ultimate italy trip

Ultimate Italy

The *chef’s kiss* Italian experience. Blissfully lose yourself among the historic churches and narrow winding streets of Venice. Explore the stunningly colorful villages of Cinque Terre. Discover the incredible history of Rome and Pompeii. Oh, and we heard the food’s decent, too.

Picture yourself

Riding in a gondola through the canals of Venice

Eating the cacio e pepe you typically dream about

Snapping #nofilter photos at Cinque Terre

Looking up at Mt. Vesuvius from the city it made famous, Pompeii

What you'll get

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

1 overnight ferry

14 nights in handpicked accommodations

15 breakfasts

Expert Tour Director

24/7 Support

7 insider city tours with a local guide

Board your overnight flight, bound for Italy! Fresh gelato and homemade pasta will soon be yours. So, so soon.

Welcome to the Venice Region! While you'll be staying on the mainland, the heart of Venice is a quick bus ride away. Situated on 118 islands, intersected by 175 canals and connected by more than 400 bridges, this city has had more praise showered upon it from travelers, writers and artists than any other city in the world.

In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

Today's highlights:

• Meet an EF representative at the airport.
• Transfer to your accommodations and check in.
• Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director.
• Meet the other travelers as they arrive.
• Meet your Tour Director for a guided tour of some top sights around Venice.

Get ready to see Venice through the eyes of a local Italian. Your guide will show you canals, an extraordinary basilica, and a staircase shaped like a snail. You definitely haven’t had enough pasta yet. Eat more pasta.

• Travel from mainland Venice to the island, catching sight of St. Mark's Basilica, plenty of gondolas, and the spectacular Venetian skyline.
• See several historic churches and lose yourself in the narrow streets of Venice.
• Follow the winding Grand Canal through the heart of Venice
• Play Marco polo from across the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in the city that connects San Marco and San Polo.

Free time suggestions

Book Worm: Check out Acqua Alta Library, a hidden bookstore where the books are piled from floor to ceiling, and kittens run around just waiting for some company. 300 Years Young: Opened in 1720, Caffè Florian is the oldest café in the world. And while the venue may be old, their beliefs have always been ahead of their time. They were the only café to serve women during the 18th century. Nicely done, Florian. Go for Gondola: Make your dreams come true by floating down the Venetian canals aboard traditional gondolas.

Say goodbye to Venice; you’re on to Milan, the design, fashion, and commerce center of Italy. On your way, stop in Verona, the setting for three of William Shakespeare’s plays. Visit Juliet’s balcony where you can harness you inner Romeo by saying, “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”

• Travel by bus to Milan with a pit stop in Verona.
• Pay a visit to Juliet’s famous balcony and get in touch with your inner romantic.
• Arrive in Milan and take an introductory walk of the area with your Tour Director.
• Take the evening by storm; Milan is a vibrant, fast-paced city that certainly won't slow down at night. Will you?

Mall Rats: One of the world’s oldest malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (who knew malls existed in 1877?), is the place to go if you want to window shop for Gucci or Louis Vuitton. Beware: the prices are as high as the vaulted ceilings. But the vaulted ceilings are beautiful. Bar None: Head out on the town to any one of the dozens of bars throughout the city. And if you’re feeling even more adventurous, there are plenty of dance clubs calling your name.

Cruise Lake Como on a full-day excursion or enjoy a full free day in Milan to explore on your own. Either way, you're about to have a great day.

• Wake up and seize the day; you've got Milan at your fingertips.
• Explore the impressive gothic cathedral that offers stunning views of the city.
• Spend the day at Lake Como (if you choose), daydreaming about villa life and spotting celebrity homes.

Stairway to Heaven: Visit Milan’s impressive gothic cathedral, as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside. Climb the stairs (or take the elevator) to the top for sweeping views of the city’s skyline. Gol!!!: If you’re a soccer fan, take some time to visit the San Siro Stadium and museum, home to AC Milan, one of the top soccer clubs in Italy. Drinks After Work: Like many people, the Milanese like to take the edge off after a day at work. Do as the Italians do, and find a café for a drink (aperetivo) and snack.

Cruise serene Lake Como, where views of the Alps, villas and small medieval towns line the shore. Then, explore two of Italy's most beautiful celeb hotspots: Como and Bellagio. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Board your private coach for Florence via Cinque Terre, the five colorful fishing villages that will make for the best photo op of the entire trip. Scratch that. Best photos ever. Instagrammers, this is your moment.

• Explore Cinque Terre and travel by train through the dazzling villages.
• Stop in Manarola, the tranquil and unspoiled village that is too beautiful for its own good.
• Catch some rays (of the sun variety) at the beach in Montesrosso, and relax after a long day of exploration.
• Arrive in Florence in the evening, settle in, and take an introductory walk with your Tour Director.

You’ve got a full day in Florence, the compact capital of the Tuscany region known for its famous Renaissance artwork. Throw on some comfortable shoes and join a local guide for a walking tour of the city. By the end of it, you’ll be looking up how to live in Italy forever.

*Note: There is no included entry to the Duomo during the guided sightseeing on this day, but you will have free time to return if you so choose.

• Cross the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, home to many of Florence’s jewelers and art merchants. Ready to get some bling?
• Stroll the Piazza della Signoria, home to Florence’s seat of power, the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as several intricate sculptures.
• Visit the Duomo Cathedral. Return during your free time and challenge yourself to climb the 463 steps to the top for stunning views of the city.

Get Some Fresh Air: Loggia dei Lanzi is an open air sculpture museum, with a number of Renaissance statues. It’s beautiful, it’s in the open, and it’s free. Leather-Bound Books: Florence is known for its plethora of leather goods, from belts and jewelry to purses and wallets. Maybe you can finally buy that leather jacket you’ve always wanted but have been too embarrassed to buy.

Travel to Rome via Orvieto Travel to Rome via Orvieto. Goodbye, Florence. Hello, Rome, Italy’s capital city that is bursting at the seams with energy. Locals fill the streets, day and night, usually doing something that involves eating or drinking. And how can you blame them when pasta, pizza, gelato, coffee, and wine are everywhere you look? Rome is all big city/ancient ruins, served with a side of spaghetti.

• Board your private coach, bound for Rome.
• Stop in Orvieto, a quaint Italian hill town that’s as fun to visit as it is to say in an Italian accent.
• Marvel at the artistry of the facade of Orvieto’s stunning cathedral, built in 1290 (no, that’s not a typo—it’s really that old.)
• Arrive in Rome, surrounded by art, ruins, and 2.9 million people
• Take a tour of the surrounding area with your Tour Director, stopping by some famous attractions, and more than few gelato shops.

They say all roads lead to Rome, but once you’re there you quickly realize that all roads actually lead to restaurants. Take the morning to satisfy your cravings and sip some espresso, then experience everything ancient Rome has to offer with a local guide.

• Tour the city with a local guide who will show you why Rome is one of the most legendary cities in Europe.
• Experience the heart of ancient Rome with a visit to the Forum, once a hub of activity for the city.
• See the ruins of several Roman temples, including the Temple of the Vestal Virgins.

Stroll Vatican City, home of the Pope and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Prepare for crowds, but for good reason. This is an opportunity to visit the smallest country in the world, plus catch a glimpse of the most interesting ceiling you’ve ever seen.

• Get an in-depth look into Papal history and politics with an expert guide.
• Cross another country of your list (Vatican City is an independent nation).
• Look up (like, straight up) at the frescos of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s greatest work.
• Visit the Vatican Museum, one of the largest, most renowned art exhibits in the world.

Trevi Fountain: Rumor has it, if turn your back to the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder, it guarantees you’ll return to the Eternal City. Throw in a second coin, and you’ll not only come back, but also find love. (Significant other not guaranteed by EF Ultimate Break.) Shopping on Vide del Corso: Walk down the longest pedestrian street in the city for some prime shopping. Populated by both locals and tourists, there’s room for everyone on the narrow store-filled street.

Travel to the Naples Region via Pompeii As you make your way to the Naples Region, join a local guide for a walking tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, which stands frozen in time after Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, completely destroying the town.

• Travel back to imperial Roman times and learn about Pompeii, the city covered in volcanic ash.
• Look up at Mt. Vesuvius, the deadly volcano that annihilated this city almost 2,000 years ago.
• Experience the buildings, artifacts and even people that have been extremely well preserved over the years.

The day is yours to do as you wish. Or join your Tour Director for an excursion to Capri. You haven’t lived lavishly until you’ve cruised around the island of Capri. You'll leave the big city life behind you, and enjoy more of that classic Italian coastal beauty. And if you're wondering, yes, this is what heaven looks like.

• Get lost in the Naples Region during your free time.
• Spend a full day on the Isle of Capri for an afternoon cruise and tour with a local guide during an optional excursion. (Life of luxury much?)
• Enjoy the thing that Naples is known for, that bready, cheesy, tomato sauce topped stuff we call pizza.

Capri Cruisin' (extra cost)

Ferry across the Bay of Naples then around the Isle of Capri, gawking at the incredible Arco Naturale and the famous Faraglioni rocks. Then travel by funicular railway to the ancient mountaintop island resort. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Lucky you—a full day to enjoy more of Naples before heading to Palermo.

• Use your free time in the Naples Region to do as you wish.
• Grab lunch, veg out on the beach, and bask in that sweet, sweet Vitamin D.
• Head back to the ferry port in Naples and board your overnight ferry to Palermo, Sicily.

Hop off the boat in Palermo, stop at a beach in Cefalù, and then it's on to the lively region of Catania.

• Get off the ferry and kiss the ground (that's what they do in the movies, right?)
• Grab lunch, peek into tiny shops, and catch some rays at one of Sicily's finest beaches in the town of Cefalù.
• Continue on to Catania region, and relax at an outdoor café as day turns to night.
• Make the most of your night; go on the hunt for more fine, Italian cuisine and wine on wine on wine.

The day is yours to explore. Enjoy your free time or take an excursion to the apex of Mt. Etna, a massive active volcano on the eastern coast of Sicily. Don’t forget to eat all the last minute pasta and gelato you can.

• Continue exploring the noisy, yet always charming region of Catania.
• Try some pasta alla Norma, yet another delicious pasta dish that originated here in Catania. (It should be noted that this is your last day to enjoy Italian pasta.)
• Find your way to the beach to catch some last minute Italian rays.
• Get in some mountain time by joining in on the Mt. Etna optional excursion.

Mt. Etna: Volcanos and Vineyards (extra cost)

See and explore the craters of Europe's tallest active volcano, then relax with some Sicilian wine. Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

Today you’ll explore Taormina, the posh town literally built on the side of a mountain. Once you stand in the ancient amphitheater, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll understand why more people are flocking here every year.

Farewell Dinner Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

• Bask in the spectacular views of Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.
• Explore the 7th-century Taormina Greek Theater, which is still in use today. (Bob Dylan once performed here.)
• Take in the Baroque architecture and quaint, pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets.
• Return to the Catania region in the evening for another night doing whatever you please.

Arrivederci, amici! Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?

EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

1. Double the fun A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

2. Go ahead or stay behind Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.

Don’t think, just do it

SPLURGE ON YOURSELF!

If you’re wondering whether or not you should splurge for this trip… DO IT! You get to go everywhere and explore so much from Venice all the way down to Sicily. Our tour director, Simone, gave us so much laughs, knowledge, and memories from the very first day. The EF and Simone’s excursions made the trip so much fun! So again, if you’re wondering whether or ... See more

Trip of a lifetime!

A trip of a lifetime- I truly couldn’t have dreamed of a better experience! Simone was our guide and absolutely brought our trip/ travel experience from incredible, to outstanding! Best trip ever! I’d repeat it all in a heartbeat if I could.

Gorgeous Country, Amazing Director

Beautiful trip! If anyone gets a chance to go to Italy try to book Simone as the tour director, he was incredible.

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Ultimate Italy

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Enjoy a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Italy's Most Amazing Locations on a 12-Day Guided Tour

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Enjoy the ultimate Italian experience during this 12-day guided tour. Sail to the sun-drenched island of Capri, where you will join a Local Expert for a tour of the infamous Faraglioni Rocks — three towering rocks jutting out from the Mediterranean Sea. At lunch, sit down to an Italian feast at the Michelin-starred Le Monzù, where you will have sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples while savoring dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. See Florence your way with a choice of activities: Join an art historian and visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David or walk with a local food expert and taste this Tuscan town’s most decadent treats. In Venice, visit the Doge's Palace with a Local Expert and without the crowds — the expansive residence is yours alone to explore after hours.  The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

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Pre Departure

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Private Door-to-Door Transfer

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. 

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On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.

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Your Travel Concierge

Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences. 

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In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.  ​

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Included at all hotels. 

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Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.

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Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.  

Complimentary Room Service

On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.​

Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.

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Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

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You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como and the culture, art and beauty of Florence and Rome, to the epic views along the Amalfi Coast and traditional Italian towns of Puglia, this Italy road trip has it all!

Road tripping past vineyards, dramatic coastlines and historic cities sounds like a pretty perfect holiday doesn’t it? When it comes to European holidays, Italy is always one of my top recommendations. I love the views, the buzz, the people. And don’t get me started on the food – I mean, delicious Italian cuisine for brekky, lunch and dinner? That’s enough of a reason to visit in itself! 

Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, food or fashion, a trip to Italy will no doubt appeal. Spend leisurely days floating beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice on a gondola, window shopping in Milan’s boutiques, standing where gladiators once fought in the Roman Colosseum or staying in a traditional Trulli house in Puglia.

And the best part about an Italy road trip? The freedom! You don’t have to stick to the obvious routes. While I’ve created an Italy itinerary on the maps below, I’d encourage veering off course from time to time. That’s when you’ll find the hidden gems, the towns the tourists don’t know about, and no doubt some delicious Italian food too.

It’s also worth remembering that some of the interior parts of the country are as pretty as the coasts, with vineyards, sunflower fields and gorgeous hilltop towns. Going on a road trip means you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too.

So, rather than create one epic Italian road trip, I’ve divided it into a northern Italy road trip and a southern Italy road trip. That way you can just pick one and break the country up into manageable chunks. Got a while? Join the two up and continue down the coast from Rome to Milan.

Click through to take a look at each itinerary, and figure out which one is right for you…

The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itinerary

From driving along the Amalfi Coast and enjoying traditional pasta in Puglia, to enjoying lake views in northern Italy and the incredible canals of Venice, it's time to plan the ultimate Italy road trip! 

The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como, dramatic coastlines of Cinque Terre and the canals of Venice, to the culture, art and beauty of Milan, Florence and Rome, it’s time to plan the ultimate northern Italy road trip!

The Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the vibrant city of Naples and the awe inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast, to the traditional Italian towns of Puglia and Sicily’s beaches, volcanoes and cuisine, it’s time to plan the ultimate southern Italy road trip!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Italy?

Italy has a Mediterranean climate and is a lovely destination to visit all year round.

Temperatures vary by region, but as a quick example, you can expect average temperatures of around 0°C in around Cortina (a ski resort in the mountains) in January, and as high as 37°C in July in cities such as Milan and Venice. Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter, making destinations like Puglia and Sicily great options for a winter holiday.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Italy, I’d suggest planning a trip between April and June, or in September or October, just after the peak summer season.

The weather tends to be consistent in these months, but isn’t too hot. Plus, as you’re missing peak season, you should benefit from lower prices and fewer people.

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, this guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list.

I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out my Italy road trip itineraries! Let me know where you decide to go and what your highlights are…

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later… 

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More”

I am obsessed with Italy! I really want to visit Milan and Lake Como so I think that will be my next trip! xoxo Jess

Hey Jess – that’s a great route to take and super easy! I’ve just got back from Trentino which is also stunning!

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Ultimate Italy

14 days, rome to venice.

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From the villages of the Cinque Terre to Tuscany's medieval splendour, this is an adventure for those looking to indulge in all of Italy’s delights. Walk through grand piazzas and winding lanes, stroll the canals of Venice, and float past villas on Lake Como. Marvel at the ancient grandeur of Rome and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence. Your expert local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will take care of the details so you can travel at a leisurely pace and appreciate the scenery, whether it’s sipping vino in Tuscany or sampling local delicacies within the walls of charming Montepulciano. Experience the best of Italy in this all-encompassing tour.

Rome to Venice

Is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Alternative Trips

Don't miss out on the big Italian highlights plus all the mystery and excitement of Venice Carnival.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 14

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 89

More from Ultimate Italy

Places visited

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before enjoying a free day to explore a myriad of options. Opt to tour Vatican City, cross the river to charming Trastevere, eat some gelato in Piazza Navona, or swing by the Colosseum and Forum.

Meals included:

Day 3 rome/montepulciano.

Travel to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk.

Day 4 Montepulciano

Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.

Day 5 Montepulciano/Florence

Continue on to Florence. Enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Day 6 Florence

With a free day, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.

Day 7 Florence

Enjoy a day trip to vibrant Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Return to Florence at the end of the day.

Day 8 Florence/Cinque Terre

Visit Pisa en route to the coast. Settle into the colourful, charming town in the Cinque Terre.

Day 9 Cinque Terre

Walk the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso or opt to take the train. Visit charming, colourful towns along the way.

Day 10 Cinque Terre/Lake Como

Travel to Lake Como, a perfectly picturesque region laden with villas and lush gardens. Arrive in the late afternoon and start exploring the town.

Day 11 Lake Como

Spend the day on Lake Como with a day pass for the Lake Como boat. Visit multiple towns along the shores. Opt to take the funicular to Brunate for a fantastic view over the area.

Day 12 Lake Como/Venice

Travel to Venice, the "city of canals," and enjoy an orientation walk over bridges and canals and view Piazza San Marco.

Day 13 Venice

Spend the day getting lost in Venice. Opt for a vaporetto (water taxi) ride to the islands of Murano and Burano, take a gondola under the Ponte Rialto (Bridge of Lovers), explore the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, or get lost in the twisting maze of the city.

Day 14 Venice

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Migrantour Rome, Rome
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Discover Moment: Rome
• Your Discover Moment: Florence
• Your Discover Moment: Venice
• Orientation walk of Montepulciano (Tuscany)
• Day trip to Siena
• Piazzale Michelangelo evening visit (Florence)
• Pisa visit (half-day)
• Cinque Terre park fee, unlimited train ticket and CEO-led hike
• Lake Como boat day pass
• Venice orientation walk
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nts).

13 breakfasts Allow USD510-665 for meals not included.

Transportation

Public bus, train, boat, walking

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Florence food tour - from $98.00.

Uncover the treasures of Florence, savoured by locals for generations, on this 3-hour walking tour through Oltrarno. Experience the unique flavours and foods that make the cuisine of this region so distinct from the rest of Italy. Famous for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, Florence is a city rich with culture, history and of course, some of the tastiest Tuscan food in the region. Wander the streets and soak up the bohemian vibe as you stop to sample wine and salami. There is even the chance to get hands on as you learn how to make Italian cantucci (cookies).

Rome Vintage Vespa Tour - From $221.00

When in Rome... live "la dolce vita" and hop onto a Vespa! Make your way around the city (like the locals do) on a vintage Vespa scooter. Visit Rome's must-see landmarks with a local guide, who will also be your Vespa driver, on this 3-4 hour afternoon excursion.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Ultimate 10 Day Italy Itinerary

Italy is a country that’s easy to fall quickly in love with, and whether you love history, culture, food or beautiful scenery, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy in this southern European country.

There’s a lot to see and a lot to do, and deciding on your 10 day Italy itinerary can be a challenge, and you won’t have time to experience everything that the country has to offer.

We’ve put together this great Italy itinerary that will take you through the highlights but will still leave you wanting to return to see more. Even better, this is the exact itinerary from my first trip to Italy !

Our itinerary will let you experience some of the best highlights, taking you from the beautiful canals of Venice in the north to the Renaissance center of Florence, then onto the charming Umbrian town of Assisi, before traveling to the ancient capital Rome, south to Naples and finally, to the buried ruins of Pompeii.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Italy (Travel Guide)

10 Day Italy Itinerary

Table of Contents

Venice – 2 Days

Your 10 days in Italy itinerary begins in Venice, one of the country’s most popular destinations and a city not to be missed. Venice is the city of canals, a place where there are no roads and the only way to navigate is on foot or by boat.

Venice has great connections to the rest of Italy, Europe and further afield, making this an excellent city to begin your trip, if you are flying into the country.

The narrow streets and canals can get busy, particularly in the peak summer season, but you’ll quickly understand why Venice has long drawn visitors from around the world.

Explore the Venetian history by visiting the grand Doge Palace, once one of the most important palaces in Europe, when the city was the maritime power in the Mediterranean.

Visit the Piazza di San Marco, where you can look out over the city from the tall, medieval era tower, before enjoying a gondola ride through the canals.

In the Venice Lagoon, you can escape the city by taking the ferry to the islands, or you can enjoy some relaxing time on the beach at Venice Lido.

Our top recommended tours in Venice:

• Venice Food Tour: Cicchetti and Wine
• Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
• Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide
• Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Small-Group Tour by Boat

Florence – 2 Days

From Venice, it’s time to visit Florence, a city that’s world-famous for its supreme Renaissance-era architecture and artwork. It’s a three-hour drive, or you can make use of the excellent high-speed rail network during your 10 day trip to Italy itinerary, and travel to Florence in comfort in just two hours.

Florence is home to the iconic Duomo, a cathedral that dominates the skyline and which offers excellent views over the city when you first arrive. Florence is the perfect city for history and culture lovers, as the many wonderful galleries and museums display some of the most famous works of art in Europe.

This was the birthplace of the Renaissance movement during the medieval era, and a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia will bring you face to face with Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world.

There are beautiful piazzas to explore, you can learn about the powerful Medici family that left a lasting legacy in the city, and you can enjoy some great food and wine during your stay here.

Our top recommended tours in Florence:

• Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour
• Small-Group Florence City Stroll with Skip the Line David and Accademia
• Florence Electric Bike Tour with Farm and Wine Bar Visit
• Best of Florence: Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line to David and Uffizi Gallery

Tuscany – 2 Days

Florence is found in the heart of Tuscany, one of the most beautiful areas in Italy, and from the city, our itinerary will take you into the countryside to become acquainted with rural scenes, medieval villages and plenty of wineries.

For this part of our 10 day Italy itinerary, you can choose to use Florence as your base to explore the rest of Tuscany, by renting classic Vespa scooters and cruising through the hills, or you can spend the night in gorgeous Tuscan villas, surrounded by unbeatable nature and delicious, local cuisine.

If you’re wanting to spend extra days in other parts of Italy but still want to see the best of Tuscany, consider this full day trip from Florence.

Highlights include the Chianti Region, an area known for its high-quality wine production. You can visit the nearby city of Siena, another Renaissance hotbed that’s equally famous for its annual horse race, which takes place on the medieval streets.

