some areas that are beautiful, nice to stroll around, eat and see some sights, but don't have to go to all the main tourist attractions. We'd love some suggestions that help us get off the beaten path vs. all the main highlights. I've been to Venice, Florence, Rome once before and my husband has not been at all, but doesn't care too much about all the 'must sees' besides Rome. We plan to leave from Rome airport, but want to try to make it further south to Amalfi coast first.

Any suggestions would be super helpful!

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hi Erica, I'm afraid that what you read is correct. Italy can be crazy busy in August, especially in coastal areas. That being said, the cities are usually deserted (=locals are gone), but places like Rome are full of tourists so you won't be alone. The best way to avoid the biggest crowds is to skip the most popular seaside destinations. Amalfi Coast, Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, Capri, Rimini, etc. will be crowded at that time of the year. But if you book accommodations in advance and plan your sightseeing activities in the mornings, it could be manageable. Of you visit places like e.g. Amalfi Coast, you will have to pre-book everything, not just hotels and excursions, but also restaurants. If you go more inland and stay in smaller villages, you can have a perfectly enjoyable trip. A few years ago, we were in Tuscany in the second half of August and it was great. But we started our days early, did most of the sightseeing in the mornings, and when it started to get busy everywhere, went back to our accommodation and spent the warmest hours by the pool. In the evenings, we usually visited smaller towns, but it was really busy everywhere, parking was not easy, etc. So you need more patience, especially if you go to the main tourist hotspots. Take a look at these articles for some additional tips: Amalfi Coast Travel Tips (don't rent a car here!!!) Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast Where to Stay in Capri Rome Travel Tips Lake Como Travel Tips If you like nature, consider spending some time in the Italian Dolomites. It will also be very busy, but different than at the sea. Also there, top places and most popular hikes will be crowded, so start your days early. Or avoid the top places and you can have a very enjoyable visit. The nearby Trentino region is much quieter, but it's popular with locals = August is the peak season. You can find some inspiration in this article - most activities are definitely not just for kids. Having said all this, when you travel somewhere from the other side of the world, it's just normal that you want to see the top spots. The best tip I can give you is to try to get a bit off the beaten path in addition to the top places, AND book as much as possible in advance. Good luck and enjoy your trip. Italy is always a good idea and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!

Sunday 22nd of October 2023

Hello Jurga,

A great article to read through! Me, the wife and two kids (11 and 14) are planning a trip through Italy next Summer. He have 6 weeks off for summer, so we're looking at a 2-3 week trip through Italy probably. With the kids I don't want to be rushing so do you recommend staying longer in some of these locations? More hotels don't phase us.

Monday 23rd of October 2023

Hi Matthew, so much depends on your interests! With the kids in the summer, you may want to spend some more time in the nature rather than sightseeing in big cities. So you could add Italian Dolomites to your itinerary. Also, you could spend more time at the Naples/Capri/Amalfi Coast and/or Italian Riviera (around Cinque Terre). Also places like Lake Garda and Lake Como offer a great mix of nature, sightseeing, and some relaxing time by the pool. There are so many options. That's why it's really difficult to help our readers with specific itineraries. Pick the places that interest you the most, plan a few longer stays once in a while so that you can all wind down and relax a bit, and realize that whatever you do, there is no way you can see everything in Italy in 3 or even 6 weeks. You'll want to go back ;). Good luck with the choices!

Madonna Hanes

Thursday 19th of October 2023

I'm thinking of coming out to Italy for 10 days, 2 days for flights, and 8 days for touring Italy. What do you recommend and where? Thanks advance.

I was thinking September.

Hi Madonna, so much depends on your interests and on the season when you travel and - as you can probably imagine - the possibilities are endless. But if it's your first trip to Italy and you want to see 'the musts', then I'd probably concentrate on the main cities - Rome (3 days), Florence (3 days), and Venice (2 days). In Rome, I'd probably just stay in the city - there's a lot to see. Take a look at this itinerary for some ideas. In Florence, take a look at these suggestions on what to do in a day. In addition, you can always take one or two day trips from Florence like this day trip that visits Siena, Pisa, and Tuscan countryside, and/or a day tour to Cinque Terre. In Venice, see this itinerary. In addition, you could take a (half)day trip to the nearby islands. Hope this helps.

Friday 11th of August 2023

Hello, Jurga. Your article is an absolute gem!!! I learned so much from it. I am planning a trip to Italy and i was going to follow your itinerary but we are only going for 12 days not 14. What do you recommend skipping? Thank you in advance

Hi Maya, that's a tough one since there is so much to see. You also didn't say when you are traveling. For example, in the winter you could skip some of the coastal areas/nature (e.g. Amalfi Coast from Rome on day 4, Tuscan countryside or Cinque Terre (days 5-6), or Lake Garda and Lake Como (days 11 and 14). In the warm season, the choice is much more difficult. Just see what interests you less and let it go. There is no way to see everything in Italy in 3-4 weeks, let alone 12 days, so you always have to make choices. Good luck!

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Pretty sunset over a cinque terre village you will see on your Italy itinerary

10 Days In Italy Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip To Italy

November 24, 2023 // by Follow Me Away // 12 Comments

If you are searching for the perfect 10 days in Italy itinerary, you have come to the right place!

Planning an Italy itinerary should be fun and exciting, not stressful. I put together this detailed Italy travel guide to show you the ropes!

I have visited Italy multiple times over the years and absolutely love it! With so much time spent here, I know how to plan a trip to Italy.

This best itinerary for Italy includes some of the most famous things to do in Italy as well as some lesser-known suggestions not often recommended by others.

Planning your trip to Italy last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Italy in advance to ensure availability! Here are my top picks for your trip!

Tickets you MUST book in advance:

Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel (A MUST in advance)
Colosseum Entry Tickets (Another MUST! Book online in advance!)
Michelangelo’s David Tickets (Often sells out in Florence)
Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets (Buy online to save time!)
Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Very busy, can sell out)
Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Tickets (Sells out and a must-see!)

Top picks for places to stay in Italy:

Rome: Hotel Relais Dei Papi (Amazing Vatican location)
Florence: Relais Pizza Signoria (City center location)
Venice: Hotel Carlton Grand Canal (Grand Canal views!)
Dolomites: Parkhotel Laurin (Central location with pool!)
Cinque Terre: Affittacamere Casa Dane’ (Affordable location)
Milan: Collini Rooms (Just 10 min from Milan airport!)

I want you to see the best of what Italy has to offer on your first trip. My Italy travel planner includes the highlights as well as some mountain towns and seaside villages.

For this classic Italy itinerary, I will provide a breakdown of the stops I recommend and the best sites to see. Since everyone is different, I won’t tell you how long you should stay at each stop but will provide my recommendations.

Feel free to adjust this sample Italy itinerary to fit your interests. Stay longer where you want and skip what you are uninterested in.

Instead of planning out every moment of every day of your vacation, I provide you with a structured yet loose itinerary to follow for your first trip to Italy!

My example itinerary does skip Southern Italy, so you will have to plan another trip!

Before you go, make sure you aren’t forgetting any of these things on your Italy packing list!

Now, let’s look at what to do in Italy for 10 days!

Woman sitting on the edge of the Venice lagoon with blue gondolas during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

10-Day Italy Itinerary Map

If you are a visual person, don’t worry! I have included my 10-day Italy itinerary in a map version below.

You can see exactly where you will be going during your trip! Feel free to bookmark or screenshot during your planning stages!

All places recommended on this Italy example itinerary are very easy to find by simply plugging the name into your GPS! You can even download the maps offline if you use Google Maps!

Google Maps screenshot of Italy showing the itinerary route.

Stop 1: Spend Time Exploring Rome

Your ultimate Italy vacation will begin in the Eternal City of Rome! When most people think of Italy, their minds immediately wander to Rome and it is easy to see why!

With so much history, beautiful fountains and architecture, delicious food, and world-class museums, you cannot miss out on Rome!

Things To Do In Rome

Throw a coin in the fontana di trevi.

Rome’s Trevi Fountain is one of her most famous landmarks! It was completed in 1762.

Stop here and throw a coin into the fountain. This means one day you will return to Rome!

If you are looking to visit the Fontana di Trevi without other tourists, go early in the morning or late at night!

Explore The Coliseum

The Coliseum will be one of the most memorable things to do during your best trip to Italy! This is a place you have heard about in history books and now it is your turn to explore it all on your own!

I highly recommend booking a Coliseum tour to get the most out of the experience. During the summer, they even have sunset tickets so you can visit after hours!

Book Here: Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum Guided Tour

Wander Through The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is not as popular as the Coliseum but it is worth seeing during your Italy vacation. The Roman Forum is just steps away from the Coliseum and is a wonderful place to walk around.

You can just imagine the Romans here many years ago!

Book Here : Rome: Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Tour

Visit Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous public squares. It was built in the 15th century and is now filled with cafes, shops, and places to get a delicious bite to eat!

Climb The Spanish Steps

You have probably seen the Spanish Steps in a movie or two! They are another famous landmark in Rome to see during your trip. There are 135 steps so bring your walking shoes!

Take A Cooking Class

For many people, taking a cooking class in Rome is the highlight of their first time to Italy itinerary!

You can work with a traditional Italian cook to learn how to create some fantastic Roman-Italian dishes! This is also a great thing to do if you are visiting Rome in winter .

Book Here: Rome: 3-in-1 Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisu Cooking Class

Visit The Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that is now a church. Check it out during your visit because it is a famous historical building and another piece of history to admire!

Book Here: Rome: Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry and Guided Tour

Sunset over Rome featuring the Coliseum and mountains in the distance during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Visiting The Vatican During Your Time In Rome

Wondering why visiting the Vatican wasn’t included in my things to do in Rome? Visiting the Vatican is such an experience that it deserves its own entire section!

I highly recommend spending an entire day exploring Vatican City when in Rome.

There are two main things to do in the Vatican. One is visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica and the other is touring the Vatican Museums.

If you only have time to do one of these things, I recommend visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica.

It is truly the best thing I have ever seen during all my years of travel. It is impressive and architecturally stunning!

At the Vatican Museums, you will find lots of art and history as well as the famous Sistine Chapel. Make sure to buy tickets in advance for the Vatican Museums!

If you don’t have a full day to devote to the Vatican, go early in the morning and make it a half-day!

Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

View of the Vatican from atop Saint Peter's Basilica.

Where To Stay In Rome

I love staying near Vatican City while in Rome. This way, you can walk to Vatican Square at night when it is all lit up.

I highly recommend taking a look at my detailed guide on Exactly Where To Stay In Rome !

As a major city, there are a ton of great places to stay in Rome!

Near Vatican: Relais Piazza Signoria . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Roma Central Guest House . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: The Westin Excelsior Rome . Check Rates: Booking.com

How Long To Spend In Rome

I recommend spending 2 days in Rome . Feel free to modify this! I recommend 3 days at the most especially if you dedicate one full day to Vatican City.

If for whatever reason, you feel like you have seen enough of Rome in a short period of time, there are plenty of day trips from Rome that you can discover!

Dusk over the ruins of the Roman Forum during 10 days in Italy.

Stop 2: Visit Florence And Tuscany

After exploring Rome, your Italy trip itinerary will continue in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the jewel of Tuscany!

I personally loved Florence more than Rome because it is a bit more laid back. It is very easy to take the train from Rome to Florence, and you will arrive in this beautiful city in a flash!

Florence is an extremely walkable city so there is no need to rely on public transport unless you want to head out of town to explore other villages.

Even if you only have one day in Florence , you can still see many things!

For the best option, take the high-speed train from Roma Termini station to Firenze S M Novella in Florence. This will take 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Book your train here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Golden hour over the rooftops of Florence featuring the Duomo church during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Things To Do In Florence

Explore boboli gardens.

Boboli Gardens is a 16th-century garden overlooking the city of Florence! They are up a steep hill so if you are walking, come prepared with some sturdy shoes!

Boboli Gardens cover quite a large expanse and are full of Italian sculptures, beautiful plants, and flowers.

Book Here: Boboli Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour

Visit The Duomo

When visiting Florence, it is hard to miss the stunning Duomo. This Catholic Church soars over Florence and is the centerpiece of the whole town.

There is a dress code for entering the Duomo and ladies and men must cover their knees and shoulders. Complete silence is necessary when visiting the Duomo in Florence.

Book Here: Florence: Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour

Walk Across The Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a picture-perfect bridge in Florence and the perfect place to catch the sunset with a cone of gelato.

If you are spending your Tuscany honeymoon in Florence, this is a super romantic thing to do.

Make sure to bring your camera! It is one of the top things to do in Florence and shouldn’t be missed!

See David At Galleria dell’Accademia

Looking to see Michaelangelo’s greatest works? Check out the Galleria dell’Accademia! If you want to visit the famous David statue, this is the place to see him with your own eyes!

The Galleria dell’Accademia gets very busy so if you don’t want to waste time, book a timed entrance ticket before you arrive or book a guided tour.

Book Here: Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket For Michaelangelo’s David

Marvel At Renaissance Artwork At Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti is Florence’s biggest art museum! It is full of stunning Renaissance works of art. If you are an art lover like I am, this is a must-see in Italy stop.

There are so many beautiful works of art to discover!

Book Here: Florence: Entrance Ticket to Pitti Palace

Sculpture of hands holding a small tree in Boboli Gardens in Florence.

Where To Stay In Florence

Florence is much smaller than Rome so if you are staying in the city center there really are no bad places to stay! I have an entire post on Where To Stay In Tuscany , which includes a portion about Florence too!

I also have a guide to Where to Stay in Florence specifically. Consider staying in one of the cute boutique hotels in Florence !

Hotels in Florence range from affordable to luxury options. You can get a really nice hotel in the city center for a very reasonable price. This is why Florence is one of my favorite places to stay in Italy!

If you get a little bit outside of the city, you can even find many villas in Tuscany for a very affordable rate.

Affordable: Hotel Bavaria. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Globus Urban Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hotel Garibaldi Blu . Check Rates: Booking.com

How Long To Spend In Florence

I recommend spending between one to two days in Florence. You can easily do everything in Florence in a day if you arrive early and stay out late in the event you want to spend more time elsewhere.

If you want to spend more time in Florence, 2 days is the perfect amount of time to explore all that this city has to offer without feeling totally rushed.

For an extra day, you can take a day trip from Florence to Pisa or one of the other towns nearby.

Colorful Ponte Vecchio in Florence during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Stop 3: Check Venice Off Your Italy Bucket List

Venice is the capital of Italy’s Vento region and is made up of over 100 tiny islands!

Venice is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world and when you visit, you will see why.

Luckily, the Floating City is just an easy train from Florence.

Here is a post I wrote on Exactly How To Get From Florence To Venice which explains all of your transport options!

The best route to go from Florence is to get on your train at Santa Maria Novela station in Florence and head to Venezia Santa Lucia. If in Venice. This train trip takes a little over 2 hours and is a nice, easy ride.

Book in advance here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

woman in red dress sitting on dock in Venice with gondola on a canal.

Things To Do In Venice

Explore the famed piazza san marco.

Piazza San Marco, also known as Saint Mark’s Square, is the most popular square in Venice. This iconic square was built in the 12th century and the centerpiece is Saint Mark’s Basilica which you can also tour.

Make sure to pack approp riately for Italy as you will be doing a lot of walking on this itinerary!

Book Here: Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide

Climb The Companile di San Marco Bell Tower

The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower that stands tall over Saint Mark’s Square. You have seen it in many photos, and a replica is even at Walt Disney World!

Climb the Campanile di San Marco for one of the best views in all of Venice! This is a wonderful spot for photography during your 10 days in Italy.

Book Here: Classical Venice: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour

Go On A Gondola Ride

What trip to Venice is complete without going on a gondola ride? This is one of the most popular things to do in Venice ! I highly recommend splurging on this!

These are some of the best tours of Italy, providing a unique view of Venice that you wouldn’t get walking the streets or from other boat tours! The Venetian Canals are a world of their own!

Book Here: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Marvel At Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is an ornate Gothic place right on the canals of Venice! It is a museum and showroom and one of the most impressive palaces you will see during your trip!

If you are visiting Venice in winter , indoor experiences such as this one are perfect to keep you warm and dry.

Doge’s Palace holds lacework, paintings, sculptures, and more. It is a real treat for architecture lovers!

Book Here: Venice: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

Take A Tour Of The Venetian Islands

Another great way to see Venice is to get out of the canals and explore the Venetian lagoon! You will visit the small towns of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, depending on what tour you take.

The best way to see these islands and the lagoon is to take a guided tour. You will also learn lots of great information about Venice!

Book Here: Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Walk Over The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge in Venice is the most iconic bridge you will see! While walking across this 16th-century, stone footbridge is an experience, it is even better to stand back and marvel at its beauty from afar!

If you are a photographer , the Rialto Bridge in Venice will be a real treat when visiting Italy in 10 days!

Cute couple kissing at Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. She is wearing a red dress and he is wearing a blue top.

Where To Stay In Venice

When staying in Venice, I highly recommend staying in the city center! There are a variety of hotel and Airbnb options in Venice ranging in price.

Please don’t forget to check out my VERY detailed guide on Exactly Where To Stay In Venice, Italy! This includes beautiful boutique hotels in Venice .

I recommend staying near Saint Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. No matter where you decide to stay, you are in Venice and that is something to celebrate!

City Center: Hotel Casanova . Check Rates: Booking.com

4-Star: Royal San Marco Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

How Long To Stay In Venice

When choosing how long to stay in Venice, take into account that the city can be seen relatively quickly. I recommend spending 1-2 days in Venice. I have both a one-day Itinerary and a 2-day itinerary for Venice!

If Venice is your dream city or you want to celebrate a special occasion there, then spend a little bit longer and cut down on another location.

Woman in a red dress and sun hat stands looking at the Bridge of Sighs in Venice during 10 days in Italy.

Stop 4: Explore The Italian Alps And Dolomites In Bolzano

The Italian Alps/Dolomites are rarely included on Italy travel itineraries, and I always wonder why!

The Dolomites are some of the most spectacular and impressive mountains in the whole world, and they are so easy to get to from other parts of Italy!

The Dolomites are also home to some of the prettiest lakes and cutest towns in Italy!

Bolzano is known as the Gateway to the Dolomites and should certainly be a stop on your Italy trip. Bolzano is much less touristy than Rome, Florence, or Venice which is why I included it.

You will love leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for the mountains!

I have a full Northern Italy itinerary if you are interested in exploring this region in more detail. I highly suggest it as it is one of the most beautiful spots in Italy!

You can take the train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia in Florence to Bolzano Bolzen station in Bolzano. The journey takes between 3:15 minutes to 3:45 minutes depending on which train you book. As always, book these tickets well in advance of your ten-day trip to Italy!

Book train tickets here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Woman in blue skirt standing in a field with the Dolomites in the background.

Things To Do In Bolzano/The Dolomites:

Take a cable car up the mountainside.

Take in the beautiful Alpine countryside and mountains by taking a cable car ride high above Bolzano! The Renon Cable Car starts from Bolzano and heads up a nearby mountain.

The cable car takes 11 minutes to reach the top, and you are treated to stunning and memorable views of the surrounding countryside!

The Italian Alps will be so different than anything else you see on your best trip to Italy and a cable car ride is a wonderful introduction!

Explore Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Looking for something different than the rest of your visit? Rent a car in Bolzano and escape the city with a 1 hour and 35-minute drive up to the Puez-Geisler Nature Park.

This nature park is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes Italy has to offer!

The Dolomites are truly at their best here! I highly recommend visiting during your Italy vacation! This is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Italy.

Book Here: Bolzano: Great Dolomites Road Private Day Trip by Car

Visit The Duomo di Bolzano

Located in the heart of Bolzano, the Duomo di Bolzano is a 4th-century church located on a lovely little square! The Duomo di Bolzano is an architectural masterpiece and has a stunning tiled roof.

The white and green tiles on the roof are striking and interesting compared to other churches you will find in Italy and Europe. The inside is just as lovely as the outside with columns and a stunning main altar.

Pretend You Are Royalty At Castel Roncolo

Castel Roncolo is an impressive castle fortress located just a bit outside of Bolzano! If you love castles and mountain scenes, make sure this stop goes during your 10 days in Italy!

Regular buses travel to the castle from Piazza Walther in Bolzano. The Castle is a sight to behold and the mountain vistas don’t disappoint!

Go On A Beautiful Nature Walk

The Guntschna Walk is one of the most well-known nature walks in Bolzano. It is an easy and enjoyable way to explore nature without hiking long distances.

The walk starts near the Griest church and the walking trail winds up the side of the mountain. Along the way, you will come across lovely flowers and trees. You will see beautiful views of Bolzano and the surrounding countryside.

This is the perfect way to cap off a long day of exploring Northern Italy during vacation!

Aerial view of Castel Roncolo near Bolzano in the Dolomites with green trees surrounding it

Where To Stay In Bolzano:

I recommend staying in the city center of Bolzano. This is a much smaller town than the first three you visited during your Italian itinerary, but there are still plenty of options for you to stay!

There are four-star hotels, boutique hotels, and affordable inns, depending on your budget for lodging when visiting Italy in 10 days.

Affordable: Residence Fink. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Gardenhotel Premstaller . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Parkhotel Laurin . Check Rates: Booking.com

How Long To Spend In Bolzano

It is hard to describe how unique and stunning Bolzano and the Italian Dolomites are! I highly recommend spending a minimum of two full days in Bolzano and the Italian Alps.

One day just isn’t enough to see the nature park and explore the city.

If you rent a car, which I highly suggest, you should spend one day exploring Bolzano and the castles and then one day visiting the nature park since the drive is a bit long.

Either way, I know you are going to love seeing the Dolomites! Add this region to any detailed itineraries for Italy!

Aerial view of historic Duomo di Bolzano in a city with mountains in the distance.

Stop 5: Visit the Mediterranean Coast at Genoa, Portofino, and Cinque Terre

The next part of your 10 days in Italy will take you from the Alps to the calming waters of the Mediterranean coast!

This will be the longest train or bus journey of your Italy trip, but it is worth it to see both of these amazing and impressive stops! You will visit the Mediterranian Coast in the Liguria region.

This is a great alternative to the popular Amalfi Coast which is farther south.

The capital is Genoa, and this is where you will arrive and possibly stay if you should choose, but you will be also visiting the nearby Portofino and Cinque Terre villages.

The Ligurian Coast is relaxing and rejuvenating and the perfect way to continue to travel Italy in 10 days!

To get to Genoa from Bolzano, you will take between 2-3 trains or busses. The journey takes about 5 hours but you get a great tour of the Italian countryside. You will pick up your train or bus at Bolzano Bolzen station and will take it [with a few transfers in between] to the Genova Piazza Principle Station in Genoa.

Get your train tickets here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Rugged Ligurian Coast with a train headed between Cinque Terre villages.

Visiting Genoa And Top Things To Do

Genoa is where your train from Bolzano will arrive and is your gateway to visiting the Ligurian Coast on your 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Genoa is also where you will find the widest variety and most affordable hotel and lodging options.

The Genoa Aquarium

The Aquarium of Genoa is stunning and totally worth the trip. If you are looking to do something a little different or if the weather is hot or rainy, the Genoa Aquarium is a wonderful thing to include on your itinerary!

Book Here: Genoa: Aquarium of Genoa Timeslot Entry Ticket

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

Taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to see what Genoa has to offer! Tickets are valid for 48 hours so you can easily explore Genoa at your own pace with all the transportation included in your price!

Book Here: Genoa: Hop-on Hop-off Tour Ticket

Historical Center Walking Tour

Genoa’s historic downtown city center is wonderful to explore and steeped in history! From lovely squares to hidden alleyways, taking a walking tour of Genoa will give you a local look at this wonderful coastal city!

Book Here: Genoa: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center

Looking up at the historic San Lorenzo Cathedral in Genoa, Italy.

Visiting Portofino And Top Things To Do

Portofino is one of the best places to visit in Italy, and it is quite near Genoa!

You have two options to get to Portofino, either renting a car or Vespa, or taking the train/bus. Both are easy options.

I recommend making it a day stop as it is a playground for the rich and famous and prices are quite high for hotels!

Explore Castello Brown

Castello Brown is a house museum located high above the harbor at Portofino. It has been in use since the 15th century and provides sweeping views of the landscape below.

You can easily see how Castello Brown would have been used in days past to protect Portofino from invaders!

Go Snorkeling Or Diving

The Ligurian Coast is a haven for snorkeling and diving! The clear water makes Portofino the perfect place to cool off while exploring Italy in 10 days!

There are a variety of snorkeling and diving trips you can take depending on your comfort level! Make sure to check that the tours are still running depending on what time of year you visit!

Book Here: 1-Hour Snorkeling Tour in Paraggi Bay, Portofino

Visit San Fruttuoso Abbey

San Fruttuoso Abbey is a 10th-century Roman Catholic abbey in Portofino. It is located tucked away in a cove and is a wonderful history museum and location to tour.

If you love architecture, this is the perfect place for you!

Book Here: Camogli: San Fruttuoso Abbey Entry Ticket

Eat Gelato On The Streets Of Portofino

Portofino is quite a small town and the shopping streets are all very close together.

While you are in Portofino, make sure to slow down and take in the Italian Riviera. Have a bite to eat or grab a gelato while walking around and marveling at all the luxury yachts moored in the harbor!

Yachts and small boats in a harbor in Portofino, Italy, with colorful buildings in the background.

Visiting Cinque Terre And Top Things To Do

Cinque Terre is actually a collection of five towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

You can visit all five during your Italy travel itinerary for 10 days, or you can choose your top picks and save the rest for next time.

If you want to explore all of the towns, I recommend budgeting an entire day to do so!

You can choose to drive or take the train if you want to add Cinque Terre to your Italy itinerary. If you choose to take the train from Genoa, take a local train toward La Spezia and get off at your desired Cinque Terre destination.

Alternatively, you can take an express train directly to La Spezia and a local train back to your Cinque Terre town of choice.

Hike The Monterosso Footpath

The Monterosso footpath connects the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza with stunning views of the towns!

This hike is a bit challenging as you are going up the coastal cliffs so budget at least 1-2 hours to complete it.

The views are worth the effort, but bring plenty of water, especially if you visit during the summer.

This is one of the top things to do in Cinque Terre and should not be missed!

Explore The Church of San Francesco

The Church of San Francesco overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and provides breathtaking views of the stunning blue water below!

The church was built in the 17th century and is a wonderful stop when touring Cinque Terre.

Visit Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre

This National Park is one of the smallest in Italy at only 15 square miles but one of the most popular and most beautiful!

Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the most heavily inhabited national parks in Italy and it is easy to see why!

A one-day pass costs only a few euros per person. Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take a Boat Tour Of Cinque Terre

If you are short on time during your trip, consider taking a boat tour of the Cinque Terre villages.

This will allow you to see all of the towns with ease and speed. You won’t miss a thing! You can also stop off at some of the Cinque Terre beaches to rest and relax.

A boat tour is an easy and affordable way to add Cinque Terre to your itinerary. You can see everything by water!

Book Here: From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour

Woman in red dress and sun hat stands on a rugged rock looking across the water to a colorful village in Cinque Terre.

Where To Stay On The Ligurian Coast

Depending on the amount of time you allot to the Ligurian Coast, I recommend staying in Genoa, the nearby town of Bogliasco, or one of the Cinque Terre villages.

I even put this guide together of the Best Places To Stay In Cinque Terre !

If you are short on time, I recommend making Genoa your home base since it is close to the main train up to Milan.

If you have more time to spend in the Italian Riviera, you can consider staying in the Cinque Terre village of your choice. There are plenty of luxury hotels in Cinque Terre !

I personally loved staying at a local Italian home in Bogliasco as it was quiet and relaxing with coastal views!

Affordable: B&B Hotel Genova . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: The First – Manarola 5 Terre . Check rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Bristol Palace Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Woman in a floral dress overlooking a color town and harbor in Cinque Terre.

How Long To Spend On The Ligurian Coast

I recommend spending 2 days on the Ligurian Coast during your Italy itinerary. If you can swing it and change up your itinerary elsewhere, you may even choose to spend three wonderful days along the coast!

If you made changes elsewhere but still don’t want to sacrifice seeing the Mediterranean Coast, this part of your vacation can be done in 1 day and 1 night if you must.

I highly recommend staying the night in Genoa if you only have one night and taking the train and a Cinque Terre boat tour to save time.

Aerial view of Portofino on the Ligurian Coast with boats and colorful houses.

Stop 6: End Your 10 Days In Italy Itinerary By Flying Out Of Milan

End your 10 days in Italy itinerary by flying out of Milan. This city is home to a large international airport and many affordable flight options fly from here.

Beginning your trip in Rome and ending it in Milan is perfect, especially if you want to spend the majority of your Italy itinerary exploring!

If you must fly roundtrip from Rome, you can shorten the itinerary a bit to leave room for flying back to Rome from the Milan airport which should be a quick puddle jump.

Overall, I do recommend purchasing two one-way flights to give you the maximum amount of time to explore the country!

Even if you only have one day in Milan or a half-day, there is plenty to see and do to wrap up your trip!

Book Here: Milan: Direct Transfer between Malpensa Airport and Center

Getting to Milan from Genoa is quite easy! Take the train from Genova Piazza Principe to the Milano Central Rail Station. The train journey should take about 1 hour and 40 minutes and is quite easy to navigate.

Book tickets in advance here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Vivid sunset over the Milan Cathedral and square.

Things To Do In Milan

Take in the breathtaking milan cathedral.

The Milan Cathedral is an architectural wonder and a breathtaking masterpiece!

It is so much bigger in real life than it looks in photos. Interestingly, it took nearly six centuries to complete. Construction began in 1386 and finished in 1965!

Book Here: Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Ticket

Go Shopping At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping mall and a hallmark thing to do!

The mall is housed in a 19th-century, glass-covered arcade and is quite the sight to behold! If you haven’t had time to do much shopping during your vacation, now is the time to take advantage!

Visit Sforza Castle In Milan

Sforza Castle is a 15th-century castle located right in the city. It is also home to various artistic works, including those from Leonardo Da Vinci!

If you are looking to add another museum and art gallery to your Italy itinerary, make sure to put Sforza Castle on your list of things to do in Milan.

Book Here: Milan: Sforza Castle Entry Ticket with Digital Audioguide

Explore The City On A Bus Tour

If you are short on time, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a perfect way to quickly see the city! Even if you aren’t into doing super touristy things, you will still enjoy this bus tour.

It will provide insider information about some of the most famous sites, and you can easily be able to get off the bus should you want to explore more! This is perfect if you only have one day to tour Milan.

Book Here: Milan: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Long exposure dusk photo of a fountain in front of the Sforza Castle during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Where To Stay In Milan

If you are catching your flight out of Milan Airport the next day, I highly recommend spending your last night in Italy somewhere close to the airport.

This will allow you to explore on the last day of your 10-day Italy itinerary without worrying about waking up early and taking a long transfer taxi or bus to the airport to catch your flight the next day.

If you want to spend longer or you want to peek into my exact suggestions, check out my post on where to stay in Milan to help you decide!

There are plenty of great boutique hotels in Milan too!

Mid-Range: Sheraton Milan Airport Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Affordable: First Hotel Malpensa. Check Rates: Booking.com

How Long To Spend In Milan

I recommend spending one day in Milan at the most. Compared to other Italian cities on this itinerary, the city can be done very quickly or maybe not at all.

If you are looking for how to save time and budget days for elsewhere in this 10-day itinerary for Italy, I recommend spending as little time as possible in Milan!

Use this city as your gateway to the airport, stop off and see a thing or two, and then be on your way home!

If you do have an extra day, you can enjoy a day trip to Lake Como.

Yellow, historic tram in Milan near an arch during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Begin Your Italy Itinerary By Flying Into Rome

For this 10-day in Italy itinerary, you are going to be flying into Rome. This is one of Italy’s major airports so flights come to Rome from all around the world.

You will not be flying out of Rome at the end of your Italy vacation, but this will most likely save you money by booking two one-way flights out of Italy’s biggest airports!

I recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights into Italy. Use this tool to discover the best flights for your trip because you can easily compare rates.

I also suggest booking your trip on a travel credit card so you can earn points toward future travel! These are the travel credit cards I personally use!

Rome has two airports you may fly into depending on where you are coming from.

Fiumicino Airport is the larger international airport so if you are coming from the Americas or Asia, you will be flying into this airport.

Ciampino Airport is used by smaller budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet. You will fly into this airport if you are flying in from other parts of Europe.

The most affordable way to travel between Fiumicino Airport and Rome is by a shuttle bus that stops at both Termini Station and Piazza Cavour. This shuttle takes around an hour.

There are also trains and taxi services that run into Rome as well.

Book Here: Rome: Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport

Book Here: Rome: Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport

Pink sunset over the Spanish Steps and a fountain in Rome during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Getting Around Italy In 10 Days

There are plenty of ways to get around Italy when you travel throughout this amazing country!

You can take public transportation during your entire trip and use some of the wonderful high-speed trains Italy has to offer. I have gone this route before. It is very easy, and Italy’s train system is wonderful.

Getting around Italy by train is my recommended course of action for this itinerary for Italy in 10 days but you choose what is best for you!

You can also choose to rent a car or Vespa if you want to drive. I have also rented a car in Italy but it will be a more expensive route than taking the train in Italy.

Also, not dropping the car off at the same place you picked it up will include an added cost. If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that tolls in Italy can be pricey and parking is often hard to find in larger cities.

I have driven in Italy and it is a great way to see the country if you hate waiting on trains and buses. You can easily make this an Italy road trip !

Another great way to travel around Italy is to hire a private driver to take you everywhere on your Italian itinerary if it works with your financial position.

Read More: Pros And Cons Of Renting A Car In Italy

Aerial image of a red train cutting through farmland near mountains in Italy.

First Time In Italy Travel Tips

Getting a sim card in italy.

If you don’t want to break the bank with international cell phone coverage, I HIGHLY recommend investing in a local SIM card. This is a top tip when visiting Italy for the first time!

This will give you access to local Italian cell phone networks, and you will be able to use your phone just like a local!

I love using SIM cards from local countries as they provide a fast, easy, and affordable network connection. When buying a SIM card, you can usually purchase one in the airport or any downtown metro area.

The best network for SIM cards in Italy is TIM . Plans such as Verizon don’t really exist in Italy which will cause your experience to be frustrating and slow.

Plans such as TIM are the main network used in the country so you can be sure to have an enjoyable and affordable experience.

Woman in blue skirt overlooking a winding road in Tuscany at golden hour during 10 days in Italy itinerary.

Do I Have To Drive In Italy?

No, you do NOT have to drive in Italy to experience this itinerary. This entire itinerary can be done by using public transportation.

The public transportation in Italy is fantastic and affordable.

Trains run between all the popular destinations on this list. The moment you arrive in town, there is more public transportation to take you throughout the city.

That being said, renting a car will provide you with more freedom. If a tour is more your style then some great tours in Italy will take you around with ease.

I have traveled to Italy both by renting a car AND by only relying on public transportation. The choice is truly yours.

Driving in Italian cities can be a bit stressful if it is busy or during rush hour, but otherwise, the experience is quite nice!

Small black car in a street with stone buildings in Italy.

Understanding The Italian Public Transit System

If you want to do this trip with just public transportation, then this section is for you! Even if you rent a car in Italy, you will still need to rely on public transport in Italy.

I receive many questions about the public transit system in Italy. You should know it is wonderful! If you are from the USA, it is very easy to understand and very affordable!

All of the major cities and most of the small towns and villages are connected by trains. Once you arrive anywhere by train, there is a system of buses or other public transport to take you around town.

You will not show up at a train station and then be left with no option to connect you to your hotel or the city center.

Train, buses, trams, ferries. They are all easy, affordable, and enjoyable experiences. Please do not worry about using public transportation when planning your best Italian itinerary for 10 days.

Two red trains at a covered train station in Italy.

Best Time To Visit Italy

There is really no wrong time to plan an Italian vacation! The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want from your trip and when you can travel.

Prices, crowds, activities, weather, and more all vary by month.

I will give you a quick breakdown by season so you know what to expect when you visit. Make sure to check out my article for a complete guide to when to visit Italy.

Spring in Italy is shoulder season with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is warm and there are plenty of flowers but expect some rainy days.

Summer is the busiest time in Italy especially in August when Italians take their vacation. The weather is sunny and hot, perfect for a beach day. This is the most expensive time to visit.

Fall is also shoulder season with lower prices. Enjoy pretty foliage and nice weather with fewer crowds.

Winter is the off-season and overall cheapest time to visit Italy. You will love celebrating Christmas and New Year as well as Carnival in Venice. The weather is cold and can be snowy. You will have a blast skiing in scenic locations.

Aerial view of golden hour over the rolling green hills of Tuscany with a villa.

Hopefully, you have learned how to do Italy in 10 days!

My Italian itinerary ideas will help you plan your trip any time of year. Whether this is your first-time visit to Italy or you are a seasoned traveler, you are ready to get started planning your trip!

When planning your trip remember that you can budget the days of the vacation any way you like, but I do provide my recommended suggestions!

Want to stay longer in Italy? I also have a 2 weeks in Italy itinerary to check out!

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Four photos of Italy with the words "The Ultimate 10 day Italy itinerary"

Reader Interactions

July 26, 2018 at 9:41 pm

All your suggestions sound wonderful. I’m planning a trip there soon, I’ll use your itinerary body. Thanks.

August 3, 2018 at 8:39 pm

Wow I love this! There’s just so much to see in Italy that it’s honestly so hard to see it in ten days. I was hoping there would also be a Sorrento and Amalfi section, but I don’t know what you could take out to make it fit!

August 3, 2018 at 10:18 pm

I loved Italy when I went to Rome! I hope to explore more areas like you did. Thanks for all the tips!

August 4, 2018 at 7:55 am

I love italy and have been to most of these places – this is the perfect itinerary for someone that wants to see all the highlights!

August 4, 2018 at 11:10 am

First of all, I love how comprehensive this post is! I think I’ve added a hundred things to my Italy bucket list – Doge’s Palace being number one (how have I never heard of this place before?). I was also a little worried that ten days wasn’t enough time to see Italy but this sounds like such a wonderful itinerary that has just the right amount of things to do and isn’t too jam packed.

September 27, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Is there 1 company who can book everything?

October 4, 2018 at 8:45 am

Thank you for the great tips.. Looking forward to my trip to Italy. Am planning a trip end Nov – beginning Dec. If anyone’s interested in joining, would love to explore the place together!

February 28, 2019 at 5:31 pm

I see you did not add Naples to the Initially

August 12, 2019 at 1:42 pm

Thank you for this wonderful itinerary. Best I’ve seen because it includes the Dolomites. We plan on visiting Italy the spring of 2020.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Perfect 10 Day Italy Itinerary: Detailed Day by Day Guide + Map & Tips!

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 6 Comments

Italy is one of our favourite European countries to travel in. We’ve visited, and written about, many of the towns and cities across the country.

One thing we are often asked for is a suggested Italy itinerary. And whilst we’ve written extensive itineraries for a few of the individual cities in Italy, we haven’t as yet put together a detailed itinerary for Italy.

So, starting with this post, we’re going to change that! This 10 day Italy itinerary covers some of our favourite cities and sights, and would make for the perfect trip, especially if this is a first time visit to Italy.

This itinerary has a focus on the cities we think first time visitors will enjoy, plus it makes the travel part of the trip that much easier. Whilst you can rent a car in Italy of course, we think using the high speed rail network to get between locations on this itinerary is going to be easier.

Speaking of getting around, as well as the detailed day by day itinerary of sights and attractions, the itinerary has tips for getting around Italy, advice on saving money, and general planning advice for your trip.

Italy Itinerary Summary

In summary, this itinerary for 10 days in Italy looks as follows:

Rome – 2 days
Florence & Tuscany – 2 days
Bologna – 2 days
Milan – 2 days
Venice – 2 days

Of course, this is just a guide, and you can add or remove days and destinations to suit your interest and travel style.

There are lots of potential options and variations on this route, including towns like Lucca and Pisa, the Cinque Terre, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Verona and Padua – to name just a few! So definitely just use this as a guide, and build upon it to make your own ideal itinerary for Italy.

We prefer to travel a little slower and spend longer in a location where possible. We also like to try and spend 2 nights in each location as a minimum, so as to avoid having to pack up and move hotels every day.

It’s also important when planning a trip to consider the time spent travelling between locations, and we’ve tried to keep this to under two hours for each part of our itinerary.

Just remember, there will always be more to see, wherever in the world you are going, and the temptation to fill an itinerary to bursting can be high. Try to resist this temptation, as you’ll end up just rushed and not really enjoying the trip.

Now, let’s get into the details of this 10 day Italy itinerary.

10 Day Italy Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: rome.

Rome is the capital city of Italy, and we think starting here makes a lot of sense. The city has great international flight connections, as well as train connections to the rest of Italy and much of Europe.

However, the real reason to start here is that there is so much to see and do in Rome. We’ve visited multiple times, and never run out of things to do in Rome.

2 days in the city will give you time to see the main highlights on offer, covering thousands of years of history, culture and art. You’ll also have time to treat yourself to some gelato, sip coffee in a traditional coffee house, and eat delicious Italian food. What a way to start your trip!

We’d suggest that your 2 days in Rome might look as follows.

What to Do in Rome

On your first day, we’d recommend starting with the Colosseum. Built almost 2,000 years ago, when the Roman Empire was as its height, this is a must-see attraction in Rome.

The Colosseum is a popular attraction, and you’ll want to reserve your time slot in advance on the official website here so you can get in at a convenient time.

Alternatively, you can take a guided tour, which includes skip the line entry to the Colosseum as well as the Roman Forum. We highly recommend taking a tour of the Colosseum like this one or this one if your budget and timeframe allows for it, as it is a complex site with a lot of history. But it’s up to you of course!

Read more about visiting the Colosseum in our detailed guide to the Colosseum .

From the Colosseum, the next logical stop is the Roman Forum. This is right next door, and entry is generally included as part of your Colosseum ticket.

The Roman Forum is where the business of the Roman Empire was conducted, and it was basically the epicentre of the Empire. There’s lots to see and do here, and overall you’re probably looking at 3-4 hours to take in both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

So that’s your morning all planned out! We’d suggest having a break for lunch at this point. Head into the historic city center, which is just 10-15 minute walk from the Forum, where you’ll find no shortage of eating options.

For your afternoon, our recommendation is to explore the city center. You’ll likely be tired from your trip, so trying to fit too much in on your first day is probably a bad idea. Instead, you can wander around and take in sights like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Rome’s many pretty piazzas.

We can also recommend taking a break for either coffee or gelato – or both! See our guide to the best gelato in Rome , and the best cafes in Rome for plenty of excellent options.

On your second day in Rome, we recommend visiting Vatican City . This is actually a city-state, so technically you’ll be visiting a different country. Don’t worry though, you won’t need to bring your passport, and you probably won’t notice when you cross the border.

The Vatican City is home to a number of attractions, including the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, as well as St. Peter’s Basilica.

The former is home to one of the most impressive art collections in the world, and includes Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the famous Sistine Chapel. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here just to see the major highlights.

The best place to get tickets is directly from the Vatican website , as they offer the best value tickets in our experience. Advance tickets include skip the line access and you also get to visit the Sistine Chapel.

Another option is to book with this website , using our link gives you 5% off their usual price for Vatican tickets. It’s a little more expensive but somewhat more user friendly in our experience. They also normally have availability even if the official website is booked out.

From the Vatican, it’s a quick walk around the corner to St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the largest Catholic church in the world, and is also home to a number of notable artworks. If you’re feeling fit, I can very much recommend taking the time to head up to the dome for wonderful views across Rome.

Like the Colosseum and many other attractions in Rome, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are very popular so entry lines can be long.

You will want to plan ahead, and consider purchasing a guided tour like one of these so you don’t have to waste your trip queuing unnecessarily.

Alternatively, consider a walking tour like this which includes both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Skip the line entry to the Vatican is included on the Omnia Card as well as the Rome Tourist Card , both of which also comes with a number of other benefits. The latter also includes a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica which skips the line and includes a dome climb, which is a highly recommended experience.

You can also book individual skip the line tickets on the official site here for the Vatican , which is the most cost-effective option if you don’t want to take a tour or buy a pass.

As of early 2023 St Peter’s Basilica doesn’t actually have an entry fee, but nor does it have skip the line tickets (skip the line tickets used to be an option and we hope they come back soon!). So the best option if you want to skip the line is to invest either in a tour or a pass which includes a tour like the Rome Tourist Card .

Note that regardless of any skip the line privileges, the majority of attractions across Italy will have security checks, so you will always have to go through these.

For lots more information on visiting the Vatican City and its attractions, see our complete guide to the Vatican , which has everything you need to know, including all the highlights, tips for visiting, how to buy tickets and lots more.

Seeing all the above will likely have used up at least half of your second day in Rome.

For the remainder of your day, we would recommend starting off by taking in the 2,000 year old Castel Sant’Angelo on the banks of the Tiber, which is just a short walk from the Vatican City. You can get tickets on the door or in advance here .

Then, enjoy the rest of your afternoon exploring some of the old churches, shops, coffee houses, and piazzas that the city has to offer. Or you might schedule an afternoon visit to a museum such as the Borghese Gallery . We don’t think you’ll run out of things to do!

While you’re in Rome, you might decide to take a walking tour. We’ve listed a couple above, both of which are with Take Walks , one of our favorite companies for walking tours. You can see all their Rome tours here .

This would also be a good time to take a food tour. See our guide to the best food tours in Rome here for some ideas.

Rome, like many cities around the world, also has a variety of city attraction passes to choose from which include transport and attraction entry. For 2 days in Rome, we recommend the Rome Tourist Card , which includes the Vatican, Colosseum and a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica as well as handy audio guides.

Another option would be a combination of the Roma Pass and the Omnia Card . The former includes public transport and entry to the Colosseum and Castel Sant’Angelo, whilst the latter has entry to the Vatican City attractions.

You can also buy these cards together, in a product called the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass . This is a good option which we often recommend for Rome, however it’s only available in a 3 day version so is likely not going to be a good option for this itinerary.

Of course, every individual trip is different, and you will need to figure out the costs of any card you purchase against the sights you want to see, to ensure it’s worth it. If you plan on doing a walking tour, are visiting at a quieter time of year, or don’t plan on seeing everything, they might not be worth the cost.

For more inspiration for your visit to Rome, see our itineraries for 3 days in Rome , 2 days in Rome and a day in Rome .

Where to Stay in Rome

For this itinerary, our recommendation is to stay central, ideally close to Termini train station, which is where you’ll get the train to your next destination. However, any central location in the old city center will work. We’d recommend looking for locations between Piazza Navona and Termini.

Some suggested options are as follows, ordered approximately by price

The RomeHello – found just a few moments from Rome’s Termini Station, this hostel features a range of room types, from dormitories to private en-suite rooms. There’s free WiFi, fantastic reviews, and it’s a great value option.
Orsa Maggiore Hostel – just across the river in Rome’s trendy Trastevere district, this female only hostel features a range of room types including dormitories and private rooms.
Di Rienzo Pantheon Palace – a very well reviewed guesthouse option in the heart of the city, just moments from the Pantheon and other attractions. The building is a 16th century property, and rooms feature en-suite facilities, free wi-fi and breakfast
The Mimosa Pantheon Hotel – right next to the Pantheon, and therefore well placed for the city’s attractions, this is a well reviewed good value 1* hotel. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air conditioning and free WiFi. A solid budget choice.
The Navona Theatre Hotel – just five minutes walk from Piazza Navona, this is a very well rated 3* hotel within easy walking distance of most of Rome’s main attractions
The Hotel Navona – another well reviewed 3* hotel in central Rome near Piazza Navona. This hotel is in a restored 15th century building which features restored original frescoes. Rooms have en-suite facilities, air conditioning and free WiFi
Hotel Valentino Palace – a fantastic mid-range 3* property, just 150 yards from the train station
Gioberti Art Hotel – 50 yards from Termini Station, a well rated excellent value 4* hotel
NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento – Good value 5* hotel just a few steps from the train station

How to get to Florence from Rome

You have a few options for getting to Florence for Rome.

Our recommended option would be to take the train. These direct services run multiple times throughout the day, and the journey takes around 90 minutes.

In our experience, you get the best prices by booking a train in advance. This will get you a seat reservation, and booking in advance will get you the best prices. We recommend checking prices and booking online here .

You can also book train tickets just by turning up at the train station. You will still get a seat reservation, but availability is not always guaranteed last minute, and the prices will be usually be higher than booking in advance.

If you wanted to save a bit of money, it’s also possible to take a coach from Rome to Florence. These are a little bit cheaper, but take around four hours so we generally think the train is worth paying a bit more for to save time. You can check coach times and prices across a number of providers and book online here . You can also check directly with FlixBus here .

If you’d prefer more of a door-to-door service, you can book a private transfer from Rome to Florence. Obviously this is a more premium option, but if you are travelling in a group it can work out fairly cost effectively. It’s also going to be the easiest option, as it will take you from the door of your hotel in Rome to your hotel in Florence.

You can book a private transfer online in advance here . Expect the trip to take around 3 hours, depending on traffic.

Finally, you can also hire a car and drive between the two cities. You can check prices across a number of car rental agencies on Discover Cars here .

Honestly, I’d advise against this as it’s likely to be more hassle than it’s worth. Once you factor in picking up and dropping of the car, fuel costs, tolls and parking fees, it’s not likely to be more cost effective or quicker than any other option. That said, if you are travelling as a group it might make sense.

Days 3 & 4: Florence and Tuscany

Florence is a stunning city. It has architectural highlights like the magnificent Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio covered bridge, as well as incredible cultural attractions including Michelangelo’s David, the art of the Uffizi Gallery, and the Pitti Palace .

It’s also surrounded by rolling Tuscan countryside, which is dotted with beautiful towns like Siena, as well as Chianti growing vineyards.

Suffice to say, there’s quite a lot to see and do in Florence!

Our suggestion for your two days in the region is to spend one day fully exploring Florence itself, and one day exploring the wider Tuscany region. This will give you the time to experience the highlights of Florence, plus take in some of what Tuscany has to offer.

We’ve actually written a detailed guide to visiting Florence and Tuscany in two days , which should help plan this part of your trip. We’ll also go through a summary of how your two days will look here as well.

What to Do in Florence

For your first day, you’ll want to explore the city of Florence itself.

A good plan is to start your day by visiting probably the world’s most famous statue – Michelangelo’s David. This is found in the Accademia Gallery, where you will also find a number of other artworks including paintings and sculptures.

The statue of David is one of the most popular attractions in the city, so you do need to plan your visit a little bit in advance. The Accademia Gallery, like other popular attractions, operates a timed entry system. You can reserve your tickets online in advance on the official website here . This is definitely not one to just turn up at and hope to get tickets on the door!

From the Accademia, head on over to the Duomo. This 13th century cathedral features the world’s largest brick dome, and the marble facade is truly breathtaking. It’s free to visit (although expect a line at busier times of year). I can also recommend taking the time to climb to the top of the dome (fee) which offers a unique perspective of the building, as well as wonderful views across the city.

From the Duomo, I’d advise spending a little bit of time wandering the nearby streets, which are wonderfully picturesque. Make sure to visit the Ponte Vecchio, one of the few bridges in the world to have shops built onto it.

It’s also home to an above ground corridor – the Vasari Corridor , a mile long private walkway that linked the Medici’s Palazzo Pitti with their Palazzo Vecchio. Because obviously building a mile long private corridor above the streets of Venice is easier than having to actually see the people you rule.

This might also be a good time for a lunch break, depending on how you’re time is going.

For the afternoon, I’d suggest heading to the Uffizi Gallery. I appreciate two art museums in one day might be a bit much for some, but bear with me. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Some of the most famous paintings from the world’s best known artists originated here.

And the Uffizi gallery is the perfect place to see how the Renaissance really changed art. You can see how painted art in particular evolves from the very flat, two dimensional pre-Renaissance style, to really becoming a much more complex and intricate medium as the Renaissance takes hold.

The Uffizi gallery is also popular, and as a result, also operates a timed entry system. You can buy tickets online from the official site here .

Before we go on to finishing your first day in Florence with a fantastic sunset watching opportunity and city view, I did want to quickly mention that a great way to experience all of the above is with a tour. We took this full day tour of Florence with Take Walks , which included visiting all the attractions above, and we can definitely recommend it.

A tour guide can really bring to life the stories and history of a city and its art, and it really helped us understand what we were seeing. The other advantage of a tour is that it means you don’t have to worry about booking time slots or standing in line for tickets!

We took this tour , but there are a number of other Florence tours which you can check out here .

Finally, our final suggestion for your day in Florence is to head up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is found about a 20-30 minute walk from the city centre, and it offers probably the best view of the city at sunset. It’s hard not to be wowed by the view of Florence from this vantage point, with the magnificent Duomo the focal point of the skyline.

For your second day in Florence, our suggestion is to head out into Tuscany. This region of Italy, of which Florence is the regional capital, is well known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful towns, and wine production. It’s also a popular destination.

You have lots of options for a day trip from Florence, including towns like Siena, Pisa and Lucca, as well as the Cinque Terre region. All of these would make for a fantastic day trip from Florence. Some, like Pisa, are easy to reach by public transport, whilst others might require a tour.

On one of our trips to Tuscany, we did this full day tour from Florence which included wine tasting, time in Siena, and a visit to the town of San Gimignano. It also included a full lunch at a Chianti vineyard, which was delicious, and we thought the tour offered excellent value as well as showcasing some of the real highlights of the region. So that’s an option to consider.

There are some other tours you might consider, such as:

This full day tour from Florence to the Cinque Terre
This full day tour from Florence which includes visits to Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa
This half-day tour of the Chianti wineries with food and wine tasting

Now, let’s get on with some practicalities for your time in Florence.

Where to Stay in Florence

As you are probably aware, Florence is a popular city to visit. The good news is that there’s a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury hotels and apartments.

To help you narrow this choice down a little, we’ve picked a number of central options for you to consider, across a range of price points.

Hostel Archi Rossi – If you’re looking for a hostel in central Florence, this is an excellent choice. They have a choice of private and shared rooms, breakfast is included, and private bathrooms are available as is free WiFi. It’s also very convenient for the train station.
Academy Hostel – Found just 100 yards from Florence Cathedral, this hostel is right in the centre of town. The property is well reviewed and offers dormitory and private rooms, some with private bathrooms. Breakfast is included.
3110 ArtHotel , this 3* property is a bit further out of the city centre, but this is reflected in the price. Otherwise, all rooms have a private bathroom and breakfast is usually included.
Room Mate Luca – a well reviewed and great value 4* property in central Florence. It’s in a 19th century building 10 minutes walk from the Cathedral, rooms are en-suite and breakfast is included
Solo Experience Hotel – Overlooking the Basilica of San Lorenzo this well located 4* hotel has excellent reviews and a fantastic location. Rooms include breakfast and are en-suite.
Hotel Lungarno – Found just 100 yards from Ponte Vecchio on the banks of the River Arno, this 5* property has excellent ratings and everything you would expect from a luxury property
J.K. Place Firenze – With a rooftop terrace and a location just five minutes from the train station, this highly rated 5* property offers free breakfast and lovely rooms

There are lots more options in Florence of course! We recommend you take a look at the listings on booking.com for Florence. as a starting point for your search.

How to Get From Florence to Bologna

Again, as with the rest of our itinerary, our suggestion for getting to the next stop on our itinerary is to take the train. The train from Florence to Bologna runs regularly, and takes around 40 minutes. You can check times and book train tickets in advance here .

It’s also possible to take the bus from Florence to Bologna. This is only marginally cheaper than the train and takes approximately twice as long. Check coach times and book online here . You can also check directly with FlixBus here .

You can also book a private transfer between the two cities. Obviously this will be more expensive, but will also be the most convenient (if not necessarily the fastest, as the train is very quick).

Finally, if you have a car, you can drive between the two cities. Expect the drive to take between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Days 5 & 6: Bologna

For your fifth and sixth days in Italy, you’re going to visit Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. 2 days is a great amount of time to spend in this city, which is famous for its fantastic food. After all, Bologna is where Bolognese sauce comes from!

The region is also famous for a number of other foods, including Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Prosciutto di Parma from Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese – to name but a few.

There is more to do in Bologna than eat of course. Let’s take a look at how your two days might look.

What to Do in Bologna

Bologna is famous for its towers, of which it once had over 200. This was because building a tower back in medieval times was a way to demonstrate wealth, and Bologna had quite a few wealthy nobles.

Today, around a tenth of the original towers survive, with the two largest being Garisenda and Asinelli towers. Asinelli is the largest leaning medieval tower in the world, and dates from the early 12th century.

When I’m visiting a new city, I always like to go to the top of a structure like a tower or church, so I can get a feel for the city. The first time I visited Bologna, that was exactly what I did, climbing the almost 500 steps to the top of Asinelli tower. Despite its slight lean this is quite safe, and well worth the ticket price. Book your tickets in advance on the official site here .

The Asinelli tower is right next to the city’s main Piazza, Piazza Maggiore. This is home to a beautiful fountain, buildings dating from both the medieval and Renaissance time periods, and stunning arched colonnades.

Speaking of colonnades, Bologna is famous for them. The city has over thirty miles of arcades and colonnades you can explore, which as well as being beautiful, serve the dual functions of keeping you out of the sun when it’s hot, and the rain when it’s wet!

I’d suggest that spending a bit of time around Piazza Maggiore and filling your camera with some photos would be a worthwhile use of part of your morning. Plus you might want a coffee after your lengthy tower climb!

Whilst you’re at the Piazzale Maggiore, there are a few attractions you should visit. The free Archiginnasio of Bologna was the home of Bologna’s university – the first university in western Europe. The library is home to beautiful arcades, which are covered with the coats of arms of former students. It’s free to visit.

Next, you might want to head to the Basilica of San Domenico. Dating from the early 13th century, this basilica is home to a number of famous artworks, and the chapel of St. Dominic is particularly lovely.

To finish off your day, I’m going to suggest taking a stroll in the colonnades to Montagnola Park. Taking a stroll in the colonnades in the afternoon is a traditional local pastime, known as a passeggiata. Via dell’Indipendenza, which runs north from Piazza Maggiore past Montagnola Park, is home to some of the most impressive colonnades, so I think this makes a logical route.

Montagnola Park, which dates from the 19th century, is home to some nice green spaces as well as the remains of a 14th century castle.

I mentioned food, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on the local specialities. Things I recommend trying are a piadina (a flatbread sandwich), and a tagliatelle al ragù (meat sauce over flat noodles). While ragù (or Bolognese sauce) is often served with spaghetti in most of the rest of the world, the most traditional way to eat it is with tagliatelle.

For your second day in Bologna you have two main options. You can continue your sightseeing in the city, or you can take a day trip out into the region to explore a little more.

If you decide to stay in the city there’s plenty to keep you busy. Great attractions in the city include the Basilica di Santo Stefano, the Palazzo del Podestá, the Bologna National Gallery, and the museum of the history of Bologna. You might also consider a food tasting tour like this or a cooking class like this to learn how to create some of those delicious dishes you’ve been eating!

If you decide to head out of Bologna for the day, you have a number of options. First, you can pick a destination that’s easy to reach by train from Bologna, such as Parma, Modena, or Ferrara.

If you decide on doing a day out by train, we’d suggest picking whichever location most interests you and going there for the full day. We’d also suggest picking somewhere that is no more than 90 minutes away to minimise the time spent travelling.

Alternatively, you can join a tour from Bologna that will take you to a number of interesting locations in the area. A tour is a good option if you want to see a few things and want to let someone else worry about the logistics. Some options you might consider are:

Car lovers will know that Emilia Romagna is the home of Ferrari, found in Maranello. This full day tour takes you to the Ferrari Museum and includes lunch
Not interested in cars? This full day tour focuses on the regional food specialities and also includes lunch
If you would prefer to try some of the regional wines, then this full day wine tasting tour might be right for you
You can also visit Ravenna on this full day private tour from Bologna.

As you can see, there’s lots to choose from depending on your interests.

Now, let’s look at some practicalities for you time in Bologna.

Where to Stay in Bologna

As a major city Bologna has plenty of options to choose from across a range of budgets and types. Here are some options to consider for your 2 night stay. These are approximately ordered by price, from lowest to highest, but do always check prices for your dates as they can vary.

B&B Gran Suite Piazza Maggiore – found right in the heart of the city, this is a great budget option with good reviews. Rooms include breakfast, and are available with shared or private bathrooms.
B&B Piazza Grand – another well rated and very centrally located B&B. Rooms include breakfast and a private bathroom.
Guesthouse Red Sofa – just two minutes walk from Piazza Maggiore, this is a very well reviewed guesthouse with en-suite rooms and breakfast included
Hotel Roma – a centrally located 3* hotel, moments walk from Piazza Maggiore. Rooms are en-suite, reviews are very positive and breakfast is included.
Art Hotel Orologio – this is a well reviewed centrally located 4* hotel offering free bike rental, free breakfast, and a a range of en-suite room types to choose from.

We hope one of these options works for your stay in Bologna!

How to Get from Bologna to Milan

By this point you should be familiar with our suggested travel modes for getting between cities in Italy, and Milan is no different. From Bologna there are regular trains to Milan, which take around an hour. Just be sure to get a train to Milano Centrale, which is the central train station. You can check train times and prices between Bologna and Milan online here .

You can also get a bus between Bologna and Milan. This will be around half to a third the price on average and the trip takes around three hours. You can check times and prices here . You can also check directly with FlixBus here .

If you want to drive, you’re looking at between a 2 and 3 hour journey on average, depending on traffic conditions.

Days 7 & 8: Milan

Your next stop on this 10 day Italy itinerary is going to be Milan. This is well known as a fashion capital, but there’s lots to see and do here to fill your time beyond clothes!

If Milan doesn’t rock your world though, there are lot of options to choose from. Some alternatives from Bologna that would also work include Verona and Padua, as well as Lake Garda or Lake Como. You could also head out to the coast, either the Cinque Terre on the west, or Rimini on the east. You could even visit a whole new country, San Marino!

However, let’s continue planning your stay in Milan, to which we’ve also allocated two days, and which has plenty to see and do. We have an itinerary below, and we also have a dedicated guide to things to do in Milan as well as a 2 day Milan itinerary for you to check out.

What to Do in Milan

We’ll start your first day by visiting Milan’s Cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. Construction started in 1386, and it wasn’t fully completed until 1965. Yes, that’s 600 years. I think you’ll find that taking their time definitely paid off though.

It’s the largest church in Italy (the larger St. Peter’s Basilica you visited in Rome is technically in the Vatican City state rather than Italy), and is particularly notable for the spires that cover the roof, of which there are 135.

To really appreciate the incredible architecture, I can recommend heading up to the roof. There’s a fee to do so, but it is well worth it. You can buy tickets in advance here .

Coming back down from the church, you will find yourself in the Piazza del Duomo, from where there are a number of each to reach attractions.

Lovers of 20th century art will likely want to head to the Museo del Novecento , a relatively new museum with around 400 pieces of art from the twentieth century.

If you’d prefer to explore a former Royal Palace, head to the Palazzo Reale . This was the place of government in Milan from the 16th century, and is today a cultural centre. The staircases are particularly impressive.

Milan is of course one of the major fashion capitals of the world and fashion shows are held in the city twice a year. Fashion week in Milan usually takes place in February and September.

Although you probably won’t get to see one of the fashion shows, the city is a great place to shop for Italian fashion. Many of Italy’s most famous fashion houses are based in Milan including Prada, Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Armani.

If you want to learn more about fashion in Milan and have a local to go shopping with, check out this Milan Fashion Tour .

If you enjoy shopping, and honestly, even if you don’t, you’ll definitely want to head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II . This is an 18th century shopping arcade now home to high-end stores. But even if you don’t plan on buying anything, this is worth a visit just for the incredible glass covered design.

Also within a five minute stroll of the Duomo is San Bernardino alle Ossa . With origins dating from the 12th century, this church is known for its ossuary. In 1210, the nearby cemetery ran out of space, so the church started storing them in a room.

This is now a chapel, decorated almost entirely with human bones, and with a spectacular fresco on the ceiling. It’s free to visit, and open when the church is open – you can see opening times here .

Finally, don’t miss the small Piazza dei Mercanti. This was the original medieval public square of the city. Milan often feels more modern than other Italian cities, and this is a good place to get that stepping back in time feeling.

The Piazza often plays host to art exhibits, performances and markets, so you might even catch an event. It’s also where you’ll find the Palazzo della Ragione Fotografia , a 13th century palace which is today used for a variety of exhibitions. As the name suggests, many of these are photographic. Entry fees vary depending on the exhibition.

To finish off your first day in Milan, we recommend finding a nice café and enjoying an aperitivo. This Italian custom of enjoying a drink with some snack in the early evening before your main meal originated in Milan in the 18th century, and is still popular today.

We’d suggest heading over to Milan’s canal area, the Navigli district, where there are lots of bars to choose from. Plus, the canals you’ll find here were designed by Leonardo da Vinci, so you’re also experiencing the work of an Italian master!

Hopefully that gives you plenty to fill your first day in Milan! If you’re still looking for things to do, see our guide to things to do in Milan for more ideas.

For your second day in Milan again we have two options for you. You can take a day trip out of the city, or you can take in some more of the city’s highlights, including one of the most famous paintings in the world. Our preference would be to continue to explore the city as there’s so much to see and do still, but of course it’s up to you!

If you decide to stay in the city, then we suggest you might want to schedule some time to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”. This is one of the most well known of the artists paintings, and can be found in the Santa Maria delle Grazie. The painting was commissioned in the 15th century as a mural for the church’s dining area, and is still to be found in the same place today.

As one of the most famous paintings in the world, the Last Supper has many people wanting to see it. The church controls the numbers tightly – only 30 visitors are allowed per timeslot, and you get 15 minutes with the painting on your visit.

