italy road trip one week

7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy

Need some destination inspiration for a trip to Italy? Here’s my guide to spending one week in Italy, with 12 sample itineraries.

One week in Italy might not seem like much time. But, with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have a bucket list adventure.

There’s nowhere more romantic (or popular) than Italy. The word “Italy” conjures visions of crumbling Roman ruins, rolling cypress-studded landscapes, and secret canals.

Italy is rich in history, culture, and food. Italy’s beautiful towns boast some of the world’s best churches , palaces, museums, and historic landmarks .

I’ve been to Italy many times. Italy always blows my socks off (except maybe in the uber crowded high season). I love it and am already making a return trip next month.

There’s so many things to do and see in Italy and so little time, at least for most of us. How to choose between the myriad options?

To help you get started prioritizing and give you some destination inspiration, I’ve picked my top 11 itineraries for spending one perfect week in Italy.

Some of these itineraries include Italy’s most popular cities and sites. Others give you more off the beaten path options and hidden gems in Italy.

You can pick a sample itinerary to match your own interests — whether you want a glamorous city, historical and cultural options, outdoor scenery, or beaches.

You can also combine itineraries for a 2 week (or longer) stay in Italy. And I suggest possible combinations.

Of course, you can always adjust and tweak these itineraries to suit your needs. When you’ve settled on an itinerary (or two), be sure to read my must know tips for visiting Italy .

12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy

I’m a rather obsessed itinerary planner and I can personally vouch for these particular one week in Italy itineraries.

For each 1 week in Italy itinerary, I also give you options for extending your trip, if you want to expand a 7 day itinerary into a 10 day itinerary for Italy or combine these sample open week itineraries.

There are essentially two ways to structure a 1 week in Italy trip.

You can move around 2-3 times for a fast paced trip that checks off Italy bucket list items. Or, you choose a single base or region for a week and take day trips from there.

These sample 7 day Italy itineraries offer both options. I’d be excited to take any of these trips again.

I’ve written more than 100 blog posts about Italy. I’ve linked some of them to the relevant Italy itinerary to help you along.

Here are my picks for the best ways to spend one week in Italy:

• 1 Week Italian Renaissance Tour
• 1 Week in Tuscany
• 1 Week in Italy’s Major Cities
• 1 Week in Rome + Day Trips
• 1 Week in Venice + Day Trips
• 1 Week in the Italian Lake District Itinerary
• 1 Week Dolomites Itinerary
• 1 Week in Rome + Amalfi Coast
• 1 Week in Northern Italy Venice to Milan
• 1 Week in Rome + Umbria
• 1 Week Milan to Rome
• 1 Week in Sicily

1. One Week Italian Renaissance Tour: Florence, Tuscany, and Venice

Tuscany has some of the world’s best cathedrals, art galleries, museums. It’s celebrated for its Medieval and Renaissance art.

Tuscany is even regarded as the birthplace of one of mankind’s greatest adventures, the Italian Renaissance.

Florence is an overwhelmingly beautiful city, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” With the best Medieval and Renaissance art in Europe, Florence is a veritable art lovers paradise.

Florence has some of Europe’s best museums — the Uffizi Gallery , the Bargello Museum , and the Galleria dell’Accademia . And some of Italy’s most opulent palaces — the Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio .

If you want to see these lovelies, you need to book them in advance. Here’s my guide to what attractions you need to pre-book in Florence .

READ : Florence Art Bucket List

Venice had its own Renaissance, distinct from Renaissance hotspots like Florence. Venice’s artists produced images that were less religious, more libertine, and more creative.

Venetian artists painted female nudes and erotic scenes, without the censure other artists like Michelangelo received.

READ : A Nutshell History of Venice

Siena is one of the best cities to visit in Tuscany for its rustic beauty, tasty food, and luscious chianti. Siena Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful churches. Click here to book a ticket.

The greatest artists of the Renaissance contributed master works to the cathedral, including Donatello, Pinturicchio, Duccio, Ghiberti, Pisano, and Michelangelo .

Pisa and Lucca are also great for Renaissance art and architecture. You’ll want to discover the monuments on the magnificent UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles , which is so much more than just the famous Leaning Tower . Lucca is a town of a 100 churches.

READ : Tips for Visiting Pisa

In Arezzo, you can see Piero della Francesca’s greatest masterpiece . It’s the Legend of the Cross frescos in the Cappella Maggiore of the Church of San Francesco.

Padua is home to one of Italy’s must see wonders, the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Wallpapered with exquisite frescos by Giotto, the chapel is one of the world’s greatest art works.

It’s currently a candidate for the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy immersing yourself in the Italian Renaissance:

• Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Florence
• Day 2 : Explore Florence
• Day 3 : Day trip to Siena
• Day 4 : Day trip to Pisa and Lucca or to Arrezo
• Day 5 : Drive to and explore Venice
• Day 6 : Explore Venice
• Day 7 : Day trip to Padua

For this itinerary, you’ll only have two bases: Florence (4 nights) and Venice (3 nights).

If you have more time in Italy, itinerary # 9 has the perfect one week itinerary for taking a road trip from Venice to Milan . If you want a nature break, you could head to the Dolomites with itinerary #7.

Need more information about this one week Italian Renaissance road trip? Check out these Tuscany and Venice travel guides for specific details.

• Best Art in Tuscany
• 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
• 3 day itinerary for Florence
• Best museums in Florence
• Hidden gems in Florence
• Michelangelo Trail in Florence
• Piero della Francesco Trail in Italy
• Andrea del Verrocchio’s Art in Florence
• 1 Day Itinerary for Siena
• Must See Sites in Pisa
• 2 Day Itinerary for Venice
• Guide To Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel

2. One Week in Tuscany Idyll

There’s nowhere more romantic in Italy than the stunning region of Tuscany. Tuscany is like a painting.

With its cypress-lined roads, golden wheat fields, and medieval hilltop towns, Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian village experience, complete with fine wine and delectable food.

I’ve discussed Florence and Siena above.

But this Tuscany itinerary also takes you to some of Italy’s most beautiful small towns — Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano, Lucca, and Pisa.

In these quaint towns, you’ll find showstopper public squares, stunning churches, and cobbled lanes.

San Gimignano is the romantic glamor girl of Tuscany. Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is famous for its “Bella Torres” or “Beautiful Towers.” 

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Florence
• Day 3 : Day trip to Arrezo or Cortona
• Day 4 : Drive to and explore Siena
• Day 5 : Day trip to San Gimignano
• Day 6 : Drive to Lucca and explore
• Day 7 : Day trip To Pisa from Lucca

For this 1 week in Tuscany itinerary, your overnight bases will be Florence (3 nights), Siena (2 nights), and Lucca (2 nights). If you want more details on this itinerary, check out my comprehensive one week in Tuscany itinerary .

More time in Italy? If you want to extend your Tuscany road trip and move at a more leisurely pace, check out my 10 day itinerary for Tuscany .

It covers all the destinations on this shorter 1 week Tuscany itinerary, and more, with much more detail.

Or, head south to Umbria and follow itinerary #10. If you’re ready for a city break, head to Rome and follow itinerary #4.

Need more information on Tuscany? Check out these other articles:

• Must see sites in Florence
• Best day trips from Florence
• Guide to the Medici Palaces
• Guide to the Uffizi Gallery
• Best things to do in San Gimignano

3. One Week in Italy’s Major Cities | Greatest Hits

Are you a city person? If you want to explore Italy’s greatest hits, this fun one week itinerary takes you to the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Endlessly inspiring and ethereal, Rome is the magical mecca of carbs and ancient architecture. It’s a grand showcase of Western civilization, full of Imperial pomp and circumstance.

Rome has spent centuries accumulating layers of beauty, history, and romance — just waiting for its admirers to arrive.

READ : History of Ancient Rome

Begin with the Imperial tour of Rome, which includes the iconic Colosseum , Palatine Hill , and the Roman Forum . Be sure to book skip the line tickets in advance!

Then, take a stroll through the historic center of Rome . There, you’ll find the stunning Piazza Navona the Pantheon , beautiful churches, and the Trevi Fountain.

Next, move on to visiting the Vatican Museums , the unparalleled world class museums in Rome , and Rome’s opulent palaces .

To see the Vatican you MUST book a skip the line ticket or wait hours in line. You can check out my guide to Vatican tours to see which appeal.

I’ve already discussed Florence above. Your last major city stop, Venice, is the most unique city in the world. I’ve written a one day in Venice itinerary that you can follow.

It’s an almost physical and mystical experience when you see Venice for the first time. The glimmering watery streets are right is front of you.

Venice defies logic; it’s a city that almost shouldn’t exist. Venice is a mind boggling maze of canals, lacy palaces, and artistic treasures.

READ: Must see sites along Venice’s Grand Canal

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy’s major cities:

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Rome
• Day 2 : Explore Rome
• Day 3 : Drive or high speed train to Florence
• Day 4 : Explore Florence
• Day 5 : Day trip to Siena or to Pisa & Lucca
• Day 6 : Drive or high speed train To Venice
• Day 7 : Explore Venice

More time in Italy?

From Venice you can follow itinerary #9 and road trip from Venice to Milan. Alternatively, you can head to the Italian Lake District (itinerary #6) or the Dolomites (itinerary #7).

Need more information about this one week city-based Italy itinerary?

Check out these city travel guides:

• 3 day itinerary for Rome
• Hidden gems in Rome
• Best museums in Rome
• Archaeological sites in Rome
• Guide to the Borghese Gallery
• Masterpieces of the Vatican
• Rome’s secret palace museums
• 2 day itinerary for Venice

4. One Week Rome City Break + Day Trips

One of my favorite vacations in Italy was just spending 8 days in Rome. I didn’t move my base from the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood.

I just explored Rome at slower pace and took plenty of easy day trips. You don’t need a car. You can book a day tour or just hop on the train.

I’ve discussed Rome above. But on this Rome itinerary , you’ll also visit some of beautiful towns near Rome.

Tivoli is a charming small town just a half hour from Rome. It’s home to two amazing UNESCO sites: Hadrian’s Villa (Roman ruins) and Ville d’Este (a Renaissance mansion with incredible gardens and fountains).

You should definitely book a day trip tour to see them.

Pompeii is Italy’s most famous archaeological site, a living museum. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash. The city was entombed and preserved for many centuries.

Beginning in 1748, archaeologists began painstakingly excavating the ruins. The ruins are a remarkable evocation of everyday Roman life, which you can see on a guided tour from Rome to get all the history.

Charming Orvieto, the capitol of Umbria, is an easy day trip from Rome. It’s set high above a volcanic outcropping and chock full of medieval buildings.

Nothing much has changed in this rustic fairytale town in 500 years. Orvieto’s piece de resistance is its magnificent cathedral.

Here’s how to spend 1 week in Rome:

• Day 1 : Explore Rome
• Day 3 : Explore Rome and Vatican City
• Day 4 : Day Trip To Tivoli
• Day 5 : Day Trip to Pompeii
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Orvieto
• Day 7 : Explore more of Rome and/or half day trip to Ostia Antica

Want more information about this trip? Here are some of my other articles:

• 3 Day Rome Itinerary
• Hidden Gems in Rome
• Guide to the Vatican Pinacoteca
• Guide to Rome’s Palace Museums
• Historic Landmarks in Italy

5. One Week in Venice + Day Trips

Another one week itinerary where you don’t have to move bases is just to stay in Venice. You can enjoy the city at your leisure and take day trips from there by car, train, or ferry.

You could also base yourself in Verona the entire time and day trip to Venice and other destinations. Verona is less crowded and less expensive than Venice.

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, a natural movie set. No other place looks quite like it. Venice is a medieval city built on water that shouldn’t exist in real life. It’s a mind boggling maze of architectural and artistic treasures.

There are so many thing to do and see in Venice. You can take a gondola rid e , ogle the opulent palaces , take in some world class museums, or stroll the stunning floating city .

From Venice, you have so many day trip options. You can tour the Venetian lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello .

You can day trip to Padua to admire Giotto’s groundbreaking frescos at the Scrovegni Chapel. If you want less crowded canals, head to nearby Treviso. Treviso is an elegant little canal town, only a 30 minute train ride from Venice.

Fair Verona is for romantics and medievalists. It’s a pretty Italian town full of red and peach colored medieval buildings and Roman ruins.

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet . Once you’ve made the obligatory pilgrimmage to Juliet’s Balcony, you’ll also want to tour the doughty Roman Arena in the Piazza Bra.

Ravenna was once the epicenter of the Western World, when the Byzantine Empire made Ravenna its capitol.

The Byzantine rulers blanketed Ravenna’s churches with gorgeous mosaics. This artistic legacy rivals Venice or Istanbul, making Ravenna a UNESCO site worth visiting .

Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

• Day 1 : Explore Venice
• Day 2 : Explore Venice
• Day 3 : Day trip to Venetian lagoon islands
• Day 4 : Day trip to Padua
• Day 5 : Day trip to Verona
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Ravenna
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Bologna or another day in Venice

More time in Italy? Head to the Dolomites with itinerary #6 or road trip to Milan with itinerary #9.

Need more information about this area of Italy?

Check out these Venice travel guides and resources:

• 1 day itinerary for Venice
• Top Attractions in Ve nice
• History of Venice in a nutshell
• Guide to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
• Guide to the Galleria Accademia
• Guide to the Scrovegni Chapel
• 7 day itinerary Venice to Milan
• Guide to the mosaics of Ravenna

6. One Week Italian Lake District Itinerary

Northern Italy is home to the seductively beautiful Lake District, set in the shadow of the Alps. Though just an hour north of Milan, this area feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s second city.

In this romantic region, 19th century villas are covered in vines and set amid stunted palm trees. It’s a bliss-y area made for nature lovers.

You have several lakes to choose from and they all have their charms —Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore.

Lake Como offering a heady mix of scenery, opulent palazzi, and relaxing vistas. Lake Maggiore doesn’t have quite the panache of Lake Como, but still has a faded elegance.

Lake Orta is smaller and less developed, a hidden gem of quietude without the crowds. It’s a favorite escape of the Milanese, who’ve nicknamed it Cinderella.

Here’s a breakdown of how to spend one week in the Italian Lake District:

• Day 1 : Arrive in and explore Milan
• Day 2 : Explore Lake Como, base in Varenna
• Day 3 : Explore Lake Como, ferry to Bellagio
• Day 4 : Explore Lake Maggiore, base in Stresa
• Day 5 : Explore Lake Maggiore
• Day 6 : Explore Lake Orta, stay in Villa Crespi
• Day 7. Explore Lake Orta

From the Lake District, head east to Venice. Here’s my two day itinerary for Venice .

Alternatively, head back to Milan and follow itinerary #11, which takes you on an amazing road trip from Milan to Rome.

Want more information about this itinerary? Check out these Milan travel guides:

• 1 day itinerary for Milan
• Top attractions in Milan
• Leonardo da Vinci trail in Milan
• Guide to the Brera Museum
• How to see Leonardo’s Last Supper Fresco
• Top art to see in Milan

7. One Week Dolomites Itinerary

Italy’s dramatic rocky rooftop is the Dolomites. This region of Italy offers some of the best mountain thrills in Europe.

The Dolomites feature flower speckled meadows, turquoise lakes, jagged gray cliffs, and spectacular driving routes.

Here, the region doesn’t even seem like Italy. It’s more Austrian and German in a felt-hat-with-feathers way. You can tour by car or go on a hiking tour .

The city of Bolzano is the gateway to the Dolomites. There’s yogurt and yodeling for breakfast. The Dolomites are especially beautiful in the fall.

And more hiking than you can imagine. Probably the most stunning hike is Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike.

• Day 1 : Arrive and explore Trento
• Day 2 : Day trip to Rovereto and Lago di Tenno
• Day 3 : Drive to Bressanone, stop at Lago di Carezzo en route
• Day 4 : Day trip to Secede
• Day 5 : Drive to Lago di Braies, overnight in Misurina
• Day 6 : Explore Lake Misurina
• Day 7 : Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

This Dolomites itinerary has three bases: Trento (2 nights), Bressanone (2 nights), and Misurina (3 nights).

The nearest airport is Venice Treviso and Venice Marco Polo.

If you want to visit Venice before the Dolomites, here’s my two day itinerary for Venice . After leaving Venice, you’ll head to Trento, a very underrated city in Italy. Trento is frescoed and surrounded by mountains.

More time in Italy? Head to the Italian Lake District. Lake Garda is about 3 hours away. See itinerary #6.

8. One Week in Rome (or Naples) and the Amalfi Coast

This 1 week in Italy itinerary begins in Rome. From Rome, it’s over 3 hours to the drool-worthy Amalfi Coast. If you’ve been to Rome and would rather skip the drive or train ride, you can spend you first two days in Naples instead.

Like Rome, Naples is a big city that can be chaotic. But Naples’ historic center is rich and will give you a taste of the quintessentially Neapolitan lifestyle.

Naples’ finest attractions are its treasure chest Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum .

With its stunning scenery, hill towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most scenic rides.

From Sorrento to Salerno, the vistas will leave your mouth gaping and your camera’s memory card full. Villas cling to cliffs and sandy coves beckon below.

Over the centuries, the spectacular scenery has been a siren call for the rich and famous, luring Roman emperor Tiberius, Richard Wagner, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal, and others to the Amalfi Coast’s special brand of la dolce vita .

Wedged on a ledge over the sea, the serene cliff top town of Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast.

From Sorrento, you can book day trips to Pompeii , Positano , Capri , and even Naples.

There’s a saying that Positano “bites deep,” it’s so dreamy. Positano is the star of the Amalfi Coast. Strolling the town comes complete with sherbet colored cliffside homes, stunning beaches, and tiny cobbled lanes.

Rugged mountainous Capri is one of the world’s most glamorous island. Capri was made famous as the vacation hideaway of Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius.