Pisa and the iconic leaning tower is just a one hour drive away from Florence, while the small, medieval village of San Gimignano, where you can enjoy the beauty of the countryside alongside an array of history, is just a short journey away as well.

Tuscany is one of the best places to get a taste for the country, and it takes prime position in our 10 day Italy itinerary, and really can’t be missed.

Our top recommended tours of Tuscany:

• Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
• Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour
• Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch

Assisi – 1 Day

The next stop takes you two hours further south to the small town of Assisi, a destination often overlooked by travelers but makes a fantastic stop between Florence and Rome. Assisi is perhaps best known for being the home of St Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered saints in Italian history.

The most dramatic sight in town is the enormous basilica that’s dedicated to the saint, and it’s an important place of pilgrimage for many Christians. There’s a lot more to Assisi than this though, and for starters, you’ll be mesmerized by the charming setting and the abundance of culture that’s found here.

As well as the Christian history, you can explore the Roman, Pagan history at the ancient Temple of Minerva, which is several thousand years old and is still a place of religious importance – albeit now a Christian one.

You’ll also find plenty of medieval history, with several different castles to explore and plenty of winding, narrow streets in the older parts of the town. It’s a beautiful place that makes for a welcome change of pace to the large cities you’ll have been visiting at the start of your Italy itinerary.

Our top recommended tours in Assisi:

• Small-Group Tour of Assisi
• Assisi Private Walking Tour
• Umbrian Regional and Traditional Cooking Class with Lunch in Assisi

Rome – 3 Days

From Assisi, it’s time to travel to the big city though, and next on your 10 day Italy itinerary will be the ancient capital of Rome . For anyone visiting Italy, the city can’t be ignored, particularly if it’s your first time in the country, and you’ll need several days here to truly begin to appreciate Rome.

Within the city, you can find 3,000 years of continuous history, where the ancient world collides with the modern. Few cities in the world have such a wealth of ruins and historic sites within their boundaries, but in Rome, you can see layer upon layer of architecture just walking down the road.

Visit the iconic Coliseum, where gladiator games were held by the Romans, before visiting the equally astounding ruins of the Roman Forum, where you can find the ancient heart of the city in all its crumbling glory.

It’s not just about the Roman era, however, as in Rome you can see the elegant Trevi Fountain, you can walk up the busy Spanish Steps and you can visit the round tower of the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Within the city, you can also find one of the world’s smallest countries, and you can cross the border to tour through the Vatican, to marvel at the Sistine Chapel, the basilicas and to see the grand square where the Pope gives speeches.

Our top recommended tours in Rome:

• Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
• Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour
• Colosseum Underground with Arena Floor Access & Roman Forum Guided Tour
• Rome Super Saver: Colosseum & Forum Rome with Best of Rome Afternoon Walking Tour

Naples – Day Trip from Rome

From Rome, it’s time to catch the fast train for the 70-minute ride south to Naples, one of the oldest cities in Europe but one of the most underrated in Italy. While the city used to have a reputation for danger, today the historical center of Naples, with its UNESCO listed attractions, is re-emerging onto many a traveler’s Italy itinerary.

Located on the coast, the local harbor is a great feature of the city, while the iconic Castel Nuovo is always worth calling into. You can visit churches, basilicas, cathedrals and all without the huge crowds of Rome or any of the northern Italian cities.

Naples is home to some great authentic Italian cuisine, and you can dine in fresh seafood, enjoy gourmet pasta and try some of the best pizza in Italy. Naples is real foodie heaven and one of the best places on our Italy itinerary to dining out all the time.

Our top recommended tours in Naples:

• Naples Street Food and Sightseeing Tour
• Naples City Walking Tour
• Naples Food Walking Tour
• Naples Walking and Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide

Pompeii – Day Trip from Rome

Naples, as well as being a historic destination in its own right, is also a great place from which to explore the ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii. In AD79, Mount Vesuvius, which overshadows the region, erupted, burying the affluent city of Pompeii in ash.

People were caught in the eruption and few had time to escape, meaning that the city was strangely preserved, and now offers a unique insight into daily Roman life. Traveling to Pompeii from Naples is easy, with plenty of tour buses and companies running guided tours to the ruins.

It’s just as easy to simply catch the local train, however, which departs every half hour from the central station in Naples and drops passengers just outside the entrance.

At Pompeii, you can explore one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, as the sprawling city has been excavated over the years to reveal some remarkable finds.

Here you can find grand Roman villas painted with elegant, artistic mosaics and frescoes, which are all incredibly well preserved, as well humble houses owned by the poor, who were trapped as Mount Vesuvius exploded above them. It’s one of the best Roman sites in Italy, and it’s not to be missed on your 10 day Italy itinerary.

Our top recommended tours of Pompeii:

• Skip-the-line Small-Group Pompeii Tour with Local Guide
• The Best of Pompeii Small-group Tour-Unveiling The Buried City
• Pompeii Full-day Tour Including all Highlights and Newly Opened Houses
• Pompeii Small Group tour with an Archaeologist

Recommended Multi-Day Tours

• G Adventures Local Living Italy Tuscany- If you’ve ever wanted to forge a deeper bond with a destination, this is your chance. Centered in San Gimignano, this Local Living adventure places you in the heart of central Tuscany. You’re free to explore the town, visit vineyards, discover medieval highlights, or embrace your inner artist wandering the Tuscan countryside. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into Italian cities, there’ll be day trips to visit Siena and Florence. You’ll share the main accommodation with like-minded travelers and a CEO there to point you in the right direction. Prepare to fall in love with Italy.
• G Adventures Wellness Italy – If serenity has a palpable form, surely it can be found under the Tuscan sun. This seven-day tour of Italy will have you second-guessing your departure date from the moment you land in Rome. After a morning yoga session and a leisurely day on the grounds of Palatine Hill and the Colosseum, your path will take you to lush landscapes of Tuscany. There, you’ll have ample time to saunter through welcoming villages, taste exceptional local food and wine, and cycle your way through the Tuscan hills. A dip in healing thermal waters will leave a rejuvenating warmth radiating through both body and mind long past your final stop in Florence.
• Best of Italy Summer (Start and end in Rome! With the in-depth cultural tour Best of Italy Summer, you have a 13-day tour package taking you through Rome, Italy and 12 other destinations in Italy. Best of Italy Summer includes meals and more.)
• Taste Of Italy (Start and end in Rome! With the discovery tour Taste Of Italy – 8 Days, you have an 8-day tour package taking you through Rome, Italy and 9 other destinations in Italy. Taste Of Italy – 8 Days includes accommodation as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more.)
• The Italian Dream (Start and end in Rome! With the coach/bus tour The Italian Dream, you have an 8-day tour package taking you through Rome, Italy and 7 other destinations in Italy. The Italian Dream includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more.)

More on Italy:

• The Perfect Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary
• 15 Easy & Amazing Day Trips From Venice
• 3 Days in Rome: Things To Do in Rome
• 10 Best Day Trips from Rome Worth Taking
• Rome to Pompeii: The Best Way to Make it Happen
• 3 Days in Florence: What to do in Florence
• Best Day Trips from Florence: Our Top Recommendations
• 5 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “Ultimate 10 Day Italy Itinerary”

Me and my husband are going to Italy in August, but don’t know what to do or where to go to eat at this will be our first time going.

You’re going to have a fab time! I highly recommend that you visit Florence, Venice and Rome for sure. Also, if you have time, get down to Pompeii too.

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2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary, The Ultimate Italy Road Trip

Planning a trip to Italy for 2 weeks? You are at the right spot! I’ve been exploring Italy for decades. So I have all the hands on experience and tips to give you the best 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. 

Italy is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and is home to some of the most beautiful towns, cities, and experiences on offer in Europe.

Italy is probably my favorite country to travel in. You’re engulfed in history, can admire some of the world’s best art, and eat some of the world’s best food. What could be better?

Overview Of 2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary

This 2 week Italy road trip itinerary starts in Venice and ends in Naples. It’s a perfect itinerary for first time visitors to Italy.

Venice’s airport is terrific and typically inexpensive to fly into. The city’s Santa Lucia and Mestre train stations connect to just about everything south with high speed service. 

You can pick up your car leaving Venice or leaving Bologna. Alternatively, you can also do the entire 2 weeks in Italy by train.

With this Italy itinerary, you’ll have 5 bases: (1) Venice; (2) Bologna; (3) Florence; (4) Rome; and (5) Naples.

If you need a break from the city, instead of staying in Naples, you can base yourself on the Amalfi coast for 3 days and day trip from there.

The cliff top town of Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast. From there, you can day trip to Pompeii, Positano, Capri, and even Naples.

• Day 1 : Venice
• Day 2 : Venice
• Day 3 : Bologna
• Day 4 : Bologna, day trip to Parma or Modena
• Day 5 : Florence
• Day 6 : Florence
• Day 7 : Florence, day trip to Siena
• Day 8 : Rome
• Day 9 : Rome
• Day 10 : Rome, Vatican City
• Day 11 : Rome, day trip to Orvieto
• Day 12 : Naples
• Day 13 : Naples, day trip to Pompeii
• Day 14 : Naples, day trip to Amalfi Coast

Where To Stay With 2 Weeks In Italy

Here are my hotel recommendations for the cities listed as bases.

Venice : Gritti Palace , Hotel Danieli , St. Regis , Aman Venice (my favorite), Bauer Palazzo

Bologna : Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni (my pick) Il Portici , Art Hotel Orologio

Florence : Il Touranbouni ,  Hotel Brunelleschi , Portrait Firenze , Palazzo Vecchietti , Villa Cora (my favorite in the Oltrarno)

Rome : Li b ert y Boutique Hotel ,  H o t el  M aalat ,  De co  Ro ma ,  Hotel H a s s ler Roma , Pa lazzo Man fr edi  (my favorite)

Naples : Grand Hotel Vesuvio , Romeo Hotel , Hotel San Francesco al Monte (my pick)

2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary: 14 Days Of Exploring

Ok, let’s dive right into this 2 week Italy itinerary. If you’re landing in Venice, the easiest way to get to the city is via a private water taxi transfer .

Day 1: Venice

Kick off your 2 weeks in Italy in the magical floating city of Venice. Even though Venice is very touristy, there’s a reason for its popularity.

Venice is a natural film set. It’s like no other city in the world.

Start your day in Piazza San Marco. Visit the pink marble Doge’s Palace, which is the very symbol of Venice.

You can traipse up the famed Scala d’Oro, the world’s fanciest staircase, admire the Doge’s apartments, and see the world’s largest painting by Titian.

Click   here  to book a skip the line ticket to avoid a long queue. I also loved the Secret Itineraries Tour , which take you to secret spots in the palace you can’t see on a regular tour.

Then, move on to one of the world’s most unique and stunning churches, St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s absolutely essential to book a skip the queue ticket . You can also purchase an  after hours ticket  for fewer crowds and to get access to some places you can’t see during the day.

The basilica is famous for its almost blinding golden mosaics from the 5th century B.C. They blanket the walls, covering 90,000 square feet.

Then, take a ride along the Grand Canal. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Venice. You can also hop on and off the Vaporetto yourself.

Along the way, you can check out Ca’Rezzonico, Ca’ Foscari, and Ca’ d’Oro. In addition to housing some great art, the palaces offer up great views of Venice.

You can book a  1 hour guided boat tour . You can also book a  3 hour guided tour   of the St. Mark’s area that comes with a boat cruise.

Day 2: Venice

On day 2 in Venice, take a stroll through the Rialto neighborhood. Snap a classic shot on the Rialto Bridge, check out the Fish Market, and myriad shops. You can also take a  lunchtime tour of the Rialto Market and other foodie hot spots .

Next, head to the Dorsoduro neighborhood. Stroll around the pretty streets, check out the shops and eateries, and then go to one of the neighborhood museums.

The two I love are the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria Accademia .

The Guggenheim is for people who want to see some of the greatest works of modern art from the 20th century. It’s a star studded lineup compiled by the eccentric American heiress, who helped launch Jackson Pollock’s career.

This museum will be packed. Click  here  to purchase a skip the line ticket. Click  here  to book a private guided tour of this extraordinary collection of art.

The Galleria Academia is for travelers who love old masters. It houses the world’s best collection of pre-19th century Venetian painting. You’ll find works by luminaries such as Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Bellini, Canaletto, and Giorgione. 

The museum is not usually crowded, so you won’t have to worry about buying tickets in advance. But, if you’re a fan of Renaissance art, you may want to book a 2 hour  guided tour of the museum .

If you want to see the “Sistine Chapel of Venice,” head to the San Polo district to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. It’s decorated wall to walk with dramatic paintings by Titian.

Then, spend some time in the Cannaregio district. you can escape the crowds, poke in and out of cute lanes, and grab some cicchetti , Venice’s version of tapas.

Cannaregio is an excellent neighborhood to sign up for a   f ood and  wine  tour . You can also book an  evening food tour and gondola ride .

For more information, you can check out my 2 days in Venice itinerary . It has detailed information on gondola rides, how to use the vaporetto, and how to get to the other Venetian islands in the lagoon.

Day 3: Bologna

On day 3, head to beautiful Bologna. This food-loving city is underrated and absolutely deserving of a spot on your 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. It’s sandwiched between 3 major cities — Venice, Florence, and Milan — and is often skipped.

Don’t skip it! To me, Bologna just oozes old world medieval charm.

It has all of the charm of Italy with none of the tourists! Bologna is filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, endlessly photogenic streets, porticos, and a swathe of palaces and towers.

Most of the must see attractions are clustered in or around the city’s main square, Piazza Maggiore. On one end of the piazza is the massive Basilica of San Petronio, honoring Bologna’s patron saint. On the other is the swishy Palazzo dei Rei Enzo.

You can also climb Bologna’s leaning tower, Asinelli Tower, for views. Since it’s a rickety 500 steps to the top, you’ll deserve a gelato afterward.

Be sure to meander through shops in Bologna’s medieval Quadrilatero neighborhood. You can also visit FICO Eataly World . It’s part farm and part theme park, with 20 acres of food and livestock stalls, restaurants, grocery stores, and food labs.

There are lots of fun tours to take in Bologna. Naturally, most of them food related:

• classic food tour
• 3 hour FICO Eataly food and wine tour
• food tour with factory visits and a gourmet lunch
• history tour and learn food secrets
• e-bike tour with cheese and wine

Day 4: Bologna, Day Trip To Parma & Modena

On day 4, take a day trip from Bologna to either Parma or Modena. Both are foodie towns that are pretty and un-touristy.

Underrated Parma is just too cute for words. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful cities , a foodie haven, and home to the greatest works of the famed Renaissance artist Correggio.

Parma has a gorgeous Romanesque cathedral and pretty pink octagonal Baptistery. The entire town is dotted with red, pink, and yellow walls. Purple flowers decorate the Ponte Verdi.

Parma is tailor made for art lovers. The town was home to Correggio, the opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, and the conductor Toscanini. In 2022, Parma was chosen as Italy’s Capital of Culture.

Precious frescos by Correggio literally blanket the city. There are art-filled palaces, a famous opera house, and a world class museum.

Parma will also appeal to traveling foodies. It’s home to some of Italy’s best known culinary products — parmesan cheese, prosciutto, fresh pasta, and other delicacies. All this goodness has led the town to be dubbed the heart of the “Italian Food Valley.”

You can easily spend one day in Parma just popping in and out of food shops, taking a food tour, and having some memorable meals. Check out these cool food tours in Parma:

• 5 hour prosciutto and parmesan tour
• 7 hour cheese, ham, and balsamic tour
• 3.5 hour traditional food tour
• 2 hour tour of parmesan cheese factory
• 2 hour tour of dairy and prosciutto factory

Modena is a hidden gem in Italy , an elegant little city that’s well worth a visit.

If you’ve heard of Modena, it’s probably because of its food. Modena is a foodie haven. It’s famous for hams, cheeses, and barrel aged balsamic vinegar. You can sample the dark elixir in shops around the town. 

But Modena isn’t just about food. Modena is beautiful and immaculate.

Piazza Grande is its eye catching main square. It’s home to several monuments, including a Duomo, town hall, a picturesque 15th century clock tower, and medieval relics.

The 12th century Duomo is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. It comes complete with a slightly leaning bell tower called the “Ghirlandina.”

Modena was also the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti. His titular museum,  Luciano Pavarotti Museum ,  is located about 20 minutes from city center on the estate where the famous tenor lived.

Since Modena is for foodies, you may want to book a  guided food tour , do a  balsamic vinegar tasting , or  tour Italy’s most famous cheese factory .

Modena is just a 45 minute drive from Bologna. You can also visit on an 8 hour guided day tour from Bologna.

Day 5: Florence

Ah Florence . It may be Italy’s most beloved city, even over Venice. The “Cradle of the Renaissance” is beautiful from every angle.

You can content yourself with just absorbing the beauty and street life. But there are so many amazing attractions in Florence, you won’t be able to resist them.

Start your day at one of Florence’s hotspots, the Galleria Academia . It’s home to the world’s most famous statue, Michelangelo’s David , and his prisoners.

The lines are epic here, so you should definitely pre-book a  skip the line timed entry ticket .You can also opt for a  1.5 hour guided tour with fast track ticket .

For even more Michelangelo, head to the Medici Chapels. Inside, you’ll see the over-the-top Prince’s Chapel and the New Sacristy with 7 Michelangelo sculptures.

You’ll need to  pre-book a ticket  with a time slot reservation. These fill up fast, so don’t delay. You can also book a  guided tour of the chapels . This isn’t a bad idea because there’s not much explanatory signage.

After lunch, it’s time to tackle the Florence Cathedral complex . This consists of 5 separate sites: Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistery, the Duomo Museum, and the Giotto Bell Tower. 

If you buy the  Brunelleschi ticket , you have entry to all the sites. You can only enter each attraction once, but you have 3 days to use the pass. I suggest you visit them all this afternoon. 

There’s a lot to absorb at these wonderful attractions. You may want to  book a guided tour  to get the full scoop.

Go the Duomo Museum first. It’s the best cathedral museum I’ve ever visited. It’s chock full of stunning statues by Donatello and will give you a primer on how Brunelleschi built the iconic dome of the cathedral.

I would climb either Brunelleschi’s dome or the Giotto bell tower. It might be a bit much to do both in one day.

Giotto’s bell tower might offer slightly better views. But, if you climb Brunelleschi’s dome, you can admire the Giorgio Vasari frescos on the way up.

In the evening, take a stroll through Piazza della Signoria and admire the statues in the piazza.

If you want, you can visit the Palazzo Vecchio (right in the square) in the evening because it’s open late. Inside, you’ll find Medici apartments, a Michelangelo sculpture, and room after room of Vasari frescos.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket for Palazzo Vecchio

Day 6: Florence

On day 6 of you 2 weeks in Italy itinerary, begin with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce . It’s Florence’s most stunning church and a mausoleum for its most famous citizens.

The basilica opens at 9:30. You should arrive with a pre-purchased  skip the line ticket . You’ll have to dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered or you won’t be let in. They’re very strict on this score.

Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket for the basilica. You’ll need one in high season unless you can brave the lines. There’s so much to see that you may want to  book a guided tour of Santa Croce .

After Santa Croce, head to the  Uffizi Gallery . The gallery is Florence’s premiere museum and one of the best museums in the world. This is where you come to admire Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

The museum is huge and just stuffed with world famous masterpieces. You could spend hours there. The most popular rooms are the two Botticelli Rooms and the Raphael and Michelangelo Room.

You won’t be able to visit the Uffizi, almost in any season, without pre-booking a  skip the line timed entry ticket . Once inside, keep the ticket with you because they ask for it at several checkpoints.

You may want to book a guided tour of the museum. The last time I was there, I booked a  2+ hour private guided tour . My husband, who’s not an art lover necessarily, loved it!

After admiring the fine art, take a stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica and stroll over the iconic Ponte Vecchio. The bridge takes you to the Oltrarno neighborhood , which is a more authentic and less touristy part of Florence.

The main attraction here is the Pitti Palace . It’s another Medici palace stuffed with world class art. You’ll need to book a skip the line ticket in high season.

You should also hit one of Florence’s viewpoints for panoramic views of the city — Piazzale Michelangelo (or 10 minutes further uphill) San Miniato al Monte . I would opt for San Miniato. It’s less crowded and one of Florence’s most ancient buildings.

Have apertivo and dinner in the Oltrarno. I thought this neighborhood had some of Florence’s best restaurants. Check out my one day in Oltrarno itinerary for more details and restaurant ideas.

Day 7: Florence, Day Trip To Siena

It’s tough to leave Florence, I know, but Siena is also fabulous. It’s one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy and is effectively an open air museum.

Plus, Siena is full of first rate art and stunning architecture. It central square, Il Campo , is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. This is where the annual Palio horse race is held.

You can admire the city’s art-laden  Siena Cathedral , gaze at a famous fresco cycle in the  Palazzo Pubblico , and stroll the vibrant streets full of artisan shops and boutiques.

You should  book a ticket to the Siena Cathedral complex . Then, I would add on a  ticket to the Palazzo Pubblico . It’s worth it just to see the stunning  Allegory of Good and Bad Government  frescos.

If you can, try to stay for dinner in the evening. The day trippers will be gone and you can stroll the pretty lanes in peace.

Siena is just a one hour drive from Florence. You can also  book a guided day tour   to save you the hassle of arranging transportation. This tour also takes you to the gorgeous medieval town of San Gimignano .

Day 8: Rome

From Florence, it’s time to move on to Rome, the Eternal City, where you’ll stay for 4 nights. I’ve been to Rome many times and written dozens of articles on the city, which you can check out on my Rome page .

On your first day, I would tour the imperial ruins. That includes the Colosseum , the Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill . I’ve linked my article on each place, which describe everything you can see at each stop.

You can’t really visit these sites without a skip the line ticket . You’ll also need to make a separate timed entry reservation for the Colosseum. There are plenty of tour options as well.

• 3 hour guided tour and entry to all 3 sites
• tickets & tour of all 3 sites + underground Colosseum access
• 4 hour private day tour of Ancient Rome
• skip the line private guided tour with an art historian
• skip the line private tour of all 3 sites + the underground Colosseum

When you’re done touring the ruins, head to the nearby Monti neighborhood for a stroll and lunch. You can also pop into the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore .

Then, head to Piazza Venetia. You can admire the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and take an elevator up for views.

Don’t miss the Capitoline Museums . It’s surely one of Rome’s ancient art museums . It boasts a vast repository of ancient sculpture that’s just incredible.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to the Capitoline Museums

In the evening take a stroll in Trastevere, Rome’s most beautiful neighborhood. You can admire the ochre colored buildings and ivy clad facades. This is also a great place to book a food and wine tour .