This means getting tickets to see it can be a challenge, as they can book out a long time in advance. The best place to start your search is on the official website here . If they do not have tickets, your next best option is to book a guided tour. Group tours come from a different ticket pool, so you might have a better chance of getting a ticket this way, although of course they are more expensive.

We recommend Take Walks who run a guided tour of Milan which includes many of the highlights such as the Duomo rooftop as well as access to the Last Supper. However, there are many options, some of which just focus on the Last Supper. Take a look at these tours for some options .

For your next stop in Milan, we suggest the Castello Sforzesco . This is a massive castle, built in the 15th century atop a 14th century fortification. By the 17th century, this had been expanded to become one of the largest citadels in Europe.

Of course, today there isn’t much need for giant city centre fortresses, so Sforza Castle has been repurposed into a series of museums which include the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Archaeological Museum.

In fact, there are no less than nine museums to explore here! Between the museums and the castle grounds, I think you could easily spend most of the rest of your day exploring here.

When you’re visiting Sforza Castle, we suggest you don’t miss the Pinacoteca, which has art from Canaletto, Titian and Mantegna, to name but a few. The Museum of Rondanini Pietà is home to Michelangelo’s last sculpture. Then there’s the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Archaeological Museum – the list goes on!

There’s a reasonable entry fee to the castle which includes all the museums. You can check prices and admission times, as well as buy an advance ticket, online here .

Finally, lovers of opera might want to consider a visit to La Scala , one of the world’s most famous opera houses. If so, make sure to book your tickets well in advance as this is a very popular venue. There are also other venues for classic performances. You can see these and buy tickets here .

If you’d prefer to head out of Milan for the day, you have a number of options, from heading up into the Alps, to exploring Lake Como or Lake Garda, to visiting Cinque Terre, or exploring one of the many towns in the region. Here are some suggested day tours from Milan to consider:

This full day tour which include Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna, as well as a cruise on the lake
This full day tour which has you riding the Bernina train through the Swiss Alps and visiting the famous luxury resort St. Moritz
This full day tour to Lake Como, Bellagio and Lugano, which also includes a cruise on the lake
A full day tour to Cinque Terre from Milan
This full day tour to Verona and Lake Garda from Milan, which includes a boat tour on the lake
This full day tour to the Ligurian coast, visiting Genoa and Portofino, with a sail boat ride included

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options!

Where to Stay in Milan

As a major Italian city, Milan has plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here are some suggested options, ordered approximately by budget from low to high.

Ostello Bello – if you’re looking for a centrally located budget option in Milan, this is a great option. Just 10 minutes walk from the Duomo, Ostello Bello offers both private and dormitory accommodation, with both dinner and breakfast included.
Babila Hostel & Bistrot – another well reviewed and centrally located hostel, Babila Hostel has both private rooms and dormitory style accommodation. Breakfast is included.
Hotel Star – an excellent value and well reviewed 3* hotel within close walking distance of the city centre attractions. En-suite rooms with breakfast available.
Rooms Milano Duomo – 2 minutes walk from the Duomo, this is a good 3* property with excellent reviews. Rooms are en-suite, some with city views, and come with tea/coffee making facilities
Brunelleschi Hotel – A well rated and good value 4* hotel just moments from the Duomo and other city-centre attractions. Rooms are all en-suite, and a breakfast buffet is included.
Matilde Boutique Hotel – a very well rated 4* boutique hotel just a few moments walk from the Duomo. There’s a restaurant and bar on site, breakfast is included, and rooms are all en-suite.
Room Mate Giulia – another highly rated and centrally located 4* hotel. Rooms are modern and en-suite, and breakfast is available.
Galleria Vik Milano – found within the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this well located 5* hotel offers high end accommodation. Some rooms have views of the gallery, breakfast is included, and naturally rooms are en-suite with coffee machines.

Hopefully this gives you plenty of options for accommodation in Milan – whatever your budget.

How to Get from Milan to Venice

The best option in our opinion is to take the train from Milan to Venice, specifically the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia which is on the island in the lagoon.

Direct trains are well priced if you book tickets in advance, and the journey takes just over two hours if you pick the fastest train option. Slower trains can take up to 3.5 hours, and sometimes require a change. We’d suggest picking the faster trains obviously. You can check train times and prices and buy online here .

If you’re on a tight budget, you can also take the bus. Direct buses take around four hours depending on time of day and traffic conditions, and are a convenient option. Check bus times and prices and buy online here . You can also check directly with FlixBus here .

If you want to drive, you’re looking at around a 3 hour drive depending on the traffic conditions. As the majority of the island on the lagoon is pedestrian only, you will need to find somewhere to park your car. There are limited options on the island itself, near the train station, and more options on the mainland. You can see the various car parking options near Venice and book online in advance on Parclick here .

It’s worth pointing out that the Venice that most tourists known and want to visit is the historical part in the lagoon. This part of Venice is primarily pedestrianized other than a small section near the train station. As such, whatever transport you get to Venice will not be able to get you directly to your hotel if you are staying in the historical area.

Instead, you will need to either walk, or take a water bus, to get closer to your hotel.

There is a great deal more to Venice that many tourists never actually visit, with many of the boroughs actually on the mainland. There are also hotels in these areas of course. However, we suggest staying in the historical centre for the best experience.

Days 9 & 10: Venice

You’re in the final stretch of your trip! Don’t be sad though, because Venice truly is a magnificent city to visit. We liked it so much we even held our wedding ceremony here .

Venice is one of those places that seems to divide opinion, with visitors either falling in love with it or thinking it’s an overcrowded tourist trap.

We’re firmly on the former side of the equation. The secret with Venice, in our opinion, is to try and avoid the main thoroughfare that everyone walks on to get through the city, and instead to escape into the maze of passageways that thread through the city. Since its surrounded by water, you can’t really get lost, at least not for long. It’s a wonderful way to discover everything the city has to offer.

Of course, there are a number of sights that you pretty much have to see during your time in the city. Our suggestion for your two days in Venice would like something like the following.

What to Do in Venice

Start your day off by visiting St. Mark’s Square, or the Piazza San Marco. This is the central square in the city, and is surrounded by a number of important buildings, including the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, and the Campanile di San Marco.

The Basilica di San Marco is a beautiful basilica which is free to visit and has spectacular interior decorations. It is very popular, so there is usually a line, especially in the summer months. You can skip this line by paying €3 on the official website for a skip the line ticket.

I can also highly recommend taking the trip to the top of the Campanile di San Marco. This is a large bell tower and the highest building in Venice, from which you get a fantastic view of the surrounding city and lagoon.

The Doge’s Palace is another worthy location for your first day in Venice. This was the seat of power of the Doge, the title given to the ruler of the Venetian Republic back when Venice was a sovereign state. Today, it’s a museum, and a good place to both see art and learn about the history of the city.

If you plan to visit, and also to take a gondola ride, consider investing in a Venice Pass for your time in the city which includes a shared gondola ride, admission to the Doge’s Palace and an audio guide to the city.

Depending on your interests, you might also want to visit one or more of the other museums around St Mark’s Square, which include the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Biblioteca Marciana.

Like the Doge’s Palace these museums have an entry fee.

I can also recommend taking the time to read our guide to visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace for more information on visiting these two popular attractions. We also provide tips on tours and how to see the attractions with fewer crowds.

Having explored St. Mark’s Square and surrounding attractions (don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs coming out of the Doge’s Palace), it’s time to see some more of Venice’s highlights. Some of our favourite locations to wander to include the Ponte dell’Accademia for a wonderful view of the Grand Canal, as well as the Rialto Bridge.

You also really can’t visit Venice without going on the water in some form of vessel. Obviously, a gondola ride is the most logical option.

These come in a variety of options. A private gondola ride like this is going to be the most expensive and romantic option. Be aware that prices are set by the city for Gondola rides, and they depend on factors like duration and time of day. Expect to pay €80 for a 25-30 minute private tour in the day, and more at night or for a longer tour. This is not a negotiable price, so don’t try to haggle.

You can book a private gondola ride in advance, but in our experience these are much more expensive that just turning up. However, at busier times of year this might be worth it.

If you find the prices are a bit steep, there are some alternatives. To start with, you can book a shared gondola ride here , We took a shared gondola ride for 30 minutes as part of a city walking tour which was a good value, we specifically did this tour .

Another option if you’re not bothered about the length of the tour is to take a gondola taxi from one side of the canal to the other. This just costs a few euros. It’ll be over quickly, but as least you can tick the gondola box for a minimal fee!

Alternatively, there are water taxis, water buses, and water sightseeing tours.

We’d recommend finishing off your first day in the city by just exploring the back streets. Wandering, getting lots, and making your own discoveries is one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon in the city.

For your second day in Venice, our suggestion is to take a boat to one of the other islands in the lagoon. Venice is the largest archipelago of islands in the lagoon, but it is by no means the only group of populated islands.

Our two favourites are the islands of Murano and Burano, both of which can be visited together on a pleasant boat trip from the city. Public water buses run between the islands on a regular basis, so you easily do this excursion on your own.

Alternatively, if you prefer a guided tour, take a look at this full Day Venice Island Boat Trip . This visits Murano and Burano, and even includes wine tasting.

Murano is famous for its glass making, with Murano glass world renowned for its quality. We love visiting the glassmakers here and watching them sculpt creations out of the hot glass. You can also pick up small souvenirs for very reasonable prices.

Burano is known for its colorful houses and laid back atmosphere. A wander among the streets here is sure to brighten your day – despite it being the end of your trip!

And that’s it – your 10 days Italy itinerary is done! We hope you found it useful. Now, let’s look at some tips on where to stay in Venice before moving on to lots of practical information to help you plan your trip.

Where to Stay in Venice

Venice is primarily a tourism destination, and as such there’s no shortage of places to stay. Here’s a selection to choose from to give you a starting point.

Venezia Naturalmente – this centrally located well rated hostel / guesthouse offers dormitory accommodation just five minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square. There’s also a communal kitchen and Wifi.
Combo Venezia – found in a renovated 12th century monastery, this is a great value hostel featuring both shared and private rooms. There’s a kitchen, on-site bar and restaurant, and it’s 10 minutes walk from the Rialto bridge.
Casa Cosmo – a great value well rated budget option, five minutes walk from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Rooms are air conditioned and are en-suite
B&B Bloom Settimo Cielo – A highly rated and good value B&B breakfast, 10 minutes from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Individually designed rooms have en-suite facilities, and there’s a rooftop terrace
Leon Bianco on the Grand Canal – this historic property with Grand Canal views is where we stayed for our wedding ceremony in Venice. The views are fantastic, and it’s amazing value for the location
Ruzzini Palace Hotel – a centrally located and very well reviewed 4* hotel, just ten minutes walk from the Rialto bridge and other attractions.
Hotel Saturnia & International – a lovely 4* hotel just moments from Saint Mark’s Square, this turn of the century hotel offers en-suite rooms, a terrace with views, and an on-site restaurant.
Baglioni Hotel Luna – just 100 yards from St. Mark’s Square, this is a fantastic 5* property with wonderful reviews. Rooms feature antique furniture, Murano glass chandeliers and marble bathrooms. A wonderful high end option for Venice.
The Gritti Palace – if you’re after a luxury 5* hotel in Venice, this hotel should definitely be on your shortlist. Just 550 yards from St. Marks’ Square, this is one of the most famous hotels in Venice.

We hope this helps you plan your accommodation in Venice. That brings us to the end of the itinerary section of our Italy itinerary! Now let’s go over some practical information for your trip.

10 Day Italy Itinerary Map

To help you visualise this itinerary for 10 days in Italy we’ve put together the below map. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

How to Get Around Italy

There are a number of options for getting around Italy. These include the train, long distance bus, or car. You can also try to find a tour the goes to the locations you’re interested in visiting if you don’t want to plan your own transport. Here’s a quick guide to the main options for getting around Italy.

Italy has an extensive rail network which originally dates from 1839. Today, there are over 15,000 miles of active railway, which includes high speed lines where the trains run at up to 190mph. These high speed lines link major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan and Venice, and are operated by Trenitalia and NTV.

For this itinerary, we recommend taking the direct high speed trains between the cities to make the most of your time. High speed trains are comfortable, usually offering reclining seats, free WiFi, and electrical sockets.

The high speed trains have different names, but include “Le Frecce” trains operated by Trenitalia which are, in order of speed the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, & the Frecciabianca trains. The other high speed operator is NTV, who operate Italo trains.

I mention the train names because when you book tickets, these train names are usually displayed so you know you are buying the high speed services. Tickets come with a seat reservation, which is mandatory on these trains.

You can check times and prices for trains across Italy, as well as buy tickets, online here . We recommend booking in advance so as to be sure to get a ticket for the train you want, and also to get the best price.

As of time of writing there are five major bus companies in Italy, which offer buses between the major cities in Italy, as well as to other European countries. The long distance bus services in Italy tend to feature comfortable and modern vehicles, often featuring WiFi and electrical sockets.

Of course, a bus isn’t a train, and it can’t hurtle through the countryside at 300km/h. Constrained by the rules of the road, bus journeys are generally longer affair than train journeys, usually taking at least twice as long. On the flip side, they do also tend to be cheaper, so if you are on more of a budget, they are a great option.

You can check times and prices for buses across Italy, comparing all the major carriers for the best price, online here with trainline , and here with BusBud . You can also check directly with FlixBus here .

We’ve hired a car and driven in Italy a number of times, and it is certainly an excellent way to get around. However, it is best suited for exploration a little more off the beaten path, when you want to visit towns, villages, and rural regions that are not so well connected by the public transport routes.

We don’t really recommend it if you plan to follow this itinerary or one similar to it. Train travel between the cities in Italy is quick and easy, there is no need for a car within the cities as you can get around on foot, by public transit, or taxi, parking can be difficult and expensive, and many areas of the historic cities are pedestrian only.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the main fast roads in Italy which link the major cities (the autostrade) have tolls on them, which can significantly increase the cost of driving.

If you do want to travel by car in Italy, you can compare deals and book online here .

You can also book private hire transport between most of the major cities as well, although this is quite an expensive option for the longer journeys.

If you love the idea of travelling in Italy but don’t want to plan out all the logistics of transport, accommodation and sight-seeing, then you might consider a tour.

Tours usually handle all those issues, plus you get to travel with a group who you can get to know.

Of course, it’s hard to find a tour that mirrors our itinerary exactly; however, here are some great options you might consider.

This 8 day tour of Italy has stops including Rome, Venice, Lake Garda, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Pisa
This 12 day tour of Italy includes Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Luca and Pisa.
This 14 day tour with G Adventures includes Venice, the Italian lakes, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre and Rome. This is quite close to our itinerary, with a few extra stops and days

You can see many more tour options for Italy here .

For our itinerary, our suggestion is to use the train – these are regular, inexpensive and fast, especially between major towns and cities.

If you are on a strict budget and don’t mind taking a bit longer to get between locations, buses are you next best option.

If you don’t want to do much planning at all, then consider one of the tours we’ve suggested instead!

When to Visit Italy

Italy is popular as a year round destination. Our favourite times to visit are definitely in the Spring months of April and May or in the autumn months of September and October. At this time of year it is usually still warm enough for comfortable sightseeing, but not too crowded.

The peak months of July and August are very popular with visitors, meaning you can expect larger crowds and longer queues, particularly at the most popular attractions. If you’re visiting at this time of year, you absolutely need to book your skip the line tickets well in advance for any attraction you really want to see.

Also be aware that it can get very hot in Italy in summer, so be prepared for hot temperatures. Also be aware that many churches have strict dress codes, so even when it’s hot you need to consider your attire carefully. Bringing along a lightweight scarf or travel wrap can be a good idea.

The winter months are also a good time to visit Italy, even if it is cooler. Expect fewer people and less lines at attractions. You could also consider heading north from Milan and taking a ski trip in the Italian Alps!

Tips for Visiting Italy

Italy is a relatively easy and safe country to travel in. However, to help you with your planning we wanted to share some tips based on our time in the country. These should help you make the most of your trip.

Opening Times

As with any destination where you plan on visiting attractions, it’s really important to check opening times and days well in advance. For example, the Vatican is closed most Sundays, so if your visit to Rome is on a Sunday, you will need to plan for this in advance to avoid disappointment.

Safety: In our many visits to Italy we’ve never had any safety problems. Just be aware that as with most popular tourist destinations, pickpocketing can be an issue, especially in crowded tourist areas. As always, practice basic safety precautions. Keep valuables concealed, don’t carry large quantities of cash, only use official taxis and so on.

Power in Italy

Electricity in Italy is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the USA will need a travel adapter like this.

US travellers will also need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

Currency in Italy

Italy is a part of the Eurozone, meaning the currency is the Euro. You can get these from ATM’s, banks, and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted.

We suggest using a credit card where you can – just ensure it has no foreign currency transaction fee. But we always recommend having a bit of cash on you.

Internet in Italy

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi across Italy. You’ll usually find it in hotels and coffee shops, and also usually on buses and trains between the cities.

If you have an unlocked phone you can also pick up a local SIM cards. For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for you.

Drinking Water in Italy

The tap water in Italy is safe to drink (unless posted otherwise), although many locals prefer the taste of bottled water. You can also drink the water that comes out of the taps in the fountains, so just carry a drinking water bottle with you and hydrate as you go.

If you don’t like the taste, we recommend using a water bottle with a filter like the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle which should improve the taste and alleviate any safety concerns. You can read more about safe drinking water in our guide to safe drinking water when traveling .

What to Wear in Italy

Many of the attractions in Rome are holy places, and you need to be dressed appropriately. There are big signs up explaining what you should wear, but generally, you need to have clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.

This can be an issue with warm weather clothing choices, particularly in summer, so we advise that if you choose to wear tank tops or shorts to keep items to cover your shoulders and knees with you like shawls, scarfs, long skirts, or pants that convert into shorts.

Women can take a look at Jess’s travel wrap guide and best scarves for travel for ideas.

There are 6 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

29th March 2022 at 6:00 pm

Your travel guides are so helpful! I’m currently planning a trip to Milan, Venice, and the Italian Lakes for early May. The information you provide is well-organized, clear, and concise and will make planning the trip much easier for me. I am thinking of taking one or two of the Walks tours while my husband is attending a conference in Venice–they look like a lot of fun!

Laurence Norah says

29th March 2022 at 6:24 pm

Thanks so much for your kind comment, it is much appreciated! It sounds like you have a fantastic trip coming up 🙂 We have taken a lot of tours with Walks all around the world and they have always been great. I should also mention that they’ve recently partnered up with a company called Devour Tours who do primarily food based tours. They have tours in Venice as well. We haven’t personally done any of their tours yet so we haven’t included them in our content yet, but I would imagine that they are also very good given how great the Walks tours are. Anyway, just wanted to let you know if you also enjoy food based tours 🙂

Have a great time in Italy!

Kristen says

4th January 2022 at 6:52 pm

Wow nice post and so helpful info. Really enjoyed your blog as I learned more about 10-day tour in Italy. Thanks for sharing!

5th January 2022 at 12:13 pm

Thanks very much Kristen!

Ankit Acharya says

4th March 2021 at 7:38 am

Italy is Indeed a good place to visit in the world. Being a travel enthusiast I learn that Italy is a place where every city is beautiful as well as historical. Thanks for sharing this post with us.

4th March 2021 at 5:45 pm

My pleasure, thanks for popping by Ankit

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Dreaming of Italy but not sure how to build your itinerary? We’ve created these Italy itinerary ideas to get you started. Italy is a favorite destination for many travelers wanting to soak up the la dolce vita atmosphere, stunning scenery and of course try all the delicious food and wine. But, how do you pull together an itinerary that ensures you see the places that interest you the most and have the experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime?

Top Italy itinerarY IDEAS – adjust for your own trip!

After over 30 amazing trips to Italy traveling independently, we’ve learnt a thing or two about how to craft a travel plan. We know what it takes to make sure interests are met and the logistics needed to make sure the trip runs smoothly. While it may seem like you need to plan every last minute, you also need time to enjoy those gelato moments in the piazza.

Use these 10 day Italy itinerary plans as a guide but above all, make sure you add in the details that will make this trip special for you and your travel companions. This way you’ll have memories to cherish forever.

Article contents

Want to see hidden Italy?

1. The Classic italy itinerary or Grand Tour

Since the 19th century, visitors to Italy have followed this tried and true route that takes in the major cities and most popular sights. This itinerary is popular for first trips to Italy and will give you a taste of this magnificent country. Starting in Rome and its ancient treasures you work your way north to cultural Florence, with a quick stop in Milan before finishing in the beautiful lagoon city of Venice. For many people, this trip sparks a lifetime of adventures in Italy.

Best for: First time visitors to Italy who want to see the major highlights
Places visited: Rome, Florence, Milan , Venice plus day trip to Chianti in Tuscany
Start/end in: Rome or Venice. Try to arrange flights into one and out of other
Recommended transport: Train

Day 1 – 3: ROME AND THE VATICAN CITY

Must see highlights: The Colosseum and ancient sites, admire the cultural treasures of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain , climb the Spanish Steps for views of the city, look up in awe in the Pantheon , pose by the fountains in Piazza Navona
Where to stay : Read our city accommodation guide for Rome or jump straight to our preferred Airbnbs and hotels near the Vatican City or hotels near the Pantheon (we think it’s the best area to stay)

READ: 3 Day Rome Itinerary – A day by day guide to planning your time in the Eternal City

Travel by train to Florence – Travel time 1.5 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 4 – 6: FLORENCE & TUSCANY DAY TRIP

On the banks of the River Arno, Florence is a small city with a rich and glorious past. The Renaissance city nurtured the talents of Michelangelo and Galileo and influenced the politics and history of Europe for centuries.

Spend two days in Florence visiting its impressive cathedral (many people like to climb over 450 steps to the top of its dome), and soaking up the art at one of the world’s greatest collections at the Uffizi Gallery. Wander in and out of churches and across the iconic Ponte Vecchio and shop for artisan wares.

Must see highlights: The Duomo – Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery , stroll across the Ponte Vecchio , admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, take in the sculptures in Piazza della Signoria and the views from Piazzale Michelangelo .
Recommended day trip: after all your city exploring, spend a day in the Tuscan countryside visiting the tiny city of Siena and picture perfect village of San Gimignano with a break for lunch at a winery overlooking the hills of Chianti . This Tuscany day trip from Florence will be a highlight of your trip.
Where to stay: Central Florence is small however there are some better areas to make your base. Read our Florence accommodation guide for details

READ: Train travel in Italy – Complete guide to planning and booking tickets

Travel by train to Milan – Travel time 2 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 7: Milan

Italy’s second largest city is a hub of fashion, innovation and design. On this quick stopover you’ll only get a glimpse of this fascinating city where modern life meets history but it’s definitely worth your time. The city’s magnificent gothic Duomo and elegant shopping arcade Galleria Emmanuele II, dominate its historic center but you’ll want to venture further afield to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painted on the refectory walls of an unassuming church,

Must see highlights: The Duomo – make sure to visit the rooftop; shop, admire the architecture and people watch in the Galleria Emmanuele II , stand in awe of Da Vinci’s Last Supper (Pro tip – must prebook tickets well in advance), La Scala theater, and the imposing Castello Sforzesco fortress
Tour suggestion: with only a short time in Milan, make sure to see the highlights and have time to shop and take this half day Best of Milan Tour – includes Last Supper tickets and Duomo rooftop
Where to stay: For this quick stopover choose a hotel close to Milano Centrale station. Read our Milan accommodation guide for suggestions

Travel by train to Venice – Travel time 2.5 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 8 – 10: Venice

There is no city in the world quite like Venice. Built on a lagoon, this city of bridges and mysterious canals once ruled the seas as the world’s mightiest republic. Though hundreds have years have passed since Venetians held significant power, their wealth and influence is on display in the faded palazzi lining the Grand Canal and maginficent treasures of San Marco – the basilica, campinile and Ducal palace. Spend three days in Venice admiring her beauty and getting lost down the side streets and canals.

Must see highlights: Stand in wonder in Piazza San Marco , visit the Basilica San Marco adorned with jewels and mosaics, take a romantic gondola ride down the side canals, enjoy the Grand Canal by private boat or even on the vaporetto water bus
Recommended day trip: if you have half a day or more and the weather looks lovely, take the water bus or this tour to the outer islands of the lagoon. Colorful Burano is bound to charm you.
Where to stay: Venice is a very small city but you need to choose your accommodation carefully. Go to our Venice accommodation guide for assistance

Traveling for 2 weeks? If you love the idea of colorful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sea add a side trip to the Cinque Terre for 3 nights (between Florence and Milan) and an extra day to Rome or Venice . You can reach La Spezia for the Cinque Terre easily by train from Florence with a quick stop off to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Do you prefer the countryside and visiting pretty hilltop towns? Use your extra days to spend time in southern Tuscany, Umbria or the undiscovered Le Marche region. For this option, renting a car or joining a tour would be best.

MORE INFO: This itinerary is popular with group tour companies and you can learn about how one of our podcast listeners enjoyed her trip on Untold Italy Ep.88 The Grand Tour

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Book in for a trip consultation with our expert Italy travel planners ready to help you build your dream vacation in Italy whether that be a classic first timer trip or an off the beaten path adventure

2. Southern Italy and Rome

Does the unparalleled beauty of the Amalfi Coast capture your imagination? If you like the smells and sounds of fresh sea breezes, jaw dropping views and delicious seafood and are a romantic at heart then this itinerary is for you. Fly into Naples and spend time on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, taking advantage of their proximity to Pompeii and the vibrant city of Naples . Then head up to Rome to enjoy the very best of the Eternal City to end your vacation. This itinerary can be done in reverse and flying into and out of either airport works too.

Best for: Sun seekers, sea lovers and honeymooners
Places visited: Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Naples, Rome
Start/end in: Naples or Rome. Try to arrange flights into one and out of other
Recommended transport: Private transfer to Amalfi Coast, local ferries, private driver, train to Rome

Day 1 – 4: Amalfi Coast or Capri

Choose a base on the Amalfi Coast for enjoying the incredible scenery of this world-famous coastline. The major towns of Positano and Amalfi have the most accommodation choices but you may like to try one of the smaller towns such as Praiano for a quieter, more local break. Staying in Capri is also an option. From there you can take the ferry to Positano or Amalfi and avoid the day-tripping crowds on the island.

Spend four days on the Amalfi Coast and you’ll be completely rejuvenated. You can swim in the sea, lounge on the beach, hike the famous Path of the Gods, take in jaw-dropping views and feast on delicious seafood. Or do very little at all. Taking to the water on a private boat tour is our favorite thing to do.

Must see highlights: Sunset aperitifs, long lunches and browsing boutiques in Positano , visit cliff top Ravello to discover exclusive villas with jaw dropping views, explore Amalfi’ s cathedral and small passageways, hike the Path of the Gods , be transfixed by the natural beauty of the isle of Capri (a day trip there is a must do but stay on the island for the best experience).
Where to stay : There are advantages to staying in any of the Amalfi Coast town, find out which town will suit you best in our guide to the Amalfi Coast towns
Getting to the Amalfi Coast – whether you arrive into Naples or Rome airport, the most effective way to get to the coast is via private transfer . Public transportation will take 3 times as long and you’ll need to manage luggage across awkward terrain. For Capri take the ferry from Naples or Sorrento.

Travel by ferry or private transfer to Sorrento – Travel times vary • Recommended transfers

Day 5 – 7: Sorrento

Perched at the end of the Sorrentine peninsula, Sorrento is perfectly positioned to make the most of the surrounding Campania region including the historic sights of Pompeii and Herculaneum. From Sorrento, it is an easy trip into Naples, one of Italy’s most exciting cities. At the end of the day you can retire back in the seaside town, soak up the relaxed atmosphere and dine on the freshest seafood.

Must see highlights: Watch the colorful boats bobbing up and down in Marina Grande , visit the fascinating city of Pompeii destroyed by nearby Mount Vesuvius , discover the local cuisine on a food tour , spend at least a day in Naples eating pizza, visiting the Archaeological Museum and soaking up the exciting atmosphere. Or visit Reggia Caserta – a huge royal palace that is bigger than Versailles
Where to stay: Sorrento has many accommodation options from family-run hotels to chic boutique establishments. Choose your favorite in our Sorrento guide

Transfer to Naples then travel by train to Rome – Travel time 1.5 hours • Check ticket prices and schedules

Day 8 – 10: Rome

Rome is a welcome addition to any Italian itinerary whether it is your first or fifth visit. You could spend months exploring the city and simply scratch the surface. If it’s your first time visiting the Eternal City, no doubt you’ll want to see the Colosseum and ancient sites, St Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums plus the treasures of the historic center – Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

Returning visitors can explore deeper into the city and uncover more of its mysteries. Whether you love ancient history, Renaissance art or simply discovering new neighborhoods and browsing boutiques, you’ll find plenty of activities in Rome . The city is also a great base for a day trip or two before heading home.

Must-see highlights: The Colosseum and ancient sites, admire the cultural treasures of St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain , climb the Spanish Steps for views of the city, look up in awe in the Pantheon , pose by the fountains in Piazza Navona
Discover Rome : wander the gardens and admire art at Villa Borghese , imagine Romans bathing at the Baths of Caracalla , stroll along the Tiber to the Jewish Quarter for lunch amid ancient ruins, soak up the panoramic views from the Giardino degli Aranci or Terrazza delle Quadrighe
Recommended day trip: head to the hills and the pretty town of Orvieto overlooking the Umbrian countryside, just 70 minutes by train from Roma Termini station or take a trip to Tuscany for hilltowns, fortresses and vineyards
Where to stay : Read our city accommodation guide for Rome or jump straight to our preferred Airbnbs and hotels near the Pantheon (we think it’s the best area to stay for first timers) or Trastevere if you want to explore further

Extend this trip

If you have a few more days in your travel budget then you could spend some time in southern Tuscany enjoying the Val D’Orcia. Rent a car from the airport in Rome and drive up to this beautiful region featured in the book and movie of the same name Under the Tuscan Sun or join our small group tour of Umbria where hilltop towns gaze over olive groves and vineyards or food and wine discovery in Puglia – up and coming region on the Adriatic sea with ancient secrets.

3. Northern lakes, mountains and Venice

Do you feel the call of spectacular alpine ranges and shimmering lakes? Then try this northern Italy itinerary that takes you from the serene beauty of Venice to the natural wonders of the Dolomites mountain ranges.

Start in beautiful Venice and enjoy exploring the canals and culture of this most unique city before heading to the mountains and lakes for hiking, village-hopping and incredible views. This itinerary can be done in reverse and you could also fly into Milan.

Best for: Nature and adventure lovers who like a side of culture
When to visit: Avoid March/ April /October/November when the mountain towns take a break between seasons
Places visited: Venice (or Milan), Lake Garda, Dolomites mountains
Start/end in: Venice or Milan
Recommended transport: Rent a car to see small towns and picturesque views

Day 1 – 3: Venice

Arriving in Venice by water taxi is a memory you’ll cherish forever. The palaces of the city look down on you as your boat weaves its way through the traffic on the Grand Canal, presided over by grand palaces and domed churches. Venice is a city of wonders to explore on foot and get lost in its labyrinth of bridges and canals.

Must see highlights: Stand in wonder in Piazza San Marco , visit the Basilica San Marco adorned with jewels and mosaics, take a romantic gondola ride down the side canals, enjoy the Grand Canal by private boat or even on the vaporetto water bus, cross the Rialto Bridge and browse the fish market
Explore Venice: spend half a day in Cannaregio (the Jewish Quarter), visit the Peggy Guggenheim gallery for a modern art fix, stroll the Giardini della Biennale , take in the views from the belltower of San Giorgio Maggiore

Rent car and drive to Bolzano – Take the Great Dolomites Road scenic route via Belluno (SS241) stopping at fairytale lake Lago di Carezza – driving time 3.5 hours • Recommended car rental

Day 4 – 7: Dolomites – Bolzano (or Cortina d’Ampezzo)

Recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty, the Dolomites mountain ranges are 18 peaks that rise over 3,000 meters above sea level. Between the peaks and passes you’ll find pretty villages, clear mountain lakes and some of the most incredible views in the world. The mountains provide a natural border with Austria and Switzerland but you’ll find their cuisine and culture greatly influence this region.

Make your base in Bolzano, a lovely alpine city from where you can explore the surrounding area easily by car if your goal is touring and sightseeing. If hiking is a priority then choose Cortina D’Ampezzo from where you can walk the famous Croda da Lago circuit and Cinque Torri .

Must see highlights: Swoon over magical Lago di Braies (you can rent a boat or walk around it too!), drive the Passo Gardena (Gardena Pass) famous for hairpin bends and stunning scenery, explore pretty alpine villages – Ortisei, San Cassiano, Siusi; be awestruck by the peaks at Tre cime di Lavaredo and meet Ötzi , a 5,000 year old man frozen in snow, in Bolzano
Where to stay: Bolzano or Cortina D’Ampezzo – book early to avoid disappointment in peak summer/winter seasons – more ideas

Drive to Sirmione, Lake Garda – Driving time 2 hours with no stops

Day 8 – 10: Lake Garda

Head down from the mountains to the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda. Popular with Europeans, the lake stretches 50 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide and is dotted with some of the loveliest villages in Italy. Garda has been a destination to relax since Roman times but you can be as busy as you like, enjoying local hikes, visiting villages by ferry or even venturing into nearby Verona. If you’re interested in wine, the Franciacorta wine region borders the lake. This sparkling variety is Italy’s answer to Champagne!

Must see highlights: Sirmione’s Scaliger castle, visit the ruins of an ancient Roman villa – Grotte di Catulo , ferry hop to lakeside towns – Limone, Malcesine, Riva del Garda, Bardolino; take the cable car to the top Monte Baldo for stunning views, visit Verona – one of the most charming cities in Italy, go wine tasting and feasting at Selva Capuzza
Where to stay : Sirmione is a gorgeous town on the lake inside moated fortifications or try an agriturismo like Borgo il Mezzanino

With two weeks in this region of Italy you can explore the lakes region further. We suggest 3 days in Lake Como staying at the pretty town of Varenna or you could make Como your base for easy access to the train for a day trip to Milan or a drive into nearby Switzerland and Lake Lugano. For the ultimate food and wine experience in northern Italy, join us on our Piedmont tours in Spring and Fall for the ultimate indulgence in this picturesque Italian region.

4. Classic plus hidden Italy itinerary ideas

Of course, to see the very best of Italy, combining a trip to classic destinations like Rome and Florence with the lesser-known hidden regions gives you a unique insight into this fascinating land.

With 10 – 14 days in Italy, you can experience the highlights you’ve always dreamed of. Here are some suggestions for your inspiration. These options are suitable for independent travel (usually by car) or you could join one of our small group tours where we take care of the logistics and all the magical local experiences for you.

Flying into Rome

Spend 3 days in Rome, a week in beautiful Umbria (north of Rome and south of Tuscany) before continuing to Florence for 3 days and back to Rome. Our food and wine focused Umbria tours take you to picturesque hilltop towns, family-run wineries, enchanting Assisi and olive groves > more information
Enjoy some time in Rome before taking the train or driving to Bari , capital of the Puglia region. This beautiful and ancient region is dotted with unique villages known for their conical trulli houses and the gorgeous beaches of the Adriatic coast. Our Puglia small group tours in early and late summer explore the culinary and artisan culture of this up-and-coming region with the details all taken care of – from restaurants to luxury 4 star accommodation > learn more
Soak up the sights in Rome for a few days before flying to Catania in Sicily. Italy’s largest island is a fascinating blend of history, culture, cuisine and coastal wonders. You’ll need at least a week in Sicily to get a true taste of this vibrant island. Explore by car or join our incredible tour of south eastern Sicily that takes you from the ruins of the Valley of the Temples to the verdant slopes of Mount Etna experiencing the very best Sicilian food and wine along the way > tour details

Flying into Milan or Venice

Travel to magical Venice and explore the canal city at leisure before stopping at the lakes – Como or Garda – or Garda for a few days including a day in fair Verona. A car would be useful but not essential for this portion. Then head west to Piedmont – food and wine country – known for truffles and Barolo wine. Travel the small villages of the region on your own or join our Spring or Fall Piedmont tours for a gastronomic adventure like no other. We start in royal Turin before heading to the hills for a truffle hunt, pasta making and of course wine tasting > more information End your northern Italian adventure in marvelous Milano, fashion capital and home to Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting.

READ: Hidden Italy – favorite towns and villages to explore

What is your dream Italy itinerary?

We hope these itineraries have given you some ideas for planning your own trip to Italy. If you are ready to take the next steps and get started on a detailed plan then read our article – planning a trip to Italy .

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10 Days in Italy: How to Plan an Amazing Italy Itinerary

Want to plan an unforgettable trip to Italy? We’ve got you covered! This detailed 10 day Italy itinerary is going to help you plan an incredible trip, with options for extending your trip to 14 days, or condensing it into 7.

You’ll cover three amazing cities – Rome, Florence, and Venice – with some stops in between that will get you to some of the smaller, less-visited places that we fell in love with on our last trip, a five week Italian adventure that, somehow, made us fall even more in love with Italy.

Italy is, without a doubt, one of our favorite countries on the planet. It has everything we love about traveling – amazing food (and wine), warm and friendly people, and gorgeous scenery both inside its cities and out in the countryside.

We spent over five weeks exploring the country on our latest trip to Italy, and despite having what seems like tons of time, there were still many, many places that got added to our “next time” list.

One thing that always surprises us about Italy is the diversity that exists between regions in terms of history, scenery, and culture. Even cities that are 30 minutes away from each other have distinct cultures and identities that comes from centuries as independent city states before the unification of Italy (which happened very recently – in the 19th Century – which was a surprise to us).

Being the land of ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life) , a visit to Italy shouldn’t be filled with organizational stress.

It should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. We’ve used our experience traveling around Italy to put together this detailed guide to 10 days in Italy in order to take some of the stress of planning out of your trip.

We love Italy, and think you will too.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need in Italy?

10 days in Italy is a good starting point for a first-time visitor, but you’re definitely not going to be able to see everything in this time.

Every instinct you have is going to tell you to fit more places in on your trip, and we want to be the first ones to advise you not to go that route.

Italy is a large and diverse country with so many amazing places to visit, yes. Even after spending over a month in Italy we have a list of “I guess we’ll have to do that next time” places that is longer than when we got to Italy!

However, Italy is also a country that needs to be savoured and not rushed. It may be tempting to cram in as many destinations as possible, moving to a new base each day, but this isn’t the way Italy should be experienced.

Italy is somewhere that needs to be experienced slowly. Long alfresco lunches with a few glasses of wine. Slow strolls through beautiful historic streets. Hours spent browsing world-famous art galleries.

In order to fully immerse yourself in ‘ la dolce vita’ (the sweet life) that Italy is so well known for, you’ll need at least 10 days .

The best way to spend 10 days in Italy is to pick three or four main destinations to use as your base (e.g. Rome, Florence, Venice) and split your time between them, adding in a day trip or two from those cities. This is what you’ll find in this itinerary (though we made an exception for our favorite city in Italy, Verona).

With 14 days in Italy, you could choose an extra city as a home base and add in a couple more day trips. Below the main itinerary, we’ve got some 14 day itineraries for you to use if you have more time.

The Route For 10 Days in Italy

We want to be super clear here – there are an endless number of amazing places in Italy, and you can’t possibly fit them all into a 10 day trip. In fact, even after our latest trip to Italy that lasted five weeks, there are still so many places that we want to explore despite having what feels like a lot of time!

So, we’re assuming in the itinerary below that you want to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice – the three most popular cities for tourists in Italy – on your trip.

However, that definitely does not mean those should be the only places you visit. We think Florence in particular makes a fantastic home base for exploring both Tuscany and some of the other regions nearby, so we’ve included two days to use to take day trips from Florence.

Don’t worry – we’ve got a perspective on what the options are, how to get to each of them, and what to do in each place you’re visiting.

After falling in love with it, we’ve also added a stop in Verona to the itinerary. Because we think it’s well worth it, and it’s along the route between Florence and Venice anyway (the high speed train runs right through Verona on its way to Venice).

With that out of the way, here’s the itinerary that you’ll find below:

Day 1: Arrive and Rome
Day 2: Rome (Colosseum Tour)
Day 3: Rome (Vatican)
Day 4: Florence
Day 5: Florence Day Trip 1
Day 6: Florence
Day 7: Florence Day Trip 2
Day 8: Verona
Day 9: Venice
Day 10: Venice and Fly Home

Within each of the cities, we don’t want to be too prescriptive – obviously, you could do a day trip on the third day in Florence instead of the second. For each city, we’ve included a list of our favorite things to do in each city (rather than an hour-by-hour daily itinerary) to help you piece together your itinerary.

Where Should You Start and End Your 10 Days in Italy?

Being one of the most visited countries in the world, there are international airports in almost every large city in Italy, making it an extremely easy country to get to. Some of the country’s biggest airports can be found in Rome, Milan, Venice and Bologna.

For this particular Italy itinerary, I’d recommend flying into Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport (Leonardo da Vinci) in order to start your trip in Rome.

At the end of the itinerary, you can fly out of Venice Airport (Marco Polo Airport), which is located on the mainland just a few kilometers north of Venice.

If you decide to swap things around and end your trip in Florence instead, there are two options for flying back out; Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) or Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport). Pisa is the larger of the two airports and serves more international airlines. You can get either a bus or train from Florence to Pisa airport in just an hour and a half.

Getting Around Italy

For this particular itinerary, we’d strongly recommend that you make use of Italy’s extensive train network to get between places. It’s efficient, affordable, and way more convenient than flying. Driving is another option, but if you want to see the main cities in Italy – Rome, Florence, and Venice – then you really don’t need (or want) a car.

Flying within Italy

One way to travel around Italy is by taking internal flights. There’s an impressive 77 international and regional airports connecting the different cities and regions of Italy.

However, internal flights are only really necessary if you’re traveling a long distance from north to south, or over to one of the islands.

In fact, Alitalia, Italy’s main domestic airline, was in the process of transitioning to new ownership and ended up cancelling hundreds of flights while we were in Italy for over a month.

Lucky for us, we had seen the issues coming, so we had avoided flying Alitalia. They’ve since been replaced by ITA .

The point is, we’d highly recommend using Italy’s extensive train network instead of flying internally within Italy. For this itinerary it’ll be much easier to travel by train or car.

Trains in Italy

Getting around Italy by train is simple, easy and relatively cheap, and the method of travel that I would recommend for this itinerary.

While the rail network in the south of the country is a little more limited, central and northern Italy are extremely well connected by train. There are also plenty of high-speed trains that take you between the big cities in no time at all. All of the destinations on this itinerary are served by the rail network.

Train tickets can either be purchased at the stations or online.

For getting between the big cities, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance to save money and guarantee you get the date and time you want.

Tickets can be booked through the official Italian rail website TrenItalia . I also often book train tickets in Italy through ItaliaRail , which is a little less confusing than the TrenItalia website if you don’t speak Italian (on TrenItalia you need to use the Italian destination names).

A few tips when traveling in Italy by train:

VALIDATE YOUR TICKET! If you buy your ticket at the station and you have a physical ticket, you must validate your ticket at the machines either in the station or on the platforms. Hold the ticket in the machine until you see a light flash and hear the beep. If you don’t validate your ticket, you could end up with a large fine. Online tickets on your phone do not need to be validated.
Don’t rely on Google Maps for timetables . I’ve made this mistake more than once. Google Maps doesn’t always have the up to date train timetables in Italy the way it does in other countries. Download the Trenitalia app and check for the correct train times there instead.
Big cities have multiple main stations . Cities such as Rome have several large stations. Be sure to check that you’re heading to the right station and avoid missing a train because you’ve had to rush to the other side of the city.

Tips for Driving in Italy

Another option is to rent a car for the whole of your 10 day trip to Italy.

For this itinerary, Rome, Florence and Venice themselves are not the most car-friendly cities. However, a car will prove useful for getting between the cities and particularly for the day trips around Florence and the Chianti region.

Renting a car allows you to have more freedom in terms of timing and making any additional stops. You’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery on Italy’s roads along the way! Whether this outweighs the convenience of jumping on trains is up to you.

You can hire a car from the airport or once you arrive in any of the cities. AutoEurope is my go-to company for pre-booking car rental in Italy.

A few tips for driving in Italy:

You may need an International Driver’s Permit . Italy used to be much more relaxed over permits, however, these days you will need to prove you have an international driver’s permit if you’re coming from a non-EU country.
Watch out for ZTL’s . Zona Traffico Limitato (limited traffic zones) can be found in the historic center of most Italian towns and cities and are strictly NO GO areas. If you drive or park in these zones without a permit you will end up with a large fine. Also, keep an eye out for Area Pedonale (pedestrian areas), although these should be pretty easy to spot.
Parking can be a nightmare . Even outside of the ZTL’s, parking in Italian cities can be pretty difficult and very expensive. Look for either hotels with private parking lots or those on the outskirts of the city where it’ll be easier and cheaper to park on the street. You can then leave your car at the hotel and jump on public transport into the city center.
Watch out for Italian drivers . Excuse the stereotype, but from my experience, Italian drivers do tend to be slightly erratic. Be cautious of fast drivers overtaking you or cars changing lanes without warning.

Helpful Travel Tips for Visiting Italy

A few more important things you should know before visiting Italy:

Italian coffee comes with rules . You might already know that Italians love their coffee. But did you know that there are rules surrounding Italian coffee culture? One of the most important being that Italians drink milky coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes in the morning, but after lunch it’s strictly espressos only. Ordering a milky coffee after a meal or mid-afternoon is the number one way to confuse a barista and point yourself out as a tourist.
Dinner is eaten late . Like in many European countries, Italians eat late. Don’t expect to see locals heading out for dinner until at least 8:00 pm. In the major cities you will still find some restaurants open earlier, but you’ll know these are targeted towards tourists.
Try to learn at least a bit of Italian . In central and northern Italy, and particularly in the major cities, most people speak some English. However, it’s always good to learn a little Italian to help you get by and to be polite.
Real Italian food is different from Italian food in America . This tip is obviously specific to Americans traveling to Italy. In America, Italian food is spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread. In Italy, this doesn’t exist. Real Italian food is even better! Italian food varies greatly from region to region, from cacio e pepe and carbonara in Rome to cicchetti in Venice and so much more. Do your research in advance and try as many authentic local dishes as you can in each region.

10 Days in Italy: A Classic 10 Day Italian Itinerary for First Time Visitors

For this ultimate first-timer’s 10 day Italy itinerary, you’ll get to explore three of Italy’s most famous cities – Rome, Florence, and Venice – with a few other exciting stops thrown in along the way.

To help you plan your time as efficiently as possible, we’ve also included the best way to travel between each destination, where to stay in each city, any tours and tickets you should pre-book, and a detailed breakdown of what to do in each place.

We think that everything you need to know to plan an amazing Italy trip is here, and we hope you find it useful.

Days 1-3: Exploring the Ancient City of Rome

Rome is one of our favorite cities in the world, and part of its charm is the fact that anywhere you walk in the city, you’re likely to be passing by a building – or the remains of one – that is literally thousands of years old. Or, in the city’s case, they’re trying to build a metro line and have to stop every few months as they run into a new set of ruins, which is why Rome’s third metro line STILL hasn’t been built (it was under construction when Alysha lived there ten years ago!).

An Italian we met in Barcelona joked that in Rome, the signs that say “metro line under construction” have become a tourist attraction because they’re so old now.

Rome is a great introduction to Italy, but as you’ll learn throughout the course of your trip, it’s definitely not the end-all, be-all of Italy. Each region has a very distinct identity, which we found to be one of the most fascinating parts of exploring Italy.

However, Rome is where it all started (ish, that’s a bit of a generalization), which means it’s a good place for your trip to Italy to start. And, you know, it’s the easiest place to fly into, with the most international routes.

Things to Do in Rome

There’s a nearly endless list of things to do in Rome, but we’ve picked out the ones we think you should focus on with just a few days, and you can save the rest for a return trip down the line.

We have an entire guide dedicated to planning a perfect Rome itinerary – read that for more detail on how to organize your time!

The Colosseum and Roman Forum

Over the course of your time in Rome, you’re obviously going to want to pay a visit to the city’s most recognizable and most visited attraction, the Colosseum.

Dating back to 70 AD, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater built during the Roman Empire. In ancient times, the almighty structure seated over 50,000 people who came to watch gladiator fights, exotic animal exhibitions, and even live prisoner executions.

The Roman Forum can be found close to the Colosseum and was once the main downtown area of ancient Rome. The Forum was the hub of political and social activity in ancient Rome and was home to open air markets, public meetings, religious ceremonies, and more.

The area is now mainly ruins, but there are still many interesting things to see, such as the main street, Via Sacra, and the excavated remains of grand temples and political buildings.

While the Roman Forum can be visited on your own, the ruins can be difficult to interpret without a guide. This is why it’s a good idea to book a combined tour and have a knowledgeable guide take you through the site. You’ll also get to learn all about the history and people that made up one of the planet’s greatest civilizations.

There’s no doubt in our minds that the best way to see the Colosseum and Roman Forum is on a guided tour . Not only will a tour get you skip-the-line entry to both, but you’ll also be able to learn about the huge structure and its long and fascinating history.

The tour will add so much richness and context to the experience. Many tours also include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where we think it’s even more important to do a guided tour because without context, you’re really just looking at a bunch of ruined buildings.

We have personally done (and enjoyed) TakeWalk’s Skip the Line: Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – you can read about our experience here (spoiler: we loved it!).

It is a great tour option that includes all three attractions as well as exclusive VIP access to the underground tunnels inside of the Colosseum. The tour starts at 10:15 am and lasts for 3.5 hours.

If you want to visit the Colosseum on your own, it’s best to arrive early before it opens at 8:30 am to avoid the huge lines to get inside. I’d highly recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during peak periods when you might otherwise end up standing in line for two to three hours. Get them on the official website here .

The Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, situated within Rome, and home to the spiritual leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s a must-visit on any trip to Rome.

Visiting the Vatican can be a little overwhelming, with so much to see including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the world-class Vatican Museums (with over 20,000 pieces on display). The lines to get inside can also be up to two or three hours long during peak periods.

Therefore the best way to visit the Vatican is on a guided tour, which is how I (Matt) have done the Vatican twice.

Your two best options for exploring the Vatican are to jump on an afternoon guided tour such as this one , or take the rest of your day at a slower pace then book an exclusive after hours night tour . An evening tour lets you visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after hours without the crowds.

The most important thing to remember is that the Vatican is a holy place and visitors need to dress accordingly. No bare knees or shoulders allowed, so dress appropriately all day or bring extra layers to cover up once you arrive.

Other Things to Do in Rome

Here are some of our other favorite things to do in the Eternal City once you’ve experienced the Colosseum and Vatican.

An Evening in Trastevere . We love Trastevere at all times of day, but it really comes alive in the evening, when the people enjoying the many bars and restaurants in the area start spilling out into the streets. Find an outdoor spot to plop down and drink a spritz or two and get to people watching – we’d suggest Freni e Frizioni , which we went to AND had recommended to us by the staff at our hotel in Trastevere. In terms of food, we enjoy Mama Eat (one of our favorite gluten free restaurants in Rome ) and Fatamorgana Gelato . Add in a walk up behind the bohemian neighborhood to Belvedere del Gianicolo for amazing views over the city, and some important history in the battle for the unification of Italy.

Walk the Centro Storico from Campo de’ Fiori to the Spanish Steps . An important caveat here, this is best done before 9:00 am, when the streets are relatively calm and it’s a significantly more tranquil experience. Start at Campo de’ Fiori, where vendors will be setting up for a day at the market, and walk to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. You’ll see all the highlights of the Centro Storico, which is the most romantic part of Rome. Here’s a map of that walk .

Castel Sant’Angelo . I had never actually been into Castel Sant’Angelo until our latest trip despite walking by it countless times. The building was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, and has been co-opted by various factions in Rome like the Catholic Church ever since (it still has the tomb of Hadrian though). It’s actually well worth the time and money. Possibly even worth it for the view of the Vatican alone from various points on the self-guided tour they have set up. Book tickets in advance here , and try to go either first thing in the morning (when light on the Vatican is best) or last thing in the afternoon (when light on the historic center is best).

The Borghese Gardens (and Gallery) . We haven’t actually done the Borghese Gallery, mostly because we’ve preferred spending our time exploring outside and have been museum-ed out. The gardens, however, are well worth your time, and make an excellent addition to the Centro Storico walk we detailed above. Continue from the Spanish Steps up to Piazza del Popolo, then climb up to Terrazza del Pincio and walk through the gardens to the Gallery. If you want to go into the Gallery, you’ll need to book tickets well in advance here as the number of entries per hour is very limited. If they’re sold out, your other option for seeing the Borghese Gallery is a guided tour – we’d suggest this one , which includes the gardens.

Take a Street Food Tour . There’s some excellent food to be had in Rome, though there’s also some very, very mediocre food (especially in the Centro Storico). Take a guided street food tour to taste the best of the best with a local guide, which is almost always our preferred way of exploring a city. This street food tour with a local guide is very, very highly rated, and this guided tour focuses on Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, two of the best foodie destinations in the city.

Where to Stay in Rome

In our book, there are really only three acceptable answers to the question “where should you stay in Rome?” They are Trastevere – our favorite area in Rome – Monti, and the Centro Storico.

We have an entire guide dedicated to finding the perfect place to stay in Rome , which you should read for more detail around why we think that.

Where We’ve Stayed

We spent ten days exploring Rome as a part of that latest Italy adventure, and ended up staying in both Trastevere and the Centro Storico over that time.

In Trastevere, we splurged on the gorgeous Horti 14 Borgo , a lovely boutique hotel just outside the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, tucked away on a very quiet street. The beds are comfortable, the location is great, and there’s a fabulous breakfast included.

In the Centro Storico – Rome’s Historic Center – we opted for an apartment with a kitchen and ended up at Grotta Pinta Apartments , which is three minutes away from both Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori. We were pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was, and it was a great home base for our first stint in Rome before heading to Sicily .

We also stayed at the RomeHello near Termini, which is an excellent budget option. The facilities were very nice, the rooms were affordable, and the location exceeded our expectations.

Staying in Bohemian Trastevere

Trastevere is a cool bohemian neighborhood in Rome, located just to the west of the River Tiber, and definitely one of the best places to base yourself in the city. Popular with locals, the area is known for its colorful cobblestone streets and lively piazzas filled with bougainvillaea-strewn osterias.

Our top picks in Trastevere are:

Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere ($$$).
La Residenza Del Cedro ($$).
Hostel Trastevere ($).

Staying in Hip Monti

Monti is a central neighborhood conveniently situated between Rome’s main train station (Termini), the Centro Storico, and the Colosseum and Forum, making it an ideal spot for walking to many of the main landmarks included in this itinerary. The trendy area also has plenty of great restaurants and bars to make the most of.

The best places to stay in Monti are:

The Fifteen Keys Hotel ($$).
Style, Comfort & Space By Colosseum Apartment ($$).

Days 4-7: Discovering the Renaissance in Florence

Florence will be your second (temporary) home base in Italy, and as soon as you step off the train you’ll start to see that Florence is very, very different from Rome. While Rome’s heyday was in the times of the Roman empire, Florence began to flourish after the fall of the Roman empire, around the time of the Renaissance.

It has a fascinating – sometimes salacious – history as one of the largest independent city states in Italy in the 15th Century, and it was the birthplace of Michelangelo, whose endlessly impressive statue of David still lives in Florence (though it has since moved indoors from its original spot on Piazza della Signoria).

Florence is both a great city in its own right, and also a great home base for exploring the areas surrounding it – namely Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

We’ve structured this itinerary to have you moving around as little as possible, opting for day trips over spending one night in each place. We’ve dedicated two days in Florence to day trips, which will take most of the day and leave you with a few hours at the end of the day to explore Florence.

Getting From Rome to Florence by Train

On the afternoon of day 4, it’s time to leave Rome and head to Florence.

There are over 50 trains each day traveling between Rome and Florence, so you can be flexible on when you choose to leave.

TrenItalia’s Le Frecce high speed trains run from Rome Termini station to Florence Santa Maria Novella station (the main train station in Florence, and the one you want) in just one hour and thirty minutes. The high speed trains can cost around €40, however if you book far enough in advance you can find tickets for as little as €20.

Alternatively, you can catch the slower Regionale or Intercity trains which take between three to four hours and cost €20 no matter when you book.

Things to Do in Florence

Putting aside the fact that Florence is an excellent home base for exploring Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, Florence is a fascinating, diverse city in its own right.

Similar to Rome, there are a few must-see things to do in Florence , which we’re going to cover in detail with a dedicated section for each. Below that, you’ll find some alternate things to do if you’re not so into museum life, or you’ve already done them on a previous trip.

The Uffizi Gallery

On this last trip to Florence when we spent five days in the city, we opted to do the Uffizi Gallery again despite us both having seen it before. On our previous forays into one of the finest art museums in the world, we visited independently. Which basically means we walked around, looked at some pretty paintings, and left with a limited understanding of what we were looking at.

The thing about the Uffizi Gallery is that it’s massive, and like the Louvre in Paris, you couldn’t possibly see it all in a single day. Which is exactly what most people try to do.

The other thing to know about the Uffizi Gallery is that it’s largely organized chronologically, which will give you an interesting perspective on the evolution of Italian art through the years leading up to and during the Renaissance.

On this last trip, we opted for a guided tour with an art historian and it completely changed the way we viewed the Uffizi Gallery. So much so, in fact, that I’m not sure I will ever do a major art museum again without a guided tour. Like the guided tour of the Colosseum that we did, it adds a level of richness and context (not to mention focus, which is important in this case) that can’t be matched by any independent tour, even if you have the audioguide.

If you’re going to do one guided tour in Florence, this is probably the one we’d choose.

If you want to do it independently, you’ll need to plan well in advance. If you don’t pre-book your tickets, you will end up standing in two long lines, which will likely take hours of precious time in the summer months that you could spend exploring Florence instead. BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE, we mean it.

Tickets sell out months in advance for the popular summer months. You can book tickets through the official website here . For an easier experience (we had issues with the system on the official website), you can book the same skip-the-line-tickets on Get Your Guide.

If you don’t manage to get tickets (or if you’re planning your trip at the last minute), then a guided tour is your best option. Again, we did this tour , and highly recommend it.

The Statue of David & Galleria dell Accademia

The Statue of David is probably the single most impressive piece of art that I’ve ever personally seen. I distinctly remember the first time I laid eyes on the beautiful piece of marble housed in the Galleria dell Accademia. My first thought was “whoa, it’s bigger than I expected.”

For whatever reason, I expected the statue to be about life size, but in reality it’s 17 feet tall! Truly an impressive piece of art.

If you want to see David, once again, you’ll need to plan in advance (or pay the premium for a guided tour). And, like the Uffizi Gallery, you’ll want to book tickets in advance to skip the ticket line and head straight for the security line, which will quite literally save you hours of time.

Book your tickets here. If they’re sold out, first check here to see if they have inventory, then look at booking a guided tour (like this one ).

Alternatively, you could book a broader Florence walking tour that includes skip-the-line tickets to the Accademia Gallery. Tak e Walks , who is our favorite tour company in Italy (read about our amazing Colosseum Tour here ), has one that you can book here .

Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome

Ask anyone what the first building they think of is when they think of Florence, and I bet 9/10 would say “the Duomo.” The imposing cathedral is the centerpiece of an exceedingly beautiful city.

You might be wondering why we’re only focusing on the dome here, and there’s a relatively simple answer: it’s the best value for both your time and money, and it’s the one part of the Duomo complex that we think is a must-do on any Florence itinerary .

There are five areas you can visit at the Duomo, and all but the interior cost money and more importantly, time.

The interior of the Duomo is free, but lines are long (around the block, usually) and the best part of the experience is the interior of the dome, which is painted beautifully, depicting a scene of heaven and hell.

Guess what? You can get an up-close-and-personal view of the interior of the dome on your dome climb ! And once you’ve done that, we don’t think you need to wait in line to go inside the church.

The view from the top is sublime, and you can walk all the way around for a 360 degree view of Florence and the surrounding landscape. To get there, you will need to climb 460+ narrow, steep stairs – there is no elevator option. If you get claustrophobic or can’t handle that many stairs, you may have to skip it.

You need to book your tickets to climb the dome in advance, and we’d suggest either an early morning visit, or a late afternoon visit to see the city and surrounding rolling hills awash in a soft, golden light. You can book skip-the-line tickets on the official website here .

Tickets sold out for your dates? The other option is a guided tour of the dome – the tour companies reserve blocks of tickets, so they’ll still have spots for you if you’re planning at the last minute. Here is a tour that is highly rated .

Other Things to Do in Florence

Here are some other things we really enjoyed on our recent trip to Florence.

Explore Oltrarno . The other side of the Arno River holds some fantastic treasures that are well worth a few hours of your time. Start by walking over Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence that survived World War 2, and head to Ditta Artiginale for some of the best coffee in Florence . Head to the Boboli Gardens (tickets here ) for a stroll through some beautiful gardens (don’t miss the statue of Neptune and the mini botanical garden). After the gardens, you’ve earned a treat, so grab the best gelato in Florence (according to Alysha, anyway) at Gelateria della Passera and take it for a stroll over to Piazza Santo Spirito. Finally, head back toward the river and stop by Le Volpi e L’Uva for wine sourced from small-scale producers in Italy (and France and Austria, occasionally).

Piazzale Michelangelo . High up on the other side of the river you’ll find this gorgeous piazza, where there is a replica of the statue of David and one of the best views in all of Florence. However, it’s packed in the afternoon around sunset. You could brave the crowds and bring a beer or bottle of wine to enjoy the sunset, or come in the early morning to have the place to yourself. There’s a lovely (and free) rose garden just below the piazza that is worth your time in the spring and early summer, too. This is an easy thing to combine with the Oltrarno walk, detailed above.

Florence’s Two Food Markets . Florence has a duo of food halls, and they offer slightly different experiences. San Lorenzo Market (also known as Mercato Centrale) has two levels – the lower dedicated to fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, and the upper being a hip food hall with tons of different stalls and options. There’s also an outdoor market that is full of leather goods, trinkets, and other gadgets. The other market – Sant’Ambrogio – is filled with locals going about their weekly shopping, particularly on Saturday. There’s a smaller but more authentic selection of stands ranging from butchers and cheesemongers to ready-to-eat foods. Better yet, take a guided food tour that includes a visit to the markets and try some local delicacies with the help of a knowledgeable guide!

3 Great Day Trips from Florence

As you’ll notice above, we’ve left room for a couple of day trips from Florence. In general, we think you can tackle the “big three” of Florence (the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Accademia) in two days, with some extra time to explore.

We’ve given you four days in Florence in this itinerary because we think it’s an incredible home base for day trips to places like wine country (Chianti), Bologna, and Lucca, which – SPOILER ALERT – are the three day trip options we’ll cover here.

Could you go to each of those places to spend the night? Sure, but having to pack up and move every day or two sucks (speaking from experience here), and these places are close enough to make for good day trips from Florence

We do not, however, think Cinque Terre is a good day trip option here. It’s too far. However, it is one of the first places we’d add with more time (see how to do that in the 14 day version of the itinerary below).

If you’re a foodie , go to Bologna – widely regarded as one of the best food cities in Italy – and gorge yourself on prosciutto, parmesan, balsamic vinegar, tagliatelle alla Bolognese, and anything else you can get your paws on.

Getting There : It’s an easy 45 minute train ride via high-speed train from the main station in Florence.

What to Do: Here’s a guide to what to eat in Bologna , and here’s a guide to what to do in Bologna .

Lucca was our favorite day trip that we took from Florence, and the main draw for us was the ability to walk on the medieval city walls all the way around the city. You could easily spend a full day here, but you can see the highlights in half a day or so.

Getting There : Unfortunately, it’s a 90 minute ride on a regional train to get here from Florence. It’s a pretty ride, but it’s on the slower trains, which is a bummer.

What to Do: Here’s a guide to taking a day trip to Lucca .

If you’re into wine, there’s no better place to dive deep into wine than Tuscany. Specifically, Chianti, which is one of the most highly regarded wine regions in the world.

Getting There : If you’ve taken our advice up to this point, then you won’t have a car, which means the best way to explore wine country is going to be on a guided tour that includes transportation from Florence. You could also do a tour that involves you getting out to a specific winery, but it will take 60-90 minutes each way (we did the research for our own trip and decided a tour with transportation is the way to go).

Guided Tour Options: There are two tours we looked at and would recommend. They’re both through Airbnb Experiences, which is our favorite way to book tours when we’re traveling – we’ve done at least 10-12 different Airbnb Experiences, and always love them. Choose a tour that visits multiple wineries and includes transportation (like this one or this one )

Where to Stay in Florence

There are two nice areas to use as a home base in Florence. We have an entire guide that dives deep into how to choose a place to stay in Florence , which you should head over and read for more detail.

The Centro Storico is the most central, but also the most expensive and crowded (but there’s something about staying in the Duomo’s shadow that’s very romantic).

Santa Croce is our favorite neighborhood – and is where we stayed (at the lovely Pietrapiana Apartments ) on our last trip to Florence.

Staying in the Historic City Center (Centro Storico)

Florence’s historic city center is fairly compact and is where you’ll find most of the main attractions and hotels. Staying as central as possible is the best way to make the most of the city during your time here.

Our top picks in Florence’s historic center are:

Palazzo Gamba Luxury Apartments ($$$).
Arte’ Boutique Hotel ($$).

Staying in Santa Croce

Santa Croce is our personal pick because it’s removed from the hectic Centro Storico – the crowds are no joke, particularly in the summer – but it’s just a 5-10 minute walk away, and is full of some of the best food, drinks, and coffee in Florence.

Stay at either Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments (where we stayed) if you’re looking for an apartment, or at La Maison Du Sage , which has rooms looking out at the Basilica di Santa Croce.