Today, it’s crowded. But even with the crowds, it’s drop dead gorgeous, set on a glittering blue sea and you should definitely book a guided boat tour to see it .

Pompeii is an ancient Roman town, which was stopped in its tracks by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Once buried under ash, the well preserved ruins of Pompeii offer you the best look anywhere at what life in Rome was like 2,000 years ago.

Here’s how to spend one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast:

• Day 3 : Explore Rome
• Day 4 : Day Trip to Tivoli (Hadian’s Villa & Villa d’Este)
• Day 5 : Train or drive to Sorrento, explore Sorento
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Positano
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Pompeii or Capri

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary?

Check out these guides:

• 5 day itinerary for Rome
• Guide to Palatine Hill
• Guide to the Roman Forum
• Guide to the Colosseum
• Guide to Hadrian’s Villa
• Guide to Villa d’Este
• Guide to the Amalfi Coast

9. One Week in Northern Italy: Venice to Milan

This one week road trip from Venice to Milan in northern Italy is a popular tourist route.

It’s only a 3 hour drive from Venice to Milan.

But this route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and secret hidden gems of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of great destinations to explore along the way.

This northern Italy road trip begins in Venice, the starting point for your road trip.

It assumes you’ve explored the heady attractions of the world’s most romantic floating city, and are embarking to explore more of Italy.

From Venice, you can explore Verona , a town for romantics, and visit Mantua , a town for Renaissance lovers. You’ll also stop in Brescia and Bergamo before landing in Milan.

Here’s how to spend one week on a road trip from Venice to Milan:

• Day 1 : Leave Venice, stop in Padua and Vicenza, overnight in Verona
• Day 2 : Explore Verona, overnight in Verona
• Day 3 : From Verona, day trip to Mantua
• Day 4 : Drive to Brescia, stopping in Sirmione on the way, overnight in Brescia
• Day 5 : Explore Brescia, overnight in Brescia
• Day 6 : Drive to Bergamo, explore Bergamo, overnight in Milan
• Day 7 : Explore Milan

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary? Check out these guides:

• Guide To the Must See Sites of Mantua
• Guide To Mantua’s Te Palace
• Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• 1 Day itinerary for Milan
• Best Art in Milan

10. One Week in Rome + Umbria

I’ve covered Rome above and you’ll be there two days on this particular one week Italy itinerary.

Beautiful Umbria is quite similar To Tuscany. It’s just as sublimely picturesque, but less crowded. You can enjoy Italy’s scenic medieval hill towns and countryside.

Charming Orvieto is one of Italy’s most striking hill towns. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically atop a big chunk of volcanic stone amid cypress-dotted plains.

As I mentioned above, Orvieto’s walking highlights are its colorful-inside-and-out cathedral and pretty cobbled old town.

The stunning hill town of Assisi is a destination for art lovers. Because Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis, it’s also a pilgrimage destination that you’ll want to tour . In fact, the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s best known churches.

The tiny towns of Umbria — Spello, Spoleto, Perugia, and Gubbio — are utterly charming. This is where you’ll really get a taste of real Umbrian culture.

Here’s how to spend one week exploring Rome and Umbria:

• Day 3 : Drive to Orvieto, stop en route in Civita di Bagnoregio
• Day 4 : Explore Orvieto
• Day 5 : Drive to Assisi and explore, overnight in Assisi
• Day 6 : Day trip to Spello and Spoleto
• Day 7 : Day trip to Perugia and/or Gubbio

In this one week Italy route, you’ll start in Rome. For a base, you’ll be in Rome (2 nights) Orvieto (2 nights), and Assisi (3 nights). For more details, check out my comprehensive one week in Umbria itinerary .

More time? Head north to Tuscany with itinerary #2.

11. One Week Milan to Rome Itinerary

The journey from Milan to Rome is a popular tourist route. It’s only a 6 hour drive from Milan to Rome.

But this well-traveled road trip route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and sublime treasures of the Renaissance.

You start with Italy’s exciting northern capital of Milan and end in Rome, Italy’s ancient southern capital of Rome. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Italy’s most beautiful towns in northern Italy. You’ll experience a near overdose of art, from Ancient Rome to treasures of the Renaissance in Florence.

With this itinerary, you’ll get to visit Bologna. Nicknamed La Grassa , or the Big Fat, for its delicious food, Bologna just oozes medieval charm. And you should definitely take a food tour in Bologna .

Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem in Italy. But it shouldn’t be. Bologna is a historic city filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, a swathe of palaces and towers, and gourmet restaurants. Eat, eat, and eat more!

Situated atop three hills, Siena is Italy’s ultimate rustic hill town.

Its thriving historic center , with movie set lanes cascading every which way, offers Italy’s best medieval city experience.

Here’s how you can spend one week on a road trip from Milan to Rome .

• Day 1 : Explore Milan
• Day 2 : Pick up car drive to Bologna and explore
• Day 3 : Drive to Florence and explore
• Day 4 : Explore Florence and optional half day trip to Pisa
• Day 5 : Stop in Siena en route Rome
• Day 6 : Explore Rome
• Day 7 : Explore Rome

In this busy 7 day Milan to Rome travel itinerary, you’ll have three bases: Milan (1 night), Bologna (1 night), Florence (2 nights), and Rome (3 nights).

More time in Italy? Spend more time in Bologna, one of Italy’s most underrated cities.

Or, head to the Amalfi Coast with itinerary #8.

Need more information for this Milan to Rome road trip? Check out these travel guides and resources:

• 1 day in Siena itinerary

12. One Week In Sicily Itinerary

Want to head to the beautiful island of Sicily? I was just there for 2 weeks and it’s divine.

Sicily is rich in history, culture, and food. It’s one of Italy’s most exotic regions, pure passion set amid wild beauty. You can enjoy diverse landscapes — rocky volcanic coastlines, pristine beaches, and clifftop villages.

Sicily will also dazzle you with ancient ruins, UNESCO sites, artistic treasures, Baroque architecture, and Italy’s most exotic street markets. 

One week in Sicily isn’t enough time to experience the island fully. Given the distances to be traveled, imperfect roads, and plethora of attractions, you should probably stick to one part of the island.

I’ve written 5 sample itineraries for spending 1 week in Sicily by geography or theme:

• Eastern Sicily Itinerary
• Western Sicily Itinerary
• Northern Sicily Itinerary
• Sampler Sicily Itinerary
• Archaeological Sicily Itinerary

These one week Italy itineraries take you to Sicily’s premiere destinations — the exciting capital of Palermo, the mosaicked churches of Monreale and Cefalu, the clifftop town of Taormina, the sensation old world town of Syracuse, and the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

For details and destination inspiration, check out my 1 week in Sicily itineraries . Or, check out some of my detailed travel guides covering the must visit sites and towns in Sicily:

• 2 days in Palermo itinerary
• 2 days in Syracuse itinerary
• 2 days in Trapani itinerary
• 1 day in Catania itinerary
• 1 day in Taormina itinerary
• Guide to the Valley of the Temples
• Guide to Villa Romana del Casale
• Guide to Monreale Cathedral
• Guide to the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week Italy itineraries. If so, pin it for later.

12 thoughts on “7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy”

I loved the itineraries…now I’m even more overwhelmed! My daughter and I want to spend 30 days in Italy (including Sicily). Any info on where to stay (location/safety)?

I feel like Italy is pretty safe, if you take the usual precautions of staying in good neighborhoods and not being out late at night. 30 days in Italy? That’s amazing. Sicily is definitely on my bucket list.

Thank you so much these are great ideas for first time travellers!

We fly into rome and leave rome after a week what would you suggest for one week, would love to see venace Florence or Milan!

I really wanted to see the different towns through Italy without having it to rushed happy to use the trains but accomodation wise I would have no idea where to book each night!

Thank you so much these ar very helpful!!

You’re welcome! You could actually use Rome as your home base for the entire week and day trip to other places either by high speed train or guided tour. Here’s my guide to the best day trips from Rome: https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/day-trips-from-rome . Or you could split your time between Rome and Florence. Florence is much closer than Milan or Venice. I have lots of articles on all those cities.

Great info thank you! Looking for a Rome – Venice – Amalfi itinerary…. Any suggestions or is it possible in a week? Thanks CD

You can do it, but you’ll be rushed. I’d probably start in Venice and only spend one day there if you only have 7 days in Italy. I do have a 1 day and 2 day itinerary for Venice and a 3 days in Rome itinerary.

ITALY It’s Beautiful city in Europe

Ha! Yes it is.

By far these iterinaries were great. Were heading to Europe for 3 weeks. Were going back to Rome for 2 or 3 days then explore northern part of Italy. We would like to spend 6 days or so then would like to see Switzerland then France. Any suggestions on these places. We are traveling with our 13 year old daughter. Thank you in advance Dennis

Thank you Dennis! I hope you have a fantastic time in Europe. If you use the search function on my blog page, you will find loads of itineraries for Rome and must see sites, museums, and ruins. I also have many articles on France. I haven’t been to Switzerland in a couple decades, so nothing on that country unfortunately.

Hi We are flying into Naples in September and headed to the Amalfi Coast. We have 7 nights and need to be in Venice on the 8th day. I know this will be a rushed tripped. I would love to include Bologna.Any suggestions on an itinerary?

Here are my sample itineraries for spending 5 days on the Amalfi Coast. https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/5-days-in-the-amalfi-coast-itineraries . You could take the high speed train from Naples to Bologna, spend a day there, and then head to Venice.

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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Getaway Compass

One Week Italy Road Trip Itinerary (Coast, Wine, History)

Follow this guide for an incredible one week Italy road trip through Cinque Terre, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. This road trip can also be done the opposite way, starting in the Amalfi Coast and driving up to Cinque Terre. In one week in Italy you can get a taste of a variety of areas in Italy.

Early fall is the best time for this one week Italy road trip. Tuscany is beautiful during this time and often this is when grapes are picked. The Amalfi Coast starts to get less crowded in September and the weather is cooler than in the Summer.

One Week Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Best sites for booking your accommodations in italy.

The best sites to book your accommodation for your one week in Italy is through Airbnb or booking.com . Airbnb offers many different options including apartments, houses, and single rooms.  Booking.com is a great option for booking hotels, guesthouses, or hostels in Italy.

Italy Road Trip Tips: Driving in Italy

• Renting a manual car is significantly cheaper than an automatic car. Book your rental car on Discover Cars where you can compare rates to find the best fit for your Italy road trip.
• There are a lot of highway fee stations so be ready to pay with cash or card.
• The roads can be very narrow and steep in Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.
• You should get an Italian sim card so so that you can easily route to your next destination and keep in touch with your Airbnb hosts. The most common networks are TIM, Lycamobile, and Vodafone. Don’t buy the sim card at the airport because it will cost about twice as much. We purchased a TIM sim card from a technology store for 16 Euros that includes a prepaid plan with plenty of data for one month.
• Carry enough cash and small change for parking (especially in Tuscan villages).

Travel Medical Insurance for Your Italy Road Trip

Don’t forget to get a travel insurance policy for your trip! SafetyWing  offers affordable, flexible, and reliable travel medical insurance that can be purchased ahead of your travels or while you are already traveling.

Day 1: Arrive in Italy and Travel to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is about 3 hours from Milan Airport and 2 hours from Florence Airport. As there are not many parking options within Cinque Terre the best option would be to park the car in La Spezia or Levanto and take the Cinque Terre train from there to the villages. There is a parking garage at the La Spezia Centrale train station. If you are basing yourself in Florence and don’t plan to rent a car, you could book this organized tour to Cinque Terre .

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

It is worth spending the money to stay in one of the villages for the experience and to save time. There are many Airbnb options in the villages where you can rent a room for a good price that only costs a little more than staying outside of Cinque Terre in La Spezia or Levanto. All five villages are beautiful, but I would recommend staying in Manarola. There are less stairs here than some of the other villages which makes it easier if you have a lot of luggage. This village is stunning at night and enjoyable to walk around. It is not as expensive as Vernazza and there are many Airbnb options, just make sure to book early!

How to Get Around Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre has a train that runs between Levanto and La Spezia, stopping at each of the five villages. It is about five minutes between each village, and about ten minutes from Riomaggiore to La Spezia. You can ask for the Cinque Terre train schedule at the information centers at the train sations. Buy the Cinque Terre Card to use the trains freely throughout the day. You can hike between some of the villages but note that not all of the trails are always open. To check which trails are open stop at the information centers at the train stations.

Another option is to explore Cinque Terre with a boat tour   where you can enjoy great views of the villages without the crowds.

Day 2: Explore Cinque Terre

Hike from corniglia to vernazza.

Trailhead: The trail begins in Corniglia center next to the church Time: 1.5-2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Tips : 1. Take the shuttle from the train station to Corniglia to save time and energy. The hike up from the train station to Corniglia has a lot of stairs and is very strenuous. 2. Wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably sneakers or hiking shoes 3. Bring plenty of water as a majority of the trail is in the sun

Walk Around The Villages and Explore Different Viewpoints

Riomaggiore.

This village has the most diverse colors. Most popular for its view from the harbor, this village is very enjoyable to walk around. This is the biggest village in Cinque Terre and has a lot of interesting streets and more to see and do. Best Viewpoint: 1. Climb up the stairs to see a view of the village from above and get a different perspective. 2. Walk down to the harbor opposite the red house. Walk down to the rocks to get this well known view of the village.

Manarola is the most tranquil and romantic village. It is beautiful at all times of the day and night, especially during sunset. The village is small but has several restaurants and is nice to walk around. This was one of my favorite towns during our one week in Italy. Best Viewpoint: Walk along the trail on the west side of the village beside the water to see this view.

This is a small village nested on top of a cliff. It is a very steep hike to the village from the train stations, but there is a shuttle that runs from the train station to the village and back. Best Viewpoint: The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza offers many beautiful viewpoints of this village

This village is the most popular with pastel colored houses and a small beach. It is the most expensive village to stay and eat but definitely worth a visit. Best Viewpoint: Follow the hiking trail from Vernazza to Monterosso Al Mare. About 20 minutes into the hike you will see this view.

Monterosso al Mare

This village is very different from the other four villages in Cinque Terre. This village feels more like a small beach town with a large stretch of beach and great gelato. This is a great spot to relax, but expect the beach to be busy. Best Viewpoint: Walk towards the end of the beach in the direction of Vernazza and you will see stairs that lead up to this view.

Sunset Boat Tour

Finish your day in Cinque Terre with a sunset boat tour from Monterosso. Sail across the coast and enjoy the views of the villages with wine and snacks. If you want you also have the option to swim.

Day 3: Wine Taste in Chianti and Explore Tuscan Towns

On your third day of your one week Italy road trip, spend the day exploring Tuscany. If you don’t already have a car, rent a car outside of Cinque Terre in La Spezia in order to drive to Tuscany. If you are basing yourself in Florence for these days and don’t plan on renting a car, you could book an organized tour of Tuscany from Florence.

Albola Castle

Start the day by drinking a glass (or two) of wine at Albola Castle. They have a restaurant located in a courtyard in the castle which offers a relaxing place to try good food and Chianti Classico wine. You can then walk around and enjoy the vineyard surrounding the castle. If you are looking for a tour they offer tours twice a day which include a wine and olive oil tasting. You can also do a wine tasting separately from the tour. Make sure to email the winery to get updated tour times.

A quiet Tuscan town not far from Albola Castle and worth a quick stop. There is a pizza restaurant where you can get the largest pizza you might ever see and several small shops. Note that the shops and restaurants close very early.

San Grimignano

A very popular medieval hill town known for its fourteen watch towers, San Gimignano is a great place to walk around and experience a busy Tuscan town. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it gets very crowded in the main areas but if you walk away from the main squares you can find quiet streets and views of the surrounding countryside.

Walk around this quiet and romantic Tuscan town with beautiful views. Tip: Near parking number 1 pedestrian entrance there is an incredible view of the town and the surrounding vineyards (as seen in the above picture).

Where to Stay

Chianti is a good option for the first night in Tuscany as it is closer to Cinque Terre. In Chianti there are many Airbnbs where you can stay directly on a vineyard.

Day 4: Tour a Winery and Walk Around Tuscan Towns in Val D'Orcia

Tour ricasoli, castello di brolio.

Ricasoli is a winery in Chianti known for creating the Chianti Classico wine recipe (by Baron Bettino Ricasoli). There are several tour options which you should book ahead of time because they do sell out. The classic tour is a great option if you are interested in the history of the castle from the 11th century and Chianti Classico Wine. The classic tour is about 2 hours and allows you to tour Brolio castle as well as the wine facilities. This tour finishes with a tasting of three great wines in a private room.

Tip : There is parking right next to the castle but it is very limited. Get to the castle at least 15 minutes before the tour starts to make sure that you get parking and don’t have to hike up

A quiet Tuscan town in Val D’Orcia known for its Brunello wine. This is the perfect town to relax, drink wine, and have lunch (just remember to eat lunch early because almost everything closes at 3!)

A small town in the middle of Val D’Orcia, Pienza is worth a quick stop for a glass of wine and cheese with views of the rolling hills. You don’t need more than 30 minutes to see the entire old town, but you can always spend more time relaxing and enjoying the views.

Montepulciano

A dreamy Tuscan town perched on a hill, Montepulciano will steal your heart. This town is known for the delicious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso Di Montepulciano which you can enjoy at any restaurant or winery. With narrow streets, lots of local restaurants, small shops, and incredible views, Montepulciano is a must-visit. Walk to Piazza Grande, Montepulciano’s center, where you will find the Cathedral and the clock bell tower. A visit to Montepulciano is not complete without climbing the clock tower to get a view of the town and the Tuscan Countryside, with Val D’Orcia and Val Di Chiana on either side. If you want to spend a night in a Tuscan town this is the one that I would recommend. 