Day 9: Rome

On you next day in Rome, take a classic  walk through central Rome . You might consider booking a  3 hour walking tour  or  private walking tour to get the full historical backdrop on all the sites.

Start at Campo de’ Fiori and end at the Spanish steps. Along the way, you can stop to admire some of Rome’s most iconic monuments — Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Piazza Colonna, and the Trevi Fountain.

Grab some lunch and then head to Rome’s best museums, the Borghese Gallery. It’s one of the world’s greatest small museums. You’ll find the most famous sculptures of the Baroque artist Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Correggio.

Here’s my  complete guide  to the Borghese Gallery . You’ve got to  pre-book a timed entry skip the line ticket  to visit this magnificent museum.

When you’re done admiring the art, I recommend heading over to the west side of the Borghese Gardens, towards the Piazza del Popolo. The view from the Pincio Terrace is quite beautiful, particularly at sunset.

Consider ending your day with a food tour. There are a bunch of great options:

• a  food tour of the trendy Testaccio district
• a  food tour in the off the beaten path Pratti district
• a   food tour in the beautiful Trastevere district
• a  market food tour and pizza class
• a   food and wine tour in the historic center

Day 10: Rome, Vatican City

On day 10 of 2 weeks in Italy, it’s time to explore Vatican City. I’ve written a detailed one day in Vatican City itinerary . So won’t repeat myself too much here.

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums are heart and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous church in Christendom. Designed by Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo, it’s a true Renaissance masterpiece.

The basilica is the burial place of St. Peter and past popes. It houses the famous Bernini Baldachine altar, scads of sculptures, and Michelangelo’s tragically beautiful  Pieta .

For a panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square and Rome, you should climb the dome. Here’s my complete  guide to St. Peter’s Basilica , with tips for visiting. You can take a  guided tour  of St. Peters. You can only visit the  underground grottos on a guided tour .

The Vatican Museums hold one of the world’s greatest art collections. Some of the most famous art works on the planet are there, including Michelangelo’s frescos in the Sistine Chapel .

You absolutely must pre-book a  skip the line ticket  for the Vatican. Or else you’ll be stuck in line for hours unless it’s the dead of winter.

Here are some sample Vatican tours you might consider taking:

• a  2.5 hour overview on a skip the line small group guided tour
• a  3 hour no  w ait tour that also includes the Raphael Rooms
• a  3.5 hour tour Vatican visit with a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• a  3 hour Friday night tour of the Vatican
• a  Vatican tour that includes a climb of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

Day 11: Rome, Day Trip To Orvieto

Day 11 sees you day tripping to Orvieto, a hill town in southern Umbria . I personally just loved Orvieto and you can check out my one day in Orvieto itinerary for the full scoop.

Orvieto’s most famous attraction is its glamorous Duomo, Orvieto Cathedral . It has one of the most colorful and art-filled facades of any church in Italy. Inside, you’ll find one of the most famous fresco cycles in Italy by Luca Signorelli.

You’ll also want to take a stroll through Piazza della Repubblica and climb the Torre del Morro.

But part of the charm of Orvieto is just aimless strolling. Wherever you look in Orvieto, there’s a picturesque lane, quaint shop, or terrific displays of flowers.

Every once in awhile the medieval lanes part and you can glimpse a brilliant slice of the Umbrian countryside.

Last time I was in Orvieto, I booked a  2.5 hour guided private walking tour . My guide was Emma and she was excellent, making the cathedral and its beautiful art works come to life. 

You can also book a  3 hour small group walking tour  that includes the cathedral, the old town, and Orvieto’s underground.

Day 12: Naples

From Rome, venture on to Naples. It’s about 2.5 hours by car or 1:10 by train.

This Mediterranean capital is lorded over by the still-kicking Vesuvius volcano. Naples is unpretentious with chaotic streets, Baroque excess, and layers upon layers of history.

The historic center is brimming with striking architecture, fascinating museums, and lively piazzas.

Naples Cathedral has a 13th century Gothic church with Baroque frescos. The Santa Chiara Cloisters are simply gorgeous, with hand-painted Majorca tiles covering benches and columns. The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is chock full of Greco-Roman ruins.

Art lovers will want to take the shuttle to the Capodimonte Museum , which is one of Italy’s best museum s . It features works by Caravaggio, Correggio, Masaccio, Titian, Raphael, El Greco, Bruegel, and Sebastiano del Piombo.

History buffs should head to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , which is truly one of the world’s best archaeological museums. 

You can see original mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The most famous piece is the  Farnese Bull , which once decorated Rome’s Baths of Caracalla . In high season, you’ll definitely need a skip the line ticket .

Naples is famous for its cafe culture and as the inventor of pizza. One of the most exquisite cafes is Caffe Gambrinus. For pizza, the two most famous spots are Gino Sorbillo and Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

Naturally, in Naples, you can go on a street food tour , take a walking tour of the street markets , or take a pizza making class .

As an alternative to basing yourself in Naples, you could stay in the Amalfi Coast instead and day trip into Naples to see the museums and sample the pizza.

READ : One Day In Naples Itinerary

Day 13: Naples, Day Trip To Pompeii

On day 13 of your 2 weeks in Italy, head to Pompeii. The site is Italy’s most famous archaeological treasure. It’s a 2,000 year old 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.

Today, you can see dazzling frescos in ancient abodes. The House of the Vet just opened to the public in January 2023 and the frescos in the Villa of Mysteries are newly restored.

It’s definitely easiest to visit Pompeii on guided day tour from Naples . I recommend this  guided walking tour with an archaeologist  to learn everything abut Pompeii. But if you can do it yourself, you’ll at least need to book a skip the line ticket .

I advise getting the longest and best tour possible so that you can see everything at Pompeii (the new frescos) and not just walk down the main drag, as some tours do.

For the complete scoop, here’s my complete guide to visiting Pompeii .

Day 14: Naples, Day Trip To Amalfi Coast

On your last day of 2 weeks in Italy, head to the Amalfi Coast. It’s a stunning 30 mile stretch of the Italian coast where cliffs tower above pebbly coves and villages cling to steep slopes.

One day isn’t much time to explore this area. And it isn’t easy to get to. You will drive down a precarious road and take ferries and buses.

With one day, if you take a guided day tour from Naples, you can more efficiently get a quick peak at Positano, Amalfi, and or Ravello.

Positano comes complete with sherbet colored cliffside homes, stunning beaches, and tiny cobbled lanes. It’s considered Amalfi’s most picturesque town, cut into a cliff with views galore.

Called the “mountain pearl,” Ravello is suspended between the sky and sea. Ravello is known for its stunning views. You can get them at the town’s two stunning medieval villas Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.

Amalfi town is a lively port city. It’s known for the stunning Amalfi Cathedral , which is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. You can visit the cloister, church, and the Diocesan Museum.

Positano and Sorrento are the most touristy towns. If you’d like to avoid crowds, you can try the towns of Ravello, Praiano, Maiori, or Minori.

Alternatively, you could visit the island of Capri from Naples. Capri is one of the most dazzling and seductive islands in the Mediterranean.

Capri is known for its soaring cliffs, shimmering emerald water, whitewashed towns, and historic landmarks. It’s a great place to hike. And it’s known for its natural wonder, the Blue Grotto.

You can take the ferry or get to Capri on a guided day tour from Naples .

Alternative 2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary

For a slightly different spin, here’s an alternative two weeks in Italy itinerary. This itinerary drops Bologna and gives you more time in southern Italy.

• Day 3 : Florence
• Day 4 : Florence
• Day 5 : Florence, day trip to Siena & San Gimignano
• Day 6 : Rome
• Day 7 : Rome
• Day 8 : Vatican City
• Day 9 : Rome, day trip to Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio
• Day 10 : Naples
• Day 11 : Naples, day trip to Pompeii
• Day 12 : Amalfi Coast
• Day 13 : Amalfi Coast, day trip to Capri
• Day 14 : Matera

Tips For Spending 2 Weeks In Italy

If you need tips for visiting Italy, you should check out some of my relevant articles:

• 40 tips for visiting Italy
• Tips for visiting Rome
• Tips for visiting Florence
• Tips for visiting Venice
• Tips for renting and driving a car in Europe

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources.

• 12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy
• 5 Ways To Spend 1 Week In Sicily
• 10 Days in Southern Italy Itinerary
• 10 Day Tuscany Itinerary
• Tips For Visiting Italy
• 7 Day Road Trip From Venice To Milan
• 130+ Bucket List Experiences in Italy
• Historic Landmarks in Italy
• Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• Best Museums in Rome
• Hidden Gems in Rome
• Best Museums in Florence

If you want to spend 2 weeks in Italy, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Fearlessly Italy

The Ultimate Italy Travel Guide – A Local’s Guide To Traveling To Italy

Even though a popular tourist destination, when planning a trip to Italy , there are several things to keep in mind, especially if it’s your first time. Our extensive Italy travel guide will cover the most important steps to organizing the trip and all the useful information that you need to save in order to avoid surprises and know what to do if a problem arises.

From how to get to Italy, to how to get around to a detailed cost breakdown, this is a complete checklist that allows you to start planning right away.

Being a very tourist-friendly country, the planning process is pretty straightforward. But like for every trip out of your comfort zone, careful preparation will make things easier and smoother once you are here.

Apart from the necessary planning tips, our Italy travel guide will cover essential information including the important numbers you need to save, how to get to Italy, how to move around the country, and a detailed cost breakdown.

Table of Contents

Travel Guide To Italy – What To Know Before Planning Your Italy Trip

What do you need to know before traveling to Italy? Apart from basic facts like currency, how to apply for a visa, and deciding whether you should visit Northern Italy or Southern Italy , we suggest you start booking hotels and transportation in advance to find better prices and more places. This is particularly important if you are traveling in the high season.

With our Italy travel guide, we give you the tools to organize a trip on your own. But if you’d rather sit and relax and delegate all things logistics, below you will find also a choice of the best companies for top Italy tours , including Italy bike tours and Italy food tours , both complete packages and day trips.

Italy Facts

• Language: Italian plus German and French in some regions and local dialects that change depending on cities, towns, and small villages.
• Population: Around 60 million according to 2019 stats.
• Size: 331.338 km².
• Government: Republic, EU member, Schengen area.
• Currency: Euro.
• Borders: France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, Vatican.
• Regions: 20.

How To Get To Italy

The most common way to reach Italy is by far by plane. All airlines fly to Italy from all over the world, both flag carriers such as British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air China, Air India, and low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air, RyanAir, EasyJet, Vueling.

Apart from the major international airports of Rome’s Fiumicino and Milan’s Malpensa, there are flights from other European hubs to Italian cities like Florence, Venice, Naples, Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia in Sardinia, Palermo and Catania in Sicily, Bologna and more.

Click here for the prices and to book your flight

You can reach Italy by railway both with day and night trains from several European countries such as Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland, and with a few changes and also connections to cities in Spain and Eastern Europe.

Recently there has been a revival of night trains as they are seen as a more sustainable way of traveling by many and an alternative to airplanes. After a steady decline in the past decades, now all over Europe, long-distance rides and night trains are becoming a new favorite, like the scenic ride you can enjoy on the Paris to Switzerland train .

Booking a train trip is perfect especially for slow travelers, because you can stop in several places and also enjoy cities originally not on your bucket list.

Click here to check the timetables and book your train

By ferry/cruise

You can also reach Italy by ferry from different countries such as France, Greece and Spain. In the high season, meaning summer and close to Christmas, there certainly are more ferries and cruises, but you can book trips pretty much all year long.

Cruises have their own routes and stop in many ports of the Mediterranean allowing you to visit different cities. For example, since Turkey and Greece are very close, they are often in the same cruises with some Italian ports. So you can enjoy some Athens sightseeing or a 1 day Santorini itinerary and then hop back on the ship and head to Naples or Civitavecchia (Rome).

Some of the main ferry companies are Grimaldi, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), and Tirrenia. You can reach Genoa from Barcelona with Grandi Navi Veloci, and from several Greek cities, you can reach Venice, Brindisi, Ancona, and Bari with companies like Blue Star Ferries, Superfast Ferries, and Fragline Ferries.

Grimaldi and Tirrenia also connect Italy to Tunisi while Marmara Lines to Cesme in Turkey, Virtu Ferries connects Sicily to Malta and Jadrolinija connects Dubrovnik to Bari in Puglia, southern Italy.

Click here to check the prices and book your ferry

Best Time To Visit Italy

Any time is good to visit Italy, where to go in Europe with kids for a dream holiday. Each season has its own perks. Summer is usually hot everywhere, so you might prefer to visit the coast and be close to the sea or a lake, or maybe be in the mountains where the air is fresh. Summer is also the most crowded season, so you will always need to queue to enter major landmarks. Obviously, it’s also the season when the weather is more stable and you will need to pack fewer clothes.

Fall and Spring are lovely seasons to visit the cities as they are not too crowded nor too hot or cold. Both fall and spring can give you some showers, but then the nice weather comes back. Usually, fall is rainier than April or May , which are among the best months to choose if you are booking a walking holiday in Italy .

Winter is the season for skiing, so Valle d’Aosta, Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige are pretty busy. However, in many Italian regions , winter is quite mild and properly dressed, you can visit big cities and small towns without problems.

How To Get An Italian Visa

Italy is in the Schengen area, so if you are doing a European road trip and were granted a visa to another Schengen country, you can also visit Italy. If you are applying just for Italy, you need to check with the Italian embassy or consulate in your country to make sure what the requirements are and what documents you need to submit.

First of all, inquire if you need a visa because not all nationalities do. To find out if you do need a visa and what procedure you need to follow, answer a few easy questions on the Italy Foreign Ministry’s website . I always recommend checking with the local consulate in your country as the time it takes to issue the visa depends a lot on where you are located and also on your nationality.

How long should you stay In Italy?

The duration of your Italy trip really depends on how many holidays you have, how much you want to visit and ultimately, also on your budget.

If it’s your first trip and you really want to visit all the major cities, I suggest no less than ten days. With ten days at your disposal, you would ideally be doing a Venice-Florence-Rome itinerary with no time for day trips. If you spend two weeks in Italy , it’s more likely that you can take some day trips from the main cities or include other places such as Naples or the Cinque Terre, also very touristy.

All a different matter is if it’s not your first time in Italy and you have already visited the main destinations. This way, you can even devote a week to a single region or a few days for a city break, especially if you live in another European country a few hours plane away.

How To Get Around Italy

If you are planning a road trip, you can rent a car wherever you land in Italy. With a navigator that is now included in many rental cars or even your Google Maps app, it will be easy to find your way. Around Italy, from a region/city to another, you will likely enter high-speed highways with a toll. Sardinia is the only region without highways. Although, the navigator will tell you when you are going to a paid highway and sometimes will also give you the option to choose a toll-free route.

Something you need to pay attention to is the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) imposed in many cities including Rome and Florence, but also small towns like Bracciano, near Rome. If you are renting a car, make sure you pick your hotel out of the ZTL because fines are pretty high. Some day and some hours, ZTL gates are open, so you can get through, but when they are closed, only authorized vehicles can. Check out the municipality website of each city you are driving to.

To rent a car in Italy, you need to be 23 or 25, depending on the agency, and extra-EU citizens also need an international license, which you can get in your home country.

Click here to rent your car

If you’d rather not drive and visit mainly the biggest cities, traveling by train in Italy is easy and straightforward. The railway network in Italy is pretty widespread, especially going northward. Trains stop in all the big cities, most towns and also many smaller villages. If you are visiting smaller villages, chances are that you will need a car (or a tour) for the surroundings, unless you are interested in the village itself.

Traveling by train is easy also because from one city to the next, you will directly get to the historic center so ready for sightseeing. This will make it also possible to stay less in each place and still visit a lot.

Click here to check timetables and book your train

Another way to travel around Italy is by plane. You can find most cities connected through the flag carrier Alitalia but also other regional airlines such as Meridiana for Sardinia, and low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

While traveling by railway is easy and can take you to many cities, if you are in the north and want to reach the south, a flight is the fastest way. Or also if you want to travel to Sardinia, you can either choose the ferry or the plane.

There are several flights every day from and to Rome Fiumicino, Milano Malpensa, and Milano Linate, being among the biggest airports. But also airports like Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia-Costa Smeralda, Palermo, Venezia and Bologna are pretty busy.

The tickets are not too expensive and it applies the general rule that by booking in advance you can find better offers and promotions. Sometimes it’s also possible to find last-minute offers and plan some detours from your original itinerary or add more places to visit.

Click here to check the prices and book your flight

This is probably the cheapest option but also a slow and, sometimes, limiting one. There are several extra-urban coaches that connect different cities and different regions. For example, you can book a bus from Rome to Sicily, but it will obviously take much longer than the plane and also the train.

Sita – www.sitabus.it (soprattutto per le tratte da Veneto, Toscana, Campania, Basilicata e Puglia), Arpa – www.arpaonline.it in Abruzzo, Sais – www.saistrasporti.it in Sicilia, Busweb – www.busweb.it, Saj – www.saj.it in Calabria, Marino – www.marinobus.it in Puglia e Basilicata, Arst in Sardegna, Sena – www.sena.it in Toscana, Autostradale – www.autostradale.it in Lombardia, Busitalia in Umbria.

Click here to check timetables and book your bus

To reach the islands you can opt for the ferry instead of the plane. Some of the companies operating the ferry routes to and from Sardinia are Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV and Sardinia Ferries, with Tirrenia being the one that operates the whole year.

To reach Sicily, there are also Caronte & Tourist, Liberty Lines and TTTLines. You can reach Sicily from Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Naples, Salerno, Livorno, Reggio Calabria, Genoa.

The Italian ports from where you can board to reach Sardinia Civitavecchia near Rome, Livorno, Genoa, Naples and Palermo.

How Much Does A Holiday In Italy Cost? Expenses Breakdown

Your Italy trip doesn’t have to be expensive. The overall budget depends on many factors, such as the season, the places you want to visit, the type of hotel you want to book and the type of restaurants you want to try.

Ideally, a holiday in Rome would be more expensive than a trip to Sardinia. But this is not always the case. For example, if in Sardinia you are aiming at a 5-star resort in the exclusive Costa Smeralda, your holiday will certainly be more expensive than booking a guest house or an apartment in Rome, even those in the city center.

Here I’m going to do a costs breakdown for a typical trip to Italy of medium budget. Choosing a higher or lower lifestyle, will make your costs go up or down.

Travel Insurance

A very popular travel insurance is World Nomads . Their rates vary depending on the options, how long is the trip, and how many people are traveling. As per some examples, for 10 days in Italy for one 30-year-old traveler, the standard coverage costs about 75$, while for a 2-week Italy trip for a family of three with a mother, father, and 4-year-old toddler, the standard coverage will be around 275$.

Transportation from the airport

This depends on where you land and where you are going from the airport. But since one of the most common airports is Rome’s Fiumicino, you can already take note of some 50/60 euro Roman taxi fare to the city, while from Ciampino is a bit cheaper, around 30 euro. The price from the local airport to Florence is less than 25 euro, while in Milan, from Malpensa airport to the city is almost 100 euro. You can also check Uber services in different Italian cities if they are more convenient than regular taxis.

Obviously, you can opt for public transportation, either train or coach, and it would be much cheaper. From Fiumicino to Roma Termini train station is 14 euro for the direct train called Leonardo Express, while if you want to get off at other minor stations, you can take the train to Ostiense that costs 8 euro and stops in stations such as Trastevere and Ostiense. Check out Omio for timetables and tickets.

Transportation around Italy

The costs of moving around in Italy vary according to your transportation choices. As mentioned above, the cheapest way to move around is by bus, but if you are short in time, this might not be ideal.

Train travel in Italy is not too expensive especially if you plan your trip, and purchase your tickets, in advance. As an example, a train ticket from Rome to Milan is about 80 euros if you buy it a couple of weeks in advance, while it can cost you some 100 euros if you purchase it the days before the journey.

The ticket from Rome to Florence costs around 40/45 euros. Sometimes you can also find offers for 25 euros. If you are interested in taking some day trips from Florence, tickets to Pisa, Siena or Lucca are all less than 10 euros. If you are going south, a trip to Naples from Rome is about 40 euro, and from Naples to reach Pompeii is around 4 euros. Prices change also depending on the season.

Renting a car is not necessarily more expensive but obviously you also need to consider the price of petrol. Check out Discover Cars for rates and promotions.

Depending on the city and on the season, your hotel rates will vary enormously. Booking in advance can make quite the difference and also choosing an apartment instead of a hotel can be much cheaper.

Cities like Florence and Venice are usually more expensive when it comes to accommodation, while smaller towns and lesser-visited regions like Marche or Basilicata offer less costly options.

To mention some examples of what we paid during our trips, in Florence , we booked a guesthouse we didn’t particularly love some half an hour walk from the historic center in May and we paid 62 euros per night for a double room. On our two-day trip to Milan , we booked and enjoyed Delle Nazioni Milan Hotel , very close to the main train station Stazione Centrale, and we paid 122 euros for two nights in June.

In Turin , we booked an apartment for 202 euros for 4 nights and we loved our stay there. Although it wasn’t in the city center, it was easy to reach by tram and the flat was comfortable and equipped with everything we needed.

When it comes to Sardinia, on the other hand, we stayed in Mamoiada, Nuoro province, for the Mamuthones festival and a B&B cost us 80 euro per night, while in Olbia in August, we paid 120 euro per night for a double room comprehensive of baby’s cot.

Apart from the city center of the major tourist destinations, especially Venice, eating in Italy is not too expensive. In average restaurants, a starter, a side dish and the dessert range around 5 to 6 euros, the first course of pasta or rice can be prices between 10 to 18 euros, while the main course is usually between 15 and 25 euros. Wines make the price go up whether you order a bottle or just a glass.

A sandwich ( panino ) in a bar or coffee shop is usually around 2 to 5 euros, a salad maximum of 10 euros. Sometimes you can also buy one of the always more popular Buddha bowls take-away for some 10 euros and have it in your hotel room.

Gelato can cost around 2 to 4 euros depending on how many scoops and what type of cone or cup you choose. High-quality artisan gelato is not more expensive than an industrial ice-cream, but the taste and experience are much different, so make sure you know what and where to buy yours.

What To Visit In Italy

Let’s face it, this is a bit tricky because there are just too many places to visit in Italy. If you have never been, you might want to visit major cities or popular areas. Some of the places to visit in Italy if it’s your first trip:

No need for an introduction here. Italy’s capital and an unmissable destination, there are so many things to do in Rome that even if you stay two weeks only here, you won’t run out of places to see. With something for everyone, in Rome, you can spend the whole day sightseeing and never have enough of it. If you are on a classic Italy tour for first-time visitors, you can easily book a Florence to Rome train to reach the capital in an hour and a half.