Day 8: Verona (Our Favorite City in Italy)

As we were putting this Italy itinerary together, we got towards the end of the editing process and decided that Verona deserves a spot. It was, after all, our favorite city on our latest explorations of Italy, because it has everything we love about northern Italian cities – the river, the charming cobblestone streets, the great food – and much smaller crowds than other major cities in Northern Italy. So, at the last minute before publishing, we decided to rework the entire itinerary to fit it in.

That should tell you everything you need to know about our thoughts on Verona.

It also happens to be the perfect size to explore in a day, which is really all you’re going to have here. Though, like us, we bet you’ll be wishing you had more time, and planning your return trip as soon as your flight home touches down.

Read More: Exactly How to Spend a Day in Verona, Italy

Getting from Florence to Verona by Train

We did this journey in reverse – from Verona to Florence – and it’s a breeze on the high speed trains BUT it requires a transfer in Bologna. All-in, it’s going to be about an hour and a half, split between two train rides. Definitely book the high speed train – the regional trains, though cheaper, can take more than double that amount of time.

It will cost you around 35 Euros a person, but it depends, again, on how far in advance you book.

What to Do in Verona in a Day

Verona is a pretty compact city, and it’s fairly easy to see the best of Verona in a day . That being said, we spent two days there, and left wishing we had more time.

Here’s how we think you should spend your time in Verona, assuming you arrive in the afternoon, and leave the following day around noon to head to Venice.

We highly recommend the Verona Card , which is a travel card that includes admission to several places you’ll visit in Verona and free public transportation (which is useful for getting to and from the train station – the bus terminal is right outside the front door of the train station). You can get it for 24 hours, which will be perfect for your trip.

Learn more over in our guide to the best things to do in Verona , which has a section on why we think it’s worth it.

On your first afternoon (after you get situated in your accommodations):

Start with the Roman Theater & Museum . This place was an unexpected surprise for us that we never would have discovered if we didn’t have the Verona Card and say “well, it’s free, right?” Not only is there an impressive theater – the semicircle kind reminiscent of Greek Theaters, versus the Roman-style Amphitheater – but the museum up above it is really cool too, with some great artifacts from thousands of years ago. More information here .

At sunset, head up to Castel San Pietro for the best free view in Verona. The walk up involves a bunch of stairs, though there’s a funicular that you can take up if you don’t feel like walking (or are unable to). We’d recommend walking down though, because the views are pretty spectacular.

Sample some local wines from the Veneto region at Osteria ai Portegheti . Veneto wines don’t get the fanfare that wines from Tuscany get, but we liked them just the same because they focus on whites and lighter reds than the big, bold reds of Tuscany. We loved this particular place, and the friendly bartenders were super helpful, making sure we figured out which wines were right for our palettes.

Afterwards, find a place for a leisurely dinner and call it a night.

The next morning, leave your bags at your accommodations, check out, and head to the Verona Arena , the third largest amphitheater in Italy (after Rome and Capua). It’s not quite as impressive as the Colosseum, especially because it’s used as an opera venue during the summer, which means there’s modern seating and a stage built in the middle, but it’s still well worth your time. The signage could be better, too.

Then head back to the train station and catch the train onwards to Venice!

Where to Stay in Verona

The historic center of Verona is pretty compact, so you really can’t go wrong anywhere you stay inside the historic center.

We stayed at Letters to Juliet in Veronetta, the oldest part of Verona, and absolutely LOVED it. We’d highly recommend it, and it accommodates groups of two to six with three bedrooms (two have single beds), a full kitchen, a washer AND a dryer, and a magnificent view from the balcony.

Days 9-10: The Canals of Venice

We have very, very mixed feelings about Venice. On the one hand, it’s gorgeous, and is something that everyone should see once. On the other hand, it’s a classic case of overtourism’s negative effects on certain places. Nearly zero locals live in Venice these days – because, honestly, why would you want to live in a city overrun by tourists? – and many of the services are stretched thin by the sheer number of people that visit every year.

So why is it in this itinerary, you’re wondering? Because the canals are one of the most unique aspects of a city we’ve ever experienced, and we firmly believe it’s worth experiencing an evening strolling them at dusk once in your life.

Here is a guide to experiencing Venice responsibly . Here’s another one . We’d suggest you follow their advice not just in Venice, but on this entire trip to Italy. Avoid booking Airbnbs, bring along a cotton tote and a reusable water bottle, and do your best to support local businesses and connect with locals at every opportunity!

Getting From Verona to Venice by Train

Verona to Venice – which are just 120 km apart – is an easy train journey on one of the high speed trains, taking just over an hour (about an hour and ten minutes). There are multiple trains per day, and we’d recommend taking one around noon, which gives you time to explore Verona in the morning, and spend the evening in Venice.

Tickets usually cost between 18 and 25 Euros, depending on when you book. Book earlier for better prices on the high speed trains!

Things to Do in Venice

Venice isn’t a huge city, and it’s fairly reasonable to expect to see the main highlights in about a day and a half, which is essentially what you have here.

St. Mark’s Basilica & the Doge’s Palace

The most important landmark on the square, and perhaps in all of Venice, is the 9th-century St. Mark’s Basilica . The amazing church is one of the world’s best-known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture.

The Basilica is free to visit, however it can get extremely busy, so it’s best to pre-book a skip-the-line entry time slot online for €3.

You can also buy additional tickets on the day to access St. Mark’s Museum (€5), the Pala d’Oro (Golden Alter, €2), and the Treasury (€3). These are all definitely worth adding on in my opinion!

Right next door to the Basilica you’ll find another of Venice’s most famous landmarks; the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale).

The stunning Gothic-Renaissance building was the former residence of the Doges – the rulers of Venice – for more than 1,000 years.

The best way to visit the extremely lavish Doge’s Palace is on The Secret Itineraries tour . This tour takes you through both the public areas of the palace and usually inaccessible areas such as the secret torture chambers and prison cells.

You’ll also be able to walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs where prisoners would cross and sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice before being locked up.

Take a Self Guided Walking Tour

Explore some more of Venice’s most famous landmarks and attractions on a self-guided walking tour from the Castello district in the east to Dorsoduro in the west.

Follow the landmarks in the order you find them below. There’s roughly a 5-10 minute walk between each spot.

Ca Del Sol . Visit one of Venice’s most celebrated traditional mask makers where you can watch masks being made in front of you by local craftsmen and take a look around the huge range of beautiful Venetian masks.
Libreria Acqua Alta . Next, pop by Venice’s coolest bookshop which became famous after deciding to protect itself from flooding by keeping its book collection in bathtubs, bins, boats and even a full-sized gondola.
Gelatoteca SuSo . One of the best gelaterias in central Venice. It has plenty of exciting flavors and gluten free cones.
Ponte de Rialto . Cross over Venice’s most famous bridge for spectacular views down the Grand Canal.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo . From Rialto Bridge, walk down the Grand Canal then on to 15th century Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and its stunning brick and marble “scala”, or spiral staircase.
Teatro La Fenice . Step inside one of Italy’s most famous opera houses. The venue hosts regular opera, ballet and music concerts throughout the year. You can take a short 45 minute tour of the prestigious theater for only 11 Euros.
Ponte dell’Accademia . Walk across another of Venice’s most famous bridges which connects the San Marco district to the Dorsoduro district in the west.
Gallerie dell’Accademia . End your self-guided walking tour at the most important art museum in Venice. This impressive gallery has one of the largest collections of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century. There’s no need to pre-book tickets as the museum doesn’t get too busy.
OR Peggy Guggenheim Collection . If modern art is more your thing, this museum houses one of the best modern art collections in the world, with works from Pollack, Picasso, Dali and more.

A Romantic Gondola Ride

Near the end of your itinerary, check off one last Italian bucket list item; a romantic gondola ride along the Venetian Canals.

You can pick up a gondola at one of the many gondola stations all across the city. Stay away from St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal to avoid the longer lines.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will set you back €80 for 40 minutes before 7:00 pm or €100 for 30 minutes after. Try to arrive just before 7:00 pm so you get the peaceful evening ambience without the increased prices.

The Rest of the Venetian Lagoon

Jump on a Vaporetto (water bus) and head out to explore some of the other hidden gems in the Venetian lagoon. You’ll get to discover a whole new side of Venice that many tourists never get to see.

The islands we’d recommend visiting are:

Murano . A series of little islands linked by bridges, known for the production of luxurious, high-quality Murano glass.
Burano . Extremely pretty fisherman’s town, known for its rows of brightly colored houses lining every street or canal.
Cimitero di San Michele . Venice’s peaceful floating cemetery. You’re welcome to visit this unique spot but be respectful and don’t take any photos.

Where to Stay in Venice

There are two neighborhoods that we like in Venice – Cannaregio and Castello.

Located in the north of the city, Cannaregio is the city’s Jewish quarter, filled with many beautiful synagogues and a museum of Jewish history. As well as being close to Venezia Santa Lucia train station, Cannarego is one of the less-touristy areas, meaning there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy that won’t cost you an arm and a leg for mediocre food.

Best hotels in Cannaregio:

Combo Venezia ($)
NH Collection Grand Hotel Palazzo Dei Dogi ($$$)
Palazzo Vendramin Costa ($$$)

Castello is a large, local neighborhood just east of the main tourist district of San Marco. It’s a convenient place to stay in order to be just a short walk away from many of the city’s main attractions.

Best hotels in Castello:

Locanda Vivaldi ($$)
Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia ($$)
Prince Apartments ($$)

What to Do With Two Weeks

There are countless ways you could expand this 10 day itinerary if you have more time to spend in Italy.

Lucky for you, we have a perfect two week Italy itinerary waiting for you if you have more time and want to see the main cities along with some of our favorite places in Italy.

14 Days with Cinque Terre and Milan Addition

For this itinerary, keep the base 10 days the same as above but add in two days exploring the colorful fishermen towns of the Cinque Terre and a day in the fashion capital of Milan. These can be added in between Florence and Verona.

Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Rome
Day 4: Rome to Florence
Day 5: Florence
Day 6: Florence/Pisa
Day 7: Florence/Siena and Chianti
Day 8: Florence to Cinque Terre
Day 9: Cinque Terre
Day 10: Cinque Terre to Milan
Day 11: Milan to Verona
Day 12: Verona to Venice
Day 13: Venice
Day 14: Venice and Fly Home

Florence to the Cinque Terre

To get from Florence to the Cinque Terre by train, you’ll need to swap at either Pisa or La Spezia then continue onwards to Monterosso. The journey takes around three hours and costs €15-€25 depending on how far in advance you book.

The other option for this part of the itinerary is to hire a car for a few days to drive to the Cinque Terre and drop it off when you arrive in Milan. The drive from Florence to the Cinque Terre takes around two hours and thirty minutes. A car is also useful for getting between the fishing towns while you’re there if you’re not a big walker.

How to Spend Your Time in Cinque Terre

While in the Cinque Terre, base yourself in the area’s largest town of Monterosso al Mare for two nights. Locanda Il Maestrale is a gorgeous hotel right by the beach.

On your first evening, enjoy a romantic evening boat ride from Monterosso along the coastline to see all of the colorful little fishing villages turn golden in the setting sun. Trust me, this will be one of the highlights of your trip!

For your full day, throw on your walking shoes and hike along the Cinque Terre trail (the #2 Sentiero Azzurro). You’ll be able to take in the scenic coastal views of the beautiful national park while visiting several of the picturesque towns. Don’t forget to try some locally produced pesto.

Spend your last morning exploring Monterosso and relaxing on one of the town’s lovely sandy beaches.

Cinque Terre to Milan

From Monterosso you can jump on a direct train to Milan in just three hours. Tickets cost around €30, however, there are only a few direct trains each day so you’re definitely going to want to book in advance.

If not, you could end up needing to make one or two changes along your journey for the same price.

How to Spend Your Day in Milan

With only a day in Milan , be sure to stay fairly central.

Sina the Gray and IntoMilan Aparthotel are two great options close to the Duomo. On your first evening, enjoy dinner and drinks in the cool Navigli district along Milan’s charming hidden canals.

Start your next day in Piazza del Duomo to visit Gothic Duomo di Milano, the city’s most famous landmark. You’ll want to pre-book your ticket to save time waiting in line.

Next, head to the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 11, one of the most stunning shopping malls you’ll ever visit, and head north to explore the huge 15th century Castello Sforzesco.

In the afternoon, stop by La Scala Opera House then on to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper. Tickets to visit the Last Supper need to be booked up to three months in advance.

We have an entire guide dedicated to spending one day in Milan . It has exactly what to do in Milan, along with tips for getting tickets for the Duomo and Last Supper, two of the main attractions in the city. Definitely head over there and read that for more detail on what to see in a day!

Milan to Verona

High-speed trains run from Milan to Verona in about an hour and a half and cost €35 if you book in advance. The slower regional trains require a stop in Verona and take three to four hours, however, tickets are cheaper at just €20 and these run much more regularly.

What to Do With 7 Days

If you can’t spend 10 days in Italy for whatever reason, that’s totally understandable. But there’s no reason to miss out. This is what we’d recommend doing with 7 days in Italy .

7 Days: The Classic Italy Itinerary, Condensed

Day 3: Rome to Florence
Day 5: Florence/Pisa or Siena
Day 6: Florence to Venice
Day 7: Venice

With only 7 days, you could still do a slightly condensed version of the 10 day Italian itinerary above. You’ll just have a little less time in each destination.

Spend your first couple of days based in Rome. Start with a guided walking tour of the historic center, seeing sites such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. With your full day in the city, hit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in the morning, then over to the Vatican for the afternoon. On your final morning, pay a visit to peaceful Villa Borghese Gardens and the amazing Borghese Gallery.

Move on to Florence for the next three nights. With your full day in Florence, spend the morning on a walking tour to explore the best of the city with a local guide. Try to choose a tour that includes Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery.

In the afternoon, visit the Duomo complex then on to Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery. End your day by walking over Ponte Vecchio and climbing up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset.

On your second day based in Florence, take a day trip to either Pisa or Siena and the Chianti wine region. Alternatively, you could book a guided Tuscany day trip that includes both destinations in one day.

On day 6, jump on the train to Venice fairly early to give yourself two full days in Italy’s famous floating city. Spend one day discovering the historic center, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

On the other day, jump on a boat to explore the lesser-known islands of the Venetian Lagoon, including Murano and Burano.

For more, head over to our guide to planning a one week Italy itinerary , which has six different ideas for your trip.

Crash Course in Italian Geography

Italy is made up of 20 regions which can be split roughly into northern Italy, central Italy, southern Italy and the islands.

Northern Italy

Northern Italy is known for its diverse and scenic landscapes, from the dramatic peaks of the Dolomite Mountains and vast rolling vineyards, to the pristine lakes and beautiful coastline along the Italian Riviera.

Trentino and the Aosta Valley are home to some of Europe’s best ski resorts. While luxurious Lombardy is where you’ll find the fashion capital of Milan and high-end resorts of Lake Como. Veneto is the most popular region in northern Italy thanks to its crown jewel; the floating city of Venice.

Central Italy

Central Italy is the country’s most historically and culturally important area, and the most visited by first-time tourists.

The Lazio region is where you’ll find the capital city of Rome, once the cornerstone of the Roman Empire and now filled with many important archaeological sites.

Neighboring Tuscany is Italy’s capital of Renaissance art and architecture, home to many beautiful Italian towns including Florence, Pisa, and Siena.

Southern Italy

Less visited by tourists than the rest of the country, the south of Italy is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, charming little towns, and slow pace of life.

Campania is the best-known region within southern Italy, with popular tourist spots including Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city of Pompeii, as well as the luxurious coastal towns and resorts of the Amalfi Coast.

The Islands

Italy has many islands scattered around its long coastline, but the two most important are Sicily and Sardinia.

Sicily is the biggest island in Italy, just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot, and has many beautiful beaches and Baroque cities. Sardinia is another large island to the west of the mainland which is known for its world-class beaches, oceanside clubs, and archaeological ruins. Both islands are popular vacation spots for locals and international visitors.

The 10 day itinerary above takes you through parts of Lazio, Tuscany, and Veneto. You’ll also find variations at the end which include Liguria and Lombardy in the north, or Campania in the south.

When to Visit Italy

There’s really no bad time to visit Italy. From relaxing on white-sand beaches in the hot summer sun to skiing in the snowy Dolomite Mountains and visiting traditional Christmas markets, there’s something to do all year round.

The best time to visit Italy completely depends on the type of trip you’re taking.

For this 10 day Italy itinerary I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall .

On our latest trip, we were in Italy from mid-September through Halloween, and it was extremely pleasant throughout the entire duration of our trip. You’ll still get the lovely warm weather but it won’t be too hot to walk around sightseeing all day. You’ll also skip the huge mid-summer crowds at the big tourist attractions.

Summer is the peak season in Italy’s major cities and tourist destinations. Temperatures are high and the sun is always out. However, this also means that it’s the busiest time to visit Italy. There are long lines at the big attractions and hotels raise their prices to match the high demand. In August, locals in Italy leave the cities to escape the heat, which might mean shops, bars, and restaurants are more likely to be unexpectedly closed.
Fall is the ideal time to visit Italy. We were in Italy in September and October, and it’s about as lovely as it gets. The leaves are changing color – particularly in cooler northern Italy – and the weather is still warm, but it’s quieter than summer as many tourists have already left. Be sure to bring a few layers and an umbrella in case of drizzle – it can get cold and gray at times (again, especially in northern Italy).
Winter in Italy can get very cold. It’s not uncommon to experience heavy rain and snow, especially the further north you go. The best time to visit Italy in winter is during December. Italian cities look beautiful covered in Christmas decorations and there are traditional markets and nativities everywhere you go. Just remember to bring a coat and plenty of layers.
Spring is another great time to visit Italy. The weather is warm and sunny, the flowers are coming into bloom, and the large summer crowds are yet to arrive.

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Great info, thanks! We are planning a trip next May. Flying to Rome and driving to Pienza for a couple of days, then to Volterra for 3 days ,and then into Florence for 4 and then back to Rome for 4 last days…should be a fun first time trip!

Sounds like a lovely trip! May should be a nice time to be there too. Cheers!

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Home » Europe » Italy » Itinerary

Italy Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

You are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to one the world’s most vibrant countries, with an array of attractions and some of the suavest locals in Europe! Every step you take in this fabulous country will be filled with beauty, art, and fresh excitement. Italy is an absolute hub for tourists, and it is easy to see what brings so many people from around the world to this country!

Italy has become known for its luxurious villas, delicious wines, Mediterranean seas, white sand beaches, and genius architecture. There is so much on offer in this country, and so many marvelous places to visit, that it can become difficult to plan your trip to such a country thriving with scenic adventure! It might be easier to ask yourself what not to do, instead of what to do – as every stretch of Italy is inviting and waiting to be explored!

Our Italy trip planner will ease the stress of navigating your way and finding the best spots to enjoy during your travels to this cultural and magnificent part of the world! From ancient temples to luminescent blue seas, you will be spoilt for choice!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Best Time To Visit Italy

Where To Stay In Italy

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When is the best time to visit Italy ? has some of the most welcoming weather in the world! Every season is magnificent for a vacation in Italy , and this is something that makes the country even more beautiful. There are sunny and dry summers that can reach high temperatures, but the cool Mediterranean seashores are just so exquisite, making summer still very enjoyable.

Winters are wet and cool, and the mountain landscapes get lots of snowfall. The Dolomites, as well as the whole of the Alps, become a dream come true to snow-sport lovers. It is the perfect time to visit for one incredibly scenic ski trip!

Some of the best seasons to visit are between April to May, and September to October. During these phases, the sun is out but moderate, making it ideal to chill and sightsee! June to August is the peak visiting season, so prices skyrocket as do the temperatures.

Do check out our Italy packing list which will help you to pack and dress effectively whatever time of year you decide to visit.

Italy’s neighborhoods still encapsulate so much of this country’s rich heritage! There are so many upbeat, scenic, and often romantic cities to stay in when you go to Italy. Every neighborhood has something different to offer, but the most common theme is olden-day buildings, unique structures, friendly people, and lots of funky restaurants!

Choosing where to stay in Italy obviously depends on what exactly you want to see.

Trastevere is found in Rome and is a historical city that has become known for having narrow, cobblestone alleyways, as well as beautiful medieval structures. This neighborhood has a calm atmosphere and is found along the banks of the Tiber River. The streets are full of boutiques, old-fashioned stores, eccentric cafes, and breathtaking architecture! Nightlife in this part of Italy is very vibrant and breaks the more relaxed mood of daytime. Rome is home to some of the best festivals in Italy. One of the best historical things to see whilst venturing Trastevere is the famous basilica churches! Some of the best hostels in Rome are found here.

Piazza Delle Erbe is an extremely charming part of fair Verona! Buildings from the Renaissance line this popular neighborhood, and there are many Greek-God statues to be admired during your visit here. If you want to know where life is happening, then you will find your answer in Piazza Delle Erbe’s Plaza, where there are shops, restaurants, and plenty of stalls! Here you get the unique opportunity to experience a cup of delicious coffee whilst viewing the 13th-century Madonna Verona in the center of this plaza.

Cannaregio is located in ‘the sinking city’ of Venice, and is one of the most populated neighborhoods in the city! Here you can walk through Romanesque-style narrow streets, purchase the best-baked goods, enjoy the markets and check out some of the local churches. As Venice was one of the first Jewish ghettos in Europe, it is fascinating to take some time out to see the Museum of Jewish Art and the Judaica shops!

Check out one of the following neighborhood guides for some of our favorite Italian cities!

Cinque Terre

Amalfi Coast

Best Hostel in Italy – Generator Rome

One of the very best hostels in Italy is the Generator Rome. Discovery historical and ancient backstreets, and find yourself close to hubs that offer street culture, art, and amazing food! The Generator Rome is only a short walking distance to the Roma Termini station, as well as one of the best attractions, The Colosseum. The interior design of this hostel is outstanding and adds a special touch to your stay.

Best Budget Hotel in Italy – Camping Village Jolly

As well as being affordable, this hotel has a swimming pool, and the staff have lots of insider information which they offer at the reception desk. You can buy your fresh groceries at the store on-site, and even lounge for a drink at the bar after a long day or have yourself a tasty ice cream. If you feel peckish at night, then the à la carte restaurant is perfect for you to have an easy dinner!

Best Luxury Hotel in Italy – Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Situated amongst some of the most gorgeous mountain landscapes, and also opposite the Greek Theatre, the Belmond is in one of the most perfect places for a lavish trip! Taormina’s Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has mesmerizing panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian Coast.

You can also treat yourself at the spa, and sunbathe at the pool. It features an outdoor pool, and spa. Some of the suites also have magnificent views of the sea! Other suites have a view of the hotel gardens so you can capture the essence of paradise whilst looking out at the magnolias, cypress and palm trees. Everything you can dream of is provided here at this 5-star hotel!

Curious to learn more ? You can find epic accommodations in Taormina neighborhoods . You’re sure to have the best stay!

Using trains is by far the cheapest and most easy way to travel in Italy, and many of the major cities are connected to one another. Italian high-speed trains are operated by both Trenitalia and Italo. These trains link Turin, Bologna, Florence, Naples, Salerno, Milan, and Rome.

You can also rent a car during your stay. EU driving licences are valid but otherwise, you will need to get your hands on an International Driving Permit, and it’s a good idea to keep your original Driver’s License with you too. If you want to rent a bike instead, then that’s also a good idea and your permit will work for those too!

Considering that Italy is made up of 116,000 square miles, with 20 regions (two of which are islands, Sardinia and Sicily) then flying from either north to south, or south to north is much more time saving and sometimes even cheaper! Air Italy is one of the more affordable flight companies that you can use

When walking around Italy, just be sure to have your camera and comfortable walking shoes. The streets are remarkably scenic, so walking from place to place will be an adventure in itself! This is a really awesome way to enjoy the street stalls and meet locals.

The Sistine Chapel | The Pantheon | The Siena Cathedral | The Leaning Tower of Pisa | The River Arno

OK so this Day 1 itinerary is very ambitious and has been designed for people who are short on time but not on cash. To get this itinerary done you will need to start early and finish late. You will need a personal car to get you from Rome to Sienna to Pisa and will need to pay to skip the line to get to the Sistine Chapel. To complete it, you will need to keep moving.

Ideally, you would split this over 2 days.

Stop 1 – The Sistine Chapel

Why it’s awesome: Michelangelo created jaw-dropping paintings on the large ceilings and the tall walls of this Vatican site!
Cost: Entrance Fee is €15 ($17)
Food Recommendation: Get yourself a wonderfully crispy pizza from Alice Pizza! You will get value for money and enjoy premium square slices. As the originators of the phenomenon of pizza, no other country does it better.

The world-famous chapel showcases commissioned art pieces from Pope Julius II, and Michelangelo himself painted the vault of the chapel! The creative genius is responsible for most of the in-depth and awe-inspiring paintings that adorn The Sistine Chapel, and he took years upon years to complete them, from 1508 to 1512 to be exact.

Michelangelo presented original and unprecedented art that understandably revolutionized the world of western art from that day forward! These frescoes are extraordinary and capture the soul of Italy’s religious history, whilst beguiling viewers from all over the world! Art critics have declared Michelangelo’s iconic work as being one of the top works in the history of painting. The massive size of the figures painted on the ceiling and the challenge of applying paint to a curved surface have made these frescos an astounding and exceptional creation!

High Renaissance artwork, a breathtaking chapel, and insurmountable historical lineage all make The Sistine Chapel a treasure trove of brilliant site seeing and a perfect way to begin your unforgettable journey of Italy!

Day 1/Stop 2 – The Pantheon

Why it’s awesome: The Pantheon shows off Rome’s most incredible and genius interior architecture!
Cost: Free entrance
Food Recommendation: Have a lovely and hearty meal at The Pantheon Restaurant, Di Rienzo. Sit and relax whilst enjoying a glass of wine, we suggest ordering the Spaghetti with Clams for an authentic taste of Italian flavor!

Roman architecture has been renowned for its ability to withstand the years while maintaining the original structure, and The Pantheon is a prime example of the brilliance of Roman architecture! This monument has been standing for over two thousand years and, despite its ancient age, it is still standing tall – even though the gilded bronze roof tiles were removed by Pope Gregory III to be used for cannons and to create an altar in St Peter’s Church!

The Pantheon has also survived a fire in 80 AD and was rebuilt in a way that provides us with an insight into the complex and high technical mastery of Roman builders. The most prevalent feature of The Pantheon is its 43-meter dome, which is a superior accomplishment in Roman interior architecture and is suspended from supports that are hidden inside the walls. Talk about mysterious!

The 9-meter central opening in the dome is The Pantheon’s only light source, creating an ambient atmosphere. The Romans created this structure in a way that both the height and the diameter are the same proportion, creating a sort of architectural harmony in the building.

The gardens have been used as a burial place for the Italian kings and other famous Italians, such as the painter Raphael.

You will be immersed in an endless display of ancient Roman beauty and architectural prestige!

Insider Tip: Be careful of the floors when it’s been raining, as they get very slippery!

If you need some ideas for accommodation in Rome, consider checking out our guide on the best vacation rentals in Italy .

Day 1/Stop 3 – The Siena Cathedral

Why it’s awesome: The Siena Cathedral is a marvel, built entirely of marble and complete with golden touches!
Cost: Entrance fee is €5 – €8 ($6-$9)
Food Recommendation: The Ristorante Numero Unico offers scrumptious meals and scenic settings. Have yourself a meal packed with different flavors, served with a beautiful presentation! The T-bone steak is one of their best and most popular dishes.

A visit to Siena’s ancient and gothic cathedral is an adventure in itself! Otherwise known as The Duomo di Siena and this temple has become one of religious fervor to the people of Siena. The interior is breathtaking and covered with incredible works of renaissance-themed artwork. From the roof of The Siena Cathedral, you can experience an awe-inspiring view of Siena!

From The Cathedral Square, the Duomo’s presence is imposing and lavishly decorated, dominating the square with its sheer elegance and light! Made entirely from black, white and pink marble, and decorated with the rich golden decor, The Siena Cathedral is a marvel to behold! This building is one of the most important gothic edifices of Italy, and it took over two hundred years to be fully constructed.

The Siena Cathedral is beautiful inside and out, featuring work of Italy’s most famous and acclaimed artists from that era, such as Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Bernini. One of the most famous paintings that are showcased here is the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. This magnificent cathedral is fascinating and by far one of the most impressive features in Siena!

Day 1/Stop 4 – The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Why it’s awesome: This tower was built by a team of different architects over many years, and still stands even though it continues to tilt!
Cost: Entrance fee to walk to the top is €18 ($24)
Food Recommendation: Have a light meal at The Ristoro Pecorino, a quint and local cafe found close by. Their food is delicious and savory. They also happen to serve some of the best-brewed coffee!

The leaning tower of Pisa has gathered attention from the world, and has such an effect that makes this building look like it is defying the very nature of gravity! The ‘leaning’ has been due to the fact that after the first of the three floors was built by the architect Bonanno Pisano in 1178, the tower has begun to bend 5cm to the southeast.

100 years later, another architect by the name Giovanni di Simone began his attempts to compensate for the inclination of the structure. He built four vertical floors, but unexpectedly the bell tower still bent – and so the construction stopped again!

Lastly, came in Tommaso Pisano to complete the work of the bell tower is 1372, despite the continuation of the sideward plummet. A remarkable building expert named Alessandro Gherardesca then made the first restoration of the tower’s foundation and replaced it with marble.

Thanks to all of these creative and innovative thinkers, we now have the tremendous Leaning Tower of Pisa! This structure is a spectacle and insanely beautiful on the inside, with marble finishes and white pillars. Explore a building that took years to be completed, and continues to stand even though it tilts about 1 cm every year!

Insider Tip: Lines can be crazy, so make sure to book your ticket in advance!

Day 1/Stop 5 – The River Arno

Why it’s awesome: It is one of the primary and most important rivers in the whole of Italy!
Food Recommendation: Caffe Dell Oro (Gold Coffee) is an Italian bistro that specializes in traditional Italian cuisine, so you are in for some really diverse and new meals. We suggest going for the seafood options, especially the grilled sea bass. Whatever your stomach feels like, each meal is cooked to perfection!

The River Arno is one of the main rivers in Italy, even the city of Pisa was built around this waterway! The part of the River Arno that runs through Pisa provides a captivatingly beautiful landscape, and is an amazing place to simply walk along at night! Under the stars, watch as the moonlight reflects off the river surface, along with the lights from cafes and cars driving by.

Five absolutely gorgeous bridges cross over the Arno from central Pisa, and both the Lungarno Mediceo and Galileo Galilei are found parallel to the river. The local old-school houses and renaissance-themed architecture create a marvelous backdrop and this part of Pisa is truly picture perfect!

You will remember the magic from this moment forever, there is no better way to end of your first day traveling in Italy!

Insider tip: Learning some basic Italian, such as Ciao for hello and goodbye, will be incredibly helpful during your trip! The locals are some of the most welcoming people in Europe, and they really appreciate it when tourists show that they have attempted the home language.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence | San Petronio Basilica in Bologna | The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona | The Grand Canal in Venice | Lido Beachfront in Venice

The day 2 itinerary is just as hectic as day 1. Whilst these 3 cities are relatively close together, traffic congestion can make the journeys longer than we would like. Again, you will need to start very early , have a private car and skip the line at Uffizi. You will have no time to hang around Bologna and may have to cut the gardens of Giardino Giusti.

Stop 1 – The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

Why it’s awesome: This gallery hosts the most famous and beautiful artworks all the way from the Middle Ages to the present Modern Day!
Cost: €6 – €12 ($7 – $13)
Food Recommendation: Vinaino Fiorenza offers simple, yet gourmet Tuscan style food, specializing in special bread and rolls. The Panzanella is a great dish to have for a breakfast that is jam-packed with different tastes!

The Uffizi Gallery entirely takes up the first and second floors of a large building constructed between 1560 and 1580, originally designed by Giorgio Vasari. The architecture of the building is art in itself, but when you embark on your adventure inside the gallery you will be lost in a world of fine art and ancient history!

The gallery is famous worldwide for the outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings that it keeps, some that are dated back to the Middle Ages and some from the days we now live.

There is already so much splendor encapsulated from the paintings, but the gallery also prides itself on its collections of priceless ancient statues and busts that decorate the corridors! The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see landmark attraction in Italy. For an in depth review of Florence, read our Florence travel guide.

As this itinerary is intense, you will need be there by 9am to restrict yourself to seeing the masterpeices only. This can be done in 2 hours so you can out and on the road by midday.

Day 2/Stop 2 – San Petronio Basilica in Bologna

Why it’s awesome: It is the 10th largest church in the entire world!
Cost: Entrance is free and it is €2 ($3) to take photos
Food Recommendation: Botanica Lab Cafe is the first Bistro in Bologna, and is striving to create healthy meals for a healthy body! Enjoy all of their vegan food and shakes. We recommend tasting one of their fresh croissants.

This immense structure stands and presents a domineering presence in the center of the Piazza Maggiore. San Petronio Basilica is dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna.

San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, ItalyThis outstandingly beautiful church has a Gothic design, and its most famous features are the sheer enormity of the building and its ancient unfinished front facade. Originally, the church was constructed in 1388 through to 1479, but it has never been truly finished, so the front facade is rather bizarre. The lower half features brilliant colored marble stonework, in contrast to the top half that remains bare and made of exposed brown brickwork.

The church’s inside atmosphere is truly epic, with large brick columns that are adorned with decoration and seem to stretch on forever! The San Petronio Basilica’s main altar is magnetic and will draw your attention as you walk down the central aisle in wonderment!

Insider Tip: On the weekends you can take an escalator trip to the viewing platform!

Day 2/Stop 3 – The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona

Why it’s awesome: These gardens are those of a famous royal palace in Verona!
Cost: Entrance fee is €8,50 ($10)
Food Recommendation: Enjoy a laid back and fun meal at the Café Carducci! The setting is vintage, and so are the wines. We suggest having a wine and cheese sitting with a light meal.

The Giusti Gardens are professionally designed and landscaped to capture the essence of the Italian Renaissance, and the style in which it does so is magnificent! The gardens are some of the very finest in Verona, providing a stunning contrast to the waves of architecture that is most present in the city!

The Gardens Of Giardino Giusti in Verona

You will walk along and find yourself feeling like royalty as you enjoy the eight different squares, and each section has its own unique design and theme with a central fountain or sculpted centerpiece! Maintaining a high-class standard, it is easy to see the care and attention put into every inch of this garden.

Rich flowers, bright colors and indigenous bushes decorate these gardens – and you can even find yourself in an iconic hedge maze!

Note that unless you have driven between cities like a stunt driver, the gardens may be closed by the time you arrive. Or, you may be running out of daylight and wanting to get straight to the Canal’s and Lido.

Day 2/Stop 4 – The Grand Canal in Venice

Why it’s awesome: The Grand Canal is huge, and along the expansive waterways are some of the most outrageously beautiful places in Italy!
Cost: Entrance is free, and the gondola hire is €4,30 ($5)
Food Recommendation: The Restaurant Terrazza Danieli is an upmarket rooftop restaurant on The Grand Canal that has views overlooking the city! The restaurant serves classic Venetian cuisine, and one of the best bets for a tasty meal is the traditional pasta.

What should one know about the Grand Canal? Perhaps, that it the greatest avenue in the world! It may be a little strange considering it is an entire street that is made out of the water, but it is lined with some of the greatest and most beautiful buildings on earth! Riding along the Grand Canal is a truly enchanting adventure.

This used to be “the” prestigious place to live back in Venice’s heyday, and it is still one of the most aristocratic addresses on the block! All the merchants that have really ‘made it’ in the world of business have had a shop on the Grand Canal at some stage. On a humorous note, most of the beautiful buildings along the canal originate from this contest had by the Venetian rich to outdo the neighbor’s place next-door – how little things have changed today!

Whimsical and glamorous, the Grand Canal with have you falling in love with the enigmatic nature of Venice!

Insider Tip: Palaces in Venice were literally built to be seen from the water so keep your eyes peeled!

Day 2/Stop 5 – Lido Beachfront in Venice

Why it’s awesome: This beach stretch is famously the best in Italy!
Cost: Entrance fee is €22 ($24) for non-residents
Food Recommendation: There is such a vibe at the Essentiale Restaurant & Lounge Bar at Hotel Villa Laguna that it can’t be missed! Enjoy 5-star style and fantastically decadent traditional food cooked by world-class chefs. Spot famous Italian actors and musicians whilst having one unforgettable culinary experience!

Lido has some of the very best beaches in Italy, and has a sandbar that elongates over 7 miles long that sits in the Venice Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea! This stretch of beach has the well-earned nickname of “Island of Gold”, due to the stunning golden-brown sands and magnificent shores.

The loveliest beaches are in front of Lido’s historically grand hotels, they are lined with thatched beach huts or sporting elegant white cabanas. The beaches are open from May through September for travelers to bask in the Italian sun and enjoy the atmosphere!

In all probability, the sun will have set by the time you arrive. Hopefully, there will be a full moon casting a serene reflection over the water. This is an amazing and remarkably scenic way to end your 2 days in Italy.

You will be tired out by this point so make sure you book one of the best hostels in Venice to ensure a good nights rest.

Generator Rome

One of the very best hostels in Italy is the Generator Rome. Discovery historical and ancient backstreets, and find yourself close to hubs that offer street culture, art, and amazing food!

Outdoor Terrace

The Montecassino | The Cinque Terre in Liguria | The Colosseum in Rome | The Roman Forum | The Chianti Wine Route in Tuscany

Our Italy trip planner will give you plenty of fun ways to spend your next few days! Visit ancient sites and historical landmarks all whilst traveling the beauty of this country and learning more about what Italy’s heritage is all about. Come with us on this adventure!

The Montecassino

The Montecassino was first built in 529 AD and attracts lots of tourists worldwide due to the significant historical background of the Abbey.
The surrounding gardens are vast and full of indigenous Italian wildflowers!
The entrance to this magnificent site is entirely free, but the monks do accept donations to the monastery.

Italy’s steep and rocky hills are home to a rebuilt Monte Cassino Abbey, and it is one of the most popular abbeys in the world! Despite being destroyed during World War II, it has been remade and kept its original structure. This is a unique site that is filled with lots of history from the days of worship and meditation. It is still in use as a religious venue for Christian monks, and it is breathtaking!

The remaining ashes of Saint Benedict, as well as his twin sister Saint Scholastica, are preserved and kept in bronze urns. The urns are found under the basilica’s high altar, and you can also admire other relics that are on display in the Chapel of Relics.

If you venture under the church, you will see a16th century crypt, adorned with an endless amount of fine art mosaics, as well as the tomb of St Benedict and his sister.

Monte Cassino used to be the wealthiest known monastery and is filled with old relics from St. Benedict. To see these old paintings, frescoes, and mosaics, you can go into the abbey’s museum. This adventure is full of new knowledge and stunning religious artifacts!

The Cinque Terre in Liguria

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also been designed as a national park. Italy has a bunch of national parks to visit .
The Cinque Terre is nestled in Liguria, and the ‘Five Lands’ is made up of five prominent villages that are located at the top of the rugged cliffs. overlooking the famous Italian Riviera.
€105 ($119) is the average cost of traveling this famous coastline.

Cinque Terre’s villages are all overlooking the famous Italian Riviera, so no matter which of these villages you are in, at any given time you will be astounded by the landscapes!

This popular string of centuries-old seaside villages has 5 distinct towns that each have their own uniquely charming sites – Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso.

These humble villages are overflowing with marvelous vineyards, vibrantly colored houses, steep terraces, abundant fishing harbors and plenty of local seafood specials. Most of the food here will be served with Liguria’s famous sauce, pesto.

The romantic area of Cinque Terra is sprawled between La Spezia and Levanto. It offers olive groves, azure sea views along the long coastline and a bevy of traditional restaurants.

If you want to have a hike, then The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside trail is the best! This hiking trail connects all of the villages and provides some of the most amazing sweeping sea vistas!

The Colosseum in Rome

Pre-book tickets before you come. Lines are very long and sometimes it can take half a day just to get in.
This site is one of the biggest attractions, and when you see how the building still stands and preserves so much of Ancient Rome’s splendor, you will understand why!
Entrance fee is €12 ($13,50)

You simply can’t visit the ancient city of Rome and not visit this most well known and very famous attraction! The mighty colosseum retains a remarkable stature and captures what it was like in Rome during the empire’s day. Walking amongst the wreckage, you can almost feel yourself time traveling to see the gladiators readying themselves for a fight to the death, as the hierarchy watched and eager fans cheered!

This colossal amphitheater was once able to host 50 000 spectators and has now become one of the most important historical relics in the world! The Colosseum still retains a hell of a lot of grandeur, and you can get a very good idea of what it must have looked like in its prime.

This site is both entertaining and reflective, as we realize how far humanity has come from such barbaric times (we now have X Factor….) . The ruins are beautiful, and seeing these broken down structures under the clear skies of Rome is perfection.

Want to learn more about this wonderful country? Head over to our backpacking Italy travel guide for more details all things Italian!

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of Italy’s biggest attractions and lies between the Capitoline and the Palatine hills of Rome.
The Forum was the center of the whole Roman Empire!
Entrance fee is €2 ($2,24)

The Roman Forum is an essential part of any Rome itinerary . It is so big that it can be seen from most terraces in the wider city and enchants everyone who visits with its tall pillars, aged domes and amazingly well-kept structures with infinite detail and depth.

The ruins of The Roman Forum are made up of breathtakingly impressive temples, arches, and houses. This expansive labyrinth of history is home to both The Temple of Saturn and The Via Sia. Walking in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, in these remains you can still feel the power from Italy’s most prominent and ancient empire!

A guided tour of the Roman Forum offers you an authentic chance to gain insight into the politics, beliefs, and lives of the Ancient Romans themselves, helping you to understand so much more about this lost civilization!

The Chianti Wine Route in Tuscany

Chianti is the most famous wine estate in Italy and churns some of the best plonk in the world!
Touring this route offers you a very unique view of the landscapes and villages that you won’t find on other wine routes or tours.
The route is free to drive or walk through.

The Chianti road connects Florence to Siena, and is probably the most beautiful driving route in Italy! It passes through acres and acres of pristine arable land which has produced some of the best wine ever!

Just like it’s wines, Chianti has become more beautiful with time! This route will take you through enchanting old villages, rolling green hills and flowing streams. Stop off to have a wine tasting, or simply even have a picnic in one of the many beautiful spots along the way.

Italy is a strong contributor to the world of wine and this is one of its prime, wine regions . Winelovers simply cannot go to Italy without exploring the magnificently beautiful and expansive vineyards!

You’ll also find plenty of Italian yoga retreats in this part of Italy.

Here of some of the best Italian trips for you to enjoy on your journey that will add heaps of zest and fun to your days! Whether you’re spending the weekend in Italy or more than 3 days in Italy, we’ve got your back with these amazing tours.

Capri Boat Trip To Visit The Blue Grotto

This adventure is a true must for those wanting to experience all of the magic that Italy’s waterways have to share! The mystical Blue Grotto is an ancient sea cave just off the coast of Capri Island, and the effect that the sunlight has on the cave water is mesmerizing!

The ocean water turns a bright luminescent blue color, and while you are touring through the cave you will not only feel the calmness and fantasy-like essence, but you will also feel as if you are floating on an electric blue wave that lights up the whole underwater cavity! The cave is a true gem, and boating through is a once in a lifetime experience!

Rome: Pompeii Sightseeing Trip

Pompei was famously suddenly and totally destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. On this group excursion, you will explore these artistic and historical sites, ranging from old bathtubs, halls, and marble statues! Exploring Pompei’s history is eerrie and fascinating.

The buildings are surprisingly well-preserved for their age, showing how ingenious Roman architecture was. These ruins are beautiful and have remained standing even after a huge volcanic eruption destroyed most of the castles and temples. Some parts of Pompeii still remain covered in volcanic ash, making these ruins a massive archeological landmark!

Tuscany: Canyoning Adventure Day Trip

This is a fun day trip that is sure to curb your undying craving for adventure! On this energising excursion, you will have a full day of wet and wild canoeing on the beautifully scenic countryside of Tuscany!

As you navigate the way, you will be immersed in gorgeous waterfalls, and slide down completely natural water slides. Maneuvering on the sometimes tricky Tuscan waterways, you will have a great day learning how to conquer the waves. The whole way is full of gorgeous Renaissance buildings, colorful vegetation, birdlife and views that will make your soul soar!

Naples and Amalfi Coast Full Day Tour from Rome

Having the opportunity to see one stunning place is magnificent enough, but on this tour, you will get to see two in only one day!!

Dirty Naples shows another side to Italy’s charecter and yet never fails to charm visitors.

To make your day even more unforgettable, you will be traveling past the exquisite coast of Amalfi . This coastline is lined with colorful old-school villas, fishing villages, stunning cliffs, and rocky shorelines.

Ischia Day Trip with Lunch from Naples

On this day trip from Naples, you will be provided with one otherworldly kind of adventure! Travel from Naples to one of the most beautiful islands in Italy , and lunch with your travel companions. This volcanic island is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, with ocean views that stretch as far as the eye can see!

The waters are known for being mineral-rich and enjoyably warm for you to have a dip and swim with fish. There are also volcanic natural spas for you to treat yourself to on this alluring island.

From the beach of Ischia, you can walk along a stone bridge to the medieval Aragonese Castle. Nearby, you will find the 18th-century Palazzo dell’Orologio that houses the Sea Museum, where you can learn more about the area of Ischia and its fishing tradition.

Italy is very safe for travellers and violent crime is rare. However, you do need to take some precautions. Italy is generally safe , we will help prepare you for your visit so that you can keep yourself and your important things safe when in Italy!

Rome, in particular, is known for petty theft and pickpocketing as are other major tourist destinations.

Never travel with your bag out in the open or with an unlocked backpack. Keep your bag in front of you and keep it zipped. For extra precautions, get a handbag with a wire strap, so that it cannot easily be cut and run away with.

In the Metro subways watch for young children who may be working as pickpockes and bag thieves. Stay aware of people wanting to bump or get too close to you, and watch where their hands are going. Pickpocketing happens in the busy lines and within big tourist groups.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Italy

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Italy itinerary.

How many days do you need for a full Italy itinerary?

If you’re keen to explore as much of the country as possible, then you’ll need about 2-3 weeks in Italy.

What should you include on a 10 day Italy itinerary?

Make sure to check out these iconic attractions: – The Pantheon & Colosseum, Rome – Siena Cathedral, Siena – The Leaning Tower, Pisa – Grand Canal, Venice

Where should you stay for a honeymoon in Italy?

Positano is our pick for the most romantic place to stay in Italy, while Florence and Venice are also popular options.

What is the best way to travel around Italy?

Train travel is the cheapest and easiest way to travel around Italy. Renting a car would provide more flexibility, while flying can be the quickest option and is often great value!

This complete travel guide will ensure that your days in Italy are well spent! We have covered the best trips for your Italy vacation, where to find the most mouth-watering traditional cuisine, and more! This beautiful country is a favorite, so be prepared to fall in love with the history, culture, and people as you explore endless magic!

This Italy travel itinerary will have you enjoying the best parts of Italy, and soaking up your time in this country to the fullest! Backpacking through Italy can be inexpensive , and truly one of the best adventures you will ever go on. We sing Italy’s praises loud and clear!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes for a First Trip

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re visiting this Southern European nation for the first time, planning out the perfect 10-day Italy itinerary can seem like a completely overwhelming prospect. How on Earth do you cram in all there is to see in just a short amount of time?

Italy is an incredibly dynamic destination that has a lot to offer visitors and if it’s your first time to this beautiful country, you’re going to want to ensure you see all of the highlights. However, it’s essential that you don’t bite off more than you can chew and pack far too much into your itinerary, as well.

So if it’s your first trip to Italy and you don’t know where to start, the routes below are a great jumping-off point to planning out the route of your dreams.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Italy?

When planning your first trip to the country, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Italy at all. That is a bit of a tricky thing to answer because, being such a large and diverse country with so much to offer, travellers could have a year or more here and still not check everything off of their boxes.

However, if you are visiting Italy for the first time and want to see the highlights, plan on planning out at least a 10-day itinerary. If you spend 10 days in Italy, you’re not going to be able to visit absolutely everywhere, but it will give you time to visit a number of different places, get to know a few iconic cities and go on a few day trips.

Obviously, if you have longer to spend, you will have more time to dig deeper and explore more. However, for a first Italy itinerary, planning 10 days is really the sweet spot to be able to cover a lot of ground without feeling too overwhelmed.

Getting To & Around Italy

As one of the largest countries in Europe, it’s not difficult to get to Italy. There are airports in most major cities that connect the country to the rest of the continent and the bigger cities have large airports that serve countless international destinations.

The two largest airports in Italy are in Rome and Milan respectively, which is where the routes outlined below all originate. Arriving into Rome or Milan is straightforward from all across the globe and even from elsewhere in Italy.

Once in the country, you may be wondering how to get around. The 10-day itineraries outlined below can all be done via public transport and the train network in Italy is quite easy to navigate. Italy is blessed with an excellent train network that connects most of the country relatively effortlessly.

All the destinations in all of the routes are accessible using the train, bus or ferry. Keep in mind that once you have your route and time in Italy ironed out, it can be worth it to book transport in advance to get the best prices. You can book trains and buses here.

Though it isn’t necessary for any of the itineraries listed below, it can give you more flexibility to rent a car for your trip to Italy and treat these routes as a road trip. While you won’t need a car when exploring the cities, it can allow you to stop in places along the way in between destinations and give you more freedom when it comes to exploring.

If you decide you want to hire a car and plan an Italy road trip, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to find great deals across many different car hire companies.

10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

The routes outlined below are ideal for a first-time trip to Italy and are great if you want to get a good feel for the country and see some of the iconic highlights. Obviously, Italy has so much more to offer than Venice, Florence and Rome and each region is unique in its own right.

If you’re on the hunt for something a bit more specific when visiting Italy, we have lots of regional itineraries that will certainly check the boxes. The regions of Italy are destinations in their own right and can be very fulfilling to explore.

Our Northern Italy itinerary has two different routes to guide you through the north of the country and include stops like Cinque Terre and Genoa that aren’t covered in any of the below routes. And if you want to visit the area around Florence and spend more time in Central Italy, check out our Tuscany itinerary .

If you want to spend more time on the seaside south of Venice, our Amalfi Coast itinerary should be helpful to you and if you really want to get off the beaten path, then make sure to check out our Puglia itinerary .

Finally, we have a great Sicily itinerary that outlines how to spend 10 days on the Mediterranean’s largest island.

Vernazza - one of the five towns of Cinque Terre

Rome-Florence-Venice Itinerary

This Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary is arguably the most classic and one of the best routes for those who want to see Italy and the top highlights for the first time. With ten days to explore all three cities, you will have enough time to really do them justice while also being able to go on a day trip or two.

Leaving for your trip soon? Check out our guide to the best SIM card for Italy travel!

Day 1 – Rome

Begin your 10 days in Italy in the Eternal City of Rome. Though this iconic metropolis hardly needs an introduction, this is a complex city that has many layers and is incredibly multifaceted.

This itinerary will have you spending a full 4 days in Rome . On the final day, you could either opt to explore more of the city or go on day trip to somewhere nearby.

Spend your first day exploring some of the highlights of the Italian capital in the historical centre. Take in sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon.

Then, spend an afternoon exploring the dynamic Trastevere neighbourhood and taking in the sites here or enjoying a food tour. End your day by watching the Giardini Degli Aranci on Aventine Hill – one of the 7 hills that Rome was built upon.

Where to Stay in Rome

Domus Palatina – This mid-range hotel is a great place to base yourself in the Eternal City. Perfectly located to explore all Rome has to offer, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and breakfast is included each morning.

Barberini Dream – Those looking for an upmarket stay in Rome will love this swish hotel located near the Trevi fountain. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer and countless amenities to ensure you have a fantastic time in the Italian capital.

Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel – If you’d like to experience Rome like a local and have your own flat, then this aparthotel is a good choice. Well-located close to the Vatican, there are a range of apartments to choose from and breakfast is available daily.

The RomeHello Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this highly-rated hostel in the Italian capital. They have both dorms and private rooms available, an excellent location and a good atmosphere for those looking to meet others on their trip.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Rome!

Day 2 – Rome

Your second day in Rome is still dedicated to taking in some of the most iconic spots in the city – and, likely, the most notable landmark in the city.

Start your day at the Colosseum – a visit here obviously cannot be missed when travelling to Italy for the first time.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the Colosseum before heading over to the Roman Forum and learning all about this historic place, as well. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or you can book a guided tour .

Then end your day by exploring the nearby Monti neighbourhood. There are lots of great restaurants and bars here for you to relax and enjoy a delicious aperitif .

Day 3 – Rome

Day 3 in Rome is dedicated to exploring the Vatican and the sites that lie within here. Of course, everyone knows St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. You can book tickets in advance online here or organise a guided tour if you prefer.

Keep in mind that visiting these places, along with the Vatican Museums, will take you most of the day considering just how much there is to take in.

So after spending the majority of the day in the Vatican and admiring all of the incredible history, antiquities and artwork, take the time to spend your evening wandering around the Testaccio neighbourhood. There are some great restaurants to eat at and some cool markets to explore, as well.

Day 4 – Rome

On your final day in Rome, you have a couple of options. If you want to get a bit off the typical tourist trail that gets you away from the typical sites of the historical centre, the Colosseum and the Vatican that you’ve already seen, then spend your day visiting the Villa Borghese and the Appian Way.

This will give you a lovely, relaxing day in Rome while also being able to still take in a bit of history and culture of this incredible city.

The other option would be to go on a day trip. There are many options, but one of the best choices would be to head to the hill town of Orvieto .

Located in the Umbria region, this is a great place to escape to if you want to get out of the city and see a bit more of Italy while on this Rome-Florence-Venice route.

Day 5 – Florence

After spending four days exploring the capital of Italy, it’s time to hop on the train and head north to the capital Tuscany – beautiful Florence . As one of the most iconic cities in Italy, Florence has a lot to offer visitors – especially if you’re interested in art, museums and the Renaissance.

Spend your first day in Florence taking in the highlights of the city. Start your day by exploring the Santa Maria del Fiore – Florence’s cathedral often referred to simply as the Duomo. This iconic red dome is a pervasive part of the city’s skyline. It is possible to organise a guided tour here.

Spend your afternoon exploring some other Florence highlights, including the San Lorenzo Market and, of course, the Uffizi Gallery – home to some of the world’s most well-known works of art. You can buy tickets here or book a guided tour here.

Where to Stay in Florence

Hotel Bellavista – This mid-range hotel makes the perfect base in Florence. Located within easy reach of the city’s top attractions, they have several great rooms to choose from and an excellent breakfast available each morning.

25hours Hotel – Travellers with a bit more money to spend will love this luxury hotel in the Tuscan capital. They have lovely rooms on offer, perfect for couples after a romantic getaway. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar and breakfast is available in the mornings.

Ostello Bello Firenze – This is a great option for those looking for the savings and social atmosphere of a hostel. They have many dorms and private rooms on offer and a great location for exploring all Florence has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Florence

Day 6 – Florence

Day 2 in Florence inevitably has you exploring some more museums and taking in some more incredible Rennaissance art. Start your day at the San Marco Museum where you can spend some time admiring the beautiful frescoes in this former monastery.

Next, make your way to the Accademia Gallery – home to Michaelangelo’s David . This is undoubtedly a popular spot to visit so make sure to book your tickets well in advance of your trip to ensure you get a time to see it. You can also book a guided tour.

Finish your day in Florence at Palazzo Medici and the lovely Basilica di Santa Croce.

Day 7 – Pisa, Siena or Lucca

Your third day should be dedicated to exploring a town in the surrounding Tuscany region on a day trip from Florence.

There are a seemingly infinite number of places to choose from, however, the most popular would likely be to the town of Pisa . Famous for its iconic leaning tower, Pisa is easy to reach from the Tuscan capital and makes for a perfect day trip. You can book an organised tour here.

Alternatively, you could opt to spend a day in the beautiful hill town of Lucca , which is located within easy reach (just hop on a train!) from Florence. Take the time to wander around the picturesque Old Town, walk along the city walls and relax in the city’s many gardens. This organised tour includes both Lucca and Pisa.

Or you could visit the stunning city of Siena . Reachable from Florence in just over an hour, this city is very much worth visiting if you want to explore a bit of Tuscany beyond the capital. There are lots of things to see and do here and it makes for an excellent day trip should you choose it. This full-day tour includes both Siena and Pisa.

Day 8 – Venice

The final destination on this classic 10-day itinerary is the iconic city of Venice . Known for its canals and piazzas, Venice is the perfect place to visit on your first trip to this beautiful country.

Your first day should be spent taking in all of the highlights of this city.

Start your day at the Rialto Bridge and gaze over the canals – watching the boats come by. Then, make your way over to the Piazza San Marco — St Mark’s Square — and take it this iconic place.

Here you can visit the San Marco Basilica, the Doge Palace and the Museo Correr – you can book tickets here.

Where to Stay in Venice

Ca’ Angeli – Located in the San Polo neighbourhood, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a great place to stay while visiting Venice. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer, an unbeatable location and a great breakfast available daily.

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel – Situated just off the iconic Rialto Bridge, this is an excellent choice for those who want some luxury while visiting Venice. They have several chic, romantic rooms available, an on-site bar and breakfast on offer in the mornings.

Combo Venezia – If you’re travelling on a tight budget or solo, you’ll love this small, locally-run hostel in the Cannaregio neighbourhood. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they also have good self-catering facilities and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Venice hotels!

Day 9 – Venice

On your second day in Venice, take the time to explore deeper and maybe head to some other neighbourhoods of the city away from the crowds surrounding Piazza San Marco.

Spend your morning wandering around the lovely San Polo neighbourhood and getting a more local feel for the city. Next, head over to the cool Dorsoduro neighbourhood that has several cool museums to visit filled with beautiful and historic artwork.

End your day in the Cannaregio neighbourhood and enjoy some of the cool bars and restaurants that are well off the beaten tourist path. In a city that is as visited and struggling with overtourism as Venice, it can be important to spread your patronage outside of the historic centre.

Day 10 – Verona, Lake Garda, Prosecco or Burano

Spend the final day of this 10-day Italy itinerary on a day trip from Venice to explore a bit more of the gorgeous Veneto region. If you don’t want to venture too far, consider heading to the island of Burano just off the coast of Venice proper. There are many island tours available in Venice.

Alternatively, you could visit lovely Verona . Famed for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet , there is also an impressive Roman theatre to see here, as well. It is also possible to book a guided day tour.

Not far from Verona lies beautiful Lake Garda . Italy’s largest lake makes for a great day trip destination – or you could spend a couple of days exploring here! This organised tour goes to both Verona and Garda.

Finally, if you’re a wine fan, head to the Prosecco region to sample some of Veneto’s famous sparkling wine. This makes for a fantastic stop if you’re after a romantic day trip. You can book an organised trip here.

Rome-Naples-Amalfi Coast Itinerary

If you’re not fussed with Venice or Florence and want your trip to be filled with sunshine, warm weather and the seaside, then this Rome-Naples-Amalfi Coast itinerary is the perfect route for you.

Spending 10 days winding around Rome and Southern Italy is the perfect way to spend your first time to this incredible country.

Day 1 to 4 – Rome

All roads lead to Rome and this 10-day Italy trip is no different. Begin your trip with 4 days in the Italian capital as few first-timers to Italy want to skip this iconic destination. Follow the outline in the Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary above to figure out how to spend your four days in Rome.

Day 5 – Naples

From Rome, on your fifth day, it’s time to head south to the beautiful, chaotic city of Naples as no Rome to Amalfi Coast itinerary is complete without giving this city a visit. Home to the classic Neopolitan pizza, Naples has a lot to offer visitors even if it comes with a bit of a gritty reputation.

Spend your first day in Naples getting to know this interesting city (and maybe eating a bit of delicious pizza!). Wander around Piazza del Plebescito, visit the Castel Dell’Ovo and explore the beautiful Naples Harbour area.

There’s a lot to take in here and Naples is such an exciting city, so make sure you’ve packed the right shoes for a day of sightseeing!

Where to Stay in Naples

Hotel Il Convento – This hotel is a great option for mid-rang visitors in Naples. Situated in the historic Spanish Quarter, it has the perfect location for exploring all this dynamic city has to offer. There are a range of rooms available and breakfast is on offer each morning.

Relais Della Porta – If you’re after luxury while in Naples, then this hotel is an excellent choice. Located within easy reach of all the city’s top attractions, there are many rooms on offer and plenty of amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Duomo Platinum Apartments – These apartments are an excellent choice if you’d like to have your own space while in Naples. There are different flats to choose from and they are well-located for exploring all of the city’s top highlights.

Tric Trac Hostel – Situated in the Piazza Santa Maria la Nova in Naples’ historic centre, this hostel is perfect for those travelling solo or on a budget. They have both dorm and private rooms available and fantastic common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Naples hotels!

Day 6 – Naples

On your second day in Naples, you have a couple of options open to you. First off, you could spend the day seeing some of the sites you didn’t make it to the previous day and getting to know the city a little bit more.

You could enjoy a day wandering the famous Spaccanapoli street or exploring the Spanish Quarter.

Alternatively, you could opt to take a day trip from the city and explore some iconic, historic areas. The archaeological site of Pompeii is a very popular day trip from the city and within easy reach of Naples.

Another great option is to visit Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that looms over Naples and is still active today. You can book this full-day tour to visit both Pompeii & Vesuvius.

Day 7 – Sorrento

After spending two days in Naples, it’s time to head just a bit further south to the incredible and beautiful Amalfi Coast, where you’ll be spending the final days of your itinerary. The first stop in this area should be the lovely city of Sorrento.

Though not technically a part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s still very much worth exploring this lovely town as it is the gateway to the region. Home to iconic dishes like gnocchi alla sorrentina and limoncello, Sorrento is an incredibly beautiful and romantic place to explore while visiting this area.

When visiting this coastal region, it can be hard to know where to stay on the Amalfi Coast , but towns like Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi all make good bases depending on what you’re after.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Hotel Leone – Located in Sorrento, this mid-range hotel is a great option for those looking for a great base on the Amalfi Coast. They have many rooms available and there is even a delightful swimming pool and bar on site.

Albergo Miramare – Those looking for a luxury stay will love this plush hotel located in Positano . They have luxe rooms with incredible sea views, a perfect location and countless amenities to ensure you have the perfect stay.

Amalfitano Apartments – If you’d like to have your own space on the Amalfi coast, these apartments located in the town of Amalfi are a great option. There are different flats to choose from (including some with a sea view!) that can suit however large a party you’re travelling with.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Amalfi Coast hotels!

Day 8 – Positano

Spend your second day on the Amalfi Coast exploring the town of Positano. This is one of the most famous towns in the region and it is for good reason — it’s absolutely beautiful. Filled with charming winding streets, incredible views and lovely beaches, you’re sure to love spending time here.

You can spend your day in Positano simply lounging on the beach and taking in the lovely scenery of this charming town or you could opt to go on the Path of the Gods hike.

The latter option is a 7km hike and boasts incredible views over the area and is truly breathtaking if you’re feeling like getting active.

Day 9 – Capri

On your second-to-last day in Italy, it’s time to leave the mainland and take a day trip to the island of Capri .

Easy to reach from either Sorrento or Positano, Capri has a lot to offer visitors and makes for the perfect day trip when exploring the Amalfi Coast. This full-day boat tour is a good option if you want to go with a guide.

When visiting Capri , you cannot miss a trip to the beautiful Blue Grotto, accessible only by tour boat. Known for its enticing blue water, it’s absolutely gorgeous and one of the most popular places to visit on Capri.

Of course, you should also make sure that you take the time to explore the towns of Capri and Anacapri along with the lovely sites on Marina Piccola Bay. The latter spot is the mythical location where Odysseus was taken in by the songs of the sirens in Homer’s Odyssey .

Day 10 – Amalfi

End these 10 days in Italy in the beautiful town of Amalfi. The eponymous town of this iconic coast, Amalfi is a lovely place to round out your time in Italy.

Like the other lovely towns in the region, take the time to simply get lost in the small, winding streets and soak up the sunshine on the beach.

There are plenty of fun things to see and do in Amalfi and it is the perfect place to have a relaxing final day in Italy.

Milan-Florence-Bologna-Venice Itinerary

If you’re interested in exploring Northern Italy and Tuscany and would like to leave Rome for another time, then this route through Milan, Florence, Bologna and Venice is an excellent choice for your first trip to Italy.

Day 1 – Milan

Begin these 10 days in Italy in the country’s northern metropolis, Milan . Begin your time in this city by exploring perhaps its most iconic landmark – the Duomo di Milano or the Milan Cathedral.

This incredible building is multifaceted and it can take a couple of hours to experience it to its full extent. You can pre-book tickets here .

After spending time at the Duomo, wander over to the nearby Royal Palace and take in the history Afterwards, visit other sites like the Museo de Novecento, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the noteworthy Teatro la Scala and plenty more.

Milan may be a big city, but the top sites are within easy reach of each other and it makes it easy to cover a lot of ground in only a few days.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel – This mid-range hotel makes the perfect base for exploring all Milan has to offer. Centrally located within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, they have a range of great rooms to choose from and breakfast included for guests each morning.

Castello Guest House Milano – Travellers looking for luxury will love this swanky guesthouse in the centre of the city. Well-located for exploring the highlights of Milan within a stone’s throw, they have countless lovely rooms on offer and plenty of other amenities to enjoy, as well.

Queen Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this centrally-located hostel. Well situated for exploring the best Milan has to offer, it is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and they offer both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Milan hotels!

Day 2 – Milan

The second day of this Milan-Florence-Venice itinerary will still be spent in Milan itself as there is a lot more to see and do in this incredible city!

Start your day learning about the history (and maybe the crypts) of the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. After that, head over the Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie. This church is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s famed Last Supper painting and is something not to be missed when visiting Milan.