Stay in Montepulciano so you can experience the town at night when the streets are quiet and early morning as the town is waking up. It is a beautiful town and a great option if you want the opportunity to stay in a Tuscan town.

Day 5: Visit Pompeii and End the Day in Amalfi Coast

Leave Tuscany late morning and make the four hour drive to Pompeii. In 79 AD an eruption buried this large ancient city, preserving the roman ruins.

Tips for Visiting Pompeii

Arrive in the late afternoon after most of the big tour groups have finished. It is less crowded and also starts getting cooler at this time. When you purchase your tickets, rent a phone guide in order to better understand the stories behind the ruins.

Book an Airbnb or guesthouse using booking.com in Bomerano for the next 2 nights. Benefits of staying in Bomerano is that there are much cheaper options, many accommodations include parking, and the food prices are good. Bomerano is where the Path of the Gods hike starts which will make it easy the next morning to begin the hike.

Day 6: Hike and Visit Positano

Hike the path of the gods.

Your one week Italy road trip is not complete without hiking the Path of the Gods. Potentially the most beautiful hike you will ever experience, the Path of the Gods takes you along the cliffs from Bomerano to Nocelle (continue to Positano). Make sure you hike from Bomerano to Nocelle and not the other way around, or you and your legs will suffer. The views are incredible along the entire way: First you see cliffside vineyards, followed by Praiano from above, huge cliffs, and finally Positano from many perspectives. Follow the Path of the Gods guide to see the best way to do this hike and details on where the trailhead is located.

Explore Positano

You just hiked a long way to get here, so spend the rest of the day enjoying Positano. Note that all of the restaurants here are pricier, so go for the cheapest entree to save money. Positano get very crowded, especially at the beach and the boutiques near the beach.

Tip : If you want to get away from the crowds, climb up the stairs to the opposite side of the town from where you hiked to (towards Sorrento). Here you will get a different perspective of Positano than most of the photos you have seen and take a relaxing walk with views of lemon trees, the beach, and the colorful houses.

Note : There is no direct bus back from Positano to Bomerano. You will need to take a bus to Amalfi and then another bus from Amalfi to Bomerano.

Day 7: Amalfi Coast

Wake up early and drive to amalfi.

The benefit of a road trip through Italy is having flexibility and getting ahead of the crowds. If you want to see several of the towns in two days, you have to get up early. The Amalfi Coast doesn’t get busy until around 10:00 AM, which gives you plenty of time bright and early to explore before the crowds arrive. Get lost in Amalfi going up and down stairs and through narrow streets. Find different viewpoints by climbing up stairs as high up as as you can.

Parking in Amalfi: Luna Rossa is a good parking option. Located between Atrani and Amalfi, it has a tunnel that you can walk through to get to Amalfi. They require all passengers to wait for the driver to park, so don’t be surprised when they ask everyone but the driver to get out of the car before entering the parking.

By Bus: There is a direct SITA bus from Bomerano to Amalfi

Relax in the Cute Town of Atrani

Atrani is a short 10 minutes walk from Amalfi. This town is very similar to Amalfi but a lot smaller, and you can quickly get lost through the little streets, find your way back to your car, and drive off to the next town!

Enjoy the Views in Ravello

Ravello is a town higher up in the mountains with spectacular views. The atmosphere here is a lot more relaxing and less crowded than most of the towns down along the coast. Explore Villa Rufolo which offers some of the most beautiful views in Ravello.

Admire Ceramics in Vietri Su Mare

Known for its ceramics, Vietri Su Mare is a beautiful town to explore with ceramic walls and lots of little ceramic shops.

Cruise the Amalfi Coast

If you can allow yourself to spend a little more money, a cruise on the Amalfi Coast is an incredible experience! Don’t rent a boat in Positano- that would cost you hundreds of dollars. Instead, there are experiences on Airbnb that offer cruises along the coast.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase and the income goes towards maintaining this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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15 Incredible Italy Road Trip Itineraries (with Driving Tips)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: June 3, 2023

Home >> Europe >> Italy Travel Guide >> 15 Incredible Italy Road Trip Itineraries (with Driving Tips)

A road trip through Italy is the trip of a lifetime. We have enjoyed numerous Italian road trips and never tire of exploring one of Europe’s most charismatic countries by car.

Italy offers glorious road trip possibilities with beautiful historic cities, stunning countryside, majestic lakes and mountain regions, and quaint coastal towns and islands. And, of course, such varied regional cultures and cuisines to explore.

Whether it’s an extended road trip from north to south or one region of Italy, we’ve rounded up some fabulous itineraries for each area – from a few days to four weeks to help you plan the perfect Italian road trip.

Table of Contents

Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Italy

• Always take photos when you pick up your rental and when returning it. Some agencies may try to accuse you of damaging the vehicle after you have returned it.
• Read your rental contract, and be aware of the excess fees and type of insurance.
• If possible, rent a small car . Streets can be narrow in small towns, and parking garages in cities and larger towns can be very tight.
• Collecting your rental car from an airport is always less stressful than in a city.
• Download the Parclick App to pre-reserve parking all over Italy (and Europe). It can save you up to 50% on parking fees . Select the garage that suits you, book for the required days, and show your reservation (or use the license plate recognition) on arrival. You can come and go from the garage as much as you like during your booked time. We have used it all over Europe and saved ourselves so much stress and money when parking in cities and larger towns.
• Be careful not to drive into any restricted zones in historical centers . They are called ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zones) and are monitored with cameras. You can check for the zones online before arriving in a city. Unauthorized vehicles will automatically be issued hefty fines.
• When it comes to speed limits in Italy, while many people don’t seem to respect them, you can get hefty fines if caught on camera, and there are a lot of speed cameras in Italy.
• The same goes for parking. It can be difficult to work out where you can or can’t park sometimes but never risk it – In Italy; you will either get a huge fine or worse – they just tow you away. Always look for the ticket machine or park in a paid garage.

Find the Best Car Rental Deals for Italy

When we travel, we always use Discover Cars for car rental as they aggregate the best local deals, have no hidden fees, and offer free cancellation.

Tip:  Always check if you have car rental insurance included on your travel insurance or with your credit card company before paying any additional to the rental car company. 

Search for the Best Car Rental Deals in Italy .

16 Fabulous Italian Road Trip Ideas

Northern italy to southern italy-south tyrol to bari.

• Recommended Duration : 3-4 Weeks
• Distance : Over 1400 Kilometres
• Destinations : South Tyrol – Venice – Bologna – Brisighella – San Marino – Perugia – Sorrento – Amalfi Coast – Naples – Capri – Pompeii – Ischia – Matera – Bari

For the ultimate Italy road trip, head from north to south. This Italian road trip itinerary starts at the border with Austria, visiting South Tyrol and ending in Bari in the south, where it is possible to head over to Croatia if you choose.

Covering over 1400 kilometers and traveling through many regions of Italy, you need to allow 3-4 weeks for the optimal experience.

The best time of year is spring – May/June and autumn – September/October for great weather without the summer crowds. However, this itinerary is great at any time – winter is especially good in South Tyrol for skiers.

Suggested Itinerary

• Start in South Tyrol for stunning mountain scenery and a mixture of Austrian and Italian culture. The German-speaking towns add a very different feel to this slice of Italy. Hike Lago do Baies to see the best of this area.
• Next, head to Venice for the quintessential Italian bucket list experience. Take a gondola ride, walk over the Rialto Bridge, and experience the unique ambiance of Venice. We have a fabulous Venice itinerary if you can allow at least a few days in the magical city.
• On your way south, stop in at Bologna . Bologna is renowned for its fantastic food, so indulge in the region’s typical dishes while exploring the atmospheric Old Town.
• Brisighella is the perfect rural stop to enjoy the Italian countryside. This gorgeous town has the must-visit Rocco Manfrediana fortress.
• Pop out of Italy for a moment with a stop on your way south at San Marino . One of the world’s ten smallest countries at 61 sq km, this tiny republic is the world’s oldest surviving sovereign state with glorious views and a beautifully preserved medieval walled town.
• Soak in the history of Perugia. The center is gorgeous, with interesting museums and many historic churches.
• Next up is Rome . There is so much to do in Rome (we have a great 3-Day Rome Itinerary to help you plan your stay). From the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City , Rome is a highlight on any Italian itinerary. If you need a budget-friendly Rome itinerary, there are many great things to do in Rome for free .
• It’s now time for southern Italy with a week in the Sorrento/Amalfi coast area – one of the most romantic places in Italy for couples . Make a day trip to Naples and Capri , explore the towns of the Amalfi coast by sea, and head to Pompeii and Ischia . There is so much to do in this region, so spend as much time as you can spare. For those that like walking and hiking, see our Amalfi Coast hiking guide .
• Finish up with a final stop at Matera before getting to Bari . Matera is famous for its cave dwellings which have been inhabited for 9,000 years. It’s amazing to walk around.

Recommended by Sharon Gourlay – Dive Into Germany

Northern Italy Road Trip Itineraries

Road trip through piedmont italy.

• Recommended Duration : 7-10 days
• Distance : 290 Kilometres
• Destinations : Turin – Bra – Barolo – Alba – Asti – Biella – The Sanctuary of Oropa

The  Piedmont region of Italy  is situated in northwest Italy, bordering France and Switzerland. Backdropped by the majestic Swiss Alps, its rolling hills and vineyards eventually give way south to the Ligurian sea.

Piedmont has everything a traveler could want, from welcoming small towns, unique cuisine, and amazing wine, the most famous of which is Barolo, the King of wine.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Turin, the Imperial capital of Piedmont
• Bra – Birthplace of the Slow Food movement
• Barolo – Taste Barolo wine and local cuisine
• Alba – Home of the rare white truffle
• Asti – Much more than Spumante wine
• Biella – Famous wool town supplying the fashion capital of Milan
• The Sanctuary of Oropa
• Start your 290 km road trip in Turin , a large but walkable city with dozens of Savoy Royal Palaces to tour, loads of historical attractions, decadent chocolate, and the outstanding Egyptian Museum.
• Drive 74 km south of Turin to Monforte d’Alba , a hilltop town with many enotecas, restaurants, and historic sites. It’s a perfect base to explore the surrounding wine towns of Bra, Barolo, and Alba .
• Spend a day in Asti drinking the sweet Moscato wines for which the town is named, then head north to Biella , 125 km north of Asti.
• Biella is known for producing wool and exquisite cashmere, surrounded by rambling rivers and mountain scenery. Be sure and visit the Sanctuary of Oropa , one of the many sacred mountains in the region.
• Sixty kilometers north of Biella on the eastern shore of Lake Orta is the quaint medieval village of Orta San Giulio and a great place to end your road trip. Tour the Sacre Monte of Orta and Isola San Giulio just offshore. You can stay at the centrally located Hotel Rocco San Giulio and walk anywhere in town.

Travel to Piedmont in late Spring through Fall to avoid wintery road conditions.

Recommended by Lori Sorrentino – Travlinmad

Northern Italy’s lakes

• Recommended Duration : 10 days or more
• Distance : 700 Kilometres. Circular route starting and finishing in Milan.
• Destinations : Milan – Lake Garda – Lake Como -Lake Maggiore – Cannobio – Lake Orta

An easy circular route from Milan’s airport,  a road trip through northern Italy’s lakes  is a must-try bucket list experience. You’ll cover approximately 700 km in one week, though extending the itinerary to 10 days or more is easy.

• The first four days must be dedicated to Lake Garda , the largest lake in Italy. Boasting enchanting coastal towns and beautiful natural scenery, you’ll want to stay forever.

Focus each day on another part of the lake – visit the unique Lemon orchard of Limonaia del Castèl in Limone sul Garda, take a morning stroll around the turquoise Lake Tenno, roam the colorful Malcesine, enjoy wine tasting near Bardolino, climb the Scaligero Castle in Sirmione.

• Continue to the luxurious Lake Como for one day. Visit the picturesque towns of Varenna and Bellagio and the stunning Gardens of Villa Melzi.
• Next, spend a day on the lovely Lake Maggiore . Base yourself in the city of Stresa , and opt for a boat tour to the nearby Borromean Islands, one of the most beautiful islands in Italy . See the picture-perfect centuries-old villas and gardens still owned by the noble Borromeo family.
• Have a relaxed last day with a visit to the serene town of Cannobio and a final cup of coffee in the medieval Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta before returning the car to Milan.

Late spring or early fall are the ideal times for this road trip in terms of weather and crowds. Also, many attractions in the area are only open from April to October.

Recommended by Or – My Path in the World 

Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont. Bologna to Milan and Turin

• Recommended Duration : 7 -14 days
• Distance : 370 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Bologna – Modena – Parma – Milan – Turin

This fantastic road trip through historic Northern Italy is perfect if you want to taste some of the best ingredients and dishes produced in the country.

The entire distance of this Italian road trip itinerary is only 371 Kilometers, which means you will have plenty of time for small side adventures if you spread it out over two weeks. You could, of course, stay to the major stops and complete it comfortably in a week.

One thing is certain; there is no way you will finish this road trip hungry. You will wish you had just a bit more time to try just one more dish.

• The trip starts in Emilia Romagna, where you will make stops in Bologna, Modena, and Parma for a whirlwind culinary tour of the region. 

Some must-experience stops include learning how Parmigiano Reggiano is made in Parma and tasting 100-year-old Balsamic in Modena . 

Bologna is a highlight of the road trip, with historic sites like the Piazza Maggiore, its Renaissance buildings, the city’s incredible food scene, and charming cafes.

• From Emilia Romagna, head northwest toward the Lombardy region for a stop in Milan , the world’s fashion capital and home to the famous Risotto Milanese. 
• The road trip then continues to the city of Turin in the heart of the Piedmont region . You will want to take some time to go truffle hunting or take a day to taste some Barolo or Barbaresco.

The best time for a road trip through these regions is during truffle season in the late fall – you will experience fewer crowds and accommodation, and car rental prices are lower. It is also a great time of year for food festivals after the harvest season.

Recommended by Gabriel – Chef Travel Guide

Pisa to Genoa

• Recommended Duration : 2-7 days
• Distance : 330 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Pisa – La Spezia – Cinque Terre – Portofino – Genoa

One of Italy’s best coastal road trips is from Pisa to Genoa. This road trip starts in Pisa in the region of Tuscany, tracing the Ligurian Coast to the capital of Liguria, Genoa.

It is possible to complete this road trip in two days, with an overnight stop in one of the Cinque Terre Villages.

However, this itinerary would be lovely spread over a week, allowing for at least one night at each destination between Pisa and Genoa. We have a fantastic two-night Cinque Terre itinerary to help you plan extra time in the famous five villages.

• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and climb to the top
• Visit the Technical Naval Museum in La Spezia
• Enjoy the viewpoints and  Instagrammable places in Cinque Terre .
• Go to Castello Brown in Portofino
• Taste focaccia in Genoa
• On the first day, you’ll discover Pisa and the remarkable monuments in the so-called “Square of Miracles, including the iconic leaning tower.
• Head to La Spezia , the second largest city in Liguria and the gateway to the famous Five Villages. The pretty coastal city of La Spezia is also home to a major Italian naval base and the Technical Naval Museum.
• Head north to Cinque Terre to stay in one of the five villages for a night or two. Make sure you try tasty bruschetta at Nessun Dorma in Manarola and catch the sunset from one of the villages.
• Visit one of the prettiest fishing towns on the Italian Riviera, where the colorful village clusters around a small harbor. Since the late 19th century, Portofino has attracted European aristocracy and the celebrity jet set to its pristine shores, high-end restaurants, and glitzy boutiques. You never know who you might see in Portofino.
• You can spend an evening (or two) in Portofino or head directly to the final destination, the capital of Liguria, Genoa .

This road trip is best in the shoulder seasons to avoid summer traffic and crowds. However, if you plan to take advantage of the stunning coastal beaches, try for early or late summer. Avoid August if possible.

Recommended by: Dymphe Mensink – Dymabroad

Sanremo to Cinque Terre

• Recommended Duration : 3-5 days
• Distance : 260 Kilometres.

Embark on a memorable Italian road trip from Sanremo to Cinque Terre. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera as you drive along the Mediterranean Sea. This road trip itinerary can be completed in as little as 2-3 days or stretched over a week.

• Sanremo is a charming and animated town right next to the French border. It’s a perfect starting point for an Italian road trip after exploring the south of France . You will find good restaurants and bars to get a first taste of the culinary talent and kindness of the locals.
• Drive along the Ligurian Coast from Sanremo for two hours until you reach Genoa , the capital of Liguria. Spend the afternoon visiting the Royal Palace Museum, Piazza De Ferrari, or Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.
• For the second day of your road trip, head to the marvelous Portofino, less than one hour from Genoa. You will be mesmerized by the colorful waterfront houses that line the harbor of the beautiful coastal town.
• You can spend the rest of the day (or overnight) in Portofino or head to the world-famous cliff-side fishing villages of Cinque Terre . 
• You should spend at least two days in Cinque Terre to see it all. Explore each colorful village, from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore, making unforgettable holiday memories while savoring some of Italy’s best seafood dishes. 

Recommended by: Soline Le Page – On the Road Diary

Central Italy Road Trip Itineraries

Rome to pisa along the tyrrhenian coast.

• Distance : 350 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Rome – Cerveteri – Santa Severa Beach – The Tarot Garden – Argentario Peninsula – Elba Island – Pisa

A road trip along the Tyrrhenian Coast from Rome to Pisa is especially pleasant in summer. Traveling between the cities along the ancient consular road Aurelia allows you to discover beautiful beaches and small villages off the beaten path.