Explore its ancient ruins such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Baths of Caracalla, the main sights of the Christendom in the Vatican City , famous landmarks such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps in the historic center, quaint neighborhoods such as Trastevere, and trendy and former working-class districts filled with colorful murals such as Ostiense and Testaccio. Obviously, don’t forget to try some of Rome’s hearty traditional dishes .

Make sure you read our article on the best places to visit near Rome if you can afford more time in the city!

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a must-see for everyone visiting Italy for the first time. Or even the second and the third. If you are into art and beauty, hardly any city can compete.

Start your Florence tour from the Santa Maria del Fiore complex and carry on to see landmarks such as Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Garden and more. All without forgetting to try the traditional dishes in the best Florence restaurants .

If you have limited time and are forced to make a choice, our article will help you decide whether you should visit Rome or Florence !

They call it the most romantic city in Italy. Whether you agree or not, Venice is a must-visit. Stroll around its canals and bridges, take a gondola ride, and try the local food. If you are traveling to Italy in winter, try to see Venice Carnival, it’s a beautiful parade of posing, camera-loving masks.

Some of the places to see in Venice are San Marco Piazza and Basilica, the Doge Palace, the Bridges of Sighs and of Rialto, the Jewish Quarter, and the nearby colorful island of Burano.

Milan is often the city where international flights land so you can easily make it the first leg of your itinerary. If you don’t have much time, you can see Milan in one day , while if you can afford a longer stay, you can explore more of its landmarks, nightlife, and restaurants.

Some of the places you should see, whether you stay one or two days in Milan , are the gorgeous Gothic-style Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, Castello Sforzesco, and La Scala Opera House.

Naples and the Amalfi Coast

Famous all over the world for its landscape and dolce vita lifestyle, the Amalfi Coast, Costiera Amalfitana in Italian, never fails to impress. With places like Positano, Ravello and the same Amalfi, it attracts thousands of tourists every summer.

If you are in Campania, however, you shouldn’t miss its capital, Naples. Gorgeous and historical city, Naples is also the home town of the pizza and many other delicacies. If you are on a weight loss diet, here you will likely cheat on it.

From Naples, you can also take a day trip to see the spectacular ruins of Pompeii and the town of Sorrento on the Bay of Naples.

Cinque Terre

Always more famous and popular among tourists, the Cinque Terre of the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region is a great destination for hikers and sea lovers. Italian for Five Lands, the Cinque Terre are Vernazza, Monterosso Sul Mare, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Manarola.

They are picturesque towns on the Ligurian coast in La Spezia province. You can go from one to the next by hiking or by taking the frequent local train. You can either stay in one of the five towns overnight or make it a day trip from Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region.

The Alps and the Dolomites

If you like the mountain, some of the places you should visit are the Dolomites of Trentino Alto Adige or the Alps of Valle d’Aosta.

Your door to the Dolomites can be the cities of Trento and Bolzano , fantastic destinations to explore and where to spend a few days, or other towns in Trentino Alto Adige such as Bressanone and Merano.

You can reach the Dolomites also from the Veneto and Lombardy regions, while a great place to visit high peaks of the Alps is the scenic Valle d’Aosta region on the border with France. Here, you can hike and ski the gorgeous Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Cervino and Gran Paradiso, apart from wandering its quaint towns such as Vens.

The Islands: Sardinia and Sicily

Are you coming in summer and want to hit the beaches? What better places than the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily? Both islands boast stunning coastline and beautiful beaches all around. It’s the summer holiday paradise for swimming, sunbathing and breathing some fresh air compared to the inland areas far from the sea.

Both Sicily and Sardinia are not known only for their beaches. There are many towns and villages to see if you are a fan of offbeat travel, such as Cabras, Pula, and Fordongianus in Sardinia, or Taormina and Ragusa in Sicily, to name a few.

Don’t miss our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia .

What To Eat In Italy

With each region and each city boasting its own recipes, deciding what to eat in Italy really depends on where you are traveling to. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, you can experience the typical Italian dining style and try the most popular and traditional dishes in every area.

So if you are in Rome, enjoy your tonnarelli cacio e pepe, bucatini all’amatriciana or spaghetti alla carbonara. In Naples, try their delicious pizza, in Bologna tortellini or lasagna, in Turin, polenta or bagna cauda and in Florence meat-eaters will sure order the Fiorentina steak at least once in their trip.

Some of Italy’s most famous dishes?

• Pizza . No need for an introduction here. You find it all over Italy and everywhere in different ways and shapes. The round on the plate mainly for dinner, except for tourist areas or some restaurants. By the slice with the most different toppings is pretty much all over Italy and it’s a favorite street food.
• Pasta. This, too, in Italy is everywhere. Short, spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, tortellini, fettuccine, you name it. Each region has its own shape, way to make it and sauce to season it.
• Stews. Made it using different types of meat from lamb to sheep to beef, and different herbs and seasonings. Also the stews you are likely to find them in every region. They mainly are winter dishes, but in tourist areas, you can find them also in summer.
• Pastries and sweets. Don’t even get me started here. From north to south, if you are on a diet when visiting Italy, you will have a hard time refusing a pastry at every occasion. Croissants, bombe, crostata, cakes, tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato, you name it. From breakfast to all throughout the day, you can close off every meal with a dessert.
• Soups. Made with veggies or meat, they sometimes are used as first courses or as a consommé to open the meal.

Shopping in Italy

Whether you are looking for gifts or for something for yourself to remember your trip by, there are plenty of things to buy in Italy .

While clothes and shoes might be too personal, some of the most favorite gifts to bring home to friends and family are a bottle of good wine, some jewelry, accessories like bags (ask for Pollini or Coccinelle), or a piece of local handicraft which can ceramic, glass, or textile.

Some nice and much-appreciated gifts certainly are to be found in the food department. You won’t get it wrong if you buy artisan chocolate, traditional pastries, good-quality Italian pasta, or a good pasta sauce.

Italy tour packages and city day tours

While our Italy travel guide gives you plenty of tools to organize a trip your own, if you want your holiday to be just relaxing and free from all the planning hassle, here are some tour companies and websites providing great expeditions and day trips.

G Adventures

G Adventures organizes 2-week or 10-day tours to Italy striving to give an in-depth experience of the country and its society. With G Adventures, you can either book a classic tour to all the major destinations or some more location-specific trips.

Intrepid Travel

With small group tours, Intrepid Travel promises “real-life experiences”. Their tours go from 14 to as little as 4 days and cover a different range of places and activities such as a retreat in Veneto, a trip to the south from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

Take Walks – Former Walks of Italy

Take Walks is one of my favorites, I took many tours with them and all delivered plenty. They don’t organize full packages around Italy but only day tours or themed tours lasting a few hours in different cities such as Rome , Florence , Venice , and more.

With Take Walks, you can join different types of tours, from cooking classes to day trips to cultural tours to the most important landmarks of a city.

Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide (GYG) is not exactly a tour company but a website where you can book a tour from many different companies and agencies. This is why you will find a huge variety of experiences as well as ticket sales and taxi transfers.

TourRadar is similar to GYG with the difference that they feature companies offering full-package tours so trips of 2 weeks, ten days, one week, or even a month.

Useful sentences when you travel to Italy

No Italy travel guide is complete without some useful expressions you might need in Italy, especially in non-touristy areas. Here are some to remember:

• Buongiorno – Good morning
• Buonasera – Good evening
• Buonanotte – Goodnight
• Arrivederci – Goodbye
• Grazie – Thank you
• Sì/No – Yes/No
• Ciao – Hi

Check out our guide to greetings in Italian

Daily-use phrases

• Che ora è? – What time is it?
• Come stai? (informal)/Come sta? (formal) – How are you?
• Scusa/scusi/mi dispiace – I’m sorry
• Non lo so – I don’t know
• Permesso – Excuse me

Eating/At the restaurant

• Colazione – Breakfast
• Pranzo – Lunch
• Cena – Dinner
• Ristorante – Restaurant
• Forno, fornaio – Bakery
• Pasticceria – Pastry shop
• Sono vegetariano/vegano – I’m vegetarian/vegan
• Non mangio carne – I don’t eat meat
• Sono intollerante al glutine – I’m gluten-intolerant
• Sono allergico a X – I’m allergic to [whatever ingredient/food]
• Posso avere il menu per favore? – Can I have the menu, please?
• Posso avere il conto per favore? – Can I have the bill, please?
• Mancia – Tip
• Posso avere un bicchiere d’acqua per favore? – Can I have a glass of water, please?
• Liscia/Gasata – Still/Sparkling
• Dov’è il bagno? – Where is the toilet?

Don’t miss out guide to the most common Italian words for foods and drinks .

• Che strada devo prendere per raggiungere X? – How do I get to X?
• Dritto – Straight
• Destra – Right
• Sinistra – Left
• Macchina – Car
• Bici, bicicletta – Bike
• Treno – Train
• Aereo – Airplane
• Metro – Metro, subway
• Parcheggio – Parking lot
• Solo andata – Single ticket
• Andata e ritorno – Return ticket
• Dov’è il rifornitore di benzina più vicino? – Where is the closest petrol station?
• Dov’è la stazione ferroviaria/dei treni? – Where is the train station?
• Binario – Platform
• Dov’è la stazione degli autobus? – Where is the bus station?
• Questo treno/autobus ferma a X? – Does this train/bus stop at [your destination]?
• Biglietto – Ticket
• Bancomat – ATM
• Non funziona – It’s broken, it doesn’t work
• Polizia/Carabinieri – Police
• Parla inglese? – Can you speak English?
• Mi può aiutare per favore? – Can you help me, please?
• Albergo, hotel – Hotel
• Camera singola/Camera matrimoniale/Camera doppia con due letti – Single room/Double room/Twin room
• Bagaglio, valigia – Luggage, suitcase
• Contanti – Cash
• Bancomat – Debit card
• Carta di credito – Credit card
• Caro, costoso – Expensive
• Economico – Cheap
• Mercato, supermercato, negozio – Market, supermarket, shop
• Edicola – Newsagency, kiosk
• Vorrei, sto cercando – I would like, I’m looking for
• Quando costa? – How much is it?
• Ospedale – Hospital
• Pronto Soccorso – ER
• Farmacia – Pharmacy
• Febbre – Fever
• Vertigini – Dizziness
• Nausea, vomitare – Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrea – Diarrhea
• Dolore – Pain
• Ferita – Injury
• Infiammato – Inflamed/inflammation
• Bruciore di stomaco – Heartburn
• Gastroenterite – Stomach flu
• Medico, dottore – Doctor
• Pediatra – Pediatrician
• Dentista – Dentist

Important numbers to know in Italy

Here are some of the most important Italian emergency numbers :

• Police: 113
• Carabinieri: 112
• Ambulance – Health emergency: 118
• Firefighters: 115
• Street assistance – ACI: 116
• Guardia di Finanza: 117
• Viaggiare informati – information on street traffic: 1518

Do you need to book hotels and restaurants? Learn everything about the days of the week in Italian !

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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

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.

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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

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

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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Ultimate One Week Italy Itinerary for First Timers

Italy might just be my favorite country in Europe . But as much as I like love traveling Italy, several people I meet hate it! They find it too expensive, too touristic, or too this, that, and the other thing. Because of this, and because I hate to see tourists leaving one of my favorite destinations disappointed , I’m sharing how I would recommend spending one week in Italy as a first timer . I start with the high-level breakdown, and then include a day-by-day detailed itinerary. 

Now, I have to warn you. This one 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: you might absolutely 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!

Italy One Week Itinerary Summary

For a first time visit to Italy, I highly recommend visiting the “big three” of Rome, Florence, and Venice. I recommend spending three nights in Rome, two nights in Florence, and two nights in Venice.

If you’re the average traveler with limited vacation days, I suggest breaking it down like below. This way, you only need to use five vacation days , but you actually get seven days in Italy .

Psst! Want to see even more of Italy ? If you can finagle just three more vacation days, you can also visit Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Milan with ten days in Italy . And if you can add in another four days, you can also add Positano and the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii with two weeks in Italy . But if you can’t do more than one week in Italy, don’t worry – Italy is definitely a repeat-visit kind of destination!

The Best Month to Visit Italy

The best time of year to travel to Italy is hands-down the shoulder seasons of April – May and September – October . You can see everything in mildly warm weather, but you can avoid the notorious crowds (And heat! And prices!) of the summer months. If you want to swim in the sea, aim for September – October, so that the water has had all summer to get nice and warm.

How to Get Around Italy

One of the loveliest things about traveling Italy is how convenient it is to get around the country without a car. In fact, I totally believe trains are the best way to travel in Italy . This is particularly true for your first time in Italy. So, this one week Italy itinerary is completely car-free, relying solely on trains and water taxis .

One super important tip for train travel in Italy is to always validate your ticket ! Otherwise, you will be fined, and lemme tell ya – the fines ain’t cheap . (Like, truly. These fines are low-key high-key robbery.) How do you validate your train ticket in Italy? Simply insert your 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 usually at the entrance to each platform. If you have difficulty finding them, just ask a train station employee. If you buy your ticket online or via the mobile app – no need to stress!

Another tip for train travel in Italy is to always  buy your long-distance train tickets online   as soon as you know your travel dates ! This way, you can purchase a Frecciarossa ticket (the faster kind of ticket) before the price gets too high closer to the travel date. If you are riding regional trains (which work fine for shorter distances), just buy them at the station on the day of, so you have flexibility in case plans change.

In this one week itinerary, I include all the details and prices for each time you’ll use public transport to move around Italy. I’ve got you covered!

AND NOW, LET’S GET TO THE ACTUAL ITINERARY ITSELF

Beforehand, I just want to let you know you can do this itinerary in the order I have it or the reverse order. Just look up flights and see which direction is cheaper.

As the former capital of the Roman Empire and the current capital of Italy, Rome is a unique mix of old and new. Try to ignore the street vendors with zero concern for personal space selling selfie sticks and whizzing gadgets, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Rome .

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 train to Roma Termini train station. This costs €14 and will take 30 minutes. 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 €48. Make sure you get into an official taxi 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.

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 €4 if purchased online or €6 in person. This ride takes 40 minutes.
• Option 2: Take a taxi.  Taxis from CIA into central Rome are a fixed fare of €30. 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)

Below is exactly how to see Rome in three days. Take it easy on day one , since it’s the day you arrive on your flight. 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: The beautiful staircase known as the Spanish Steps gets busy in the evening as a popular hang-out spot.
• Trevi Fountain: This is Rome’s largest and most-famous fountain. Stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin in to guarantee a return trip to Rome (if you believe the legend).
• Pantheon: This famous Roman-temple-turned-church is €5 to enter.
• Piazza Navona: Several cafes line the edges of this beautiful square with two impressive fountains.
• 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: Perhaps the most famous landmark in Rome! Tickets are €16 and include this plus the next two sites, plus €2 if purchased online from the official site . But, unless you plan to be the first ones at the door, I highly recommend skip-the-line tickets. They are €22  here , or €37 for a  guided tour . These price quotes are the highest prices, but those 25 years and younger get discounts !
• Roman Forum: This once-bustling site is now ruins of numerous important government buildings during the ancient Roman Empire. Walking around, it’s amazing 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 rich 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 connects the Colosseum to the next attraction below. You can look down on the Roman Forum from above on one side and view other incredible ruins on the other. 
• Vittoriano: This huge, white, marble building almost doesn’t fit in with its ancient surroundings. It’s a memorial to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the united Italy as we know it today.
• Vatican City: Did you know this is its own country? It’s the smallest country in the world, 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 or one to take an elevator halfway up. As far as I know, you can only buy tickets on site, and they should be around €8 and €10. The Vatican Museums house the world-famous Sistine Chapel. You’ll pay €17 for entry at the door, but  definitely  pay €21 for a  skip-the-line ticket  purchased online. Entry to the Museums is free on the last Sunday of every month and on World Tourism Day (Sept 27). Seeing Vatican City should take up a whole morning.
• Castel Sant’Angelo: Emperor Hadrian originally has this built as a mausoleum for himself and his family, but it’s since been used as a fortress, castle, and nowadays a museum.
• 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.

Florence conjures images of Renaissance paintings and fairytale Tuscan buildings. There are so many things to see in Florence, but I think two days in Florence is the perfect amount of time for a first visit.

How to Get to Florence from Rome

Take an early, direct train from Roma Termini train station to Firenze S. M. Novella train station . This takes either 1.5 hours or 3.75 hours depending on what kind of train you take. If you are buying a ticket for the next morning, you can expect to pay €21.65 for a 3.75-hour Regional train or €50 for a 1.5-hour Frecciarossa train. If you are buying one month out, the price for the 1.5-hour Frecciarossa train drops to €35.90.

What to Do in Florence (Two Days)

Some people recommend purchasing the Firenze Card , because it covers a lot of the main things in Florence. But for two days in Florence (or even three days in Florence), I am not sure the card is worth it. I actually recommend purchasing the Grande Museo del Duomo ticket instead. This pass includes entry into the Duomo, a climb to the Cupola (dome) of the Duomo, a climb to the Campanile (bell tower), entry into the baptistery, entry into the Duomo museum, and entry into the crypt beneath the church. It costs €18, plus a €2 pre-sale fee if bought on the official website.

Now, let’s get to all the things 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 choose yourself . Would you prefer to visit one museum a day, or have one big museum day? Would you try to avoid climbing stairs twice in the same day, or are you up for the challenge? Would you enjoy a viewpoint for sunset, or prefer sunrise? Your answers to those questions will determine what things you do and see each day in Florence, so I can’t recommend that for you. Most attractions in Florence are pretty compactly located, anyways, so planning a route shouldn’t be too bad on the fly!

* You can skip items with an asterisk if you’re not interested. I’ve only listed them since they’re included in the ticket I recommended above. If you want a more-detailed breakdown of the below, check out my full travel guide to Florence things to do (complete with pictures of each attraction!).

• Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo): It’s the third largest church in the world and practically the symbol of Florence itself. 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. They literally had to invent new tools and architectural systems to create 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 nearby! This time, the view is the cupola itself.
• Battistero di San Giovanni: This is the octagonal building right across the main cathedral. The Byzantine-like mosaic inside was actually pretty surprising to find, in contrast to all the typical-Renaissance paintings. Tourists 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 also included in the Duomo combo ticket, which was the only reason I saw it. But once I got there, it was actually cooler 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 Florence’s main squares.
• Piazza della Signoria: The best part of this busy square 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 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 to work from their home palace. Since then, shops have been added and create the look it has today. Prepare for some crowds!
• Piazzale Michelangelo: The best viewpoint in Florence! 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.
• Acadamia: 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 I have such FOMO that I had to pay €12 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 so quickly! 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 means “offices” in Italian, and this building actually used to be the Medici’s offices. Nowadays, it’s a world-famous art museum. Its most-famous art piece is the Birth of Venus painting. Entry costs €12, plus €4 for the skip-the-line online booking fee on the official site . 
• 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, palaces are for royalty…but not in Florence! This palace belonged to the Medici’s (shocker). I personally have seen way too many European palaces at this point. So I did not pay the €10 entry fee and simply observed from outside. However, I did regret not having arrived earlier in the day than I did, to buy a Boboli Gardens ticket (€6)!

Beautiful Venice is the perfect last stop for your week in Italy. It’s an insanely beautiful city built on canals , and it’s become famous amongst travelers for the chance to ride a gondola. As beautiful as Venice is, the crowds (especially in summer) can be brutal. Thus, I recommend knocking out all the main attractions at less-crowded hours. Then, spend the middle of the day exploring the rest of the city, where it’s much less crowded, but no less picturesque.

How to Get to Venice from Florence

Take the train from Firenze S. M. Novella to Venezia S. Lucia . For a direct, 2.5 hour Freccia train, expect to pay €39.90 if purchased a month in advance, but €57 if purchased the day before. If you use the slower trains, priced €20.35 – €26.90 and requiring one to two transfers, the travel time jumps to 4+ hours!

What to Do in Venice (Two Days)

Venice is pretty small and easy to walk compared to Rome or Florence, so you should have no trouble “seeing everything” with two days in Venice. You’ll also be able to fit in a half-day trip to the Instagram-famous island of Burano . If you want a more detailed walkthrough (plus photographs of each of the below!), skim through my guide for the best things to do in Venice .

• Piazza San Marco: Venice’s main square is where a lot of the city’s (tourist) action is. Firstly, there’s the Basilica San Marco . It’s free 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 €2 booking fee. Large bags are not allowed inside, but there’s a free luggage storage 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 €8. 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, but only €13 with the 29-year-old Venice Rolling Card I mentioned above. See the  official site  for more details.
• 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 spot the famous Bridge of Sighs from the left. It’s named so because it connects the prisons to the palace, and prisoners sighed while taking one last look over 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: I wrote an in-depth guide on how to visit the islands from Venice , plus what each island is all about.
• Fondaco dei Tedeschi: This shopping center has free rooftop views of Venice, but you needto  book in advance . It’s located right at the edge of the Rialto Bridge on Calle del Fontego.
• The Grand Canal: The iconic 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. If on a budget, you can instead just ride the vaporetto between San Marco and the train station. This will be “free,” since the vaporetto pass necessary for the Burano and Murano half-day trip is still valid!

How to Get Out of Venice

Like all good things, your epic one week in Italy 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 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 2: 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 3: By taxi . The fare for this 30 minute ride from Venice Piazzale Roma is €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).

Questions on this One Week Italy Itinerary?

If you’re planning your own trip to Italy soon and want some personalized advice, drop a comment below with your questions . I love playing travel agent for people – especially for Italy!

Save this Itinerary to Return to Later on Pinterest

Further Reading...

San Francisco Itinerary: One, Two, or Three Days (by a Local)

The Best (Easy) Day Trips from Milan

The Beginner’s Guide to Traveling New Zealand on a Budget

83 comments.

Hi! We haven’t booked anything yet but we are planning to have 7-10 days trip in Italy. I wanted to know if it is practical to have a RT flight to Milan or Venice or Flying into Milan and leaving from venice. Would 10 days be enough to be able to visit Rome – Milan- Venice – Florence? Sorry to ask you a lot of questions since this will be our first trip to Italy.

That Travelista

Ten days is enough to visit those 4 cities. Milan would require just one more day on top of this one week itinerary for the other 3 spots.

Any combination of airports is doable, especially since you have an “extra” day on top of my recommended 9 to travel back to your airport. But I recommend doing a flight that starts in Rome and ends in either Venice or Milan. OR the exact reverse. This will save you a couple hours of train time overall vs not using Rome as an airport.

The order would then be Rome > Florence > Venice/Milan > Milan/Venice (whichever you didn’t see after Florence) OR the exact reverse.

You could use the 10th day to add extra time in the 4 spots, or tack on a day trip to Lake Como from Milan .