Spend the rest of your day taking in all of the sites you may have missed already and truly enjoying the atmosphere of this bustling Northern Italian city.

Day 3 – Lake Como

Day three sees you taking a Lake Como day trip from Milan . It only takes about an hour to get to the town of Varenna from central Milan and you will be transported to a completely different world. You can book a full-day tour here.

Though you could spend a few days in Lake Como , a day trip here is best-concentrated hopping between the towns of Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio.

All three are very well-connected via frequent ferries (and it only takes about 10 minutes to hop between them) meaning that having your own vehicle isn’t altogether necessary, either.

You could also opt to visit one of the lake’s many villas – generally, these opulent homes are full of exquisite art collections and vast gardens that can make a great tourist attraction.

Day 4 to 6 – Florence

From Milan, it’s time to hop on a train south and visit Florence. The capital of Tuscany has a lot to offer and make sure to spend two full days exploring the highlights.

Then, on the final day, consider going on day trip to somewhere like Pisa, Lucca or Siena to get to know some smaller Tuscan cities a little bit better.

Day 7 – Bologna

From Florence, it’s time to head a bit further north again to the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – Bologna . This city is known for being the gastronomic heart of Italy and the region itself is famous for all kinds of well-known culinary exports – such as ragu bolognese, prosciutto di parma, balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano to name just a few.

Though it is a decently-sized city, you can see the highlights of Bologna in just one day . Spend your time wandering around Piazza Maggiore, see the Two Towers of Bologna (and even climb one for a view if you’re up for it) and stroll down Via Rizzoli.

If you want to try some of the city’s culinary specialities, Bologna is an excellent place to go on a food tour, as well, where you can learn all about the gastronomic culture of the city and the Emilia-Romagna region, in general.

Where to Stay in Bologna

B&B Chez Moi Lame 57 – This cute boutique B&B is perfect for those after a romantic escape to Bologna. They offer a handful of chic, quaint, clean and comfortable rooms on offer and there is a breakfast voucher given to guests daily to dine in a nearby local cafe.

Hotel Metropolitan – If it’s luxury you’re after in Emilia-Romagna’s capital, then this plush hotel is the perfect option. They have an excellent location in the heart of Bologna, myriad chic rooms on offer and countless luxe amenities to ensure your stay is fantastic.

Dopa Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this hip hostel located in the centre of Bologna. They have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms on offer, breakfast is included each morning and it’s a great place to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bologna hotels!

Day 8-10 – Venice

Finally, end this Milan-Florence-Venice itinerary in the iconic city of Venice. Like in the Rome-Florence-Venice route above, plan to spend at least two full days exploring the highlights and sites within the city of Venice itself.

Then, plan to spend your final day on a day trip in the Veneto region – somewhere like Burano, Verona, Lake Garda or to go Prosecco tasting in the region where it is made!

Planning your first trip to Italy can seem completely overwhelming when you factor in just how much there is to see and do in this beautiful country. Once you come to terms that there is no way you can cram everything into a 10-day trip, mapping out the ideal route isn’t a difficult task at all.

Are you planning a 10 day itinerary? Have any questions about these routes? Let us know in the comments!

Northern Italy vs Southern Italy: Which Region to Visit?

Milan or Florence: Which Italian City to Visit?

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Lake Garda Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I would like to visit Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and possibly Florence. Is this trip feasible and how many days should we allow?

This trip it feasible, however, I would make sure you allow for adequate time. Plan at least 3 days each (at minimum) in Venice, Florence and Rome and roughly a week in the Amalfi. Ensure you also account for travel times between destinations.

How difficult is it to navigate the train system in Italy? I would prefer to not rent a car.

The train system is, in my opinion, quite easy to navigate and it is generally doable to visit the country without a car and only relying on trains 🙂

Good day. Great information. Any suggestions on a 3 week itinerary that starts and ends in Rome. Want to include Tuscany Region, Sicily and Amalfi Coast.

Thank you in advance.

Hi Tony, I think trying to spend time in Rome along with Tuscany, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast in just 3 weeks is going to be incredibly rushed. However, we do have dedicated itineraries for all 3 regions. You can find out Tuscany itinerary here ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tuscany-itinerary/ ), our Amalfi Coast itinerary here ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/amalfi-coast-itinerary/ ) and our Sicily itinerary here ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/sicily-itinerary/ ). Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

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The Ultimate 14-Day Italy Travel Itinerary

LAST UPDATED: 2/25/24 – Ultimate 14-Day Italy Travel Itinerary

The country of Italy is a beautiful and exciting place with a seemingly endless number of amazing things to see and do. It is no wonder then, that Italy is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip to Italy soon, you will want to review my Ultimate 14-Day Italy Travel Itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out on some of the country’s most popular sights and activities.

Without a proper plan in place, it is very easy to miss out on an important sight or activity and regret it later. Using this itinerary as a blueprint, you can start to build your big Italian adventure knowing that you have a wealth of information and experience at your fingertips.

See Many of Italy’s Top Destinations

While my itinerary doesn’t cover every region of Italy, it does cover some of the most popular tourist destinations within this amazing country. On your two-week Italian adventure, you will get to explore all of the treasures in the amazing cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence. You will also have the opportunity to explore breathtakingly beautiful regions such as the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany. To top it off, you will even get a chance to visit the amazing island of Capri, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Included in this Italy travel itinerary are numerous links to in-depth guides that I have developed for each of these regions of Italy. As you start to fill out your personal travel itinerary, these guides will be invaluable resources that you can use to choose the proper accommodations, decide which restaurants you want to try, lay out your daily plans for sightseeing in the region, and book fun and exciting tours and excursions that you will remember for a lifetime. With this wealth of information in hand, you can relax and enjoy the process of planning your trip and focus on the fun, less tedious aspects of planning your trip.

Italy Travel Itinerary Overview

Italy Travel Itinerary - Florence, Italy

This includes tasks such as making sure you have a valid passport and VISA for entry into the country. It also means confirming that you are up-to-date on the vaccinations that are recommended and required. Once you have done that, you will need to understand what you should and should not pack for your trip.

You will also need to determine what time of year to take your trip and how you will get around the country. Using the links below, you can quickly and easily navigate to the relevant sections of this guide as you start to check these items off your list.

Italy Travel Itinerary Guide Navigation Menu

The best times to visit italy.

When planning your big trip to Italy, one of the most important decisions that you will need to make is when to visit. Before you start looking at accommodations and arranging transportation, you need to know when you will be traveling. For many travelers, this is often one of the most stressful parts of planning a trip because there are so many different variables to consider.

In my opinion, the most important of these variables that you will want to consider are the weather and the number of other tourists that will be visiting when you do. The better the weather, the more time you will be able to spend outdoors exploring this amazing country. And with fewer other tourists around, you will have fewer crowds to contend with when you set out to see and do what interests you.

To make things easier for you as you start to plan this trip of a lifetime, I have compiled all of the weather and tourism data that you will want to consider when scheduling your trip to Italy within my Italy travel itinerary. Using this data, you will be able to pick the time of year that you find the weather to be the most enjoyable.

Average Temperature (°F)

One of the most important factors that you will want to consider before deciding when to visit Italy is the average temperature throughout the year. In the graph below, I have compiled the average high and low temperatures for Venice, Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast for each month of the year. Using this data, you can easily determine which month of the year will be the most comfortable for you as you start to put together your Italy travel itinerary.

Average Precipitation Level (Inches)

Another factor that you will want to consider when deciding when to visit Italy is the average amount of precipitation that each region of Italy you will be visiting typically gets. After all, it can be difficult to get outside and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cities when it is raining a lot. If you take a look at the graph below, you will see the average amount of precipitation for Venice, Rome, Florence, and Amalfi Coast throughout the year.

Using this data, you can decide which time of year gives you the highest probability of having nice weather during your trip as you start to fill in your Italy travel itinerary.

Average Number of Visitors (Millions)

The last major factor that you will want to consider when determining which time of year is the best time for you to visit Italy is the number of other visitors that you can expect to be visiting while you are there. To give you an idea of how many other tourists you can expect to encounter in Italy throughout the year, I used Statista’s analysis of the number of tourist arrivals and guest accommodations in Italy.

In addition to having an impact on the crowds you will encounter, the number of other tourists visiting during your trip will also impact the availability and price of excursions and tours. However, most importantly, it will be a large factor in the price of your airline tickets and accommodations while in Italy.

The Best Months to Plan Your Trip to Italy

As you look at the temperature, precipitation, and visitor numbers for Italy, it is clear that some months are better for visiting than others. For instance, the months of June through August tend to be quite hot in Italy. This is especially true for July and August. If you want to avoid the heat, you should avoid visiting during these months.

I would also avoid visiting during the autumn months of October through December, as those are typically the wettest months of the year in Italy. Not to mention, it can also get quite cool between November and March. Unless you like wet and rainy conditions, I would avoid planning your trip during late autumn or winter.

In my opinion, the best months to visit Italy are the shoulder months of May and September. The weather is typically warm, but not too hot, and there is usually little rain. This gives you the best weather window to get out and enjoy the sites during your adventure in Italy.

How to Get to Italy for Your Trip

There are many different international airports in Italy, so if you are planning on flying in from outside of the country, you have a lot of options to choose from. If you follow the Italy travel itinerary that I have outlined for you here, there are four major international airports that you can choose from to fly into and out of. For your reference, I have listed those airports for your review.

Major International Airports You Can Fly Into for This Itinerary

Rome – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
Venice – Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Naples – Naples International Airport (NAP)
Florence – Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)

To save time, I would strongly suggest that you fly into and out of different airports. This will prevent having to backtrack significantly when it is time to fly home. However, if you would prefer to fly into and out of the same airport, or find significantly cheaper airfare by doing so, then you can easily modify this Italy travel itinerary to meet those needs. As you start to plan your trip, there are several different options that you can choose from when laying out the logistics of your trip.

There Are Multiple Ways to Plan This Trip

You can start by flying into Venice and then work your way down to Naples, where you will fly home. There is also the option of flying into Naples and then working your way up to Venice, where you will end your trip. For the sake of this guide, I am going to outline a modified Italy travel itinerary where you fly into Rome, work your way down to the Amalfi Coast, then work your way back up to Venice, where you will fly home at the end of your trip. This will allow you to fly into and out of two of Italy’s largest airports where there are more flight options. However, feel free to modify this itinerary in any way that you see fit to meet your travel needs.

Italy Travel Itinerary - Airports to Fly into for Your Italy Trip Map

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Italy Passport Requirements

When visiting Italy, you must have at least 6 months of validity on your passport beyond the date on which you are planning on arriving in the country. You will also need to have at least two blank passport pages to be processed into the country.

Presently, you do not need to have a Visa if you are planning on staying in the Schengen area of the EU for less than 90 days, but starting in 2025 American citizens will be required to get a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization . Before you start making your travel plans, I would strongly suggest you review the passport and Visa requirements I have laid out in my Italy travel itinerary guide below.

Recommended Travel Immunizations for Italy

Before you leave for your trip to Italy, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations. Not only to protect yourself but to protect others. You may have questions on what immunizations you need and what to look out for when getting them. If you do, I have included some general guidelines I can pass on to you from my experience below.

Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you. This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultant will be covered by your insurance up-front.
Check with Walgreens or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them. Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Italy Immunization Recommendations

In case you are unsure of what travel vaccinations you might need, I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

Hepatitis A & B (if you haven’t had them).
Tetanus (if you aren’t current).
Transderm SCōP Patch (for motion sickness) or at minimum Dramamine pills if you get motion sickness easily and you plan on getting out on the water or doing adventure activities.

Italy Travel Packing Tips

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my Italy travel itinerary guide below for you to review.

Planning Your Transportation in Italy

Italy Travel Itinerary - Planning Your Transportation

When it comes to arranging your transportation for the trip, getting from Italy is just half the battle. Once you arrive in Italy, you are going to need a way to get around. There are several different methods of transportation you can choose from, depending on the amount of time you will be in-country and your comfort level with driving.

The two most popular options to choose from are renting a car and using the train system. Before you decide which method of transportation is best for you, I have outlined the important considerations for each of these transportation methods for you to review in my Italy travel itinerary below.

Renting a Car

If you are comfortable driving a car abroad, renting a car to get around while in Italy is one option that you can consider. Unlike public transportation, you aren’t subjected to a schedule when planning your travel from one place to another. Ultimately, this means you have much more freedom to do what you want when you want to do it while in Italy.

Italy Car Rental Tips

However, it does come with responsibilities that you don’t need to worry about when using public transportation. This includes paying tolls, finding parking, and filling up with gas when you run low. If you are considering renting a car for your trip, I have included some important tips for you to consider below.

Airport Rental Tips

The main car rental companies in Europe are Avis , Hertz , Budget , Europcar , and Sixt .
If you choose to pick up your car while at the airport, you will likely get charged an extra fee. To save money, you can consider renting from a location outside the airport. Whether the cost savings on the rental is worth it or not will depend on the cost of transportation to pick up the car and the amount of time it will require.
In Italy, CDW car rental insurance is mandatory in Italy and rental companies will not let you leave the lot with a car without it. You will be asked to sign a waiver stating that you have car insurance that covers you overseas and you will be responsible for all damages to the vehicle you rent. If you plan on purchasing insurance from the rental company, it is almost always cheaper to select when you make the reservation than it is to add it at the rental counter during vehicle pick-up.
Unless you specify that you want an automatic transmission when you make your reservation, you will almost always be given a vehicle with a manual transmission.
Most car rental companies in Europe will charge you an extra fee to take your rental car outside the country, so I would check with the car rental company you decide to use before taking your rental car outside of Italy.

Driving Regulation Tips

The legal driving age in Italy is 18 years of age, but you also need to have your license for a year before you can rent a car. Most car rental companies will charge you an extra fee if you are under the age of 25 years.
Never drive in zones marked as Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) or Area Pedonale . These pedestrian zones are often monitored by traffic cameras and you will be fined.
The maximum speed limit on highways is 130 kilometers per hour and 60 kilometers per hour within most towns, so be aware of your speed when you aren’t sure of the posted speed limit.
Never turn right on red lights. While this is commonly acceptable in the United States, it is generally against the law in Europe. So unless you see a sign that explicitly says that you are allowed to turn right on a red light, always wait for the light to turn green.
As long as you have a valid US driver’s license, you should not need an international driver’s license to drive in Italy.
In Italy, motorists drive on the right side of the road and the driver’s seat is on the left side of the car.
Italy uses the metric system, so mileage is listed in kilometers instead of miles.

Using the Rail System

If you aren’t comfortable driving while overseas or just want to avoid the hassle of having to find parking for your rental car, navigate from city to city, and deal with the heavy traffic in some of Italy’s largest cities, a popular alternative is to use Italy’s amazing rail system to get from city-to-city and then use taxis or ride share services to get around each of the cities you visit.

Italy Rail System Tips

The downside of using the train system is that you will have to be aware of your time and make sure you plan your train rides well in advance so that you don’t miss out on some of your trips by not getting where you need to go when you need to be there. If you are considering using the rail system during your trip, I have included some important tips for you to consider below.

Purchasing Rail Passes

If you are only planning on traveling within Italy, it may not make sense for you to purchase a rail pass. Instead, it will likely be cheaper for you to purchase point-to-point tickets for your train rides separately. The rail passes in Italy tend to be more than $50 per day and you will likely spend less than that amount on second-class point-to-point tickets between Naples, Rome, Florence, and Venice. Before you make a decision on whether or not to purchase rail passes, I would suggest using the railway fare map I included below to price out how much you would be charged for all of your point-to-point tickets and then compare that total price to the cost of a rail pass on the Eurail website .
Be aware, that even with a rail pass, some routes require that you purchase a reservation for some routes. These reservation costs are included in the fare route map I included below but are not included in the cost of the rail pass.
The Italo trains run between Italy’s largest cities. If you purchase a rail pass, stick to the Le Frecce trains, which are covered by the rail pass and are typically quicker and run more frequently.
The Circumvesuviana and Campania Express trains run between Naples Pompeii and Sorrento. If you plan on visiting the Amalfi Coast, this will impact you as the Circumvesuviana and Campania Express trains are the main options to use for getting from Naples to the Amalfi Coast region by train. These tickets typically only cost around $5.

Purchasing Train Tickets

I would recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time if you know when you will be traveling to ensure that you get on the trains that you want. However, if you do need to purchase point-to-point tickets or reservations while in Italy, I would recommend taking advantage of the ticket machines at the train stations as opposed to waiting in the ticket lines to save yourself time.
If you are 60 or older, you can buy a Carta d’Argento , which gives you a 15% discount on most train tickets. They cost €30 for individuals between the ages of 60-74 and are free to those over the age of 75.
Individuals under the age of 25 can purchase a Carta Verde , which gives you a 10% discount on most train tickets.
Note that children under the age of 3 ride free on Italian trains. And while not free, kids between 4-11 ride for half-price on regional trains, and kids between 4-14 ride for half-price on long-distance routes.

Italy Travel Itinerary Outline

Now that we have covered some of the basics that you will need to know before you start planning your specific Italy travel itinerary, it is time to start putting your itinerary together. To make that process easier for you, I have included my recommended itinerary below. Your trip will essentially be broken up into four different stages, centered around four different major tourist destinations within Italy.

You will Start Your Trip in Historic Rome

You will start by flying into the city of Rome, where you will tour the city and the Vatican City for the first leg of your trip. After getting to see all of the amazing things that Rome has to offer, you will head south to the Amalfi Coast region. Here, you will enjoy the beautiful beaches, amazing coastline, and wonderful seafood that this region is known for.

As soon as you are finished touring the Amalfi Coast, you will head north to the city of Florence. After taking a day or two to tour the city, you will venture into the countryside to experience the beauty of the region of Italy known as Tuscany. In addition to enjoying the rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, you will get to tour some of Italy’s most amazing wineries.

You will End Your Trip in Beautiful Venice

When you have had your fill of wine, you will keep heading north until you get to the final destination on this Italy travel itinerary. In Venice, you will get to enjoy one of this world’s most amazing cityscapes. Between the breathtakingly stunning canals, beautiful bridges, and amazing historical buildings, you will really enjoy your time touring Venice before getting on a plane and heading home.

Day 1: Arriving in Rome

On the first day of the Italy travel itinerary that I have laid out, you will be arriving in Rome, Italy to begin your two-week adventure. When booking your flights, I would recommend trying to find a flight that gets you into Rome as early as possible.

This will give you time to settle into your accommodations and start exploring the city. If you would like some assistance in finding the right accommodations for you, I have included some recommendations on hotels and hostels in Rome in my Quintessential Rome, Italy Visitor Guide for you to review.

I have included an assortment of options at a variety of different price points near the top attractions in Rome to give you options when choosing the right accommodations for your trip. I have also included several restaurants that I recommend in my guide in case you are looking for a good restaurant to try for dinner after getting settled.

Day 2-3: Tour Rome

Rome is an amazing city with a wealth of history to explore. Because there is so much to see and do in the city and the surrounding area, I have set aside two days for you to explore Rome. To help you fill out your itinerary, I have included a link to my Quintessential Rome, Italy Visitor Guide below.

In my guide, I outline the top things to see and do in Rome during your visit. In addition, I have also included several different tours and excursions that I would recommend checking out if you have the time. Using my guide, you should have no trouble getting around the city and seeing all of the wonderful things that the city of Rome has to offer during your visit.

Day 4: Tour the Vatican

On the fourth day of my Italy travel itinerary, I have scheduled some time for you to explore the wonderful Vatican City near Rome. It’s a large and amazing place, so I would recommend setting aside the entire day to fully explore the Vatican.

I would recommend booking a tour of the Vatican rather than exploring it on your own. Not only will it ensure that you see everything and make your visit more memorable, but tours get priority on entrance and it will save you a bunch of time that you would otherwise spend waiting in line.

Expert Tip: I would strongly recommend booking a tour of Saint Peter’s tomb. They only let a very limited number of people tour the tomb each day, so you will need to make sure you book your tour well in advance (at least 3 months in advance). If you are using a tour company to tour the Vatican, I would let them know you are interested in this tour and they can help you get a reservation.

Day 5: Travel to Sorrento

Italy Travel Itinerary - Sorrento, Italy

After touring Rome and the Vatican, the next phase of my Italy travel itinerary has you heading south towards Naples, and then on to Sorrento, which will be your base of operations while you tour the Amalfi Coast.

Depending on how much time you want to spend in Rome, you can travel to Sorrento either early in the day on Day 5 of your trip or later that evening. I would recommend not getting in too late so that you can make sure you get settled properly and are ready to get out and explore right away on Day 6.

If you are looking for accommodations and restaurants in the Sorrento area, I would recommend checking out my Definitive Amalfi Coast Visitor Guide for recommendations. I have included an assortment of accommodation and restaurant options at a variety of different price points in my guide so that you can easily find what you need.

Day 6: Visit Capri

On Day 6 of my Italy travel itinerary, I suggest that you take a trip to the island of Capri to explore for the day. The island of Capri is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and an absolute must-see if you are visiting the Amalfi Coast.

You will need to arrange a ferry ride from Sorrento to Capri and back, so make sure you either purchase tickets in advance if you are sure about your travel dates or leave yourself ample time and flexibility to buy your tickets when you get there.

If you would like more information on travel from the island of Capri, as well as what to see and do while you are there, please refer to my Complete Capri Travel Guide linked below for my recommendations.

Days 7-8: Tour the Amalfi Coast

The next stop on the Italy travel itinerary I have laid out for you is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. The Amalfi Coast is famed for its breathtaking coastline, colorful cities built up on the coastal bluffs, and delicious seafood and citrus fruits.

You will get to spend the next few days traveling down the Amalfi Coast and exploring all of the treasures that this quaint Italian region has to offer. If you are looking for recommendations on what to see, where to grab a bite to eat, and what tours and excursions are recommended in the area, I would suggest that you check out my Definitive Amalfi Coast Visitor Guide linked below.

Day 9: Travel to Florence

Once you have finished exploring all of the beauty on the Amalfi Coast, the next stop on the Italy travel itinerary I have laid out is the amazing city of Florence in Northern Italy. If you decide not to rent a car while in Italy, you will need to take a train from Sorrento to Naples, where you can catch a high-speed train to Florence. Considering the distance, the 3.5-hour train ride really isn’t that bad.

If you are driving, it will take you roughly 5.5 hours to get from Sorrento to Florence, so you might want to consider making your way North slowly or consider doing this trip from the top-down (starting in Venice and ending in Naples) or bottom-up (starting in Naples and ending in Venice). This will save you a considerable amount of driving time on your trip.

If you are looking for accommodations or restaurant recommendations in Florence, I would recommend reviewing my Florence, Italy Visitor Guide for recommendations. I have included an assortment of accommodation and restaurant options at a variety of different price points in my guide so that you can easily find what you need.

Day 10: Tour Florence

Few cities in the world, let alone Italy, have as much wealth of history as the amazing city of Florence. After arriving in Florence on Day 9 of the Italy travel itinerary, you will get to spend the rest of that day and the following day exploring all of the treasures that the city has to offer. I would suggest that you make the most of it, as there are many amazing things to see and do in the Florence area.

If you are looking for suggestions on what to see, where to eat, and what tours and excursions are recommended in Florence, I would suggest reading my Florence, Italy Visitor Guide linked below for my recommendations.

Day 11: Take a Tour to Tuscany

On the eleventh day of your Italian vacation, you will be taking a tour into one of the most popular tourist spots in Northern Italy. The Tuscany region of Italy is famed for its beautiful rolling hills and fantastic vineyards and wineries. If you have some extra time to extend your trip, this is one of the spots where I would recommend spending an extra few days if you have the time.

If you don’t have extra time, you should be able to get a good sense of the region by taking a day tour into the Tuscan countryside and touring some of the most popular vineyards and wineries in the region.

There is a wide range of tours available, so make sure you take the time to research the tour that is the most interesting to you. To give you a head start, I have linked TripAdvisor’s list of the best Tuscany wine tours and tastings for you to review below.

Day 12: Travel to Venice

When you are finished exploring Florence and Tuscany, the last stop on my Italy travel itinerary is one of the most amazing cities you will find in the world. Renowned all across the world for its romantic canals, its amazing annual Carnival festival, and its wealth of history, Venice is an absolute must-see destination when visiting Italy.

It’s roughly a three-hour trip from Florence to Venice, both by car or train, so you will want to decide how you spend your time on this travel day. You can travel mid-day and spend portions of each day touring each of these cities, travel in the evening if you need more time in Florence, or depart early in the morning if you would like to spend more time in Venice.

When I visited Venice, I was able to see what I wanted in one full day, so my personal recommendation is to spend at least some of the travel days further exploring Florence and Tuscany.

Venice is a large city, so there are a lot of options for you to choose from in terms of accommodations. If you are looking for recommendations, I would suggest reviewing my Venice, Italy Travel Guide for my suggestions. If you are interested, I also outline the top restaurants in the city that I would recommend trying during your stay. I have included an assortment of accommodation and restaurant options at a variety of different price points in my guide so that you can easily find what you need.

Day 13: Tour Venice

When most travelers think of Venice, the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful canals and romantic gondola rides through the city. While this is a popular activity to enjoy while visiting Venice, it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wonderful things to see and do while visiting the city.

The last full day of my Italy travel itinerary is dedicated to exploring Venice and all of the amazing things there are to see and do. If you are looking for suggestions on what to see, I have included my list of the top things to see and do in the city in my Venice, Italy Travel Guide linked below. I also outline some of the best tours and excursions you should consider during your stay in case you have extra time and would like to try something unique.

Day 14: Depart From Venice

On the final day of my Italy travel itinerary, you will be wrapping up your sightseeing and preparing to depart for home. If you follow my itinerary as I have laid it out for you in this guide, you will be departing for home from the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice.

In which case, you will want to leave yourself some extra time to get to the airport as you are going to need to catch a boat from the city back to the mainland of Italy. From there, you can take a taxi or rideshare to the airport.

If you adjust this itinerary to follow the top-down or bottom-up options, you will either be flying out of Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome or Naples International Airport (NAP) . You will want to ensure that you have your transportation prepared so that you get to the airport in plenty of time to make your flight.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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3 comments ›.

Your blog is amazing! We’ve travelled through Italy and your guide is thoroufh and valuable for anyone who is considering Italy as a travel destination.

Thank you so much for the kind words!! You absolutely made my day! 😃

I did not see the price, and what is included within the price , food or anything else?

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7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy

Need some destination inspiration for a trip to Italy? Here’s my guide to spending one week in Italy, with 12 sample itineraries.

One week in Italy might not seem like much time. But, with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have a bucket list adventure.

aerial view of Il Campo and Palazzo Publicco in Siena

There’s nowhere more romantic (or popular) than Italy. The word “Italy” conjures visions of crumbling Roman ruins, rolling cypress-studded landscapes, and secret canals.

Italy is rich in history, culture, and food. Italy’s beautiful towns boast some of the world’s best churches , palaces, museums, and historic landmarks .

I’ve been to Italy many times. Italy always blows my socks off (except maybe in the uber crowded high season). I love it and am already making a return trip next month.

There’s so many things to do and see in Italy and so little time, at least for most of us. How to choose between the myriad options?

Pinterest pin for 1s sample itineraries for spending 1 week in Italy

To help you get started prioritizing and give you some destination inspiration, I’ve picked my top 11 itineraries for spending one perfect week in Italy.

Some of these itineraries include Italy’s most popular cities and sites. Others give you more off the beaten path options and hidden gems in Italy.

You can pick a sample itinerary to match your own interests — whether you want a glamorous city, historical and cultural options, outdoor scenery, or beaches.

You can also combine itineraries for a 2 week (or longer) stay in Italy. And I suggest possible combinations.

Of course, you can always adjust and tweak these itineraries to suit your needs. When you’ve settled on an itinerary (or two), be sure to read my must know tips for visiting Italy .

12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy

I’m a rather obsessed itinerary planner and I can personally vouch for these particular one week in Italy itineraries.

For each 1 week in Italy itinerary, I also give you options for extending your trip, if you want to expand a 7 day itinerary into a 10 day itinerary for Italy or combine these sample open week itineraries.

There are essentially two ways to structure a 1 week in Italy trip.

You can move around 2-3 times for a fast paced trip that checks off Italy bucket list items. Or, you choose a single base or region for a week and take day trips from there.

These sample 7 day Italy itineraries offer both options. I’d be excited to take any of these trips again.

view from the Arnolfo Tower of Florence's Palazzo Vecchio

I’ve written more than 100 blog posts about Italy. I’ve linked some of them to the relevant Italy itinerary to help you along.

Here are my picks for the best ways to spend one week in Italy:

1 Week Italian Renaissance Tour
1 Week in Tuscany
1 Week in Italy’s Major Cities
1 Week in Rome + Day Trips
1 Week in Venice + Day Trips
1 Week in the Italian Lake District Itinerary
1 Week Dolomites Itinerary
1 Week in Rome + Amalfi Coast
1 Week in Northern Italy Venice to Milan
1 Week in Rome + Umbria
1 Week Milan to Rome
1 Week in Sicily

1. One Week Italian Renaissance Tour: Florence, Tuscany, and Venice

Tuscany has some of the world’s best cathedrals, art galleries, museums. It’s celebrated for its Medieval and Renaissance art.

Tuscany is even regarded as the birthplace of one of mankind’s greatest adventures, the Italian Renaissance.

Florence is an overwhelmingly beautiful city, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” With the best Medieval and Renaissance art in Europe, Florence is a veritable art lovers paradise.

the gorgeous setting of the Pitti Palace

Florence has some of Europe’s best museums — the Uffizi Gallery , the Bargello Museum , and the Galleria dell’Accademia . And some of Italy’s most opulent palaces — the Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio .

If you want to see these lovelies, you need to book them in advance. Here’s my guide to what attractions you need to pre-book in Florence .

READ : Florence Art Bucket List

Venice had its own Renaissance, distinct from Renaissance hotspots like Florence. Venice’s artists produced images that were less religious, more libertine, and more creative.

Venetian artists painted female nudes and erotic scenes, without the censure other artists like Michelangelo received.

READ : A Nutshell History of Venice

Siena is one of the best cities to visit in Tuscany for its rustic beauty, tasty food, and luscious chianti. Siena Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful churches. Click here to book a ticket.

The greatest artists of the Renaissance contributed master works to the cathedral, including Donatello, Pinturicchio, Duccio, Ghiberti, Pisano, and Michelangelo .

Pisa and Lucca are also great for Renaissance art and architecture. You’ll want to discover the monuments on the magnificent UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles , which is so much more than just the famous Leaning Tower . Lucca is a town of a 100 churches.

READ : Tips for Visiting Pisa

In Arezzo, you can see Piero della Francesca’s greatest masterpiece . It’s the Legend of the Cross frescos in the Cappella Maggiore of the Church of San Francesco.

Padua is home to one of Italy’s must see wonders, the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Wallpapered with exquisite frescos by Giotto, the chapel is one of the world’s greatest art works.

It’s currently a candidate for the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy immersing yourself in the Italian Renaissance:

Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Florence
Day 2 : Explore Florence
Day 3 : Day trip to Siena
Day 4 : Day trip to Pisa and Lucca or to Arrezo
Day 5 : Drive to and explore Venice
Day 6 : Explore Venice
Day 7 : Day trip to Padua

For this itinerary, you’ll only have two bases: Florence (4 nights) and Venice (3 nights).

If you have more time in Italy, itinerary # 9 has the perfect one week itinerary for taking a road trip from Venice to Milan . If you want a nature break, you could head to the Dolomites with itinerary #7.

Need more information about this one week Italian Renaissance road trip? Check out these Tuscany and Venice travel guides for specific details.

Best Art in Tuscany
10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
3 day itinerary for Florence
Best museums in Florence
Hidden gems in Florence
Michelangelo Trail in Florence
Piero della Francesco Trail in Italy
Andrea del Verrocchio’s Art in Florence
1 Day Itinerary for Siena
Must See Sites in Pisa
2 Day Itinerary for Venice
Guide To Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel

2. One Week in Tuscany Idyll

There’s nowhere more romantic in Italy than the stunning region of Tuscany. Tuscany is like a painting.

With its cypress-lined roads, golden wheat fields, and medieval hilltop towns, Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian village experience, complete with fine wine and delectable food.

I’ve discussed Florence and Siena above.

But this Tuscany itinerary also takes you to some of Italy’s most beautiful small towns — Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano, Lucca, and Pisa.

In these quaint towns, you’ll find showstopper public squares, stunning churches, and cobbled lanes.

San Gimignano is the romantic glamor girl of Tuscany. Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is famous for its “Bella Torres” or “Beautiful Towers.”

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

Day 1 : Arrive and explore Florence
Day 3 : Day trip to Arrezo or Cortona
Day 4 : Drive to and explore Siena
Day 5 : Day trip to San Gimignano
Day 6 : Drive to Lucca and explore
Day 7 : Day trip To Pisa from Lucca

For this 1 week in Tuscany itinerary, your overnight bases will be Florence (3 nights), Siena (2 nights), and Lucca (2 nights). If you want more details on this itinerary, check out my comprehensive one week in Tuscany itinerary .

More time in Italy? If you want to extend your Tuscany road trip and move at a more leisurely pace, check out my 10 day itinerary for Tuscany .

It covers all the destinations on this shorter 1 week Tuscany itinerary, and more, with much more detail.

Or, head south to Umbria and follow itinerary #10. If you’re ready for a city break, head to Rome and follow itinerary #4.

Need more information on Tuscany? Check out these other articles:

Must see sites in Florence
Best day trips from Florence
Guide to the Medici Palaces
Guide to the Uffizi Gallery
Best things to do in San Gimignano

3. One Week in Italy’s Major Cities | Greatest Hits

Are you a city person? If you want to explore Italy’s greatest hits, this fun one week itinerary takes you to the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Endlessly inspiring and ethereal, Rome is the magical mecca of carbs and ancient architecture. It’s a grand showcase of Western civilization, full of Imperial pomp and circumstance.

Rome has spent centuries accumulating layers of beauty, history, and romance — just waiting for its admirers to arrive.

READ : History of Ancient Rome

Begin with the Imperial tour of Rome, which includes the iconic Colosseum , Palatine Hill , and the Roman Forum . Be sure to book skip the line tickets in advance!

Then, take a stroll through the historic center of Rome . There, you’ll find the stunning Piazza Navona the Pantheon , beautiful churches, and the Trevi Fountain.

Next, move on to visiting the Vatican Museums , the unparalleled world class museums in Rome , and Rome’s opulent palaces .

To see the Vatican you MUST book a skip the line ticket or wait hours in line. You can check out my guide to Vatican tours to see which appeal.

I’ve already discussed Florence above. Your last major city stop, Venice, is the most unique city in the world. I’ve written a one day in Venice itinerary that you can follow.

It’s an almost physical and mystical experience when you see Venice for the first time. The glimmering watery streets are right is front of you.

Venice defies logic; it’s a city that almost shouldn’t exist. Venice is a mind boggling maze of canals, lacy palaces, and artistic treasures.

READ: Must see sites along Venice’s Grand Canal

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy’s major cities:

Day 1 : Arrive and explore Rome
Day 2 : Explore Rome
Day 3 : Drive or high speed train to Florence
Day 4 : Explore Florence
Day 5 : Day trip to Siena or to Pisa & Lucca
Day 6 : Drive or high speed train To Venice
Day 7 : Explore Venice

More time in Italy?

From Venice you can follow itinerary #9 and road trip from Venice to Milan. Alternatively, you can head to the Italian Lake District (itinerary #6) or the Dolomites (itinerary #7).

Need more information about this one week city-based Italy itinerary?

Check out these city travel guides:

3 day itinerary for Rome
Hidden gems in Rome
Best museums in Rome
Archaeological sites in Rome
Guide to the Borghese Gallery
Masterpieces of the Vatican
Rome’s secret palace museums
2 day itinerary for Venice

4. One Week Rome City Break + Day Trips

One of my favorite vacations in Italy was just spending 8 days in Rome. I didn’t move my base from the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood.

I just explored Rome at slower pace and took plenty of easy day trips. You don’t need a car. You can book a day tour or just hop on the train.

I’ve discussed Rome above. But on this Rome itinerary , you’ll also visit some of beautiful towns near Rome.

Tivoli is a charming small town just a half hour from Rome. It’s home to two amazing UNESCO sites: Hadrian’s Villa (Roman ruins) and Ville d’Este (a Renaissance mansion with incredible gardens and fountains).

You should definitely book a day trip tour to see them.

Pompeii is Italy’s most famous archaeological site, a living museum. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash. The city was entombed and preserved for many centuries.

Beginning in 1748, archaeologists began painstakingly excavating the ruins. The ruins are a remarkable evocation of everyday Roman life, which you can see on a guided tour from Rome to get all the history.

Charming Orvieto, the capitol of Umbria, is an easy day trip from Rome. It’s set high above a volcanic outcropping and chock full of medieval buildings.

Nothing much has changed in this rustic fairytale town in 500 years. Orvieto’s piece de resistance is its magnificent cathedral.

Here’s how to spend 1 week in Rome:

Day 1 : Explore Rome
Day 3 : Explore Rome and Vatican City
Day 4 : Day Trip To Tivoli
Day 5 : Day Trip to Pompeii
Day 6 : Day Trip to Orvieto
Day 7 : Explore more of Rome and/or half day trip to Ostia Antica

Want more information about this trip? Here are some of my other articles:

3 Day Rome Itinerary
Hidden Gems in Rome
Guide to the Vatican Pinacoteca
Guide to Rome’s Palace Museums
Historic Landmarks in Italy

5. One Week in Venice + Day Trips

Another one week itinerary where you don’t have to move bases is just to stay in Venice. You can enjoy the city at your leisure and take day trips from there by car, train, or ferry.

You could also base yourself in Verona the entire time and day trip to Venice and other destinations. Verona is less crowded and less expensive than Venice.

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, a natural movie set. No other place looks quite like it. Venice is a medieval city built on water that shouldn’t exist in real life. It’s a mind boggling maze of architectural and artistic treasures.

There are so many thing to do and see in Venice. You can take a gondola rid e , ogle the opulent palaces , take in some world class museums, or stroll the stunning floating city .

From Venice, you have so many day trip options. You can tour the Venetian lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello .

You can day trip to Padua to admire Giotto’s groundbreaking frescos at the Scrovegni Chapel. If you want less crowded canals, head to nearby Treviso. Treviso is an elegant little canal town, only a 30 minute train ride from Venice.

Fair Verona is for romantics and medievalists. It’s a pretty Italian town full of red and peach colored medieval buildings and Roman ruins.

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet . Once you’ve made the obligatory pilgrimmage to Juliet’s Balcony, you’ll also want to tour the doughty Roman Arena in the Piazza Bra.

Ravenna was once the epicenter of the Western World, when the Byzantine Empire made Ravenna its capitol.

The Byzantine rulers blanketed Ravenna’s churches with gorgeous mosaics. This artistic legacy rivals Venice or Istanbul, making Ravenna a UNESCO site worth visiting .

Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

Day 1 : Explore Venice
Day 2 : Explore Venice
Day 3 : Day trip to Venetian lagoon islands
Day 4 : Day trip to Padua
Day 5 : Day trip to Verona
Day 6 : Day Trip to Ravenna
Day 7 : Day Trip to Bologna or another day in Venice

More time in Italy? Head to the Dolomites with itinerary #6 or road trip to Milan with itinerary #9.

Need more information about this area of Italy?

Check out these Venice travel guides and resources:

1 day itinerary for Venice
Top Attractions in Ve nice
History of Venice in a nutshell
Guide to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Guide to the Galleria Accademia
Guide to the Scrovegni Chapel
7 day itinerary Venice to Milan
Guide to the mosaics of Ravenna

Rocca Scaligera Castle in Sirmione near Lake Garda

6. One Week Italian Lake District Itinerary

Northern Italy is home to the seductively beautiful Lake District, set in the shadow of the Alps. Though just an hour north of Milan, this area feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s second city.

In this romantic region, 19th century villas are covered in vines and set amid stunted palm trees. It’s a bliss-y area made for nature lovers.

You have several lakes to choose from and they all have their charms —Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore.

Lake Como offering a heady mix of scenery, opulent palazzi, and relaxing vistas. Lake Maggiore doesn’t have quite the panache of Lake Como, but still has a faded elegance.

Lake Orta is smaller and less developed, a hidden gem of quietude without the crowds. It’s a favorite escape of the Milanese, who’ve nicknamed it Cinderella.

the gorgeous town of Bellagio on Lake Como

Here’s a breakdown of how to spend one week in the Italian Lake District:

Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Milan
Day 2 : Explore Lake Como, base in Varenna
Day 3 : Explore Lake Como, ferry to Bellagio
Day 4 : Explore Lake Maggiore, base in Stresa
Day 5 : Explore Lake Maggiore
Day 6 : Explore Lake Orta, stay in Villa Crespi
Day 7. Explore Lake Orta

From the Lake District, head east to Venice. Here’s my two day itinerary for Venice .

Alternatively, head back to Milan and follow itinerary #11, which takes you on an amazing road trip from Milan to Rome.

Want more information about this itinerary? Check out these Milan travel guides:

1 day itinerary for Milan
Top attractions in Milan
Leonardo da Vinci trail in Milan
Guide to the Brera Museum
How to see Leonardo’s Last Supper Fresco
Top art to see in Milan

7. One Week Dolomites Itinerary

Italy’s dramatic rocky rooftop is the Dolomites. This region of Italy offers some of the best mountain thrills in Europe.

The Dolomites feature flower speckled meadows, turquoise lakes, jagged gray cliffs, and spectacular driving routes.

Here, the region doesn’t even seem like Italy. It’s more Austrian and German in a felt-hat-with-feathers way. You can tour by car or go on a hiking tour .

The city of Bolzano is the gateway to the Dolomites. There’s yogurt and yodeling for breakfast. The Dolomites are especially beautiful in the fall.

And more hiking than you can imagine. Probably the most stunning hike is Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike.

Day 1 : Arrive and explore Trento
Day 2 : Day trip to Rovereto and Lago di Tenno
Day 3 : Drive to Bressanone, stop at Lago di Carezzo en route
Day 4 : Day trip to Secede
Day 5 : Drive to Lago di Braies, overnight in Misurina
Day 6 : Explore Lake Misurina
Day 7 : Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

This Dolomites itinerary has three bases: Trento (2 nights), Bressanone (2 nights), and Misurina (3 nights).

The nearest airport is Venice Treviso and Venice Marco Polo.

If you want to visit Venice before the Dolomites, here’s my two day itinerary for Venice . After leaving Venice, you’ll head to Trento, a very underrated city in Italy. Trento is frescoed and surrounded by mountains.

More time in Italy? Head to the Italian Lake District. Lake Garda is about 3 hours away. See itinerary #6.

8. One Week in Rome (or Naples) and the Amalfi Coast

This 1 week in Italy itinerary begins in Rome. From Rome, it’s over 3 hours to the drool-worthy Amalfi Coast. If you’ve been to Rome and would rather skip the drive or train ride, you can spend you first two days in Naples instead.

Like Rome, Naples is a big city that can be chaotic. But Naples’ historic center is rich and will give you a taste of the quintessentially Neapolitan lifestyle.

Naples’ finest attractions are its treasure chest Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum .

With its stunning scenery, hill towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most scenic rides.

From Sorrento to Salerno, the vistas will leave your mouth gaping and your camera’s memory card full. Villas cling to cliffs and sandy coves beckon below.

Over the centuries, the spectacular scenery has been a siren call for the rich and famous, luring Roman emperor Tiberius, Richard Wagner, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal, and others to the Amalfi Coast’s special brand of la dolce vita .

Wedged on a ledge over the sea, the serene cliff top town of Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast.

From Sorrento, you can book day trips to Pompeii , Positano , Capri , and even Naples.

There’s a saying that Positano “bites deep,” it’s so dreamy. Positano is the star of the Amalfi Coast. Strolling the town comes complete with sherbet colored cliffside homes, stunning beaches, and tiny cobbled lanes.

Rugged mountainous Capri is one of the world’s most glamorous island. Capri was made famous as the vacation hideaway of Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius.

Today, it’s crowded. But even with the crowds, it’s drop dead gorgeous, set on a glittering blue sea and you should definitely book a guided boat tour to see it .

Pompeii is an ancient Roman town, which was stopped in its tracks by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Once buried under ash, the well preserved ruins of Pompeii offer you the best look anywhere at what life in Rome was like 2,000 years ago.

Here’s how to spend one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast:

Day 3 : Explore Rome
Day 4 : Day Trip to Tivoli (Hadian’s Villa & Villa d’Este)
Day 5 : Train or drive to Sorrento, explore Sorento
Day 6 : Day Trip to Positano
Day 7 : Day Trip to Pompeii or Capri

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary?

Check out these guides:

5 day itinerary for Rome
Guide to Palatine Hill
Guide to the Roman Forum
Guide to the Colosseum
Guide to Hadrian’s Villa
Guide to Villa d’Este
Guide to the Amalfi Coast

9. One Week in Northern Italy: Venice to Milan

This one week road trip from Venice to Milan in northern Italy is a popular tourist route.

It’s only a 3 hour drive from Venice to Milan.

But this route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and secret hidden gems of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of great destinations to explore along the way.

This northern Italy road trip begins in Venice, the starting point for your road trip.

It assumes you’ve explored the heady attractions of the world’s most romantic floating city, and are embarking to explore more of Italy.

From Venice, you can explore Verona , a town for romantics, and visit Mantua , a town for Renaissance lovers. You’ll also stop in Brescia and Bergamo before landing in Milan.

Here’s how to spend one week on a road trip from Venice to Milan:

Day 1 : Leave Venice, stop in Padua and Vicenza, overnight in Verona
Day 2 : Explore Verona, overnight in Verona
Day 3 : From Verona, day trip to Mantua
Day 4 : Drive to Brescia, stopping in Sirmione on the way, overnight in Brescia
Day 5 : Explore Brescia, overnight in Brescia
Day 6 : Drive to Bergamo, explore Bergamo, overnight in Milan
Day 7 : Explore Milan

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary? Check out these guides:

Guide To the Must See Sites of Mantua
Guide To Mantua’s Te Palace
Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
1 Day itinerary for Milan
Best Art in Milan

10. One Week in Rome + Umbria

I’ve covered Rome above and you’ll be there two days on this particular one week Italy itinerary.

Beautiful Umbria is quite similar To Tuscany. It’s just as sublimely picturesque, but less crowded. You can enjoy Italy’s scenic medieval hill towns and countryside.

Charming Orvieto is one of Italy’s most striking hill towns. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically atop a big chunk of volcanic stone amid cypress-dotted plains.

As I mentioned above, Orvieto’s walking highlights are its colorful-inside-and-out cathedral and pretty cobbled old town.

The stunning hill town of Assisi is a destination for art lovers. Because Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis, it’s also a pilgrimage destination that you’ll want to tour . In fact, the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s best known churches.

The tiny towns of Umbria — Spello, Spoleto, Perugia, and Gubbio — are utterly charming. This is where you’ll really get a taste of real Umbrian culture.

Here’s how to spend one week exploring Rome and Umbria:

Day 3 : Drive to Orvieto, stop en route in Civita di Bagnoregio
Day 4 : Explore Orvieto
Day 5 : Drive to Assisi and explore, overnight in Assisi
Day 6 : Day trip to Spello and Spoleto
Day 7 : Day trip to Perugia and/or Gubbio

In this one week Italy route, you’ll start in Rome. For a base, you’ll be in Rome (2 nights) Orvieto (2 nights), and Assisi (3 nights). For more details, check out my comprehensive one week in Umbria itinerary .

More time? Head north to Tuscany with itinerary #2.

11. One Week Milan to Rome Itinerary

The journey from Milan to Rome is a popular tourist route. It’s only a 6 hour drive from Milan to Rome.

But this well-traveled road trip route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and sublime treasures of the Renaissance.

You start with Italy’s exciting northern capital of Milan and end in Rome, Italy’s ancient southern capital of Rome. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Italy’s most beautiful towns in northern Italy. You’ll experience a near overdose of art, from Ancient Rome to treasures of the Renaissance in Florence.

With this itinerary, you’ll get to visit Bologna. Nicknamed La Grassa , or the Big Fat, for its delicious food, Bologna just oozes medieval charm. And you should definitely take a food tour in Bologna .

Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem in Italy. But it shouldn’t be. Bologna is a historic city filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, a swathe of palaces and towers, and gourmet restaurants. Eat, eat, and eat more!

Situated atop three hills, Siena is Italy’s ultimate rustic hill town.

Its thriving historic center , with movie set lanes cascading every which way, offers Italy’s best medieval city experience.

Here’s how you can spend one week on a road trip from Milan to Rome .

Day 1 : Explore Milan
Day 2 : Pick up car drive to Bologna and explore
Day 3 : Drive to Florence and explore
Day 4 : Explore Florence and optional half day trip to Pisa
Day 5 : Stop in Siena en route Rome
Day 6 : Explore Rome
Day 7 : Explore Rome

In this busy 7 day Milan to Rome travel itinerary, you’ll have three bases: Milan (1 night), Bologna (1 night), Florence (2 nights), and Rome (3 nights).

the beautiful town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast

More time in Italy? Spend more time in Bologna, one of Italy’s most underrated cities.

Or, head to the Amalfi Coast with itinerary #8.

Need more information for this Milan to Rome road trip? Check out these travel guides and resources:

1 day in Siena itinerary

12. One Week In Sicily Itinerary

Want to head to the beautiful island of Sicily? I was just there for 2 weeks and it’s divine.

Sicily is rich in history, culture, and food. It’s one of Italy’s most exotic regions, pure passion set amid wild beauty. You can enjoy diverse landscapes — rocky volcanic coastlines, pristine beaches, and clifftop villages.

Sicily will also dazzle you with ancient ruins, UNESCO sites, artistic treasures, Baroque architecture, and Italy’s most exotic street markets.

One week in Sicily isn’t enough time to experience the island fully. Given the distances to be traveled, imperfect roads, and plethora of attractions, you should probably stick to one part of the island.

I’ve written 5 sample itineraries for spending 1 week in Sicily by geography or theme:

Eastern Sicily Itinerary
Western Sicily Itinerary
Northern Sicily Itinerary
Sampler Sicily Itinerary
Archaeological Sicily Itinerary

These one week Italy itineraries take you to Sicily’s premiere destinations — the exciting capital of Palermo, the mosaicked churches of Monreale and Cefalu, the clifftop town of Taormina, the sensation old world town of Syracuse, and the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

For details and destination inspiration, check out my 1 week in Sicily itineraries . Or, check out some of my detailed travel guides covering the must visit sites and towns in Sicily:

2 days in Palermo itinerary
2 days in Syracuse itinerary
2 days in Trapani itinerary
1 day in Catania itinerary
1 day in Taormina itinerary
Guide to the Valley of the Temples
Guide to Villa Romana del Casale
Guide to Monreale Cathedral
Guide to the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week Italy itineraries. If so, pin it for later.

Pinterest pin for one week in Italy itineraries

12 thoughts on “7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy”

I loved the itineraries…now I’m even more overwhelmed! My daughter and I want to spend 30 days in Italy (including Sicily). Any info on where to stay (location/safety)?

I feel like Italy is pretty safe, if you take the usual precautions of staying in good neighborhoods and not being out late at night. 30 days in Italy? That’s amazing. Sicily is definitely on my bucket list.

Thank you so much these are great ideas for first time travellers!

We fly into rome and leave rome after a week what would you suggest for one week, would love to see venace Florence or Milan!

I really wanted to see the different towns through Italy without having it to rushed happy to use the trains but accomodation wise I would have no idea where to book each night!

Thank you so much these ar very helpful!!

You’re welcome! You could actually use Rome as your home base for the entire week and day trip to other places either by high speed train or guided tour. Here’s my guide to the best day trips from Rome: https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/day-trips-from-rome . Or you could split your time between Rome and Florence. Florence is much closer than Milan or Venice. I have lots of articles on all those cities.

Great info thank you! Looking for a Rome – Venice – Amalfi itinerary…. Any suggestions or is it possible in a week? Thanks CD

You can do it, but you’ll be rushed. I’d probably start in Venice and only spend one day there if you only have 7 days in Italy. I do have a 1 day and 2 day itinerary for Venice and a 3 days in Rome itinerary.

ITALY It’s Beautiful city in Europe

Ha! Yes it is.

By far these iterinaries were great. Were heading to Europe for 3 weeks. Were going back to Rome for 2 or 3 days then explore northern part of Italy. We would like to spend 6 days or so then would like to see Switzerland then France. Any suggestions on these places. We are traveling with our 13 year old daughter. Thank you in advance Dennis

Thank you Dennis! I hope you have a fantastic time in Europe. If you use the search function on my blog page, you will find loads of itineraries for Rome and must see sites, museums, and ruins. I also have many articles on France. I haven’t been to Switzerland in a couple decades, so nothing on that country unfortunately.

Hi We are flying into Naples in September and headed to the Amalfi Coast. We have 7 nights and need to be in Venice on the 8th day. I know this will be a rushed tripped. I would love to include Bologna.Any suggestions on an itinerary?

Here are my sample itineraries for spending 5 days on the Amalfi Coast. https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/5-days-in-the-amalfi-coast-itineraries . You could take the high speed train from Naples to Bologna, spend a day there, and then head to Venice.

The Best of Italy: Ultimate Two Week Italy Itinerary (14 Days)

Grand Canal in Venice from Acadamia Bridge during sunset

Ahh, the land of pizza, pasta, and gelato – what’s not to love about Italy? This boot-shaped country boasts so much to see, that it’s difficult to plan an itinerary for a limited amount of time. So, in an effort to take the guesswork out of it for others, I’ve put together this epic two week Italy itinerary for fourteen glorious days in Italy, now that I’ve visited multiple times. It hits all the main sights – Rome, Florence , and Venice – plus some extras so you can come back home seeing more than the bare minimum.

This guide (prices, links, and all other details!) was last updated in March/April 2024.

Statue and fountain in Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy

Now, I have to warn you. This two week Italy itinerary is super detailed . Like, how-the-hell-do-you-have-time-to-write-all-this detailed. And I did that on purpose. You can go to any old website to get a vague “two nights in here” and “one night here,” bare-bones itinerary for Italy. But those itineraries don’t tell you what to do in each place, or how to get from each city to city. You’d have to go look that up after. But not with this itinerary.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is: get ready for a long article! (About a 30 minute read.) You might definitely want to save this for later right now by bookmarking it or saving it on Pinterest, just in case you don’t finish all in one go . Then, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s get to it!

Pssst! Debating a shorter trip to Italy? Definitely skim through my detailed itineraries for ten days in Italy or one week in Italy .

The Perfect Two Week Itinerary

Let’s start off with an overview of this epic, fourteen day Italy itinerary, so you can have an idea what to expect.

If you’re the average traveler with limited vacation days, I suggest breaking it down like below. This way, you only need to use ten vacation days , but you get fourteen actual days in Italy.

14 day itinerary and 2 week itinerary for Italy

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Italy?

The absolute best time to visit Italy is definitely the shoulder seasons of April – May and September – October . This allows you to see everything in comfortable weather, but to avoid the extreme crowds (And heat! And prices!) of the summer. If you plan to swim, aim for September – October, so that the water has had all summer to get warm.

Milan Duomo Cathedral with green palm leaves in front

That being said, I’ve traveled to Italy in the middle of August and still had a wonderful time. So if July and August are the only time you have available, you’ll still have a great trip. Just come mentally prepared for the crowds.

Winter in Italy is generally warmer than winter in central Europe. However, I would avoid winter if possible for this itinerary. There are places that flood often during rain (Venice) and places that practically shut down out of peak season (Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast). If you can’t stand large crowds, I would also avoid Easter in Rome. Other than that, any time in Italy is a great time to visit Italy !

If you have more specific questions about your trip timing and what I think, definitely leave a comment at the bottom of this page. I’ll get back to you with my advice. Think of me like a free travel agent…!

Best Way to Get Around Italy?

One of my favorite things about Italy is how ridiculously easy it is to travel Italy without a car . This country gets a lot of slack for being inefficient and disorganized, but you have to admit, they do public transport just fine! This itinerary is completely car-free, relying solely on trains, buses, and ferries.

In my opinion, trains are the best way to travel Italy. This is especially true for your first time in the country. I do have dreams to one day complete a grand Italian road trip. But that is only because, after multiple trips, I now have places on my list that are remote and therefore easier to reach by car. All the more-typical destinations are much easier to visit without the hassle of Italian driving, filling up gas, finding and paying for parking, etc.

One very important tip for train travel in Italy is to always validate your ticket! Otherwise, you will be fined, and the fines ain’t cheap . (Like, truly. The fines are low-key high-key ridiculous.) How do you validate your train ticket in Italy? Simply stick the paper ticket into the machines before you enter the train. It’ll make a noise and time-stamp your ticket. These little validation machines are typically at the entrance to each platform. If you have trouble locating them, just ask a train station employee. If you buy your ticket online or via the mobile app – no need to stress!

In this itinerary, I include all the details and prices for each time you’ll use public transport to move around. I’ve got you covered!

Free Printable 2-Week Italy Itinerary E-Book

But once actually in Italy, you definitely don’t want to be walking around on your phone all trip trying to get to each next spot. So, I’ve made a printable, condensed version of this post with every important detail from this fourteen day Italy itinerary you’re about to read. Just download the PDF, print it double-sided (so four pages total), and you’re good to go for your trip. It even has a map! Click below to get it emailed to you.

(Finally) The Actual Two Week Itinerary for Italy

Beforehand, I just want to let you know you can do this itinerary in the order I have it or the reverse. Just look up flights and see which direction is cheaper. Also, at the very end of this page, I have a section on how to adjust this itinerary if you need to. Ready?!

Rome. The Eternal City. This place needs no introduction , since I’m sure you learned plenty about it in school. As the former capital of the Roman Empire and the current capital of Italy, Rome is a mix of old and new like you’ve never seen. Huge, crumbling ruins from 2000 years ago contrast against beeping Vespas zipping through the cobblestoned streets. Try to ignore the street vendors with no regard for personal space selling selfie sticks and whizzing gadgets, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Rome as I have.

How to Get to Rome

This is the start of your trip, so you’ll need to fly in. Rome has two airports, so be careful you fly into the correct one. The main international airport in Rome is Fiumicino (FCO) . This airport is the further out one. To get to the city center from FCO, you have two options.

Option 1: Take the train. Follow signs in the airport to the train platform. From FCO, take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini train station. This costs €14 (or €40 if bought for a group of four!) and will take 30 minutes. The train departs every 15 minutes, so you shouldn’t need to wait too long. From Roma Termini, you can either walk to your accommodation, or use the Metro to take the subway if your accommodation is further away. Be very careful of pick-pocketers in this train station! Do not accept or ask help from anyone except official employees, and wear your backpack facing your front.
Option 2: Take a taxi. Taxis from FCO into central Rome are a fixed fare of €50. Make sure you get into an official taxi (they’re white with a sign saying “TAXI” on top) at the taxi pickup line. They should accept card, and you can double check this as well as fare before getting in. This will take 30 minutes, just like the train.
Option 3: Take a bus to Roma Termini train station. Terravision offers a €6 ticket, and the ride takes 45 minutes.

Rome’s other airport is Ciampino (CIA) . This smaller airport is actually slightly closer to central Rome. However, it is only used for budget airline flights within Europe, like RyanAir and EasyJet. If you’re flying here (or anywhere!) with RyanAir, definitely skim through my guide on how to not get ripped off ! Once again, you have two options on how to get to central Rome from CIA airport.

Option 1: Take a bus to (right near) Roma Termini train station. There are multiple options you can explore here . Some include SITBusShuttle for €6 one-way, or Terravision for €6. This ride takes 40 minutes.
Option 2: Take a taxi. Taxis from CIA into central Rome are a fixed fare of €31. Again, make sure you get into an official taxi at the taxi pickup line and confirm the fare before getting in. This ride takes 30 minutes.

What to Do in Rome (Three Days)

Three days in Rome is the minimum amount of time to “see everything.” Below is exactly how to see Rome in three days. Take it easy on day one , since it’s the day your flight gets in. But feel free to interchange days two and three as works best for you. If you get in way too late on day one, you can tack it onto day three.

Walking straight through this route as I have it below is 30 min (2km or 1.25 miles), just to give you an idea of total distance on day one. Start at whichever end is closer to you.

Scalina Spagna: Otherwise known as the Spanish Steps, this beautiful staircase gets busy at night as a popular hang-out spot.
Trevi Fountain: This is Rome’s largest and most-famous fountain. Prepare for major crowds, and start practicing major patience needed to get your perfect pic!
Pantheon: Built in 120AD as a Roman (pagan) temple for all gods, it was transformed into a church in 609 AD. Still, everyone calls it the Pantheon, which means “honor all Gods” in Greek. Entry will set you back €5. You can purchase tickets in advance by visiting this site , typing “Pantheon” in the left-hand search bar, and clicking the result.
Piazza Navona: I’m pretty sure this square is just popular because it’s beautiful! Lots of cafes line the edges of the piazza, which also has two impressive fountains, and a church in between them.
Largo di Torre Argentina: This is where Roman senators assassinated Emperor Julius Caesar by stabbing him 23 times (dramatic much?) to death in 44 BC.
Colosseum: Gladiators. Need I even say more?! Though it is now in ruins, back in its heyday, this thing sat 50,000 guests and even had retractable shades. Tickets are €16 for this plus the next two sites, plus €2 if purchased online from the official si te . This price quote is the highest price, but those 25 years and younger get discounts !
Roman Forum: These are the ruins of numerous important government buildings during the ancient Roman Empire. It’s so cool walking around, seeing how huge the ruins are, and wondering how it must have been back then – almost 2000 years ago!
Palatine Hill: This is where all the cool kids lived during the Roman Empire – the aristocrats and emperors and all that jazz.
Arch of Constantine: This arc, built in 302 AD and the largest surviving one of its kind, is right outside the Colosseum.
Via dei Fori Imeriali: This street is my favorite part of Rome, especially at dusk! You can look down on the Roman Forum from above on one side and view other incredible ruins on the other. It connects the Colosseum to the next attraction below.
Vittoriano: This huge, marble building almost doesn’t fit in with its ancient surroundings. But I love it, nevertheless. It is a memorial to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the united Italy as we know it today.
Vatican City: Technically, this area isn’t Italy! It’s its own country – the smallest country in the world – and it’s ruled by the Catholic Pope. There are basically three things to see while here: St. Peter’s Square , St. Peter’s Basilica , and the Vatican Museums . St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter, but dress code is very strict. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. This goes for all genders and ages. There is a slow moving-crowd-slash-line to get in, but I found it moved quickly enough when I went. Once in the basilica, you can climb up to the dome for iconic views. To the right from the entrance, there should be a “Cupola” sign. Follow the sign until at the ticket office, where you can purchase a ticket to either climb the whole way for €8 or one to take an elevator partway up for €10. As far as I know, you can only buy tickets (that aren’t with a guide) in person. The Vatican Museums house the world-famous Sistine Chapel. You’ll pay €20 for entry, plus a €5 online booking fee if you book in advance on the official site , which I highly recommend you do. Entry to the Museums is free on the last Sunday of every month. Seeing Vatican City should take up a whole morning.
Castel Sant’Angelo: Emperor Hadrian originally commissioned this as a mausoleum for himself and his family, but it’s since been used as a fortress, castle, and currently a museum. I didn’t enter the museum, so I can’t recommend entering, but I think this castle over the river just looks so cool!
Wander: Explore on your own! Get lost! You’ve checked off all the “can’t miss” things everyone else does, but who wants their trip to be just the same as everyone else’s? If you just run around ticking off attractions, I’m not sure you’ll like Rome. But wandering it’s less-crowded streets, strolling along the river, popping into a random church – these are the things that will leave you loving Rome.

What to Eat in Rome

Food in Italy is good just about everywhere. But each region is known for something different , so why not try all your favorite Italian dishes (and some new ones!) right in the specific regions or cities that they were invented? So throughout this guide, I will be listing and explaining some must-try foods from each place you will be overnight-ing. To start, here are some traditional Roman foods to keep an eye for while in Rome!

Spaghetti alla Carbonara : This famous Roman dish actually arrived on the Italian scene relatively recently, in the mid-1900s. It is made by mixing whisked eggs and grated cheese into cooked spaghetti, then adding in cured pork, and topping with black pepper and, of course, some more cheese.
Cacio e pepe : The name of this Roman dish translates literally into “cheese and pepper,” and that’s a pretty good description of what it is!
Pizza al taglio : While pizza itself was not invented in Rome (don’t worry – you’ll stop by the city where it was born later on in this Italy itinerary!), pizza by the slice, or pizza al taglio, was. But it looks far different to the triangularly-sliced pizza you may be used to back home. Here, the slices are rectangular, and they often come piled high with meats and/or vegetables. It’s considered street food, so it makes the perfect quick lunch if you don’t have enough time for a sit-down meal as you explore the attractions in Rome.
Supplì : These are another perfect Roman snack to grab while on the go! They are fried, breaded balls of seasoned rice with cheese and sometimes meat inside (essentially, croquettes).
Bruschetta : This beloved Italian appetizer does not hail from Rome itself, but its origins date back to the Roman Empire, or perhaps even the Etruscans who preceded it. Regardless, as the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome makes a pretty good place to try some authentic bruschetta alla Romana, which is grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil. Of course, no one will blame you if you get the version with tomatoes as well!

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city, famous now for coming to its demise after a tragic volcano eruption . The city, along with nearby Herculaneum, was preserved under all the ash. It has since been excavated, which allows visitors to see a frozen-in-time snapshot of Roman civilization almost 2000 years back!

