Italy itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Italy is one of those places where the distances look manageable on a map but the variety can be overwhelming once you start planning. Rome, Florence, and Venice are close enough to link by train, yet each feels completely different. Add in coastal towns, mountain regions, and small hill villages, and you quickly see why an Italy itinerary matters. It helps you decide what to keep in and what to save for next time.

If that feels like a lot to figure out, Rough Guides’ local experts can step in. They’ll put the plan together, handle the bookings, and let you focus on being there instead of managing the logistics.
 

Best Italy itinerary at a glance

Most people give themselves 7, 10, or 14 days in Italy. A week is enough for the main cities, ten days gives you room to add the coast, and two weeks lets you branch out into less-visited regions.

• 7 days in Italy itinerary: With only a week, it makes sense to focus on Rome, Florence, and Venice. High-speed trains connect them in a couple of hours, and staying 2 to 3 nights in each city gives you time for both the main sights and a slower walk through neighborhoods.
• 10 days in Italy itinerary: An extra few days means you can add Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast. It breaks up the city time and gives you space to spend an evening by the sea, eat fresh seafood, and still fit in the major landmarks.
• 14 days in Italy itinerary: Two weeks lets you spread out. You can see Venice and Lake Como in the north, head through Florence and Rome, and continue south to Pompeii or Capri. Or you might focus on central regions like Umbria and Emilia-Romagna, where food traditions and small towns take center stage.

Looking for authentic experiences? Our Italy local travel experts can connect you with them.

7 days in Italy Itinerary

How to plan a trip to Italy if you don't have a ton of time? This weeklong Italy itinerary takes you through three of country’s most well-known cities. You’ll wander the canals of Venice, see Renaissance art in Florence, and see the well-known sights of Rome. It’s a fast paced trip, and extra days coud be added just to have more down time. 

Day 1: Venice

Start in Venice, a city built on water with canals running between palaces and churches. St. Mark’s Square is the first place most people head. Inside the basilica, golden mosaics cover the walls and ceilings, telling stories that took centuries to complete.

Next door, the Doge’s Palace shows the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic with its large halls and Gothic arches. Walking across the Bridge of Sighs, you’ll learn how it once marked the last glimpse of Venice for prisoners. End your day with a gondola ride.

Insider tip: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica in the late afternoon when the light makes the mosaics shine in a softer way.
 

Day 2: Murano Island & travel to Florence

Take a water taxi out to Murano, where glass has been made for more than 700 years, and one of the best places to visit in Italy. Watching glassblowers at work is fascinating. They shape molten glass into chandeliers, jewelry, and everyday objects using skills passed down through generations. The island feels slower than central Venice, with quiet canals and rows of painted houses.

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

From Venice, catch a high-speed train to Florence. The journey takes you across the Veneto region and into Tuscany, where hills and vineyards begin to appear. Trains run often from Venice’s Santa Lucia station and arrive at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station in the center of the city.

Day 3: Florence

Florence is full of Renaissance history. Piazza della Signoria is an open-air gallery of statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David, and it is overlooked by the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio.

The Florence Cathedral is hard to miss, with its red dome built by Brunelleschi. Cross the Ponte Vecchio and you’ll find shops that have been run by goldsmiths and jewelers for centuries. At the Accademia Gallery you can see the original David, carved from a single block of marble. The Uffizi Gallery holds major Renaissance works, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and paintings by Leonardo da Vinci.

Insider tip: Head to the Uffizi’s third floor for excellent views over the Arno River. It is usually less crowded there.
 

Day 4: Rome

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The train from Florence to Rome is fast and comfortable, cutting through Tuscany before reaching Lazio. Departures are frequent and trains arrive at Termini station, which is close to many central neighborhoods.

Rome is a city where history is everywhere. You can walk past the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, then turn a corner and find Renaissance churches or lively piazzas. In the evening, head to Trastevere. The narrow streets there are lined with trattorias serving pasta dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe, as well as small wine bars where local Romans gather.

Insider tip: Download the Roma Pass app to help with public transit and to save time at busy attractions.

