The Ultimate Italy Travel Itinerary

Italy Travel itinerary
A Vagabond Life
Italy Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through Italy

Welcome to your ultimate Italy travel itinerary! From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in Italy’s rich history, world-class cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re savoring pizza in Naples, exploring Renaissance Florence, or wandering the Amalfi Coast, your Italian adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let Italy captivate your heart!

Top Tips for Visiting Italy

When to Go

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is hot and busy, especially in Rome and Venice. Winter is ideal for lower prices and festive markets, particularly in December.

Weather

Rome averages 15–25°C in spring/fall, 25–30°C in summer, and 5–15°C in winter. Venice is cooler (10–20°C spring/fall, 0–10°C winter). Southern Italy (Naples, Amalfi) sees 20–30°C in summer and 10–15°C in winter.

Transportation

Book high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) early via Trenitalia or Italo for discounts. City transport costs ~€1.50/ticket. Rent cars for rural Tuscany or Amalfi Coast (~€30–€50/day).

Culture

Learn basic Italian phrases like "Buongiorno" and "Grazie." Tipping is optional (5–10% for good service). Dress respectfully in churches (cover shoulders and knees).

Budget Tips

Purchase city passes (e.g., Roma Pass) for museum and transport discounts. Eat at local trattorias or markets for affordable meals. Book accommodations early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas like Rome and Venice. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport services for safe travel.

Rome (Days 1–3)

The Eternal City, where ancient ruins meet vibrant street life and timeless cuisine.

History: Founded in 753 BC, Rome was the heart of the Roman Empire, shaping Western civilization with its political and cultural legacy.

Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain.

Best Time: April–June or September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Transport: Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Food to Try: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Supplì, Gelato from Gelateria del Teatro.
Day 1: Morning – Colosseum and Roman Forum; Afternoon – Pantheon and Piazza Navona; Evening – Toss a coin at Trevi Fountain.
Day 2: Morning – Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel; Afternoon – St. Peter’s Basilica; Evening – Dinner at Roscioli.
Day 3: Morning – Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna; Afternoon – Train to Naples (~1 hr, €20–€40, Trenitalia).

Naples (Days 4–5)

A vibrant city of history, chaos, and the birthplace of pizza.

History: Founded by Greeks in the 8th century BC, Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, known for its role in Italian unification.

Highlights: Pompeii, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Spaccanapoli, Castel Nuovo.

Transport: High-speed train from Rome (1 hr, €20–€40, book via Trenitalia).

Food to Try: Pizza Margherita, Sfogliatella, Pasta al Ragù, Espresso.
Day 4: Morning – Naples National Archaeological Museum; Afternoon – Spaccanapoli; Evening – Pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele.
Day 5: Morning – Day trip to Pompeii (train, ~30 min, €3–€5); Afternoon – Castel Nuovo; Evening – Depart Naples.

Rome (Days 1–3)

A living museum of ancient and Renaissance grandeur.

History: Rome’s millennia of history include the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church’s global influence.

Highlights: Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Trastevere.

Transport: Fly into Rome (FCO).

Food to Try: Saltimbocca alla Romana, Amatriciana, Tiramisu.
Day 1: Morning – Colosseum and Roman Forum; Afternoon – Capitoline Hill; Evening – Dinner in Trastevere.
Day 2: Morning – Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel; Afternoon – St. Peter’s Square; Evening – Stroll in Piazza Navona.
Day 3: Morning – Pantheon and Trevi Fountain; Afternoon – Train to Florence (~1.5 hrs, €20–€50, Italo).

Florence (Days 4–6)

The cradle of the Renaissance, brimming with art and Tuscan charm.

History: Florence thrived under the Medici family in the 14th–16th centuries, fostering the Renaissance.

Highlights: Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David.

Transport: High-speed train from Rome (1.5 hrs, €20–€50).

Food to Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Gelato from La Carraia.
Day 4: Morning – Duomo and Brunelleschi’s Dome; Afternoon – Uffizi Gallery; Evening – Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori.
Day 5: Morning – Accademia Gallery (David); Afternoon – Ponte Vecchio and Boboli Gardens; Evening – Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 6: Morning – Day trip to Pisa (train, ~1 hr, €8–€15); Afternoon – Return to Florence; Evening – Train to Venice (~2 hrs, €30–€60).