Large statue of male head and ruins in Pompeii

How to Get to Pompeii from Rome

First, take an early train from Roma Termini train station to Napoli Centrale train station . This takes either one, two, or three hours, depending on what type of train you take! Naturally, the costs are different, too. If you are buying a ticket for the next morning, you can expect to pay €13 for a 3-hour Regional train, €27 for a 2-hour Intercity train, or €48 for a 1-hour Frecciarossa train. If you are buying one month out, the prices for the faster trains drop to €20 for a 2-hour Intercity train, or €25 for a 1-hour Frecciarossa train. And if you buy three months out, the 2-hour Intercity train drops to €15.

Moral of the story? Always buy your long-distance train tickets online as soon as you know your schedule to save money in Italy! If you are taking regional trains, just buy them at the station on the day of, to allow flexibility in case plans change.

OK! So once you arrive at Napoli Centrale, follow signs to the connected underground station called Napoli Piazza Garibaldi . From here, take the Circumvesuviana train for 40 minutes to Pompeii Scavi Station for around €4. (This part was honestly very confusing for me! I accidently went to the Metro 2 area instead of the Circumvesuviana area. So my tip to you is to ignore the Metro 2 signs, and ask for help from staff if you need to.)

At Pompeii Scavi train station, there is a luggage storage service. Drop your bags off here for around €8 per bag. From here, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Pompeii site.

What to Do in Pompeii (Half Day)

The only thing to do in Pompeii is… tour Pompeii ! Entrance to this historical site costs €18, and you should plan to spend 2 – 3 hours here. You can buy tickets at the gate in person or online (for an additional €1 fee) at the official ticket site . Entry is free the first Sunday of every month. You can also check opening hours for the month you are visiting on the site.

If there is any place in all of Italy where you need a tour , it is Pompeii! Otherwise, you’re really just staring at a lot of old rocks with no idea why. There are a few options on how to actually know what’s going on in Pompeii.

You can join a tour group by paying around €12 in cash on the day of. Guides hang out near the entrance, and the ones certified by the region of Campania have official ID badges. A private guided tour will, of course, cost more.
You can buy an official audio guide set at the Porta Marina entrance for around €8 and tour at your own pace.
You can get an audio tour for free by downloading Rick Steve’s audio guide for Pompeii. I did the live tour while in Pompeii, but I’ve used his guides for other Italian sites, and I was satisfied! It’s a great way to save money while still getting info.

While Pompeii is the more-popular site due to its much larger size, Herculaneum is actually the site that is better preserved. Personally, I only toured Pompeii, due to time constraints. But if you are a history buff and don’t mind a busy day, consider trying to squeeze both in!

Sorrento is a perfectly charming place, and it boasts seriously beautiful views over the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius (that really destructive volcano way back when). However, its purpose in this itinerary is as a convenient jumping-off point for the Pompeii-Amalfi Coast-Capri area. I recommend using this as a base for the three nights to limit dragging your luggage around. However, if you prefer to be in the heart of the action, you can head straight to Positano (or Amalfi) after getting to Sorrento from Pompeii.

Hanging vines in Sorrento along the Bay of Naples

How to Get to Sorrento from Pompeii

Head back to Pompeii Scavi train station and pick up the bags you dropped off. Then, hop back on the same Circumvesuviana train route and ride for 30 minutes and around €3 to Sorrento. It’s the very last stop on the route , so don’t worry about missing it!

What to Do in Sorrento (Half Day)

If you decide to stay in Sorrento overnight or even use it as a base, I recommend simply walking around town at your leisure. It’s a super cute place to window shop (or actually shop), eat, and enjoy views of the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius.

Amalfi Coast

I know all of Italy is stunning, but get ready for some insane beauty over the next few days exploring the Amalfi Coast! Unsurprisingly, this area is filled with lots of couples and is popular as a honeymoon destination. Though the area is named after the town of Amalfi, it is the town of Positano that truly steals the show. This area is a really special place, and it’s impressive to think about how the Italians built the curvy roads and quintesential houses into the steep cliffs.

Colorful houses in the cliffs of Positano, Italy

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento

There are a few options on how to do this. Two of them include an insanely curvy and crowded two-lane road, so keep that in mind as you decide, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Option 1: Take the bus. This is the most budget-friendly option. Board the SITA bus 5070 from Sorrento (map below for exactly where). It takes either one hour to Positano or 1.5 – 2 hours to Amalfi. Unfortunately, this bus is crazy crowded , even in shoulder months. You’re not guaranteed a seat, so you might have to stand. I actually had to sit on the floor of the bus and couldn’t even enjoy the views approaching Positano *tear*. If you do snag a seat, sit on the right side for better views. Bus tickets cost €10 for 24 hours unlimited rides and are sold at “tabaccherie” (cigarette shops) or newspaper stands in every town on the route. They can’t be purchased on board the bus! I recommend buying yours in Sorrento at the ticket booth at the Circumvesuviana station, since you’ll already pass through here after Pompeii. You can buy them ahead, but the 24-hours starts once you board the bus and validate your ticket. Check out the bus schedule here .

Option 2: Take the ferry. This is definitely the most beautiful way to pull up to each town. From Sorrento, this is 40 minutes and €18 one-way to Positano and 1 hour and €19 one-way to Amalfi. Though it won’t happen often, ferries get cancelled if sea conditions are too rough, so allow some flexibility in your plans. Below is a map of the ferry station in Sorrento. You can’t tell from the map, but it requires walking down a staircase . Check out the ferry schedules here .

Option 3: Hire a private car. This is not a cheap option, but might be worth it with a large enough group. You’ll have to search for price quotes online depending on the car size, company, and pick up and drop off locations. But as an idea, a private transfer from Rome to Positano or Amalfi might cost around €500. If you do hire a private car, I recommend including a stop in Pompeii between Rome and the Amalfi Coast. That way, you’re saving a good amount of hassle between all the train transfers, luggage holding, and buses!

What to Do in the Amalfi Coast (Two Days)

These days are totally interchangeable however you please. There aren’t a lot of “attractions,” per se, in the Amalfi Coast. The main thing to do is to just take in the beauty, whether by shopping in the tourist-geared shops, eating with a view, or taking a swim. You really can’t go wrong! But, if you like to have a plan, I recommend you split two days in the Amalfi Coast like below.

Positano: This unreal village is the star of the whole area. You definitely want to get here earlier rather than later, if you can, to avoid midday crowds. For the best view, splurge on a meal at Le Sirenuse Hotel’s La Sponda Restaurant .
The beach: After exploring during the morning, cool off from the midday heat by taking a swim. The easiest option would be the main beach right in front of the town, Marina Grande beach. If you have your own ride or are willing to bus back and forth 35 minutes each way, check out Fiordo di Furore beach. These two beaches are the most insta-famous ones in the area, but there are many more!
Amalfi: This is the town after which the area is named. It boasts a beautiful church, the Amalfi Cathedral, which you can enter for €3. It’s actually pretty cool inside, but the exterior is the main show-stealer, in my opinion!
The Path of the Gods: I didn’t get to do this, but I really wanted to and had planned to! This hike between Amalfi and Positano takes you along the very top of the cliffs and is supposed to be ahhhmazing. Just Google “Sentiero degli Dei” and follow the route. It starts in Bomerano, which you can reach by SITA bus 5080 from Amalfi. It ends in Nocelle, the upper part of Positano. I definitely recommend doing it this direction, since it’s all downhill, and you’ll get better views. Definitely check out the official page for more deets if you’re interested.

Ravello: This tiny little village high up in the mountains has the area’s most famous villa – Villa Rufolo . Entry costs €8, and you can take the SITA bus 5110 from Amalfi. The ride takes 30 minutes.

What to Eat in the Amalfi Coast (and Nearby)

These are some traditional Italian foods from the Amalfi Coast and Naples.

Mozzarella di Bufala : This famous Italian cheese is made from the milk of the Italian water buffalo, instead of milk from cows, like mozzarella without the “di bufala” is. It hails from the region of Campania (the region where Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri are), but especially Salerno, a city just to the east of the Amalfi Coast. A great way to try this item would be in a caprese!
Lemoncello : You will find this sweet, lemon liquor practically everywhere you look upon arriving in the Amalfi Coast.
Pasta al Limone : With all the lemons in this area, it’s no surprise they found their way into the pasta dishes as well. This creamy dish with cheese and lemon is so unique and a must try when in the area.
Anything Seafood : Since this area hugs the coast, get your fill of fresh seafood pasta dishes while in this region!
Pizza : The birthplace of pizza is Naples, and while you won’t have time to stop for a bite when transferring from Rome to Pompeii, you might have time when transferring from Capri to Florence (covered in the next section of this itinerary). If not, the Amalfi Coast was part of the former Kingdom of Naples, so it’s the next best place to try the Italian staple. Authentic Neapolitan pizza is made in a wood oven (this part is crucial!) with only the simple ingredients of dough, tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and a couple fresh basil leaves.

The celebrity-favorite island of Capri makes for the perfect final day in south Italy before your itinerary takes you up north. It’s known for yacht-studded waters, glowingly-blue grottos, and upscale shopping. Maybe just reading this hurt your bank account a little bit… but not to worry! I’ve got you covered with how to visit Capri on a reasonable budget.

View from above of Faraglioni cliffs in Capri, Italy

How to Get to Capri from the Amalfi Coast

The only way to get to Capri is by boat (it’s an island – duh!). Ferries will be from Sorrento, from Positano, and from Amalfi. Expect €25.50 for a 50-minute ride from Amalfi, and less from the other two.

You’ll need to drop your bags off in storage while you explore.

You should be able to either near the main docks in Marina Grande on Via C. Colombo, to the left of Bar Grotta Azzurra, at a souvenir shop with a “deposito bagaglio left-luggage” sign above the door… or under the funicular station, past the signs for “toilette,” along the tunnel part of Via Acquaviva. This was my plan when I did this trip, but I couldn’t locate either storage place!

Luckily, an Italian waiter came to my rescue and offered to hold our bags in the restaurant all day if we ate at his place. Honestly, I’m sure you would have no trouble arranging the same.

But if you want to be more prepared, another baggage storage option (which I haven’t tried) includes Bounce . You can book in advance online for €5 a day. Just search “Marina Grande, Capri” and select an available location in the Marina Grande harbor.

What to Do in Capri (Half Day)

There is so much to do in Capri that you’d have trouble fitting it all into a single day, let alone a half day. So you’ll have to pick and choose what interests you most from the below . The island’s official site actually has a pretty good itinerary you can follow, too.

Marina Grande: No need to even add this to your list. You’ll inevitably walk by this colorful harbor-front area after disembarking the ferry.
Boat tour around the island: This is the best way to truly appreciate Capri’s magnificent cliffs. You’ll also go past Faragolioni , that ultra-iconic arch in the water. Boat tours can also include an add-on of the Blue Grotto. Without the Blue Grotto, expect €21 for an hour-long tour.
Blue Grotto: This cave is probably the most famous attraction in Capri! Unfortunately though, it’s a bit of a time-suck because of that. We were told we would have to wait on a small, bobbing rowboat for an hour before our turn to enter, so we skipped the grotto, even though our boat tour included it. The only way to avoid the long wait is to be the first ones out, but the best time for viewing is noon – 2pm, so it’s quite the dilemma. Tours departing from Marina Grande cost €18.
Piazzetta: This is the island’s most famous square. Be sure to stroll down the Via Camerelle while in the area.
Anacapri: The island of Capri actually has two towns; Capri and Anacapri. Anacapri is less crowded than Capri, and it has more artisanal shops, rather than just high-end boutiques. While here, definitely pass Piazza Vittoria , the main square. You can also ride the chairlift 12 minutes to Mount Solaro for a view (€12), or walk there in 30 minutes.
Villa San Michele: Entry costs €10 for some spectacular views.
Gardens of Augustus: From here, you get that classic Capri viewpoint of the Faraglioni . Entry only costs €1.50!
Marina Picola: If you’d rather spend your half-day relaxing at the beach instead of running around the island, this beach is a classic.

As the birthplace of the European Renaissance , Florence is known for all things art. It houses world-famous masterpieces, such as the David statue by Michelangelo and The Birth of Venus painting by Botticelli. Personally, I was expecting a bit more from Florence than I got, since everyone and their mothers raaave about it in comparison to Rome. (For the record, I’m staunchly team Rome!) But maybe I’m just not into art enough? That being said, though, it’s definitely still a can’t-miss Italian destination with plenty to do.

View of Florence from Piazza Michaelangelo

How to Get to Florence from Capri

(Psst: You’ll actually be doing this transfer from Capri to Florence on the same day that you visited Capri. Then, the next day, you’ll wake up in Florence to start your two full days there. Just scroll back up to the itinerary summary at the top of this page if you’re confused!)

First, get back to Napopli Centrale from Capri . I recommend taking the ferry directly to Naples from Capri. This will be 1 hour 25 minutes for €12.30 or around an hour for €20 – €25. Then, take a taxi from the ferry station in Naples to Napoli Centrale. When I did this, the taxi cost me €20. I also stopped and picked up a pizza to go while in central Naples. After all, Naples is the exact birthplace of pizza! How could I not?!

Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Capri to Sorrento. This takes 20 or 30 minutes minutes and costs around €21. Then, go up those stairs to the Sorrento Circumvesuviana station, and ride the Circumvesuviana train to Napoli Piazza Garibaldi for 70 minutes and around €4. From there, walk the underground connection to Napoli Centrale. This is a little more hassle – hence why I recommend the ferry straight to Naples – but it’s cheaper.

Either way, once in Napoli Centrale train station, take a direct, 3-hour train to Firenze S. M. Novella train station . Since this is a long distance, don’t even think about taking one of the Regional or Intercity trains ! These will set you back 2 – 4.5 hours. Trust me – just book the Frecciarossa train for this route as soon as you have your dates to get the cheapest price you can. As an idea, it will cost €86 if you buy the day before, €35 – €55 (depending on departure time) if you buy two weeks in advance.

What to Do in Florence (Two Days)

Many people recommend considering the Firenze Card , which covers a lot of attractions in the city. For two days in Florence (or even three days in Florence), the card is not worth it. Instead, I recommend purchasing the Brunelleschi Pass . This grants entry into the Duomo, a climb to the dome of the Duomo (the Cupola), a climb to the bell tower (the Campanile), entry into the baptistery, entry into the Duomo museum, and entry into the crypt beneath the church. It costs €30 if bought on the official website .

Now that that bit’s out of the way, here’s everything to do in Florence in two days! I haven’t split it out into separate days here, because I think it’s better if you decide . Do you like to visit one museum a day, or have one single day devoted to all the museums? Do you want to avoid climbing stairs twice in the same day, or do you not care? Do you prefer a viewpoint for sunset, sunrise, or can’t be bothered? These are the things that will determine what you do each day, so I can’t recommend that for you. But don’t worry – most sights in Florence are rather compactly located, so planning a route shouldn’t be an issue!

* Items with an asterisk are totally skip-able if you’re not interested, but I’ve included them since they’re included in the ticket I recommended above. If you want a more-detailed breakdown of the below, plus pictures, check out my full guide on everything to do in Florence .

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (aka, the Duomo): It’s the third largest church in the world, was instrumental in the Renaissance, and is the symbol of Florence. Entry is free, but prepare for a massive line at least an hour long.
Cupola: Bruneschelli’s Dome, named after the architect who designed it, is actually the most impressive part of the entire church. Architecturally, it was the first of its kind. He literally had to invent new tools and architectural systems to do it! Definitely climb up the steps for the view from the top. You’ll have to select a specific time slot, though, when you buy your ticket! Otherwise, you will be turned away and asked to return.
Campanile di Giotto: Yes you already climbed up the cupola, but there’s another viewpoint! This time, the view is the cupola itself.
Battistero di San Giovanni: This is the building right across the main cathedral. The Byzantine-like mosaic inside was actually pretty cool in contrast to all the typical-Renaissance paintings. Everyone will be snapping pics of the gold doors outside, but those are copies. The real ones are in the Duomo Museum!
Duomo Museum*: Since you already paid, it might be worth a quick visit. It will help you understand why all this Duomo stuff in Florence is such a big deal!
Crypt of Santa Reparata*: This is included in the Duomo combo ticket, which was the only reason I saw it. But once I got there, it was actually much more than I expected! It’s basically church ruins from 405AD inside the main church. The unfortunate thing about the crypt is that you have to wait in the same line as for the free Duomo entry. So definitely time these two activities together!
Piazza della Repubblica: One of the main squares in Florence.
Piazza della Signoria: This square has a lot going on! The best part is definitely the Loggia dei Lanzi . It’s basically a free, open-air museum of dramatic sculptures that really should be in one of the museums. (Like really though, I’m super surprised these are just out there!) Also in this square is a copy of the David statue , for those of you who don’t pay to see the real thang.
Palazzo Vecchio: I didn’t enter except for the free courtyard. But apparently it’s supposed to have a great view of the Duomo.
Ponte Vecchio: This iconic bridge has become synonymous with Florence itself! It was originally a passageway so the Medicis (a super rich family that basically made Florence….well, Florence) didn’t have to walk with the commoners on their commutes from their palace. Since then, shops have been added and create the look it has today. Prepare for major crowds!
Piazzale Michelangelo: The best viewpoint in all of Florence – hands down! I recommend trying to time your visit with sunset, but it’s gorgeous anytime. (I went three times in my visit….so I would know.) It requires an uphill walk and is the furthest out you’ll get from the city center. So make the trek worth it! Bring some snacks and hangout for a while like everyone else does.
Accademia Gallery: Unfortunately, the only reason to enter this gallery is for one piece of art. The David. Don’t at me, art fanatics. You decide if that’s worth it for you, but y’all know me! I have such FOMO that I had to pay €16 and see for myself. Pro-tip: avoid the lines AND the €4 online skip-the-line fee to book by visiting on one of the days they allow night visits! I got in lickety-split! No one really knows about it, which is why it’s so empty, so let’s try not to tell too many people? *wink* Confirm the night time hours, or book online, here .
Uffizi Gallery: Uffizi actually means “offices” in Italian, which makes sense, because this building used to be the Medici’s offices. Now, it’s a museum, and a world-famous one at that! Its most-famous art piece is the Birth of Venus painting. Entry costs €25, plus €4 for the skip-the-line online booking fee on the official site . Everything I read beforehand swore up and down that wait times are upwards of three hours. But when I went (mid September, early afternoon) there was no line in sight.
San Lorenzo Market: This is Florence’s most-famous market. Stop by here to shop leather and eat in the indoor food stalls.
Santa Croce: I didn’t enter this church, since admission was not free, but I do think it’s in a picturesque area and warrants passing by!
Palazzo Pitti: Normally, palace equals royalty…not in Florence! This palace belonged to the Medicis (shocker). I personally have seen way too many European palaces at this point. So I forwent paying the €16 entry fee (€22 if seeing the gardens as well) and only observed from outside. But I did regret maybe not having arrived earlier in the day than I did, to buy just a Boboli Gardens ticket (€10)! You can purchase online in advance from the official site (the same site as for the Uffizi) for an additional €3 fee, but it was not very crowded at all when I was there.

What to Eat in Florence

These are some Florentine and general Tuscan traditional dishes to try while in Florence.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina : You will have no trouble finding Florentine-style beefsteak to try in a restaurant in Florence. Keep in mind that since it’s a pretty thick cut, getting the inside well done would be difficult without ruining the outside of the steak!
Gelato : Yep – everyone’s favorite frozen Italian dessert made from milk, cream, and sugar is from the city of Florence! Now, that absolutely does not mean you should wait until arriving in Florence to try authentic gelato (after all, if you’re not having gelato at least once a day, are you really even on vacation in Italy?). But, maybe it does mean taking a gelato making class at the Carpigiani Gelato Museum ?
Biscotti : These dry, crunchy, oblong-shaped almond cookies are traditionally called cantucci. They originally come from the Tuscan city of Prato, which sits just north of Florence.
Crostini Neri : Also known by the names of crostini di fegatini and crostini Toscani, this typical Tuscan appetizer is toasted bread with a chicken liver paste spread atop.

Is there anything more quintessential Italy than the image of the leaning tower of Pisa? It’s funny how such a famous Italian landmark is from the most random of Italian cities! Luckily, Pisa is a necessary transfer station on the route between Florence and the Cinque Terre, so you lose almost no time making a couple-hour stop to get out of the station, snap your cliché photographs, and get right back on your way .

Leaning Tower of Pisa next to the Pisa Cathedral

How to Get to Pisa from Florence

Take a regional train from Firenze S. M. Novella train station to Pisa Centrale train station . This is a 1.25 hour ride and costs €9.30. Once at the train station, head to the luggage storage in the station, and drop off your things for €5 per bag. Check out the storage website . Two other storage options near (but not inside) the station include this and this .

What to Do in Pisa (Half Day)

Personally, because this two week Italy itinerary is so jam packed, I recommend you head straight to the leaning tower, snap your pics, and head back to the train . The walk is about 30 minutes each way, plus I expect you’ll spend about 20 – 30 minutes trying to get that perfect leaning picture. So budget 1.5 – 2 hours for your stop in Pisa. The reason I recommend this is so that you can have as much time as possible in Cinque Terre.

But , if you want more than just a photo, there actually are a decent amount of things to do in Pisa.

Climb the leaning tower: It’ll cost you €20 and you’ll need to choose a time-slot! The line looked long as I passed by.
Go inside the Duomo (for free!): You still have to get a ticket, though, and time slots do book out. Do this at the building with all the signs, right by the leaning tower.
Visit the Baptistery: I didn’t enter, but pictures do look very pretty! This alone will set you back €7, or you can pay €10 or €27 for a four or five-monument combo, respectively. See the official website to understand!
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina: I actually know nothing interesting about this church, but I think it looks super cool. Try to walk by it by using Ponte Solferino bridge on your way back to the train.

Also, Pisa is a really pretty Tuscan city! So there’s absolutely no harm in sticking around longer and actually seeing the city of Pisa. You can just budget extra time to walk around before heading back on the train, or even stop for a meal.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre translates literally into the “five lands” in Italian, representing the five villages that make it up. The villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore . I highly recommend not choosing Corniglia as a base, only because there is a 350+ step staircase from its train station to the actual village. (Psst: Check out my guide on alternative, cheaper Cinque Terre bases .)

How to Get to Cinque Terre from Pisa

Take a regional train from Pisa Centrale train station to your preferred Cinque Terre village of choice. All journeys will require a train transfer at La Spezia Cenrale station. You might consider using La Spezia as your base, since it might be cheaper, saves some train hassle , and is included in the Cinque Terre Rail Pass (more on the pass later on – don’t worry!). Train times and prices are below.

Pisa to La Spezia: 75 minutes and €8.40
Pisa to Riomaggiore (the southern-most village): 1.5 – 2 hours, because it requires a transfer at La Spezia, and €9.45
Pisa to Monterosso (the northern-most village): 1.5 – 2 hours, because it requires a transfer at La Spezia, and €10 – €12, depending on the time

What to Do in Cinque Terre (One & a Half days)

The main things to do in Cinque Terre are visit all five villages and hike between them. Unfortunately, more than half of the famous trail is closed for reconstruction after an avalanche. Currently, the only open part of this specific trail is from Monterosso to Vernazza and from Vernazza to Corniglia, but you can check here for updates.

To hike it, you’ll need to pay (unless it’s winter when there’s apparently no one checking). For this itinerary, get the two-day €33 tr ails and train card . This grants you unlimited access to the paid trails and unlimited train travel between Levanto and La Spezia. It also allows you free public toilet usage in the villages and free WiFi at the village train stations. You can buy in person at any train station or information desk.

Besides the hikes, there is no real to-do list of attractions for each village, so just stroll around at your leisure, swim when you feel like it, and enjoy the beauty! If you’re looking to get off the beaten path (literally), I wrote about the free Cinque Terre hikes you can do instead of the paid ones. The views are better, too, in my opinion!

Day One (Half Day)

Riomaggiore and Manarola: After settling in from Pisa, I recommend splitting the remainder of this day relaxing and hanging out in Riomaggiore and Manarola. Try to be in Manarola for sunset , to get that cliché Instagram view. That café you see everyone take their pics at? It’s called Nessun Dorma .

Hike Monterosso to Vernazza to Corniglia: Finish up the last three villages, and get some hiking in! You can do the hike either direction you please. I highly recommend hiking with your swimsuit underneath , because there is nothing you’ll want to do more after a hike, than jump into that water!

What to Eat in the Cinque Terre

These are some yummy traditional foods to try while exploring the Cinque Terre.

Pesto alla Genovese : This beloved pasta sauce made from crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil leaves, olive oil, and cheese hails from the region of Liguria (the region where the Cinque Terre are located). More specifically, it comes from Genoa, as the name implies. But anywhere in Liguria is an authentic place to try a pesto dish!
Focaccia : A warm slice of this fluffy, oily goodness makes for the perfect snack while zipping from village to village, or even a quick breakfast alongside some coffee before heading out for the day. It is made from flour, water, olive oil, salt, and rosemary, so it’s a great option for vegans as well.
Farinata : Another delicious vegan food to try, farinata is a flat pancake-or-crepe-like food made from chickpea flour. You can pick up a slice as a snack on the go.
White wine : Especially if you hike the trails between the Cinque Terre, you’ll notice a lot of white grape vineyards scaling the cliffs of this area. So it’s no surprise Liguria is known for its white wines!

Milan is known as fashion capital of Italy …and honestly not much else! It’s a city many aren’t enthused by, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you only have one week in Italy . But for a two week Italy itinerary, I really do think it’s appropriate. It’s home to the world-famous Last Supper painting, an iconic Duomo…and not a whole lot else! Which, in my opinion, makes a perfect, not-too-hectic stop towards the end of your epic, two week tour di Italia.

How to Get to Milan from Cinque Terre

Take a train from La Spezia Centrale to Milano Centrale . I recommend taking the direct, 3.5 hour InterCity train. Expect to pay around €20 if you book a month out, around €25 if you book two weeks out, and around €29 the day of.

What to Do in Milan (One Day)

See the Last Supper : Book this is as soon as you can! Tickets to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece are available on the official site three-ish months in advance. They cost €15, plus a €2 online fee, and allow you a 15-minute viewing of the famous painting in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church . On the first Sunday of every month, tickets are free, so all you would pay is the online booking fee. Unfortunately, official tickets tend to get scooped up on the first day they’re available by tour operators. So if you don’t get a ticket yourself, the only other way is to book a guided tour. These run for around €40 and above.
Go to the Roof of the Duomo: Entrance to the roof costs €14 on foot or €16 by elevator, but €20 and €25 respectively if you add entry into the church itself. You can purchase tickets in advance on the official site . Remember to be dressed modestly to be able to enter!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: It’s to the left of the Duomo, and it’s just way too glamorous not to walk through! It’s also Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery. If you fancy a rooftop view of the Duomo, apparently you can take a €12 elevator up to the top.
Navigli Lombardi: This area of a couple canals is super cute to walk around or eat in the evening!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery: I’m not even a coffee fanatic, but I just had to pop my head into the first Starbucks in Italy. Definitely the bougiest Starbucks I’ve ever seen.

What to Eat in Milan

Risotto alla Milanese : No trip to Milan is complete without trying this famous dish! Its yellow color comes from the saffron used, which just so happens to be the world’s most expensive spice – more expensive than gold.
Cotoletta alla Milanese : This veal cutlet is similar to the Wiener Schnitzel you might be familiar with from Austria, but it is cooked and served with the bone in.
Panettone : This world-famous Italian sweet bread dotted with candied fruits and raisins hails from the city of Milan. It is especially popular during Christmas and New Years.

I was worried before getting to Venice that I would hate it. So many people complain about its crowds, its mosquitos, its flooding… The list of negatives seems endless! But after just my first hours in Venice, I really felt like people give it a bad rep. Yes it is way too crowded in the center. But honestly, the crowds are completely justified.

I would describe Venice as: so beautiful, it’s unreal . And can you really blame crowds for flocking to something like that? Try to knock out all the main sights at less-crowded hours. Then spend the middle of the day exploring the rest of the city, where it’s much, much less crowded, but just as beautiful. Do that, and you might just end up liking it!

How to Get to Venice from Milan

Take a train from Milano Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia . I recommend taking the direct, 2.5 hour Frecciarosssa train if you book a month in advance, when it’s around €29 for the morning train. If you buy closer to the departure date, it’ll be €52. Otherwise, the regional train (the type that costs the same no matter when you buy it) is €21.95, and the transfer in Verona only adds an hour more to your journey.

Once in Venice, you’ll want a vaporetto pass . Trust me – you don’t want to be lugging bags up and down those bridges! If you are 29 years-old or under, I highly recommend buying the Rolling Venice Pass . I wish I knew about it earlier! It costs €6, but in order to buy it, you must also purchase (at minimum) an unlimited three-day vaporetto pass for €27. With the pass, you also get discounts on many attractions , like a €12 discount entrance to the Doge’s Palace! The one-day transport pass alone costs €20, and the two-day pass costs €30, so getting the Rolling Pass quickly pays for itself. You can buy these passes online or in person once in Venice.

What to Do in Venice (Two Days)

Assuming you take a reasonably-timed morning train from Milan, you can get to Venice in the late morning. Add some time for navigating the canals to locate your accommodation, and you basically have a little under two days in Venice. (If that sounds like too little, you can remove the Burano and Murano day trip from the suggested itinerary below. But honestly, you’ll be fine!) If you want a more detailed walkthrough plus photographs of each of the below, check out my article on best things to do in Venice .

Piazza San Marco: This main square is where most of the (tourist) action is. Firstly, there’s the Basilica San Marco . It’s €3 to enter, but there can be a very long line most hours of the day, so be careful what time you go. I went in the middle of the day when I saw it was shorter, and was in and out in 10 minutes! If you’d rather not risk it, you can book your time slot online during high season for a €3 booking fee. Large bags are not allowed inside, but there’s luggage storage nearby that the basilica will tell you to use. Across from the basilica is the Campanile (the bell tower). You can take the elevator up it for €10 if purchasing in person, or pay a €2 booking fee to reserve online in advance . If you want to skip the line, it’s the same website as the basilica. There’s also the Doge’s Palace . Entry is €25 if booked over 30 days prior, but only €13 with the 29-year-old Venice Rolling Card I mentioned above. See the official site for more deets.
Bridge of Sighs: Walk around the Doge’s Palace, making a left turn around the corner along the water. From the first bridge, you’ll see the famous Bridge of Sighs. It’s named so because it connects to the prisons, and prisoners sighed while taking one last look over beautiful Venice as they walked through the bridge to their dooms.
Rialto Bridge: If you haven’t figured out by now, Venice has a lot of cool bridges!
Accademia Bridge: This was my favorite bridge , because it has such an amazing view.
Take a half-day trip to Burano and Murano: Honestly, I did find this a little overrated, but maybe I’m just bitter because I got bad weather? I have an in-depth guide on how to visit the islands from Venice , as well as what each island is all about.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi: This shopping center has free rooftop views of Venice, but you’ll need to book in advance (I recommend at least a day or two prior to get your ideal time slot). It’s located right at the edge of the Rialto Bridge on Calle del Fontego .
The Grand Canal: The obvious way to float around Venice is on a Gondola. This will set you back €80 per gondola (six people max) in the daytime, or €100 sunset and later. Prices are fixed, so check current gondola prices , and don’t let anyone overcharge you. Alternatively, you can ride the vaporetto between San Marco and the train station, which is free since the vaporetto pass for the Burano and Murano day trip is still valid! I reeeeally recommend timing this during sunset. It’s SO pretty (and a lot less hectic).

What to Eat in Venice

These are some Italian favorites to try that come right from either Venice itself or the Veneto region.

Tiramisu : This beloved Italian dessert made from coffee-dipped ladyfingers, whip, sugar, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa is not from Venice itself, but rather from the nearby city of Treviso to its north. Nevertheless, anywhere in the region of Veneto is an “authentic” place to try this yummy sweet.
Risotto al nero di seppia : Some may find the black color intriguing, while others may find it offputting. Either way, squid ink risotto is a must try while in Venice!
Aperol Spritz : Also called a Spritz Veneziano, you’re sure to spot this bright orange drink all throughout your two week Italy vacation. But this cocktail made from prosecco wine, Aperol, and soda water was actually invented in the Veneto region.
Belini : Another famous Italian cocktail invented in Veneto – but this time from the exact city of Venice itself. In fact, you can have it right in the very bar where it was invented, Harry’s Bar, in San Marco Square. (But be warned – this is a very expensive way to have it if you sit down at one of the tables there!) This cocktail is made with Prosecco wine and peach purée or nectar.
NOT PIZZA : If you are looking for an “authentic” Italian pizza, Venice is not the place to have it. As I mentioned above when explaining where you should try authentic pizza (Naples), pizza as it was first invented must be made in a wood burning oven. And Venice has none! Venice is built out of wood, and apparently wood burning ovens were banned after a pretty bad fire in the past. So if you fancy a pizza while in Venice, that’s fine, but know that it’s very far from “authentic” pizza!

How to Get Out of Venice

Alas, your epic two week Italy trip has come to an end! You’ll need to get out of Venice. Venice’s international airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) . There are a few ways you can get from Venice’s city center to VCE.

Option 1: By bus . From the Venice Piazzale Roma ATVO bus stop, ride the bus for €10. The ride takes 30 minutes. Purchase tickets at the ATVO ticket office in Piazzale Roma, from the automated ticket machine outside that ticket office, or online .
Option 2: By water bus . From any of Venice’s Alilaguna water bus stops at San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove, or Guglie, ride the water bus for €15. The ride takes up to 1.25 hours. Purchase tickets onboard the water bus or online for a €1 discount. Private water bus rides are also an option.
Option 3: By taxi . The fare for this 30 minute ride from Venice Piazzale Roma is around €40. Make sure you get into an official taxi. They should accept card, and you can double check this as well as fare before getting in. You can also purchase online in advance (select “Town > Venice (P.Roma)” for Venice city center).

Adjustments to this 14 Day Italy Itinerary

Starting in Venice instead of Rome: You can totally do this two week itinerary in reverse order. However, when you get to Florence and head to the Amalfi Coast, keep the Amalfi Coast portion in the same order. That is, still start at Pompeii and end in Capri. Then, head from Capri to Rome to end the trip.
Flying in or out of Milan instead of Venice: Venice and Milan can easily be reversed in the itinerary, in case you find a good Venice flight. You’ll just train between Venice and the Cinque Terre instead of Milan and the Cinque Terre. This will, however, add about 1.5 hours to the train journey.
Visiting Siena instead of Milan: If you already know you have no interest in Milan, consider replacing that day with adding an extra night in Florence. From there, you can make an easy day trip into Siena (or any other town in Tuscany!).
Visiting Lake Como from Milan: If you can add just one extra night in Milan to this fourteen day Italy itinerary, you can squeeze in a lovely day trip to Lake Como from Milan . I detail exactly how to do it without a tour group and on a budget here .
Skipping Capri if it seems too hectic: If the half-day in Capri and evening train to Florence sounds too hectic, I don’t blame you. It might be more enjoyable to save Capri for a return trip to Italy. Use the extra day as another day in either the Amalfi Coast, or add an extra night in Florence or Milan for one of the day trips I mention above.

Any Questions on These 2 Weeks in Italy?

I know that was A LOT! If you’re planning your own two week itinerary for Italy soon and want some personalized advice, drop a comment below with your questions . Whether it’s a two week Italy honeymoon or you’re backpacking Italy two weeks, I love playing travel agent for people!

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Planning a trip to Italy soon? This two week itinerary for Italy has you covered! This travel guide has all the main things to do in Italy, like Rome, Venice, and Florence. It's also got coastal gems like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast.

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107 comments.

Kurt Schneider

Thanks so much for this helpful article! Sorry if someone already asked you this, but I’m curious as to why you reccomend starting in Rome vs starting in Naples. It seems like with starting in Naples and working your way up you could avoid any backtracking. I’m sure you have a reason. Just curious!

Thanks so much!

That Travelista

I’m glad the article is helpful!

Starting at Naples would be better! But most readers of this article are visiting Italy from outside of Europe, so their airport options will likely be Rome, Milan, and Venice, since Naples is a smaller airport. But if you find a flight to Naples, that’d be better as a start/end point instead of Rome. You would then switch the order of Rome and Amalfi Coast in this itinerary.

Hope that helps!

Hi Em! I LOVE this itinerary so much! Thank you for sharing it 🙂

My husband and I are planning on using this itinerary but tweaking it a bit to fit in attending the Formula 1 race Aug 29-Sept 1 at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza. We are planning for an 18 day trip (2 of which we’ll be flying) and since the race will be a 4 day event, we will need to cut out a few things or condense it quite a bit. Any tips?

I’m glad to know you love the itinerary! 🙂

I would cut out whatever interests you least. It sounds like you have 12 days (18 – 2 for flying – 4 for the race). So you would need to cut two days from this itinerary. Monza is close to Milan so that seems easy to keep in. You could cut out the 2 days for Cinque Terre and Pisa. Or cut out 2 days from the Amalfi Coast (cut out the Capri day trip and combine Positano and Amalfi into one day trip from Sorrento, or only visit Positano and not Amalfi). Or you could cut out all 4 days in the Amalfi Coast since there’s enough there for a week-long trip in the future. And then have 2 extra days to add elsewhere to not move around as fast. Maybe an extra day in Cinque Terre and an extra day in Milan to do a day trip to Lake Como from Milan .

Hope some of those ideas help!

Hi! Your very detailed itinerary is really a welcome! Am planning about a 12 days visit in mid to end June. What are your thoughts on visiting during this time?

I’m glad you like the itinerary!

Like I say in the post, I believe that anytime outside of winter is a good time to do this itinerary! You’ll have a great time. 🙂

Thanks for the response! Need your input on this! Am considering your itinerary for my visit. The issue here is I made a mistake in booking my return flight! I’m flying in to Rome and will be ending my tour in Venice but my return flight is from Rome! Any suggestion?

Not a huge problem! Just take the fast train from Venice to Rome on your final evening if your departure is in the morning, or on your final morning if your departure is in the late afternoon or evening. It takes around 4 hours.

Hey Em! My husband and I are going to Italy May 19-June 2nd! We are flying in and out of Rome, and I’m having a hard time trying to figure out the best trajectory! We will spend the first 3 nights in Rome, then from there I’d like to see a few places and I’d love your thoughts on direction!

We’d love to see:

Almalfi Coast Tuscany Florence Modena Cinque Terre Maybe Venice.. too much?

I just can’t figure out the best way to make the best use of our time. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

It sounds like you have 13 full days in Italy? In order to hit everything on your list in 13 days, I’d suggest:

Days 1 – 3: Rome Days 4 – 6: Amalfi Coast Days 7 – 11: Florence (2 days for Florence itself, 1 day for Cinque Terre day trip, 1 day for a day trip somewhere else in Tuscany (bc you list “Tuscany” and also list “Florence,” but Florence is already in Tuscany, so I assume you mean the Tuscan countryside or a smaller village), and 1 day for Modena day trip) Days 12 – 13: Venice

From Venice, take the fast train back to Rome.

If you want more time in Cinque Terre, you can remove 1 day from Amalfi Coast and move it there.

Alexis Pratt

This is incredible! Thank you for all the research and real travel experience. And taking the time to write it all out! My only question thus far.. do you know how much this all cost? I want to get an estimate to know what to start saving for! Thank you so much.

I’m glad it’s helpful for you!

The biggest cost is going to be housing, and that is going to depend on your personal preferences, your party size, and how far in advance you book. So it’s hard for me to ballpark it for you. I would just look at some places on a booking site to get an idea for a per night rate for the type of accommodation that you personally will be ok with.

Besides that, I’ve tried to put all the prices of attractions and transport in this guide, so you can just add up all the attractions you would enter (for example, not everyone will do a gondola ride or enter every attraction) and the transport you would take (for example, using a cab is different than using a bus or ferry).

If you plan to have a restaurant meal 3 times a day, I’d budget around €60 per day to be super safe. But I personally usually spend less than €25 a day on food in Italy, because I have pastries for breakfast and simpler meals for lunch and dinner.

Sorry to not be of more help!

Thank you for the detailed itinerary. We are planning a 12-day trip to Italy (not including the travel time), starting from Venice and ending in Rome. Amalfi Coast/Capri is at the top of our list. We are debating whether or not to add Lake Como and skip Cinque Terra since we are planning to go to Amalfi Coast anyway.

I’m glad the itinerary is helpful!

I think that sounds like a fine plan! The debate between Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast is a common one! Both are full of pretty, colorful villages along the water. Cinque Terre is easier to get to/around and fun for hiking and then jumping in the sea afterwards. It’s also cheaper. But I think the nature/scenery in the Amalfi Coast is more impressive.

You could do Venice (2 nights) > Milan (2 nights, one day for Milan and second for a Lake Como day trip from Milan ) > Florence (2 nights) > Amalfi Coast via Naples (3 nights) > Rome (3 nights).

I hope that helps!

Thank you so much for reply!

Hi, Do you have recommendations on accommodations in all the cities you have included to visit over the 2 week period? We’re looking to go in September. Thanks, Gemma

Not yet, but I am actually currently working on a guide that will be just that! It will definitely be published before September, but not for a while still. I can let you know through this comment thread when it’s up, in case you still haven’t booked your accommodation by then.

Hi, Is it advisable to rent a car in Venice and make a day trip to Either Dolomite or Lake Como?

I’ve replied to your other comment. 🙂

I’ve never done it, so I can’t speak from personal expensive. But from what I’ve seen/read, I would definitely recommend renting a car to travel around the Dolomites. I can’t speak to whether it’s worth the drive for just one day though, since I haven’t been.

For Lake Como, it’s quite a bit further out (3 hours one way to the best part of the lake). Lake Garda is also popular and is closer, so you might consider that, too.

Thank you so much!!

I’ve responded to your other comment. 🙂

This was a lifesaver! I may ( 99.9%) have more questions as I finalize my trip, however, I have 2 I thought of now. Following your list and ending in Venice, we than are heading to Sicily… Can you provide the best route? Also if I wanted to add 1 additional ( 2 night stop) between Venice and Sicily, what you would reccomend with the travel details as well please.

Hi Jacqueline,

I’m glad this itinerary has been so helpful!

If it were me, I would probably fly to Sicily from Venice, because Sicily is quite far by train from anywhere on this itinerary.

If you do want to go by train, I would probably reverse this itinerary, so that you train to Sicily via either Rome or the Amalfi Coast (or ferry, if from Naples). They are still far, but closer to Sicily than Venice. Puglia might be an interesting stop to break up the long train journey. I haven’t visited it yet, though, so I can’t speak to it personally.

But like I said, if it were me and I had limited time, I would fly. If you are looking to add one more place to your trip, maybe you can add a night or two in Lake Como from Milan, before heading to Venice. Or visit Lake Garda from Venice. I have an itinerary on a day trip to Lake Como from Milan , if you are interested. You could also add extra nights to rushed parts of the itinerary, like Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.

Thank you for this detailed itinerary. It’s the best 🙂

We decided to not go to Cinque Terre. We are still planning on going to Pisa after Florence. How would we go from Pisa to Venice? The different train systems confuse me and we want to get there as soon as possible. Also, how did you feel about the luggage storage in some of the trains? We plan to bring a 28 inch luggage to hold everything for 2 weeks.

Hi Jennifer,

I’m glad the itinerary is helpful!

If you see the directions from how to get to Venice from Cinque Terre in this itinerary, you’ll see that there is a transfer at Pisa. So you will do the same journey, just minus the part from Cinque Terre to Pisa, saving one transfer. You will go Pisa>Florence>Venice (but just purchase one ticket with a transfer, not two tickets).

The luggage storage has been fine for me. I traveled with one those medium sized check-in luggages for 5 weeks, and I usually had room to keep it in front of me. One day it was crowded and someone offered to lift it to the racks overhead for me, because it was way too heavy to lift myself, so that he could sit in the seat front of me. There also should be space for large bags at the end of each train carriage, but I’ve never used that before in Italy.

This is a great itinerary. I am planning on taking my three daughters to Italy for 2 weeks in May 2025. This looks just what I was wanting. I am wondering if you could recommend hotels (2 rooms) for each stop. I do not want 5*. We want quaint boutique hotels that give a flavour of the region. I would love to be able to book this trip myself using expedia or similar companies. Thoughts? I would appreciate your feedback.

Hi Elizabeth,

I’ve responded to your email, but to answer your question publicly for anyone else who might be reading, it’s definitely doable to book this trip yourself! 🙂

Hello! I’d love to go visit Dolomites when i go to Italy next year. Do you have any advices on where to put this destination during the trip? And which city can i skip for exchange of Dolomites?? Thanks a lot!

Ah and I love to go to Sicily as well! I plan to arrive in Rome and depart from Milan. 🙂

I haven’t visited neither the Dolomites nor Sicily yet, but both are on my list!

From what I’ve researched on the Dolomites, it’s easier with a car rental. I’m not sure if you plan to rent a car. Without a car, I do think you can see some things, but you might not be as time efficient (i.e. it might require more days). So what cities you can cut out is going to depend on how many days you want to spend in the Dolomites.

Sicily is quite far from the rest of the itinerary, so it will be either a long train ride (from Rome, Naples, or Salerno at the eastern edge of the Amalfi Coast) or a flight. It’s a decently sized island, so again what cities to cut out will depend on if you are satisfied to just see one city and get a taste of the island or if you want to see more of the island.

I would recommend axing Milan, the Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri leg, and/or the Cinque Terre/Pisa leg because they are less “must see” than Rome, Venice, and Florence. The Dolomites are going to be closest to Venice. So I would add them from there. Sicily is very south, but you might need to take a domestic flight to not waste time, so it might not matter where you add it in. But probably from Venice or Rome airports (or Naples if you decide to not remove the Amalfi Coast bit of the itinerary).

I hope that helps a bit!

Hi Em we will be travelling to Italy in late September from Australia, spending several days cycling in the Dolomites and then using your itinerary as a broad guide for the rest of our trip. If we have a couple of extra days spare (we have three weeks in total) would you recommend Puglia? Or somewhere else as a higher priority?

I haven’t been south of the Amalfi Coast area yet, but Puglia looks beautiful, less touristy, and is on my list! That and also Sicily, but I think Puglia would be easier in 2 or 3 days than Sicily, from what I’ve read/seen.

Another option is one of the northern lakes, Lake Como and Lake Garda being two of the most popular. I haven’t been to Garda, but Lake Como was stunning and easy to move around. But quite touristy.

Just some other options to consider, but (keeping in mind that I haven’t been there myself) Puglia sounds like a great addition! With the 2 week itinerary I’ve written out, you’re already going to see all the most “priority” stops in the country, from a touristic point of view, so anything else on top of that is going to be a bonus and just based on your interests!!

My fiancé and I are arriving in FCO on 4/1/24. We have two weeks in Italy, in theory. I wouldn’t mind hitting Croatia for a couple of days, if that is doable. I’ve been to Italy numerous times, and he has not, but is happy just going where I want to visit. Croatia is high on both of our lists, so, if we’re there, why not? Any thoughts or insights about that?

I LOVE Croatia and think it’ll pair perfectly with Italy!

If I were making an itinerary for just your fiance alone, who hasn’t been to Italy nor Croatia, I would recommend combining my one week Italy itinerary and my one week Croatia itinerary to make a two week trip. Each itinerary is what I would recommend for a first timer in each country (so Rome, Florence, Venice for Italy, and Dubrovnik, Split area, Plitvice Lakes for Croatia).

BUT since you’ve already been to Italy, and many times at that, I’d have to ask what you’re hoping to get out of both countries this visit. What places are you interested to see in Italy? Do they have to be new, or are you willing to repeat things for your fiance to see? Do you want to see “all” of Croatia, or just Split and Dubrovnik? If so, Split and Dubrovnik both have airports with flights to/from Italy, so you can even just tack that portion of my Croatia itinerary somewhere in your Italy trip. I’m happy to give more specific recommendations/thoughts if you let me know! 🙂

I think you submitted two comments, so I’ve responded to the other one. 🙂

Hello Em, really enjoyed reading your 14 day Italy itinerary for first timers. My darling wife and I are considering a trip to Italy this fall. We are in our sixties, and while we can walk, we cannot “hike”, so do be gentle, haha. While we would love to cover as much as possible, we do like to take it easy and travel in a leisurely manner.

Based on your itinerary in reverse, here is what we have come up with: Fly into Venice early afternoon. Stay in Venice for 3 nights, (one extra night) as we would need to get over the jetlag from an overnight flight from North America. Florence for 2 or 3 nights. Cinque Terre/Pisa for 2 or 3 nights. (As suggested by you, thinking of staying in La Spezia for ease of train travel to the 5 village and budget as well.) Rome for 5 nights. This would include a day trip to Amalfi Coast and or Naples if possible.

Seeking your guidance to set up the itinerary along with details of places to visit. So this would be a 13 or 15 nights itinerary, depending on your valuable input. Also we cannot decide if we should begin the Italy trip mid September, late September or early October, keeping in mind weather and crowds.

Thanking you in advance and best wishes

I think that sounds like a really nice itinerary!

If you are not going to be staying overnight in the Amalfi Coast, I would recommend switching the order of Florence and Cinque Terre around to save an hour of train travel time. So Venice > Florence > Cinque Terre > Rome.

The later you go, the lower accommodation prices will be and the lesser the crowds will be (especially in Venice, because of cruise ships, though I believe they have limited the sizes ships can be now). But also, the cooler the weather should be (but you never know what weather you will get, of course!). If it were me, I would opt for mid or late September. This is because I’m really affected by weather, unfortunately lol! If you don’t mind the weather being cooler, October might be fine for you.

There are tours on sites like Get Your Guide and Viator for Pompeii and Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome that run around $100 – $150, so that might be an option to consider if you want to see them both in one day.

All my recommendations on what to visit or extra day trips to add are basically what I’ve put in this post, so if there is any question in specific, let me know! I think having more time in each city will just allow you to enjoy it more by not being rushed or having to wake up early to fit everything in, and allowing you free time to meander and discover things on your own. There’s no reason to rush if you don’t have to! 🙂

Hello Em Thank you so much for your time and input for our trip. Noted your suggestion about the routing, CT to Rome. A few questions: 1. Taking the train from Florence to CT, should we stop in Pisa. Is the Tower a thing not to miss. 2. What is best train route from Florence to CT. 3. We decided to spend two nights instead of 3 at CT. Question, should we stay in La Spezia or in one of the towns, maybe Monterosso. Any thoughts. 4. What is the best train route from CT to Rome. I guess we should plan to arrive at Roma Termini station. Thanks once again. Best wishes

1. It’s totally up to you if the tower is worth missing or not! It’s not as impressive as the buildings you will see on the rest of your trip (the Colosseum, Venice’s buildings coming out of the water, the Duomo in Florence which literally had new tools invented to build it). It’s just a very cliche symbol of the country for whatever reason, and not worth visiting on it’s own, so that’s why I’ve put it as a quick photo stop in this itinerary, since you already have to exit the train at Pisa station to make a transfer between CT and Florence anyways.

2. I have the train route from Florence to CT in this itinerary. If you don’t want to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you can just skip that and can continue the transfer to La Spezia at Pisa station. From there, you can continue to CT proper if you want, or stay in La Spezia as your base, like I recommend in the itinerary. The only reason I mentioned the switch to you is because you are doing my itinerary from Venice to Rome, so backwards. So I didn’t want you to do Venice > CT > Florence, because since you aren’t doing Amalfi. Then to get to Rome from CT, it will be from La Spezia Centrale to Roma Termini (direct train as fast as 3 hours in the morning, closer to 4 hours later in the day). For all other train journeys, just do the exact reverse of what I have detailed out in this post.

3. I answered this slightly in the previous bullet, but in the itinerary I recommend La Spezia for just two nights. I explain a bit why in the itinerary.

4. I answered this in the second bullet, but I’ll add that when looking for tickets to a city, you can type just the name (in Italian, so Roma, Firenze, Venezia, etc.) and then select “Tutti Le Stazioni” if that option is there in the drop-down. This will include all stations for that city in the search. But yes, for this journey in particular, it’ll be Roma Termini. 🙂

Thank you so much Em You are the best.

Glad to be of help! 🙂

Hi Em! Thank you so much for this detailed itinerary, very helpful! I’m planning on visiting Italy in September for 2 weeks, perhaps a little longer. It’ll be my first solo holiday! I’m really keen to explore Sicily as well as the destinations set out in your article. I’ll be flying from Bristol and planned to begin in Milan and make my way down the country, flying home from Sicily but flights are either a lot more expensive or hours long! Do you think it would be okay to follow your itinerary, ending in Sicily and then flying from Sicily back to Milan so that I can book a return flight from there? Thank you again for your help! ☺️

You can definitely tack on Sicily to this itinerary, and I think a domestic flight to save money/time makes a lot of sense.

I’m not sure if you are planning to connect my itinerary to Sicily by train or do two domestic flights. If you are wanting to use the trains to get to Sicily and just the flight to get home, there are direct trains from Roma Termini and Salerno to Messina Centrale, Palermo Centrale, and Siracusa. Salerno will save you about 2 hours compared to Rome, and it is at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast. So if you decide to go that route, I would recommend moving my itinerary around to end in Amalfi Coast rather than in Rome. That would also make me recommend moving Florence and Cinque Terre around, to save an hour of train time there.

So Milan > Venice > Florence > Cinque Terre > Rome > Amalfi Coast > Salerno (reached either by train with connection in Torre Annunziata or Naples, or by ferry) > Sicily > flight to Milan.

You could also fly from Naples to Sicily. The train journey is so long that it might be worth looking into.

I hope that helps!! Your trip sounds like it’s going to be amazing!!

Hi Em, Thank you so much for your reply! I ended up missing out Sicily and decided to do it another time. Instead I have tweaked things slightly and planned it Venice – Florence – Pisa – Clique Terre – Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento – Matera – Milan – Lake Como. Thank you so much! ☺️

That sounds like it is going to be an amazing trip! Have the best time!

My husband and I will be visiting Italy in June. I would love to visit EVERY place on the itinerary, but my husband is not looking forward to packing up and jumping on a train every 2 days. I read that you recommended cutting out Capri, but that’s high on my list. Can you tell me if cutting out Cinq Terre is a good alternative?

Hi Camille,

I think that’s a great alternative. If Capri is high on your list, that settles it, in my opinion! My itinerary only allocates a half day to Capri, but by removing Cinque Terre, you can either overnight in Capri with those two nights originally meant for La Spezia/Cinque Terre, or add two nights to the Amalfi Coast, allowing you to do a longer day trip to Capri than you would be able to do if you were going to Florence afterwards, like in my itinerary.

The reason I recommended cutting out Capri in another comment is because (1) it only occupies half a day of my itinerary, so it’s one of the smallest things to cut out, and (2) it added the most inconvenience to the itinerary. But now, the train journey between Cinque Terre and Venice has also gotten about an hour longer than it used to be for some reason. I’m not sure if it is because of work on the route or if it’s a permanent change. But now the inconvenience is kind of similar between the two.

And lastly, I think Cinque Terre on its own is easier to return to on a future trip than Capri on its own is.

I hope that helps you make your decision! Enjoy your trip!

Kelley Strutton

Thanks for this wonderful guide – it paints such a beautiful picture of Italy and all the details are really helpful. We are seniors and looking for info to ease the logistics of things. Specifically: Would it make sense to take a train from Rome to Sorrento, using Sorrento as your base for a few days. Then, on one of the days take a train back to Pompeii for the day to see the ruins – trying to avoid the luggage and train transfer hassles. Also, can you tell me how luggage is handled and where it is stored on the trains? Will there be any assistance available for this? Quick impressions of the best area to stay in Rome, Florence and Venice for convenience to attractions and trains would be helpful. Thanks so much.

I’m glad my guide is helpful!

You can totally day trip to Pompeii from Sorrento if you prefer. You could technically even do it on the same day as you leave Rome, if you don’t mind doubling back on the same day. The train ride is around and hour each way, and it will be the same train you take from Naples to Sorrento, so you’ll already have experience with it.

I’ve always put my luggage above me, if the carriage is so full that I cannot keep it near my seat. I’ve never traveled Italy with anything larger than the medium-sized check-in bag, though. (I mean the kind that are definitely too large to be check-in, but not the standard check-in sized luggage.) There is usually also a designated area for luggage at the end of each carriage. There isn’t impromptu service that I have witnessed. I’ve only ever seen train staff give directions and answer questions. But TrenItalia does have this service to deliver luggage to your hotel. So maybe that will interest you.

I personally always try to stay walking distance from the train stations. In Rome, this area visually seems a little dodgy, so you might want to keep that in mind. You can try to find something still walking distance from the train, but in the direction of the attractions (northeast of the station). But in Florence, I found the area near the train to be fine. In Venice, I would definitely recommend to be near the train, because it is annoying transporting luggage over all the bridges, and it can be confusing to navigate the water taxis right upon arriving and with luggage in hand. Florence and Venice are both rather compact.

I usually use Booking.com to search, because I like that their interface allows you to filter criteria and then move to a map view, which allows me to see where the accommodation is relative to the train and attractions. I’m not currently affiliated with Booking.com.

I hope some of that helps!!

So, do you have to change trains to get from Rome to Sorrento? Or is there a direct train?

As my itinerary details in the section about how to get to Pompeii, you have to transfer at Naples. There are two Naples stations. You go from Rome to one. Then, you walk to the other one and head on a second train towards Sorrento. My itinerary has you getting off this second train at Pompeii on the way to Sorrento, but you can of course just keep on the train and head to Sorrento. 🙂

I see. Thanks for the good info

Shani Damodaran

HI, Planning to do a trip of Italy plus Malta starting in first week of April 24 for 17 days. We are a family of 3 (2 adults and a 15 years old child) Landing in Milan and flyout from Rome Can you advice a complete itinerary with an option of flying in and out of Malta in between this 17 days. Malta can be 2 nights only. We would like to spend some quality time in Rome for sure. (if less also, give an option).

That trip sounds like it will be a dream! I think Malta can be squeezed into this Italy itinerary quite nicely.

What I recommend is to do my itinerary backwards then find a way to squeeze Malta in using the airports of Naples, Bologna, or Pisa.

This could yield something like:

April 24: land in Milan April 25: travel to Venice in afternoon or evening (depending on how much time you had in Milan on day 1) April 26: Venice April 27: travel to Florence in evening April 28: Florence April 29: Florence April 30: travel to Cinque Terre (La Spezia) in morning, stopping in Pisa if interested May 1: Cinque Terre May 2: travel to Pisa Airport (9am flight) and fly to Malta May 3: Malta May 4: fly to Naples Airport, travel to Amalfi Coast (Sorrento), stopping in Pompeii if interested May 5: Amalfi Coast May 6: Amalfi Coast May 7: travel to Rome in morning, stopping in Capri if interested May 8: Rome May 9: Rome May 10: fly home

The flights I reference are all through RyanAir. So be sure to read my guide on flying with RyanAir without getting ripped off before purchasing.

Hope that helps, and have a great trip!

Planning to go to Italy for 2 weeks 15-17 days. I was planning to add Malta too.. do u think I can add Sicily and then Malta after Naples ? and miss Milan from the trip. Please let me know your thoughts on these places. If they all look and feel the same in June then may be I could skip them.

Hi Archana!

There are direct flights between the three places (Naples, Sicily, and Malta), so you definitely can tack those onto the itinerary if you’d like. In that case, I would probably make the trip Venice > Florence > Cinque Terre > Rome > Naples/Amalfi Coast > Malta + Sicily. Or the exact reverse. The only thing is that removing Milan only saves one day, so if you are following the rest of my itinerary, your trip will be longer than 17 days if you tack on Sicily (which is a large island) and Malta. So you might have to cut a bit more out from my itinerary, if that is what you are following.

I haven’t been to Sicily or Malta yet, so I can’t advise on them from personal experience. I’ve heard that Sicily is a bit of a different vibe from the rest of the country. And Malta of course is a separate country. But the three places are going to seem similar compared to, say, Norway. They are all in the Mediterranean, they are all southern Europe, they all have been part of the Roman Empire, etc. So it depends on your definition of “the same.” My own opinion is that I absolutely plan to visit both Sicily and Malta in the future!

Jessica Cloutier

Thank you so much for all the valuable information! We’re doing a bit of a shorter trip as we are staying a few days in Paris as well as Switzerland. We plan to have 11 -12 days in Italy. I am wondering how you would reconfigure the itinerary. I have been to Italy on a school trip and was planning on skipping Rome this time around (been to Florence as well but would like to go back). I also wanted to check out lake como. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Hi Jessica,

I’m glad the information is helpful!

Since the itinerary is 14 days and the Rome portion is 3 days, I would just remove those 3 days and have an 11 day itinerary. That would have you starting in Naples (which has an airport) and ending in Milan, or the reverse – whichever works out better for you.

If you want to see Lake Como on a day trip, it’s possible and would keep the itinerary within 12 days. I detail how in my Lake Como day trip itinerary from Milan . If you want to overnight in Lake Como, I would cut some days out from whatever interests you least and tack on those days to Lake Como. Maybe the half day in Capri because it’s a little complicated, or maybe Milan because it’s not as beloved, or maybe a night from Florence since it’s a repeat for you, etc.

I hope that helps!!

This post is amazing! Would love your input on 14 days flights to and from FCO – Rome (Wednesday arrive, Tuesday depart). We hope to hit Rome, Pescara, Roccamorice, Naples, Pompeii, Sorento, Pompeii, Amalfi, the hike you mention, and maybe Capri. We dont mind paying for some accommodations, but we also have a friend in Naples where we can stay for free. Any tips on itinerary and how to get around?

Hi Ken! I’m so glad to know the post was helpful! 🙂

That’s so awesome you have free housing in Naples!

The bulk of everything you listed is day-trip-able from Naples – just Rome, Pescara, and Roccamorice aren’t. I haven’t been to Pescara or Roccamorice, but based off a quick Google Maps search of public transport, it seems there are trains and buses between Rome and Pescara. It seems that there is a long (5hr) Flixbus between Naples and Pescara, but that a train trip between the two has to transfer at Rome. I didn’t see any way to get to Roccamorice with public transport from Pescara, Rome, or Naples.

Off the top of my head, I would say to combine Rome, Pescara, and Roccamorice as one leg of the trip. Let’s call it Leg A.

Leg A: Day 1: land in Rome, explore if you have time/energy, sleep in Rome Day 2: Rome, sleep in Rome Day 3: Rome, sleep in Rome Day 4: travel (probably train) to Pescara, explore, sleep in Pescara Day 5: day trip to Roccamorice (I imagine there must be some way to get there by local bus? I’d look more into that!), sleep in Pescara Day 6: travel to Rome (or to Naples by Flixbus, depending on the day)

Sorrento, Pompeii, a hike up Mt Vesuvius (if that interests you), and Capri are all super-duper easy day trips from Naples. So, if you’re wanting to save budget, I’d plan all those as day trips (and maybe overnight in Capri if you want, to experience it without the day-trippers) from your friend’s place. And Naples itself also has things to see!

I think it’s worth spending a night or two in either Positano or Amalfi to spend one day in each and do the Walk of the Gods hike. But you technicallyyy can day trip to them from Naples as well. If you do, I’d recommend by ferry, because doing the train from Naples to Sorrento, then the bus from Sorrento to Positano/Amalfi, and then returning…all in the same day…multiples days…just sounds terrible to me! But the ferry would be €30 – €40 ish round trip each time, so multiply that by multiple people and two or three days, and I feel like you can just put some of that money towards accommodation instead, spending more time exploring and less time commuting!

Either way, I’d say to combine Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, the hike, and Capri into another leg of the trip. Let’s call this next bit of the trip Leg B.

Leg B: Day 1: travel to Naples from Rome by train (or from Pescara by Flixbus), explore depending on time, sleep at friend’s place Day 2: day trip to Pompeii + Sorrento, sleep at friend’s place Day 3: travel to Positano in morning (probably ferry), explore, sleep in Positano (or Amalfi if you decide) Day 4: take bus/cab to Amalfi, explore, take bus/cab to start of hike, hike to Positano, sleep in Positano (or rearrange this if you decided Amalfi for Day 3) Day 5: take ferry to Capri, explore, take ferry to Naples, sleep at friend’s place (or overnight in Capri, taking ferry to Naples the next day)

So all that puts you at about 10 – 13 days, depending on if you add extra nights to Capri or the Amalfi Coast or Naples, and whether you combine day 6 of Leg A with Day 1 of Leg B.

If you have an extra 2 – 4 days, you can add a Leg C of Naples/Rome-Florence-(+ Pisa if you want)-Rome, or Naples/Rome-Florence-Venice-Rome, or Naples/Rome-Venice-Rome, etc. by fast train. Know that Venice is going to be a long train ride from Naples, though!

And you can rearrange any of the Legs A – C into whatever order fits best with your flights or your friends’ schedule, etc. since Rome is kind of the focal point of them all.

Hope some of that is helpful!! I think it all depends on how much you care to “fit everything in!” If that’s not a concern and you can return to Italy later on to tour the north, I’d say spending all 14 days in the areas you listed and taking it more slowly sounds the most enjoyable! (Renting a car is also an option, but as I’ve never done that in Italy and my itinerary was all public transport, I’ve stuck to public transport in this response.)

I’m sure you’ll love your trip whatever you decide. 🙂

Is it best to book the air first and then find the accommodations? I’m wanting to go to Italy this May…in a few weeks.

Hi Ruth! Italy in May sounds like the perfect time!

I’m a huge planner, so I like to plan a rough itinerary (which includes looking at any train schedules/prices, skimming housing options, flight options, etc.) before booking anything.

Sometimes I book free-cancelation accommodation first before booking my flight/transport. But if I am staying in an Airbnb or something not fully-refundable, or if the flight price is very good, then I tend to book the flight before the accommodation. So there really is no correct order! 🙂

But since your trip is coming up soon, maybe it’d be a good idea to at least look at accommodation first to make sure there are enough options for your destination within your budget before you put down money on a flight.

disfruta2vidagmailcom

So, I’ve decided to change my trip to 21 day in and out of Milan…how would you restructure the itinerary?