Day 5: Ancient Rome

Start your day with a private tour of the Colosseum. This enormous amphitheater once drew around 50,000 spectators, and you can still see the underground tunnels that moved animals and gladiators into the arena.

A section of the stage has been rebuilt to help you picture the scale of the events. From there, head up to Palatine Hill, known as the birthplace of Rome, where the remains of imperial palaces still stand. The hill gives you wide views of the Roman Forum below.

Day 6: Vatican City

Vatican City is small, but it holds a vast collection of art. The Vatican Museums stretch through 54 galleries filled with works collected over centuries.

You will see Raphael’s frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and paintings by Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci in the Vatican Painting Gallery. The highlight for many is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo painted the Creation of Adam across the ceiling and the Last Judgment on the altar wall. End your visit in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Day 7: Departure

Your last morning in Rome is a chance to take things slowly. You might browse a neighborhood market for ingredients to bring home, step inside a quiet church filled with baroque art, or simply enjoy a cappuccino while watching daily life around you. 

Prefer a personalized approach? Our local experts craft custom itineraries and stay on hand for full support.
 

10 day in Italy itinerary

With 10 days in Italy, this itinerary takes you through Southern Italy. During this short trip you’ll get to see Naples’ street life, explore ruins like Pompeii, and slow down along the Amalfi Coast. You’ll move from crowded city streets to quieter coastal towns, with plenty of food and history along the way.

Day 1: Arrival in Naples

As you land in Naples, Mount Vesuvius looms in the distance with the busy streets below. The he historic center is a maze of cobblestones, baroque churches, and palaces with peeling facades. Spend your first evening wandering the UNESCO-listed old town, where scooters zip past street vendors and laundry stretches overhead. It’s a simple way to get used to the city’s pace.

Insider tip: Skip the restaurants next to the main landmarks. Smaller trattorias in the backstreets often serve better meals in a calmer setting.

Day 2: Naples walking tour and street food

Start at Piazza del Plebiscito, anchored by the Royal Palace, before heading into Spaccanapoli, the narrow street that slices through the old city.

You’ll pass churches, artisan workshops, and bakeries layered over centuries of Greek and Roman history. Stop at the Pignasecca market for mozzarella di bufala and sfogliatelle, then continue to the Cathedral of San Gennaro. Just nearby, Via San Gregorio Armeno is lined with shops selling intricate nativity figures year-round.

Insider tip: Visit Pignasecca between 10 and 11 AM, when stalls are busiest and vendors are often more generous with samples.

Day 3: Pompeii and Vesuvius

A day trip south takes you to Pompeii, where frescoed villas, bathhouses, and plaster casts of the victims give a powerful glimpse into Roman life.  

From there, continue up Mount Vesuvius for lunch with local wine before hiking to the crater rim at 4,200 feet (1,281 meters). From the top you’ll see both the older Somma crater and the newer cone.
Travel time: About 2.5 hours altogether. The Circumvesuviana train runs from Naples to Pompeii Scavi in around 45 minutes, with a bus connection to Vesuvius. Many tours combine the two, which saves juggling transport.

Insider tip: Bring water and a hat for the Vesuvius hike. The path is exposed and the sun is stronger than you’d expect.

Day 4: Positano via Sorrento

Head south toward the coast with a stop in Sorrento, a cliffside town overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Palm-lined streets lead to sea views from Villa Comunale, and shops sell limoncello and handmade leather goods. After a short walk continue along the coastal road to Positano.

Insider tip: About 3 hours. Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, then the SITA Sud bus to Positano in about 50 minutes.

Private transfers are quicker and more comfortable, especially if you want to stop along the way.
 

Day 5: Positano

Spend the day in Positano, where narrow stairways wind down to Spiaggia Grande, the main beach lined with umbrellas and clear water for swimming. Fishing boats and ferries come and go from the marina.

If you want a quieter stretch, follow the path to Fornillo Beach, a smaller cove just a short walk away. Between swims, explore the streets above the shoreline, where boutiques sell linen clothing, handmade sandals, and colorful ceramics. Pause for gelato on the seafront before climbing back up through the narrow lanes at sunset.