I hope that helps!

Hello there,

Thank you for such a detailed and lovely site. I am taking my hisband to Italy next week, and am oplanning to do Venice, Florence and Rome. Would you please assist me with the travel portion, as I would like to take the fast train from venice to Florence, and the Fast train from Florence to Rome. I would also like to know if taking the bus around Florence and Venice is convenient and worth it, or just walk.

I have been to Florence and Rome before, and have seen all the sites. I was considering doing something more romantic with my husband and maybe cutting short a day in Venice or Rome to add to Florence so we could stay in Tuscany on the coutryside. Please share your thoughts, as I would like a romantic,non-stressful and memorable trip. One that includes sighteseeing, but more taking in the town and dining and hanging with the locals. Please advise.

I’m glad to know my site has been helpful to you!

As I mention in the itinerary, you can go to the official TrenItalia website to book your high speed tickets in advance. Just copy and paste the train station names from my itinerary.

I don’t see much to benefit from taking the bus in Florence. It’s quite compact. Venice is also compact, and instead of the bus, you would actually be using the water taxi service, since it is all canals instead of roads. This isn’t necessary unless your accommodation is far from the train and you would like to avoid walking up and down the many small bridges. But I think working the public transport via bus or water taxi in places as compact as Florence and Venice can sometimes make things less convenient than simply walking.

My itinerary only allocates two days to Venice. If you have never been to Venice, I wouldn’t recommend cutting one day from those two days. It is considered the most romantic city out of the three due to its beauty, and you can even hire the gondola ride to be at sunset. If you have already been to Rome, I would remove the one day from there.

You could maybe look for a romantic countryside day trip tour from Florence, or rent a car for a day and go at your own pace. I’m sure you can find some lovely restaurants with stunning views. You could also look into AirBnB experiences. I’ve never tried them, but I’ve heard nice things from friends who have. It allows you some more personal interaction with the locals.

I hope some of that helps!

Nawanshu Sehrawat

I am planning from India to Milan (Italy) in coming Nov. Can you help me in giving a day wise itinerary starting from Milan (flight will land), Venice, Rome & Florence. And I have to board flight from Milan again. This will be a 7 day journey for me.

Hi Nawanshu,

As you can see from this itinerary and maybe my 10 day Italy itinerary as well, I recommend 3 nights for Rome, 2 nights for Florence, 2 nights for Venice, and 1 night or Milan. So in order to fit all 4 cities into 7 days, you’ll have to remove 1.5 days from Rome/Venice/Florence in order to make room for Milan and the additional travel time.

You can really do whatever order you prefer for the loop. But something like Milan > Venice > Florence > Rome > Milan might be slightly most efficient train-travel-time-wise. You might consider going from Milan straight to the next city for your first night, if your flight arrival time allows for it, to save moving hotels by one time.

The train station you use in Milan would be Milano Centrale.

Hello, What would you estimate a safe dollar amount this trip would cost. I tried looking on your 2 week itinerary but trying to gauge cost as well. Thanks

The biggest cost is going to be housing, and that is going to depend entirely on your personal preferences, your party size, the month or even week that you are visiting, and how far in advance you book. So it’s hard for me to ballpark that for you. I would recommend you look at some places in each city on a booking site (like Booking.com or Expedia) to get an idea of 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 €60-80 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, simpler meals for lunch and dinner, and don’t care for wine.

Sorry to not be of more help!

Dileep Yadav

Dear That, You have already done a great help for the first time tourist traveler like us to Italy by this itinerary. Please can you also suggest decent 3star / medium range Hotel at centralized location for all three cities ? Self (75yrs) with my daughter (41 yrs) are planning the trip in first half of October 2024. Visa takes time so we need to apply now. Thanks.

I’m glad this itinerary has been helpful!

I unfortunately don’t have specific recommendations, but am working on a guide for that and can let you know when the post is live, in case you are still planning at that time. Otherwise, I can say that I usually use Booking.com to search, because I like that their interface allows you to filter criteria (like 3 stars, for example, or maximum cost) and then view the results on a map, which allows me to see where the accommodation is relative to the train station and attractions. (I’m not currently affiliated with Booking.com.) I then copy the hotel address into google maps and see the walking time from the train station.

Thanks. You responded and am happy for that. Will it be possible for you to at least define the area where we should be looking for the Hotel? central area from where the sightseeing spots/train station is closer as we intend taking trains and not cabs. Thank you for your additional support in advance. Kind regards.

I personally always try to book something walking distance to the train station, beacuse I also avoid taking cabs, since I usually travel solo and thus don’t have others to split the cost with.

In Rome, I liked staying in the area between the Repubblica and Viminale metro stops, because it’s flat walking distance from the main train station, but also reasonable walking distance to all the attractions, minus the Vatican.

In Venice, I would recommend staying on either the same island as the main train station, or just one bridge away (so one of the bordering islands). Otherwise, you will have to go up and down many bridges to reach your accommodation (like I did, and regretted!). There is the option to take a public water taxi, but I think it could add a might more stress to the journey to have to figure out the water taxi system through the canals immediately after arriving and with all your luggage. So that’s why I suggest staying on or near the island with the train station.

Florence is more compact than Rome and has no canals, so anywhere walking distance to the train station should be fine.

I hope that helps a bit!

Hi Em! I appreciate you for sharing this itinerary. We’ll be visiting Europe this coming July and already booked one way flight ticket to Rome (no return ticket yet for a flexible schedule). We’ll be in Italy for a week so this itinerary works for me and my fiancé. We’re planning to stay in Hamburg and other cities in Germany too for about 7-10 days as we have relatives to visit. But other than those two countries, we want to add one more to visit even just for 2-3 days only. Can you suggest one where we can go from Italy via train and from there we’ll be flying to Germany? Or Italy-Germany-Another Country? Which route do you think would work best? TIA.♥

The only place outside Italy that I personally think could be reasonable to suggest you go to overland from Venice would be Slovenia. You could travel to the capital, Ljubljana, from Venice by bus, and do a day trip to Lake Bled before flying to Germany.

If you are willing to travel to Milan first, there are various cities in Switzerland that are a reasonable train ride away from Milan, so you could spend a couple days in Switzerland before flying to north Germany.

But I think it could be better to fly from Venice to Germany and then train from Germany to country two. If you depart from Hamburg to country #3, you could consider the Netherlands or Denmark. If your travels in Germany take you further west, you could also consider Belgium, which you can reach by train from Cologne or Dusseldorf. You could also reach Paris from Cologne (I’ve actually done this train ride!). If your travels in Germany take you further east, you could consider the Czech Rep, which you can reach by train from Berlin. You could also do the reverse – fly from Venice to one of the country #3 options and then train from them into Germany. Your most convenient airport options to get back home are probably going to be Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, or something in Germany, so keep that in mind too when deciding your end point.

You have a lot of options, depending on your other stops in Germany, but I hope some of that helps!

Thank you so much for that response and taking your time to suggest all of these. I’d definitely discuss this with me fiancé! Also, I was thinking, upon checking the map, is it possible to go Rome-Florence-Pisa-Venice-Vienna or Salzburg-Munich-Cologne (might skip!)-Hamburg? What do you think of this route? We are coming from UAE btw.

Austria crossed my mind, too, but it would take you around 6 hours to get to Salzburg, or 7.5 hrs to Vienna. For me, 5hr+ train rides are where I start to consider short flights instead, because at that threshold, it would take the same amount of time door to door.

So as much as I personally loved Salzburg , I can’t really recommend that kind of long journey for either that and/or Vienna . I would also recommend a place like Hallstatt on an Austria itinerary, and I’d feel bad to suggest you go all the way to Austria on a long train ride without being able to also fit Hallstatt in, which would be hard with so few days and your public transport options.

Munich is similar. It would take so long to get there that I personally wouldn’t really consider it worth it for what it is. Munich to Hamburg will also be a long train ride (6hrs minimum). (If you guys do decide to go to Munich, I would just recommend also doing a day trip to Schloss Neuschwanstein!)

I don’t know if you’ve already seen my 10 day Italy itinerary , but since you mention adding on Pisa, you might consider using your extra 2-3 days to see more of Italy, and then flying to Germany from Venice. You could also thrown in a day trip to Lake Como from Milan .

Hi. Can you recommend hotel for each city?

I am currently working on a guide to that for different budgets and such, and it should be up in the next month or so. I can comment back on this thread to let you know when it’s live, if your trips isn’t for some time!

Hello there, Thank you so much for your detailed itinerary. It will be my first time in Italy in August(I know I know, worst time to go but hubby only has time off during this time). We have friends that live in Pescara and want to visit them…..however I am not sure where to start off. I am coming from Lisbon…..I want to skip Rome….we will have about 8 days in Italy…..feeling lost on where to start. Any recommendations?

My first visit to Italy was to Rome in August, and I had a lovely time. And my next trip will be this summer, again in August! 🙂 So don’t worry – you’ll have a great time. Especially considering you’ll be spending some time in a less-touristy place and along the coast.

If you are wanting to roughly follow this one week itinerary but replace Rome with Pescara, this is what I would recommend:

Fly into Venice from Lisbon. Spend 2 days in Venice. Then take the fast train down to Florence. Spend 2 days in Florence. Then take the fast train down to Pescara. This will require a transfer in Bologna and take around 4 hours. This gives you 4 days in Pescara with your friends.

To return home, fly out from Rome (FCO) airport. If your friends aren’t dropping you off, the fastest way to get there (besides private transfer) is via Flixbus to FCO. Option two would be to take a train to “Fiumicino Aeroporto,” which requires a transfer at Roma Tiburtina station.

If you don’t need to spend that many days with your friends, you can tack on the days you don’t need as extra nights in Florence or Venice, to go slower and be less rushed. You could also add on day trips from either Venice or Florence with any extra nights you give those two cities.

I didn’t see a mention on the best hotels or where you stayed; I was just skimming but also saved the link to revisit. Any recommendations for hotels and also thoughts on renting a car. Thanks in advance.

Hi Victoria,

I would not rent a car for this itinerary. You cover the distance way faster via train. To give you an idea, just from Rome to Florence is 3-4hrs by car but just 1.5hrs by fast train.

I am currently working on an accommodation guide and can respond back to your comment to let you know when it’s ready, in case you are still planning your trip. 🙂

Hello! I’ve read both this and your 10 day guide – thank you so much for going into so much detail, it’s amazing! My husband and I love to travel by train so I’m excited that it seems to be the preferred way to get around.

I think we’re likely to have 7-9 days, and we’re most interested in seeing the Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. Do you have any recommendations for the order of them and the best way to get between them? I know you have Florence-Venice here, but you also have Cinque Terre between the two on the other guide hence me asking. We’ll be flying in/out from London.

Thanks so much in advance!

I’m glad the posts have been helpful in your planning! And I’m glad you’re also fond of trains! They cover SO much distance so much more quickly than by car in Italy when traveling between the main tourist stops.

If you’d just like to stick to those 3 spots and not Rome, I’d recommend flying into Pisa airport to start. From there, head to Cinque Terre (either La Spezia or whichever village of your choice). Next, train to Florence. And then train to Venice. Fly home from Venice airport. OR, the exact reverse order – whatever you prefer or whatever works out best for accommodation offerings, etc. This way, you have the least backtracking. 🙂

If you want to tack on Rome, add it before or after Cinque Terre and replace Pisa airport with Rome airport. So Rome > CT > Florence > Venice OR the reverse. Make sure to get the direct fast train between Rome and La Spezia.

Thanks so much – very helpful indeed!

Hello…this is such an awesome site and very nice and practical too. Would love to hear your recommendations for 4 days to Tuscany region ( Florence plus countryside / wineries ) Planning to do Rome for 3 nights according to your itinerary and then Tuscany for 5 nights and fly out of Rome .

Appreciate your time..thank you!

I’m glad to know you like the itinerary!

I think what you suggest sounds like a fine plan! You could find some organized tours from Florence for the 2 extra days there, that combine wine tastings with smaller villages or just show you the Tuscan countryside. I’m not a wine enthusiast, so I’ve never done these tours, but I’ve seen them offered online. You could also rent a car from Florence for 2 days and see whatever interests you most in Tuscany.

Where do we go for the extended if we have 2 weeks for Italy and have you ever been to Greece? Never been anywhere much as I’m solo and new to all of this! Much help appreciated haha 🤣 thanks in advance!

Hi Christal,

I haven’t been to Greece yet, but this is a detailed guide to how I’d spend two weeks in Italy as a first timer.

Thank you so much for a detailed post! really helped take away some of the anxiety as a first timer in Europe. I will be staying in Tallinn Estonia for 3 weeks in May, plan to go to Italy for 5 days and maybe Germany for 2 days during last week of May.

I have couple of questions: Out of 3 cities you mentioned, can I still do all 3 or you think I can stick to two cities. In my mind, Rome is must. Considering I only have 4-5 days in Italy.

Secondly, I have no proficiency in Italian language, do you think I can roam around Italy, especially countryside near Florence with only speaking English and using google translate?

Finally, this one might be a bit controversial, are people there friendly to foreigners? Especially, if I look like I am from India or Egypt.

Thanks again Ak

I’m glad this post has help reduced your pre-trip anxiety!

If you really want to see all 3, you can, but you will need to cut 1 day each from 2 cities (or 1 day from 1 city and a half day from 2 cities). You will have to be OK with rushing through those cities and maybe not seeing everything. I can understand this perspective if you may not be back in Italy in the future and prefer to see a little of everything. But if you want to see each place that you visit “fully,” then choosing 2 is the way to go.

You will be fine with English and Google translate. (You’ll honestly be fine without Google Translate too, unless you are going to a place with literally no tourists.)

Your final question is totally valid. I have never felt racism directed towards me in Italy, but I have first-hand witnessed it occurring to other people (sometimes from other tourists), and I’ve of course heard others speak about it happening to them. In my experience, Italians are friendly in that they are quite chatty/curious and willing to help if you ask or look like you need help. But you are going to find those people who work in something touristic and just seem sick of tourists and might take it out on you on that day. There’s really no way to predict whether you’ll face racism/xenophobia or not on your trip, but I would sum it up by saying I don’t think your experience will be much different than in other western nations. Another thing is that passport privilege is real, and my experience is that of someone with a US passport and a native US accent. I don’t know what nationality you are, so I wanted to mention that.

Hello, your post is great and very detail oriented. I just wanted to ask one thing, We are a couple travelling with a child, how convenient is travelling with a Child Buggy in Italy, especially on the public transports everywhere.

I’m glad to know you like my post!

I’ve never traveled with children, so I’m probably not the best to answer how it will be traveling with a child. If your buggy is foldable, you can put it up in the storage above your seats, and there is also storage for large luggage at the ends of of the train carriages. You can book your seats in advance and choose the seats that face a table, so that your child can have some room to draw/play and eat, if you want. And the train stations have elevators, in case you are concerned about carrying things up the stairs.

That’s all I can say from the perspective of someone who’s never traveled with kids. I hope some of that helps! 🙂

Thank you so much for the details and also the cost saving ideas. This is greatly appreciated as we are doing our visit on a very tight budget. A work colleague and I are doing a week in Italy after a work conference in Athens. We fly in and out of Rome. What would you recommend that we take out of this itinerary to add a night in Monza to check out the race circuit and then go onto Venice or something along those lines. Keep up the great work in helping people enjoy their holidays more 😊

I’m glad the tips in this itinerary have been helpful for you! 🙂

If you weren’t flying into/out of Rome, I would say to take out Rome and just stick to the main spots in the north of Italy (Venice, Florence, Milan + Monza, which is near Milan). Then, you can return to Italy and do Rome + Amalfi Coast in the future, if you want.

But since you are in Rome anyways, I say to keep it in your itinerary. That’s 3 nights. You also say Venice, so that’s 2 nights. Monza is 1 night. With the 1 extra night, you could see Milan. Or you could an extra night in Venice or Rome.

So you could do something like Rome > (Milan/)Monza > Venice > Rome or the reverse.

An alternative would be to just do one less day in Venice or in Rome than this one week itinerary suggests. But that would be quite rushed.

I hope some of those ideas help!

Thank you for your reply, appreciate it 😊

You’re welcome!

We are doing a family trip to Italy in early June with a 2 year old and 8 year old. Excluding flights we are there for 8 full days. We fly into Rome and want to just see a few of the major sites so our adult daughter and 8 year old can see them (we have been before). Next we hope to travel to Sorrento/Amalfi coast, Florence and finally Milan to depart.

Would you be able to provide some recommendations of how many days to stay in each location and things to do with the kiddos in tow? I don’t want to be burnt out from too much movement but know we have to get to Sorrento & Florence as our main locations. Rome & Milan are a means to an end for flights. I would love to do some shopping in Milan and see the highlights but I won’t be sad if we don’t have more than a day there.

Thank you in advance for your guidance and this blog! It’s SUPER helpful!

I’m glad the blog is helpful!

I’v never traveled Italy with kids, but I would suggest something like:

Day 1 – 2: Rome Day 3 – 5: Sorrento, other Amalfi Coast Day 6 – 7: Florence Day 8: Milan

If by “just see a few of the major sites” in Rome, you mean just view the Colosseum from the outside and maybe enter the free Vatican Basilica, then I think you can cut Rome down to one full day if you really don’t want to spend too much time there. Then you can add that extra day elsewhere, maybe Florence if it’s one of your main spots. I think Sorrento will be easier as a base for the Amalfi Coast with a toddler, because Positano is very steep. You can day trip to the other parts of the Amalfi Coast by either ferry or taxi.

I don’t really have kid-specific activities to suggest, unfortunately! Maybe a pasta making class, or the gelato making class I link to in the “What to Eat in Florence” part of my two week Italy itinerary ? There’s also going to the beach, if you are interesting in doing that in the Amalfi coast.

Thanks so much Em! We got our flights into Rome and out of Milan. We’ll do Sorrento for 3 nights but will have another 3 nights for somewhere between there and Milan (which will be our final night).

We are rethinking Florence because it sounds like it’s mainly an art draw. We’d rather focus on food and shopping with some Fulton art classes for the kids.

If you had your choice, where would you pick? We’d love to focus more on local culture than city if that’s feasible with the kids, transportation, and time.

Thanks for your input!

*culinary classes not Fulton art classes lol

Florence definitely doesn’t have a city feel, like Rome or Milan. Its role in the European renaissance is definitely the reason for its relevance, but it’s not that you just stare at paintings and sculptures in museums while there. The outdoor architecture itself is art, and there are a lot of vintage and artisanal markets to shop at. And I would say you can find culinary classes to book in any touristic destination in Italy, and that you will also find good food anywhere in Italy. So I just want to be clear that Florence isn’t at odds with any of the things you’ve listed that you’re looking for! 🙂

That being said, what do you mean by “local culture?” Do you mean a place that is less tourist-oriented? If so, you might consider the region of Emilia-Romagna. The main city there is Bologna, and from there you can visit Parma and Modena as day trips. It’s the region where a lot of the most famous Italian foods come from (bolognese sauce, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar), and it’s a lot less touristy than Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast.

This is super helpful! Thanks sooooo much!!

Thank you, this was very informative. We are doing 4 days in Italy split evenly between rome and venice. Do you have suggestions on areas to stay?

I’m glad this was helpful!

For Venice, I’d recommend to stay on the same island as the train station or just a few canal crossings away. I stayed closer to the attractions, and regretted having to drag my luggage over so many bridges. There is obviously the water taxi service, but I didn’t really want to navigate it first thing after arriving.

In Rome, you can stay walking distance from the station if you prioritize being close to transport.

Other than that, I don’t have suggestions on neighborhoods or anything. I usually just booked based on where I find the best accommodation available for a fair price and the distance to the train!

Hope that helps a bit!

My husband and I are flying out of Pittsburgh 9/27 at 10 pm and arrive in Italy the next day at 4 pm. We fly into Rome and fly out of Rome 10/12 to return home. Can you do a itinaeray for us where to stay , how to get around , what to see like your one week plan. Ty

It sounds like you have 14 days in Italy. In that case, my recommendation is what I lay out in my 14 day Italy itinerary . At the end of the final day in Venice, just add a fast train to Rome that night/evening. Then, fly out of Rome the next day.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for such detailed post. It is exactly what I needed to start planning my Italy trip, and now I hope you can help with that 🙂. I plan on doing a 7 day solo trip to Italy, Easter 2025. I want to visit Rome, Florence and mostly Naples, and if I can squeeze in Tuscany great, but not a must for this trip. For me it’s more of a spiritual/mental retreat, a treat to myself. Any suggestions?

I’m glad this post has been able to help you plan your Italy trip!

Florence (a city) is in Tuscany (a region). So you’ll already be squeezing in Tuscany by going to Florence. 🙂

Assuming you are flying in and out of Rome, I would recommend Rome (3 days) > FLorence (2 days) > Naples (2 days) and then take the fast train (1.5 hours) back to Rome on the final evening to fly out of Rome the next day. OR the exact reverse. If you want an extra night in Florence to do a day trip to somewhere in the Tuscan countryside or a smaller Tuscan village, or if you want an extra day in Naples (since you write “mostly Naples), take it from Rome.

Thank you so much! Love this site so much.

We are doing Paris, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, , Merzouga, Seville, Madrid, Barca, Rome, Florence (checking out Pisa), and finishing off at Venice. We’ve learned so much from your site. Appreciate you so much for wonderful suggestions.

However on my last day – I’m actually flying out from Milan…I cannot really fit Milan anywhere on my schedule. I have 28 (from the morning) to 30 Sep in Venice. On the last night (30 Sep), would you suggest me to stay in Venice, the next morning take the train to Milan Airport or should I move to Milan on that night? My flight is at 2PM in the afternoon.

Appreciate it very much 🙂

Thanks so much for the kind words on the site! 🙂 You trip sounds like it’s going to be amazing!

The decision on Venice/Milan is really up to you. If it’s an international flight, they usually tell you to arrive 2 hours in advance, sometimes 3. So assuming they say 3, you’d need to arrive by 11am at MXP. The drive or train from the center is 1 hour, so you’d need to arrive in Milan by 10am. The train from Venice is 2.5 hours, so that means you’d need to depart Venice’s station by 7:30am.

Personally, I’d prefer to sleep in Milan and be able to wake up later on that morning of the flight, so I would move to Milan the night before. It would also make me not be worried about any train delays from Venice to Milan. But it’s all up to your personal preference!

I am planning a 10-day trip to Italy with Thursday as my departure day from the US, and the following Sunday will be departure from Italy. Friday morning is arrival in Rome. Upon arrival, I don’t feel like I’d be able to do much except wait around until 2-3pm hotel for check-in because we’ll have our luggage with us, and we can’t lug that around the city. Then, if we add 2 more cities, we’ll have do do the same process of checking out of a hotel by 11 or noon, traveling to the next destination, and most of the day is already gone by the time we’re checked in and settled.