How exciting!

With seven extra days I would use one day to travel back to Milan from Rome at the end of the trip (Roma Termini to Milano Centrale, fast train takes 3 hrs) and for the remaining six days, choose what interests you the most from the below options:

– one extra night in Milan to do a day trip to Lake Como (or spend a couple nights on Lake Como) – one extra night in Milan or Venice to do a day trip to Verona (or spend one night in Verona in between traveling between Milan and Venice, or spend two nights in Verona to see Verona one day and day trip to Sirmione on Lake Garda the second day – I meant to go to Sirmione from Verona myself but didn’t because of rain) – one or two extra nights in Cinque Terre to rush less or do a day trip to Portofino ( this guide is from Genoa but is just as doable from Cinque Terre) and/or Portovenere – one extra night in Florence to do a day trip to Siena – one extra night in Florence to do some sort of organized day trip that includes Val d’Orcia and/or Tuscan countryside wine tour (I haven’t done either of these) – one extra night in Florence to do a day trip to San Gimignano (I haven’t been but have heard nice things) – one extra night in Amalfi Coast to rush less (and/or add a night to Capri to spend a full day there and not just a few hours) – a couple nights in the Emilia Romagna region (in between Venice and Florence – main city is Bologna) I only recommend this if you love the food from here (bolognese sauce, parmesan cheese, prosciutto di parma, and balsamic vinegar are a few famous ones) and plan to do food tours, as it’s known as a foodie haven

The above options allow you to stay in the same area and get to know it better/less rushed. But you could also add an entirely different region to your trip if that is what you prefer. You could rent a car and explore the Dolomites in the north, you could travel alllll the way south and see some of Sicily or Puglia (but that would be a very long travel day back to Milan or require a domestic flight), you could spend time on the island of Sardinia, etc. I haven’t done any of these things (yet!) so I can’t give much advice on them. If it were me, I would stick to the first options I listed and save further-away things for return trips to Italy. 🙂

Hope some of that helps!! 🙂

I have a 2 week vacation coming up in May and I’m thinking about going to Italy but have to idea how to plan it; where to go or where to stay!

Hi Stephanie! How exciting! I think May is a perfect time to see Italy (that and September) because the weather is warm but it’s not high season. You’re going to have an amazing time. 🙂

If it were me and my first time in Italy, I would follow this two week itinerary exactly as I have it laid out. I like to maximize places I’m seeing while still having enough time to “see everything” in each place, and the itinerary as I have it laid out does that. It hits the three main, can’t-miss Italy destinations (Rome, Venice, and Florence) plus fits in the next tier of popular destinations (Cinque Terre, Pisa, Milan, Amalfi Coast/Capri, and Pompeii).

The only additional planning you would need to do is your accommodation. I like to use Booking.com because I like its interface and app, that many properties listed allow free cancelation, and that it lists hostels (I’m not doing hostels at the moment though, due to the virus). But other sites you can use include Hotels.com, Airbnb, or HostelWorld. It depends on your budget and style. 🙂 Also, I always check the walking distance from the train station to the accommodation on Google Maps before I book.

If the itinerary as I have it laid out seems too jam-packed for you and you like to travel slower, you can let me know what you’re looking for (beaches/relaxing, focusing on one region and returning to the country later for other regions, art/history/museums), and I can give my thoughts on what to add and take out! 🙂

Karan Sachan

My wife & I are heading to our 2 weeks Italy adventure next week. After Rome, we were thinking of renting a car until the end. Do you know what is the parking situation? Would hotels/airbnbs provide accessible parking options overnight? Is parking fare like insane expensive?

Hi Karan! How exciting!!

I’ve never driven a car in Italy, so I can’t say much from personal experience. But the answer depends on what places you are visiting. 🙂 If you are seeing just the places on this itinerary, for me, a car isn’t worth the hassle because it’s so easy to travel between the main tourist destinations by train. The only parts of this itinerary that I think could be easier to get to with a car would be Positano and Amalfi, so just 2 out of 14 days. But maybe you will be exploring smaller towns of the Tuscan countryside, or heading to Sicily, or something like that, which then would have a different (easier) parking situation than the major tourist cities/spots! So the answer depends a lot on your specific itinerary.

Airbnbs sometimes do have parking and they list it on their Airbnb page if they do. Same with hotels. But if it’s not listed on their page, I wouldn’t expect parking. In my experience driving in other European cities, parking is expensive, but like I said, I can’t speak from experience on Italy.

If you do go with a car because you prefer to not be on a train schedule, I would suggest to plan where you will be parking in advance (Google search or see what others on TripAdvisor have shared). You might be able to find the costs in advance and then decide for yourself if it is too expensive vs the trains or worth it. 🙂

I hope some of that helps!

My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy in late May. Your itinerary has been of great help in coming up with our plan – thanks very much for taking the time to write such a detailed travel plan. The following is our draft itinerary:

17-Mar Arrive Milan 2:30 PM 18-Mar Milan sightseeing 19-Mar Lake Como 20-Mar Morning train to Venice 21-Mar Venice, Train to Florence in the evening 22-Mar Florence 23-Mar Florence, Pick up rental car drive to Tuscany in the afternoon 24-Mar Tuscany (includes Pisa and Cinque Terre among other places) 25-Mar Tuscany 26-Mar Tuscany 27-Mar Drive back to Florence, drop rental car, take train to Rome 28-Mar Rome 29-Mar Rome 30-Mar Vatican 31-Mar Train back to Milan, flight out at 2 PM

We will be meeting my sister and brother-in-law in Florence and will be with them for the Florence and Tuscany leg of the trip. The dates and days for this leg of the trip are kind of fixed so we are going with their plan and will be sharing the AirBnB they booked in Tuscany. We intend to cover Pisa and Cinque Terre while we are there. We intend to rent a car to drive to Tuscany, only place on this trip where we plan to do that.

Initially I had Amalfi Coast in there but reading your comments, I took that out for a later trip that could combine that and potentially Sicily (always wanted to visit Palermo/Bagheria – The Godfather effect!).

Would appreciate your insights on the overall itinerary. A couple of doubts that we have are are we budgeting too little time in Venice and is 3 days too much for Rome/Vatican? Thanks a lot in advance.

Hi Kam! I’m so glad to know my post and comments have been helpful to you. 🙂

What you have looks like an awesome itinerary! You are going to have a great time leaving it just as is. Personally, I liked Rome most between Rome/Venice/Florence, so I may be a little biased in saying that 3 days would never be “too much” for Rome. 🙂 That being said, my own itinerary only allots 2.5 days to Rome, so if you wanted to arrive in Rome one day later so that you take the train from Florence the following morning, arrive in Rome by or even past noon, and have 2.5 days instead of 3, I think you can still see everything in Rome that you would have seen. That would allow you to either have more time in Florence or maybe arrive in Florence from Venice the next morning and have one more night in Venice. (Not sure if that part is already fixed though?)

I think, make your decision on what interests you and your wife most between ancient history (Rome), renaissance art (Florence), and a visually stunning city (Venice). I think you’ll be able to “see everything” in Venice with your current itinerary because it’s a pretty small place, especially the touristic center. So the decision is more if you think you want to “hang out” longer in a visually pleasing city rather than about if you will miss seeing something touristic. As for the Vatican, some people allot a whole day to it. Others half a day. (This also depends on if you are buying skip-the-line tickets in advance.) I personally am not interested enough to spend more than half a day (I love Rome’s ancient Rome stuff more than the Vatican stuff), but maybe you and your wife love art and museums more than I do. 🙂

So to answer your question, I think the itinerary as you have it looks good and you’ll “see everything.” But if you are nervous, I think you can remove 0.5 days from Rome and add it elsewhere without seeing any less of touristic Rome. And I think Amalfi + Sicily for a future trip sounds like a dream!

Many thanks for taking the time for writing a detailed reply and apologies for my late response. We have made one change to our original plan: the more Youtube videos I saw of the Amalfi coast the more it felt like we should get at least a glimpse of it on this trip. So I have gone in the opposite direction and added one more night to Rome (stealing a day from Tuscany)!. In addition to giving more time for the historical sites, we plan to do a quick day trip of the Amalfi run by Walk Tours of Italy which should gives us a glimpse of its wonder and hopefully tempt us for a return trip! Once again many thanks for your help and all the best.

An organized day trip is a great way to quickly see the Amalfi Coast from Rome! It’s very stunning/unreal place, and I know you’ll love it! I would love to know how the whole trip went after you return. 🙂 Have the best time!!

Thanks for your help again and will be sure to write after we return from the trip.

Hi. We are planning on arriving in Naples March 26th or so and want to spend two weeks in Italy. Our final destination will be Marseilles France. We will arrive in Naples from Sicily. What do you recommend for an itinerary for those 2 weeks. Thanks

Hello! I’d recommend this exact itinerary, just in a different order. Since you are arriving in Naples instead of Rome, that’s actually less backtracking. 🙂

I’d say to start with the Pompeii/Amalfi Coast/Capri leg. If you wanted to be based in Naples, it is technically possible to do Positano, Amalfi, Capri, and of course Pompeii each as day trips from Naples. So you would either rent a car, join tour groups, hire a driver, or DIY it by using the buses/ferries I mention. It would just be more time in transit each day vs being based in, for example, Sorrento.

After that, I would take the train up to Rome and do the Rome portion of this itinerary. Then, from Rome take the train to Florence and continue with this itinerary exactly as is for Florence > Pisa/Cinque Terre > Venice > Milan. RyanAir has direct flights from “Milan” (the BGY airport in Bergamo, not the MXP airport) to Marseilles. But remember that they are a budget airline and very strict on baggage size/weight!

Hope that helps! Feel free to respond back 🙂 Sounds like it will be such a lovely trip!!

Thank you for such GREAT information!! We plan to be in Italy in November…Hubby is teaching in Milan & Lithuania the first week of Nov & I will meet him in Rome when he’s finished. We should have 15 days, not including our travel days and I’m thinking Rome, Florence & Venice for sure. We like to be leisurely when we travel 😉 Are there any of the destinations you listed that we should omit due to it being November? Leslie

Hi Leslie! So glad you found the info useful 🙂

As a Californian who’s pretty much only known the drought years, weather (including rain) really impacts where I want to travel! So keep in mind that bias in my response LOL.

Like I mentioned towards the beginning of this post, Venice is prone to flooding during rain. So if it’s raining heavily there on your visit, it might not be enjoyable, but you won’t really know the forecast until closer to the date. I wouldn’t go as far as to say omit it, but just keep that in mind, and maybe you can pack or plan to purchase rain boots worst case.

Personally my own interest in beach-y places (which in this itinerary would be Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast area, and Capri) is entirely dependent on warm weather. So those would be the ones I personally omit and save for another visit. The order of omission for me would be: Capri, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre would be last to go for me because it’s all connected by train, so I imagine it would still be just as easy to visit. And apparently no one checks for the ticket to the paid hiking trail in winter, so assuming it is not rainy or just rained (muddy trail would not be fun) that might be a plus to going in winter. Amalfi Coast should still be doable, but I imagine the ferry schedules would be heavily reduced in low season, and potentially more canceled due to sea conditions, so getting to Capri might be annoying. All three of these destinations’ villages/towns are filled with souvenir shops, boutiques, and restaurants, so I would imagine some might be closed in winter, but not all.

Since you like to be leisurely and the itinerary as I have it is very jam packed, * I would omit the entire Amalfi Coast and Capri leg of the itinerary. It’s a lot of moving around in a short time frame, and I don’t know that it’s worth it in cold weather. You can keep the Pompeii portion of the itinerary by just adding 1 more night in Rome and making Pompeii a day trip. So in the end, that would net save you 3 days. * I think Cinque Terre will be worth it if you just wanted to SEE the pretty towns (they’ll look exactly the same in winter as summer, and will be much less crowded!) but not worth it if you’d be very upset if the trails are closed do to mud from rain. If you omit this, that would save you 1.5 days. I’ll assume you don’t omit this for the following bullet. * With the 3 extra days, I would choose the 3 of the following that interest you most: ~ Day trip to Siena from Florence (add 1 night to Florence) ~ Day trip to San Gimignano from Florence (add 1 night to Florence) – I have not been, but have heard nice things ~ Day trip to Bologna from Florence or Milan (add 1 night to Florence or Milan) – I only recommend this if you love the food from here and plan to do a food tour, as it’s known as a foodie haven and is in the region where a LOT of the Italian dishes Americans love/know are from ~ Day trip to Verona from Venice or Milan (add 1 night to either Venice or Milan) – where Romeo and Juliet was set ~ If it happens to be a nice day, day trip from Milan to Lake Como (add 1 night to Milan)

This would be a lot less moving around, so a lot more leisurely. If you want to save moving accommodation from Florence to Cinque Terre, you can also just do Cinque Terre as a day trip from Florence, especially if you do not plan to hike. I detail how I’d recommend fitting all villages (plus the main hikes) into one day here . This way, you would only be based in Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan for the entire 2 weeks.

Hope some of that helps! Feel free to respond back 🙂

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your reply is very helpful 🙂 We’re less about the beaches so omitting the Amalfi Coast & Capri makes sense. I hadn’t considered the Bologna region and that idea intrigues me as we do like food 😉 Is it a crazy idea to think that we can plan just our Rome leg from the States & then figure out the rest while we’re over there, according to the weather forecast at the time? That would give us flexibility as to whether we begin or end in Venice before heading back to Rome for our flight home. Again, I appreciate all the time & effort you’ve put into your blog & responses! Leslie

I don’t think that’s crazy at all! You will just have to pay some more for any long distance train tickets due to purchasing them closer to the date of travel vs weeks or months out (which I mention some price examples of in the post as well). November will be off season, and on top of that, we have the lovely pandemic which doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon, so I do imagine you would be able to get accommodation just fine.

One thing I personally would do though is to still plan out what you want to do in each of the non-Rome legs of your trip in advance (at least roughly), and then just mix and match the order of the non-Rome legs later on. So plan what you want to do in Florence, how many nights there, roughly how to do any day trips from there, and then same for Venice and any other base cities, but then don’t book until getting to Rome if you like. That way, you don’t waste your vacation time in Rome searching the internet to plan time-consuming details. You can just spend a few minutes searching the weather, deciding the best order, and booking 🙂

Awesome, that’s good to hear. Thank you again!!

You’re welcome! I’m sure you’ll love your trip 🙂

Hi, my husband and I are planning a 14-day honeymoon this October. I am worried we will spend most of our time on trains if we try to visit too many places. We fly in and out of Rome. Would you recommend skipping out on Amalfi Coast and heading north (Rome-Florence-Cinque Terre-Milan-Venice-Rome) instead? We don’t want to miss out on anything!

Hi Ashley! I definitely understand that sentiment!

If there was any portion of this itinerary to take out, in my opinion, the Amalfi Coast/Capri/Pompeii leg would be the one to go. The main reason for that is that it is a rather high ratio of travel time to non-travel time compared to the other legs of this itinerary, AND it easily could make up its own entire week+ Italy trip if you are able to return. A third reason would be that since you mention you don’t want to miss out anything, I think all the other destinations rank above Amalfi Coast/Capri/Pompeii in terms of what is considered most “must see.”

So yes, what you said is what I would recommend. 🙂 Especially for a honeymoon, slowing down would be a lot more romantic!

Hi, this itinerary sounds amazing. My husband and I would like to travel from the US to Italy for the first time next May. Do you have lodging accommodation recommendations and how to book them?

Hi Jennifer! May is a lovely and comfortable time to travel to Italy. You will love it!

I can’t say I have specific lodging recommendations for each destination, but I pretty much always use Booking.com to look for and book my accommodation. I just really like the interface of their website for searching as well as how it lists your bookings out in chronological order, so it’s easy to keep track of where you are headed next. Plus, a lot of their listings offer free cancelation so that (1) I feel comfortable booking something earlier than I’m totally certain on it and (2) things are easy if plans change. And I find this to be true of both their desktop site and mobile app. They also have a large range, from five star hotels to hostels to guest homes, so I really like it as a one stop shop. (I’m not affiliated with them at all, they just happen to be the site that I almost always use for several years now.)

One tip with them and with any hotel listing site is to check TripAdvisor after you have settled on the hotel but before you book. The photos on those booking sites are always provided by the hotel itself, so I often just do a quick skim of the traveler uploaded photos on TripAdvisor, especially if it is more of a budget accommodation.

A lot of people of course love apartment rentals, so if you and your husband like that experience more, definitely look at AirBnB and Vrbo. I just personally prefer not having to coordinate check in and check out time with each host in an itinerary like this where you are moving around every few nights. I like that at hotels/hostels I can drop off my bag with reception if I arrive before check in or leave it there after check out if I’m sticking around. But the plus side is that you have the whole place to yourself, feel a bit more “like a local,” and can save money on food by grocery shopping and using the kitchen, packing lunches, etc. So kind of just depends on your style!

I hope some of that helps! I just haven’t revisited each destination on this itinerary enough to try out enough different accommodations to be able to give strong recommendations 🙂

This is the most amazing, detailed, helpful itinerary I have seen. Thank you for putting this together, it was SO helpful!

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! 🙂 I’m glad to know it was helpful. I hope you love your time in Italy!

Hello there! Your itinerary is so helpful! My husband and I are a planning a hopeful trip to Italy this summer and since we are coming from the states we will have two less days than your itinerary permits. Do you have any advice when it comes to narrowing it down? Also, we are flying in and out of Rome. Thank you!!

Hi Jenny! I’m so excited for your hopeful trip!!

This itinerary is for 14 full days in Italy, so with two less days I understand you will have 12 full days instead. I would recommend you remove the Pompeii/Amalfi Coast/Capri and head straight from Rome to Florence instead.

This is for three reasons:

-Firstly, this part of the trip is the trickiest logistically (unless you hire a private car the whole way), so crowding it into the 14 day itinerary was already pushing it.

-Secondly, this part of the trip is a little less “must-see” than the other destinations in my opinion. I define the “main” Italy spots as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and in recent years, Cinque Terre.

-Thirdly, this region would make/justify a nice one-week trip on a return visit to Italy.

This would bring you down to 10 full days (which I happen to map out here: https://thattravelista.com/italy-ten-day-itinerary/ ). I would save one day as a travel day back to Rome at the end. That brings you to 11 full days.

I would use the last full day as an extra night in either Cinque Terre, Florence, or Rome. I’d reco Cinque Terre so you don’t have to rush through it as quickly as I have in the itinerary. But you could also see more of Tuscany via a day trip from Florence if that region interests you more (Siena and San Gimignano are two popular ones, or perhaps a wine tasting excursion!). Or if you or your husband love the history of Pompeii, you can do a day trip there from Rome.

Hope that helps! Feel free to respond back if any more questions/thoughts!

I can’t believe how detailed and helpful this is! I will definitely use this when my long-awaited trip happens. ❤️

So glad to hear it’s helpful, Rachel 🙂 <3 I seriously wish I was (safely) traveling Italy right now! But at least we can plan now so everything's ready once we can go later 🙂

Since Italy is my “neighbour” country I’ve been there numerous times and visited majority of the places you included in the itinerary – and I must say you did a great job! Thorough & interesting – definitely super helpful for anybody who is planning their trip to Italy!

Thanks so much, Sandra! Jealous that Italy is so close for you! 😉

Disha Smith

You post has me missing Italy so much! I love how detailed you are in this itinerary. I definitely missed out on quite a few gems in Italy.

The best part about missing something is it’s an excuse for a return trip 😉

Snazzytrips

I love all the detail here. Will use this to plan my next trip to Italy. Amalfi Coast and Capri definitely on my list, including the Blue Grotto, but not sure now if I can do it.

If Blue Grotto is top of your list, definitely don’t rule it out! Just budget enough time and skip out on some other Capri sights 🙂

Melissa Roos

The detal in this post is amazing! I’ve been looking to visit Italy for a few days so these tips are very helpful.

I hope you love your trip! I’m sure you will 🙂

This is such a wonderful and detailed blog, so much useful info. And your photos are beautiful, thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Emma! 🙂

wow!! the detail on this post is beautiful!! 🙂 this is inspiring me to go back to Italy ASAP 😀

Thank you, Daniela!

How to Day Trip to Burano, Murano, & Torcello from Venice

New zealand female packing list: everything i packed, that travelista.

How To Spend 7 Days In Italy – Six 7-Day Italy Itineraries Written By An Italian

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

Let’s start with the premise that seven days in Italy aren’t enough to see everything my beautiful country has to offer.

I’m Italian, I lived in Italy for 18 years and have travelled extensively around it, yet there are still places I haven’t been to.

But don’t let that deter you from visiting the “Bel Paese”. If you only have one week in Italy, you can still have an amazing trip and see many gorgeous sights that will leave you speechless.

In this Italy travel guide I have included everything you need to know to have an awesome weeklong trip.

Chilling by the Colosseum in Rome

Here you will find information on how to get around Italy, where to stay in each city and sample itineraries designed to make the most of your seven days in Italy.

These Italy 7-day itineraries are designed around specific interests or regions. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor holiday, for a relaxing city break or a peaceful beach holiday, here you’ll find an itinerary for you.

These Italy itineraries are a guidance, which you can pick and choose based on your personal interests. So without further ado, let’s dive in and start planning the best week in Italy!

1 How to get around Italy
2.1 Days 1 & 2: Rome
2.2 Days 3 & 4: Florence
2.3 Day 5: Milan
2.4 Days 6 & 7: Venice
3.1 Days 1 & 2: Cinque Terre
3.2 Days 3 & 4: Tuscany
3.3 Day 5: Lake Como
3.4 Days 6 & 7: Trentino
4.1 Days 1 & 2: Golfo di Orosei
4.2 Days 3 – 5: Palau
4.3 Days 6 & 7: Stintino
5.1 Days 1 & 2: Venice
5.2 Day 3: Milano
5.3 Day 4: Lake Como
5.4 Day 5: Florence
5.5 Days 6 & 7: Cinque Terre
6.1 Days 1 & 2: Rome
6.2 Days 3 – 6: Naples & Amalfi Coast
6.3 Days 6 & 7: Matera
7.1 Days 1 – 7: Eastern Sicily

Sunset over the perched colourful houses of Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy

How to get around Italy

There are many different ways to travel around Italy, and the best way to do so ultimately depends on your Italy trip budget and destination.

I’m a fan of train travel, and always recommend it even for travelling around Europe .

While the Italian train system might not be the most efficient or punctual, it allows you to relax and enjoy the views, without stressing about driving.

Also, train stations in Italy are usually in the city centre, so that you can hit the road running without having to waste time finding parking.

However if you’re planning to head a bit more remote, renting a car is the best option as it will give you the most flexibility.

It can also be considerably cheaper than train travel, especially if you’re travelling with friends and splitting the cost.

Sunset over Milan from the rooftop of the Duomo, Italy

Italy 7-day itinerary for culture & city lovers

This 7-day Italy itinerary focuses on the main highlights and must-sees of Italy.

While it’s a city-heavy itinerary, especially well suited for those who have an interest in culture and history, it goes to all the main sights in Italy, and is therefore well suited also for any first time visitors.

It’s perfect for those who want to see all the famous spots in Italy in one go, and who don’t mind having an action packed and busy travel schedule.

Watching the sunset over the Vatican and Ponte Sant’Angelo from Ponte Umberto in Rome

If you love cities and want to tick off all the famous Italian attractions in one trip, here is my suggested Italy 7-day itinerary.

Day 1: Rome

Day 2: Rome

Day 3: Florence

Day 4: Florence

Day 5: Milano

Day 6: Venice

Day 7: Venice

Here is a breakdown of the best things to do in each city, and how to spend your days in this Italian itinerary.

Exploring the rooftop of the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy

Days 1 & 2: Rome

Every Italy bucket list features a visit to Rome, so it only seemed fair to kick off this Italy itinerary the same way. The Eternal City is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, and you’ll soon find out why.

Rome is a basically an open-air museum, where you will find relics of ancient times dotted all over the city.

From the Roman Forums to the Colosseum, or from the Trevi Fountain to the Vatican, there is beauty in every corner of Rome.

I had a Roman boyfriend and spent many months living in Rome, and can highly recommend spending at least two days in Italy’s capital.

While it’s not enough to discover it all, it will give you plenty of time to see all the main sights.

When deciding how many days to spend in Rome , I always suggest spending at least two or three days in Rome , but if you’re on a tight Italy itinerary, here are my suggestions for how to spend one day in Rome .

| READ MORE: HOW TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN ROME |

Exploring the Pantheon in Rome

I suggest spending one day exploring the eastern side of Trastevere River, seeing all the main tourist sights like Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. You’ll also see some iconic views over the Roman skyline .

You can then spend the second day on the western side of Trastevere, discovering this gorgeous neighbourhood and all its delicious restaurants. Here you’ll also find many Roman picture perfect spots .

Make sure to spend some time exploring Rome after the sun goes down. Rome at night is magical, and seeing all the famous attractions lit up for the night is a unique experience.

If you want to go inside main attractions like the Vatican Museums to see the Sixtin Chapel or the Colosseum I highly recommend buying skip-the-queue tickets online .

These places get very busy, and if you only have two days in Rome you don’t want to spend them waiting in line!

Wandering up the famous Spanish Steps towards Trinità dei Monti in Rome

Best tours to do in Rome

Here are some great tours with very positive reviews worth checking out in Rome (both day tours and night tours )!

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry – Like I already said, if you only have two days in Rome you don’t want to waste part of that time queuing up for things!

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Tickets – Same goes for the Colosseum, don’t waste time and don’t miss out on this awesome Italian attraction!

Rome: Street Food Tour with Local Guide – Italians take food very seriously, the best way to discover true Roman cuisine is with a local!

The Basilica di San Pietro and main square of the Vatican in Rome

The famous Altare della Patria in Rome

Where to stay in Rome

If you want to splurge a little, you could choose a hotel near the Colosseum , one near the Pantheon or any of these lovely Rome AirBnbs . Alternatively, check out these great places to stay in Rome for every budget.

Budget: Palladini Hostel – This hostel is super central, close to the train station and all the action of Rome, with spacious dorms and a lively atmosphere

Mid-range: Tridente Rooms – The rooms of this bnb are simple but spacious, and it’s right next to Villa Borghese, in the heart of all the Rome attractions

Luxury: Hotel Eden – Dorchester Collection – Perfect if you want to treat yourself, this hotel is beautifully decorated and very conveniently located in the centre of Rome

Exploring Piazza Navona in Rome

Days 3 & 4: Florence

After exploring Rome, jump on a train and head to Florence, Italy’s art capital! This iconic city is home to many breath taking museums, churches, art galleries and streets.

In Florence you will also find many awesome restaurants, where you can taste delicious Italian food. My personal favourite place to eat in Florence was the Mercato Centrale, as it has a more casual street food vibe.

During your two days in Florence you have to visit the gorgeous Duomo of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and of course, watch the sunset over the roofs of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.

| READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE FLORENCE 2-DAY ITINERARY |

Sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo

Best Florence tours

Here are some tours with awesome reviews to check out for your time in Florence.

Florence: Uffizi Gallery Timed Entrance Ticket – Skip the queue for your visit to the Uffizi!

Florence: City Walking Tours with entry to Accademia – Discover Florence on foot with a local guide, and then explore the Accademia with them!

Florence: Small-Group Tour on E-Bike – Try something a little different and discover Florence by bike!

Getting up close to the majestic Duomo of Florence

Where to stay in Florence

Here are some lovely places to stay in Florence for every budget.

Budget: Plus Florence – This hostel has spacious dorms, a sociable atmosphere and a spectacular rooftop with views over the Florence skyline.

Mid-range: Palazzo Riblet – I stayed here when I visited Florence with my mum and can highly recommend it. This family run hotel is situated in a historical building, with affrescos on the ceiling and in a great location.

Luxury: Firenze Rentals Corso 12 – This lovely apartment has a balcony directly overlooking the Duomo of Florence. It doesn’t really get any better than this!

Light reflections at the Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Day 5: Milan

Milan doesn’t always feature on key Italian must-see bucket lists, but it’s my hometown and I wanted to include it. Milan is considered the city of fashion and the economic capital of Italy.

It’s also one of the most international and cosmopolitan cities in Italy, offering a vibrant Milanese nightlife and diverse dining scene.

The perfect visit to Milan combines a bit of sightseeing with Italian fine dining and, of course, the aperitivo experience. Milan is an easy city to explore in one day, since all the main attractions are close to the city centre.

You can head out to explore it on foot and visit the Duomo Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Castello Sforzesco and Arco della Pace.

For your traditional Milanese aperitivo you can then grab a spritz at one of the many bars by Arco della Pace, or head to the hipster Navigli neighbourhood.

Even if you visit Milan in winter , you can still do all this, since bars and restaurants are equipped with outdoors heating. I actually prefer it than in summer, since there are less tourists and crowds around.

| READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN MILAN IN ONE DAY |

Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy

Best tours in Milan

Here are some of the best tours you can’t miss during your time in Milan.

Milan: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour – Discover the beautiful Duomo and its stunning rooftop, without having to waste time queuing!

Best of Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line to Duomo & Last Supper – For the art lovers, no visit to Milan would be complete without seeing the Last Supper!

Milan: Grand City Highlights E-Bike Tour – Discover all the highlights of Milan on bike!

Admiring the perfect symmetry of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

Where to stay in Milan

Even if you’re only spending one day in Milan, you’ll likely still have to sleep here in between train journeys. There are lots of cool places to stay in Milan .

Budget: Ostello Bello – There are two hostels of this chain around Milan and both are good budget options, with a lively atmosphere, spacious dorms and convenient central locations

Mid-range: Ibis Milano Centro – Part of the Ibis chain, this is a good mid-range hotel, with a guaranteed standard of room set up and a great central location

Luxury: Galleria Vik Milano – If you’re looking to splurge a bit, this is the place to do so. Located in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, it couldn’t get any more central than this, with stunning views over the galleria just outside your window

Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy

Days 6 & 7: Venice

Read any Europe bucket list and you will very likely find going for a gondola ride on there. One brief look at the picturesque canals of Venice, its romantic gondolas and picture perfect corners and you will understand why.

With its canals and gondolas, Venice is completely different from any other city in the world, and is a must-see on any Italy itinerary. I’ve been to Venice multiple times and every time it surprises me.

I recommend spending at least one day here, seeing all the main sights like Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge, but also simply to walk around the city and get lost in its picturesque side streets.

| READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE |

Exploring the side streets, canals and bridges of Venice, Italy

Best Venice tours

Book one of these highly rated tours for your time in Venice!

Venice: Private Gondola Ride to Rialto Bridge – Go for a private gondola ride amongst the most beautiful canals of Venice!

Venice: Doge’s Palace Priority Admission Ticket – Skip the queue and visit this iconic site in Venice!

Venice: Small Group Wine Tasting and Food Tour with a Local – Go for a guided tour of all the best places to eat and drink in Venice with a local guide!

Enjoying my gondola cruise around Venice

Our gondola ride in Venice took us close to Rialto Bridge

Our gondola ride took us close to Rialto Bridge

Where to stay in Venice

Here are some great accommodation options in Venice for every budget.

Budget: Combo Venezia – This hostel has a combination of modern dorms and a traditional courtyard. It’s also in a great location and has a very sociable atmosphere.

Mid-range: Hotel alle Guglie – I stayed here with my mum and found it a perfect compromise for those looking for a comfortable room, great location and affordable price.

Luxury: Ai Patrizi di Venezia – These luxury apartments are the perfect place to treat yourself during your Venice stay.

Sunset in Venice, Italy, a popular Mediterranean cruise destination

Sunset in Venice, Italy, at the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Sunset on the grand canal in Venice from Ponte di Rialto

7 days in Italy for nature lovers

If you don’t really care for cities, I have a different Italy 7-day itinerary for you. This itinerary goes to spots that are equally famous and recognisably Italian, but with a bigger outdoors focus.

This itinerary is perfect for people who want to spend large amounts of time outside, preferably hiking, exploring or also doing adventurous activities.

While it doesn’t go to any of the most famous Italian cities, the places in this itinerary are still recognisably Italian, so that you can enjoy your outdoors and adventure holiday while still being able to say you were in Italy.

The colourful houses of Manarola in Cinque Terre

If you’ve already seen the main cities in Italy, or aren’t interested in seeing them, and prefer spending time in nature, this is the perfect 7-day itinerary for you.

Day 1: Cinque Terre

Day 2: Cinque Terre

Day 3: Tuscany

Day 4: Tuscany

Day 5: Lake Como

Day 6: Trentino

Day 7: Trentino

If you have longer than seven days, this is an itinerary that you can easily stretch, taking your time exploring the beautiful nature and spending ten days in Italy or more.

Beautiful reflections at Lake Welsperg in Trentino, Italy

Days 1 & 2: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of my favourite places in Italy. With its colourful houses, green hills and turquoise sea, it’s one of the most picturesque places in Italy. It’s also a great destination for hiking lovers.

Cinque Terre (or Five Lands in English) is the name given to the five towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These are the most iconic towns in the area, which give the name to the national park.

There is a beautiful 12.5km hiking trail called Il Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) that connects all five towns. It has gorgeous views over the towns, the cliffs and sea, which make it one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

| READ MORE: HOW TO SPEND 2 OR 3 EPIC DAYS IN CINQUE TERRE |

Admiring the colourful houses of Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Italy

Although you might see many photos on Instagram of girls twirling in colourful dresses here, don’t let that fool you. The Sentiero Azzurro can be a tough hike, and you will need all your usual hiking essentials .

I recommend spending a whole day hiking the Sentiero Azzurro and exploring the cute town centres of the Cinque Terre towns.

You can then spend the second day enjoying the beaches, hiking lesser known trails in the national park or discovering the nearby town of Porto Venere, often referred to as the Sixth Land but rarely present in Italy itineraries.

Admiring the colourful houses of Manarola, one of the five towns along the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre, Italy

Admiring the colourful houses of Vernazza, one of the five towns along the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre, Italy

Best tours in Cinque Terre

You can explore Cinque Terre on foot by hiking the Sentiero Azzurro, but these highly rated tours can add a special something to your holiday!

Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour – Admire the coloured houses of Cinque Terre as the sun goes down and the sky turns golden!

From Monterosso: Cinque Terre Kayak Tour – Combine a workout with a unique experience, and see Cinque Terre from a completely different angle!

From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Full-Day Boat Tour – Spend a whole day sailing along the beautiful Ligurian coastline.

The coastline of Cinque Terre – can you spot Vernazza in the distance?

Just outside Monterosso, the first town in Cinque Terre, about to set off along the Sentiero Azzurro

Where to stay in Cinque Terre

While Cinque Terre is absolutely gorgeous, it’s also a fairly expensive destination. I always say the best place to stay in Cinque Terre is actually in La Spezia, a city 15 minutes train away.

Here are some accommodation options for every budget.

Budget: Grand Hostel Manin – This hostel has spacious dorms, a friendly atmosphere and is located in the heart of La Spezia. It’s the perfect place to use as base to explore Cinque Terre on a budget!

Mid-range: ALTIDO Villa Monterosso Apartment Bellavista – This modern villa is tastefully decorated, with gorgeous views of the Ligurian coastline and sea. It’s also in an excellent position in Monterosso.

Luxury: La Vista di Marina by The First – This apartment combines modern furnishing with exposed bricks for a rustic vibe, plus spacious rooms and white décor for an airy feel. It also has a spectacular terrace with view over the sea and iconic perched houses of Riomaggiore.

Manarola, one of the main towns along the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre

Days 3 & 4: Tuscany

While Tuscany is mostly famous for its gorgeous cities like Pisa , Florence and Siena, the Tuscan countryside is amongst the most beautiful nature spots in Italy.

Imagine rolling green hills, yellow wheat fields and country roads lined by picturesque trees. Walking around the Tuscany countryside will feel like stepping into an old movie.

In Tuscany you will also find many unique places to stay, like renovated barn houses or medieval towns turned to hotels.

You can spend a few days in one of these unique hotels, walking in the nearby fields and then cooling down on poolside as the sun sets over the Tuscan hills.

| READ MORE: BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN TUSCANY |

View over the Tuscan countryside

Best Tuscany tours

Discover some of the highlights of Tuscany with these highly rated tours.

Pienza and Montepulciano Wine Tour from Siena – See some of the most beautiful spots in Tuscany and taste delicious local wine, it’s a two-in-one tour!

San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti Guided Tour from Florence – Are you ready to discover one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany and Italy?

Chianti Wineries Tour with Food & Wine Tasting – No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a bit of Chianti wine tasting and, obviously, local Italian food!

Piazza del Campo in Siena

Where to stay in Tuscany

Below listed a variety of hotels for every budget located in the best regions of Tuscany.

Budget: Hotel Cecile – A good budget option, with finely decorated rooms and conveniently located in Pisa.

Mid-range: Hotel Athena – This is where I stayed when I visited Siena. With spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace with awesome countryside views, it’s a great place to base yourself during your Tuscany adventures.

Luxury: COMO Castello Del Nero – As the name suggests, this place is an actual castle. Here you can enjoy a magical stay to relax during your Italy adventures.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

If you love hiking, you have to pay Lake Como a visit.

Many travellers visit this iconic location due to the fame of stars who have villas on the lakeshore. However, what they’re missing out on are the epic views from the surrounding mountains.

Lake Como is surrounded by hills and mountains, which give it incredible 360 views over the neighbouring countryside, all the way to the Swiss Alps.

If you’re up for a challenge you can hike up Monte San Primo, then head to Bellagio for a refreshing aperitivo.

For those who don’t want a challenging hike you can still enjoy the beauties of the lake, maybe going for a relaxing sail on the lake or a peaceful stroll along the lakeshore.

| READ MORE: 60+ AMAZING QUOTES ABOUT ITALY |

The picturesque streets and views of Bellagio in Lake Como, Italy

Best tours in Lake Como

Live incredible experiences with these highly rated tours in Lake Como.

Lake Como: Sailing Boat Experience – This is one of the best boat tours in Lake Como ! Sail along this beautiful lake, admire the shore and enjoy Lake Como from a different perspective.

Lake Como: Winery Tour with Wine Tasting – Because we haven’t had quite enough wine tasting tours yet in this Italy itinerary.

Lake Como: Easy Mountain Trek with Funicular & Boat Ride – All the sight seeing and best activities in one tour!

Views over Lake Como from Essentia Guest House

Bellagio as seen from the ferry

Where to stay in Lake Como

Many people only visit Lake Como on a day trip from Milan , but choosing to stay in Lake Como is the best thing you can do! Here are some accommodation options for every budget in different locations along Lake Como.

Budget: Hotel Tre Rose – With spacious rooms and lovely views, it’s the perfect place to stay for those who don’t want to break the bank.

Mid-range: Hotel Argegno – Perfect for those who want a treat and great view at affordable prices.

Luxury: Borgo Le Terrazze – With its balconies, panoramic pool and incredible views, it’s the place to be if you want to treat yourself.

The outdoors area and view at Essentia Guest House in Lake Como

Days 6 & 7: Trentino

Regardless of whether you’re visiting in Italy in winter or summer, the Italian Alps and Trentino deserve a visit.

They’re perfect in winter for skiers and snow sports fans, whilst in summer they’re ideal for hikers, cyclers and mountain lovers.

Trentino is home to many of the best ski resorts in Italy , as well as stunning alpine lakes like Lago di Carezza .

You can easily spend two days enjoying the beautiful nature and activities Trentino has to offer, while also tasting the delicious local cuisine.

| READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN TRENTINO IN SUMMER |

Hiking at Rolle Pass in Trentino

Best tours in Trentino

Make the most of your time in Trentino with this awesome tours.

Rafting Down Noce River in Val di Sole – Hope you’re ready for a bit of adrenaline!

Dolomites Full Day Excursion from Bolzano – This tour is the easiest way to see it all!

Trento: Cooking Class at a Local’s Home – While the focus of this itinerary is nature, no Italy itinerary would be complete without some delicious local food!

Kayaking in Lake Caldonazzo, Trentino

Where to stay in Trentino

Here are some awesome places to stay in Trentino for every budget, both in the cities and beyond.

Budget: Hi Hotels – Located in the centre of Trento, this lovely hotel offers city views, spacious rooms and modern furnishing at an affordable price.

Mid-range: Miravalle – Combine an infinity pool with epic views and traditional Italian design and you have a winner!

Luxury: Hotel Chalet Al Foss – With its unique rooms and infinity pools, this is the perfect place to treat yourself.

Drone shot of a girl doing SUP in the middle of Lake Caldonazzo in Trentino, Italy, with the mountains in the background and shoreline reflected in the lake

Stand up paddling in Lake Caldonazzo, Trentino

A 7-day Italy itinerary for beach lovers

Italy is home to many gorgeous beaches. If you’re looking for a unique Italian beach holiday, this is the itinerary for you.

This itinerary is best suited for those who have already been to Italy and have already seen all (or most) of the main sights, since it doesn’t go to any of the famous spots in Italy.

My suggested Italy 1 week itinerary for beach lovers is focused on the gorgeous island of Sardinia. I always spend my summers in Sardinia, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best beach destinations in the world .

If you want to make the most of your Sardinian beach holiday, this is my suggested itinerary.

Days 1 & 2: Golfo di Orosei

Days 3 – 5: palau, days 6 & 7: stintino.

Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi in Sardinia, Italy

Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi in Sardinia in August (a bit too many boats!)

Despite spending all my summers in Italy ever since I was a child, I only visited the Golfo di Orosei for the first time this year, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen.

Imagine a gulf 20km wide, with dramatic tall cliffs, mysterious caves, white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. It’s an incredibly scenic place, and one that will leave you speechless.

This part of Sardinia is very wild, and you can only reach most beaches by boat (or hike for 1-3 hours).

If you’re feeling adventurous I recommend renting a kayak from Prima Sardegna for two days in Cala Gonone, and then spending a night camping in Cala Luna.

We did this and it was the highlight of our Sardinia trip. At 5:30PM all the day tours will leave, and you will be left to enjoy a magical beach alone.

Exploring the Golfo di Orosei and Cala Luna by kayak in Sardinia, Italy

Where to stay in the Golfo di Orosei

Obviously camping on a beach isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer to stay sleep in a bed and visit the beaches of the Golfo di Orosei on a boat trip, then I recommend staying in Cala Gonone.

Cala Gonone is where all the tours start. Here are some accommodation options in Cala Gonone for every budget.

Budget: B&B Cala Luna – This cozy bnb is very affordable and well located in Cala Gonone.

Mid-range: BUE MARINO Hotel – This hotel has an awesome rooftop terrace with epic views and spacious rooms at an affordable price.

Luxury: Hotel Villa Gustui Maris – With its incredible pool and view it’s without a doubt the best place to spoil yourself in Cala Gonone.

The famous caves of Cala Gonone in Sardinia, Italy

Cala Fuili in the Golfo di Orosei

Best Golfo di Orosei tours

If you don’t fancy kayaking, this Dinghy Rental in the Gulf of Orosei with Lunch has excellent ratings, and will take you to see everything in the Golfo di Orosei in one day.

The beautiful water and coastline of the Golfo di Orosei seen from our kayak

This is the place where I have spent all my summers since I was 1 month old. I may be a little biased, but I believe it’s home to some truly gorgeous beaches and deserves at least three full days of your Italy itinerary.

You need to spend one day doing a boat tour of the Arcipelago della Maddalena, to the islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli. I say need because these islands are truly stunning.

Imagine picture perfect white sand beaches with crystal clear turquoise water, surrounded by pink granite rocks. The tours usually spend the whole day at the islands, beach hopping between different hidden coves.

After that you can spend one day exploring the islands of Maddalena and Caprera, preferably by scooter. These islands are both quite wild, and make for awesome scooter rides as well as being home to gorgeous beaches.

On your final day you can relax at one of the many beaches close to Palau, maybe go for a sunset hike to Capo d’Orso or go to Porto Pollo to enjoy a sunset drink while watching the windsurfers and kitesurfers zipping past.

| READ MORE: THE BEST CATAMARAN TOUR OF THE MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK |

Enjoying our catamaran tour in the Archipelago of Maddalena in Sardinia, Italy

The best Palau & Maddalena tour

For an incredible day in the Archipelago of Maddalena, choose this Full-Day Catamaran Tour . You get a spacious boat, a knowledgeable crew, gorgeous beaches and a delicious local lunch. What more could you need?

Click below to see prices & availability for your chosen date!

Swimming in Sardinia, Italy, shot on DJI Spark

Admiring the crystal clear water of Spargi Island

Where to stay in Palau

I might be biased, but I genuinely believe Tiffany Palau is the best place to stay in Palau.

Located in the heart of Palau, this lovely apartment has everything you need; a friendly host, a beach within walking distance and a cozy vibe.

Jumping in the crystal clear water of the natural pools of Budelli

This is another part of Sardinia that I only recently explored. Less fancy than the Palau area, but not as wild as the Golfo di Orosei, the area around Stintino is home to some incredible beaches.

By far the most famous beach in the area is La Pelosa; a huge beach with a characteristic Sardinian “nuraghe” overlooking it, soft white sand and an incredibly clear turquoise water.

You’ll make the most of this beach if you’re visiting Sardinia in the low season , as it can get incredibly busy in summer. You can spend a day at La Pelosa beach and then head to the Capo Caccia cliffs for a DIY sunset aperitivo.

On your second day in Stintino another must-see is doing a boat tour to Asinara Island.

Here you will spend an awesome day exploring hidden coves, swimming in turquoise water and exploring the now abandoned jail of Asinara Island.

Floating away at the famous La Pelosa Beach in Stintino, Italy

Where to stay in Stintino

Here are some awesome accommodation suggestions for every budget in and around Stintino.

Budget: Lina Hotel – This cosy hotel is located in a prime spot by the Stintino town centre.

Mid-range: Club Esse Roccaruja – Located in a prime spot by La Pelosa Beach, this affordable hotel is popular amongst couples and families.

Luxury: Park Hotel Asinara – Treat yourself with a relaxing stay at this wonderful hotel with pool and view.

Chilling at the famous La Pelosa Beach in Stintino

Best tours in Stintino

The only must-do tour in this part of Sardinia is this epic Asinara Island Tour .

Chilling with my friends during a dinghy tour of Asinara Island in Sardinia, Italy

7 days in Northern Italy

This Italy 7-day itinerary focuses on the north of Italy. It’s perfect for those who are looking to see many iconic Italian sights, but who don’t fancy spending hours on a train crossing the country.

It’s a perfect blend of both cities and nature, and it will allow you to experience a bit of both during your week in Italy. It’s also well suited for those who have already been to Rome, and want to explore more of Italy.

Here is my suggestion for a northern Italy 7-day itinerary.

Day 1: Venice

Day 2: Venice

Day 3: Milano

Day 4: lake como, day 5: florence.

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Day 7: Cinque Terre

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy

Days 1 & 2: Venice

Start your trip in Venice, spending two days exploring the beautiful canals and streets of this city. Some must-see sights include: Ponte di Rialto, Ponte dei Sospiri, Piazza San Marco and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

When it comes to must-do activities, you’ll want to go for a gondola ride!

While it may be considered a touristy activity, there’s a reason it’s so popular. Seeing Venice from the canals gives you a completely different and unique view.

In Venice I stayed at Hotel alle Guglie and I can highly recommend it.

| READ MORE: 10 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO PACK ON YOUR ITALY TRIP |

The best sunset spot in Venice, Italy, just across from the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

The view from the rooftop of the mall next to Ponte di Rialto

One day in my hometown will give you plenty of time to see all the main sights, and to get a feel for the vibe in the City of Fashion.

You have to visit Piazza del Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Castello Sforzesco and Arco della Pace.

You could also hit some of the shopping streets like Via Monte Napoleone (if you have a big budget) or Corso Buenos Aires (if you’re a normal person like me). Whatever you do, make sure to end your day with a Milanese aperitivo.

The trendy areas for aperitivo are Navigli and Moscova. Here you can drink a traditional Aperol Spritz, while tasting delicious focaccia, pizza and other nibbles.

One of the most gorgeous hotels in Milan is Galleria Vik Milano .

From Milan you can easily go on a day trip to Lake Como. Here you can spend the day wandering around the beautiful towns like Bellagio, or exploring some of the more exciting hikes.

There are loads of hiking trails in Lake Como, which will allow you to enjoy gorgeous sights over the lake, pianura padana and the surrounding mountains. You can even see as far as Switzerland!

You can visit Lake Como on a day trip and return to sleep in Milan, or you can treat yourself for a unique stay at Borgo Le Terrazze .

The view from the peak of Monte San Primo in Lake Como, Italy

Varenna at sunset as seen from the lake

A quick visit to Tuscany’s capital is a must on any northern Italy itinerary. While one day isn’t enough to experience it all, it’s enough to give you a taste of this beautiful city.

You can spend the day wandering around the beautiful streets, exploring the main sights like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Galleria degli Uffizi.

You can taste traditional Italian food at the Mercato Centrale, and end the day by enjoying the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.

In Florence I stayed at Palazzo Riblet , a family run historical residence and can highly recommend it.

Aerial view of Florence – Photo by Garrit Wes Anderson on Scopio

Days 6 & 7: Cinque Terre

We’re at the end of your northern Italy itinerary, and have arrived at one of my personal favourites parts of Italy! My dad is from this region, and I was lucky enough to visit Cinque Terre regularly growing up.

Two days are enough to thoroughly explore the five towns, hike along the Sentiero Azzurro and soak in the Ligurian atmosphere. You can also venture to Porto Venere, the Sixth Land many tourists don’t know about.

One of the most spectacular places to stay in Cinque Terre is without a doubt La Vista di Marina by The First .

The harbour and colourful houses of Porto Venere

7 days in Southern Italy

After a 7 days in nothern Italy itinerary, I couldn’t help but include also a 7 days in southern Italy one! This itinerary is perfect for those who want to see some iconic Italian sights, without travelling across the whole country.

It’s best suited to those who have already seen Milan, Venice and other northern parts of Italy, and who want to combine a visit to Rome with other beauties of the Italian south.

With the Amalfi Coast and Matera, this Italy 7-day itinerary combines beautiful coastal views with unique historical sights. It’s perfect for Italy lovers who want to see more beyond the classics.

Here is my suggested southern Italy 7-day itinerary.

Day 3: Naples & Amalfi Coast

Day 4: Naples & Amalfi Coast

Day 5: Naples & Amalfi Coast

Day 6: Matera

Day 7: Matera

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Start your southern Italy itinerary in the gorgeous Italian capital. Two days are just enough to see all the main sights and enjoy the Roman vibe.

You can visit all the main spots like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Trinità dei Monti and the Basilica di San Pietro. For the history and art lovers you can also visit the Musei Vaticani and admire the Sixtin Chapel.

For a local Roman experience, make sure to taste spaghetti carbonara or with cacio e pepe. There are also many gorgeous neighbourhood and viewpoints you can explore like Trastevere and Giardino degli Aranci.

Rome is a wonderful city at any time of the year, however I personally recommend visiting either in spring or winter . Rome in summer is iconic, but very busy and touristy.

A bnb I stayed at in Rome and can highly recommend is Tridente Rooms .

Enjoying the beauty of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Days 3 – 6: Naples & Amalfi Coast

I travelled many times to Naples when I was younger, first on school trip and other times to visit friends. It’s an incredibly beautiful part of Italy, where you can experience a very different vibe from the northern cities.

Naples itself has many gorgeous sights to offer, but the main attractions in the area are without a doubt beyond the city, in the famous Amalfi Coast .

You can go on a boat trip to Capri , or explore the beautiful town of Positano . History lovers can pay a visit to the ruins of Pompei , and maybe even hike the Path of the Gods .

With so many gorgeous beaches in the area, you can spend three days alternating between sightseeing and relaxing on a beautiful white sand beach. And of course, you have to taste the real pizza napoletana!

Positano at sunset

The view over Positano from the second viewpoint

Best tours in Naples

These awesome tours in and around Naples will allow you to discover this beautiful part of Italy.

Naples or Sorrento: Full-Day Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour – Discover the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the rugged beauty of Mount Vesuvius in one go!

From Naples or Sorrento: Full-Day Amalfi Coast Day Trip – Explore everything the Amalfi Coast has to offer!

Capri Boat Tour From Naples – You can’t visit Naples and not pay a visit to the gorgeous island of Capri.

Enjoying a swim at the main beach of Positano in the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Where to stay in & around Naples

Here are some awesome places to stay in Amalfi Coast for every budget.

Budget: Viaggio a Napoli B&B – This cozy and well located bnb is perfect for travellers on a budget.

Mid-range: The Foria House – Located just outside the Naples city centre, this beautiful apartment has a lovely garden where you can relax after sightseeing around Naples.

Luxury: Hotel Reginella – If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. With its stunning views, balconies and beautifully decorated rooms, staying at Hotel Reginella is an experience in and of itself.

Enjoying our private boat cruise in Capri, with the iconic Faraglioni Rocks behind us

Days 6 & 7: Matera

I visited Matera for the first time in 2020, and it made me wonder why I waited so long to discover this gorgeous Italian town. From “Shame of Italy” to European Capital of Culture, Matera has come a long way.

The Sassi of Matera, the ancient cave network turned into traditional houses of the town, are the main attraction and a unique sight. Walking amongst the cobbled streets of the Sassi feels like stepping back in time.

Matera is a small town, but in my opinion you need two full days to appreciate it. You can spend some time wandering around the cobbled streets, admiring the many beautiful churches, tasting the cuisine and hiking in the surrounding hills.

The Sassi of Matera by night are an especially magical sight, with their soft golden light reflected on the white Italian marble.

| READ MORE: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MATERA |

The gorgeous view over Matera from the Convento di Sant’Agostino

The view over the Sassi of Matera from Belvedere Luigi Gurrigghio

Best Matera tours

Discover Matera with these awesome local tours!

Matera: 2-Hour Guided Tour of Sassi – Discover all the secret local spots amongst the Sassi, while learning the history of this incredible city.

Matera: Panoramic Tuk-Tuk Tour – If you don’t feel like walking, this traditional tuk-tuk tour is a great compromise!

Murgia Park: Rocky Churches Tour – Go beyond Matera and discover the historical rocky churches of Matera!

Enjoying the view over the Sassi of Matera in Italy

Where to stay in Matera

Here are some awesome places to stay in Matera for every budget.

Budget: Ostello dei Sassi Backpackers – This hostel gives you the opportunity of sleeping in a traditional “Sasso”, without breaking the bank!

Mid-range: The View Matera – I took my mum and grandma here and they loved it. You can enjoy an awesome view over Matera from both your bed and rooftop, without even having to leave the bnb!

Luxury: Palazzotto Residence & Winery – Experience sleeping in a traditional “Sasso”, with a little added luxury!

Relaxing at our hotel The View Matera

How to spend 7 days in Italy for beach & culture fans

While I absolutely adore Sardinia and the Sardinian sea, I’m conscious that others might prefer a more balanced holiday.

If you want to swim in the gorgeous Italian sea, but also discover Italian history and see some incredible sights, then Sicily is the place for you. Sicily is the perfect place to spend 7 days between beaches and culture.

In 2020 I spent 7 days in eastern Sicily, and I was reminded of just how beautiful my country is. The combination of natural beauty and historical magnificence left me speechless.

This Italy 7-day itinerary is best suited for people who have already been to Italy, as it doesn’t touch the main cities and sights. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Italian history, but also want to relax by beautiful beaches.

Enjoying the views over Modica from the cathedral belltower

Sicily is a huge island and seeing it all in seven days isn’t recommended. I would focus on eastern Sicily, and this is my recommended 7-day itinerary.

Day 1: Catania

Day 2: Etna & Taormina

Day 3: Gole di Alcantara & Siracusa

Day 4: Laghetti di Cavagrande, Marzamemi & Noto

Day 5: Modica, Scicli & Ragusa Ibla

Day 6: Ragusa Marina, Caltagirone & Catania

Day 7: Aci Castello & Acireale

| READ MORE: HOW TO SPEND 7 AWESOME DAYS IN SICILY! |

Ragusa Ibla seen from the neighbouring hill

Relaxing at the beautiful Isola Bella beach in Taormina

Days 1 – 7: Eastern Sicily

I don’t want to include here my whole Sicily itinerary as it would take too long, and I’m conscious this Italy 7-day itinerary is already getting pretty long as it is!

Instead, I’m just going to list some highlights below and you can read my full Sicily 7-day itinerary here ! Some of the most beautiful places in Sicily that you have to add to your itinerary are: Taormia, Ragusa Ibla, Noto and Modica.

Taormina has an adorable Baroque old town centre, and is also home to a spectacular ancient roman amphitheatre. Located on top of a hill, it has the most incredible sunset view over Taormina, the hills and sea.

Exploring the Greek amphitheatre of Taormina at sunset

Perched on top of a hill, Ragusa Ibla is one of the most unique towns you will ever see. The town itself is magical, with incredible Baroque architecture and cobbled streets.

However, the view over the surrounding hills and the view of Ragusa Ibla perched on top of a hill is what took my breath away.

Enjoying the view over Ragusa in Sicily

Noto might not be as panoramic as Ragusa Ibla, but with its myriad of churches and distinctive architecture, it’s an incredibly interesting place to visit.

Simply wandering around the streets of Noto and discovering historically significant corners will excite and amaze you.

The main cathedral in Noto

Besides being home to some gorgeous architecture, Modica is also home to a famous chocolate making industry! Taste the traditional Modica chocolate while wandering around the cute streets of Modica and enjoying the views.

Being located in the south of Italy, the weather in Sicily tends to be warm also in winter. It’s what makes it a popular European winter sun destination , especially for travellers visiting Europe in the fall and winter .

The staircase leading up to the cathedral of Modica

Final thoughts on how to spend one week in Italy

There you have it, the ultimate guide to spending one awesome week in Italy! Simply one itinerary wouldn’t have been enough, so I have you six Italy itineraries that you can choose based on your interests.

Whether you’re a first time or returning visitor, a nature or city lover, a beach bum or museum aficionado, I’m sure you will find something for you in these itineraries.

Have you been to Italy before? Are there other places in Italy you think should feature in these itineraries? Let me know in the comments below!

As an Italian, I always recommend spending longer than one week in Italy. While even two weeks in Italy wouldn’t be enough, it would give you more time to see more spots on your travel bucket list .

That said, with these Italy 7-day itineraries you can still have an incredible time in my country. I hope you find this guide useful in planning your week in Italy!

Enjoyed reading my sample itineraries for 7 days in Italy? Pin it!

Photo collage of the Sassi of Matera, sunset from Ponte Umberto in Rome, Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre, Ragusa in Sicily and a gondola boat in Venice with text overlay saying

How To Spend 14 Days In Italy - 5 Unique Itineraries

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Wonderful Time in Italy We were covered from the moment we landed in Rome. The drivers were great, the connections were flawless, and it was well-planned a...

Frequently topping polls of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is a diverse destination that deserves repeat visits. That said, it’s perfectly possible to pack plenty of unforgettable experiences into a 2-week journey. The question is, how to choose where to go? Read on to discover our unique, fully customizable 14 days Italy itineraries.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Italy, created by local experts

8 days / from 2622 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days / from 3258 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days / from 3258 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

See our 10 days in Italy itineraries below, or get inspired by duration: 5 days - 7-days - 10 days - North Italy - South Italy

Itinerary #1: From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the canals of Venice and the coastline of Cinque Terre to the designer boutiques of Milan and the streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive 14-day trip .

On the first day , you will be transferred to your hotel. On the second day , you will be met by a private guide and taken on a beautiful Venice city tour. On the third day , you will embark on a trip to the enchanting islands of Burano and Murano.

The fourth day is reserved for exploration and leisure in Venice. On the fifth day , you will enjoy a journey by train, arriving in Milan. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Milan. Your guide will accompany you on a walking tour of Milan on the sixth day .

Embark on a train journey to Como on the seventh day . Take advantage of the day to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful region. On the eighth day , you will enjoy a short ride to Lugano, Switzerland. On day nine , treat yourself to a boat trip on Lake Como. Then enjoy a leisurely tenth day .

Your driver will transfer you to the railway station on the eleventh day for your onward journey to Cinque Terre. Embark on an exciting adventure to explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre on day twelve .

The thirteenth day is yours to spend at your leisure. On day fourteen , you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Read more .

Itinerary overview

Check this overview of the 14 days Italy itinerary.

Arrival in Venice
Overnight in Venice
Sightseeing tour in Venice
Murano and Burano boat tour
Free day in Venice
Train to Milan, and free time in the city
Overnight in Milan
Sightseeing tour in Milan
Train to Lake Como
Overnight in Como
Lugano and Lakeside villages
Lake Como boat tour
Free day in Como
Train to Cinque Terre
Overnight in La Spezia
Exploring Cinque Terre and around by train

Day thirteen

Free day in Cinque Terre

Day fourteen

Transfer and departure from Florence

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now .

Cinque Terre National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, Liguria, Italy

Itinerary #2: classic Italy - Rome, Florence & Venice

This 14-day Itinerary is for everyone - learn how to cook pasta in Rome, sample the best gelato in Florence, hike Cinque Terre and explore Venice on your own. This trip is packed with highlights for the whole family.

Rough Guides tip : buy this trip as a Guidebook in our shop .

On day one you'll be transferred to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. The second day is dedicated to the Colosseum and Forum Romanum.

Join a small group cooking tour on the third day . On day four you will travel to Florence via high-speed train. Explore Florence leisurely on an e-bike on the fifth day .

Join a cooking class in central Florence on the sixth day of the journey. On day seven you will experience the beauty of Chianti's rolling hills and indulge in its flavours.

Take a regional train from Florence to La Spezia and enjoy the eighth day at leisure. Enjoy a guided hike from Monterosso to Corniglia, experiencing the stunning coastal Blue Trail on day nine .

Day ten is for leisure, exploring and relaxing.

Travel to Venice by train on day eleven and experience a private walking tour of the city. Take advantage of day twelve , and spend it at leisure in Venice. Enjoy day thirteen at leisure, bidding farewell to Italy .

Your final day concludes with a private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight. Read more .

Colosseum, Rome © Farbregas Hareluya/Shutterstock

Arrival in Rome
Overnight in Rome
Colosseum half-day tour
Traditional cooking class & market visit
Transfer to Florence
Overnight in Florence
E-bike tour of Florence
Traditional Pizza & Gelato making
Chianti wines and olive oil tour
from Florence to Lerici - La Spezia region
Overnight in Lerici
Sentiero Azzurro hiking tour
Day at leisure at Lerici
Train to Venice
Venice walking tour and gondola ride
Day at leisure
Transfer to the airport

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now .

Uffizi art gallery in Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Itinerary #3: highlights of Italy - Rome, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and more

This 2 week Italy itinerary is nothing short of highlights: spend the first few nights in the capital city of Rome before moving down south to Naples. From here, you will discover the Amalfi Coast before heading to Florence.

On the first day , you will be collected at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Explore the Colosseum and Forum Romanum in a small group tour on the second day .

On the third day , you will discover the Vatican on a half-day tour. Travel to Naples by train and experience the birthplace of Pizza on day four .

On day five you will join a local guide to explore the heart of Naples. Visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius on day six .

A journey along the picturesque Amalfi Coast awaits you on day seven . Board a high-speed train to Florence on the eighth day . On day nine embark on a guided tour of Florence.

Travel to La Spezia, and enjoy your tenth day in leisure time. On day eleven , you will join a full-day tour of Cinque Terre with a private guide and a Cinque Terre card.

Days twelve and thirteen a dedicated to Milan. Take a train to Milan and spend the day at leisure. Then explore Milan on a group tour.

Depart from Milan on the last day of your Italian trip with a private transfer to the airport or train station, bidding farewell to Italy. Read more .

Positano, italy. Amalfi Coast © iacomino FRiMAGES/Shutterstock

Vatican half-day tour
Transfer to Naples
Overnight in Naples
panoramic tour in Naples
Pompeii & Vesuvius with wine tasting or pizza lunch
Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi day trip
Transfer to La Spezia
Day at leisure at Cinque Terre
Exploring Cinque Terre and around
Transfer to Milan
Best of Milan walking tour
Transfer to the airport in Milan

Looking for an unforgettable experience? Don't waste time, book this trip now .

bridge-naviglio-canal-milan-italy-shutterstock_215803660

Bridge Naviglio, Milan, Italy @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #4: A delightful family journey through Italy

Embark on a remarkable 14-day family adventure through Italy, immersing yourselves in a world of culinary delights, historical wonders, and breathtaking landscapes.

Arrive in Rome on day one , where you will be transferred to your hotel. On the second day , join a small group tour of the Colosseum and Forum Romanum. Day three promises an exciting culinary experience as you join a small group cooking tour in Rome.

Travel to Florence via train on the fourth day . On day five , embark on an e-bike tour of Florence in a small group. Day six offers a hands-on experience as you join a 3-hour cooking class in central Florence.

Indulge in the beauty of Chianti's rolling hills on day seven with a half-day tour. Take a regional train from Florence to La Spezia, and enjoy the eighth day at your leisure.

On day nine , go on a privately guided hike from Monterosso to Corniglia, traversing the stunning coastal Blue Trail. Day ten invites you to explore and relax at your own pace.

Travel to Venice by train on day eleven and embark on a private walking tour. Make the most of day twelve , spending it at leisure in Venice.

On day thirteen , enjoy a day of leisure, bidding farewell to Italy on your own terms. Conclude your Italian adventure on the final day with a private transfer from your hotel to the airport.

St Peter Cathedral, Vatican, Rome, Italy @ Shutterstock

Colosseum and Forum Romanum tour
Traditional cooking tour in Rome
Traditional Pizza & Gelato cooking class in Florence
Transfer to Cinque Terre
Overnight in Cinque Terre
guided hike from Monterosso to Corniglia
Venice islands

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower in Florence © Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Experience the splendours of Northern Italy

Experience a mesmerizing 14-day Italy itinerary through the enchanting region of Northern Italy. Explore its captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural gems.

On the first day , you will arrive at Venice's Marco Polo Airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel. On the second day , indulge in a delicious breakfast before a private guided tour of Venice.