Insider tip: If you plan to rent a chair and umbrella, arrive early before ferries bring in day-trippers.

Day 6: Amalfi Coast boat tour

See the Amalfi Coast from the water, where villages cling to cliffs and hidden coves open beneath limestone walls. Boats pass Praiano and the dramatic Fiordo di Furore bridge, with stops at Conca dei Marini and the Emerald Grotto, where sunlight turns the cave water green.

Most tours pause in Amalfi to explore the cathedral and old town before continuing along the coast. There’s usually time to swim in sheltered bays, float below towering cliffs, or relax on deck with a drink in hand.

Travel time: 40 minutes

Hydrofoils and ferries connect Positano and Capri’s Marina Grande during the tourist season. Alicost and Gescab are the main companies. Hydrofoils move quickly, while ferries take longer and give you more time to enjoy the view.
 

Day 7: Transfer to Capri

Take the hydrofoil from Positano to Capri, where cliffs rise steeply from the sea and villas sit on terraced hillsides. Once you arrive at Marina Grande, ride the funicular up to Capri town for your first walk through narrow lanes filled with cafés and small boutiques.

Stroll to the Gardens of Augustus for views of the Faraglioni rocks, or head to Marina Piccola for a swim if the weather is warm. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely walk along Via Krupp before checking into your hotel. Capri’s slower pace makes a striking contrast to Naples and the mainland.

Insider tip: Book hydrofoil tickets online during summer since they often sell out.

Day 8: Capri by the water

Begin in Capri town at the Piazzetta, where locals and visitors linger over morning coffee. Stroll to the Gardens of Augustus for sweeping views of the Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola. Take the chairlift up Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point, where paths wind past pine trees and wildflowers. Spend the afternoon wandering boutiques and galleries before heading to the marina.

In the evening, join a boat tour that circles the island. As the sun sets, the cliffs shift from gold to pink, and prosecco is often served as you drift past the Faraglioni rising from the water.

Insider tip: Book dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating after your boat ride to continue the evening outdoors.
 

Day 9: Capri

Today brings a calmer side of the island. In Anacapri, visit Villa San Michele, Axel Munthe’s home, where Roman artifacts sit among terraced gardens overlooking the sea. Ride the chairlift again if you missed Monte Solaro, or follow walking paths that link quiet viewpoints across the island.

Back in Capri town, pause at a café for espresso and people-watching before browsing local shops for handmade sandals or ceramics. For those who enjoy longer walks, the Pizzolungo trail leads past natural arches and sea cliffs. 
Tip: Visit Villa San Michele early in the morning to avoid tour groups and have more space to explore.

Travel time: 50 minutes

Hydrofoils leave regularly from Marina Grande back to Naples’ Molo Beverello port. SNAV and Caremar are the main companies.

Day 10: Departure

On your final morning in Capri, take a walk through the lanes near the Piazzetta or enjoy a quiet coffee before heading to the port. If time allows, stop at Marina Piccola for a short swim before heading back to Marina Grande. The hydrofoil to Naples gives a last view of cliffs and pastel towns fading into the distance.

Want a smoother trip planned your way? Our local travel experts create custom itineraries and support you throughout.
 

14 days in Italy itinerary

Two weeks in Italy gives you the chance to see the highlights while still spending enough time in each place. You’ll start in Milan, move on to Venice, and continue south, with space to enjoy food, art, and history along the way. Fourteen days lets you cover a lot without rushing.

Day 1: Milan

Begin in Milan, where the Duomo dominates the center with its Gothic spires. Inside, the stained-glass windows are striking, and climbing up to the terraces gives wide views of the city. Next door, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth walking through for its iron and glass ceilings. In the evening, sit down to a Milanese meal at a trattoria, perhaps risotto alla milanese or cotoletta.

Insider tip: Book Duomo rooftop tickets online so you can avoid long lines and choose a time that works best for you.

Day 2: Milan

Spend the day with Milan’s art and history. Sforza Castle houses several museums, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The highlight is Leonardo’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, though you need to book well in advance.