How do you manage an itinerary considering luggage and hotel check-ins?

You can normally show up at the hotel at whatever time, as long as it is within their opening hours, and leave your bags with reception. Sometimes they will even have a special room to store luggage. Then you can leave to explore and return after check-in time. The same for check out. You check out when you need to, but leave your bags with reception. Then you return to pick it up before heading to your next city.

If you are staying in an AirBnB or something that doesn’t have reception, you can look for luggage storage in the city. This can be lockers or left luggage places with a person there. Train stations often have them nearby or even inside. Just google “left luggage [city name]” and find one close to you. Some even let you reserve in advance. But this is only if you don’t have reception. If you have reception, you should be fine! 🙂

Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!

What a gem of a site Em! I’m wondering if you could make a recommendation on how to fit Naples (specifically Pompeii) into this itinerary. I’m taking my daughter there this coming September and Pompeii is on her “must-see” list. Would you add it to the Rome portion of the trip or tack it on at the end or the beginning somehow? She also has the Amalfi Coast on her list but I’m not sure we could add both Naples and Amalfi Coast onto this itinerary on an 8 day trip. Would love your thoughts. I love your itinerary though – it hits a lot of the other places she wants to see (Rome and the colosseum; Florence in the Tuscany area; Venice).

Hi Philcho,

I’m glad you like the site! 🙂

You can fit Pompeii easily as a DIY day trip from Rome by adding one day to this 7 day itinerary to make it 8 days, which it sounds like you have. So just add one more night to Rome. You can take a look at my 2 week Italy itinerary and scroll down to the “how to get to Pompeii from Rome” section. Then, just do that same journey backwards to return to Rome afterwards.

If you absolutely must see Amalfi Coast as well on this trip, then I’d recommend booking a group tour to Pompeii and Positano from Rome on that extra 8th day instead of doing a DIY trip to just Pompeii. It’ll be very rushed, but you’ll be able to “see” both Pompeii and the main star of the Amalfi Coast that way.

Thank you for the awesome itinerary. It is truly impressive and I am excited to save it for future reference. However, I would appreciate your advice on the following matter:

I am participating in the London Marathon this year. We are planning to spend 10 days in Europe and would like to visit the following cities: Brussels (2 days), Paris (3 days), and Italy (the remainder). Our intention is to finish our Italian journey in Rome and then return to England.

We would like to visit Rome and Florence during our time in Italy. Given the limited time we have, do we have to prioritize one city over the other? Would you recommend visiting Florence first, followed by Rome?

Your expert opinion would be greatly appreciated.

I’m happy to know you like the itinerary!

In this itinerary, I allocate 2.5 days to Rome and 2 days to Florence, so that seems to fit fine with what you have left in your 10 days after spending 5 days between Brussels and Paris. I would fly to Florence’s airport in the morning from either Paris or Brussels, then train down to Rome 2 days later and then fly back home after 3 nights there.

I hope that helps! Enjoy your trip, and good luck with the marathon!

We. Have 7 days in Italy flying in and out of Rome . No real plans but wanted to train out and then back . Was thinking straight to Florence and then back via Orvieto and the Rome for final 2 or 3 days but absolutely open to suggestions about best use of time and ease of travel ?

There seem to be direct trains between both Orvieto and Rome and Orvieto and Florence, so I think that sounds like a fine plan! And the trains are regional, so they’re the kind where the price stays the same.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

Thanks so much for this post. I learned so much. We are coming to Bari, Italy for a conference and will have about 3-4 days prior to hang out in Italy. I would like to make the most out of it despite not having 10 days. LOL. Do you suggest we focus on just Rome or try to do Venice too, etc. I would be curious on your thoughts.

Hi Danielle,

I’m glad this post was informative!

If it were me, because I knew even before my first trip to Italy that it would be a country I planned to make serval trips to over my lifetime, I would just stick to Rome. And maybe make a day trip from there to Pompeii (or even Amalfi Coast if you’re up for it and want to get a quick taste for it). That’s because I’m the type of person that would rather see a place more thoroughly and then see a new place thoroughly next time, rather than feel like I still had stuff left to see in both places because I was rushing.

But if you don’t know that you will get another chance to see Venice and prefer to just make sure you “tick” both Rome and Venice off your list this trip, you could squeeze my Rome part of the itinerary into two days (I say something about if your flight gets in late on day one, tack its sites onto day three) and then take the fast train up to Venice for two nights before returning back south on the fast train again. So it’s really up to you!

Thanks so much for the prompt response. Rome it is! -D

This looks great! We’re planning a trip for summer 2”2025 (two adults, two teenagers), and have two weeks total to split between Italy and Greece. Any suggestions on itineraries, getting from Italy to Greece, etc?

Hi Jennifer,

I’m glad it’s helpful!

I haven’t been to Greece yet, but Rome and Venice both have international airports, so I’m sure you will have no problem finding flights between either of them and Greece.

I assume you might want to see Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. There are nonstop flights between each of those and Venice/Rome. I would probably make one flight connect to Santorini, because it’s far from Athens anyways, so you might as well start or end there. This is all assuming you would want to see the 3 biggest spots in Italy and 3 biggest spots in Greece during your two weeks, which I of course don’t know if you do. 🙂

I hope that helps you get started!

I am a new traveler, I have 2 kids that will be 17 and 14 when we go. I will be 53 (just in case I am a senior citizen). I have not idea how to budget for a week long vacation to Italy. Can you give me some idea? We will be going April-June sometime 2024. Thank you.

How exciting! Travel planning is definitely a skill that gets better with more practice.

To give yourself a rough idea, you can do the following: – look up flights for your trip. See what dates, times, and prices work for you. Don’t book this flight yet, but note the cost somewhere (Excel, Google Docs, scratch paper, whatever you prefer). – based on the dates of your flight plus this itinerary, decide what dates you will overnight in what city. So what dates in Rome, in Florence, and in Venice. Look up hotels for each city during those respective dates. Note/write those costs somewhere, or even go ahead and book the hotels if they offer free cancelation. – go back to my itinerary and decide which attractions you plan to enter. Unfortunately I am working through updating the prices for 2024 and haven’t gotten to this 7 day itinerary yet. But you can see the up to date prices and links for everything in my 14 day Italy itinerary . Note/write the costs of all the attractions you want to enter. – Then, go to the TrenItalia website and look up the train journeys you will need to take, based on the details in this 7 day itinerary. Decide which time you would likely take, and note/write those costs.

Add up all those costs (flights, hotel, attractions, and trains), and those will be the total of your minimum costs! Keep in mind to convert any euro prices to your home currency. Then , depending on how much you think you will eat a day, add in food costs. Are you likely to eat 3 sit down meals in a restaurant each day? If so, I would budget 20 euros per meal per person to be on the safe side. If you are likely to just grab a pastry for breakfast, street food for lunch, and only sit down in a proper restaurant for dinner, or if your hotel comes with breakfast included, that will save money. If you stop for gelato or snacks every day, that will add up. So by budgeting for 60 eur a person a day, you’ll be on the super safe side. (For reference, I usually spend less than even 30 eur a day on food in Italy, because I travel on a budget. But like a said, with 60, you can be on the safer side if you and your family prefer more comfort than I do. 🙂 ) Lastly think if you will want spare money for souvenirs, and if so, add some buffer budget for that too.

And that’s your total budget!

I hope that wasn’t too dizzying and was helpful! I always budget on Excel or Google Docs to keep it organized.

Hello! My husband and I are trying to plan a 1 week trip to Italy and your itinerary is perfect!! Thank you so much for sharing. We plan to relax a little more than maybe what you suggest, but I’m also concerned about food. Do you have food & dessert recommendations for each city? I like to eat well during trips haha, thank you in advance!

I’m glad the itinerary is helpful!

I would take a look at my two week Italy itinerary , if you haven’t already. On that itinerary, I list foods (desserts included) to try in each stop based on what each destination is known for or what was invented in that destination. All the stops on the one week itinerary are included in the two week one. Just search “What to Eat in Rome,” etc.

I don’t have many specific eatery recommendations aside from that 🙁 I do remember liking the Grom ice cream chain, and I think Trattoria al Gatto Nero is where Anthony Bourdain ate in an episode of his show where he visited Burano (the day trip from Venice). I didn’t eat there because I wasn’t visiting during their opening hours, but I had it on my list.

I hope that’s a little helpful!

Hello, my family (sisters and our mom and dad) are taking a Greek Isle cruise round trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) 8/25/2024 with Naples as one of the port of calls. We have booked flights to FCO arriving 8/19 and will have 6 days to explore before the cruise. Could you suggest an itinerary that is elderly friendly? ( mom and dad healthy in their 80s) Love to take the trains but not sure if renting a car makes more sense for us? Thank you so much!

Sounds like a very nice summer!

If I am understanding correctly, you will arrive in Rome 6 days before the cruise, and THEN travel by cruise to Naples at some point?

In that case, I would recommend 3 days in Rome and another 3 days in Florence. I would devote two of those days in Florence to Florence itself and use the 3rd day to do a day trip somewhere if you feel up for it (Cinque Terre, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, are all options). You could also just leave the 3rd day as an extra day split between Florence and Rome (so 3.5 days in Rome and 2.5 in Florence), if you want to move slower and not pack as much into each day.

You could also do Venice instead of Florence, if it interests you more. But I said Florence because I think Venice doesn’t need more than 2 days, that Florence is easier to do a day trip from, and that Florence is closer to Rome.

I personally wouldn’t travel by car between the main cities in Italy. The train is much faster (Rome-Florence is 3.5-4 hrs by car and 1.5 hrs by train, just to give you an idea). If you want to rent a car for one day to visit somewhere harder to reach, then it could be worth it.

Hello! My daughter and I are planning a trip to Italy this summer. I love the itinerary you’ve shared. I’m curious. If we had 2 or 3 days to add ti this itinerary, which city/cities would you suggest between: Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Milan? And wbere would you suggest we add it/them to the itinerary? Thank you!

I’m glad you like the itinerary!

If you have 3 extra days to make the trip 10 days, then my ten day Italy itinerary is exactly what I’d recommend. 🙂 It tacks on Cinque Terre with a quick couple-hour stop in Pisa and then also Milan. If you only have 2 extra days, or don’t want to rush as much, I would personally just see Cinque Terre and Pisa (Cinque Terre being the priority).

I haven’t have time to update the 10 day itinerary yet, due to a change in the train travel times between Cinque Terre and Venice, but I will likely update it this week to be: Rome > Cinque Terre > Florence > Venice > Milan. Or the exact reverse can be done, too.

I hope that helps!!

Rome looks stunning!

It is! One of my faves for sure 🙂

Wow, a true whirlwind trip. I have to admit, I have been to all of those places and you did hit the big attractions. I agree that skip-the-line tickets are so worth the slightly higher price. A church that I would add to the Rome sites is Santa Maria del Popolo. Your photos are fantastic. Loved your Florence and Venice recommendations. Italy is my favotrite country, too.

Whirlwind is a good word for it, lol!

Thanks so much for the church reco! I’m jotting it down to visit on my next stop in Rome. 🙂

You have such beautiful photos–This made me miss Italy so much! Can’t wait to be able to travel!

Thank you so much, Denise!!

And yes, I can’t wait either!

Appetite for Adventure

You absolutely nailed it with this itinerary!! I did pretty much this exact trip two summers ago and I couldn’t agree more with all of your recommendations. Very well written!

Aw, thanks so much!!

And wow, I’m sure doing that trip was so fun! It’s taken me multiple trips to see all the “big” items, but I sometimes want to redo them with a fast-paced itinerary like this just for the thrill 🙂

Sarah Arnstein

I’m seeing so many posts about Italy lately and I love reading them every time! This brings me back to my trip in 2019. I can’t wait to visit again!

Same here, counting down the days practically!

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The Best of Italy: Ultimate Ten Day Italy Itinerary

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The Ultimate Italy Trip: A Detailed 10-Day Itinerary For Rome, Venice & Florence

“It’s easy to understand why the most beautiful poems about England in the spring were written by poets living in Italy at the time.” These words from Philip Dunne are true and those who’ve been to Italy will agree. My name is Vaishnavi and I went on a family trip with my husband and my 4-year old son (whom I will refer to as ‘N’) to Southern Europe’s little gem- Italy.

The capital city Rome is home to the historic Vatican, and a whole lot of other landmarks. Other major cities include Florence, Venice, and Milan. Traveling with N meant there was no way we could do an out-and-out historic trip. So, we decided to do a mix and explored the three biggest cities -Rome, Venice and Florence.

There are many reasons why we picked Italy. Firstly, N and I are BIG pizza fans, so the thought of going on a trip to the land of pizzas fascinated us. Besides, having lived in the UK for 3 years, I cannot stress enough on how I love getting lost in the picturesque countryside. Last but not the least, I wanted N to enjoy a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Meanwhile, the husbandman is a history buff, so Italy perfectly matched our expectations.

Brief Itinerary 

We started our trip with Rome and ended it with the same, so we could save up on flight fares. Here’s a skeleton of our route: Dubai-Rome-Venice-Florence-Rome-Dubai. Now, unlike most travelers, we had decided NOT to make this trip all about museums and churches. We wanted to experience the country side as well, so our itinerary involved the iconic attractions and the untouched countryside. I’m so glad we took that route! :)

Detailed   Itinerary

Vatican Saint Peter’s Basilica

Our day 1 was completed dedicated to Rome’s iconic attractions and we decided to tick it off on foot. The city’s architecture is a grand mix of Roman, modern, and Renaissance. The idea of the city is as fluid as a dream and that’s the best part of the city. Walking is an absolute must when in Rome because the city has cobbled roads and driving around can kill the fun. So, we booked a walking tour (almost all hotels have guided walking tours you can book) and explored the touristy attractions.

The first half of the day was meant for the  Vatican Museums , Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica. We booked an open tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel. After soaking in the rich architecture and history, we walked towards the Saint Peter’s Basilica. Although we had booked a skip-the-line tour, we skipped it, clicked a few pictures from outside and proceed to the other attractions. Going by my watch, we had already walked about 5000 steps- and we were tired as hell.

Colosseum Trevi Fountain

After a hearty breakfast we headed on an open tour to the explore the magnificent Colosseum. The amphitheater and the underground are something you must not miss when in Rome. In the evening, we walked our way through the pretty lanes to get to the Trevi fountain followed by the Spanish Steps. On our way back (we were tired as hell), we picked our car for our day trip, the next day and headed to the hotel.

Amalfi Coast Naples

The next morning, drove down to Amalfi Coast- a stunning coastline in the Sorrentine Peninsula. This was my favourite part of the trip. I LOVE long drives and if it includes sea views, and pretty villages, I’m totally sold.

The drive was spectacular, taking us through winding roads, pristine beaches, idyllic villages, and pretty blue coastline. The coast is dotted with high mountains, rugged shorelines, and quaint cafes. One of the best things to do when here is to pick a spot, get into your beachwear and soak it all in. Grab lunch at a cafe perched on the hill-top and you’ll feel like this is the best place on earth.

Note: The coast can be crowded and finding a spot to park can be tricky, but its allure is simply irresistible!

On our way back we drove past the historic town of Naples and sealed the day with a sumptuous dinner and local wine at one of the oldest pubs in Rome.

Note: There are tons of road-side shops that sell gorgeous crockery (I went berserk :))

It was time to explore the backstreets and canals of Venice. A 3-hour train ride took us to the land of water. On arrival, we checked into our hotel by the Grand Canal. The hotel we picked was a little expensive, due to its strategic location but the rooms were spacious and it was in the city center, so we didn’t have to commute much within the city. We chose to spend the evening wandering around canals and lazy lanes, sipping on the best quality wine. One look at the place and you’ll sure know Venice is all things romantic, picturesque and historic. The endless stretches of water, alongside colourful houses, were perfect to gaze, laze and be lost. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner by the Grand Canal and sealed the evening with a large scoop of Gelato.

St. Campanile di San Marco Doges’ Palace Bridge of Sighs

Day 5 was all about rowing our way through the city, hoping in and out of the iconic attractions. Before we started, we did a thorough research of Venice and realized the list of sightseeing places was long. We then picked a few we liked, and a few that were a must-see. First on our list was St. Campanile di San Marco. A quick ferry ride took us to the ‘Heart of Venice’- where we clicked 360 degrees panorama pictures, fed pigeons and marveled at the magnificent bell tower. A quick elevator ride took us to the top of the Campanile di San Marco, only to be rewarded by some more breathtaking views of the city.

After a quick pit-stop at one of the quaint cafes, we headed to the Doges’ Palace. We booked skip-the-line tours and spent quality time soaking in the royal architecture, the dramatic history and the fantastic views of Venice. As we stepped out, we took a quick sneak-peek at the Bridge of Sighs, for yet another iconic view.

Note: Ferry tickets to all the attractions are available at the Grand Canal station. We skipped the Gondola ride because it was just too expensive and nothing fancy (If i may say so)

Murano Burano

On day 6 we skipped the chapels and set out to explore the lesser-known islands in Venice- Murano, and Burano. Murano is famous for hand-made glass while Burano is a pretty island known for laces. We spent the evening shopping and loafing around the charming streets of Venice. The street shops are best if you wish to take back artifacts made of Murano glass, and pretty Venetian masks.

Note: Do not shop in the souvenir stores on the islands, as they are expensive and you might be paying twice the price.

The train journey from Venice to Florence was picturesque, taking us through highlands, mountains, and pretty houses. We reached early in the evening and checked into our hotel- Garibaldi Blue, located in the city center. We spent the evening exploring the Dome- one of the most recognizable buildings in Florence. Feel free to judge us, but we chose not to climb to the top, because it sounded like a mammoth task with N, plus we had a taller tower to explore the next morning- The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Italy, in a way, is synonymous with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower is known for it’s four-degree lean, and that made the trek up a tricky one. Make your way through 251 steps and you’re in for a breathtaking view of the city of Pisa. On average, the climb takes about 10-15 minutes and has several spots where you can stop and break. The incline of the stairs can make you feel woozy, so watch out. And finally, that’s one off my bucket list :)

A Little Mishap

Although the experience was fantastic, N was a little disappointed. It somehow skipped our eye while booking tickets that children under 8 years of age were not allowed inside the Tower of Pisa. N was mighty thrilled to climb the tall tower, but we made up for it with his favourite pizza and a big scoop of gelato. :)

So, make a note: Kids under 8 years are not permitted inside the tower and those between 8-10 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

3 Things To Know About The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

• The Leaning Tower can accommodate only 45 people in a time
• Timings are everything. So make it on time or you’ll have to miss your chance
• Carry a bottle of water, camera & your phone

Once you’re done with the trek, refresh and rejuvenate at the many cafes and restaurants around the tower. You can also shop for souvenirs, but don’t forget to bargain. I recommend you keep one full day for the Tower of Pisa.

Chianti Region

It was time to head to the countryside. There are plenty of day-trips you can plan to explore the scenic highlands of Florence. The Chianti region is most famous for wine and food tour and that was definitely on our to-do list. The drive through the gorgeous Tuscan hills is a sight I need no effort to recollect. We stopped to visit a wine estate, sampled some of the finest qualities of wine before heading to the Chianti countryside for a delicious 3-course meal by the hills. We sealed the day sampling the renowned Chianti Classico wine.

The next morning we took a train back to Rome and flew back to Dubai the same evening.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Visiting Italy

Getting around Italy is significantly easier than any other European country. The most important part of traveling in Italy is the mode of transport. The country is well equipped with trains, trams, and taxis, so there’s no way you will be stuck anywhere. However, if you want to explore a bit of the countryside, you will need a car. We booked our car online on Rentalcars.com – all you need to do is reserve your car online by just providing your credit card details, cancellation is free till a day before the pickup date and you don’t have to pay util you pick up the car.

We booked all our train tickets on TrenItalia  and  Italo . 

Food In Italy

The usual spread is pasta, pizza, breads and of course a tiramisu for dessert. However, N and I are big fans of all of the above, so I was in for a treat! You will also find a lot of real  Italian staples like spaghetti alla carbonara, bruschetta, – all with oodles of cheese. Rome, Venice, and Florence are flooded with petite cafes and old pubs that serve a hearty meal. Finish your meal with a large scoop of gelato or local wine. It’s sure to make your trip much better! :)

Note: We had the best Gelato in Florence at Gelateria Della Passera

Stay Options

Italy is flooded with tons of hotels- luxury and budget. TripAdvisor was our ‘guru’ when it came to picking hotels. We booked our hotels through  RocketMiles – a website that lets you earn miles for every booking you make. You can join Rocketmiles for free of cost. A few days after the stay has been completed, the reward is sent to the loyalty program, which you can redeem within 2 weeks. You can view the status of all your rewards by logging into your account.

The hotels we picked did cost us a little more than we had planned, but it worked well because it was all located in the city center. This also meant we could see most of the places on foot, without spending on a taxi. Here are the names of the hotels:

• Rome- Hotel Artemide
• Venice- La Locanda di Orsaria
• Florence- Garibaldi Blu

Visa & Immigration

We got our visa done through Cox & kings and the process was pretty simple. There are a list of documents required for a tourist visa which permits stay up to 90 days. Make a note and gather all the documents. Next up, fill the application form online and book an appointment. The documents are verified according to the checklist, after which you file the application. Lastly, you cab track you application on their website using your passport number. The whole process takes about 3 weeks.

Currency: Euro (1 EURO = 4.05 AED), All branded debit and credit Visa/MasterCards can be used without issue.

Language: The official language spoken is Italian, but almost everyone speaks English so there was hardly any need for Google translation.

Modes Of Communication: Being a UAE resident, it was almost like a celebration when we were told Whatsapp calls work in Italy :) No paying extra for international calling!

And with that, a great trip to Italy came to an end. A few learnings:

1. Always validate your train and bus tickets at the little machines in the platform 2. Skip-the-line tours are saviours 3. You must pay to use public restrooms 4. Prepare to eat. A lot 5. Most cities can be explored on foot 6. You will never be able to see Italy COMPLETELY. So, make the best of what you can :)

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Collection: ultimate travel planner.

Ready to start planning your Italy trip? Or are you overwhelmed by the options available and trying to keep track of the advice you’ve read on forums and travel groups.

We created a printable travel planner designed especially for planning trips to Italy just for you!

Untold Italy

Ultimate Italy Travel Planner 2024 Edition

About our ultimate travel planner, what's inside:.

• 80 page printable PDF Italy travel planner
• 12 unique planning templates
• 3 checklists
• 7 Italy travel information pages
• 50+ bucket list ideas

Sample pages:

What Makes Our Planner So Useful

We’ve poured all our expertise gained from over 30 trips to Italy into our planner. You will have tried and true methods for ensuring you have all the details covered off for your trip.