• Start in Rome, where the city’s historic center is dense with things to see. Aside from the main attractions – the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, there are wonderful piazzas, such as Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo, to explore.
• From Rome, head to Cerveteri . One of Rome’s most popular day trips , it is home to a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri—a fascinating city of the dead with thousands of tombs carved into the rock.
• Santa Severa Beach is the most beautiful beach near Rome. The beach is home to a well-preserved medieval castle and is washed by a clear sea.
• The Tarot Garden is a contemporary art park a few kilometers from the town of Capalbio . The park is home to 22 fascinating sculptures representing the tarot’s major arcana. The creator is French-American contemporary artist Niki De Saint-Phalle .
• Visit the peculiar Argentario Peninsula linked to the mainland by three narrow strips of land. The perimeter of the Argentario peninsula hides small bays bathed by crystal-clear sea, accessible by fairly steep walking paths. Cala Gesso is the most picturesque of these bays.
• Visit the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Elba Island . Take one of the regular ferries from the port of Piombino to explore the island’s unique and glorious beaches, such as Fetovaia Beach, and discover Elba’s rich history and the legacy of its most famous resident, Napolean Bonaparte.
• Finish in Pisa . The small city full of artistic treasures can be toured in a day. Its heart is the Piazza del Duomo, which houses the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery.

Tip: Pay attention to the speed limits along Aurelia road, as there are many speed cameras.

Recommended by Lisa –  Travel Connect Experience

Siena Region of Tuscany

• Recommended Duration : 2-3 days
• Distance : 70 Kilometres. Siena and Florence are the possible start and finishing points.
• Destinations : Montalcino – Pienza – Montepulciano – Cortona

One of the quintessential Italian experiences is a Tuscany road trip. The  Tuscan region of Siena  borders the province of Florence in the north, the province of Arezzo to the northeast, Umbria and Lazio to the south, and Pisa to the west. 

You can complete this road trip as a loop, starting and finishing in Siena. Or as this region is one of the most popular and accessible day trips from Florence , you could start or finish in Florence.

• You can start from either Siena or Florence.
• First, head for the tiny hilltop village of Montalcino , famous for its delicious Brunello wine. Visit the wine-tasting room in the fortress of Montalcino, where you can sample most of the local producers in one place. 
• Next, head to Pienza , the hilltop UNESCO-designated town, arriving through the sublime landscape of cypress trees and gently rolling hills. On the way, stop at Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia, a scenic viewpoint. Pienza, known for its Pecorino cheese, is a well-preserved Renaissance town that has remained untouched since the 15th century. Linger over a long meal at La Terrazza del Choistro or Osteria Sette di Vino. 
• Visit the pretty village of Montepulciano . Sip on some of the village’s finest wine in one of the cozy wine-tasting cellars dotted throughout the town.
• The last stop is Cortona , the town made famous by the book  Under the Tuscan Sun  by Francis Mayes and the subsequent movie. The town’s buildings span the 11th to 15 centuries.  Grab a gelato from the delicious Gelateria Snoopy and lose yourself in Cortona’s endless winding alleyways and epic views of the Tuscan countryside. 
• Return to either Siena or Florence.

For a relaxing road trip to this part of Tuscany, plan for 2 to 3 days and enjoy a lovely stay at  Siena House , a charming boutique B&B or explore some of Tuscany’s best wine hotels in the region.

Recommended by Renee – Dream Plan Experience 

Tuscany-Round Trip from Florence

• Recommended Duration : 7 days
• Distance : 471 Kilometres. Starting and finishing in Florence
• Destinations : Florence – Lucca – Pisa- Siena – Cortona – Arezzo – Val d’Orcia – Chianti

A road trip through one of Italy’s most famous regions, starting and finishing in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Florence.

Spring, summer, and fall are particularly beautiful in Tuscany. The hills will be green in the spring, and poppies will bloom in the countryside. In the summer, sunflower fields are a draw, and the golden, bare rolling hills look stunning after the autumn harvest. 

From a weather perspective, spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures, with fewer crowds than in the summer. 

Highlights of a  road trip through Tuscany  include:

• Charming hilltop towns that offer historical landmarks, local cuisine and culture, and charming ambiance.
• See the world-famous art in Florence.
• Wine tasting at some of the renowned wine-growing areas in the region, including Chianti and the Val d’Orcia.
• The opportunity to photograph one of the most picturesque regions in Italy, with its rolling hills, stately cypress rows, and picturesque farmhouses.
• Taste the region’s cuisine with its pasta, cheeses, meats, and the famous  ribollita  soup.
• Driving in a loop, you’ll start and end this Tuscany road trip in Florence. You can find our guide on what to do in Florence here .
• Head west of Florence to the city of Lucca , famous for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the cobbled maze of the historic city center.
• On to Pisa , a small city best known for its leaning tower in the Piazza del Duomo. The so-called “Square of Miracles” is a treasure trove of remarkable landmarks, including the cathedral, baptistery, and the  camposanto (cemetery).
• Make your way south toward the stunning medieval city of Siena to explore the city’s 17 historic districts that extend outward from the unique fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo. Visit Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and the 14th-century Torre del Mangia for sweeping views of the city.
• Continue on to the Val d’ Orcia region for stunning landscapes and local wine – Plan some tastings in Montepulciano and Montalcino in the Val d’Orcia, where you can also taste the local pecorino.
• Head east to visit Cortona . The walled hilltop town, one of Tuscany’s prettiest towns, is famous for its beautiful medieval center and the Etruscan museum.
• Continue on to Arezzo in the east, an elegant city with an easy-going atmosphere often bypassed by tourists . Yet, the beautiful city is rich with monuments, parks, archaeological remains, churches, and historic squares.
• Make your last stop in the famed wine region of Chianti just south of Florence before heading back to the city.

If you have more time, you can add many small picturesque towns along the route to your itinerary.

Make sure you book at least one stay at an agriturismo. They capture the region’s essence and allow you to appreciate the countryside.

Recommended by Dhara – It’s Not About the Miles

Chianti Region Tuscany

• Distance : 100-150 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Montefioralle – Monteriggioni – San Gimignano – Radda in Chianti

One of Italy’s finest short road trips is a 2-3 day drive around the Chianti region of Tuscany. Chianti is situated between the tourist hotbed of Florence and the stunning medieval city of Siena .

A road trip between the two cities through Chianti only covers about 100-150 km, but there are so many beautiful places to see along the way that you won’t want to cover more ground. 

A region of rolling hills covered in vineyards and stone masonry villas, Chianti is what many people think of when they imagine Tuscany.

Chianti is mostly known for its wine. The region produces some of the finest wines in the world, especially the local specialty Chianti Classico . Vineyards are scattered throughout the region, mixed in with fairy-tale Tuscan villages and ancient castles.

Plan your road trip to avoid the motorways. While driving the winding back roads, be sure to include the following towns and villages in your itinerary:

• Montefioralle
• Monteriggioni
• San Gimignano
• Radda in Chianti

Most importantly, stop by some of Italy’s best wineries. Just be sure there is a sober driver in the group, as the local wineries can be generous with the pours.

Some of the top picks for Chianti region wineries are:

• Castello di Verrazzano
• Pogglio Amorelli
• Azienda Agricola Campocorto
• Fattoria di Montemaggio

Be sure to contact the wineries before visiting to arrange tours or tastings. Most of the more popular wineries require reservations. For a true Tuscan experience, spend the night at a castle vineyard like Castello Vicchiomaggio . 

A road trip through Chianti will leave you longing for more time in the Tuscan hills.

Recommended by: Chris Heckmann – Around the World with Me

Val d’Orcia Tuscany

• Recommended Duration : 4-7 days
• Distance : 350 Kilometres Starting in Florence or Siena.
• Destinations : Florence or Siena – Pienza – Montepulciano – Monticchiello – Bagni San Filippo thermal baths

The charming  Val d’Orcia in Italy  is a true jewel of Tuscany and a fantastic Italian road trip destination.

Most start their tour in Florence (approximately 1.5 hrs from Val d’Orcia), but you can also start or finish in Sienna (approximately 1.20 hrs from Val d’Orcia). You can plan around 350 kilometers for the entire route and 4-7 days.

On a road trip through Val d’Orcia, you will discover Tuscany you only know from movies. Endless hilly landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints along the panoramic roads, and the typical cypress avenues conjure up a picture-perfect ambiance. 

The stunning landscape dotted with small medieval villages and Renaissance towns is considered so unique it was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014.

• Explore the numerous small, charming Renaissance villages, where you can stroll through medieval alleys and discover Tuscany from its most beautiful side.
• Pienza is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Make sure you try the local pecorino di Pienza cheese.
• The medieval walled town of San Quirico d’Orcia is considered one of the prettiest villages in Tuscany.
• Montepulciano . The stunning medieval hilltop town is a paradise for wine lovers. Make sure to try the delicious local red Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
• Montalcino is another beautiful town for wine lovers. The town’s vineyards produce some of Italy’s most famous and delicious wines, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino.
• The beautiful village of Monticchiello, with its famous winding road, becomes an open-air theatre in summer with performances by the local inhabitants.
• For the onward journey, it is best to choose the Strada Provinciale 146 between Pienza and San Quirico , considered one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the region with its numerous viewpoints.
• visit the Bagni San Filippo thermal baths – beautiful natural hot springs in a peaceful forest setting. The water is loaded with calcium, giving the water a milky blue/white color like milk, and leaves white calcium deposits on the rocks, creating a stunning setting to bathe in.

You will find lots of lovely agrotourism accommodations to stay overnight, which will add to the Tuscan experience. A road trip through Val d’Orcia is a wonderful mix of landscape, culture, and wine, which should not be missed on any trip to Tuscany.

Recommended by Martina – PlacesofJuma

Southern Italy Road Trip Itineraries

Puglia road trip.

• Distance : 580 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Bari – Manopoli and Polignano a Mare – Alberobello – Locorotondo – Ostuni – Lecce

A Puglia road trip is the best way to explore one of Italy’s most charming regions. The ideal time for this road trip is around seven days in spring, early summer, or early autumn.

Visiting Puglia, you can fly into one of two airports, Bari or Brindisi (in the South). Both airports have car rental options to begin your 580 km road trip around Puglia’s best sights.

Suggested Itinerary for Puglia

• It’s worthwhile beginning your Puglia road trip in the historic city of Bari , Puglia’s capital. Bari has beautiful architectural sights, including the Basilica San Nicolo and Bari Cathedral.
• From Bari, head to Manopoli and Polignano a Mare , where you will find the region’s best beaches.
• Head inland to see the famous trulli houses of Alberobello . The white cone-shaped houses of Alberobello are a recognized Unesco World Heritage Site.
• Locorotondo , a picture-perfect town (often missed by tourists), is a real treat. Visit during holidays such as Easter and Christmas when the locals adorn the town in traditional decor.
• The white city of Ostuni is a maze of white-washed buildings, sitting below a hill-topped citadel with ancient fortified walls.
• Before heading back to Bari, if your Puglia road trip itinerary allows, stop at Lecce , known as the ‘Florence of the South,’ with exquisite baroque architecture, including the Piazza del Duomo.
• It’s also worth stopping in Gallipoli : an old fishing village with a stunning port backed by ancient walls and pretty beaches.

Recommended by: Jasmine – The Life of a Social Butterfly

Calabria in the Toe of Italy’s Boot

• Recommended Duration : 7-9 days
• Distance : 153 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Costa degli Dei and Costa Viola – Pizzo – Zambrone – Marinella – Michelino – Tropea – Costa Viola – Bagnara Calabra

Often overlooked by visitors to Italy, Calabria is a fabulous region in Italy’s south. If the idea of visiting picturesque villages perched in the Pennine mountains, the glowing sun, and relaxing at the beach sounds like your type of road trip, Calabria is perfect.

If you find yourself in cities such as  Venice  or Rome, you can take an internal flight to Lamezia Terme Airport. Your road trip will start from here and ends in Scilla.

Taking between seven and nine days, you can drive 153 kilometers down the Costa degli Dei and Costa Viola.

• First, stop in Pizzo , where you can taste the delicious Tartufo (a gelato based dessert).
• Visit the beaches in Zambrone, Marinella, and Michelino, then the last stop along the Coast of the Gods, Tropea. The tourist town of Tropea is worth visiting for its lovely old city set on high cliffs overlooking the sea. Don’t miss trying the typical Calabrian pasta dish, Fileja alla Tropeana, when in Tropea.
• Continue towards the Costa Viola with Bagnara Calabra, known for its long stretch of sandy beach and Scilla.
• In Scilla , you can spend some time snorkeling in some of Italy’s most crystal clear waters and visit Chianalea , the charming fishing village. Make sure you try a swordfish sandwich in Scilla.

The best time of year to be in Calabria is in June or July, right before it gets too busy in August.

This Calabria road trip is an alternative way to explore the Tyrrhenian coast and includes popular places and lesser-known villages.

Recommended by: Maddalena Visentin – Venice Travel Tips

• Recommended Duration : 2 weeks
• Distance : 600 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Cagliari – Villasimius- Cala Goloritze – Gorrupu – Orgosolo – Cala Luna – Cala Brandinchi – Olbia – La Maddalena – Alghero – Bosa

A Mediterranean island road trip through Sardinia offers some of the world’s finest beaches, picturesque hikes, breathtaking natural beauty, and charming towns. 

A trip to Sardinia is an incredible Italian road trip experience.

A suggested 600 km, two-week itinerary would be to start in the capital city of Cagliari and end in Bosa. The best stops are Villasimius, Cala Goloritze, Gorrupu, Orgosolo, Cala Luna, Cala Brandinchi, Olbia, La Maddalena, and Alghero. 

• Once you have explored the capital Cagliari , drive along the coast to Villasimius , where you can enjoy the famous Sardinian beaches.
• Another must-see spot is Cala Goloritze , where a hike leads to one of the island’s most spectacular beaches with crystal-clear water.
• Gorropu , an impressive canyon, is a reminder that Sardinia has more to offer than just beaches. Inland villages such as Orgosolo , known for its street art and political graffiti, also provide a glimpse into the “real Sardinia.” 
• Another highlight includes the stunning La Maddalena Island . While there, visit Caprera Island, Cala Coticcio, the Garibaldi Museum, and Cala Napoletana.
• Finally, back on the mainland, visit the charming city of Alghero, Neptune’s Grotto, and the colorful town of Bosa. 

The best time for a road trip around Sardinia to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather is the shoulder season from May to June and September to October. It is still warm enough to go to the beach, but there are fewer crowds to battle – Sardinia is extremely busy in the summer months. See here for more tips on visiting Sardinia .

Recommended by: Rachel – Average Lives

Western Sicily

• Recommended Duration : 10-12 days
• Distance : 580 Kilometres. Starting and finishing in Palermo
• Destinations : Palermo – San Vito Lo Capo – Trapani – Marsala – Caltabellotta – Agrigento – Enna – the Parco delle Madonie.

Sicily is the ideal setting for an Italian road trip. This efficient itinerary starts and ends in Palermo and makes a tidy loop around the western part of the island.

We also have a 10 day Sicily road trip looping the entire island.

Covering both the coast and the lush interior, stops include San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani, Marsala, Caltabellotta, Agrigento, Enna, and the Parco delle Madonie.

This road trip covers a distance of approximately 580 km and requires a minimum of 10-12 days to complete.

The best time of year to explore this part of Italy is early autumn when temperatures are pleasant, the summer crowds have dissipated, and harvest festivities sweep through the vineyards.

• Embarking on a street food tour of Palermo
• Swimming and snorkeling at San Vito Lo Capo
• Exploring the salt flats near Trapani
• Shopping for traditional Sicilian souvenirs at the carpet ateliers in Erice
• Doing a fortified wine tasting in Marsala
• Getting lost in the ancient streets of Caltabellotta
• Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of the Temples
• Touring the incredible Cathedral of Enna
• Hiking in the Madonie Regional Natural Park
• After a few days in Sicily’s biggest city, pick up your car and depart Palermo . Follow the coastal road to San Vito Lo Capo, where gorgeous white-sand beaches and ultramarine waters await.
• Continue along the coast to Trapani , the ‘City of Salt and Sail’, to explore the crystal pans before continuing to Marsala , a picturesque city of honey-colored stone known for its fortified wines. For a unique experience, tour the cellars at Cantine Florio.
• Detour inland to spend a night in the tiny village of Caltabellotta before making your way down to Agrigento , the departure point for exploring one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites, the Valley of the Temples.
• Turning inland, make a quick stop in medieval Enna before spending a few nights on the fringe of Madonie Regional Natural Park , where you can enjoy the area’s hiking trails before returning to Palermo.

Recommended by Emily – Wander-Lush

Italy is such an incredible country to explore leisurely by road. With so many incredible and diverse experiences, it’s hard to choose just one Italy road trip itinerary.

The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip

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Road Trip Italy Planner & Itinerary

The gorgeous country of Italy is perfect for a road trip! Compact and with all the best bits in the middle, you’ll be blown away by the landscapes, architecture, and local food in this sublime country. Take a bucket list road trip to Italy and see it for yourself!

A road trip in Italy opens up the sweeping landscapes, historic cities, and some of the most picture-perfect seaside towns in Europe, like no other way to travel does.

This visually arresting country will have you stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way, you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like wine tastings, volcano trekking, exploring historic UNESCO sites, and the real Italian dolce vita !

In this Italy travel guide, you’ll find a list of all the top sights in Italy to visit on your road trip adventure, with Italy travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable Italian road trip itinerary.

Is this your first time visiting Italy? Get all the information you need in our Italy Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Italy

Fly into Milan Malpensa   Airport,  a good starting point for your roadtrip in Italy. With direct international flights from North America, the Middle East, Europe, and  UK , we recommend booking through  Skyscanner  for live deals and the best prices.

Alternatively, switch up the itinerary a little and start your Italy trip in beautiful Rome, the historic capital city. There are so many things to do in Rome , we recommend allowing a couple of days for your visit before heading off on your Italian road trip!

Driving to Italy from UK

If you’re planning to drive to  Italy from the U K, then you’ll find everything you need to know, including the best, fastest, and cheapest routes, as well as driving tips, in our UK to Italy driving guide .