The Brera district is good for wandering, with galleries and boutiques on narrow streets. Fashion fans should head to the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-end shopping district filled with flagship stores.

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Frecciarossa high-speed trains run between Milan Centrale and Venice Santa Lucia throughout the day. Seats are comfortable, and there are food and drink services onboard. 

Day 3: Venice

Arriving in Venice feels like stepping into another world. From the train station, weave through narrow streets until you reach St. Mark’s Square. St. Mark’s Basilica glitters with golden mosaics under its domes, and the Campanile gives sweeping views across the rooftops and out to the Adriatic.

Around the square, the arcaded cafes are a good place to pause for an aperitivo while you take in the scene.

Insider tip: Buy a vaporetto (water bus) day pass. It is the easiest way to move around and gives you a perspective of the city from the water.

Day 4: Venice

Move away from the busiest areas and you’ll find quiet squares, neighborhood markets, and workshops that keep traditional crafts alive.

A vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal is essential, with palaces on either side reflecting Venice’s former wealth. For art, Ca’ Rezzonico and Palazzo Grassi are both worth a visit. Later, head to Castello, where locals gather in bacari to share cicchetti with a glass of wine.

Insider tip: At bacari, order cicchetti by pointing at the plates on the counter.
 

Day 5: Venice

Spend your last day at the Doge’s Palace, once the heart of political power in Venice. Its elaborate rooms reflect the reach of the Republic.

Crossing the Bridge of Sighs, you can picture the prisoners who once passed that way. A gondola ride is worth doing for the quiet view of the canals, especially through Cannaregio, a calmer district with good seafood restaurants. End your stay with cicchetti and Prosecco in a neighborhood osteria.

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Frecciarossa trains run often from Venice Santa Lucia to Bologna Centrale. The line passes through the Veneto countryside, and the station in Venice connects directly to the historic center.

Day 6: Bologna

Bologna is a city shaped by both history and food. The medieval towers rise above the rooftops, and long porticoes stretch through the old town, creating shaded walkways that connect much of the center.

Piazza Maggiore is the main square, framed by the unfinished Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo del Podestà. The Asinelli Tower is open to climb, and the view from the top extends across the rooftops to the surrounding hills.

Bologna’s food reputation is clear the moment you sit down to tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in broth, or slices of mortadella. With one of Europe’s oldest universities nearby, the city has a lively pace and a youthful crowd.

Insider tip: A guided food walk is a good way to learn about the city. Many include visits to small shops where fresh pasta is made.
 

Day 7: Bologna

Begin at the Quadrilatero, the old market district where vendors sell produce, cheeses, and cured meats beneath the arcades.

Piazza Maggiore is close by, and stepping inside Basilica di San Petronio gives you a look at its vast interior. If you haven’t already, climbing the Asinelli Tower is a worthwhile challenge.

Another option is to follow the Portico di San Luca, which stretches almost 2.5 miles (4 km) to a sanctuary overlooking the city. Evenings here are social, with wine bars and osterias pouring Lambrusco alongside local dishes.

Insider tip: Visit the Anatomical Theatre in the Archiginnasio Library, once used for medical teaching and now a striking example of Bologna’s university history.

Travel time: 45 minutes

The high-speed train from Bologna to Florence takes about 45 minutes, with frequent Frecciarossa and Frecciargento services.

Day 8: Florence

Florence is known for its Renaissance art and architecture. Piazza del Duomo is the focal point, with Brunelleschi’s dome above the cathedral, Giotto’s bell tower, and the Baptistry’s bronze doors called the Gates of Paradise.

The historic center is compact, so it’s easy to move between landmarks on foot. Food here centers around Tuscan classics such as ribollita or bistecca alla Fiorentina, often paired with local wine. In the evening, a walk along the Arno River takes you across bridges into the Oltrarno neighborhood, where the streets are quieter.

Insider tip: Reserve museum tickets online for places like the Uffizi or Accademia. It saves time and guarantees entry.

Day 9: Florence

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the city’s main draws, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera as well as works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. From there it’s a short walk to Piazza della Signoria, where the Palazzo Vecchio faces an open-air display of Renaissance sculpture.