Our planner takes you step by step through the process of planning your dream trip to Italy – from gathering inspiration and capturing your research to documenting your plan and recording your experiences.

The templates in the planner are not generic. They have been built especially for travel in Italy and we’ve also included some of our favorite tips for booking accommodation, transport, tours and activities.

How will I receive my planner?

Our travel guides and planners are published in digital PDF format. You will receive your files via email as soon as you make your purchase. No physical items will be shipped to you.

How does the Italy planner differ from a standard travel planner?

Travel planners are usually made for general trips. Our planner is different because it was specifically designed with trips to Italy in mind.

In the Ultimate Italy Travel planner, templates have been adjusted for travel in Italy. You’ll even find a place to put your must visit gelato stop for the day.

We’ve also included important planning tips like – when to take the train vs when to rent a car – so you don’t need to search for answers all over the internet. They are right there at your fingertips, saving precious time and costly mistakes.

Do you offer refunds?

We don’t accept returns, exchanges or cancellations on our digital products. Please contact us at [email protected] should you have any problems with your order.

About Untold Italy

We are an online destination and podcast dedicated to helping you plan incredible trips to Italy. Whether it is your first or fifteenth visit to bella Italia, you'll find inspiration and resources to build a trip you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Meet Your Italy Trip Planning Expert  

Ciao friends! 

I cannot wait to help you plan your trip to beautiful Italy.

This is the country I love to visit most of all and after over 30 trips to Italy I’ve learned a few things about where to find the best carbonara and how long you should plan to spend at the major sites.

Italy is best savored, not rushed.  And the best way to make sure you have plenty of time for strolling with gelato and soaking up the atmosphere in the piazza is to make sure you plan your trip with precision. We want to make sure you leave plenty of buffer time for those la dolce vita moments and never have bad gelato!

Andiamo! Let’s get planning!

Katy Clarke

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The Ultimate Italy Road Trip: 2 Weeks Itinerary (with Amalfi Coast)

by Drifter Planet | May 17, 2022 | Italy , Most Popular Blog Posts , Road Trips

How can anyone not fall in love with Italy? Not only it is picturesque, but there’s so much more to it that just the visual beauty. It is the feeling one gets when they visit this country which makes it special. Italy is romantic, culturally beautiful, and offers delicious food.

There is a reason why some of the most famous books and movies are set in a backdrop of famous Italian towns. Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples – some of the most famous historical cities and towns in the world are in Italy. Not just that, Italy also has the Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and a massive coastline on three sides! Yep, it has it all.

The first time I visited Italy, it was just North Italy. We landed in Venice and drove to Trentino in our rental car. The second time was in South Italy where we spent one entire month in Puglia. We actually drove from Germany to Puglia but realized it would have been easier to just fly to Bari or Brindisi and drive a rental car from there.

For the purpose of travel, it is important to understand what are the regions of Italy. You can pick and choose some of them or get a taste of them all. Here are the regions in Italy that you can visit –

• Northeast Italy, (the Dolomites,  Trentino , Venice and Bologna)
• Northwest Italy, (Cinque Terre, Milan and the Alps)
• Central Italy, (Tuscany region and Rome)
• Southern Italy, (Naples,  Puglia , Amalfi and Capri)
• The islands – Sicily and Sardinia.

If you ever see the list of the most visited countries in the world, Italy usually is in top 5 year after year. It is because there is so much to see & experience in every single region of Italy.

Keep in mind that to properly explore each region of Italy, you would probably need at least two weeks each. However, this itinerary focuses on the entire Italy, so I will help you move from one region to another and tell you the best of each. That’s the difference between a region-specific itinerary and a country-specific itinerary.

If you think you will get to visit Italy multiple times, then by all means pick just one region or maximum two for each trip. If you’re going to visit Italy just once or twice in your life then I suggest you visit more than just 2 regions because they all have something to offer.

Don’t try to cover it all , it isn’t possible to do so. Instead, pick a few destinations and spend some quality time in each place that you visit so that you don’t feel rushed or drained out.

Starting Point for Italy Road Trip:

So where should you start your epic Italian road trip? It depends on a few things. The starting points will change based on how you enter Italy – flying or driving.

Italy has many airports from the North to the South. If you want to start your trip in North Italy then I suggest you fly to Venice or Verona and  rent a car from there. You can also fly to Naples or Bari to start your trip from South Italy and make your way to the North. Or fly to the middle – Rome, Florence, or Pisa and just do the North or the South for your Italy road trip 2 weeks.

Alternatively, you can also pick a section of Italy and do a smaller road trip that focuses on just that area. For example, the North Italy road trip would include the top three points that I have mentioned below, the middle would include Tuscany and Rome and South Italy road trip would include Rome and below like Puglia and Amalfi Coast.

For ease of understanding, we have created this route that starts in Venice. It is very easy to rent a car from Venice airport and drive from there. We did that already!

Table of Contents

Circular italy or straight route for italian road trip.

If you’re driving to Italy, then it will make a lot of sense for you to follow a straight route. You can enter Italy from the North and move to the South. Or the other way around.

If you are able to rent a car from one place and return it to another, then I highly recommend you go for a straight route. It will save you a lot of time. However, this option isn’t usually available, so most of you will end up following a circular itinerary.

This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes a lot of destinations within Italy. Some of them are optional, so you can figure out which ones to leave and skip. For example, you can pick one out of the Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast and spend a long time in other destinations.

1) Venice (and Burano) – 2 Days – the Canals of Italy

You can’t drive inside Venice, so why is it a part of this itinerary? Because Venice is the most romantic city of Italy and it needs to be a part of this epic itinerary.

If you’re flying to Italy and renting your car, then I suggest you rent your car on the day you leave Venice to save money. You can check for prices here or book one  and pick it from Piazzale Roma. However, if you’re driving to Italy from another country then you will have to park your car in one of the below options.

In order to visit Venice, you will drive to the entrance of the city Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto , and park your car there. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of space and it is Europe’s largest car park. Yes, it is expensive to park here because it is EUR 30 per 24 hours.

[Box] Want to save some money? Park your car near Mestre Railway Station and take a 10-minute train ride to Venezia St.Lucia. This way, your parking costs, and journey will be less than 5 euros. [/Box]

There aren’t any roads beyond Piazzale Roma, so you will have to continue by walking or by getting on a boat.

I have included two days in Venice but if you want, you can take half a day to explore Burano. It is smaller, colorful, and very close to Venice. Here’s what to do in Venice:

Walking is the easiest way to explore Venice. The most popular spots in Venice are around St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge. However, I suggest you get lost on purpose and explore the narrow alleys. Here you will find the best photo spots because of fewer tourists. If it gets sunny, cover your head and eat gelato to beat the heat.

Sunset Gondola Ride :

You can’t visit Venice and not do a Gondola ride. Yep, Gondola rides are super expensive so you make the most of it by doing it at the most romantic time – the sunset. The point of a gondola ride isn’t transportation but enjoyment.

You can save money by doing the Gondola ride with 1 or 2 other people and doing it before the sunset time. Here are the options I have handpicked for you:

• Gondola Ride with Commentary : Skip the line ticket for a Gondola ride. Duration is 30-50 minutes. Price in May 2022 is EUR 33.
• Gondola Ride with App Commentary : Skip the line ticket for a Gondola ride. Duration is 45 minutes. Price in May 2022 is EUR 28.

Find a restaurant with a view:

Most of the restaurants with nice views are going to be very expensive but I can help you find a moderately affordable one. To actually get a table with a view, you need to always book in advance. Once you’re here, try the squid ink pasta. Try one of the following:

• Trattoria Altanella in Giudecca,
• Gianni in Giudecca,
• Da Fiore in Campo S. Polo,
• Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti in Dorsoduro.

See Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Climb the spiral stairs and click a few photos of the view from the top. It is a famous building that was once a gothic palace.

Visit Rialto Food Market

Venice is touristy but visiting a famous food market will give you somewhat a local experience. The locals come here to buy fresh fruit, veggies and fish. It is best to arrive here early because the market hours are 7:30 am to 1 pm.

Campo Santo Stefano

Find an outdoor cafe on Campo Santo Stefano and enjoy your afternoon or evening with cicchetti & Spritz. Cicchetti is a small snack plate. You don’t need to order cicchetti, but the servers will bring it for you if you order your drinks (Spritz).

See Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is an important historical landmark in Venice. This was once an official residence for the Doge of Venice (the elected leader of the historical Venetian Republic). It was originally designed to be a residential palace for Nepolean.

Doge’s Palace is an interesting spot for those who like history, but it is also a photographer’s dream because of its stunning interiors, especially in the Chamber of the Great Council. Believe it or not, the world’s largest canvas painting is located in this room. But remember, you can’t use flash when you photograph this.

While inside the Doge’s Palace, you should also walk on the iconic Bridge of Sighs, which is located here. You will also see St. Mark’s Square and Correr Museum.

I have handpicked two entry ticket options for you for Doge’s Palace:

• Doge’s Palace Entry Reservation Ticket : This is the official ticket and costs EUR 28 in May 2022. It is a “skip-the-line” ticket.
• Doge Palace with Terrace Access : This is also a “skip-the-line” ticket but it also includes an expert guide, who will not just take you to Doge’s Palace but also St. Mark’s Basilica. Please be aware that the entry to St. Mark’s Basilica is free but this tour includes the access to the terrace of the Basilica for the views. The cost is EUR 79 in May 2022.

Scuola grande di San Rocco

See the interiors of Scuola Grande di San Rocco . Your jaw will actually drop when you see the grandeur and the arty details.

Day Trip to Burano

Burano is a cute little canal-side town with stunning colorful houses. It has become popular over the recent years because of Instagram.

You can prebook your boat ticket for Burano for a day trip from Venice and the boat will also take you to the nearby Murano and Torcello.

• Murano, Burano and Torcello boat trip  – 6 Hours, EUR 25
• Murano, Burano and Torcello boat trip – 4.5-5.5 Hours, EUR 25
• Murano, Burano and Torcello boat trip – 4.5 Hours, EUR 20

How to save money in Venice?

Eat in Pizzeria ae Oche – a chain with affordable pizzas. Don’t eat or drink in the main touristy areas, head to Dorsoduro for cheaper eateries and buy your own supplies from bakeries and supermarkets to save money. Another way to save more money is by skipping the Gondola ride.

2) Cinque Terre – 2 days – the Colorful Fishing Villages

Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are five colorful fishing villages that are collectively called the Cinque Terre. The entire Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In order to arrive at the Cinque Terra, you can drive to Riomaggiore, Manarola, or Monterosso and park your car there. If you’re nervous about driving in this hilly terrain, then park in La Spezia and take a train from there. In any case, if you want to move from one village to another, the best way to do it is by train.  It is easy and affordable.

Remember – don’t get your car inside the Cinque Terra. Leave it outside and take the train.

Five villages at on cliffs and little hills, so there’s a lot to do in the Cinque Terra. Don’t get overwhelmed by the list of things that you can do. Just pick 1-2 villages and enjoy your time there.

Here’s a bit of an introduction about the five villages, so that you can pick the one that suits you and book a room there.

Riomaggiore

It has a fun vibe for nightlife, unlike a few others on this list. Riomaggiore is closest to La Spezia so it can sometimes feel crowded. It has budget accommodation options. It is as stunning as Manarola.

There’s a lot to do in Riomaggiore – you can do cliff jumping, enjoy the bar scene or just go for a stroll and get lost. The main street is called Via Colombo, and that’s where you will find everything. You can also check out the ancient Castello, which is one of the monuments of the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre.

If you’re into hiking, then hike to Monte Nero, which is right above Riomaggiore. This hike takes around 50 – 60 minutes. Here’s some information about it.

You can also hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola – these two are actually the most famous villages of the Cinque Terre. This hike should take you normally 15 minutes but check the information because sometimes this path is closed .

Manarola is quieter and is normally visited by couples and photographers. Out of them, the one the most photographed one is Manarola because of the above-pictured sunset spot. But don’t underestimate the beauty of the other 4.

Make sure you click epic sunset photos while you’re in Manorala. No, I don’t mean photos of the sun when it is setting, but the golden hue on Manorala’s pastel houses on the cliff. You will find this spot as soon as you’re there. Photographers line up here with their fancy gear and tripods at sunrise and sunset time.

If you like swimming, then you can find some caves and swimming holes on the Blue Trail in Manarola. To access all of it, you will need a swimming pass. But there are some you can do without the pass too.

It is the highest village and is therefore famous for its views. You need to climb 365 steps in order to reach Corniglia – yes one for each day of the year. There’s a bus that’s run by the Cinque Terre National Park that takes people up to Corniglia and back. 

Corniglia is less visited as compared to the other four but is popular amongst hikers. It is possible to find budget accommodation here.

While you are in Corniglia, hike the Blue Trail, and you will find a stone beach with easy access to water. Doing the entire Blue Trail can be challenging but if you do, you will arrive in Vernazza.

Vernazza is often called the most beautiful of the five Cinque Terre villages. It is also visited by a lot of photographers and couples. If you visit Vernazza then spend some time enjoying the stunning views that this village is famous for.

If you arrive in Vernazza from Corniglia by hiking, then you will cross Prevo – it has a stunning viewpoint that overlooks Guvano Beach. At 208 meters above sea level, it is the highest spot of Sentiero Azzurro.

You will be surprised to know that Vernazza has a great bar scene. It also has a small sandy beach, which makes sense for family travelers to visit since it is comfortable for children. There are two clock towers in the town and the maze of small streets will be a delight to anyone who loves getting lost in small places.

While you’re in Vernazza, visit Franco’s Ristorante “La Torre”. It is in a castle on the trail to Corniglia.

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso has a proper big sandy beach and fancy hotels. It is a bit flatter compared to the others so is a good option for those who have mobility issues and families with small children.

Monterosso is actually two towns – Old Monterosso and New Monterosso (Fegila). The big sandy beach is in New Monterosso. The new town is flatter but the old town has that typical Cinque Terre looks and vibes.

You can walk from one village to another – check the list of walking trails here + useful information .

Where to stay in Cinque Terra:

3) Tuscany – 2 days – Art, Culture, and the rolling hills

Tuscany is romantic, arty, historical, and naturally beautiful. But wait, isn’t most of Italy? True but Tuscany is special because the Renaissance art movement began and flourished before it moved on to most of Europe.

Being a nature lover, I’m also interested in the other side of Tuscany – the rolling hills. So, when you visit Tuscany, drive around here and see the small villages because here you can truly admire the natural beauty of Tuscany. Get yourself a nice villa, see the vineyards and castles.

Honestly, if I were visiting Italy for the first time and I wanted to just focus on one area, I’d do a Tuscany road trip. There’s everything in Tuscany that Italy is famous for – historical buildings, art, nature, castles, and vineyards. On top of that, Tuscany is a little laid back.

Here’s what you can do while you’re in Tuscany. You can pick and choose some of the activities that I have mentioned below.

Visit one of the Old Cities – Florence / Lucca / Siena

Tuscany’s old cities are stunning for art lovers because of the Renaissance art and sculptures. Out of all of them, I suggest you pick just one to keep your itinerary easy. For that purpose, I suggest Florence.

See the Statue of David by Michelangelo in Florence

Michelangelo’s Statue of David is a Renaissance masterpiece and shouldn’t be missed while you’re in Tuscany. This 17 feet marble statue is the star of Florence, the way Mona Lisa is to Paris.

Michelangelo’s Statue of Liberty is located in Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence. This museum also has some other pieces by Michelangelo and many other Florentine artists.

Art lovers would enjoy Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, Uffizi Gallery, and Museo Galileo

Val d’ Orcia – the Rolling Hills

Tuscany’s most famous landscape are the rolling hills and one of the best way to see them is by driving to Val d’ Orcia. The rolling hills landscape is not just Instagram famous but also depicted in many Renaissance paintings.

Val d’ Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a 2 – 2.5 hours drive from Florence. You can stay in Florence during the entire time of your time in Tuscany, or split your time between Val d’ Orcia and Florence.

Pienza is the place that you would want to check out in Val d’ Orcia. This village is situated very high so you can get a good view of the rolling hills from here.

Saturnia Hot Springs or Terme di Saturnia

While in Tuscany, visit the stunning thermal springs of Saturnia. They are actually 3 hours away from Florence city, so it makes sense to visit this place on your way out of Tuscany but before you arrive in Rome. Alternatively, if you decided to stay in Val d’ Orcia, then Terme di Saturnia is just 30 minutes drive.

Believe it or not, there is no entry fee and these thermal springs are open 24 hours a day every day. It can’t get better than this. Just find the parking spot and put it on your navigation system to arrive here. Spend half a day here or more, depending on how much you love being in the water.

The best time to reach Saturnia hot springs is before 9 am so that you can miss the majority of crowds.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Visiting the leaning tower of Pisa is on many people’s bucket lists because of the Leaning Tower. Yes, it is a very touristy thing to do and there’s nothing else to do in Pisa BUT that shouldn’t stop you from visiting it if you really want to. After all, it is just 45 minutes from Florence by car or train!

Pisa is a small city, and you can cover most of it by walking. Most of what you would want to see is situated in Campo dei Miracoli . It is a student town and as a result, the nightlife is fun.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is called Torre Pendente in Italian. Go ahead and click a super silly touristy picture here. Believe it or not, you can actually climb the tower but you need to reserve your tickets in advance.

If you’re in Pisa in the middle of June, you can actually stay to watch the stunning Luminara festival . Thousands of candles are lit at sunset time along the Arno River. Watch this spectacle if you can.

Hike to Lake Calamone

If you’re not visiting Terme di Saturnia, then you can consider visiting Lake Calamone. It is located in the TEA National Park, at the base of Mt. Ventasso.

To start your hike to Lago Calamone, park your car at Bar il Faggio. The walk from there to the lake is just one hour. For more information, check this page .

4) Rome – 1 day

Rome can’t be fully explored in a day, but also Italy can’t be explored in 2 weeks!

Honestly, it makes more sense to do Rome properly on an entirely separate trip. It isn’t the best Road trip stop because of the parking, so if you want to skip Rome, then you should. I just wanted to include Rome for those who would want to do it anyway, considering it is on the way when you move from Tuscany to Amalfi.

Rome is high-priced in terms of stay and food, therefore it gets expensive to stay here longer. But if you can afford it, extend your trip by all means. Did you know there are more than 900 churches in Rome?

Honestly, I wouldn’t even include the Vatican City and the churches in this itinerary because of time constraints. But just so you know, the most famous one is St. Peter Basilica. To enter this, one has to walk up to the Vatican and stay in a long security line.

Like many other famous cities ( Lisbon , Moscow, Porto , Pula , Istanbul , San Fransisco, Edinburgh, etc.), Rome is built on seven hills. It means, there are plenty of viewpoints that can be found. Also, unlike most touristy European cities, Rome is massive. The entire historic center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the fashion capitals of the world with an amazing shopping scene and buzzing nightlife.

If I were to spend just one day in Rome, I’d forget about the top things to do, and just walk around because there are interesting sights everywhere.

Trevi Fountain 

This is probably the busiest part of Rome and yet it is a legendary landmark. This fountain is in modern Rome, right next to the main train station. Walk around here but keep your belongings close to yourself because Rome has many pickpockets.

Explore the ruins of ancient Rome – Colosseo

The most obvious thing to do in Rome is to explore ancient Rome, it is the area around Colosseo. For this, get via dei Fori Imperiali Street and everything you would want to see is on both sides of this street.

Start with the Colosseum, then move on to Piazza Venezia. Next, you can check the Roman Forum, Trajan’s Forum, Arch of Constantin, and Flavian Palace.

Old Rome – Pantheon

Pantheon dates back to 125 AD. Of course, if you’re a Dan Brown fan then you would have probably read about all these places in the book called Angels and Demons. Yes, the book does make sightseeing more interesting but remember, it is just fiction.

There are other attractions that are nearby, like Castel Sant’Angelo – but I don’t want to include too much in the list because it will just overwhelm you.

You can skip South Rome but if you have time, then you can check out the Baths of Caracalla, Rome City Walls, and the Circus of Maxentius.

Viewpoints in Rome

Since Rome is built on seven hills, there isn’t a shortage of viewpoints. You can look for Janiculum hill in Western Rome, the Pincio at the end of the Borghese Gardens, Vittoriano in Piazza Venezia, and Zodiaco in Monte Mario.

Campsites Near Rome

Let’s face it, you shouldn’t enter Rome in your car because of parking problems. Instead, find a camping spot that’s just outside Rome and then explore the city by public transport. Here are two camping spots that I recommend:

• Happy Valley
• Camping Tiber

Check this post for a list of places to stay in Rome .

Optional: Stop in Naples for a pizza on your way

The Pizzas of Naples are world-famous. If possible, try to stop here for a meal or a snack on your way to the next spot to experience a legendary Neapolitan pizza. It is essentially Margarita Pizza that’s made with a particular kind of tomatoes and mozzarella.

The Napoli Pizza follows the guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. It has the protected status granted by the Italian Standardization Body.

I won’t go into the technicalities but keep your mind open and embrace the simplicity of this pizza. The beauty of the taste of this pizza lies in the best quality ingredients and an amazing base.

5) Amalfi Coast – 3 days – Positano

How can you visit Italy and not see the most praised coastal area – the Amalfi Coast? Keep in mind that it tends to get very busy even during the shoulder months because of its popularity. Amalfi Coast is an expensive destination because it attracts mostly high-income travelers.

The Italian road trip itinerary is designed in such a way that you can skip a part of it. If you think Amalfi Coast is blowing up your budget, then feel free to skip it because the other destinations are equally stunning too! Honestly, if you are visiting the Cinque Terre or Puglia, then you can safely skip the Amalfi Coast.

Ever seen pictures stunning coast with colorful houses, bougainvillea flowers, and low-hanging lemon trees all around? That’s Amalfi Coast. It actually is a group of 13 fishing villages, all of which are collectively UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Whether you decide to stay here or not, make sure you experience driving on the “Amalfi Drive”, which goes along the coast from Vietri sul Mare to Positano .

In order to explore the Amalfi Coast, we suggest you make your base in Positano. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to see even half the villages, just focus on one or two and enjoy your time there.

See my post about exploring Sorrento and Pompeii on a day trip from Amalfi .

Positano is situated horizontally on the face of cliffs that face the sea. It is a better idea to find a place to stay here instead of in Amalfi Town. From here, you can visit Amalfi Town by ferry.

The two beaches of Positano are Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo. Spend some lazy hours here to enjoy the landscape.

Do the Path of the Gods hike that is from Bomerano to Positano with stunning views. You can reach Bomerano on a bus from Positano to start the hike.

While in Positano, try the Limoncello. It is a locally-produced lemon liqueur.

Where to Stay in Positano?