On the third day , venture out to the captivating islands of Burano and Murano. Take the fourth day to explore Venice at your own pace.

On the fifth day , bid farewell to Venice and go on a comfortable train journey to Milan. Your sixth day begins with a captivating walking tour of Milan.

Journey to the picturesque region of Como on the seventh day . On the eighth day , continue your exploration with a short ride to Lugano, Switzerland, a town nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano.

Day nine presents an opportunity to indulge in a guided boat trip on Lake Como. On the tenth day , enjoy a leisurely pace in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.

Your driver will transfer you to the railway station on the eleventh day, where you will start a scenic train journey to Cinque Terre. Spend the twelfth day exploring the picturesque villages, hiking along the rugged coastline.

On the thirteenth day , enjoy a day of leisure, allowing you to relax, explore more of Cinque Terre. Finish your trip on day fourteen as you are collected and transferred to the airport.

St Mark's Square from the Grand canal. Venice, Italy © volkova natalia/Shutterstock

Guided city tour in Venice
boat trip to Burano and Murano
Guided city tour in Milan
Transfer to the Como region
Lake Lugano
boat trip on Lake Como
Day at leisure at Lake Como
Exploring the Cinque Terre
Transfer to the airport and departure

Cinque Terre, Italy

You might also want to browse our customisable Italy itineraries or talk to our local Italy experts .

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updated 18.09.2023

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Italy and beyond

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Italy (Itinerary for 14 Perfect Days!)

Planning your first trip to Italy may feel overwhelming–but this (repeatedly) tried-and-tested itinerary for 2 weeks in Italy will have you relaxing into la dolce vita in no time!

For those who are new here, we are Kate and Jeremy Storm, travel bloggers and Italy travel addicts who have cumulatively spent more than a year each, over the course of many trips, exploring Italy in-depth.

After more trips (and plates of pasta) than we can count , our desire to return to Italy just keeps growing: there will always be more villages to explore, natural beauty to marvel at, and, of course, pasta and wine to enjoy.

Helping travelers plan their Italy itineraries is one of our passions, and we have repeatedly tested this guide to 14 days in Italy on friends, family, and ourselves many times over the course of several years!

So far, we have personally made our way to 14 of Italy’s 20 regions, from the imposing Dolomites of South Tyrol to the beaches of Sicily.

We’ve also “lived” for 2 months in Rome, and one month each in Florence and Bologna , enjoying a slower pace of Italy travel.

Suffice it to say that after all the time we’ve spent in Italy, we have some opinions about how to make your first trip to Italy truly unforgettable… and this Italy itinerary is what we suggest.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm overlooking brisighella italy

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For first-time visitors, 2 weeks in Italy is the perfect amount of time to hit the country’s most famous and classic spots, see which ones you love, and (if you’re anything like us) fall head-over-heels in love with the country to the point that you’ll leave planning your next trip back.

This is the 2 week Italy itinerary we recommend to first-time visitors, including our friends and family, and we won’t be straying off the beaten path much here.

These first 14 days in Italy will be all about the classics–follow this trip and you’ll be spending a lot of time watching postcards come to life!

(And yes, this is a fairly long Italy blog post–feel free to use the table of contents below this paragraph to jump around as needed.)

Table of Contents

After Planning Your 2 Week Italy Itinerary…

How we structured this itinerary for 14 days in italy, the perfect itinerary for 2 weeks in italy, more (or less) than 2 weeks in italy, getting around italy, when to visit italy for 2 weeks, what to pack for italy, your 2 week italy itinerary map.

3 Days in Venice in November: Small Canal

… we’d love to help continue to plan your trip to Italy in more detail here on Our Escape Clause!

We have been writing about Italy travel since 2016, and have amassed a collection of 100+ Italy blog posts available for free on this website, covering everything from the best hidden gems in Rome to what a coperto is (and why you should expect to pay one).

Cities like Rome and Venice are among our absolute favorites in the world, and we write about them extensively–but if you’re interested in getting off the beaten path in Italy, we have lots of options for that, too, from enjoying the mosaics of Ravenna to taking a road trip in Puglia .

kate storm standing on the edge of the island san giorgio maggiore

One of my favorite things to write is detailed itineraries (like this one!), and we have suggestions for Rome , Florence , Venice , Cinque Terre , the Amalfi Coast , Milan , Naples , and more (and in the cases of some cities, several versions depending on how long you have to explore!).

I’ll link relevant blog posts throughout this 2 week Italy itinerary, but of course, I could never hope to include links to them all!

Head to our Italy archives to view all of our Italy blog posts in order, or if you’re looking for details on a particular destination, the search bar at the top right of the page (or at the top of the pop-out menu on mobile) is a great tool to use.

You also may want to check out the comment section at the bottom of this post–over the years, dozens of travelers have refined their own Italy itineraries there!

kate storm in front of a church when traveling in rome italy

We structured this 2 week Italy itinerary as a point-to-point trip covering Rome, Florence, the Tuscan countryside, Cinque Terre, and Venice.

In this way, you’ll have a chance to experience many of the most popular places to visit in Italy over the course of 2 weeks, without doubling back or over-stuffing your schedule.

While some travelers like to include Milan, Lake Como, and/or the Amalfi Coast over the course of 2 weeks, we have found that with roughly 14 days (and often some jet lag) to work with, less is more.

We’ve opted for Venice over Milan and Lake Como due to personal preference, and opted for Cinque Terre over the Amalfi Coast due to geographic convenience and the ease with which it can be seen over a short period of time.

However, ultimately, the destinations that appeal to you most should be at the top of your Italy bucket list, and this itinerary for Italy in 2 weeks can be adjusted accordingly.

kate storm and ranger storm sitting on a bench overlooking lake como surrounded by flowering trees

Days 1-4 in Italy: Rome

Rome’s highlights rank among the most famous sights in the world: who hasn’t dreamed of seeing the Colosseum in person, of walking across St. Peter’s Square, and of admiring the masterpiece that is the Sistine Chapel?

Three full days in Rome (excluding travel days) will give you plenty of time to see the best of what Rome has to offer, while also leaving plenty of time in your 2 weeks in Italy itinerary for all of the other destinations along the way.

If you happen to be lucky enough to have an extra couple of days in Italy, though–say 15 or 16 days, or perhaps less jetlag to contend with than some visitors–we highly recommend extending your time in Rome before adding time to any other destination on this 2 week Italy itinerary.

It’s simply impossible to run out of incredible things to do in Rome, which is why we have happily spent months there!

(It’s also worth pointing out that if you do have a bit of extra time in your schedule, booking an organized day trip to the Amalfi Coast is doable, if a long, day that is popular with ambitious travelers!).

4 Days in Rome Itinerary: Piazza del Popolo

Top Things to Do in Rome

Tour the colosseum + palatine hill..

Strolling through the center of Ancient Rome for the first time is an unforgettable experience!

Definitely don’t miss it during your first trip to Italy: you can buy skip-the-line tickets here (highly recommend for people visiting during summer/high season), or book the tour we enjoyed here .

kate storm in a striped dress in front of colosseum rome italy

Visit Vatican City.

The magnificent Sistine Chapel, the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, the lovely St. Peter’s Square: for being such a tiny country, visiting Vatican City has a lot to offer!

We recommend using skip-the-line passes here as well, you can purchase them here .

We wrote a full guide to visiting Vatican City , so won’t repeat ourselves too much here, but in short, plan ahead, cover your shoulders, and touring the Vatican Museums on Friday night is worth it if you have the chance.

Map room in the Vatican Museums shot at night, with open window on the left. Visiting the Vatican Museums during special hours is one of our favorite travel tips for Rome Italy!

Stroll through Centro Storico.

The Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori: what do all of these famous things to do in Italy have in common with each other?

They’re all within walking distance of each other in Rome’s Centro Storico!

We also recommend seeking out a few of Rome’s hidden gems as you explore, including easy-to-access spots like Galleria Sciarra and Galleria Spada .

One of the best things about visiting Rome is just how much beauty is hidden in plain sight.

2 Day Rome Itinerary: Street Corner in Centro Storico

Things to Consider When Visiting Rome

Rome has two major downsides for a tourist: crowds and heat.

You can beat the bulk of both by traveling in the shoulder season (we personally think that October is the perfect month to visit Italy, and Rome is remarkably uncrowded in winter ), and/or waking up extra early to enjoy the city before everyone else gets out of bed.

For example, some of the best photos of the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Spanish Steps that we’ve taken were snapped around dawn!

That being said–there are a million ways to get off the beaten path in Rome no matter when you visit!

While touristic hotspots like the Colosseum and Spanish Steps are nearly always crowded, fascinating places like the Capuchin Crypt, the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, plus the neighborhoods of Testaccio, Ostiense, and Monti in general, are just a few of the many great places to enjoy Rome without dense crowds.

Where to Stay in Rome

La Cornice Guesthouse — We loved this little guesthouse! It was extremely clean and comfortable, and VERY affordable for Rome.

La Cornice is set slightly outside the main tourist areas, but an easy 5-minute walk to the metro and a 20-minute ride got us to the Colosseum and other major sights.

Our favorite part of La Cornice? Eating a nearby Joseph Ristorante for lunch, which we not only enjoyed during this trip but have returned to repeatedly in the years after.

Check rates & book your stay at La Cornice Guesthouse!

Hotel Condotti — Located just around the corner from the Spanish Steps (and consequently the Piazza di Spagna metro station), you couldn’t ask for a better location in Rome!

Well-reviewed and boasting exceptionally clean rooms, Hotel Condotti is the perfect choice for a traveler with a midrange budget (or even a luxury traveler–this hotel also holds some impressive-looking suites!) who would like to be within walking distance of the best that Centro Storico has to offer.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Condotti!

Pantheon Inn — If you’re looking for a building with classic Italian charm in the heart of Rome, this is it.

Located right behind the Pantheon and within reach, the Pantheon Inn offers a quiet, peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Rome.

You will need to walk a bit to the metro stop–but since the walk will take you through the heart of the beautiful Centro Storico, we doubt you’ll mind.

Check rates & book your stay at the Pantheon Inn!

2 Days in Rome: Vatican Museums Spiral Staircase

Days 5-7 in Italy: Cinque Terre

No first trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to this beautiful coastline!

After leaving Rome, head north to Cinque Terre for coastal views, hiking, adorable fishing villages, and plenty of fresh seafood.

We recommend traveling from Rome to Cinque Terre (specifically Monterosso al Mare) via train , which should take about 4-6 hours depending on the route.

Since all 5 of the Cinque Terre villages are easily connected by train (or ferry during the summer!), feel free to stay in whichever one appeals the most, or even in nearby Levanto or La Spezia to save a tiny bit of cash.

View of Spiaggia di Fegina in Monterosso al Mare with colorful umbrellas in the foreground, one of the best photography locations in Cinque Terre Italy

Top Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Hike between the villages..

Sadly, many of the hikes at Cinque Terre have been closed for landslides–but the magnificent Blue Path trail between Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza (which is highly recommended!) and between Vernazza and Corniglia are open and ready for visitors!

We recommend stopping by one of the visitor centers for the latest information on available hikes.

View of Vernazza Harbor from Above: One Day in Cinque Terre Itinerary

Watch the sunset from Manarola.

Arguably the most famous of Cinque Terre’s villages due to its postcard-worthy view, Manarola is the perfect place to watch the sun sink behind the sea (preferably with a glass of local wine in hand).

Eat all the pesto and seafood.

Pesto is local to the Ligurian coast, and that makes Cinque Terre one of the best places to indulge in it in all of Italy!

Pesto happens to be one of my favorite foods, so I may be slightly biased, but in my opinion, it’s an unforgettable part of visiting Cinque Terre.

As the villages of Cinque Terre are fishing villages at their heart, the seafood here is also absolutely delicious.

Woman facing away from camera on Manarola Promenade, One Day in Cinque Terre Itinerary

Things to Consider When Visiting Cinque Terre

While it would be tempting to bring a car to Cinque Terre to have access to your own transportation and a more direct way to get to Cinque Terre from Rome and to Florence after your visit, the roads do not make for an easy drive.

Parking can also be a challenge around the villages–if possible, we’d recommend relying on the train, ferry, or the famous trail to get around Cinque Terre .

Keep an eye on closures to both the trains and the trails between the villages, however.

Strikes can happen that will shut down the train (which happened to us way back in May 2016!), and the trails can sometimes be washed out and therefore closed.

The trails also often close during the offseason, so if you’re planning a winter trip to Italy, don’t count on being able to hike between all the villages.

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: Beach at Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

Why Cinque Terre instead of the Amalfi Coast?

I addressed this above, but it’s understandably a popular question when planning a trip to Italy for 2 weeks, and I wanted to expand on it here!

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is truly a marvel, but it makes less geographic sense for this itinerary than Cinque Terre.

Visiting the Amalfi Coast would require traveling south from Rome when the bulk of this 2 weeks in Italy itinerary focuses on the northern half of the country.

If you have your heart set on visiting the Amalfi Coast, you can certainly swap it out for Cinque Terre, but bear in mind that the travel times involved would be cumbersome, especially if you don’t want to cut days from the rest of the destinations on your Italy itinerary.

Cinque Terre also has the benefit of being smaller than the Amalfi Coast, making it easy to explore most or all of the villages over a short amount of time.

If you absolutely don’t want to cut any destinations and are determined to visit both Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, handing the reins to the experts and booking and organized day trip to the Amalfi Coast from here is your best bet ( this one gets rave reviews ).

View of Riomaggiore at Sunset, Cinque Terre in One Day

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Of the 5 villages of Cinque Terre, the only one we would recommend not staying in is Corniglia, as it’s the most difficult to get in and out of.

Other than that, all the villages have their perks–Monterosso al Mare has the biggest beach, Manarola has the most Instagram-famous viewpoint, and Vernazza and Riomaggiore are simply drop-dead gorgeous.

Bear in mind that many properties in Cinque Terre can involve a climb to reach them, so if mobility is a concern, be sure to double-check the location.

Most properties will offer porters to carry your luggage for you for a small fee, so if clamoring through town with your luggage doesn’t sound like fun, be sure to ask your hotel about their services!

Here are a few very well-reviewed properties to consider during your time in Cinque Terre:

Photo of Vernazza from above, the perfect stop on a 2 week Italy itinerary

Luciano Guesthouse (Riomaggiore) — This is where we stayed during our most recent visit to Cinque Terre, and we can’t recommend it enough!

The property was clean and lovely, and the customer service offered by Francesco and his wife during our stay was absolutely top-notch. We would be thrilled to stay again!

Check rates & book your stay at Luciano Guesthouse!

Scorci di Mare (Riomaggiore) — Want to stay a 3-minute walk from the beach and see the sea from your window?

If so, the popular Scorci di Mare is the perfect spot for you!

Check rates & book your stay at Scorci di Mare!

Da Baranin (Manarola) — Cinque Terre is expensive, there’s no getting around it.

For a budget option, consider Da Baranin–you’ll need to climb up and down a steep hill as a trade-off, but you’ll get to stay in Manarola for a very affordable price tag!

Check rates & book your stay at Da Baranin!

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

Days 8-11 in Italy: Florence + the Tuscan Countryside

Tuscany is one of our favorite regions in Italy–and not just because we could spend a lifetime eating and drinking there (though we could).

The towns are beautiful and distinct, Florence is a dream of a city, the history is interesting, and the golden tinge to the light that you see in pictures of Tuscany isn’t photoshop–it just really looks like that.

While there’s no such thing as too much time in Tuscany, 3 days in Tuscany will give you a chance to explore the best of Florence in about 1.5-2 days, and also give you time to visit at least one other Tuscan city or small town, and/or head out wine tasting.

kate storm standing in front of florence duomo front doors

Pisa is a popular choice that is close to Florence, but unless you’re truly dying to see the leaning tower, we’d recommend Siena, Lucca , or Montepulciano instead.

If you’re looking for small-town day trips from Florence , San Gimignano, Volterra , Arezzo , and Montefioralle (near Greve in Chianti) are all stunning, and though it is in Umbria rather than Tuscany, we adored our visit to the village of Orvieto as well.

If you’re hoping to enjoy some wine tasting and town-hopping, this is an excellent opportunity to get a lot of value out of a guided tour: this wildly popular day trip from Florence is a fantastic way to taste a variety of what Tuscany has to offer (literally and figuratively).

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: Arezzo, Tuscany

Top Things to Do in Florence

Visit some of the best renaissance art on the planet..

The Uffizi Gallery (home of the Birth of Venus) and the Galleria dell’Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David) are both home to undisputed world treasures that deserve to be admired during your 2 weeks in Italy.

We definitely recommend booking skip-the-line tickets to both galleries to avoid waiting in their very long lines (we once showed up to the Uffizi without pre-booked tickets and ended up giving up on visiting after nearly an hour of waiting).

You can purchase skip-the-line tickets to the Galleria dell’ Accademia here and to the Uffizi here .

opulent interior of the uffizi gallery, one of the best things to see in itinerary for italy in 2 weeks

Try your hand at a cooking class.

We may be a bit biased, given how much we adore Tuscan food, but if you want to take a cooking class during your 14 days in Italy, we recommend doing it here.

We adored our day taking this cooking class and years later, we still talk about it being one of our favorite days spent in Tuscany!

From the views of the countryside to the beautiful farmhouse the class is hosted in, to the sublime food, it is truly an experience to remember.

One Day in Florence: Cooking Class in Tuscany

Seek out the best views of the city.

From the ever-popular viewpoints of Piazzale Michelangelo and the cupola of the Duomo to lesser-known spots like the Rose Garden and Palazzo Vecchio, there’s no doubt that Florence is a city that deserves to be admired from all angles.

We’ve rounded up the best views of Florence here –personally, we have a soft spot for the view from the top of Palazzo Vecchio.

Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside.

Wine, plus incredible Tuscan food, plus rolling countryside, plus stunning villages–a day trip to some of Tuscany’s remarkable villages and wineries is bound to be a day that you’ll never forget.

This incredibly popular day trip is a fabulous option!

Things to Consider When Visiting Florence and Tuscan y’s Countryside

Three days in Tuscany gives you a couple of options as far as lodging: you can either stay in Florence the whole time and take day trips out, you can stay in a smaller city the whole time and simply take a day trip to Florence, or you can split it up–two nights in one city, and one in another.

Personally, we’d recommend sticking with one place to stay–this Italy itinerary is already fast-paced, so there’s no reason to take up extra time moving hotels in Tuscany.

We’ve visited Tuscany many times with both structures , and love both for different reasons .

You truly can’t go wrong with either option–I’d stay in Florence if you’re more of a city person, and in a surrounding Tuscan town if you’re more interested in the countryside.

If you stay in the countryside, you will definitely want to rent a car for this portion of your Italy itinerary.

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: View of Florence Duomo

Where to Stay in Florence

B&B Le Stanze del Duomo — Though Florence hotels can be a bit pricey and stretch the definition of “budget”, B&B Le Stanze’s beautiful rooms and impeccable location in Florence will be sure to have you swooning!

Check rates & book your stay at B&B Le Stanze del Duomo!

Hotel Silla — Located just a hop, skip, and jump from the Arno River, we loved our stay at Hotel Silla!

The hotel itself is lovely and quiet, the included breakfast a nice touch, and the location perfect: you have easy access on foot to all that Florence has to offer, without having to worry about crowds or noise.

We’d be happy to check in again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Silla!

kate storm and jeremy storm sitting on the edge of the arno with the ponte vecchio in the background

Hotel Lungarno — Nestled right against the Arno River and home to one of the best views of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence (not to mention some of the best views of the rest of Florence from their top deck), Hotel Lungarno is our personal “if we ever really want to splurge” hotel in Florence.

You can’t go wrong using Hotel Lungarno as your base during your Italy vacation!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Lungarno!

Romantic Things to Do in Tuscany: Tuscan streets in rain

Days 12-14 in Italy: Venice

Canals, canals, and more canals: Venice is simply a ridiculously beautiful place, and despite its somewhat controversial reputation, we absolutely adore it (yes, even during the summer !).

Definitely make sure that you climb St. Mark’s Campanile for an amazing view of the city, check out Libreria Acqua Alta (one of our favorite bookstores in the world!), walk across the Rialto Bridge, and spend ridiculous amounts of time wandering aimlessly around the small streets and lesser-known canals–that is truly Venice at its best.

If you have good weather while in Venice, also consider a day trip out to Murano or Burano for another view of Venetian life!

We’ve written extensively about Venice, in large part because we adore the city and know that unfortunately, not everyone walks away with the same impression.

We recommend taking a look at our suggested 2 day Venice itinerary and guide to the best hidden gems in Venice as you plan your trip here!

Small canal in Venice on a sunny day, lined by windows with flowerboxes

Top Things to Do in Venice

Tour the doge’s palace + st. mark’s basilica..

Venice has a truly fascinating history–for a city that is now known mostly for its beauty, flooding, and risks of sinking, it can be hard to recall that once upon a time, there was a true and powerful Venetian Empire.

Learning about the history of Venice’s government (it included many councils) and how it acquired its wealth is a fabulous way to get to know the city on a deeper level–and the buildings themselves are incredibly impressive, too.

We recommend taking a tour here if at all possible–it truly adds so much context.

This tour of the Doge’s Palace + St. Mark’s Basilica is very popular and a great option!

Stroll through Venice’s beautiful sestieri.

Venice is divided into six districts, or sestieri, and each sestiere has its own distinct flavor and beauty.

San Marco and San Polo are the most popular (read: crowded), and while they are absolutely gorgeous, we recommend making time for a walk through some of the others as well.

Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro , and San Croce all have a lot of beauty, canals, and quiet streets to offer.

kate storm and ranger storm on a quiet street in venice july

Hit the water and enjoy Venice’s canals.

While the gondolas are (deservedly) famous, there are indeed ways to experience Venice’s canals on any budget.

Whether you want to splurge on a private gondola ride, opt for the mid-range shared gondola option, or stick to a budget and tour the Grand Canal via Vaporetto , there’s a canal option open to you!

Our guide to gondola rides in Venice will help you know what to expect, or, if you want to find a way to enjoy a gondola ride for just 2 Euro (not a typo!), here’s how to find a traghetto .

Venice Grand Canal with gondola paddling across it--a must-see item for your 2 week Italy itinerary!

Things to Consider When Visiting Venice

Especially if you’re visiting during the summer, Venice will be both crowded and expensive.

It’s still absolutely worth it to go, but like in Rome, consider early wake-up calls to get the most out of your experience.

Some of our best memories of Venice are of walking through the city before the shops even start opening–and we’ve often found that we get our best photos of Venice then, too.

Keep in mind that if you want to take an iconic gondola ride, you’ll be paying a pretty penny–80 Euro/gondola worth.

After enjoying more than one gondola ride in Venice, we can confirm that they are worth it to the right traveler–but you can absolutely have a fabulous trip to Venice without one, too.

kate storm and ranger storm in a traghetto gondola during summer in venice italy

Where to Stay in Venice

Hotel Casa Boccassini — This cute hotel easily met our needs during our first trip to Venice!

The room was simple but clean, and the shared bathroom was a fair trade in exchange for their competitive prices in a great location in Cannaregio.

The bathroom was clean and we had a sink in our room, both of which always make shared bathroom situations much easier.

The courtyard of the hotel was beautiful!

The hotel was a simple and beautiful 10-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge and just a 5-minute walk from the Vaporetto to the airport.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Casa Boccassini!

Couple in front of Bridge of Sighs in Venice

Hotel Lisbona — We decided to check into Hotel Lisbona for one reason: we wanted to stay on a canal!

If you’re looking to stay right on a canal in Venice without paying luxury prices, we can heartily recommend Hotel Lisbona.

The building is beautiful and definitely has that oh-wow-I’m-in-Venice effect (especially when you look out the windows), the customer service is great, and the included breakfast is tasty.

The central location (it’s around a 5-minute walk to Piazza San Marco) couldn’t be better.

The downside? The room we stayed in was tiny –but to be staying right on a Venetian canal in such an amazing location, we definitely considered the trade-off worth it.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Lisbona!

kate storm looking out the window of Hotel Lisbona, recommended hotel for 2 days in Venice

Hotel Danieli — If you’re looking for a true luxury experience for your 2 days in Venice–the kind of hotel stay that you’ll remember for the rest of your life–look no further than the iconic Hotel Danieli, located inside 3 former palazzos along the Riva degli Schiavoni.

Every detail has been looked after here, and everything from the furniture to the breakfast to the location (mere steps from the Bridge of Sighs) to the truly stunning lobby will ensure you have an absolutely unforgettable trip to Venice.

Even if you don’t check in, consider dropping by the bar to see the beautiful lobby for yourself!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Danieli!

Lobby and staircase of Hotel Danieli in Venice--the perfect luxury hotel when deciding where to stay in Venice!

Italy has an endless amount of places to see, and no 2 weeks in Italy itinerary could dream of covering the whole country.

If you’re visiting over the summer (or over the winter and you like to ski) and find yourself with more time in Italy, consider heading to the South Tyrol region to experience the Dolomites (also known as the Italian Alps).

You could also head to Lake Como and stop off at Milan along the way, or stay further east after leaving Venice and hit up the stunning Verona .

Bologna , which is known as one of Italy’s great foodie cities, is another wonderful choice, and also includes the option of a day trip to the microstate of San Marino .

And, while Bologna is the most famous place to visit in Emilia-Romagna, we’d be remiss not to point out Ravenna (home to absolutely incredible UNESCO-recognized mosaics) and Parma (the origin of parmigiano-reggiano and a delightful city) as well.

kate storm visiting parma italy with baptistery in the background and red vespa in the foreground

South of Rome, you could head to the incredible Amalfi Coast or the stunning island of Capri , and stop off for a day along the way to eat pizza in Naples .

Further south, the stunning beaches and towns of Puglia make for a memorable summer trip to Italy.

Even with all that, you’re still barely scratching the surface of Italy (and of course, every single one of the destinations included in this 2 week Italy itinerary could easily take up more time as well)–but that’s ultimately a good thing.

If there’s one thing that we’re certain of after more than a year of exploring, it’s that there is always a reason to plan another vacation in Italy.

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: San Gimignano, Tuscany

With One Week in Italy

If you only have roughly one week to spend in Italy, we–heartbreaking though it is–recommend cutting at least one of the destinations suggested on this 2 week Italy itinerary.

Personally, we’d first cut Cinque Terre (especially if you’re visiting outside the summer season), leaving the trifecta of Rome-Florence-Venice intact.

We go into this further in our guide to spending a week in Italy , as well as provide other suggestions on how to make the most of a short Italy itinerary.

If you need to cut a second destination, let geography be your guide, and trim off whichever destination will take the most time to reach based on your travel plans.

I know it’s incredibly hard to cut destinations, but rushing to a new place almost every day will eat up way too much time that should be spent experiencing Italy.

And ultimately, any given two, or even one, of the destinations covered in this Italy itinerary, could make for a magnificent trip.

With 3 Weeks in Italy

If you have an extra week to tack onto this 2 week Italy itinerary, lucky you!

You’re in for a real treat with a whole 3 weeks in Italy.

Our personal recommendation would be to use that extra week to add on Naples, Pompeii , and the Amalfi Coast.

Kate Storm and Jeremy Storm on a balcony overlooking Positano

If you’re a fast-paced traveler, you could cover those destinations in 4-5 days and spend the remaining time sampling Milan and Lake Como ( the town of Bellagio is just as picturesque as the pictures imply).

With that, you’ll cover the vast majority of the country’s best-known sights on your trip to Italy!

Alternatively, if you’re more of a slow, immersive traveler, use the extra week to really dig into one of the regions already included on this Italy itinerary.

Tuscany or Rome would be our pick (and you can technically take a very long day trip to Pompeii or Naples from Rome if you want to try to get the best of both worlds).

Within each of the destinations outlined in this 2 weeks in Italy itinerary, walking will likely be your most common method of getting around, and also half the fun of traveling Italy!

You’ll probably want to mix in some public transportation as well, particularly in Rome, but strolling through destinations like Venice and Florence is by far the best way to explore them.

Getting between destinations, however, is a different story–here’s a quick outline of transportation within Italy.

Frecciarosa Train in Italy: Florence to Bologna Train

Trains rule on-the-ground travel in Italy: if you’re not going to rent a car, it’s likely you’ll be getting around Italy by train.

Every train we have taken in Italy has been comfortable and pleasant, but keep in mind that strikes can occasionally interfere with travel.

We definitely recommend booking your train tickets in advance if you’re traveling on Italy’s high-speed trains, as these tickets can increase in price as the dates get closer.

If you’re traveling on the regional train, you don’t need to worry about booking ahead, as the prices are fixed.

We typically travel Italy by train with Trenitalia, Italy’s national company, but Italo (a private company) is also excellent for some routes.

trentitalia high speed train in milano centrale station, as seen when traveling italy by train

In Lombardy (where Milan and Lake Como are located), you’ll also see Trenord-branded trains.

You can check prices and compare rates, schedules, and more on Omio to ensure you’re getting the best deal on train (or bus) travel in Italy.

We use Omio regularly throughout Europe and have always had good experiences with it.

If you do happen to buy a train ticket at the station (for a day trip, perhaps), keep in mind that paper train tickets must be validated before boarding the train in Italy, and failing to do so could result in a hefty fine, being thrown off the train at the next stop, and an enormous headache.

As far as we’re concerned, that’s another reason to book online, as showing the tickets on your phone to the conductor is just fine.

Shop train tickets for your 2 week Italy trip today!

Honeymoon in Tuscany: Views of Tuscan Countryside

Renting a car to drive through Italy is a popular option, especially in places like Tuscany, but there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you do.

Keep in mind that cars are restricted from driving into the historical centers of most cities, including Florence and Venice, and failure to adhere to these rules (even accidentally) can result in strict fines that you sometimes find out about through the mail months after the fact (my dad and a good friend have both been fined for driving in Italy via a summons after returning home).

For that reason, as well as issues with extremely limited parking in cities, we recommend limiting car rental when possible to time spent in smaller villages and towns.

While we love taking road trips in Italy , this itinerary for 14 days in Italy doesn’t require one, with the possible exception of renting a car for a couple of days to explore smaller villages in Tuscany.

If you do want to rent a car in Tuscany, know that an international driver’s permit is required for renting a car in Italy and must be obtained in your home country before arriving.

Siena Day Trip: Jeremy with Classic Cars

Sometimes car rental companies ask for it, sometimes they don’t (same with the police), but in our opinion, it’s not worth taking the risk–add this to your list of things to take care of being starting your 2 week Italy trip if you plan on renting a car.

Also, keep insurance in mind!

Thanks to Italy’s (somewhat deserved) reputation for less-than-cautious drivers, some travel insurance companies will not cover you while driving in Italy, or charge an extra fee to do so. Be sure to double-check before you book.

If renting a car is the right choice for you, we recommend browsing Discover Cars , and aggregate for finding rental cars in Europe (and beyond, though they’re most popular in Europe).

Discover Cars will search both local and international brands that have available cars for your dates, and allow you to compare prices, reviews, and inclusions side-by-side.

Shop rental cars for your Italy vacation today!

Quiet street in Venice, to be visited on this 2 week Italy itinerary

Bus travel in Italy is much less common than in some other European countries, mostly because of their well-developed train system.

You can find some buses available, however, especially among smaller cities and villages (we’ve used local buses in South Tyrol several times), as well as throughout certain parts of southern Italy.

If you’re having trouble deciding how to get around a certain destination.

In addition to trains, you can also browse some long-distance buses via Omio .

kate storm and ranger storm in front of the pantheon when visiting rome italy

If you’re hoping to be careful of your budget during your 2 week Italy trip, we recommend looking into flights for the Rome to Venice (or vice versa) leg of this itinerary.

Trains are a comfortable, romantic, and easy way to travel, and they also often cost more than budget flights do!

There’s no such thing as a bad time to spend 2 weeks in Italy, but some seasons are definitely more convenient to travel in than others.

Summer is the most popular season and will bring warm weather, lots of sunshine, and lots of tourists.

Prices will be at their highest, but the beaches will be at their best–if you’re hoping to swim at Cinque Terre, you’ll want to plan a summer trip.

Winter is the offseason and will bring colder temperatures, rain, and gray skies.

Prices will be at their lowest, and crowds will be as small as they ever get.

The Christmas season can bring increased crowds, but also the benefit of experiencing Christmas decor and markets (though fair warning–these have nothing on the Christmas markets in Austria and Germany! Check out Bolzano for something close.).

jeremy storm and ranger storm in front of milan christmas tree galleria vittorio emanuele

Personally, our favorite times to travel to Italy are the spring and especially the fall.

T he crowds are less than in the summer, spring brings beautiful blooms, and fall brings the olive harvest (after tasting fresh olive oil in Tuscany, I don’t know how we ever lived without it).

The weather is a bit riskier during the spring and fall than during the summer, but we have never had much of an issue with it.

T he occasional rainy or cool day is worth it to us for the tradeoff of not being hot and crowded, and October is our personal favorite month to visit Italy.

Ultimately, though, whenever you have a chance to plan a 14 day Italy trip, take advantage of it: every month of the year brings distinct upsides and challenges, but each and every one of them is worth the trade-off.

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: View of Siena

Planning a packing list for 2 weeks in Italy can be a challenge of its own!

We have a full Italy packing list here, but to get you started here are a few things to be sure to bring on your trip to Italy.

These days, we prefer just to leave valuables in our Pacsafe during the day.

2 aperol spritzes being held up in lucca, a fun stop during a 14 days in italy itinerary

Option C: Hope you get lucky with the weather (but fair warning, we’ve never been avoided rain entirely during a trip to Italy!).

Bring a small pack of tissues, toss them in your day bag, and you won’t have to worry about it.

I’ve been using it for more than 5 years now and am now working on my second volume, and I absolutely adore it!

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

Before heading off for your 2 weeks in Italy, be sure to read through our complete Italy packing list !

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: #rome #florence #tuscany #cinqueterre #venice #italy #travel

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

148 thoughts on “How to Spend 2 Weeks in Italy (Itinerary for 14 Perfect Days!)”

I’m in Veneto, and so am biased about what I write about Italy. You covered some great places like CInque Terre and beautiful Toscana. I totally agree about heading to see the Alps, the Dolomiti is a must too. Beautiful photos to accompany the post too!

Thanks, Lisa! We’re hoping to make it back to see even more of Italy in 2018–maybe we’ll make it to more of Veneto this time!

Do the 3 chimney hike, you will not be disappointed!

Italy, why can’t I quit you… I have been reading about how dreary Italy can be in the winters. I think you are right that fall would be the best time to visit. I loved how clear all of your photography was.

Thanks, guys! I know what you mean–we can’t quit Italy, either.

I went in October 1-14, 2021, we had one evening of rain in Venice but we went to a concerto and the rain was over when we came out of the concert!!! I had the best trip ever!!!!!! My daughter planned it and she did an excellent job, Naples to Rome to Florence to Tuscany to Venice to Cortina to Venice train to Naples to Mt. Vesuvius to Pompeii to Verti to Amalfi Coast. It was an amazing trip and I want to go back too.

How many days did you stay in each of these places on your trip to Italy?

What was your itinerary day to day. What method of transportation? Thanks!

Could you please share more details? would love to do this itinerary Summer of 2023!

A great article for first timer to Italy. I have sent this to my partner and I hope he reads it, I have dreamed of coming to Italy since I was a young girl. My parents went to Italy and always spoke of Venice and Muranos Island and of course glassware. Your photos are spectacular.

Hope you get to make that trip happen soon, Nicole! Italy is as amazing as advertised. 😀

Italy is such a cool destination and this is the perfect guide to plan a trip in two weeks. I have been to Rome once and your pictures of Trivi Fountain is amazing as during my visit it was mainly crowded. Did you explore the islands near Venice too ?

No chance to go to the islands, sadly–the weather didn’t cooperate with us too well in Venice. Hopefully next time! We’d especially love to go to Burano.

I was actually wondering where you were off next, after reading your Rome post 🙂 although not a big fan of Italy overall, I am a huge fan of Tuscany… I only got to spend 2 days in Florence a few years back, so it is definitely on my travel list! Love your pics!

Florence is definitely worth a return visit–the food alone would be, in our opinion! 😉

I visited Italy for the first time last year, travelling to Rome and it was magical. The amount of culture is unbelievable, I would love to travel to Florence or Naples next time!

I hope you get that return trip, Lottie! Italy never gets dull, that’s for sure.

Your pictures are really enticing. A trip to Italy would be incomplete without taking up a culinary class or 2 in Tuscany. Cinque Terre looks particularly interesting too. Will get back to you for travel-planning. 🙂 Cheers!!

You’re totally right, Aditi–our cooking class in Tuscany was one of our highlights of our month there this year! Food in general is such a big part of traveling in Italy, it really adds something to the whole experience.

I agree with you that one cant get enough of Italy…and this time I really mean it! So much cosy villages and site to explore…and not to mention the food! I have been to Italy many times before living in the country next to so I think you have chosen a great destinations for a two weeks itinerary for a first-timer! I hope to visit the northern and souther part of Italy this summer!

Oh, it must be so much fun to live in Italy! I’m sure it comes with its challenges as well, like any destination, but if we could pick somewhere to live for a year, Italy would be VERY high on the list!

Eat, Pray, love put Italy on my map. And, I am so glad it did. I really enjoyed my time in Italy. And, without knowing I almost followed your first-time visitor itinerary. The country is so beautiful that one time is not enough. I am aching to go back. Maybe this year it will happen.

Hope you get to go back, Archana! No such thing as too many trips to Italy, right?!

A nice itinerary that you have suggested. Did all these except for cinque Terre. Wish someone had advised me then to do that. I hope to go back to Italy again to see this. Cheers

Agreed–we hope we get to go again soon, too! 🙂

Curious, how did you decide the order of your destinations? We’re doing 15 days in Italy and flying into Rome. We’re trying to visit Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Tuscany then Amalfi Coast before returning to Rome for our flight home. Any advice on the best order?

We actually put this itinerary together based on a couple of months worth of travel in Italy, so we didn’t follow these steps exactly in order (though we’ve visited all of these destinations, some more than once!).For your trip, assuming you’re flying out of Rome as well, I’d personally probably structure it as: Rome to Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre to Florence/Tuscany, Florence/Tuscany to Venice, and Venice to the Amalfi Coast (you’ll need to stop by Rome again) before returning home.

No matter what way you do it, you’re going to have a lot of travel time in there–you’re covering quite a bit of the country.Honestly, I’m tempted to say you should skip either Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast (the Amalfi Coast would make more sense to cut geographically, hence why it didn’t make this itinerary) and slow the pace a bit, but I know that’s much easier said than done–when you have a limited number of days, you want to see it all!

Not sure how you’re planning on getting around, but I’d consider saving some time and flying from Venice back to Rome–budget airlines (including Ryanair) fly in/out of both those cities, and if you plan in advance, you may be able to get very low fares. Also consider booking any train tickets you need in advance–fares go up dramatically the closer your dates get.

Hope you guys have an amazing trip! Italy is absolutely incredible. ?

Hi Jeremy and Kate, Warm greetings from India. I discovered your blogsite recently and this is really amazing 🙂 I wanted a favor from you guys, I will be travelling to Italy soon, for some office work in mid march. I will stay at Siena for 14 days. Can you please please please recommend me a travel plan or at least help me with details of rail travel? I intend to see Rome on one weekend, Venice and Milan on other weekend. I intend to travel Florence and Pisa during weekdays, when we get time off. I wish to hear from you guys… Love from India <3

Hi, Akshay! That’s not a service that we offer, but I can say that we used Trenitalia for our train tickets and were very satisfied with them. I recommend booking as soon as you know your dates, because prices do get more expensive over time. I think seeing Venice and Milan in a single weekend will likely be too much–unless you’re dying to see Milan in particular, I’d recommend skipping it and heading right to Venice. Good luck!! Hope you have an incredible trip.

We leave for our first Italy trip next week! I am so excited! When we were first planning our trip we were trying to pack too much into 14 days. We settled on flying into Venice for two days, heading to Modena for two days, traveling to the Umbria region for 5 and ending in Rome where we fly out.

Oh, that is so exciting! It’s definitely tempting to try to stuff too many destinations into too few days, but your trip sounds wonderful. I hope it helps you fall in love with Italy!!

Hello- We are traveling to Italy for first time in August 2018. Flying in to Venice and staying for 3 nights. Then to Florence for 4 nights, and on to Rome for 6. Flying back to US from Rome. Question– Should we decrease time in Rome to add 1-2 nights in Naples or Sorrento to see Amalfi Coast? We will do day trip from Rome –> Naples –> Pompeii, but just curious if we should try to squeeze in Amalfi Coast. Thank you!

Hi Vicki! It’s hard to say without knowing your general travel style (how badly do you want to see the beach?), but our recommendation would be to stick with Rome for 6 nights, or to add on an additional night onto Florence and potentially use that as a day trip to Cinque Terre (you’ll need a car to do that, but it’s a shorter drive than Rome –> Sorrento). Good luck with your planning–your trip sounds fabulous!

Thanks so much Kate! The attraction to Amalfi Coast is b/c we have heard how beautiful it is- but it does does sound far for a day trip from Rome. I keep reading about Cinque Terre but we are not big hikers (knee issues…!). Would Cinque Terre be worth a day trip (train?) on the way to Florence from Venice? Thank you so much for your help! Vicki

A day in Cinque Terre on the way to Florence, perhaps… but you’d need a whole day, and likely need to spend a night. There’s no direct train from Florence to Levanto (the larger village near the Cinque Terre villages), unfortunately, so traveling by train between the two without a car is harder than it appears looking at a map. Travel from Venice to Cinque Terre will likely take an entire day as well, but you could add one Cinque Terre day in between two travel days if you’d like! 🙂

Kate, Thank you so much– this has been enormously helpful! I think we’ve decided to take the train from Venice to Florence, spend 4 full days in Florence and just explore that beautiful area. We know we need at least two full days in Florence, but welcome any/all suggestions about surrounding area day trips. Grazie!!

Hi Vicki! Some of our favorite Florence towns include San Gimignano, Volterra, and Lucca–all great day trips. 🙂 Siena is also popular. If you have a car, there are natural hot springs in Tuscany that are supposed to be beautiful, but we haven’t made it there ourselves yet. Our “Romantic Things to Do in Tuscany” post has some great ideas as well–you don’t necessarily need to be traveling with a partner for them, either! 😉

Vicki- who are you booking with. This is the exact trip myhusband wants but couldn’t find it. flying to venice for 3 nights, florence for 4 nights, then Rome.

I’m not sure what Vicki is planning, but if you guys are planning the trip yourselves, I’d fly to Venice, take the train to Florence, and then the train to Rome before flying home. I’m not sure of any group tours that follow that route, though I’m sure they exist!

Hi Kate, in your scenariou do you fly back home from Venice or Rome back home

It’s up to you and how the flights work to/from your destination.

In a perfect world, it’s easiest to fly into Rome and out of Venice.

However, if flights are much more expensive that way vs booking a round trip ticket, you can also take the high-speed train from Venice back to Rome to fly out. The fastest trains on that route take just under 4 hours, but you’d need to book those tickets in advance.

This post is a great guide for traveling through Italy. My friends and I traveled to Italy on a rented car and visited some of these places. I advise everyone to visit here!

Thanks, Dylan! So glad you guys had a great time.

Parking can also be a challenge around the villages–if possible, we’d recommend relying on the train or Cinque Terre’s famous trail to get between the villages. And it is very good, because in Ukraine it is big problem!^(

Yes, absolutely, but it can be convenient to drive to La Spezia and take the train into the 5 villages from there. 🙂 Easier than taking the train all the way from Florence for sure!

This is amazing blog! My husband and I are traveling to Italy for our honeymoon in June. Could you guys shed some light on car rental and driving in Italy? Is it driver friendly with interpretable directions? My husband wants to bring a GPS – is this too ridiculous? Thank you!! Also, have you been to Capri?

Hey Natalie! Congrats on your wedding–we got married 5 years ago this June. 🙂 🙂 Italy is reasonably simple to drive in when you consider the quality of the roads (decent) and navigation (decent). That being said, drivers are aggressive and driving in cities is a headache–at the very least, I’d ditch the car in major cities. Depending on your itinerary, I doubt you’ll need a car for your whole trip–I’d consider where it would be more of a hindrance than a help (basically any large city and any surrounding smaller cities/towns that you can connect to by train) and go from there.

I am so happy I came across your blog! We leave 9/8/18 from California and arrive in Rome on Sun. 9/9 @ 6pm My initial thought was to take the fast train to Venice on Mon. 9/10 and then work our way down to Florence, CT, Rome.. but now i am wondering if i should fly to Venice on 9/10 after a good nights rest instead of train to save time.. its the same price! Or do you suggest head straight to CT from Rome, then on to Florence, Venice and fly back to Rome to finish our trip there?? I saw you suggested above to go to CT from Rome..

I am trying to not overwhelm ourselves as i really don’t want to spend all my time on a train or stressed out.. But i feel like these are the 4 places we want to see this time around.. (i had to talk myself out of Amalfi, Lake Garda, etc.!.. i want to see it all!) Also, this will be our honeymoon! We will be there for a total of 13 nights.

Hey Amanda! Congrats on your upcoming wedding!!

September is the perfect time for a honeymoon in Italy, it’s one of our favorite months here. 🙂 I definitely understand the difficulty of cutting things down, lol–there’s never enough time!

As far as starting in Rome or Venice, it’s mostly personal preference. I wrote the itinerary this way for two reasons: 1) most people fly into Rome, and 2) If I had to choose, I think Venice makes a better last destination than first. They’re both crowded and touristy, of course, but seeing the best of Rome requires a lot of effort and activities–the Colosseum, touring the Vatican, etc.

Venice definitely has some great sights, but you could also spend a couple of days strolling aimlessly around the city while eating endless gelatos and still come away feeling like you “saw Venice”–in other words, it’s not as demanding as Rome IMO.

Plus… after flying all the way from California, I’m guessing you’ll be ready to see Italy once you get here, not jump on another train/plane! But ultimately, it’s your call–I don’t think either direction would be a mistake.

I do definitely recommend flying over train travel for the Rome to Venice route, as it’ll definitely save you time–anything that saves you time and stress on a honeymoon is a good idea. 🙂

Hi there, I am taking my wife for 2 weeks coming up next month. We are staying in Cortona, Italy in Tuscancy and making day excursions to Florence, Pisa and other towns within a day of Cortona. For the second week, would it be better to start off in Venice and make our way to Rome and/or Cinque Terre or do I see about a last minute cruise from Venice through the Mediterranean. Downside would be that we wouldn’t see as much of Italy. We don’t want to be on the go 24-7 but we do want to experience Italy. Your comments are appreciated!

Both of those options sound amazing, so it’ll really just be down to personal preference!

I don’t know the cruise itinerary, but I would imagine that the cruise will focus more on natural beauty + beaches, and a a trip to Rome would be more focused on history (with still a sprinkling of beaches in that week if you hit up Cinque Terre).

If this is your first trip to Italy, I personally would forgo the cruise to focus on Italy itself, but there is definitely no right or wrong answer to that!

Great advice and itineraries, thanks so much! We’re planning an 8-10 day trip to Italy during the last 2 weeks of August and are thinking Venice, Florence and Rome (not necessarily in that order). I’m wondering if it would be a better plan to split the time between Venice and Florence and plan to see Rome during a trip during a shoulder season (we also have 2 weeks available to travel after Christmas ). Your thoughts on whether to cut the itinerary to 2 vs 3 cities during the hotter “touristy” time of year? Thanks!

That’s a tough question! Knowing you have another opportunity to travel after Christmas, I would probably lean toward cutting one city and sticking to two–it’ll be a more relaxing trip that way, and there’s more than enough to do in any two of those cities to keep you entertained for 8-10 days. I know it’s a hard call, though!

Hello, it was nice reading your and other people’s ideas. We are going to be 71 and 72 this coming April-May when I am planning our trip to Italy. I have been before and love the trains and agree with all. But, dealing with luggage on trains is not the easiest especially as we get older. I need to book lodging before the flights and we have enough miles. If we take the train, are there taxis at all the stations to get us and luggage to where we stay? And, any idea how much or if they take credit cards like I know they do in NYC? He suggested driving for that reason, but I think finding parking with the lodging, or at the sights, would be the worse problem. Do you agree? I was thinking of mid May, but have read that May is pricey. Do you think late April is warm? I don’t want to lug jackets. My idea for 2 weeks: fly to Rome, 3 days; to Assisi, Perugio, Siena- find a place in either area for a day or 2; Florence, 3 days;Pisa 1 day; Cinque Terre/LaSpezia, 2 days; Venice -maybe drive thru Verona, 2 days.

Hi Roberta! Yes, I can definitely see how the luggage on and off trains can be difficult. There are taxis at most of the stations, but they don’t tend to take credit cards. Uber is available in Rome, but no other city on your itinerary. I would say that driving is definitely more trouble than it is worth for larger cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice–you could consider driving to Cinque Terre, but you’ll likely just be leaving the car at the hotel the whole time.

I’m not sure what your budget is, but some hotels will also offer an airport (and possibly train station?) pick up service–for a fee, of course, but they would be able to help with the luggage.

Late April is a bit unpredictable with the weather–it may already be getting warm in Rome, but Venice will almost certainly still be jacket weather. You never know, though! We were in central Italy during late April this year (Bologna/Emila-Romagna) and we still wanted light jackets until around the beginning of May.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hey! Came across your blog and this is super helpful. Even reading through all the comments.

My wife and I are flying into and out of Rome in September and have 14 days in Italy. We were thinking after arriving in Rome hopping on a train to Venice and staying there for about 3 and a half days then taking the high speed train to Naples and spending some time in Sorrento and that area for about 4 days and ending in a Rome for about 4-5 days. I’m not counting the days where it’s mostly traveling.

Do you think this is feasible? Should we add a city worth seeing or is it too spread out to really enjoy it? We want to make the best of it since we may not get back there soon but I also don’t want us running around so much that it becomes in enjoyable.

I appreciate your feedback!

It is feasible! You’ll be tired, but it looks like you have enough time to work with. If you have your heart set on those destinations, I’d look at a budget flight instead of a train for Rome/Venice and back–round trip fares can be quite inexpensive on discount airlines like Ryanair, and I know they have lots of flights between both cities.

With a 14 day trip, I would personally be tempted to trim a day from each of those destinations and add in another city (Florence/Tuscany would be my personal first pick), but you certainly don’t need to, and you guys know your pace best.

If you’re 100% sure on dates, I’d check on flight and train prices *now*–the high-speed trains that go between multiple regions of Italy (ie, the Rome–>Venice and Venice–>Naples trains) can be pricey, and the prices do increase as the dates get closer. With regional trains that stay in one area (just Lazio or just Veneto, for example), the prices are fixed and you can just buy whenever. 🙂

Have fun!! September is a magical time to be in Italy, I’m sure your trip will be wonderful.

Hi I Loved your itinerary, am thinking of something similar in October for my family. Could I ask what your final budget was for travel and accommodation / tickets etc please? Many thanks Carly

We put this itinerary together based on several months traveling in Italy, so it’s hard to extrapolate out what we would have spent. Speaking generally, I would say 140 Euros/couple/day, adding additional funds for kids, is a comfortable midrange budget in Italy, though you can easily do it on a far smaller or far bigger budget as well. If you plan to rent a car in Italy, that will eat into costs and you may want to budget extra for that.

Your travel blog is perfection! We are looking to surprise our daughters with a trip next summer and you have covered everything on our wish list.

Thanks, Jodi! That sounds like so much fun–I would have been thrilled to have my parents surprise me with an Italy trip! 😀

Hello I am in the process of planning a summer trip to Italy with our kids. We are flying into Venice ( award travel) and was planning to stay 2 nights, then stay 5 nights in Tuscany and then head to Positano for 5 nights. Will fly home from Naples or Rome. On our first trip to Italy we did Florence, Cinque and Rome. I was dreaming of a farmhouse/villa stay in Tuscany but so far they are all a Saturday to Saturday stay. We arrive in Venice on a Monday and was planning Tuscany for a Wednesday arrival for 5 nights. Wondering if we should skip Positano and go somewhere for 5 nights before Tuscany? Or should we fly from Venice to Naples , visit Amalfi area and then head back to Tuscany? Or maybe you know a place that doesn’t require a week stay in Tuscany? Is there a Tuscan town you recommend for a good home base? Trying to make the best use of our time. I am getting confused 🙂 Our kids are teens. Appreciate your thoughts!

Hi Sally! It all depends on what you’re looking for–Positano is beautiful, but if you’d rather stick to a closer geographic area, Verona and Emilia-Romagna (possibly based in Verona) would be good options between the two. For beaches, there’s always Elba in Tuscany (though that can be a little harder to get to). I don’t know of any Tuscan villas offhand that aren’t only Saturday-Saturday, but I would guess that VRBO and maybe Airbnb would be your best bets for that. We use VRBO for our multi-generational family trips to Tuscany. 🙂 Tuscany is one of our favorite places, so I’d have a hard time saying you can go wrong with a base there! Siena and Lucca are both great options if you’re wanting something smaller than Florence, but you’ll definitely need a car for day trips if you’re wanting to explore the region (and especially if you’re staying outside the city center).

I enjoyed reading your blogs very much. My family and i will have only 5 days in Italy, as a side trip from Germany. Where would you recommend that we must visit, as a first timer to Italy? Also, are there flights/trains that go directly to Florence?

Ahh, that’s a hard one! The answer is, of course, wherever you are most invested in going–but in my personal opinion, I’d pick Tuscany. It’s easy to navigate, incredibly beautiful, and very classically “Italian” for first-time visitors. It’s also one of our favorite places in the world, so I’m a bit biased. 🙂 There are flights and trains that go directly to Florence, but on that timeline and coming all the way from Germany, I’d definitely fly. If you’re open to budget airlines, be sure to check Pisa–it’s about 20-30 minutes outside of Florence, and most of the budget airlines fly there instead of directly to Florence.

We are heading to Italy (first time for me) next fall with 2 other couples and are just now starting to research. Your blog is amazing and really is helping us formulate our trip. Have you ever cruised the coast of Italy ( i want to see as much as possible going for 2 weeks) and know we cant see it all but wondered how a cruise (small less then 300 people) might help us see all those amazing sights on the water – 7 day then heading into shore and seeing the other parts of Italy.

We haven’t had the chance to cruise the coast of Italy (yet), but it’s actually on our list of Italy trips we hope to take one day.

If your goal is to see as much as of Italy as possible, I would say the benefits of the cruise depend on where exactly it goes and what your priorities are. I’d check and see how much land time there is vs cruising time, etc. It’ll definitely cut into your time in Italy itself, but it would also undoubtedly be a beautiful and unforgettable experience in its own right. The coast of Italy is incredibly gorgeous!

Did you take the picture of the Tuscan countryside that is right before the “Cars” section of this blog? If so, where is that at?

Yes we did!

It was taken at a winery outside of San Gimignano–those are the towers of San Gimignano that you can see in the far distance. Unfortunately, I didn’t note the name of the winery at the time, but there are similar views all throughout the area!

Kate, My husband and I are planning to go back to Italy next October.our past trips were Florence, Tuscany and a Rome. This time we’re going to Umbria area and the Amalfi coast probably 14 days total. My question is what order do you suggest? Last trip we felt like we should have done Rome first then Tuscany, Rome was hustle bustle and Tuscany was laid back and relaxing..we felt we should have stayed in Tuscany last. What place would you suggest starting and ending with.

If you’re looking to start with hustle and bustle and then end with somewhere relaxing, I’d recommend starting with the Amalfi Coast and then heading onto Umbria! As a bonus, you’ll then be near the coast a tiny bit earlier in the season, so hopefully some of the warm weather will hold out for you (and it very well might–we’re in Rome right now, and even though we’re into the second half of October, it’s 80F and sunny out!).

Hi, Thank you for sharing this itinerary – so helpful as we have never travelled to Italy and are planning our first trip later this year. We would also like to visit Pompeii. How long would you spend there and where would you stay to include this stop. Thanks so much

I’m actually working on a Pompeii/Mount Vesuvius guide that should be published sometime this month, so be sure to check back for more detail, but here’s the short version–it depends on how much time you have.

If you only have right around 2 weeks in Italy and don’t want to cut any other destinations, you can do Pompeii as a day trip from Rome. However, the only way to feasibly do that well (especially on a first trip to Italy) is to book an all-day tour, and it’s about 6 hours of driving roundtrip.

Alternatively, you can stay in Naples and visit independently. Naples feels very different from the rest of this Italy itinerary, which focuses on north and central Italy instead of the south of the country, but it is a lovely city with some fascinating things to do, the world’s best pizza, and easy access to Pompeii. It’s considered “dirty” by many, but it doesn’t personally bother us a bit, and we don’t think time there is wasted.

For Pompeii itself, you really only need one day, and with some solid planning, a base in Naples, and an alarm clock, you can squeeze in a visit to the crater of Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum that day as well.

If you wanted to visit via Naples and keep most of this itinerary structure, add on a stop after Rome. You could then double back to Cinque Terre or simply swap Cinque Terre for the Amalfi Coast, which is very close to Pompeii and Naples, before heading up to Florence + Venice.

Hi. I am visiting Italy in April and would like to go to the Dolomites. I will be staying at Peschiera del Garda for 5 nights. Will I be able to visit the Dolomites from this place? Will Dolomites be accessible in early May?

We haven’t been to Peschiera del Garda, but there are plenty of day trips to the Dolomites sold that leave from there, so you should be safe. 🙂 The Dolomites are pretty accessible–depending on altitude you may still see some snow in early May and certainly some colder temperatures, but you should be able to access the mountains to experience some beautiful views (I’m assuming you’re not planning on doing any intense hiking since you’re basing yourself near Lake Como).

Hi! I am trying to plan a trip to Italy for May. We want to go to Venice, but have also heard that there are new laws for tourists and how expensive it is during this time of year. I know it is so overly visited by tourists, and just wanted to ask you if you think it is worth it. It would be at the end of our trip, and only 2 days. If not, we may stay south. Thanks!

It’s an interesting question, Hannah. We’ve personally only visited Venice in the late fall, so we haven’t experienced the summer crowds ourselves–but we know they are intense.

If you have always wanted to see Venice, I do think it’s worth it–no matter how many cities call themselves “the Venice of X place”, there truly is only one Venice. It’s an incredibly unique and beautiful city.

However, you will definitely pay for the privilege–it’s expensive, and there will be crowds in May, especially if you go toward the end of the month.

I’d recommend pricing out hotels and activities for your dates, adding up the estimated cost, and asking if you think that number–including the cost of getting to/from Venice–is justified based on how much you want to see it.

If you don’t mind crowds, have always wanted to see the city, and don’t mind the cost (much)–go.

If you’d prefer to visit somewhere less congested and Venice is somewhere you’re considering visiting just because it’s an obvious choice and not because you’re excited to see it specifically, look at staying further south.

This is WONDERFUL! My fiance and I are planning a two week trip to Italy from the States. Any chance you have a rough estimate on how much to budget for all of this? Thanks so much!

Thank you, Marissa! Plane tickets will be incredibly dependent on where you are flying from in the USA–Las Vegas, Orlando, NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, and sometimes Boston are all places to check for budget airline flights if you’re looking to save cash and those are an option for you. To help with budgeting on the ground, we put together this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/trip-to-italy-cost/

Hopefully that helps give you a general idea!

That’s a really informative article Kate!

I need some advice from you. I am planning to visit Italy on my honeymoon in late November. I know it’s not an ideal season for sightseeing and getting around, but would you recommend including Catania or Malta in the itinerary during that time of the year? With some quick research I noted that these locations offer warmer weather, but I never saw these places covered in any itineraries available online. Would you be aware of any reason for that?

Thanks in advance!

Late November will really be too late in the year for any swimming, but Sicily and Malta will still be beautiful.

Catania is not generally considered to be a great place to sightsee in Sicily–Taormina, Siracusa, and even Palermo are all more popular. We skipped Catania ourselves for this reason, so I can’t offer any personal advice there. We did love Palermo, which is Sicily’s other major airport hub.

The best way to find itineraries for Malta would be to search for those itineraries alone–it’s not usually combined with Italy (not sure if that’s what you were searching?). It is a lovely place, and if you’re content to sightsee on land and skip some of the more summery activities, I think a November trip could be fun.

Other than weather, etc, if you want to include either Catania or Malta in your trip, the other two things I’d check on are flights (many budget flights to/from beach destinations are seasonal and won’t be running in November), and for Malta, whether anything you want to do is closed for the season.

Also, I’m not sure if you’re looking for a particular kind of trip, but depending on how late in November you go, you may be able to check out some Christmas markets in Italy and/or Malta, so keep an eye out for those!

Congratulations on your marriage–hope you have a wonderful trip!

Great article thank you so much! We just really don’t have interest in Venice (I know it’s weird) but would you suggest we could easily sub in Milan/Como for Venice?

You can! Milan and Venice can be reached in roughly the same amount of time from Florence, give or take depending on your train route. If you’re looking for other places in northern Italy to consider, you might like to take a look at Verona or Bologna as well. 🙂

This is a great and detailed article to aid in starting up creating one’s itinerary! I doubt 2 weeks would be even close to being enough if I wanted to see most of Italy in one go, especially since I am dying to see Milan, Lake Garda and Amalfi Coast!

– Laura

I’ve finally come to the conclusion that no amount of time is enough for Italy! I don’t think we’ll ever be done going back. 🙂 We still need to make it to Lake Garda (and Lake Como, and Lago di Braies, and Lago di Sorapis…) ourselves.

Thank you for the information. Q: If we ignore the time to travel, cost and all other extranal factors. Which is a better place to see Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast?

Q: What other place in a differnt country in europe can I travel from Italy for a three day trip?

Have a good say!!

For your first question, personally we slightly prefer Cinque Terre, but it really just comes down to personal preference at that point! Both are phenomenal, neither is objectively better.

You can go just about anywhere in Europe for 3 days from Italy, as there are budget flights from all the major cities to just about anywhere on the continent! If you are looking for something geographically close and/or you don’t want to take a plane, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, France, etc, are easy to reach from the north, San Marino is accessible from Emilia-Romagna and the surrounding area, and Malta, Spain, and Croatia are accessible by ferry, just to give you a few ideas!

Very engaging and informative read! Enjoyed your blog. In process of planning trip to Italy in mid November. Flying in at Milan and out from Rome. 1N(Night) Milan 3N Dolomites 2N Venice 3N Cinque Terre 3N Florence/Tuscany 2N Rome 2N Naples

Love for mountains and offbeat places (less crowded) places. On a budget trip, depending on public transport.

(1) If you can suggest base location /or (BnB or Hostel) for Dolomites and Naples (2) Any other location, where exploring around would not be straight forward as will be dependent on public transport (3) Is the itinerary good mix of days and routes? If you think by any ways can swap days / location..please do recommend

Thanks so much, Niket! That trip sounds amazing, if a little fast-paced for our tastes. 🙂

For the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bolzano are two of the “bigger” cities (and I use bigger loosely) that people use for a base. There are plenty of small towns as well, but keep in mind that in November there could be snow, etc, to contend with the higher you go, and public transportation options will be fewer and a bit more complicated.

For Naples, the biggest thing to keep in mind is the hills! The further you stay from Piazza del Plebiscito, the more hills you’ll climb. We stayed in the budget hotel linked in this post on our first visit to Naples and liked it well enough (the nearby escalators to get down the hill definitely helped): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/one-day-in-naples-itinerary/

As for the route, I personally would cut Cinque Terre and/or the Dolomites, as in mid-November the weather isn’t likely to be great and you have a lot of places that you’re covering. I’d be tempted to give over another night to Venice and another two nights to Rome in exchange, but that’s entirely personal preference!

I’d also recommend not counting too much on getting to see a particular hike, etc, in the Dolomites. It’s very likely that it will be cold, rainy, and maybe even snowy by mid-November, though undoubtedly still beautiful!

Thanks for the great ideas and tips. We’re a family of 4 thinking of a 2-week trip to Italy next summer and your itinerary could be a possibility (in reverse, as we’d start in Venice). Can you suggest any good self-catering or apartment rental options for the itinerary? Or trustworthy websites to try? Thank you in advance!

Hi Dee! Depends on what you’re looking for, size of group, etc, but for self-catering apartments we generally book through Booking.com or Airbnb. For villas/large groups, we’ve found excellent properties through VRBO. We highly recommend a country villa for a couple of nights in Tuscany if it fits your group and budget!

Hi Kate, very helpful blog indeed, thanks. I am struggling to work out the perfect itinerary because I need to visit Bologna for business. My plan ( which can be tweaked ) is to fly into ROME March 2 arriving 7 am and fly out March 16 at 11 am. I need to arrive Bologna 11th evening, and leave 14th evening or 15th morning. I can move my dates 1-2 days before or after. I am very keen on Amalfi coast, tuscany ( since i love tuscan wine ); florence, rome and Venice. Cinque terre is captivating in the pics too. I can skip pisa/ lucca. Would love to hear your comments, thanks

Personally, I’d strongly recommend cutting a couple of destinations from your list. While technically you can make it work (especially using day trips), that will be a very exhausting trip and the coastal destinations won’t be at their best in March. At most, I’d pick 3 destinations in addition to Bologna to visit.

You could potentially do something like this, give or take:

Rome Florence + Tuscan countryside (as one stop, you can day trip to the countryside from Florence or visa versa) Bologna 11-14 Venice OR Amalfi Coast with your remaining days (Venice would probably be easier).

That’s my suggestion, but ultimately it’s your call! I’ve certainly squeezed extra destinations I couldn’t bear to leave out before. 🙂

Hi Karen, Thanks for your advice. I will now consider the following, feel free to let me know if this is doable. day 1-3 Venice day 4-7 Florence ( 2 days in city; 1 day trip siena/ san gimignano/ chianti; 1 day trip hiking in cinque terre ) day 8-10 roma day 11-14 bologna for business What do you think? Tony

That sounds very doable and like a great trip!