For a wide view of the city, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo. Sunset is popular, but even in the afternoon the view across the rooftops and hills is memorable. Later, a stroll along the Arno shows a quieter side of Florence.

Insider tip: Book a rooftop table near Piazzale Michelangelo for dinner. The view pairs well with a Tuscan meal.

Day 10: Day trip to Pisa

A quick train ride takes you to Pisa. The Piazza dei Miracoli holds the Leaning Tower, the cathedral, and the baptistry. The tilt of the tower is obvious as soon as you see it, and climbing to the top gives you a clear view of the city and countryside. Inside the cathedral, the pulpit carved by Giovanni Pisano is a highlight of medieval art. Away from the square, a walk along the Arno River shows a quieter side of Pisa before you return to Florence in the evening.

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The Frecciarossa train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Rome Termini takes about 1.5 hours. Trains run often throughout the day. The route passes Tuscan and Umbrian hills dotted with small towns. Sitting on the right-hand side gives better countryside views.
 

Day 11: Rome

You’ve arrived in the Eternal City, where ancient landmarks still shape daily life. The Colosseum once held crowds of up to 50,000, and its scale is striking even now. Just beside it, the Roman Forum lets you wander through arches, temples, and basilicas that were at the heart of political and commercial life. A walk up Palatine Hill takes you past the remains of imperial palaces with wide views across the city. Around these ruins, modern Rome moves at its own pace, blending the historic with the everyday.

Insider tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets online for the Colosseum and Forum. Some include access to the underground chambers and upper levels.

Day 12: Rome

Dedicate this day to Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and the headquarters of the Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica houses Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s great bronze canopy above the altar. Climbing to the dome rewards you with a clear perspective over the city and into the Vatican Gardens.

The Vatican Museums hold vast collections, ending in the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment. Later in the day, head across the river to Trastevere, a neighborhood of narrow streets where trattorias serve Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe and carbonara, often with local wines.

Insider tip: Early morning Vatican tours are the best way to experience the museums and Sistine Chapel before they become too crowded.

Day 13: Rome

Your last full day is a chance to see some of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks. The Pantheon, with its massive concrete dome, is the best-preserved ancient building in the city.

The Trevi Fountain is a classic stop, where tossing a coin is said to ensure you return. Piazza Navona is known for its fountains and baroque architecture, while the Spanish Steps remain a popular meeting point that leads into Rome’s luxury shopping streets.

Insider tip: Visit the Trevi Fountain early in the morning or late at night for a calmer experience.

Day 14: Departure day

Spend your final morning enjoying a coffee at a neighborhood bar or picking up last souvenirs before leaving. Rome has reliable train links to both main airports, so onward travel is straightforward.
Insider tip: Arrive at the airport around three hours before an international flight. Duty-free shops carry Italian products that work well as last-minute gifts.
 

Personalize your Italy travel itinerary

Rough Guides’ local experts can shape a trip around the things you care about most. That could mean booking a vineyard visit in Tuscany, finding a hands-on cooking class in a small town, or making sure you don’t waste hours in line at the Vatican. They take care of the logistics like transfers, tickets, and reservations, and they stay available if plans shift while you’re on the road.

The difference is that your itinerary is designed by someone who actually lives in the region and knows it well. You’ll also have round-the-clock support during your trip. If you want to see what your own plan could look like, you can start by requesting a free trip proposal.
 

Other Italy travel itineraries

Italy has many different routes depending on your focus. Some trips stay in the north for the lakes, Dolomites, and cities like Venice or Milan, while others head south for the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Puglia. Tuscany and Umbria work well for slower travel with hill towns and countryside, while Rome, Florence, and Naples anchor more classic itineraries. It’s easy to combine regions. Here are some other great Italy itineraries.

Best Italy food itinerary

This eight-day trip focuses on food and culture in three cities known for their culinary traditions. You’ll take part in cooking classes, taste regional wines, and see how daily life connects with history.