Consider booking the picturesque Villa Rosa in Positano , which is 150 years old. This luxurious villa has epic views of the sea and lovely terraces.

Amalfi Town

Amalfi Town is the heart of Amalfi Coast. Take a ferry from Positano and spend a few hours here to see what the buzz is all about. The main Amalfi town beach gets crowded but you can spend some time here to enjoy the vibe.

Where to Stay in Amalfi Town

Amalfi is expensive but if you can afford it, then you should consider  Locanda Costa D’Amalfi , which is a seriously stunning hotel with a private beach.

This property faces the sea and some rooms also have a view of the water. The rooms feature terraces with panoramic views.

6) Puglia – 3 days – Bari, Matera, and Polignano a Maren

Having spent a month in Puglia last summer, I can claim that this is a place that you wouldn’t want to leave. There are stunning beaches, old cities, the Instagram-famous Alberobello village, and Florence of South – Lecce city . The seafood in Puglia is mind-blowing!

Puglia was once Italy’s secret but has come up with a bang in recent years. It has risen to prominence in popular culture.

The 2021 James Bond movie (No Time to Die) was shot in Puglia’s stunning Matera. Moreover, the Red Bull cliff diving championship took place in Polignano a Maren. Of course, people googled the location for the next days and Puglia went high in Google searches!

Honestly, 3 days are not enough for Puglia, but if you want to include it in your Italian road trip itinerary, then I will tell you exactly where to go.

You can’t do them all, but pick just 2-3 places and enjoy your time well.

Bari is Puglia’s largest city and it has a stunning old town. Sure, this itinerary already has many old towns but this one is very different because it is in South Italy.

Bari’s old town is called Bari Vecchia. It was the heart of the city even in pre-Roman times. Explore the maze of narrow streets here and enjoy the sights.

Many people make Bari their base as they explore the nearby destinations of Puglia. But I don’t suggest Bari as your base, check the next point.

Polignano a Maren

Instead of Bari, I suggest you make Polignano a Maren your base. It is a stunning beach town with historical buildings that are situated on the cliffs. You can just cover almost the entire city on foot because it is small.

Almost every restaurant or bar in Polignano a Maren faces the sea.

Alberobello

Alberobello is just 30 minutes from Polignano a Maren. It is a Trulli village and is a UNESCO world heritage site. So what’s a Trulli? It is an architectural feature of Puglia, a unique way of building temporary or sometimes full-time houses.

You won’t need a lot of time for Alberobello. Just arrive here and spend 1 hour walking around to see the Trullo. You can combine Alberobello with 1-2 other places that are in your South Italy road trip itinerary, like Matera or Lecce.

Alberobello is unique! You won’t see a place like this in all of Italy, so try to include this in your Italy road trip itinerary if you can.

If you thought Alberobello was unique, wait till you see Matera. It has rock-cut settlements and they are well-preserved. These settlements are a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Matera’s cave houses are called Sassi, and they are dug into limestone rocks. Yes, a little like Turkey’s Cappadocia . They are believed to be some of the first settlements in the Italian peninsula because some of them date back to 7000 BC.

While in Matera, see Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. This is where you will see the loveliest landscape. Matera was the main shooting location for the James Bond movie – No Time to Die.

Sant’Andrea

Drive to Sant’Andrea from Bari or Polignano a Mare to visit my favorite beach in Italy. The drive will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes so leave early.

Torre Sant’Andrea beach is stunning and it has many sections. There is a nice sandy part that’s perfect for families and several rocky parts that are super stunning.

Make a day trip here and spend a few hours here exploring this area. You can also cliff jump here.

Lecce is called the Florence of the South. It is an ancient city that I absolutely fell in love with! All the buildings here are beige and it is amazing to walk in Lecce’s old town. It definitely isn’t as busy as Florance.

Lecce has its own style of Baroque architecture, it is called Barocco leccese (Lecce baroque). Be sure to see Basilica di Santa Croce. It looks like it is right out of a Dan Brown book, and as per Marchese Grimaldi it looked like a lunatic was having a nightmare. Makes you curious to see it?

I have an entire post about visiting Lecce , be sure to check it out.

If you do end up visiting Lecce, walk around here and enjoy the stunning old town. Get a table outside in one of the restaurants and enjoy Lecce’s famous foods – Cozze Gratin, Frutti de Mare Pasta/risotto, or Pizza and Pasticciotto.

Tips for Italy Road Trip:

• Keep a small overnight bag ready in your car for places where you need to park your car and move further by train, like the Cinque Terre or Venice.
• You will find free water in designated water fountains in every single town or village in Italy. Make the most of it and drink this water.
• Parking can get very expensive in famous cities like Rome, Venice, etc – so feel free to skip them. More than just difficult, sometimes it isn’t possible to find a parking spot at all.
• Observe the traffic rules, even if the locals around you aren’t doing so. The fines are heavy and sometimes people also receive a 1-3 day driving ban.
• The alcohol limit is 0.50g/L and is zero for those who are under 21 or have a driving license that’s not older than 3 years.

PS: Drifter Planet  contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Related Posts:

Thank you for your in depth work and sharing your personal experience! This is our first visit to Italy and always like to drive where possible to give me the flexibility to change my itinerary where needed!

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed our Italy itinerary and I hope you include our suggested places in our road trip route.

Heyy, very excited to have come across your blog. My partner and I are planning on following your route this April/May.

I just wanted to ask as we are planning/booking things, with the car rental you linked. It’s the Discoverers.com site, did you find this site to be reliable easy experience? We have read mixed reviews, so wanted to double check.

Thank you, Carrie x

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

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Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Drifter Planet

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We've been visiting Italy for decades, but it's fair to say we've never put together an adventure quite like this. From Rome this one glides through Renaissance Florence and the glitzy Riviera, with cooking classes and historical monuments galore along the way. Then onto Naples and Pompeii, for a feast of pizza and Roman history, before hitting up the incomparable Amalfi coast. After cruising around some dazzling isles and visiting some lemon groves, we'll head back to Rome. But we're not done yet - not even close. Sicily beckons, with its valleys of ancient archaeological wonders, volcanoes to explore, coastal towns to fall in love with and all of the heavenly carbs we can fit in. After a full week on this paradise island, we'll be head-over-heels for absolutely everything Italian. It's called Ultimate Italy for a reason.

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Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs?

If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access. Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.

Do the included meals have a set menu?

Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.

When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions?

This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.

I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach?

Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care. 

General FAQs

What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip

D o you constantly think to yourself “I want to go to Italy!” as you scroll through social media looking at colorful cliffside villages and huge plates of pasta on gingham tablecloths? You’re not alone! Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in existence. From visiting big cities like Rome and Milan to the Riviera and countryside of Tuscany, everyone should get the opportunity to take a trip to Italy and experience la dolce vita at least once.

Despite the fact that Italian cuisine and culture are popular around the world, visiting Italy is a completely different ball game. This guide covers all the essential travel tips for Italy you need to know before visiting for the first time so you can avoid common travel mistakes.

It can be a surprisingly conservative country with unexpected own laws and rules. Let’s not even get started on the rules and traditions around food and drink yet! Knowing these basic Italy travel tips will allow you to focus your attention on buying cute leather handbags in Florence or sailing on Lake Como instead.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews and blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Italy:

Get an Easy Italy Itinerary

Need a quick day-by-day, open-and-go itinerary for Italy? This guide does the work for you!

Awesome hotels in Italy

• Rome :  Hotel Artemide
• Venice :  Palazzo Madonna
• Florence :  Hotel Santa Maria Novella
• Amalfi Coast:   Hotel Villa Garden
• Cinque Terre :  Il Sogno di Manarola
• Tuscany :  Agriturismo Farm Stay

Fantastic tours in Italy

• Rome Vespa Tour
• Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
• Tuscany Tour from Florence
• Pompeii with an Archaeologist
• Cinque Terre Boat Cruise

Renting a Car in Italy?

If you want to see the Italian countryside, I recommend you drive yourself. 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. Be sure to read these tips for renting a car in Italy .

Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking at this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

1. Northern and Southern Italy are Very Different

Italy wasn’t even a country until 1861 when most of the current 20 regions of Italy were united. 150 years isn’t a long time when you think about it, so each region is still totally different from each other. This variety is part of the fun of traveling to Italy and what keeps tourists returning again and again!

To put things simply, Northern Italy is very different from Southern Italy. Most of the reasons behind this are economic and employment-based, but there are other differences you’ll notice too.

Much of the landscape of Northern Italy is Alpine and lush with lots of vineyards, whereas the south is much hotter and has a stronger Mediterranean vibe. Both areas are worth visiting on your trip to Italy, but your style of travel and interests will dictate the best regions to visit.

2. Consider these Italian Destinations for Your Trip

Let’s dig into some of the most incredible places to visit! If you’ve never visited Italy before, the entire country is your oyster, so this is a breakdown of just some of the most popular Italian travel destinations.

Italian Cities

• Rome – Italy’s iconic capital, you can also visit Vatican City
• Milan – International hub where you can visit Lake Como and Lake Maggiore
• Venice – Storied canal-laden city close to Verona and Lake Garda
• Florence – Heart of the Renaissance where you can take a day trip to Siena
• Naples – Birthplace of pizza and close to Mount Vesuvius
• Cinque Terre – Colorful cliffside villages on the Italian Riviera
• Tuscan Countryside – One of the best wine regions lined with cypress trees
• Italian Alps – Closely resembles Switzerland with lots of winter sports
• Amalfi Coast – Romantic cobblestone villages and beach resorts (pictured above)
• Sicily – Blend of Greece, Spain, and Italy with delicious street food

Check out the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre if you’re traveling as a couple in the warmer months. Families can head to the major cities with lots of kid-friendly activities and take day trips to the countryside.

Read more: Where To Go In Italy With Kids [& Important Planning Tips]

3. Book Tickets to Popular Tourist Attractions in Advance

If you’re visiting any of the big cities in Italy, this is one Italy travel tip you should take. Most of the top museums, galleries, and landmarks will sell a limited number of tickets with time slots in advance. If you aren’t organized, you will have to line up on the day and potentially wait for an hour or more in the baking hot sun.

These are attractions like the Colosseum in Rome , Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence , and the Vatican Museums in Vatican City . It’s understandable that you don’t want to over plan your vacation, but just having tickets to the must-see attractions will make your trip much more enjoyable.

However, you can’t buy tickets to some of the top free attractions, like the Duomo in Florence and St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, for example. Consider if it’s worth booking a guided tour to skip those lines. For the St. Peter’s in particular it’s a really good idea to book a skip-the-line tour in advance as the wait can stretch on for ages! Check the availability calendar below and be sure to snag your tickets:

There’s one attraction where you will have to buy tickets in advance with no exceptions. There are only a finite amount of people able to see The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci in Milan each day. Again, you can book a guided tour if the public sale tickets are sold out – that option will also provide a lot more context to your visit!

4. Expect a Tourist Tax on Accommodation When Visiting Italy

When traveling Italy, you’ll quickly realize that all accommodations have to charge a tax for tourists by law. The amount will depend on the quality of your stay (e.g. hostel or luxury resort), the number of people on your booking, the number of nights, and which Italian city you’re visiting. Yes, this includes short-term rental apartments like Airbnbs!

For example, the tax ranges between €3 to €7 per person, per night in Rome. It normally needs to be paid in cash upon arrival. While it’s not a huge amount, if you’re traveling to Italy on a budget I don’t want you to be surprised! For a family of four spending 10 days in Italy it could easily add up to several hundred dollars.

5. Apartment Rentals and Hotels Will Ask for Copies of Your Passport

It’s normal for tourists to present their international identification (passport) when staying at a hostel or checking into a hotel room. But if you have booked an apartment rental for your trip to Italy, they will also ask for a photo of your passport page. If you have an in-person check-in, they might take a photo of it themselves.

This might seem a little suspicious, but it’s the law! They’re not going to use your passport information for anything other than passing it on to the local authorities.

6. You need to carry your passport with you at all times

Speaking of passports…

While there’s some debate about whether you need to bring your original passport with you rather than a copy, one thing’s for certain: by law, you can be stopped at any time in Italy and asked to show your passport or legal identification issued by your national government – a US drivers license is not sufficient.

Bringing your passport around with you can be nerve-wracking, as there is a risk of pickpocketing in Italy (as in all populated areas). You’ll want to make sure it’s in a secured inner pocket of your day bag. Wear it close to your body in the front, or on your side but with your hand on it at all times. The bag above is great because the inner compartments are secured by both a zipper and a flap.

7. Get an International Driving Permit to Drive in Italy

When planning your epic vacation, you’ll need to figure out how to travel in Italy. Car rental is a great choice, particularly if you have lots of luggage or want to visit remote destinations.

There are a few unique things to consider before renting a car in Italy . Other European countries may not have this requirement, but all non-EU drivers must present an international driving license when hiring from an Italian car rental company. They only cost around $20 and are super easy to get from AAA before you leave home.

You should also ensure you have extensive vehicle and travel insurance before getting a rental car. Narrow, winding Italian roads and reckless Italian drivers can make for a challenging car trip!

We use our Chase Sapphire Reserve for car rentals because it offers great primary insurance (meaning our own insurance wouldn’t get involved in a claim) and doesn’t exclude Italy. There’s also no foreign transaction fee and solid lounge access overseas. If you only have one travel credit card in your wallet, it’s a great choice!

8. Avoid Taxis – Most Italian Cities Are Walkable

It’s totally understandable if you’d rather not navigate the Tuscan rail network after a 10+ hour flight with lots of luggage and multiple kids. That’s what pre-arranged airport transfers are for! Beyond that, opt for public transport or walk so you can avoid taking taxis altogether (if you’re able).

In my experience it can be challenging in some place to hail taxis off the street in many cities, leaving you to order one through your hotel or head to the nearest station for a taxi stand. Uber and other ride-share companies are still in their infancy and the traffic in some cities will make you’d wish you were walking anyway.

One of the best pieces of Italy travel advice is to walk when and where you can. Almost every historic city center in Italy is walkable (wear comfy shoes) and Google Maps will help you get around. You’ll see more side streets, charming churches, and allow for more spontaneous travel experiences.

9. Learn Italy’s Coffee Rules to Avoid a Faux Pas

Wait, you can’t just drink coffee whenever and wherever you like?! You can, but in the spirit of ‘do as the Romans do’, you may want to put down that venti iced latte and assimilate to Italy’s coffee-drinking routine while you’re on vacation.

Generally speaking, Italians drink espresso by default. If you ask for a caffè in a coffee shop, you will be presented with one shot of black coffee. Macchiatos are becoming more and more common, and these are double-shot espressos with a dollop of foamed, hot milk.

For Italians, a cappuccino or other milk-heavy coffee drink is a breakfast drink. They wouldn’t be caught dead ordering one after lunch.

10. Train Travel Is the Best Way to Get Around Italy

One of the best tips for traveling in Italy is to embrace train travel. Italy has an extensive public transport system and despite the odd strike or delay, it is affordable and super easy to understand. We’ve used the train for long-distance legs like Venice to Florence as well as day trips like Florence to Cinque Terre.

There are two main train companies: Trenitalia and Italo Treno, but there are others too. You can find a great explanation and book your tickets here . When traveling Italy between cities on an Italo Treno service, you need to buy your train ticket in advance to get a seat. For regional train tickets, you can buy them at the train station and sit in any free seat. That’s it!

Once upon a time, you needed to validate your ticket at the train station by using a date stamping machine on the platforms, but this is becoming obsolete. Download the Trenitalia app and screenshot your tickets.

Busy train stations might make you feel overwhelmed, but there are always information desks that can help you find your platform.

Read more: How to Travel to Italy on a Budget

11. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle for Drinking Fountains

Put the bottled water back on the shelf and take advantage of the clean, free, and fresh drinking water available in some of Italy’s major cities. One of the top pieces of travel advice for Italy is to bring a reusable water bottle and only drink tap water while on vacation.

Rome is particularly famous for its 2,500 drinking fountains as the Ancient Romans worshipped water like a god. Venice, Verona, Pisa, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, and many other cities have these fountains.

By law, local authorities have to put a sign up if a fountain is not safe to drink. If there’s no sign, there’s no problem!

12. Adapt to Italian Dining and Eating Habits

Aside from not drinking bottled water, there are other eating and dining habits unique to Italy.

Many Italians opt to eat a light breakfast of espresso with a sweet pastry. Traditionally, workers ate their light breakfast while standing at the counter of a coffee shop. One of the top Italy travel tips is that you do the same as it’s such a fun, local experience!

Beyond Italian breakfast, something else that some Italian restaurants do is include a ‘cover charge’ on your bill which is not a mandatory tip like it is in some countries. This extra cost is for fresh bread and sometimes sparkling water for the table. If you don’t want any bread or water, tell your server when they first bring it over.

Some Italians still go to their local market for fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat instead of a supermarket. If you are staying in an apartment and want to make your own food, consider shopping at a local market too.

13. Wear Conservative Clothing When Visiting Churches

You can’t walk two minutes without passing an ornate church in this country, and so many of the top landmarks are churches too. One key Italy travel tip is to pack conservative clothing or keep a light scarf in your backpack for extra coverage as necessary.

Most churches require visitors to cover their chests and shoulders. Exposed knees aren’t usually an issue, but booty shorts are a no-no.

14. Italy Is Not Warm Year-Round – Check the Local Weather

Speaking of clothing, you may need to rethink your wardrobe depending on where and when you are going to Italy. While it’s warm and dry during the summer months, you’d be surprised how cold Italy can get in the north.

One of the top, essential Italy travel tips is to check the weather forecast just before you leave. Pack at least one pair of long pants and a light sweater even if the weather looks warm in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Read more: What to pack for Italy in Fall

15. Avoid Common Travel Scams in Big Cities in Italy

Every popular tourist destination has its fair share of pickpockets and travel scammers. Watch out for them when walking through a historic city center, like Piazza San Marco in Venice for example, and keep your belongings and valuables secure at all times.

One of the most infamous is the ‘friendship bracelet’ scam. Someone will attempt to tie strings around your wrist and say it is free until it’s knotted and they will ask for payment. Approaching you with a ‘free’ flower and making your partner pay up is another.

Leaving a small cup of change or postcards on the ground for you to accidentally walk across and seek compensation is a popular scam in Florence especially!

16. Public Bathrooms Are Almost Never Free

While public bathrooms are usually plentiful and free in the US, that’s not the case everywhere.

One of the best travel tips for Italy is to make use of cafe and restaurant bathrooms whilst dining. Keep some coins on you if nature calls and you need to use a public bathroom as there is almost always a charge. Even in train stations!

17. Follow These Tips for Choosing the Best Gelaterias

Not all Italian gelato is created equal. These Italy travel tips will help you choose only the best homemade, artificial flavor-free gelato made on the premises.

If the gelato is piled too high in the container, it’s been artificially ‘fluffed up’. Silver containers are a good sign as that’s how it gets transported from the kitchen to the shop. Look for natural colors i.e. pistachio is naturally an olive color and banana gelato should look almost white.

18. Drinking Wine Is Cheap and the House Wine Is Great

Do you love Italian wine? You’re in luck! Italian wine is sold in every restaurant and supermarket in the country. Head to Tuscany if you love Italian red wine and Veneto if you prefer white wine or sparkling.

House wine (known as vino della casa in Italian) doesn’t have the stigma of being the cheapest, worst wine on the menu either. Yes, house wine is still cheap and it’s not the best, but it’s usually either the restaurant’s own label or from a local vineyard. Many Italians will order this vino every time they dine out.

Italian wine is overall much cheaper than it is abroad too. Win-win!

19. Bring a Travel Credit Card and Cash – You’ll Need Both!

One of the essential travel in Italy tips you need to know is about money. Italy uses the euro and it’s a smart idea to carry both travel-friendly credit cards and cash.

What makes a credit card travel-friendly? For starters, be sure there’s no foreign transaction fee – usually you’ll need a card that charges an annual fee to get that critical feature. I recommend one like the Chase Sapphire Reserve that has really good travel insurance and emergency medical coverage. We used it all over the world and never had an issue, and the points we accumulated let us keep traveling longer!

If you usually use American Express, bring an alternative because many Italian vendors won’t accept them. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, and stores but bring cash for tips, accommodation tax, and other small purchases.

Just don’t carry too much cash – if you get pickpocketed, your travel insurance will only cover so much.

20. Learn Some Basic Italian Phrases When You Visit Italy

You likely already know a couple of Italian words, but these visiting Italy travel tips will clue you up on the basis so you can throw in the odd phrase when chatting to servers and locals:

• Good morning – Buongiorno
• Goodbye – Arrivederci
• Informal Hi/Bye – Ciao
• Please – Per favore
• Thank you – Grazie
• Excuse me – Mi scusi

Just as long as you don’t accidentally say gracias instead of grazie , you’ll be doing better than some! (I admit to making that mistake myself – as a French and Spanish speaker, the languages are so similar that my brain sometimes runs on autopilot.)

21. Dine Away from Piazzas and Eat Regional Italian Food

One of the simplest Italy travel tips is to avoid eating at restaurants in piazzas in big cities.

By all means, order a cocktail and enjoy people-watching. But you’ll find cheaper, better Italian food a block away down a side street or in a residential neighborhood.

22. You Won’t Find Spaghetti Bolognese on Italian Menus

There’s American food, there’s Italian food, and there’s Italian-American food. One of the mind-blowing things to know before traveling to Italy is that many dishes you think were invented in Italy weren’t.

Garlic bread is a type of bruschetta in Italy and not a common one. Bolognese sauce exists, but it’s not usually served with mincemeat like spaghetti bolognese.

And what about pepperoni? If you ask for that in Italy, don’t be surprised to find chopped bell peppers on your pizza.

23. Embrace Italian Culture and Dolce Far Niente

A key piece of advice on traveling to Italy is to just relax. The Italians have a saying, dolce far niente . It means the sweetness of doing nothing.

Leave some room in your trip itinerary to wander without looking at your Maps app or sip a cappuccino at a cafe without looking at your phone.

Essential Italy Travel Tips to Know Before Your Vacation

These travel tips for Italy will help you know what to expect from Italian menus, accommodations, locals, and more so you can feel confident and safe on vacation. Whether you’re hiking Cinque Terre at sunset or eating cannoli in Sicily, you’ll have the time of your life on your summer vacation, Italian style!

Don’t miss these additional resources as you plan your trip to Italy:

• Renting a Car in Italy: La Dolce Vita on Four Wheels
• How to Travel to Italy on a Budget
• Where To Go In Italy With Kids [& Important Planning Tips]
• Fall capsule wardrobe for travel: what to pack for Italy in October

The post 23 Must-Know Italy Travel Tips to Plan Your Dream Trip appeared first on The Family Voyage .

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