Are you planning to rent a car in Italy? As one of the largest rental car aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites as your travel around Italy, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Driving in Italy

Lots of people will tell you that renting a car in Italy is madness, that driving through Italy is dangerous and the roads are dreadful.  

It is true that some routes can be challenging to drive in Italy, and in big cities, Italian drivers see it as a badge of honor not to give way. Isn’t that the same in most big cities nowadays though?

Don’t let your fears about traveling Italy by car put you off taking Italian road trips. Take your time and be prepared for the differences in driving styles and roads from back home when you follow our driving in Italy tips .

You’ll also find helpful information regarding driving requirements in Italy, such as international driving permits, age limits, and tips about renting a car in Italy .

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Italy . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Italy Itinerary & Map

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Italy
• The Rough Guide to Italy
• DK Eyewitness Italy
• Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Milan – Portofino – Cinque Terre – Pisa – San Gimignano – Siena – Montepulciano – Rome – Spoleto – Assisi – Florence – Bologna – Venice – Lake Garda

• Distance: 1670km
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Drive Time: 23 hours

How to use this Italy road trip map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Make your road trip across Italy flexible…

Italy road trip 1 week.

Fly into Pisa instead, skip San Gimignano, Spoleto and Montepuciano. Head home from Pisa once you’ve seen Florence.  

Italy Road Trip 2 Weeks

Skip Pisa, Spoleto, Venice and Lake Garda…these are tough choices, but you can always come back for a second trip.

Italy Road Trip 3 Weeks

You have enough time to complete our suggested itinerary, but you will be busy! You’ll have one day in most places, and up to 36 hours in Rome and Florence.

Italy Road Trip 4 Weeks

Enjoy the time and spend longer in Rome and Florence. Maybe add Arezzo and Verona to your itinerary or check out the Amalfi coast.

Want to print this itinerary? Download and print a text only version with no ads or images. Includes space for your trip planning notes and a packing list for Italy!

Italy Road Trip Route & Destinations

Milan is the best airport to fly in and out of for your perfect Italy road trip itinerary. As one of Italy’s major cities, Milan enjoys direct international flights from all the world’s continents, it’s accessible, has great car hire options and it’s a pretty kick-a** city to visit too!

If you didn’t already know,  Milan  is a global capital of design, and the famous Italian fashion brands that call the city their home deliver sleek and simple Italian style at every turn. Milan’s creativity and design flair are not a recent phenomenon though.

The city center has been at the forefront of the arts throughout history and this can be seen in the spectacular Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. 

If you fancy a bit of shopping in this city of designer boutiques and couture labels, then visit the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall, and unlike any other shopping mall you’ve visited before!

Stay at the Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport , the best of Milan’s airport hotels, and get the train or bus directly into the center of Milan. It will take around 30 minutes and cost €10-15. If you’re splashing out, get a cab for around €100.

If you decide to spend a night in Milan, save money, and delay your car rental pick-up until the following day, then hit the road for the best road trip route in Italy!

RELATED POST: Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Head south to Portofino, a gentrified fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline of the Ligurian Sea. Pastel-painted houses line the picturesque harbor, mixing effortlessly with stylish bijou stores, seafood restaurants, and cool bars.

The charming Piazzetta, a small cobbled square, overlooks the harbor of the coastal town, which is lined with super-yachts in the summer and more traditional craft in spring and autumn. 

Spend a day soaking up the atmosphere and people-watching. Grab a slice of delicious focaccia con il formaggio (focaccia with cheese) from nearby Recco and meander along the winding backstreets, whilst indulging in a bit of window shopping.  

Head to San Fruttuoso, a stretch of the Mediterranean coast which you can only get to by boat or on foot. Enjoy lunch at a cantina on one of the beautiful terraces, where we ate one of the best tomato salads we have ever experienced. 

Spend some time on the warm turquoise water in a kayak or on a paddle board; make sure to take a snorkel and mask with you too, as the water here is crystal clear.

Head back to dry land and enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants in the harbor, for a perfect end to your first full day in Italy.

• Where to Stay in Portofino

Upmarket: Splendido, A Belmond Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Piccolo Portofino – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Albergo Annabella, Santa Margherita Ligure – Booking.com | Agoda

Cinque Terre

You could easily spend a week or more in this wonderful national park, especially if you enjoy hiking, water sports, and outdoor activities.  Cinque Terre  is a group of five historic seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline and a real  bucket list destination .

Pretty and brightly colored houses cling to dramatic terraced streets, harbors are filled with traditional fishing boats bobbing on clear azure waters and trattorias serve up everything with homemade pesto (basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts), the traditional sauce of the region.

The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the five little towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. The trail offers incredible sea views and easy walking.

If you’re more of a water baby, see the Cinque Terre villages from a kayak, or take a boat trip and avoid the inevitable crowds in the towns.

Like driving the Amalfi Coast , going to Cinque Terre in a car can be challenging and you should read this  Cinque Terre guide  before you decide how to visit.

If you do decide to stay or park in Cinque Terre, head for delightful Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre towns, and start your amble along the hiking route from there. Otherwise, stay in La Spezia and get the early train the next morning to make the most of your day.

• Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Upmarket: Sesta Terra – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Ca’ D’Andrean – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Taverna del Metallo Rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Italy.

There’s  more than you think to do in Pisa , even though much of the town was sadly lost during the WW2 bombings. Head for the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) where you’ll find the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, the fine Romanesque duomo, Gothic baptistery, and  camposanto  (cemetery).

This beautiful quartet of creamy-colored historic buildings sits on an open and grassy area, enabling the infamous Instagram shots of people seemingly holding up the infamous tower.

If you’re on a deadline, the best way to enjoy Pisa is to take this excellent  two hour guided tour  of these important monuments, as you pass through on your way to the next stop.

• Where to Stay in Pisa

Upmarket: Palazzo Cini – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Di Stefano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel La Pace – Booking.com | Agoda

San Gimignano

As you approach this most archetypal of Tuscan hill villages, you’ll see its thirteen towers dominating the skyline.

Historically, this beautiful place was on the main pilgrim route from Northern Europe to Rome and the towers were built by merchants to show the world their power and wealth.   

San Gimignano is now beautifully preserved and perfect for an afternoon meandering the atmospheric narrow cobbled streets and piazzas of the historic center.

Make sure to visit the ancient Torre Grossa, the only one of the thirteen towers open to visitors.

Other must-sees are the stunning frescos in the 11th century Collegiate and the ornamental Rococo interior of Sant’ Agostino church. Otherwise, grab a gelato or a coffee and stroll to your heart’s content.

As with all Tuscan hill villages, if you’re in a motorhome or anything bigger than a car you will need to identify parking at sea level and walk up, or take public transportation – often provided by the municipality in the summer months.

When you leave San Gimignano, you’ll have time to make a quick stop to visit Monteriggioni , a fine example of a beautiful medieval walled castle and village.

RELATED POST: The Complete Guide to Touring Italy by Motorhome

• Where to Stay in San Gimignano  

Upmarket: Agriturismo Mormoraia – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Bel Soggiorno – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Relais Cappuccina – Booking.com | Agoda

Siena is gloriously Tuscan, its warm colors beckoning you into the medieval streets and towards the jewel in Siena’s crown, the famous Piazza del Campo.

The prettiest of  Tuscany’s must-see towns  is not only home to one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares but a wealth of stunning religious and civic buildings and a busy shopping area packed with interesting galleries and boutiques.

Any  visit to Siena  has to include the Piazza del Campo, an extraordinary site as you enter from Via di Citta to fully appreciate the symmetry, layout, and beauty of the square.

Lined with fine buildings that will grab your attention, don’t miss the tiny Fonte Gaia on the northern edge of the piazza, whose water is still supplied by a 500-year-old viaduct.

Take a  walking tour of Siena  and the Duomo to fully appreciate the city’s turbulent history and breathtaking architecture.

Stop for lunch at one of the many lively restaurants lining the streets around the main square and sample delicious Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup made with beans, vegetables, and bread, before heading off on one of the best drives in Italy.

• Where to Stay in Siena

Upmarket: Palazzetto Rosso – Art Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Athena – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Palazzo di Valli – Booking.com | Agoda

Val d’Orcia

Driving in Tuscany is one of the greatest pleasures as you road trip through Italy. As you leave Siena for Montepulciano, you’ll be motoring through some of Italy’s most iconic and stunning scenery.

Head south, setting your sat nav for the Val d’Orcia, and enjoy one of Europe’s best driving routes and Italy’s most scenic drive.

This journey will take you past small villages, vineyards, and olive groves, and you’ll pass row upon row of majestic cypress trees lining the roads and on the skyline. This is Tuscan countryside at its very best.

If you pick up the SP146 between San Quirico d’Orcia and Montepulciano, you might even spot the famous house from  the film ‘Gladiator’, some of which was shot in Tuscany .

Montepulciano

Famous for the classic, rustic wine of the same name, the gorgeous medieval town of Montepulciano is nestled into the chalky hills at the meeting point of the Val d’Orcia and the Vall di Chiana.

Surrounded by the classic Tuscan landscape of rolling green hills and golden fields dotted with cypress trees, this is your picture-perfect Tuscany road trip destination.

The old town itself is a masterpiece of cobbled streets, charming piazzas, restaurants, and gift shops which can easily draw you in for a deliciously pleasant afternoon and evening.  

Enjoy a meal of wild boar ragu, followed by local cheese and honey washed down with the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

The town is also one of the best spots in this itinerary for a  wine-tasting tour of a local vineyard , to understand the history and process of  making wine in Italy .

You cannot park within the town walls and need a permit to park in one of the numbered car parks on the outskirts, which your hotel will provide for you.

The car parks are around a ten to fifteen minute walk from the center of the town, so maybe pack a small bag for an overnight stay.

• Where to Stay in Montepulciano

Upmarket: Palazzo Carletti – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Il Rondò Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Albergo Duomo – Booking.com | Agoda

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The center of a vast empire and capital of the Christian world for centuries, Rome is full of the works of the artists and architects who gathered here to work for the Popes and their wealthy families.

This magnificent legacy has assured the eternal city’s position as one of the most important historical places in the world. Even if you just have one day, you should see the most important of Rome’s ancient architecture like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, and the slightly more modern historical sites like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

As you walk, you’ll take in a handful of light and airy piazzas, perfect for stopping and enjoying a coffee or ice cream as you people-watch.

Our Rome in one day itinerary has all the information you need to visit the city and get a real flavor of why Rome is a must-visit place in Italy.

RELATED POSTS: The Best of Rome in 36 Hours | Rome in a Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

If you have four weeks or longer for your driving tour of Italy, one of the best road trips from Rome is to head south for around three hours to the Amalfi Coast .

This stunning stretch of gravity-defying road from Sorrento to Salerno passes by the beautiful beaches of Positano, the romantic village of Ravello and authentic Vietri sul Mare, and is considered the best Italian coast road trip of them all.

The road south to the Amalfi Coast will also take you past Mount Vesuvius (one of Italy’s three live volcanoes – the others are Mount Etna on Sicily and Stromboli, its own small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea), and the magnificent Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Both Vesuvius and Pompeii can be seen in a day , meaning you could visit three major Italian attractions, adding just two extra days to your roadtrip Italy – be prepared for an early start from Rome though!

RELATED POST: Southern Italy Road Trip: Discover the Best 33 Places To Visit

Driving from Rome to Florence you’ll find Spoleto, often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbors but a true hidden gem.

Nestled in a beautiful wooded setting in Umbria, the town is famous for the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of the Two Worlds) held in June and July annually.

Outside of this time, tourists are welcomed, but not thick on the ground like they are in next-door Assisi.

Spoleto’s independent nature has allowed it to thrive and progress as a town in its own right, rather than a tourist hot spot.

Come to Spoleto to enjoy a slow day, sipping coffee in the square, taking the travelator (an experience in itself) up to the mighty fortress of La Rocca Albornoz, which dominates the skyline, and wandering around the many beautiful churches and religious buildings in the town. 

• Where to Stay in Spoleto

Upmarket: Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel dei Duchi – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Vecchio Forno – Booking.com | Agoda

The birth and final resting place of St Francis of Assisi, this beautiful medieval hill town, with its geranium-filled narrow streets, charming piazzas, and panoramic views is a must-see on your Italian road trip itinerary.

Wreathed in history and religion, the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco draws pilgrims and tourists from across the globe – think of  Italian novels  like ‘The Name of the Rose’ and you’re imagining Assisi.

Clinging to the side of a craggy outcrop and visible for miles, the Basilica dominates the town and surrounding landscape.  Spend the day wandering between here and Assisi’s main square, Piazza del Comune, where the Roman columns of the Templo di Minerva still stand.

There are many other religious buildings of note, a  walking tour with a private guide  will help you understand the importance and history of each.

• Where to Stay in Assisi

Upmarket: Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Le Silve di Armenzano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Cladan – Booking.com | Agoda

If you’re all eaten and drunk out at this stage, consider giving Bologna (the stop after Florence) a miss and heading up the east coast of Italy from Assisi, before cutting back inland to Florence.

This route takes in the best of Le Marche, a remote corner full of beautiful scenery that is sandwiched between the Apennines and the Adriatic.

The coast is home to a number of seaside resort towns with long sandy beaches and the stunning Conero Peninsula, which makes a welcome relief from the almost uninterrupted beach which dominates the coastline.

Inland are lots of beautiful and historic towns, less visited and the better for it. For a real punch of medieval architecture, check out Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, the highlights of the region.

Whilst you’re there, pop into San Marino, said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic and the fifth smallest country in the world!

Florence is a vast and graceful monument to the Renaissance, the period of cultural and artistic rebirth following the Middle Ages. Many famous artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli contributed to Florence’s heritage, making it one of the artistic capitals of the world. 

Historic Florence is compact and walkable and could be seen in a day if you’re ruthless in your selections.

Better to spend two days here and visit the must-sees of the exceptional Duomo, the stunning Palazzo Vecchio, the sublime Uffizi Gallery, and the ancient church of Santa Croce.

Across the River Arno, via the Ponte Vecchio, lies the vast and imposing Pitti Palace and the Santa Spirito church.

Book everything in advance, whether that’s tickets, tours, or guides; this city never sheds itself of tourists, all clamoring to see the same things as you!  

RELATED POST: One Day in Florence – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Florence

Upmarket: Hotel Spadai – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Soprarno Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Perseo – Booking.com | Agoda

One of the best medieval cities in Italy and the foodie capital of Emilia-Romagna (and possibly the whole of Italy) Bologna will surprise and delight you. Follow our self-guided foodie walking tour of Bologna to sample the best food and architecture the city has to offer. 

If you have time, pop across to Modena to sample the famous Balsamic vinegar made there, and then Parma for the ham of the same name.

RELATED POST: Self-Guided Food Tour of Bologna

• Where to Stay in Bologna

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: PHI Hotel Al Cappello Rosso – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Social Hub Bologna – Booking.com | Agoda

Ahh, Venice. This unique city has survived against all the odds; built on a series of mud banks, and in the tidal waters of the Adriatic, Venice regularly floods.

Despite this, little of the essential fabric and infrastructure of Venice has changed in 200 years, and more than 20 million visitors a year fall in love with the beguiling city of water.

Trying to see Venice in a day will not do it justice, and leave you feeling frustrated. If that’s all you have, either come back another time or take a  private full day trip  so you can be whisked around and see all the best bits, without getting lost.

Whenever you visit and whether you choose to see the religious and historic buildings, the famous glass island of Murano, the lace-making island of Burano, and haunting Torcello, or take a gondola along the Grand Canal, Venice will be crowded.

Park at Garage San Marco Venezia , (book well in advance) a five minute walk from the hotel. There is no free parking in or around Venice, expect to pay at least €25 per 24-hour period.

RELATED POST: One Day in Venice – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Venice

Upmarket: Sina Centurian Palace – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Palazzo Veneziano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Saturnia & International – Booking.com | Agoda

Lake Garda is your final stop before heading back to Milan to drop off your hire car.  Lake Garda, the most well-known and largest of the beautiful Italian lakes , borders three regions; Trentino, Lombardy, and the Veneto.

The further north along the lake you go, the more dramatic the landscapes become, as you head towards the snowcapped Alps of the South Tyrol.

There are  many beautiful towns around Lake Garda , all offering opportunities for water sports, hiking, and relaxing at the end of your epic road trip around Italy.  

Our pick is Bardolino on the east shore, a lively town with easy access to the lake and lots going on, as well as spectacular sunsets over Lake Garda to end your day.

From Bardolino, it’s a few hour’s drive to Milan Airport, perhaps via Lake Iseo, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore if you have a few extra days to explore.

• Where to Stay in Lake Garda

Upmarket: LLAC Living Nature Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Resort Casino di Caccia – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel La Terrazzina – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or get inspiration from our favorite European road trips .

Italian Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for trips to Italy.

• Search for affordable flights to Italy with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Italy with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Italy with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Italy with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

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Ultimate 1 Week Road Trip Itinerary For Italy

The hard part’s done; you’ve decided you want to go to Italy and you’ve decided that you’d like to see this by road. Okay, perhaps that’s not the hard part but still, making those decisions is a pretty great start.

Now, let us take things from there for you and share our 1-week road trip itinerary for Italy. Just remember, our trip was really busy (as we wanted it to be). So, don’t try and squeeze everything we did; pick and choose the elements you like and have a chilled trip with plenty of relaxation time, too.

First – where to fly in and out of?

Arrive in Milan and leave Naples . Why?

They’re both major airports which offer a wide range of flight options so this oughta give you a lot more choice and help you keep your flight costs a lot lower than travelling to a less popular airport.

You can also flip things around by flying into Naples, doing the route in reverse and leaving from Milan. 🙂

How to get around

You’ve got two options.

a.) You can go the bog-standard way and rent a car (or perhaps even a Vespa). Nothing wrong with that.

b.) You can hire a rickshaw and ride this across the country. It’s slower than a car (much slower), more convenient than a Vespa and easily a more exciting way to see the country than the other choices.