• Days 1 to 3: Florence
  • In Florence you’ll balance art and food, from visiting Renaissance landmarks and old wine windows to exploring Mercato Centrale. A short trip into Chianti adds winery tastings and an olive oil mill where you can try fresh oils and learn about local production.
• Days 4 & 5: Bologna
  • Bologna is deeply tied to Italian food culture, and you’ll experience it through guided walks and tastings of pasta, cheeses, and cured meats. A cooking class with a local cook includes making a Bolognese sauce and sharing the meal with regional wines.
• Days 6 to 8: Verona & Lake Garda
  • In Verona you’ll see landmarks linked to Romeo and Juliet while exploring the city’s food traditions. The trip ends at Lake Garda with a boat ride to Rocca di Manerba, nearby islands, and lakeside towns surrounded by historic villas and natural scenery.
     

Best northern Italy itinerary

Spend eight days exploring northern Italy’s lakes by car, moving between Lake Garda, Como, Lugano, and Maggiore at your own pace. Along the way you’ll pass through historic towns, castles, and villa gardens on the water.

• Days 1 to 4: Milan & Lake Garda
  • Start in Milan with the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco before driving to Lake Garda. Base yourself in Sirmione, where hot springs and the Rocca Scaligera fortress sit on the water, and take side trips to towns like Desenzano and Malcesine.
• Days 4 to 6: Verona & Lake Como
  • In Verona you can walk the Roman amphitheater and old streets tied to Romeo and Juliet. Continue to Lake Como, visiting the Gothic Duomo and medieval lanes in Como before taking a boat to Bellagio and strolling Villa Serbelloni’s gardens.
• Days 6 to 8: Lake Lugano & Borromean Islands
  • Cross into Switzerland for Lake Lugano, where the lakeside villages show both Italian and Swiss influences. Finish at Lake Maggiore by visiting the Borromean Islands, where Palazzo Borromeo and its terraced gardens look out across the water.

Best Sicily itinerary

This eleven-day trip takes you across Sicily, from ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes to island escapes and baroque towns. You’ll move between Mount Etna, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and both the eastern and western coasts.

• Days 1 to 4: Taormina & the Aeolian Islands
  • Start in Taormina, high above the coast with clear views of Mount Etna and easy access to Blue Flag beaches. From here you can take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands, where Panarea has narrow lanes with whitewashed houses and Stromboli is famous for its lava flow down the Sciara del Fuoco at night.
• Days 4 to 8: Palermo & Western Sicily
  • Palermo works well as a base, with food markets, Arab-Norman churches, and lively street life. Day trips take you to Erice, Segesta’s unfinished temple, Trapani’s salt pans, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, and the mosaics of the Roman Villa of Casale.
• Days 8 to 11: Catania
  • Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, gives you access to guided hikes across craters and lava caves. From here you can reach Syracuse’s archaeological sites, Ortigia’s historic island center, and Noto’s baroque streets.
     

Italy travel itineraries FAQ

Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning an Italy itinerary.

How many days are enough for Italy?

For a first trip, 10 to 14 days works well. You can cover the main cities without feeling like you’re racing through them. Two weeks is enough time for Rome, Florence, Venice, and either Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. Aim for two to three days in each big stop so you can actually enjoy them.

Long meals, quiet streets at night, and family-run trattorias where pasta is still made by hand are all part of the experience. If you try to pack in too much, you’ll miss that side of it.

With only a week, focus on one region or two major cities. Anything shorter than five days usually means you’ll spend more time in transit than actually exploring.
 

What is the best time to visit Italy?

Spring and fall are the easiest seasons to travel, and for most the best time to visit Italy. April to June and September to October usually mean mild weather and manageable crowds. Spring brings fresh greenery and comfortable days for walking in Rome. Fall is harvest time, with festivals for wine, truffles, and chestnuts.

July and August can be hot, and many Italians head to the coast, which leaves inland cities crowded with visitors. Winter has its advantages too, with fewer people in museums, holiday markets, and skiing in the Dolomites. Southern Italy tends to stay mild, so places like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast are still enjoyable in December. Easter week and summer book up quickly, so accommodation costs climb during those times.

How do you get around Italy?

When it comes to getting around Italy, you have options.