Venice (Day 7)

A floating city of canals and timeless romance.

History: Venice, built on 100+ islands, was a maritime power in the Middle Ages, known for trade and art.

Highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge.

Transport: Train from Florence (2 hrs, €30–€60).

Food to Try: Cicchetti, Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Baicoli biscuits.
Day 7: Morning – St. Mark’s Square and Basilica; Afternoon – Gondola ride and Rialto Bridge; Evening – Depart Venice.

Rome (Days 1–4)

A city where every corner reveals ancient and Renaissance wonders.

History: Rome’s legacy spans the Roman Empire, Renaissance, and modern Italy.

Highlights: Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican, Trastevere.

Transport: Fly into Rome (FCO).

Food to Try: Gnocchi alla Romana, Carciofi alla Giudia, Tiramisu.
Day 1: Morning – Colosseum and Roman Forum; Afternoon – Palatine Hill.
Day 2: Morning – Vatican Museums; Afternoon – St. Peter’s Basilica.
Day 3: Morning – Pantheon and Trevi Fountain; Afternoon – Trastevere stroll.
Day 4: Morning – Day trip to Ostia Antica (train, ~30 min, €2–€5); Afternoon – Train to Naples (~1 hr, €20–€40).

Naples & Amalfi Coast (Days 5–7)

A blend of historic chaos and stunning coastal beauty.

History: Naples’ Greek roots and Amalfi’s maritime past make this region a cultural hub.

Highlights: Pompeii, Positano, Amalfi, Castel Nuovo.

Transport: Train from Rome to Naples (1 hr, €20–€40); bus/ferry to Amalfi Coast (~1 hr, €5–€10).

Food to Try: Pizza Margherita, Sfogliatella, Limoncello, Spaghetti alle Vongole.
Day 5: Morning – Naples historic center; Afternoon – Pizza at Sorbillo; Evening – Stroll along waterfront.
Day 6: Morning – Day trip to Pompeii (train, ~30 min, €3–€5); Afternoon – Return to Naples.
Day 7: Morning – Bus/ferry to Positano and Amalfi; Afternoon – Explore coastal villages; Evening – Train to Florence (~3 hrs, €40–€70).

Florence & Tuscany (Days 8–10)

The heart of the Renaissance with rolling hills and historic towns.

History: Florence led the Renaissance; Tuscany is known for medieval towns and wine.

Highlights: Duomo, Uffizi, Siena, Chianti wine region.

Transport: Train from Naples (3 hrs, €40–€70).

Food to Try: Pappa al Pomodoro, Cantucci with Vin Santo, Schiacciata.
Day 8: Morning – Duomo and Baptistery; Afternoon – Uffizi Gallery.
Day 9: Morning – Day trip to Siena (bus, ~1.5 hrs, €8–€12); Afternoon – Piazza del Campo.
Day 10: Morning – Chianti wine tour (car/tour, ~1 hr, €50–€80); Afternoon – Train to Venice (~2 hrs, €30–€60).

Venice (Days 11–14)

A city of canals, grand palaces, and timeless romance.

History: Venice was a maritime and trade powerhouse in the Middle Ages.

Highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Murano, Burano.

Transport: Train from Florence (2 hrs, €30–€60).

Food to Try: Bigoli in Salsa, Fegato alla Veneziana, Spritz.
Day 11: Morning – St. Mark’s Basilica; Afternoon – Doge’s Palace.
Day 12: Morning – Grand Canal vaporetto ride; Afternoon – Rialto Bridge.
Day 13: Morning – Day trip to Murano and Burano (ferry, ~30 min, €7–€10); Afternoon – Explore islands.
Day 14: Morning – Peggy Guggenheim Collection; Afternoon – Depart Venice.

Your Italian Adventure Awaits

Italy has enchanted you with its timeless beauty, from the ancient wonders of Rome to the serene canals of Venice, the vibrant Amalfi Coast, and the Renaissance splendor of Florence. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve savored Italy’s culture, cuisine, and history. Ready to plan your trip? Book your trains at Trenitalia or Italo and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. Buon viaggio!