Where to stay

Agriturismo all the way! 🙂

These places tend to be family-run farms offering you a true sense of Italian life. You might need to brush up on your Italian (it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a new life-skill) but to be honest, it’s by no means necessary.

Here are a few examples of what Agriturismos are like – this farmhouse in Cinque Terre , an eclectic Florentine villa , this hill-top gem in the Amalfi Coast .

THE ITALIAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

1.) Fly into Milan . Pick up the car/Vespa/rickshaw and spend some time exploring the city.

2.) Stop for lunch in Piacenza .

3.) Stop in on Parma.

4.) If you’ve got time to spare, pop into Reggio Emilia (alas we didn’t have much time to do this one as we left Milan far too late).

5.) Drive to Cinque Terre where you’ll be staying for the night.

1.) Explore Cinque Terre ‘s 5 towns – Monterosso al Mare , Vernazza , Manarola , Corniglia and Riomaggiore (check out our complete guide to Cinque Terre for when you visit ).

2.) Stop off in Pisa for lunch (the pizzas here are pretty great).

4.) Watch the sunset in San Miniato .

3.) Drive into Florence . Have dinner in  Bucca Mario (you’re welcome 😉 ).

1.) See all the sights in Florence (or as much as you can get through).

2.) Head over to San Gimignano (you’ll understand why when you’re there).

3.) Take in the amazing view from  Civitella in Val di Chiana .

4.) Stop in Montepulciano for lunch (and if you’re a Twilight fan, see if you can spot some of the filming locations here).

5.) Spend a night in Orvieto .

1.) Have a chilled breakfast in Orvieto (let’s face it, you deserve at least one late morning, right?)

2.) Visit the ancient city of Viterbo. This is probably a great spot to stop for lunch.

3.) Head over to Rome . Leave some time to explore Rome before and after sunset.

1.) Catch up on the sights you didn’t see in Rome the night before.

2.) Pop into Frascati. This is also a great place for whoever isn’t doing the driving to try some Frascati wine. (Drivers, you’ll have to wait till you’re not on driving duty to sample the delicious wine from this region).

3.) Have a beach day in Terracina .

4.) Spend the night in Naples

1.) Explore more of Naples after breakfast

2.) Explore the ancient city of Pompeii .

3.) Head for the Amalfi Coast. Positano is the place to be here.

4.) Spend all day in Positano. Or head out on a drive of more of the Amalfi coast . Choice is entirely yours.

1.) See more of the Amalfi coast. Relax here until a few hours before it’s time to leave. (The drive to Naples is about 1.5 hours).

2.) Drop your ride off in Naples and head for the airport with a promise to back again soon to do this trip all over again.

Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit

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Ultimate Italy Road Trip (North & South)

Planning an Italy road trip? Here are itinerary ideas for Northern and Southern Italy, plus maps, route planner, best places to visit and more!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE road trip planner to help you keep everything organised.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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Italy Road Trip

Italy has an interesting reputation when it comes to road trips. It’s infamous for crazy drivers doing reckless things on tiny roads… and those stories aren’t entirely inaccurate.

Driving in Italy CAN be challenging. There are indeed crazy drivers who refuse to give way. There are some difficult routes and roads can be poorly maintained, especially in the south of Italy.

BUT, before you give up the idea of an Italian road trip completely, it’s one of our favourite countries in Europe to drive around. The weather is often wonderful (MUCH better than the UK), the people are welcoming (unless they’re driving and refusing to give way!) and the food involves pasta, pizza and copious amounts of ice cream. Seriously, what’s not to love.

It doesn’t matter whether you are travelling Italy by car, motorhoming or campervanning in Italy or exploring by bike- there’s plenty here for you to start planning your perfect Italy road trip. We’ve provided road trip itineraries, places to visit and more to help you have an amazing adventure.

Ultimate Italy road trip Planner

Don’t forget to grab your FREE road trip planner- this helpful guide will allow you to make notes on the places you want to visit in Italy and keep it all organised so you can remember it all.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

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Planning a driving holiday in Italy

Italian road trip basics.

Some quick tips for driving in Italy:

• Italy drives on the right
• Motorways are GREEN, dual carriageways are blue (opposite to the UK and much of Europe)
• The maximum speed for private vehicles under 3.5t is 130kph (81mph) on motorways but speed limits are lower for cars towing caravans and for motorhomes over 3.5t in weight.
• When on two-lane motorways, dipped headlights must be used.
• If driving through towns and villages, only use the horn in an emergency.
• Buses and trams have right of way.
• Seatbelts are compulsory
• In-car speed camera detectors and motorhome sat-nav systems warning of the presence of radars are illegal (whether they’re in use or not!)
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use a hands-free unit.
• Minor traffic offences can result in on-the-spot fines.
• UK driving licences are perfectly acceptable to use and you probably won’t need an IDP (find out the changes made to driving in Europe after BREXIT )
• You will need a green card to prove you have insurance cover when travelling in Italy.

Speed limits in Italy

Speed Limits are as follows for cars and vehicles under 3.5t (unless otherwise signed!)

• 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways
• 110km/hr (30mph) on major roads
• 90 km/h (50 mph) on minor roads (out of town)
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas

In rain or snow conditions, the limit is lowered to 110 k/h on motorways and 90 k/h on trunk roads- this WILL NOT be signposted- you’re expected to know it

Fuel Stations in Italy

Fuel prices are comparable to France. and slightly cheaper than the UK. Buy fuel anywhere apart from on the main roads- it’ll be cheaper.

There is a ‘two-tier’ payment system in Italy. A cheaper option if you fill yourself (self-service), and a more expensive rate if you get a forecourt attendant to do it for you. There’s often a symbol of a man with a pump, but ‘con servicio’ or servizio for service and ‘self’ for self-service.

Many stations close overnight and on Sundays. Chiuso means closed in Italian and Aperto means open.

Petrol (Unleaded) is Benzina senza piombo/ “Benzina verde”. It’s also called Normale (95) or Speciale (98) and will be green handles at the pump.

Diesel is Gasolio / Diesel and will be black or yellow at the pump.

Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?

GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. Contains eBook, checklists and more. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit

CHECKLIST: Don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Low Emission Zones and ZTL’s in Italy

Many major cities and towns are trying to reduce pollution levels by restricting vehicles into the centre. This is a ‘Zone Traffico Limitato’ or ZTL. Most ZTLs are for residents only, so if you drive into a ZTL you will receive a fine through the post. Also, NO rented vehicles are allowed in a ZTL at any time.

Low Emission Zones are becoming more common throughout Europe. If you do decide to drive into a city with no ZTL, check if there is an LEZ or congestion charge to pay. Alternatively, park outside the city and use public transport to access the centre.

Hiring a vehicle for your Italy Road Trip

If you don’t want to drive or are planning to fly in, you can hire a car or campervan for your Italy road trip. If you’re flying into Italy, you’ll need to pick an airport near the area you want to explore. Then you’ll need to find a hire company with a base near there and plan how to get from the airport to the campervan.

If you’re driving and then hiring, make sure the hire company has somewhere secure to park your car whilst you’re off touring around Italy.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Driving in Italy- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Best time of year to do an Italian Road Trip

As with all European road trips , WHEN is almost as important as WHERE.

We’ve enjoyed several road trips in Italy, both in a car and in our motorhome. We’ve visited in every season- and when you go definitely does make a difference.

Italy Road Trips in Spring

Spring is a great time to road trip in Italy. The later you leave it, the better the weather will be. Try and avoid Easter if you can- many places are closed for religious reasons, but it also gets busy as schools are on holiday.

Italian roadtrips in Summer

Summer is crowded pretty much everywhere in Italy. Although the weather is generally great, having to queue for major attractions in the heat can make you wilt. Also, many hotels and campsites book up months in advance.

Roadtripping Italy in Autumn

This is our favourite time to road trip around Italy. We toured the Dolomites in early October and the weather was perfect. See all our favourite places in Europe in Autumn

Italy road trips in Winter

Don’t dismiss Italy in Winter – there’s still plenty to do. Northern Italy does get cold and there’s snow in winter, so you’ll want to make sure you have proper heating in your camper or motorhome.

Obviously, the further south you go the warmer it will be. Sicily is where the Italians go to escape the chilly temperatures in the north, so that can be busy. Of course, if you want to go skiing with your motorhome, stay in the Dolomites and enjoy some of the best slopes in Europe.

Snow continues in Northern Italy all the way through until March. We did a tour from Rome to Florence (via Pisa) in February and there was still snow on the ground, it was freezing cold, but the lack of people was wonderful- we practically had some of the museums and popular sites to ourselves! If that’s too cold for you, here are the warmest places in Europe in February .

Italy Road Trip Route ideas

If you have the time, there are countless places and routes you could take in Italy. To help, we’ve separated the country into regions and sections for you, as well as giving the best places to visit in each area.

Road trip to Italy from UK- route planner

If you’re driving to Italy from the UK, you need to allow at least one day to reach the Italian border. There are several routes you can take.

If you’re planning a road trip through France to Italy, we’ve put together some of the best driving routes for motorhomes, campers, caravans and cars (complete with estimated toll charges)

Tolls in Italy

Italy doesn’t have a vignette- it has tolls (pedaggio). You collect a ticket at the machine as you enter the road system and pay (either a person or machine) at the end in cash or on a card. Tolls are generally more expensive than Spain but cheaper than in France.

You can use a tollpass/ telepass (like e-Movis) or you can pay-as-you-go by cash or card (we always recommend carrying some cash- just in case!) Signs indicate the means of payment accepted on each lane.

You can calculate the toll cost of your intended route here

Italy Road Trip- How long to spend touring Italy

Italy road trip one week.

It is possible to do an Italy road trip if you only have a week for your holiday. However, you will need to plan your trip carefully to make sure you get the most out of it. For only one week in Italy, we recommend staying in Northern Italy (unless of course you’re flying in and then renting a vehicle)

If possible, going for at least 10 days will allow you to see much more, and be able to relax and enjoy it.

Italy Road trip 10-14 days (two weeks)

Obviously, the longer you have, the more you can see. As a guide, we’d suggest two weeks for road tripping around Northern Italy, and 10-14 days for Southern Italy.

Driving from North to South Italy

If you’re desperate to see as much of the country (and eat as many of the different regional Italian dishes ) as possible, it takes about 12 hours (1160km) to drive from Milan in the North to Catanzaro in the South- according to Google maps. Personally, I think this is VERY optimistic and you should allow at least 2 days driving.

For the purposes of this guide, we’re calling Northern Italy anything from Rome north, and Southern Italy anything south of Rome.

New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:

See all our Europe motorhoming posts here

NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it

Northern Italy road trip

There are some spectacular places in Northern Italy to explore by road. In fact, we prefer Northern Italy to Southern Italy- but that’s mainly because we love the mountains. Here are some ideas for your road trip.

Northern Italy Road Trip highlights and best places to visit

Some of our favourite places in Northern Italy include:

• Gran Paradiso
• Cinque Terre, Portofino and Portovenere
• The Italian Lakes (especially Lake Garda)
• The Dolomites

Stelvio Pass

Northern italy bucket list map.

Here’s a map of some of the places mentioned on our Northern Italy road trip itinerary, so you can find them easily.

You can find out more about each area below.

Italy North West Coast road trip

If you’re driving into Italy, especially if you’re driving from the UK, many people find themselves arriving in the North West- from France or Switzerland. If you are going motorhoming in Switzerland , remember you may need more than a vignette.

This is the perfect introduction to Italy. There are national parks, beautiful villages, amazing coastline and dramatic mountains. It can include Gran Paradiso National Park, Cinque Terre, Portofino and Portovenere, La Spezia and down into Tuscany.

Gran Paradiso National Park

The Gran Paradiso National Park was one of the first National Parks to be created in Italy and is popular for skiing, wildlife watching and hiking. 

Only 20% of the park is forest- the rest is scrubland, mountains or grassland, so if you want to see wildlife the forests are a great place to head to. You might even see the famous Ibex and Chamois.

The highest point is Gran Paradiso mountain, which stands at 4061m but there are plenty of other mountains and valleys to explore. There are many hiking trails and walks- and several guidebooks you can buy to stay on track. 

How long to stay in Gran Paradiso

You can get a taste of the park in a day, but if you’d like to do any hikes or see more of the highlights, stay in the area for at least 2 or 3 days.

Where to stay in Gran Paradiso?

If you’re in a campervan, be careful as wild camping is forbidden in National Parks, but there are plenty of campsites and Sostas around.

If you’re touring Italy by car or bike, here are some wonderful accommodation options for you .

We love the Bellevue Hotel and Spa – friendly, relaxing and right near the glacier.

Highlights of a road trip in Gran Paradiso National Park

Some of the best things to do in Gran Paradiso include:

• See Gran Paradiso- the highest mountain
• Drive the Colle de Nivolet- scenic mountain pass
• See the views at Serru Lake
• Drive Col Ferret- mountain pass
• Cascate di Lillaz- 3-tier waterfall

Cinque Terre and Portovenere

Cinque Terre is one of the most famous regions in Italy- and for good reason! It’s a series of 5 beautiful villages, all carved into the incredible coastal cliffs of north-west Italy. 

Cinque Terre literally translates to “five lands”, which are the 5 villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore . It has been designated a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portofino is just outside the Cinque Terre protected zone, but is well worth a visit too.

Driving into Cinque Terre

NOTE: Do NOT try and drive into Cinque Terre, even with a car and ESPECIALLY not with a motorhome or campervan. The roads are tiny and not easy for tourists, plus there’s little to no parking. Some hotels in the area do offer parking- if you’re driving to one of them try to avoid arriving at peak times, so the roads will be quieter.

Alternatively, find somewhere safe to park your vehicle for a couple of nights (such as in La Spezia) and leave it there whilst you enjoy a stay at a hotel in the middle of one of the prettiest places in Italy.

How long to stay in Cinque Terre

We did Cinque Terre in one day and it is possible, but it was a LOT of walking. Staying for 2 days is better- 3 if you want to see Portofino as well.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre?

If you want to leave your vehicle safely somewhere and stay in the heart of Cinque Terre, you won’t beat the views from Il Sogno di Manarola by The First

See all Cinque Terre hotels and deals here

Highlights of Cinque Terre

Some of the best things to do in the area include:

• Enjoy the sandy beach at Monterosso
• Walking the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza
• Exploring Vernazza Harbour and Castle Doria
• Riomaggiore
• See the sunset at Manarola

Portovenere

Portovenere is further south along the coast. Whilst not technically a part of Cinque Terre, Portovenere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town looks like something from a fairytale and is well worth a stop on your itinerary.

If you visit in August, you’ll find the Madonna Bianca Festival when hundreds, if not thousands, of Roman torches are lit at night. Also, each Monday there is a market in the town centre. 

Italian Lakes Road Trip

The Italian Lakes are like a warmer version of the UK Lake District- with more pizza instead of scones. They’re all pretty, but our favourite lakes are Maggiore and Garda.

How long to visit the Italian Lakes for?

We stayed for a week and only really explored Lake Garda and Maggiore properly. So you can easily spend two weeks in the area and still find things to do. Of course, you can just spend a day or two here and get a taste.

Where to stay in the Italian Lakes

There are plenty of incredible hotels, BnBs and campsites around the Italian Lakes (many with lake views!). One of our favourites is Hotel Spiaggia d’Oro Boutique Hotel , with an incredible pool AND views across the lake.

See all options and current deals for Lake Garda accommodation

Highlights in the Italian lakes

Some of our favourite places in the lakes include:

• Sirmione on Lake Garda. This picturesque town dates back to Roman times. The fortress is 12th century and is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy . You can book a tour around the inside if you wish- the views down the lake are even better higher up.
• Grotte di Catullo- ruins of a Roman Villa built over 2000 years ago! Get here as early as you can because it’s a huge tourist attraction and by mid-morning it will be very crowded. 
• If you are road tripping Italy in a car or motorbike (or want to rent one for the day), don’t miss the Strada Della Forra Gorge road on the west side of Garda- it’s spectacular. The road is literally carved into a gorge and it’s so steep and narrow that only cars and motorbikes are allowed up it. The tunnels through the gorge are so low that you couldn’t drive through in anything bigger than a large car- I think even a 4×4 might be too big! 
• If you like heights, there’s a zipwire near Lake Maggiore which has been on my bucket list for a while!

Milan to Lake Como Road Trip

This Italian Road Trip was driven by Jamie from Travel Addict

The drive between Milan and Lake Como is only 1.5 hours, but don’t rush north without taking a short break to Monza. This utterly charming Italian village is the halfway point between Milan and Lake Como. Most of the ancient buildings date all the way back to the 1400s, but the town is currently best known as a Formula 1 racing circuit

You can drive around the loop of Lake Como, or take a ferry tour. The most popular towns on the lake are Como and Bellagio, for good reason. Some of the smaller towns have their own unique charm – Varenna, Lenno, Tremezzo and Menaggio to name a few worth visiting. And no drive on the lake is complete without a stop at one of the famous villas, such as Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta.

TOP TIP: The roads are doable with a motorhome, but some of them are VERY small, so try to go early in the morning or well out of peak season.

Afterwards, head west to Lake Maggiore for more of Italy’s lake region, or East to the incredibly beautiful city of Bergamo to extend your journey a few extra days. Bergamo has a rich and long history, incredible architecture that spans a hillside, and a wonderfully authentic vibe.

If you’re feeling brave on your Italian road trip, head north from the lakes and drive the Stelvio Pass.

The Stelvio Pass is a high mountain pass carved into the Italian Alps. It has a series of 48 hairpin turns and rises to an elevation of 2,756m (9,045ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest paved roads in Europe.