We are in the planning stages of our 2+ week adventure of Italy. Travel is slated for May of 2021 which will include my wife, 2 daughters and I. We plan to fly into Milan or Venice depending flight tickets. We will rent a car and go for it. We want to drive along the entire coast of Italy with possible multi day stops in some of the bigger cities. Plan to stay in hostels, BnB and occasional hotels. For sure spend a 3 days in Silicy. Thoughts?

Hi Daniel! Sounds like quite the odyssey you guys have planned!

My first thought is that I hope that “+” on the 2+ weeks is pretty flexible if you want to drive the whole coast of Italy! That’s an extremely ambitious plan if you want to stop and see much along the way and also fit in 3 days in Sicily.

If your time frame is set at around 2 weeks in Italy, I’d consider road-tripping one portion of the country (since you mentioned flying into Venice or Milan, maybe driving from there to a few stops in Tuscany and/or Emilia-Romagna/Veneto/Lombardy along the way depending on what you want to see and then flying to Sicily to close out your trip.

If you have your heart set on driving the whole thing, I’d either try to extend your time or accept you’ll spend a lot of time in the car, finding and paying for parking, walking from parking lots into the towns and villages you’re visiting, and generally getting from place to place. Driving in Italy isn’t impossible by a long shot and we’ve done it plenty, but by the time you add in all the logistics, Google maps estimates tend to fall a bit short of how long it actually takes to get to each place!

Your blog is so incredibly helpful, thank you! Planning my 1st trip to Italy with my teen girl who’s graduating. Will us two females traveling alone feel safe? I want to not hassle with buses and need some tour guides, private cars. Etc over buses. I can probably do train but needs to be easy cause I get lost easy LOL. I will need everything bought ahead of time and planned out to the T so I won’t be stressed. I want to go about 20 nights but want to see allot then.

Sorry clicked send before I asked my question LOL. Can you please help me itinerary order. I want to spend 20 nights total. 2 in Rome, 2 in Lake Como, 4 in Florence Tuscany area (please list 2 towns for me to stay in there), 2 in Dolomite area, then 1 night in these places venice, Almfia coast, postitano, sorrento, Vernannza, riomaggiore, portofino, bolzano, and Bari. Am I missing any must see places? Is this doable? Also one last place is I want to see at least one place in Croatia. I don’t know which is better dubernick or split and how to fit it in? Maybe fly out of there? Help please thanks so much!

Hi Becky! Sounds like some amazing destinations you have on your list!

In Tuscany, if you want to stay in two places I’d personally probably do Florence + Siena or Lucca if you don’t want to drive, or Florence + a country house/apartment near Montepulciano or Siena if you do plan to drive!

Your wish list sounds amazing but honestly, with 20 nights that’s probably going to be a bit too much. I’d probably cut Bari altogether, and choose two coastal destinations max (Amalfi Coast area with Positano/Sorrento, or Cinque Terre with Riomaggiore/Vernazza, or Portofino, or Croatia).

For choosing between Split and Dubrovnik if you do decide to do Croatia, we have a whole post on that–search “Split or Dubrovnik” in the top righthand corner of the site and it’ll come up. 🙂

I haven’t personally taken a whole trip in Italy alone, but I have many friends who travel solo as women in Italy and love it, and I’ve never had any big problems going out alone, etc. Italy is very used to tourists and generally feels very safe to travel.

Hope that you guys have a wonderful trip, and happy graduation to your daughter!

Hello – planning to go in January for 30th bday. How do you feel about this choice of month?

Thanks, Haylee

It all depends on what you’re looking for!

You’ll need a coat, and gray/rainy days are worth preparing for, but on the other hand, prices will be lower (in a normal year, who knows what will happen this year), the crowds MUCH lighter, and all the sights still beautiful.

We sure wouldn’t turn down a January trip to Italy!

Thanks Kate Storm , Your article is so incredibly helpful. Verona, Liguria, Sicily, Abruzzo, Milan the best places you can live in Italy. I like u r article.

Thank you for your very informative article.I am interested in staying in Puglia.Could you recommend a small authentic village on the coast with access to public transport.What would your ideal itinerary for the Puglia region be.Thanks again

Hi Frances! Sadly our planned 2020 trip to Puglia got cancelled, so I can’t offer any personal recommendations there yet. Hope that changes soon!

Kate, I can’t get enough of your articles!! We are a family of 4 (2 teen boys), traveling to Italy for the first time! We will be flying into Venice the morning of June 2 2022 and out of Rome June 16. I would love your opinion on our proposed itinerary- trying to keep everyone happy and see a lot without cramming in too much! We will likely be hitting the “high points” when it comes to museums and churches. Right now, we’re looking at… 2-6 Venice 6-8 Cinque Terre 8-11 Tuscany/Florence 11-15 Rome 16 fly home Would you allocate it any differently traveling with two teen boys (14 and 17)? And/or add in any day trips? Thank you so much!

Aw, thank you for making my day, Rachel! Truly my favorite part of my job is knowing I help people plan their trips. 🙂

Your itinerary looks great! I’d consider moving one day from Venice (I adore it, but it’s a small city) to either Cinque Terre or to Florence/Tuscany.

A second full day in Cinque Terre would allow you to either spend some time at the beach or hike more, while an additional day in Florence/Tuscany would give you a chance to spend 2 full days in Florence (here’s our suggested itinerary for that: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-days-in-florence-itinerary/ ) as well as take a day trip out to the countryside.

There are some wonderful day trip options from Rome that you may want to look into since you have 4 full days there (here’s a post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-day-trips-from-rome-italy/ ) but you can easily keep yourselves busy in the city as well!

Hope you guys have an amazing time! June is a beautiful month to be in Italy. 🙂

Hello, We are planning to travel to a Italy for 3 weeks (the end of March – beginning of April). Do you have any extra insight for traveling with children? Ages: 13 yrs, 8 yrs, 1yr old. I want an easy, mellow trip but still want to hit the major sights. What should we add or take away from your itinerary?

Hi! Unfortunately, we don’t have any experience traveling in Italy with children that young, but generally speaking, the itinerary should work as long as you’re willing to cut down the number of activities in each destination (so fewer museums, basically). I’d definitely recommend skip-the-line tickets everywhere you go! I know that Rome has a popular children’s museum, as well, and several of the popular hikes in Cinque Terre are doable with your 8 and 13-year-old.

Your blog is amazing, Kate! I am booking a surprise trip for my partner and we are set to visit Italy for 14 days in April 2022. He is a huge history and art buff, I am definitely planning on including Rome, Florence/Tuscany and Venice from your 2 week itinerary. In your opinion would adding in Naples in place of Cinque Terre be stretching it too thin?

Thanks in Advance! Dani

Thanks so much, Dani!

A surprise trip to Italy–that’s one lucky partner you have! LOL.

Yes, you can absolutely swap Naples for Cinque Terre, and I’m sure an art/history buff would love it. A fast train (not regional train) from Rome will probably be your most efficient way of getting there.

Fair warning, since I’m not sure of your travel style, Naples is definitely a bit less manicured than the other cities on your list. I adore it and highly recommend a visit, but just got in expecting a bit more grit (and the best pizza of your life).

Day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast are very doable from Naples as well.

Amazing post! I have always been fascinated by Italy and its historic colosseum. However, I never got a chance to visit there due to my hectic work schedule and other commitments. But, I will be getting some time off during Christmas. And while I was looking for an interesting travel itinerary, I stumbled upon your blog. It does give me some amazing suggestions that will help me to experience the best that Italy has to offer.

Hello…we are looking to go in 2023 to Italy and were considering this itinerary…We need to make sure we are in Florence/Tuscany on June 18…Is this a bit agressive? Would you consider something different and what is the best way to get around…Car or Train? You also noted day trips from these different places…would Naples be one?

Travel to Venice 1 Venice 2 Venice 3 Travel to Lake Como to Milan 4 Milan 5 Travel to Cinque Terre 6 Cinque Terre 7 Cinque Terre 8 Cinque Terre 9 Travel to Florence 10 Florence/Tuscany 11 Florence/Tuscany 12 Florence/Tuscany 13 Travel to Rome 14 Rome 15 Rome 16 Rome 17 Travel Home 18

That looks like a wonderful itinerary, and very reasonable for the most part!

The only exception is that you have “travel to Lake Como to Milan” in one day… doing a quick stopover at Lake Como would be difficult, I’d choose either Lake Como or Milan to visit.

You may also want to move one day from Cinque Terre to either Tuscany or Milan/Lake Como, but that’s a personal preference.

You can easily use the train for all of these places except possibly some of the smaller Tuscan towns, if you plan to visit them. For that, you could either rent a car for a couple of days or book a day tour!

For Naples, you can take a day trip from Rome, but it’s fairly long. If you plan to visit Pompeii and/or the Amalfi Coast as part of that, plan for a VERY long day and absolutely book a tour! We have a very reputable one listed in our Rome day trips guide: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-day-trips-from-rome-italy/

Hi! Thank you for sharing this wonderful itinerary. We are leaving San Francisco 5/25 and arriving in Rome on May on 5/26 and flying out of Venice on 6/9. I’m hoping we are getting in and out just before the big summer rush and heat! We were considering adding one extra day in Rome and I was wondering what the logic is for going to C/T before Florence? On the map it appears going Rome/Florence/CT/Venice might make the most sense, but I’m sure there is a reason I am not seeing. Would also love to hear your recommendations for the three full days in Florence for a family of 4 including a 15 and 18 year old! Thanks!

That’s an excellent time to be in Italy, you guys are going to have an incredible time. 🙂

The logic for going to Cinque Terre before Florence is two-fold. First, if you travel by train instead of by car (which I highly recommend for this itinerary), you can travel from Rome to Cinque Terre along the coast without switching trains, and you won’t go through Florence or need to double back at all. You’ll also have some beautiful views of the coast along the way!

The second is simply to break up what you’re seeing on the trip. While Florence and Rome are two very different cities, they’re the most similar of the 4 destinations on this itinerary, and going to Cinque Terre in between them gives you an opportunity to mix things up instead of condensing more art museums/churches/cobblestone streets (all things I adore, just to be clear!) into one portion of the trip and risk getting burned out.

For the 3 days in Florence, I would recommend more-or-less following our 2 day Florence itinerary (which I’m going to be updating with a bit more detail in the next few weeks, as we just got back from our latest trip!), and then taking a day trip into the Tuscan countryside with the 3rd day, whether that’s by booking a tour or going independently.

Here’s the itinerary: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-days-in-florence-itinerary/

For day trips, many popular tours include Siena, a small town like San Gimignano, and a winery visit. If you’d like something a bit different due to having teens with you, other options include Lucca (you can also add a stop in Pisa if you like), Volterra, Arezzo, Bologna… the sky is the limit! We have a full guide to day trips from Florence here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-day-trips-from-florence-italy/

Hello! I am so happy I found your blog! Such great hints and tips for each of the areas you are recommending. We are heading to Italy for a wedding in Volterra. Flying into Florence and renting a car. After the wedding we are staying and for a week and ultimately ending up in Milan. What are your thoughts on breaking up the trip? Some of the places of interest from your blogs: Livorno, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre (?), Rapallo or a beach, Genoa (?), Milan, Lake Como

I feel like we definitely have too many places we want to see be for such a short time. Would love your input, given we will have a car. 4 adults

Thank you so much! Back to google!

What a beautiful place for a wedding! Volterra is incredible (here’s our post on the town if you haven’t seen it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/volterra-italy/ )

As for where to go the week after the wedding, you’re right that your dream list is a bit long, but which areas you pick are totally up to you!

Personally, I’d recommend doing either Lucca + Pisa + Cinque Terre or Milan + Lake Como + *maybe* one other Tuscan town/city before leaving the area after the wedding.

Lucca makes a great base in Tuscany (here’s our post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-lucca-italy/ ) and also has the benefit of being within a quick ride of Pisa for a day trip. You can realisitically day trip to Cinque Terre from Lucca more easily than from Florence, too, or move to the beach and stay a couple of days.

I love that area, so that’s what I would do if it were my trip. 🙂

However, Lombardy is also stunning! In addition to Milan and Lake Como, with a full week you could also add a visit to Verona, Bergamo, or even Venice. However, I’d be tempted to split the difference and do about 2 days in Milan, 2-3 days in the Como area, and stay in Tuscany after the wedding to explore a different Tuscan city before heading to Lombardy.

Hope that helps! You have the benefit of your wish list being pretty well grouped geographically, which gives you more flexibility. 🙂

Hello! Wow your blog is so incredibly helpful. My husband and I are planning a ~2 week trip to Italy at the end of July/early August (I know… it’s soon!), and we’re looking at doing basically this itinerary. I’m curious though – this is a 14 day itinerary but I believe only 9 days are accounted for in your post. 2 days in Rome, 2 days in Cinque Terre, 3 days in Florence/Tuscany, and lastly 2 days in Venice. Is that right? Am I missing something? My husband is really interested in seeing the Dolomites. Is that something you think we could throw in there with that 9 day itinerary? Thanks so much! Really appreciated your recommendations.

Yes, it’s because the way I laid out this itinerary doesn’t include the days you’re actually traveling between destinations, these are the full days you’re in each area. 🙂 I know it’s a bit confusing, which is why I switched to a day-by-day layout on future itineraries!

It would be hard to squeeze the Dolomites (or any 5th destination) into a 2-week trip without being extremely rushed, especially because the Dolomites really need more than a day. If he has his heart set on seeing them, I’d consider swapping one of these destinations for the mountains!

Fantastic descovery is your site as Ive just decided last minute to go to Italy. Im under a particular schedule going there since Im going for 6 weeks but two of those will have to be remote work. So after two weeks of travel one week of remote work. Have 100 questions for you but if there would be just one, what would be the places you would stop for about a week,considering most my days will be working.

for sure will have more questions for you as I was thinking of using one of those week to go travel in a near by country etc.

Ah, that’s a delightful problem to have but a very hard question to answer!

Really, any city or reasonably-sized town that appeals to you is a great option. If you need to use video or send large files, I’d opt for a city and keep an eye on wifi speeds. If you don’t need particularly fast wifi, just about anywhere (other than perhaps some very rural places) will do.

We’ve worked for a month at a time from Rome, Florence, and Bologna, and for a week from many, many places including Naples, Palermo, Otranto, Verona, Venice… basically, the sky is the limit!

Personally, we find quiet neighborhoods in medium-to-large cities generally excellent to work from–plenty of convenience and infrastructure, as well as lots to see on your times off.

I just found your blog today & I’m actually obsessed with all the info you’ve posted! I’m trying to jump start my exploration of the world with my boyfriend so I’m currently trying to plan our Italy trip for 2024! It will be both of our first times & I’ve just been hooked onto reading this 2 week guide… I wanted to ask though as first timers, what would the best itinerary breakdown of each city be for us? As far as how many days in each city & what to do in order to check it off our first timer list? Also if you had to choose between Sept/October to travel to Italy which one would you choose?! I love love love this blog of yours & will continue to reach for it as I plan future trips for my boyfriend & I! (:

Thank you so much, Tori!

The itinerary here, as written, is great for first-timers, but where you start and finish can be swapped depending on whether Rome or Venice is easiest to fly in and out of based on where you’re coming from.

September and October are two of my absolute favorite months to visit Italy, so it’s hard to choose!

September will be warmer and a bit more crowded, and depending on the year and which week in September you may even enjoy some late-summer style weather. That’s great for visiting places like Cinque Terre.

October is cooler, with a higher risk of rain (especially later in the month), but the food is delicious, many of the harvests start, there are fewer crowds, and many perfect weather days. I often say Tuscany is the perfect October destination.

You really can’t go wrong with either month!

Hi Kate, So happy I stumbled upon your blog – most helpful of everything I’ve found online so far! Would love guidance on planning our trip for March 11-25, 2023. This will be the first time in Italy for my husband and near-adult kids – ages 16 and 18. I was in Rome, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano for about ten days, 25yrs ago and have been dreaming of going back ever since!!

The challenge is that we have to spend about 3 days in Paris as part of this 2-wk trip, and i don’t know how best to organize that. I’d like to go to Rome and Florence for sure; everything else is open. We’ll be flying to/from Florida and don’t know if we should go to Paris first, last… or if it’s just unrealistic to try to do all of it. Maybe we should do 5 days in Paris and the rest in just Rome and Florence? Also, ideally, we’d be in Paris for all or part of a weekend, which makes it even more challenging! (Meeting French cousins there and they have to work during the week.)

Here’s a bit about us: we have lots of energy and are willing to get up early and stay out late and take trains and planes at odd times :). We’re good travelers and are flexible, and yet this shouldn’t be a wild ride – it should have an easy pace but be full of sights, sounds, tastes, and discovery. Cities and small quaint charming towns are superb; we can probably skip coastal towns on this trip since we live near the beach in FL 🙂 If you disagree, do speak up! Happy to take trains and walk a lot, and use the discounted airline you mentioned, as long as it’s safe (!).

I haven’t looked at the rest of your blogs yet; wondering if you also have recs for olive oil and/or a balsamic tastings/tours and if there’s a guide or an app for being gluten free in Italy!

Thanks SO much in advance for any advice you can offer! Much appreciated!

Happy to help! You guys seem to be the perfect candidates for a busy trip, which is a great thing. 🙂

If you want to squeeze it all in, I’d recommend either starting in Paris or ending in Rome, or vice versa. If you can find good open-jaw tickets to these cities, your plan is ambitious but doable.

Assuming you start in Paris, I’d plan about 3-4 days there.

Your long travel day will be between Paris and Florence–you can either fly, or take a high-speed train to Milan followed by one to Florence (book early to ensure the best prices and direct routes). Both will be a long day, but the train is more fun. 🙂 We use Omio to plan our long train routes.

In Florence/Tuscany, you can allot 5-6 days. I’d plan to spend at least 2 full days in the city, and then more in smaller towns. You can either take day trips from Florence (by train, car, or tour), or head to southern Tuscany for a few days.

Southern Tuscany is where you’ll find the Val d’Orcia, as well as gorgeous towns like Montepulciano: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-montepulciano-italy/

If you want to take a day trip to Florence but are looking for a different (but still convenient) home base, Siena (as you know) and/or Lucca are amazing cities: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-lucca-italy/

From there, you can wrap up with a few days in Rome, which will give you time to see the major sites. We have lots of Rome posts, but here’s an example of what you can see with 2 days there: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-days-in-rome-itinerary/

Olive oil tours will be at their peak in the late fall (when the harvest is), so it doesn’t overlap with your trip. Traditional balsamic vinegar hails from Modena, which is out of the way for you. However–a good enoteca will be able to offer you delicious tastings of both, and you’ll find those all across Italy (you’ll be spoiled for choice in Tuscany in particular).

As far as being gluten-free goes, that is not my area of expertise, but I can recommend checking out the guides and translation cards from Jodi at Legal Nomads–she’s a longtime foodie and travel writer who has traveled the world with celiac.

Have an amazing trip!

Hi Kate, I am planning for the first ever european trip for my wife (40) and son (14). I have travelled in other countries of europe for business purpose. I have decided for a two weeks trip to Italy in 2nd half of May 2023. The following is a very very high level itinerary. I am yet to drill down. I have 13 full days. Day 1 – Arrival in Rome @ 2 pm. Take a walk in the evening. Day 2 – Colosseum, Roman Forum etc. Day 3 – Vatican City Day 4 – Travel to Florence Day 5 – Florence Day 6 – Florence Day 7 – Florence Day 8 – Cinque Terre Day 9 – Cinque Terre Day 10 – Cinque Terre/Camogli??? Day 11 – Travel to Venice Day 12 – Venice Day 13 – Venice Day 14 – Venice Day 15 – Travel to Rome and take a departure flight @ 4pm

I am not sure if I should cut down somethings and include any other spots. Can you please review the itinerary and suggest amendments?

Sounds like the workings of a great trip!

I’d consider moving one of your Florence days to Rome unless you’re planning to use the third day in Florence to take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside/smaller towns. You could also move your third day in Venice to Rome instead. Rome is definitely the biggest city of what’s on your list!

If you want to see the Riviera beyond Cinque Terre, I’d look into Portovenere–it’s sometimes called the “sixth town” of Cinque Terre, is easily accessible by ferry, and is much less crowded due to being a bit harder to access than the others.

I’d recommend booking your trains from Cinque Terre to Venice and Venice to Rome well in advance, as you’ll definitely want to take the high-speed trains for those routes.

Hope you have a fantastic first trip to Italy!

Thanks Kate for such a quick response! After doing some more research, I changed the sequence of the travel so that it is easier to fly out of Rome. Some people suggest to remove CT and increase the days for other 3 big cities. I am confused. 🙂 What do you suggest? Day 1 – Fly in to Rome @ 2pm. Travel to Venice by train. Day 2,3 – Venice (Yet to plan detailed itinerary) Day 4 – Travel to Florence Day 5,6,7 – Florence and nearby areas (Yet to plan detailed itinerary) Day 8 – Travel to Cinque Terre Day 9,10,11 – Cinque Terre (Yet to plan detailed itinerary) Day 12 – Travel to Rome Day 13, 14 – Rome ( 1 day colosseum etc. and 1 day vatican city) Day 15 – Travel back from Rome to India

I definitely agree that it’s a good idea to move some of your Cinque Terre time to Rome!

While you definitely can enjoy 3 full days in Cinque Terre, with your schedule, 1-2 is plenty. Better to have another day in the Eternal City. 🙂

Hi, Kate: We are traveling to Italy in May and June. Your site has been invaluable in our planning. My first of what I’m sure will be many questions is what train stations in Venice (to travel to Florence) and Florence (to travel to Rome) do we want to use? We are staying as close to the center of those cities as possible.

Hi Elizabeth,

I’m so glad to hear that!

In Venice, you’ll want to use Venezia Santa Lucia (which is right on the Grand Canal).

For Florence (both to and from), you’ll want Firenze Santa Maria Novella (which is a 10-minute walk from the Duomo).

Those are the “main” train stations in each city, so most ticket-booking options should suggest them to you automatically!

I have never been to Italy but am going in July so found your blog really helpful! My daughter will be doing an abroad program in Siena so I will fly over with her 12 days early. Is it a stretch to want to visit Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice and Lake Como within this time frame when she has to be in Florence on day 12? It would mean flying to Rome and going north from there to hit everything but would have to circle back to Siena. I’d love your two cents on where to fly into- thinking maybe even Switzerland since wanting to see Lake Como. Thank you!

Your daughter is going to have such a wonderful time!

All of the places you mentioned are fantastic, but yes, that’s really too much to fit into 12 days (since you mention your daughter needs to be in Florence on day 12, I’m assuming this is more or less an 11 day trip).

If it were me, I’d focus on Venice, Rome, and Florence.

Flying into Venice would probably be most convenient, though Rome would work as well.

Taking the high-speed train from Venice to Rome (you’ll want to book those tickets in advance) and then traveling from Rome to Florence by train after sightseeing down south will likely make the most sense.

As far as Cinque Terre goes, a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre isn’t ideal, but it can be done and in your case may be a way to squeeze in a taste of the coast. We go into more detail on how to do that well here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/florence-to-cinque-terre/

I hope that helps a bit and that you guys have a magnificent time in Italy!

HI Kate! your blog was very helpful. I would love to have your opinion on my upcoming trip. I am taking a transatlantic cruise from NYC to Rome; arriving in Civitavecchia on 10 May 2024. I am lucky and don’t have a time frame. Since Italians take their time… I’m going to embrace that after years of a stressful job, I’m traveling solo as at 37. I want to be loose with my plans, do you think buying tickets for places like the Colosseum just a few days in advance is risky? I was planning on my travel day to purchase tickets for those things. I also have a general route planned and I would love your opinion one this. Since I disembark in Civitavecchia I was going to spend 4 nights in Rome (this is the only things I have booked). -4 night in Rome -2/3 nights in Naples/ Amalfi Coast (I also would like to go further south but not sure where.) -Travel Day to Florence I might stay a night in Assisi or Siena -3/4 nights in Florence with a day trip to Pisa and Lucca -2 nights in Cinque Terre -I think I should go to Genoa or Milan after – I also want to spend a night in the Tuscan country side (Under the Tuscan Sun like) -1 night in Bologna -1 night in Bolozno/ Ortisei for the Seceda -2 nights in Venice I would really like to experience some real Italian life and this trip is really a scouting trip for a possible move to Italy.

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

In May, booking a few days in advance for most places (including the Colosseum) should be just fine in mid-May. There are a few attractions in Italy (climbing to the top of the Duomo’s cupola in Florence and visiting The Last Supper in Milan are two of them) that require planning further in advance year-round, but for travelers who are flexible with their plans, most things are doable a few days in advance.

All of the places you have mentioned are wonderful, but I do think you’ll find there are too many of them! Since you’re going to be booking as you go, I’d just stay open to extending your stays and visiting fewer places.

I’m not sure if you have a timeline for your trip, but after weeks of traveling it’s safe to say continuing to change hotels every night to every other night will stop being appealing. Plus, traveling more slowly is one of the biggest benefits of traveling for longer–it’s worth slowing down for.

We are going to Italy in September/October for about 2-3 weeks. Will visit Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Umbria areas. At the end of our trip we would like to visit Assisi, montepulciano , perugia. Our concern is how to get around in those areas. We don’t really want to rent a car but will if that is our only option, what is your suggestion on this?

It’s doable, but takes a bit of finagling!

The train stations for each of those places are outside the city center (1-3 miles away or so), so you’ll need to take a bus or taxi from the train station to the historic center.

I have been reviewing your site for the last few weeks and my fiancé and I have decided on two weeks in Italy. We’re thinking of flying into Rome and flying home from Venice.

We have never taken such a huge trip before and I’m curious if it makes sense to book the flights and have the book ends planned and then start doing booking of the meat of travel afterwards? Or should we have everything planned and booked before we even book the flights?

Hi Jessica!

Personally, we always opt to book the flights first and then fill in the rest of the trip from there. Flight deals and times can impact your starting and ending points, and possibly even shuffle your trip around by a day here or there.

Everything else–with rare exceptions like festivals, very trendy hotels, etc–is much more flexible compared to flights.

Just going over your blog and absorbing everything! I have a trip planned that has us arriving in Milan on April 29th and leaving out of Rome on May 19th so I’m planning on working our way from top to bottom.

Rough plan currently is Milan -> Venice -> Bologna -> Florence -> Cinque Terre? -> Naples -> Amalfi Coast? -> Rome With some day trips mixed in there, most likely to Siena, Pompeii, maybe Lucca/Pisa or somewhere else.

Would you recommend going to Cinque Terre which we would do closer to the start of May or go to Amalfi Coast which would be closer to mid May? Since you mentioned a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre is not the easiest, would it make sense to go to the Amalfi Coast instead so I don’t have to backtrack through Florence to get down to Rome or Naples? I’m also concerned about the weather as Cinque Terre is more north and it will be earlier in the month vs Amalfi Coast being more south and more mid month.

What would your itinerary look like with roughly 3 weeks that works top to bottom?

For both Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast in May, you’ll really be gambling with the weather–it might be gorgeous swimming weather, it might be rainy and chilly (happened to us on our May trip that covered both places a few years ago–you’ll notice I’m wearing long sleeves and jeans in some Cinque Terre photos), or anywhere in between.

Weather aside, since we can’t control that, prices will probably be a bit lower in early May than mid-May, and the Amalfi Coast is the more expensive destination of the two overall–if cost is a factor, that’s something to keep in mind.

If you’re open to trimming Cinque Terre, it will certainly streamline your itinerary by cutting a transition, so I’d consider it if you’re not married to the idea of visiting two coastal destinations.

A few other day trip ideas you might consider if you have time: Parma or Ravenna from Bologna, Lake Como from Milan, and Montepulciano and/or some of the other Tuscan hill towns from Florence.

Your route is very similar to what we’d cover if trying to hit the highlights in 3 weeks, I’d just make sure to cut anywhere that feels like an obligation in order to give more time to the places you’re most excited for (any one of those cities would be an amazing place to spend a week or more).

Happy planning!

Thanks for the info! I’ve done some more research and currently have the following plan

Day 1 – Milan – Arrive late at night Day 2 – Milan – half day and then train to Venice. Half day in Venice Day 3 – Venice – Full Day Day 4 – Venice – Check out of hotel and explore Venice until ready to leave for Bologna. Night in Bologna Day 5 – Day trip to Modena and Parma Day 6 – Check out of hotel. Day in Bologna until ready to leave for Florence Day 7 – Florence – Full day Day 8 – Florence – Full day Day 9 – Florence – Sienna or Pisa/Luca day trip or Chianti wine tour. Day 10 – Florence – Sienna or Pisa/Luca day trip or Chianti wine tour. Day 11 – Train from Florence to Naples or Sorrento and then day trip from Sorrento to Naples. Day 12 -Sorrento – Day trip to Pompeii? Day 13 – Sorrento – Day trip to Capri? Day 14 – Amalfi Coast Day 15 – Amalfi Coast Day 16 – Amalfi Coast Day 17 – Rome half day? Or full day or arrive late night and just have 3 days in rome? Day 18 – Rome Day 19 – Rome Day 20 -Rome Day 21 -Half Day in Rome fly home

I’d like to do a wine tour of the Chianti region but I’m not sure if it’s something I should try to do with a Siena, San gimignano, and Chianti tour or dedicate a full day to it and have Siena/San gimignano as it’s own day. If I dedicate a full day to it I would have to take a day from Bologna, Rome or Amalfi coast. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think we have too much time in the Amalfi coast? I’m thinking of using Sorrento as a base for a few days as I’d like to visit Pompeii, Naples and Capri and then a few days stay possibly in Ravello. Or maybe take Day 17 away from Rome and give it to Florence. That would leave us with 3 and a half days in Rome.

Love to hear all your thoughts on my above plan and what changes you would make or places that you would switch out.

These are the places that I’ve wrote down that I don’t think are worth visiting this trip Assis Lake Como Cinque Terre Padova Vicenza Verona

and these are the places that I’m still thinking about Orvieto Arezzo

Do you think Orvieto or Arezzo are worth swapping out for Siena or Lucca/Pisa.

I’d actually recommend taking any extra time to smooth out the very beginning of the itinerary–day 2 in particular isn’t going to leave a lot of room for sightseeing, in between checking into/out of two hotels, transiting to a new city, etc. Depending on which city interests you more, I’d consider adding a day to either Milan or Venice. As it stands, you probably won’t do more than a few hours of actual sightseeing in Milan–up to you if that’s the pace you’re looking for!

I do think you can get away with 3 full days in Rome–more is always lovely, but 3 is a solid start.

Same with the Amalfi Coast–you can certainly have a wonderful time there with the extra day, but I wouldn’t say you need it. Sorrento is an excellent base and you can easily see a lot of the region from there.

Siena, Orvieto, Arezzo, and Lucca are all wonderful. Pisa is fun, but I wouldn’t call it an absolute must-do unless you’re dying to see the leaning tower–of the five, it’d be the one I’d prioritize least. Other than that, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

As far as whether to visit the Chianti region as an entirely separate day or combine with Siena/San Gimignano, I’d say that depends on how much of a wine fan you are. Personally, we enjoy wine tastings but one in a day (especially the way they pour in Tuscany!) is plenty for us, and we prefer to mix in sightseeing. If you’re visiting Tuscany for wine in particular and are very interested in learning about the various varietals, etc., though, you might consider separating them out.

Thanks so much Kate!

I was not overly interested in Milan other than the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio which is why I was only planning on spending the afternoon there before heading off to Venice. I didn’t want to skip over Milan entirely but I feel like our time is better spent in other locations.

Do you think it makes sense to split our time in Naples and Sorrento? Stay in Naples for say 2 days to explore Naples and Pompeii and then move onto Sorrento for 3 or 4 days to explore Capri and the AC? Or would you recommend sticking in one place the whole time? I have heard there is not as much to do in the town of Sorrento and by not having to do day trips to Naples and Pompeii from Sorrento could save some money on transportation?

Honestly we’re not much wine fans but I thought it was something we should try while we are there. Sounds like mixing all 3 locations into a tour in one day is the way to go!

If you think the time we have in AC is enough without adding more and 3 days in Rome is enough then it looks like I have an extra day to allocate somewhere. I’ll have to do some more thinking on where to place that extra day. Thanks for all your help so far!

Anytime, Edmond!

Sounds like a solid plan for Milan.

Personally I love both Naples and Sorrento, though they’re very different–just depends on what you’re looking for. You can day trip to Pompeii pretty easily from either, so I wouldn’t let that sway your decision. But the pizza, views, archaeological museum, underground, etc, in Naples are well worth your time if you can fit it in!

Great work on the site, it’s been super helpful.

Was wondering if you could gife me your opinion on an issue I am facing. My nieces wedding is in September so we are planning 16 days and wanted your thoughts if this is doable.

We are arriving before the wedding and have to end in Florence.

Arrive Rome – 3 nights Assisi – 1 night Bologna – 2 nights Venice – 3 nights Modena – 2 nights Florence – 5 nights

Would love your thoughts and thanks in advance!

Hi Michael,

Thank you so much!

The first thing that jumps out is that you have Bologna and Modena separated–I would definitely combine those! Modena is only a 15-25 minute train ride or so from Bologna, and virtually every train to it is going to require passing back through Bologna regardless.

Personally, I’d probably base yourself in either Bologna or Modena for one 3 or 4 night period, and take a day trip to the city you’re not staying in. It’ll be much more efficient and if you only stay 3 days, buy you an extra night to add to another city of your choice.

Bologna is the traditional choice for where to stay between those two: it’s bigger, there’s more to do, and as the capital and transportation hub of the Emilia-Romagna region, it’s easy to navigate to and from. However, Modena is beautiful and offers the benefits of being a more affordable and less crowded place to stay.

Other than that, your route looks wonderful and is very doable by train, so navigation should be very convenient. 🙂

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From Rome to Venice: The Ultimate 2-Week Italy Itinerary

A re you picturing images of Roman ruins, vast stretches of vineyards, and scenes of gondoliers singing “O sole mio” through the winding canals of the floating city? Then you’re conjuring up images of Italy!

If you have fourteen days at your disposal, you can discover the true essence of the boot-shaped country by following our 2-week Italy itinerary.

From traversing the winding streets of the eternal city of Rome to meandering down the romantic canals of Venice, the next two-weeks promises an adventure filled with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled cultural experiences.

We want you to leave Italy feeling like you’ve truly understood the country, so we’ve carefully crafted this two week Italy itinerary to not only take you to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, but also to some hidden gems we discovered on our own trip.

At A Glance: A Summary of This 14 Day Italy Itinerary

What to do in rome, where to eat in rome, where to stay in rome, what to do in tuscany, where to eat in tuscany, where to stay in tuscany, what to do in florence, where to eat in florence, where to stay in florence, what to do in cinque terre, where to stay in cinque terre, where to eat in cinque terre, what to do in verona, where to eat in verona, where to stay in verona, what to do in venice, where to eat in venice, where to stay in venice, how to get around with this 14 day italy itinerary.

For those who don’t have much time, below is a quick summary of this 14 day itinerary. Later in this guide, we’ll share more detailed information about what to do, where to stay, and where to eat at each place.

Day 1-3: Rome (3 nights)
Day 3-5: Tuscany (2 nights)
Day 6:8: Florence (2 nights)
Day 8-11: Cinque Terre (3 nights)
Day 11-12: Verona (2 nights)
Day 12-14: Venice (2 nights)

We followed this two-week itinerary in the summer of 2023 with our two daughters (aged 15 and 11). We all fell in love with the culture and lifestyle of Italy and were enamored with its ancient history and modern flavors.

We had 12 nights; but I’ve added an extra night to Tuscany and Cinque Terre to take it to 14 days, which in hindsight, is what we wish we did.

We had four nights in Paris before arriving in Italy, and if we were to do it again, we’d drop France and just spend the extra time in Italy.

We loved Paris, but much preferred Italy and it would have saved us money and exhausting travel time.

The Ultimate 2 Week Italy Itinerary

Below is how we recommend you spend 14 days in Italy, covering Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Verona, Cinque Terre and Venice!

Later in the guide, we’ll discuss how to get around Italy and how to navigate this itinerary.

You may also want to get an eSim for your trip for effortless and cheap data connection. Airalo offers the best deals!

Stop 1: Rome, The Eternal City (3 Nights)

Begin your Italian adventure in Rome , where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and delicious cuisine converge.

Rome is the capital city of Italy and the former capital of the Roman Empire. It’s a city that receives over 10 million international tourists a year, making it one of the top 20 cities in the world.

And there’s a reason for this! The city is packed with historical attractions and world-famous landmarks, including the Seventh Wonder of the World, the Colosseum. Don’t miss out on a chance to walk the ancient Roman Forum and marvel at awe-inspiring Roman engineering at the Pantheon and immerse yourself in the city’s millennia-old history.

Rome is a walkable city, with chances to discover hidden gems in the backstreets. You can indulge in authentic pasta dishes at local trattorias, and don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck.

Rome’s enchanting atmosphere will set the stage for the wonders that lie ahead.

Here were the highlights for us on our three day stay in Rome. Click on the links to learn more about each experience.

Roman Street Food Tour . An absolutely must for foodie fans who want to learn more about Rome’s cuisine. It’s not all pizzas and gellato, I promise you!
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and the Colosseum . No trip to Rome is complete without seeing the Colosseum and ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. We recommend you do to a guided tour of this so you can skip the lines and learn about the history and engineering from a knowledgeable guide.
Vatican City Tour , the world’s smallest country and home to the Catholic Church. The Vatican can be explored in a day, but it’s also best to do a guided tour so you can skip the lines – especially for the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel that sees waiting times of up to 3 hours.
The Pantheon, a former Roman temple and Catholic Church, and the final resting place of famous Roman artist Raphael, as well as Italy’s first king, Victor Emmanuel.
Trevi Fountain , an iconic landmark known for its intricate baroque design with statues and turquoise pool. Throw a coin over your left shoulder for good luck.
Spanish Steps, a picturesque old staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti.
Explore Trastevere (and other cool Rome neighborhoods)
Wander the Streets of Rome
Rome Catacombs, which are located just outside the city, and are a network of underground passages housing tombs of Rome’s Christians and Jews in the 5th century.

Recommended Tours of Rome

Street food history tour of Rome
Guided tour of the Colosseum
Guided walking Tour of Vatican City
Pantheon Guided Tour
A Go City attraction pass may save you money on attractions.

As our apartment rental host told us, “ choose a restaurant, any restaurant, they’ll all be good. It’s Trastevere. Forget waiting in line. ”

So that’s my advice to you – it possibly works for all of Rome.

Stay away from the touristy piazzas and head to the side streets and surrounding neighborhoods for fantastic food in Rome. Here are some a couple of suggestion:

Mama Eats in Trastevere . Our favorite restaurant on the trip – 100% gluten free and I’m talking pastas, pizza and tiramisu. At an affordable price. They can make dishes non-gluten free as well.
Gelateria del Teatro is also one of the most appreciated and loved ice cream parlors in Rome in the artisan field since 2006.
Fiore has great street food – perfect for lunch and quick snacks.

We loved staying in the Trastevere neighborhood. We could walk to all top Rome attractions from there while having the experience of staying in a more local area with fantastic food options and bustling nightlife.

Plus, the streets are so pretty!

We booked this lovely home rental (it was spacious and lovely with a fantastic host) and also considered this apartment rental in the same neighborhood .

Read more: Things to know before visiting Rome , top things to do with kids in Rome, unmiss able Rome attractions and tours and best food tours of Rome.

Stop 2: Tuscany, Rolling Hills, Charming Villages and Grapevines (2 Nights)

Next, venture into the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany , known as Italy’s wine growing region.

Experience the romance of the region as you explore vineyards, olive groves, and charming hilltop towns.

Sip on world-renowned wines in Chianti, wander through the medieval streets of Siena, and marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Tuscany’s beauty is not just in its scenery but also in its warm hospitality and delectable cuisine.

We loved our Tuscan farm stay and could have easily stayed longer, which is why I recommend three nights, instead of our rushed two!

Tuscany is a huge region filled with many small villages, attractions, wineries, and more.

Plan your trip well and focus on the villages and area near to your farm stay – which is one of the best things to do in Italy! Click on the links for more information.

Stay at a Tuscany Farm Stay , this is the best way to feel the laid-back, authentic lifestyle of Tuscany. Ours was incredible! Some of the best wine I’ve ever had.
Take a Tuscany Cooking Class . We did ours at our farm stay, but you can find them across the region. Tuscan food is different from most Italian cuisine, specializing in cheese and, of course, Florentine Steak.
Wine Tasting, a must-do when visiting Tuscany. We did one at our farm stay, but there are plenty of places that offer wine tasting in the small Tuscan towns.
Civita di Bagnoregio , a unique and picturesque 7th century town on hill with incredible architecture. It’s famous for its pedestrian bridge which connects to Bagnoregio village.
Bagni San Filippo , a small hot spring with mineral rich pools and beautiful waterfalls.
Fosso Bianco hot springs , which are better for a swim and offers a chance to relax with mud masks
Visit Sienna for a day , a medieval city in Tuscany known for its historic buildings. Our favorite duomo of Italy, Siena Cathedral, is located here.
I also heard great things about San Gimignano , which is another medieval town known for its well-maintained watch towers.

Tours in Tuscany

From Florence: Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano w/Lunch (World Heritage + Wine)
Day tour of the wine region Chianti, and visit San Gimignano, and the medieval town of Siena !
Wine tasting experience in Montepulciano! (said to be the best wine area in Tuscany)

We mostly ate at our farm stay, but we have a full post on some great restaurants in Tuscany .

Here are some of the places we liked the most:

La Vecchia Latteria in Siena was one of the best gelatos we had in Italy.
Caffè Fiorella in Siena has great coffee.

Read more: See the best places to visit in Tuscany and a road trip through Chianti.

I’ve mentioned it enough now to let you know we loved our Tuscan Farm Stay at Tenuta di Mensanello. I thnk an agritourismo stay is the best way to enjoy Tuscany.

You can read our full post with all the details on our agritouismo at Mensanello.

It had everything: rustic working farm experiences, gorgeous views, and their own wine, beer, olive oil, pasture-raised pork, and farm to table experience.

See rates and availability for Tuscan Farm Stay at Tenuta di Mensanello here.

Stop 3: Florence, Renaissance Splendor (2 Nights)

A short journey from Tuscany brings you to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The city is known for its art culture, and is where you can admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery, as well as see the original Statue of David by Michaelangelo.

Don’t miss a chance to climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views of the city, and stroll across the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River.

Florence’s artistic legacy and architectural wonders will leave an indelible mark on your Italian sojourn.

Florence is packed with attractions, museums, art galleries and tours. Just wandering around is an adventure.

We were able to see and do a lot in our two days stay because we joined some walking tours for a highlight overview.

It saved us from getting overwhelmed as well! Click the links for more in-depth information and stories.

Boboli Gardens , is a historic park created for the Medici family, but was opened to the public in 1766. It’s a fine example of Renaissance landscaping.
Villa Bardini Gardens , another peaceful park with colorful flowers and Renaissance architecture. Don’t miss the views from the terraced bar!
Wander Oltrarno Neighborhood , a vibrant and quirky neighborhood full of boutiques, cafes and bars.
Tuscan Food and Wine Tour in Oltrarno . This is a great chance to find the best Florentine Steak in the city and learn about the regional cuisine of Florence.
Catch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo or Ponte Vecchio . The Piazzale Michelangelo has sweeping views across the whole city, whereas the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone closed arch bridge, is lit up in hues of soft yellow and orange during golden hour.
Florence Guided Walking Tour , this is the best way to see the highlights and also allows you to skip the line to see The Statue of David and climb to the top of the Duomo.
Statue of David at Accademia Gallery, is a must-see for anyone visiting Florence, whether you’re an art lover or not. It’s one of the world’s most famous statues and is much more impressive in real-life than in pictures. You can see the outlines of muscles and veins, the attention to detail is extraordinary.
Uffizi Gallery is a must for art lovers and is where you can find original pieces from the Renaissance period’s greatest artists, including Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and more.
Piazza della Signoria is a bustling square outside Palazzo Vecchio and is a great spot to grab an espresso and do some people-watching.
Pitti Palace is a Renaissance palace that now contains an art museum.

Recommended Tours in Florence

Timed-entry ticket to David at the Accademia
3-Hour Florence Highlights Walking Tour
Entry ticket to Boboli Gardens
Get your skip-the-line entry ticket to Uffizi Gallery

You’re always one corner around a great place to eat in Florence. Plus, it’s the home of gelato, so enjoy. As they say, When in Florence…. eat gelato every day.

And Florence is also the place to eat Florentine steak and visit a wine window.

Mercato Centrale for food market
La Carraia was the best gelato I had in Italy
La Terrazza Rooftop B ar (small and busy so get here early)
Caffè Gilli oldest cafe in city famous for espressos
Babae Wine Window
Ditta Artigianale Riva d’Arno has great coffee
Trattoria BBQ in Oltrarno has great Florentine steak
Ostaria dei Centopoveri – you’ll thank us for this local favorite – cheap with great food.

We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo in Florence which we booked using points. It had a great location, a separate room for the girls, and included breakfast. See rates and availability.

These places also come recommended:

Repubblica Firenze Luxury Apartments | UNA Esperienze (Bucket list luxury Florence accommodation + with stunning views)
Bellavista Impruneta Hotel Ristorante (A taste of the countryside close to the city)
Hotel David (Family owned in a great location)

Read more: Best things to do in Florence and a two day itinerary for Florence

Stop 4: Cinque Terre, Coastal Paradise (3 nights)

From Florence, head to the ruggedly beautiful Cinque Terre region, which is a string of five seaside villages perched along the Italian Riviera.

Hike scenic trails with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, relax on tranquil pebble beaches, and savor freshly caught seafood.

The charm of Cinque Terre lies in its simplicity, where each village tells a unique story against a backdrop of cliffs and azure waters.

Cinque Terre is an ideal region to stay for three nights as it offers you a little more relaxation after a busy week in Italy.

So, take plenty of time to wander slowly. It was our girl’s favorite place we visited in Italy.

Hike the coastal Blue Trail between the 5 towns. Monterosso to Vernazza is said to be the most beautiful section.
Catch a sunset in Manarola
Take a boat tour of the Five Lands – the best thing we did and a great way to see the towns from a different perspective.
Relax on the beach in Monterosso , our favorite beach in Cinque Terre.
Kayak at Monterosso and admire the architecture from the water
Head to Riomaggiore for a vibrant and unique nightlife experience.
Try the local wine !

Recommended Tours of Cinque Terre

4 Hour Speedboat Tour from La Spezia
3 Hour Sunset Boat Tour Experience
Cinque Terre Wine Tour

We stayed in an apartment in La Spezia and caught the train in to the Five Towns.

I would have much preferred to stay in Monterosso al Mare for two nights and using this as a base to get around.

From here, it’s easy to visit the other four towns either by hiking, by boat, or by train.

Riomaggiore is also a good place to stay with more accommodation options.

Below are some places we dined at during our visit to Cinque Terre and highly recommend.

Bar Gianni Franzi in Vernazza – exellent lunch by the water
Nessun Dorma in Manarola has drinks, charcuterie boards, and views.
Buy the fried seafood cones – cheap and easy to go food!
Sorbetteria Gelateria 5 Terre in Manarola is 100% gluten free crepes and ice cream.

Read more: How to spend a day in Cinque Terre, learn more about the personalities of each of the Five Lands of Cinque Terre, and top things to do in Cinque Terre .

Stop 5: Verona, A Taste of Romance (2 Nights)

As you approach the end of your 14 day Italy journey, visit Verona, the city that was said to inspire the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Wander through well-preserved medieval streets, explore the Roman Arena, and visit Juliet’s balcony.

Verona’s romantic ambiance and cultural richness make it a perfect prelude to Venice.

Verona is one of my favorite places in Italy (I’ve been twice) and I prefer it to Venice, but you don’t need a lot of time here.

However, I think Verona is a great base as you can easily catch the train into Venice for the day, which is cheaper than staying in Venice itself.

Julite’s Courtyard and Balcony, the number one attraction in Veronia. You need tickets for the balcony, but it’s worth it. I loved it!
Verona Arena, a huge, well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre built in 30 AD.
Torre di Lamberti , an 84-meter-high tower built in 1172. This is a great place to see views of the city.
Castelvecchio Museum , set in a medieval castle known as a military base. It’s surprisingly good!
Roman Theater, not to be confused with Verona Arena, is a great place to catch a performance in the evenings.
Go for a bike ride around the city . This is a great way to admire the architecture and feel the beat of the city. Our bike rentals came with our apartment stay, but you can find bike-sharing rentals in Piazza Cittadella.
Giusti Gardens is a beautiful, manicured garden behind a palace. It was my favorite garden that we visited on our trip and is known for its hedge maze.
Piazza Bra, the largest piazza in Verona and is famous for its cafes, restaurants and bustling atmosphere.
Piazza delle Erbe , formerly the town’s forum in Roman Times, and now a peaceful square.

Recommended Tours of Verona

The Verona Card (best way to save money. Includes Juliet’s Balcony, Lamberti tower, Castelvecchio, Roman theater, Verona Theater and more)
Arena di Verona Opera Ticket the hottest ticket in town!
City Highlights Walking Tour of Verona Best overview of the city’s history and culture.

Below are some of the places we ate at in Verona and loved!

Bim Bum Bam Cafe/ Bar in Veronetta neighborhood for cheap Apertivo
La Costa in Bra had delicious and affordable pizza with views of the Verona Arena
Cafe Filippini on Piazza Erba – great gluten free carbonara and tiramisu

We were meant to stay at The Hotel Milan and Spa, but it does not have a 4-person room so we were placed in their sister apartment rental property The Verona House, which was excellent, and we could still use the amenities at the Hotel Milan & Spa.

We chose it because of the extraordinary views of the Verona Arena from their exclusive Terrace Sky Lounge and Bar.

Obviously, with views like this, you know the hotel is centrally located to all the action. See rates and availability here for Hotel Milan & Spa and click here for rates and availability here for Verona House.

Read more: Best things to do in Verona in two days

Stop 6: Venice, The Grand Finale (2 Nights)

Finally, arrive in the enchanting city of Venice , where winding canals and historic architecture create a magical atmosphere.

It’s known as the sinking city, since the whole city is built on stilts over the water and is slowly sinking each year.

Venice is a walkable city and is best seen on foot, but you can also cruise along the Grand Canal in a gondola, which is an iconic thing to do in Venice.

Be sure to explore St. Mark’s Square and get lost in the narrow alleys of this water-bound city.

Venice, with its timeless beauty, concludes your two-week odyssey through the splendors of Italy.

Visit the Doge’s Palace , a Venetian Gothic palace that was once the residence of the Doge of Venice and a government office. It was one of my favorite attractions in Venice, but make sure you get the first tour of the day.
Bridge of Sighs , also part of the Doge’s Palace tour, is a beautiful bridge that connects the palace to the prisons.
Rialto Bridge , the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal and the most beautiful, as well as the Rialto Bridge Market for souvenir shopping.
St. Mark’s Basilica , the cathedral church of the Patriarchate of Venice and the most beautiful. Be sure to admire the plethora of golden mosaics that adorn its walls.
Acqua Alta bookstore , a hidden gem in Venice that’s not so hidden anymore. Each room is stuffed with books, and it has a garden with a book staircase that you can climb (great for Insta pictures!)
Walking Tour, St. Mark’s Basilica & Gondola Ride , this is a great way to spend a day in Venice learning about its history and seeing the main sides.
Admire the view from Accademia Bridge , one of the four bridges on the Grand Canal. From here, you get a wonderful view overlooking the Rialto Bridge and the canal.
Explore Dorsoduro district . Venice’s student district, for indie shops, urban eateries, and vintage fashion boutiques.
Take a day trip to Murano and Burano to see how Venetian glass is made.

Recommended Tours of Venice

Our walking tour of Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide via Get Your Guide
This Walks of Italy exclusive offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter St. Mark’s Basilica after closing time.
We bought our skip the line tickets for Doge’s Palace through Tiqets
Book your gondola tour
You can save on entry into Venice’s top four attractions with a Venice Pass
Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour

Below are some places we dined at in Venice and would highly recommend.

Choclate tasting at Vizio Virtue Cioccolateria
Suso gelato – our last gelato in Italy was a good one!
Al Vapiretto Trattoria , that served delicious pasta and pizza at a reasonable price.
Da Fede on the Campo Margherita in Dorsoduro. Delicious last Italina meal!
Bacaro Risorto Castello for great cicchetti – a must to eat in Venice.
Harry’s Bar which created the Bellini

As mentioned, we stayed in Verona and traveld to Venice for the day. If staying in Venice, here are a few Venice hotels to consider:

Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel : top reviews for location, design and service
Hotel Belle Arti : Guests like the location and value for money
Hotel Moresco : Guests love the Venitan styling, service and location.

Read more: Is it a trip to Italy without exploring these best things to do in Venice , a 1-day itinerary guide for Venice , and a visit to Doge’s Palace.

Getting around Italy is simple. You can either hire a car or get around by train.

You won’t need a car for most of the destinations on our itinerary – really only Tuscany.

After adding up the cost of train travel (for four of us) versus car (plus taking into account convenience and saving time) we decided to rent a car in Rome and dropped it off upon arrival in Verona.

Then we used it to travel between destinations.

The big issue was getting from Cinque Terre to Verona – it would have taken up an entire day by train, as you had to backtrack to Milan first to get a connecting train to Verona.

We had free parking in Cinque Terre, so only had to pay extra for parking in Florence.

Trains are pretty good in Italy, so this may be a preferable option, especially if you have more time.

We did encounter traffic between Florence and Cinque Terre, but it did not delay us too much. We caught at rain from Verona to Venice which was effortless and cheap.

Find your car rental at DiscoverCars.com (our preferred booking site) and purchase your train tickets via Omio .

If you did not want to travel to this region of Italy independently, check out thse tours from our friends at the Globus Travel or Cosmos Tours . Use our discount code below.

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We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus , Cosmos , and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

In Summary: Italy Two Week Tour

That was our magical two-week tour of Italy, and as you can see, there’s a lot of great places to visit in this itinerary.

I wish we had longer, there is so much in this area to see and do.

If you have more time, you could consider adding Lake Garda and Lake Como which are also in this region and could be an excellent addition to your Italy itinerary if you have more time.

You could also explore the South of Italy, and add Naples or Sorrento to visit Pompeii, but I would skip the Amalfi Coast since it’s way too touristy now – Positano is also very expensive, and we personally think Cinque Terre has more charm. But that’s just us!

So now you’re ready for an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of Northern Italy, where you can taste the flavors and absorb the history of Italy from Rome to Venice.

This itinerary has the perfect blend of ancient wonders, artistic masterpieces, and the natural beauty that defines this captivating country. Buon viaggio!

Are you picturing images of Roman ruins, vast stretches of vineyards, and scenes of gondoliers singing “O sole mio” through the winding canals of the floating city? Then you’re conjuring up images of Italy! If […]

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Venice & Turin in 4 Days: A Journey Through Italy's Art and History

April 20, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 4-day Italian escapade with a curated itinerary that takes you through the historic and cultural marvels of Venice and Turin. Begin your adventure in Turin, where you'll spend your first day exploring the divine Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the regal Royal Palace of Turin, and the grand Piazza Castello. Don't miss the Palazzo Madama and the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, each offering a unique glimpse into Italy's rich past. On day two, breathe in the fresh air at Parco del Valentino, marvel at the Castello del Valentino, and indulge your curiosity at the Museo dell'automobile. The Lingotto Fiere will provide a cultural feast to round off your Turin experience. Transition to the enchanting city of Venice on day three, where the majestic St. Mark's Square awaits. Climb St Mark's Campanile for panoramic views, visit the ornate Saint Mark's Basilica, and explore the historic Doge's Palace. A brief stop at the Bridge of Sighs will lead you into the tales of Venice's past. Your final day is a celebration of Venice's aquatic allure, starting with the Grand Canal and the iconic Rialto Bridge. Spend the remainder of your day on the glass-blowing island of Murano and the colorful island of Burano, each offering a unique Venetian experience. This 4-day itinerary is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime, with each attraction carefully selected to enhance your journey through Italy's art and history.

Day 1: Divine Beginnings and Royal Encounters in Turin

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

Kick off your Venetian adventure with a spiritual touch at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, a serene sanctuary nestled in the heart of Turin. Dedicate an hour to explore this hallowed church, where the intricate architecture and sacred ambiance provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets outside.

Attraction Info

P.za S. Giovanni, 10122 Torino TO, Italy
Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
Open on Mon-Fri,10:00am-12:30pm,4:00pm-7:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,9:00am-12:30pm,3:00pm-7:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Royal Palace of Turin

A stone's throw from the cathedral, the Royal Palace of Turin awaits to dazzle you with its regal splendor. Immerse yourself in the opulence of the past as you wander through the lavishly decorated rooms, each telling a story of Turin's aristocratic history during your one-hour visit.

Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Torino TO, Italy
Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm

Piazza Castello

Continue your regal journey to Piazza Castello, the grand square that is the centerpiece of Turin. Spend an hour soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by historic buildings and the echoes of the city's noble past. It's the perfect spot to observe the ebb and flow of local life.

Piazza Castello, 10121 Turin TO, Italy
Open 24 hours

Palazzo Madama

Adjacent to the square, Palazzo Madama reveals itself as a treasure trove of art and history. Within its walls, you'll spend an hour discovering a blend of medieval and baroque architecture, an impressive collection of artwork, and stories that span centuries.

Piazza Castello, 10122 Turin, Italy
Open on Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Egyptian Museum

Conclude your day with a visit to the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, just a short walk from Palazzo Madama. Here, you'll be transported back in time as you spend an hour amidst the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, a testament to Turin's cultural wealth.

Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, 10123 Torino TO, Italy
Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-6:30pm;Open on Mon,9:00am-2:00pm，Opening hours are subject to change. The specific business status is subject to the opening conditions on that day.

Where to Stay Tonight

A pochi passi da piazza san carlo, casa luciana.

Day 2: Turin's Treasures - Parks, Palaces, and Pioneering Cars

Parco del Valentino

Begin your second day in Turin with a serene morning stroll through the verdant paths of Parco del Valentino. Nestled along the banks of the Po River, this beloved city park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Spend a couple of hours meandering through its meticulously landscaped gardens, and you might just forget you're in the heart of a bustling city.

Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, 10126 Torino TO, Italy
Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour

Castello del Valentino

Just a stone's throw from the tranquility of the park, the Castello del Valentino awaits. This former royal residence, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is steeped in history and elegance. Although your visit will be brief, the castle's grandeur and the stories contained within its walls will leave a lasting impression on your journey through Turin.

Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, Turin 10126 Italy

Museo dell'automobile

Shift gears and head to the Museo dell'automobile, an ode to Italy's love affair with the automobile. With just an hour at this museum, you'll be taken on a journey through the evolution of cars, showcasing over a century of automotive innovation. The sleek designs and engineering marvels on display are sure to captivate both car enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Corso Unita d'Italia 40, Turin 10126 Italy
Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-7:00pm;Open on Mon,10:00am-2:00pm

Lingotto Fiere

Conclude your day's exploration at Lingotto Fiere, a cultural hub that once housed Fiat's car factory. This architectural transformation now serves as a vibrant space for events and exhibitions. With an hour to immerse yourself, you'll experience a unique blend of Turin's industrial heritage and contemporary culture, making it the perfect finale to a day of diverse discoveries.

Via Nizza, 280, 10126 Torino TO, Italy

Lovely 1-Bedroom Apartment in Lingotto Area

Nh lingotto congress.

Day 3: Venice's Iconic Landmarks and Historical Splendor

St. Mark's Square

Begin your third day in Venice with a visit to the world-renowned St. Mark's Square, the city's principal public square and social hub. This architectural masterpiece is enveloped by the sounds of the bustling cafes and the sight of pigeons fluttering above. Spend an hour soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the elegant buildings that frame the square.

P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

St Mark's Campanile

Next, elevate your Venice experience by ascending St Mark's Campanile, the towering bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Standing tall in the corner of St. Mark's Square, this observation deck is the perfect spot to spend an hour capturing the breathtaking vistas of Venice's rooftops, canals, and the distant horizon.

Open from 9:45am-7:00pm

Saint Mark's Basilica

A short stroll from the Campanile, Saint Mark's Basilica awaits with its opulent design and religious significance. Dedicate half an hour to explore this emblematic church, marveling at its intricate mosaics and the blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements that make it a masterpiece of Italian architecture.

P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
Open on Mon-Sat,9:30am-5:15pm;Open on Sun,2:00pm-5:15pm

Doge's Palace

Continue your journey through Venice's history with a visit to the Doge's Palace, a symbol of the city's glorious past. Spend an hour wandering through its lavish chambers and grand hallways, each telling a story of the Doge's power and the Venetian Republic's wealth.

San Marco, 1 30135 Venezia
Open from 11/1-3/31,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/01-04/30,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 05/01-09/30,Mon-Thu, Sun,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 05/01-09/30,Fri-Sat,9:00am-11:00pm;Open from 10/01-10/31,9:00am-7:00pm，Please refer to the official website for special time changes.

Bridge of Sighs

Conclude your day's exploration with a brief 15-minute stop at the Bridge of Sighs, an iconic structure that connects the Doge's Palace to the historic prisons. This bridge has been a subject of legend and romance, offering a poignant reminder of Venice's complex history.

P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes
Open from 8:30am-7:00pm

Ca' Dei Dogi

Hotel commercio & pellegrino.

Day 4: Venetian Vistas and Island Charms

Grand Canal

As the final day of our Venice-Turin journey unfolds, we begin with a serene glide along the Grand Canal, Venice's aquatic artery. Spanning just over 2 miles, this historic waterway is lined with magnificent palaces and churches, reflecting centuries of Venetian splendor. A half-hour voyage offers a glimpse into the city's heart, where gondolas and vaporettos share the stage in a timeless water ballet.

Grand Canal, 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Rialto Bridge

Just a short drift away from the Grand Canal, the iconic Rialto Bridge awaits. This architectural marvel acts as a grand stone arch over the bustling canal, offering a postcard-perfect view and a testament to Venice's mercantile history. A brief 15-minute stop here allows for an unforgettable photo opportunity and a chance to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Venice's oldest bridge.

Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Murano Island

Next, we set sail to the enchanting Murano Island, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. Here, visitors can spend the day exploring the myriad of glass workshops and showrooms, each showcasing the island's signature craft. The kaleidoscope of glass art, from delicate jewelry to grand chandeliers, tells a colorful tale of Murano's artistic heritage.

30141 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day

Our Venetian escapade culminates with an hour's visit to the picturesque island of Burano. Famous for its brightly colored fishermen's houses and exquisite handmade lace, Burano is a feast for the senses. Stroll along its charming canals, indulge in the local seafood delicacies, and perhaps take home a piece of intricate lacework as a memento of your travels.

Burano, 30142 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Casa Burano Experience by Venissa

Wondrous palazzetto 1619 in magical burano island.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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If you’re wondering how to spend 10 days in Italy, I’ve got you covered with these 5 itineraries! Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary.

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Itinerary Ideas for your Trip to Italy

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Italy Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

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See this list of the best places to see in Italy

The Best Way to See Italy in 10 Days 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas

Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, & Venice

Read More: What to do in Rome for a Day

Rome, Florence, & Venice

Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como, & Lake Maggiore

Sardinia & Sicily

Florence, Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, &

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BEST of Italy in 2 Weeks: Detailed 14-Day Itinerary (+Map & Planning Tips)

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Days 2-3: Rome

Day 4: Pompeii & Amalfi Coast day trip from Rome

Day 5: Rome to Florence & visit Florence

Day 6: Tuscany day tour from Florence

Day 7: Cinque Terre day trip from Florence

Day 8: Florence to Venice & explore Venice

Day 9: Venice

Day 10: Venice to Verona & explore Verona

Day 11: Lake Garda day trip from Verona

Day 12: Verona to Milan & explore Milan

Day 13: Milan

Day 14: Lake Como day trip from Milan

If you have more time…

10 Days In Italy Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip To Italy

10-Day Italy Itinerary Map

Stop 1: Spend Time Exploring Rome

Things To Do In Rome

Explore The Coliseum

Wander Through The Roman Forum

Visit Piazza Navona

Climb The Spanish Steps

Take A Cooking Class

Visit The Pantheon

Visiting The Vatican During Your Time In Rome

Where To Stay In Rome

How Long To Spend In Rome

Stop 2: Visit Florence And Tuscany

Things To Do In Florence

Visit The Duomo

Walk Across The Ponte Vecchio

See David At Galleria dell’Accademia

Marvel At Renaissance Artwork At Palazzo Pitti

Where To Stay In Florence

How Long To Spend In Florence

Stop 3: Check Venice Off Your Italy Bucket List

Things To Do In Venice

Climb The Companile di San Marco Bell Tower

Go On A Gondola Ride

Marvel At Doge’s Palace

Take A Tour Of The Venetian Islands

Walk Over The Rialto Bridge

Where To Stay In Venice

How Long To Stay In Venice

Stop 4: Explore The Italian Alps And Dolomites In Bolzano

Things To Do In Bolzano/The Dolomites:

Explore Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Visit The Duomo di Bolzano

Pretend You Are Royalty At Castel Roncolo

Go On A Beautiful Nature Walk

Where To Stay In Bolzano:

How Long To Spend In Bolzano

Stop 5: Visit the Mediterranean Coast at Genoa, Portofino, and Cinque Terre

Visiting Genoa And Top Things To Do

The Genoa Aquarium

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

Historical Center Walking Tour

Visiting Portofino And Top Things To Do

Explore Castello Brown

Go Snorkeling Or Diving

Visit San Fruttuoso Abbey

Eat Gelato On The Streets Of Portofino

Visiting Cinque Terre And Top Things To Do