• Between cities
  • High-speed trains make it easy. Rome to Florence takes about 90 minutes, and you can book in advance on Trenitalia or Italo to save money. Flights are only useful if you are heading to Sicily or Sardinia. Regional trains and buses cover most other routes, especially in the south where the rail network is thinner.
• Within cities
  • Most historic centers are designed for walking, and many restrict car traffic. Florence can be crossed on foot in half an hour, while Rome and Milan have metro systems. Venice depends on water buses, which double as part of the experience. Taxis are reliable but expensive, so always use licensed ones and make sure the meter is running.
• Driving in Italy
  • A car gives you access to small towns, vineyards, and countryside stays, but it comes with challenges. Historic centers have restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) that fine cars without permits. Parking is difficult and costly in most cities. Roads in the mountains and along the Amalfi Coast require confidence. In regions like Tuscany or Umbria though, driving is often the simplest way to explore. Most rentals are manual unless you request otherwise.
     

Should I rent a car or use trains in Italy?

It depends on where you plan to go. Trains are the easiest way between big cities, dropping you right in the center and saving you the stress of traffic. But for smaller towns, farmhouses, or countryside regions, a car makes things much easier.

Many travelers use both. Take trains for Rome, Florence, and Venice, then rent a car for a few days in Tuscany or Puglia. On the Amalfi Coast, buses and boats are more practical than a car because of the narrow cliffside roads. Driving inside the main cities is rarely worth it.

How much does a trip to Italy cost?

Italy falls in the middle compared to other European countries. It’s usually more expensive than Spain, less than Switzerland, and about on par with France.

• Budget (€100–200 / $110–220 per day): Hostels or simple B&Bs, pizza by the slice, market food, regional trains, and free church visits. Aperitivo hours are a good way to stretch your budget since snacks come with a drink.
• Mid-range (€200–300 / $220-330 per day): Comfortable three-star hotels, sit-down restaurant meals, museum entries, and the occasional taxi. This is the level most visitors go for.
• Luxury (€300+ / $330+ per day): Boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, and first-class train tickets.

Is it worth visiting smaller towns or should I stick to major cities?

The big names are important for a first trip, but smaller towns show a different side of Italy. In Lucca, Orvieto, or Matera, the pace is slower, and you’ll notice daily routines like evening chats in the piazza or the same shopkeeper greeting you each morning.

Most are easy to reach by regional train or bus, especially if you base yourself somewhere central. Siena is a good base for Tuscany’s hill towns, Lecce works well for Puglia, and Verona combines city life with access to the countryside. A balanced trip includes both.

Should I visit northern Italy (Lakes, Dolomites) or southern Italy (Amalfi, Sicily)?

It depends on the kind of trip you want. A north-Italy itinerary is shaped by its mountains and lakes, with Venice, Lake Como, and the Dolomites all within reach. It feels a bit more structured, with plenty of museums, historic cities, and hiking trails.

A south Italy itinerary has a different rhythm. You get the cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily’s mix of Greek and Norman history, and endless groves in Puglia. Food is a huge part of the experience, and things are usually more relaxed and less expensive.

Do I need to book attractions in advance (Colosseum, Uffizi, Vatican)?

Yes, you absolutely do. Big attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Uffizi often sell out early. The Last Supper in Milan needs to be booked months ahead since entry is very limited.

Always use the official websites to avoid paying extra fees. Skip-the-line tours cost more but can be worth it for the time saved and the added explanation. Even smaller museums, like the Borghese Gallery in Rome, require reservations.

How do I find authentic restaurants vs. tourist traps?

Tourist traps usually stand out. Menus with photos and translations, someone calling you inside, and locations right by major monuments are all signs.

Italians eat later, so a place that looks busy at 6pm is probably geared toward visitors. Restaurants run by locals often have a short handwritten menu, sometimes on a chalkboard, and close for a few hours between lunch and dinner.

If you see pasta with meatballs or “Italian breakfast” on the menu, that is a giveaway. The best meals are usually in neighborhoods where locals live and eat. In Rome, you are more likely to find a proper carbonara in Testaccio than near the Trevi Fountain. 
 

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