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views are phenomenal.

TOP TIP: Drive Stelvio Pass early in the morning- before the crowds arrive and the road becomes even more crazy!

(And yes, it looks a lot like Trollstigen Road in Norway !)

Dolomites Road Trip

The Dolomites are one of the most breathtaking mountain regions in Europe. The incredible rock formations, combined with the beautiful lakes, valleys and incredible roads make this one of the best road trip destinations ANYWHERE, not just in Italy.

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are in Northern Italy, about an hour north of Lake Garda.

Venice to Bolzano (the start of the Great Dolomites Road) will take you about 2 and a half hours (the distance is 267km)

Milan to Bolzano is about 3 and a half hours (the distance is 278km)

How long to spend in the Dolomites?

We spent 4 days roadtripping around the Dolomites and feel like we barely scratched the surface. If you want to just drive and see the scenery, 2 or 3 days will give you a taste. If you want to hike and enjoy the outdoors, you need at least 5-7 (and still will want to go back!)

See our full Dolomites road trip itinerary

Highlights of a Dolomites Road Trip

Some of our favourite places in the Dolomites include:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo (seriously, if you are doing an Italy road trip in a motorhome or campervan, you HAVE to stay up here for at least one night (we stayed for 2)
• Driving the Great Dolomites Road – this was magic and Lake Carezza is on it too.
• Lago di Braies
• Val di Funes
• Via Ferrata

Where to stay in the Dolomites

If you’re exploring the Dolomites by motorhome or camper, there are some wonderful campsites and aires with breathtaking views. Don’t miss a chance to stay at the top of Tre Cime di Lavaredo- it’s incredible.

If you’re not in a motorhome or camper, base yourself at one of these fabulous locations (many with views of the Dolomites!)

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world- there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe . Avoid in high summer- it’s just too crowded to see anything.

You can’t go road tripping in Italy (especially Northern Italy) and NOT make a stop to see Venice. This incredible city has canals, history, stunning views- and it is utterly unsuitable for vehicles.

If you’re exploring Europe in February, don’t miss the Venice Carnival – it will be crazy busy but spectacular!

When is the best time to visit Venice?

We highly recommend visiting out of high season. Our favourite time to visit Venice is after summer- in fact, it’s one of the best places to see in Europe in October.

But no matter what time of year you go, do NOT try and drive into the city, especially with a motorhome or camper.

Where to stay in Venice

If you want to stay in the heart of Venice, the St Regis Venice has the most incredible views.

See all ideas and deals for Venice Hotels

East Coast Italy Road Trip

The east coast of Italy (The Adriatic Coast) has much to recommend it. You can actually drive from Venice to San Marino in about 3 hours, but the prettier route is using the coast roads and taking your time.

Where to go on the East coast of Italy

Some of the best places to visit on the Italian Adriatic Coast include:

• Trieste: up near the Slovenian border
• Comacchio: Don’t miss the Trepponti fortified bridge
• Po Delta Natural Park: UNESCO World Heritage site protecting around 54,000 hectares and many species of local flora and fauna
• Cesenatico: Don’t miss the Porto Canale, which runs through the historic city centre, or the Maritime Museum which houses several vintage boats.
• Rimini: can be crowded, but out of season is well worth a visit. Don’t miss Tiberio Bridge- the historic Roman bridge crossing the Marecchia River or the former fishing district of Borgo San Giuliano which now has colourful houses and a great atmosphere.
• San Marino- one of the oldest and smallest countries in the world!

San Marino is actually a totally different country. It’s totally surrounded by Italy, but is independent. San Marino is one of the oldest and smallest countries in the world- only 23sq miles and is mostly one city.

It was founded on September 3rd, 301. The people who live in San Marino are not “Italians” – they are referred to as Sammarinese. They are very proud of their independence from Italy.

NOTE: San Marino is not part of the European Union although they do use the euro as currency.

Spend at least a day enjoying San Marino. There are castles, museums and towers to explore- you won’t get to them all in a day!

Recommended by Pamela from the Directionally Challenged Traveler

Tuscany Road Trip Planner

This Tuscan Road Trip itinerary was driven by Martina and Jürgen from Places of Juma

There are many highlights of a Tuscany road trip- the landscapes, the historic towns and the pretty stone villages. Tuscany is also famous for art and delicious cuisine. The infro-structure isn’t bad in most places, and it’s not too crowded, except in high summer.

Some of the best places to see in Tuscany include:

• Siena- famous for the Piazza del Campo
• Arezzo- the antique market is legendary
• Val d’Orcia- UNESCO world Heritage and fabulous views
• Montalcino- famous for its for its Brunello di Montalcino wine

How long to spend in Tuscany

Plan at least a few days to explore Tuscany. Many people spend 2 weeks just in this area along!

Where to stay in Tuscany

There are many lovely agritourism accommodations all over the place, so you can stay at vineyards, farms or local producers for the night if you want to taste their produce. There are also plenty of hotels and BnBs in the region- here are some wonderful ideas for you.

If you’re looking for a beautiful city in Italy, you need to head to Florence. This picturesque city is famous for the culture, renaissance art, architecture and monuments. It’s full of art galleries and museums including the famous Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti. 

The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are plenty of churches, cathedrals- including the world-famous Duomo and idyllic streets to explore, as well as plenty of upmarket shops and unique boutiques to discover. 

As well as the galleries mentioned above, you should also visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, which contains the incredible marble sculptures by Michelangelo and others, notably David and Prisoners, Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines and Botticelli’s Madonna and Child and Madonna of the Sea.

Another must-see is the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most historic bridges in Florence. As well as being picturesque, shops line each side of the bridge, including jewellers, artisans and souvenir shops. 

Where to stay in Florence

If you are visiting Florence while campervanning in Italy, there are plenty of great campsites near the city but if you’d like to stay in the centre, head for the Laurus Al Duomo hotel and be awestruck at the views.

See all ideas and deals for Florence Hotels

Rome is the capital of Italy and the most visited tourist destination- and for good reason. We’ve been to Rome many times and never get tired of the history, the ancient sites, the architecture or the incredible views.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

We highly recommend visiting out of season. Rome is always busy and always open, so no worries about missing the best parts. In fact, Rome is one of the best cities in Europe to visit in Winter.

Having said that, our favourite time to visit Rome is in October, when the colours of the changing leaves look AMAZING against the backdrop of the city.

How long to visit Rome for?

If you’ve never been to Rome before, stay at least 3-4 days. There’s so much to see, and if you don’t plan enough time, you’ll miss out.

TOP TIP: Don’t drive into Rome- use public transport.

Where to stay in Rome

There are several campsites on the outskirts of Rome, where you could leave your camper. If you’re in a car, or here are some great deals on hotels for any budget.

If you’d like a central location, the Otivm Hotel has incredible views and is right in the heart of the city.

Southern Italy Road Trip

So, you’ve made it to Rome and want to keep heading south? Ok, let’s talk about Southern Italy road trips.

You’ll notice a difference in southern Italy in terms of road quality, and also in how many service points and fuel stations there are- so make sure to make use of them when you find them.

It takes about 2 and a half hours to drive from Rome to Naples. The A3/E45 autostrada is the fastest route and is fine for motorhomes/ campers. From Naples, you can start exploring the famous Amalfi coastline and other historical areas, like Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

Be careful- parts of the Amalfi Coast route are unsuitable for motorhomes and campers.

Highlights and best places to visit on a Southern Italy Road Trip

Some of our favourite places to visit in Southern Italy include:

• The Amalfi Coast
• Pompeii and Herculaneun
• Puglia and Alberobello
• Cilento National Park and Paestum -the ancient Temple ruins
• Sassi di Matera (Caves of Mattera)

Southern Italy Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of some of the best places to visit in Southern Italy. See below for more details on each.

Personally, we didn’t rate Naples at all, but we didn’t go into the city centre, which is apparently much nicer than the outskirts. Still, it is the home of Pizza, so I feel we need to return and give it a chance.

Pompeii and Herculaneam

Pompeii is the famous Roman city which was buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. It’s incredible to be able to walk the streets and see shops, temples, houses and even the local brothel! There’s a great motorhome campsite just across the street, Camping Spartacus

If you get chance, be sure to visit Herculaneum, which is closer to Naples than Pompeii, but much less well-known and therefore less touristy.

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

The Amalfi coast is one of the iconic Italy road trips. Be warned, some of the route from Sorrento to Salerno is impossible with a motorhome or camper, so you won’t be able to drive the entire thing unless you have a bike or scooter with you!

Larger than many  towns on the Amalfi Coast , but warm and full of character, Sorrento is fun. The old town is absolutely delightful and has a great choice of restaurants. As the sunsets, relax with a glass of Limoncello, the local lemon liqueur. There are often street musicians on the promenade overlooking the sea.

TOP TIP: Be sure to get chips from the ‘Queens Chips’- often voted the best in the area.

Agerola & Positano

Agerola is the beginning of the ten-km hike called Path of the Gods. The views are stunning and at Vallone Porto, near Positano, a tumbling waterfall and canyon, mark the end of the walk. Positano is an amazing town, built vertically on a rocky precipice.

Amalfi and Ravello

These are two of the larger towns. Amalfi has the Duomo di Amalfi with its mosaics in yellow and green and there are a number of boat trips to enjoy or the chance to slow the tempo and simply relax on the beach.

Ravello’s treasures include two stunning medieval palaces with amazing views of the bay far below.

The last stop on the route is Capri. Take a boat trip to the grottos, or a cable car from the harbour up to the town with its snazzy boutiques and romantic restaurants. 

This Italy road trip itinerary was driven by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate

Cilento Region Road Trip

Cilento is one of the undiscovered gems in Southern Italy. For some reason, it’s not as famous as the other regions- which makes exploring it even better, as it’s generally quieter.

There’s a national park here, which is wonderful to explore, but the two highlights for me are the INCREDIBLE beaches- and the Paestum ruins.

Paestum Ruins

Paestum used to be an ancient Greek city and is now famous for the ruins of thre ancient Greek temples, dating from about 550 to 450 BC, which are in a surprisingly good state. The walls and amphitheatre are largely intact, and the bottom of the walls of many other structures remain, as well as paved roads. The site is open to the public, and is well worth a visit.

Honestly, much of the coastline of the Cilento region looks similar to this, but this town is a great place to stop for a night or two on your Southern Italy road trip. Thre’s not a huge beach, but the water in unbelievably clear and wonderful to swim in.

Puglia- the heel of the boot!

Puglia is on the Adriatic coast in the south east of Italy and offers a wonderful mix of crystal clear sea and ancient history.

Some of the highlights include:

• Bari, the Capital of Puglia
• Polignano a Mare
• Alberobello- with the cone-shaped houses
• Lecce and Otranto
• The Cave of Poetry!

Puglia Road Trip itinerary

This Italy Road Trip idea was suggested by Ophelie from Limitless Secrets

You can easily spend one week exploring Puglia as there are many beautiful spots to visit! Start your Puglia road trip in Bari, the capital of Puglia.

Bari has an interesting Old Town that you might want to visit before taking to the road. Then head to Polignano a Mare, about a 30-minute drive away, which is a great place to enjoy the beach and some spectacular coastline views as it perched on top of cliffs.

The next stop is Monopoli, just 15 minutes down the coast. In this charming town you can wander in the Old Town- the Old Port is especially picturesque. 

After that, head inland to the beautiful town of Alberobello- famous for its trulli (cone-shaped) houses. It really does look like something out of a storybook. Alberobello is only 25 minutes from Monopoli.

Then head west to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage built on the side of the Matera Gravine and full of caves (Sassi) which are amazing to visit.

Head south for 2 hours and visit Lecce- famous for the beautiful baroque architecture. If you want more beautiful coastline views, surprising rock formations and natural pools, be sure to visit the Cave of Poetry (Grotta Della Poesia), which is a natural swimming pool in Roca Vecchia village, just 30-minute drive east of Lecce.

Lastly, don’t miss Otranto. It doesn’t look much on the map, but the sea here is one of the clearest azure we’ve ever seen!

Where to stay in Puglia?

The best places to eat and stay in Puglia are the agriturismo: these are farms designed to also receive guests (for food or for accommodation). You will find plenty to choose from! 

Sardinia- another Italy Road Trip idea

This Italy road trip itinerary was suggested by Rachel of Average Lives

If you’ve explored enough of the Italian mainland, you can extend your Italy road trip to one of the islands nearby, such as Sardinia.

Sardinia is full of beautiful beaches, historic castles, and delicious food. You can enjoy. aroad trip in North Sardinia , from Olbia to Alghero, which will take around five days to a week, depending on your travel style.

Start by exploring the quaint streets and markets of the city of Olbia. After hop on an affordable ferry (with your car) to the nearby Archipelago of La Maddalena. In La Maddalena town, head to I Vittelloni for trendy vibes and the best aperitivo. Over the next couple of days, explore Caprera Island and visit Cala Coticcio, the Garibaldi Museum, and Cala Napoletana. You won’t want to leave, but you must follow the coast to Santa Teresa Di Gallura. First, eat breakfast, have a coffee, and then spend your day exploring the colourful streets, the Spanish Tower and watch the sunset at the nearby hippie village – Valle Della Luna.

The next morning visit Li Cossi for a swim in the emerald water before spending the evening in the medieval village of Castelsardo. After you have finished exploring, make your way towards Alghero and stop to cast your eyes on the ‘Elephant Rock’ and then enjoy the Catalan-style town. In Alghero, you can see sensational beaches and take a trip to Grotte Di Nettuno in Capo Caccia’s cliffs. Most importantly, you will have finished one of the most beautiful road trips in Italy and won’t want to leave the idyllic island.

How to get to Sardinia from Italy

It’s easy to reach the island by car or motorhome from mainland Italy because you can catch a ferry from Genoa to Olbia. Be warned- this ferry can be expensive, so book well in advance if you can, especially in the summer when it gets booked up quickly.

Other posts you might find useful:

• How to plan a Europe Road Trip
• Essential Kit you need to drive in Europe (with checklist)
• Unmissable Europe road trip ideas
• 15 essential tips for Europe road trips

See all our Italy road trip posts

See all our Europe road trip posts and tips

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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The Perfect One Week Italy Itinerary

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One Week Italy Itinerary

Do you only have enough time for one week in Italy? Here’s the perfect one-week Italy itinerary to help you maximize your time and see the highlights of this beautiful country!

Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It has something for everyone: art, culture, history, and of course, FOOD.

Even if you only have one week, you can cover a lot of ground thanks to easy train travel in Italy.

This is very similar to the itinerary I followed on my first trip to Italy, and it’s a great introduction to all this country has to offer.

Related : If you have more time for your trip, check out my recommended two-week Italy itinerary .

Day 1: Arrive in Venice

Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport to start your one-week Italian adventure.

Take a private water taxi (an expensive option but totally worth the unique experience) or public water bus (a cheap option) into Venice.

Venice is an incredible city (the prettiest in Italy) built around more than 100 small islands connected by over 400 canals and bridges. There are no cars or roads, and the only way to get around is on foot or by boat!

What to do on your first day in Venice:

• Walk to St. Mark’s Square, trying not to get lost in the maze of canals and bridges (although, if you have time, getting lost in Venice is highly encouraged )
• Visit the Doge Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Click here to your tickets online in advance because the lines get up to two hours long!
• Go to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile for a breathtaking view. You can buy tickets to the bell tower in advance here .
• Splash out for a gondola ride, or take a shorter ride for just two euros

Where to stay in Venice:

Hotel: I highly recommend the Grand Hotel Palazzo Dei Dogi . This gorgeous hotel is in a less touristy area of Venice and provides a free water taxi to St. Mark’s Square.

Where to Eat in Venice:

Whenever you stop for a meal in Venice, try to find a place away from St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal for better food and lower prices.

Related:  More amazing things to do in Venice .

Day 2: Venice

What to do on your second day in Venice:

• Visit the island of Murano, home of the famous Murano glass.
• Visit the extremely colorful island of Burano.
• Check out other famous museums in Venice, like the Gallerie dell’Accademia or the Museo Correr for art and history.
• Spend some time wandering around and getting lost in the canals.

🚤 Tip: I recommend this boat tour of the islands of Murano and Burano , which includes a Murano glass-blowing demonstration at an artisan’s workshop.

Related:  Essential Venice Travel Tips (accordind to a Local) .

Day 3: Venice to Florence

This morning, pack up and head to Florence!

Florence was the heart of the Renaissance in Italy and it’s known for its incredible art and food.

How to go to Florence from Venice

By train: You can book a train ticket in advance to take you from Venice to Florence, which is about a two-hour journey.

By car: You can also rent a car . It’s a two and half hour’s drive with normal traffic. What I liked about driving in Italy was being able to stop in different little towns along the way.

🚘 Tip: If you decide to rent a car, I always use Discover Cars in Europe. They have great rates and excellent customer service.

Where to stay in Florence

Hotel: I recommend The Westin Excelsior, Florence hotel . It’s in a great location not too far from Ponte Vecchio.

What to do on your first day in Florence:

• See the famous David sculpture by Michelangelo at Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze.
• Check out famous Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery — there is an unbelievable number of famous works by famous artists there.
• Admire the beautiful Duomo cathedral with its magnificent Renaissance dome.

Florence is always full of tourists, and they all want to see two things: the famous David sculpture by Michelangelo and The Birth of Venus painting by Sandro Botticelli.

And the only way to see both without wasting your entire day standing in insanely long lines is to buy tickets in advance and, preferably, book a tour that gets you in via the priority access door, typically reserved for guided tours.

🎨 Tip: This Uffizi, David, and Accademia tour with a professional guide will get you in and out of those two places in only three hours. And trust me, it’s worth the money! Just be sure to book the tour way in advance because it does sell out!

But of course, Brunelleschi’s Duomo of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is Florence’s main architectural attraction.

The Duomo is the highest point in Florence, and the view from up there is worth the 463-step climb to the top! Buy your ticket to the Cathedral with the Duomo climb in advance here to avoid lines and reserve your spot.

Day 4: Florence

What to do on your second day in florence:.

• Cross the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge filled with all kinds of shops and vendors.
• Admire Florence’s open-air works of art.
• Visit the beautiful Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.
• Watch the sunset over the Tuscan hills from the breathtaking views of the Piazzale Michelangelo with a panoramic view of Florence.

The Medici were a very wealthy Florence family of bankers (and three popes…) that loved art and commissioned so many works of art that they practically funded the Renaissance!

So much so that the Medici Mile, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a higher concentration of monuments and open-air works of art than anywhere else in the world!

🌳 Tip: Book this walking tour of The Medici Mile with priority entrance to Boboli Gardens .

Where to eat in Florence

Florence is known as one of the best food cities in Italy, and it will not be hard for you to taste why!

Like in Venice, wander away from the main tourist streets to find the best restaurants and the best gelato that Florence has to offer!

No eating on the streets!

Keep in mind that, in an effort to reduce littering and prevent congestion caused by hoards of hungry tourists, the city of Florence banned eating out on the streets of the historic district back in 2018.

The ban is still in effect and you can get fines of up to €500 for chomping down a slice of pizza on the sidewalk! Thankfully, it only applies only on the most popular streets—Via de’ Neri, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Piazza del Grano, and Via della Ninna—during peak meal times from noon-3pm and 6-10pm.

Related: What Not to Do in Italy (Mistakes Tourists Make)

Day 5: Florence to Rome

On your fifth day in Italy, it’s time to leave Florence and head to Rome!

Rome is one of the most interesting historic cities in the world, with incredible ruins and a long, fascinating history.

How to go from Florence to Rome

By Train: Your journey only takes about an hour and a half by train.

By Car: It’s about a 3-hour drive through the country or a 4-hour drive through the coast. Rent a car with Discover Cars — you will not regret your choice to drive. Both routes are beautiful!

Where to stay in Rome

Hotel: The Palazzo Naiadi is an elegant hotel close to the train station and within walking distance of many of Rome’s most popular sights.

What to do in Rome on your first day

• Visit the Colosseum, then head over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ruins to see what life used to be like for the Romans.
• Throw a coin into the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)—legend has it that if you do this, it means you will return to Rome one day. (Fingers crossed!)
• Head inside the Pantheon to admire its beautiful interior and cool down on a hot day!
• Sit on the Spanish Steps to rest your feet and do some people-watching.

🏛 Tip: Book your tickets and tour ahead of time to skip the line! This tour gives you fast access to the Colosseum and includes a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill .

Day 6: Rome and the Vatican

What to do in rome on your second day.

• Tour the Vatican City Museum and see the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
• Admire the grandeur of Saint Peter’s Basilica’s facade and the splendor of its interior.
• Spend some time exploring the hip Trastevere neighborhood and have dinner there.

Rome is a huge city packed with historic sights, so after a jam-packed first day, you may want to take it easy on the second day and enjoy the ambiance of the Eternal City.

Having said that, the Vatican is one of the busiest places I’ve ever visited—head there early and, you guessed it, buy tickets in advance! Also, get a tour that includes entrance to the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s basilica—otherwise, you’ll need to face two separate lines.

✝️ Tip: Buy this early entrance, skip-the-line, small group tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica . The early entrance tour is more expensive, but trust me on this: you’ll be in before the crowds and out early enough to enjoy the rest of your day in Rome.

Day 7: Depart Rome

On your final day in Italy, wake up early and spend some more time walking around Rome again.

The Colosseum and nearby ruins are especially beautiful early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Finally, depart Rome Fiumcino Airport as your one-week Italian adventure comes to an end!

✈️ Tip: The airport is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Rome, and it can take 30 minutes to 1 hour to get there, depending on the time of day and traffic. If you don’t have a rental car , it can get expensive to get a cab. So, here’s a reliable transfer to the airport as an option . It’s a clean and air-conditioned bus that leaves from Rome Termini railway station.

Italy Packing Essentials

I wrote a whole blog on what to pack for Italy , but here are some commonly forgotten Italy packing essentials for your trip:

• European outlet adapter — I like this one because it also comes with two USB ports, so you can charge things like your phone or iPad without having to use the plug.
• Portable cellphone charger — charge your phone fully up to two and a half times. It comes in handy on those long days of exploration!
• Travel scarf with a hidden pocket — a stylish way to carry your valuables like credit cards, cash, passport, etc, while protecting them from pickpockets.
• Reusable water bottle — it’s eco-friendly and saves you money on bottled water – Italy’s water is some of the cleanest in the world!
• Travel-sized wrinkle release spray — to make your clothes look perfect even if you don’t have an iron or steamer wherever you’re staying!

Where to next?

One week in Italy may seem short, but if you plan ahead, you can experience some of the best highlights of the country. This one-week itinerary includes three of Italy’s most famous and popular destinations and is perfect for anyone visiting the country for the first time.

Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history, or food—or all of the above— Italy has you covered!

Italy is one of my favorite destinations in Europe. And I promise you that after one week there, you’ll be dying to return—so don’t forget to throw a coin in the Fontana Trevi!

🩷 Want more Italy travel tips? Check out my travel guide to Italy .

I hope you enjoyed this one-week Italy itinerary! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

7 Phenomenal Italy Road Trip Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

There’s a lot to love about taking an Italy road trip, from admiring beautiful countryside views along the open road during the day to stopping at whatever hilltop village or seaside vista looks lovely, to spending evenings in small countryside inns or perhaps even a Tuscan farmhouse.

This guide will show you where to find the best road trips in Italy to help make those dreams a reality, while also providing plenty of practical advice along the way.

It’s no secret that Italy is one of our absolute favorite countries to explore, nor that we have taken more road trips in Italy than in any other country that isn’t our own–but at the same time, we fully believe that most popular, first-time-in-Italy itineraries are not best experienced as a road trip.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

While traveling in Italy is absolutely amazing, most of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations–Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, and Milan, just to name a few–are not well suited to an Italy road trip. 

On the contrary, if you ask us, a rental car is more of a liability than an asset in every single one of those destinations!

But that being said, there are some truly phenomenal road trips in Italy that are easily among the best in the world.

If you’re looking to plan an Italy road trip, here’s what–and where–we recommend.

Table of Contents

Is a Road Trip in Italy Right for You?

Renting a car for your road trip, the best italy road trip destinations, italy road trip tips.

Italy is home to some fantastic road trips, but whether or not a road trip is right for you depends a lot on both your personal travel style and what your dream trip to Italy looks like.

If you decide a road trip isn’t right for you, we highly recommend checking out some of our more classic Italy itineraries instead– this 2 week itinerary is a great introduction to the country, and this one week guide is packed full of Italy trip ideas!

An Italy road trip might be the right choice for you if…

… you’re hoping to focus on small towns and countryside destinations..

As I mentioned above, Italy’s biggest cities, while absolutely fantastic places to visit, are not well-suited for road trips.

If your dream Italy trip looks something like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre, you’re bound to have an amazing time–and you definitely shouldn’t experience it as a road trip.

This 2 week itinerary will get you started on your planning, though!

… you’re not intimidated by driving in a foreign country.

While driving in Italy is far from impossible, it does have an intimidating reputation for a reason: if you’re not a regular driver and/or are not confident behind the wheel, you may want to reconsider driving in Italy, or at the very least, be very careful to choose an easier road trip destination.

… you want to maintain maximum flexibility.

Want to duck into roadside cafes, randomly detour to check out a small town you spotted on the map, and wake up each morning unsure of what adventures it will hold?

If so, an Italy road trip might be the right vacation for you! 

… you’re willing to trade a few logistical challenges for a chance to get off the beaten path.

From finding the right parking spot to keeping an eye out for toll booths to getting lost along the way, taking a road trip in Italy definitely comes with its own set of challenges–but if that sounds like a worthy trade for an open-ended adventure and a chance to see a side of Italy that most of its visitors don’t, then it’s absolutely worth it.

For most people, of course, taking an Italy road trip will require renting a car.

We’ll cover some tips and tricks for renting a car later in this blog post, but here’s the short version: we recommend renting a small car in Italy through Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

We’ve rented a car in Italy more times than we can count, and we’ve used a different rental car company almost every time: the variations in prices depending on time of year, availability, and rental inclusions will vary dramatically, and you’ll want to make sure you arrange for the best combination of price and inclusions before arriving to start your road trip in Italy.

Check rates & book your rental car with  Discover Cars  today!

The Italy road trips outlined here aren’t just destinations that are doable as road trips–they’re destinations ideally experienced as one!

The freedom of the open road, beauty of the countryside, and delights of traveling Italy independently are all easily felt on these sublime Italy road trips.

Arguably the most classic Italy road trip of them all, the idyllic Tuscan countryside lives up to expectations!

From the beautiful hilltop villages to the seemingly endless rows of grapevines and olive trees, from the delights of Tuscan hot springs to the majestic beauty of Brunelleschi’s Dome erupting from the center of Florence’s skyline, the reality of Tuscany definitely lives up to the legend.

Consider starting your road trip from Florence (though you won’t need to pick up your rental car until you’re ready to leave the region’s capital), and visiting charming Lucca , stunning Siena, and famous Pisa along the way.

Of course, since half the fun of a road trip is going where the trains can’t easily reach, you’ll want to mix in even smaller towns as well– Volterra , Cortona, Montepulciano , and San Gimignano are all excellent options.

Be sure to visit the famous Val d’Orcia for those classic Tuscan views, and if you’ve ever wanted to stay in an Italian villa or at a vineyard, a Tuscany road trip is definitely an excellent opportunity to do so!

You can check out our full guide to taking a Tuscany road trip here .

Suggested Road Trip Length

A roughly 10-day road trip, plus a couple of days spent in Florence at the beginning and/or end of the trip, will provide an excellent overview of Tuscany while still leaving plenty of stones left unturned that will have you already dreaming of your next trip back by the time you say goodbye.

However, Tuscany is also well-suited for a mini road trip, so if you only have 3 days or so to spare, you can still get a delightful taste of Italy by car!

The Amalfi Coast

Despite being a mere 43 miles long, the dramatically curving road along the Amalfi Coast just may be the most famous–and challenging–Italy road trip of them all!

There’s no denying that the views of the Amalfi Coast along the drive are absolutely sublime and deserve their status as one of the most picturesque places on the planet.

From the shimmering sea visible far beyond the opulent villas of Ravello to the colorful houses climbing improbably up the cliff in Positano, the Amalfi Coast is positively packed with beauty at every turn.

Road tripping the Amalfi Coast has distinct advantages over a more traditional visit, including a chance to escape the crowds, discover offbeat vistas and coves, explore lesser-visited villages, and find (comparatively) inexpensive lodging by staying outside of the most popular towns.

On the flip side, though, the driving is intense: an Amalfi Coast road trip will take you along a very narrow road, perched on a very steep cliff, and demand that you repeatedly navigate around gigantic tour buses that have very little patience with cars clogging up the road–in other words, it’s quite challenging!

If you are a confident driver, there’s no reason to skip it–the Amalfi Coast truly is home to one of the most scenic road trips in Italy–but if you aren’t comfortable behind the wheel, it may be best to pick a different road trip (or simply visit the Amalfi Coast without driving, which is very doable!).

While you can easily drive the Amalfi Coast itself in less than a day, we recommend spending roughly 3-5 days in the area. 

You won’t necessarily want (or need) to change accommodation each day, but you can take incredible day trips via car each day along the Amalfi Coast.

If you’d like, you could also add on a (long) day trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and/or Mount Vesuvius by car as well!

The Great Dolomites Road

The Great Dolomites Road–in Italian, the Grande Strada della Dolomiti–runs from Bolzano in South Tyrol to Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto, offering positively jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites along the way.

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind mountain vistas, sweeping valleys, epic lakes , and charming villages that leave you a bit uncertain as to whether you’re actually in Italy at all or if you accidentally wandered into Austria, then this is the Italian road trip for you.

Be sure to leave plenty of time in your road trip itinerary to stop and check out Carezza Lake and the vistas along the Passo Pordoi!

Although not technically part of the route, nearby popular stops in the Dolomites include Sella Pass and Passo Gardena, and you can easily expand your Italy road trip to include the ever-popular Seceda and Val di Funes as well.

While summer is the most popular time for a Dolomites road trip, if you’re visiting in September or October, you can enjoy not only the grape harvest but also memorable local events like Almabtrieb .

The Great Dolomites Road can easily be driven in a day, but we recommend taking your time and soaking up the views–this isn’t a region you’ll want to rush through.

For the bulk of your time in the Dolomites, you can easily base yourself in either Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo (both offer excellent nearby mountain hikes and villages to explore as part of your trip to the Dolomites), but you can also choose to spend part of your time at one of the countryside hotels that exist along this Italy road trip.

The largest island in the Mediterranean has long been a source of mystery and intrigue: loomed over by the enormous Mount Etna and covered in the scattered remnants of a half-dozen empires, from the Ancient Greeks to the Byzantines to the Moors to the Normans and beyond, Sicily an intensely beautiful and historically fascinating island, and easily one of the best places for an Italy road trip!

While exploring Sicily, be sure to visit the incredible Mount Etna, take in the views from Taormina, enjoy the phenomenal beach towns (we’re partial to Cefalu, but there are plenty to choose from!), admire the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, and check out the incredibly well-preserved Greek ruins at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples.

And, of course, I have to acknowledge that if driving in Italy has a reputation for being challenging, Sicily has a reputation for being home to the most challenging driving of all. 

Our opinion is only one among many, but I will say that after driving all over Europe and Italy both, we didn’t find the driving in Sicily to be significantly different.

We have lots of region-specific driving tips in our detailed Sicily road trip guide .

Roughly 10 days to 2 weeks in Sicily will give you a chance to hit up most of the island’s highlights, but you’ll need to move quickly!

If you have 5 days or less in Sicily, we recommend concentrating on only one portion of the island–the east coast, from Taormina to Syracuse, with a possible detour over to the Val di Noto, is a great option.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is often overlooked in favor of Tuscany when it comes to planning a road trip in Italy, but Tuscany’s less-famous next-door neighbor also makes for an incredible road trip destination!

The region is the original home of many of the most beloved foods of Italian cuisine, including Parmigiano-Reggiano , tagliatelle al ragu (what’s known outside of Italy as spaghetti bolognese), mortadella (also known as bologna), and traditional (and decadent) balsamic vinegar, just to name a few!

A road trip in Emilia-Romagna will mean a chance to explore each of these cuisines in their natural settings.

In addition to the region’s capital city of Bologna , Parma and Modena should both be on your radar, as well as unique features of the region like Ravenna’s 1500-year-old mosaics and Rimini’s laid-back beaches.

Visiting Emilia-Romagna via car also provides an opportunity to visit a unique destination that’s technically not even in Italy at all!

T he stunningly beautiful country of San Marino is entirely surrounded by Italy and is easily accessible as part of a road trip in Emilia-Romagna.

A week-long road trip in Emilia-Romagna can cover a lot of what makes the region special.

If possible, we highly recommend adding a couple of days in Bologna, the capital of the region, to one end of your road trip!

The Lakes of Northern Italy

Northern Italy is positively packed with stunning Alpine lakes that are a delight to visit, and a northern Italy road trip is the perfect way to experience them!

Most lake-focused Italy road trips focus on some combination of the large and beautiful lakes of Como, Garda, and Maggiore, mixing in stops and lakeside small towns, along beautiful hiking trails, and sometimes in nearby cities like gorgeous Verona.

By visiting this part of Italy by car, you’ll be able to avoid crowds of day-trippers at hotspots like Bellagio, instead concentrating your days on harder-to-reach corners while saving the most popular places for the beautiful (and less crowded) evenings.

If you’d like to visit all three lakes, possibly mixing in lesser-known spots like Lake Iseo along the way, we recommend setting aside 7-10 days for this Italy road trip.

However, if you’d like a taste of exploring Italy’s beautiful lakes by car but only have a couple of days to spare, you could also have a fantastic trip by narrowing in on just one lake.

If you’d like to significantly extend this trip, you could head west to the beautiful (and comparatively less touristy) northwestern corner of Italy to explore Piedmont (its major city, Turin , is beautiful but off the beaten path), or even into France!

In the southeast corner of Italy–or, more colloquially, in the heel of Italy’s boot–sits the region of Puglia, a beautiful place laden with white-washed Italian beach towns , craggy cliffs, unique architecture, tasty seafood, and plenty of sunshine.

If you’d like to get off the beaten path on your Italy road trip while focusing on the sun and sea, Puglia is the perfect place to land: while it has a growing tourism scene and is popular with Europeans, Puglia is still a bit under-the-radar for those of us coming from further afield, and it feels miles apart from the crowds of, say, the Amalfi Coast.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the unique trulli houses of Alberobello (these unique cone-shaped buildings can be found throughout the region, but are most highly concentrated in this village), the stunning beach at Polignano al Mare, and the gorgeous villages of Ostuni and Otranto .

Though not technically in Puglia, as it’s located in the region of Basilicata to the west, the ancient hilltop city of Matera definitely belongs on any Puglia road trip itinerary !

You can see the biggest highlights of Puglia in under a week, but as a destination that is more about ambiance than sightseeing, you can also easily extend it–especially if you’d like to include several beach days as part of your road trip in Italy.

Consider picking a base or two and traveling from there.

Just because you’re on a road trip doesn’t mean you need to move hotels every day!

Some of our favorite road trip experiences in Italy have been renting a villa in Tuscany for a week with family and then driving throughout the region to different nearby destinations each day.

Take advantage of agriturismos and rental homes during your Italy road trip.

Part of the joy of taking a road trip in Italy is experiencing the countryside–so take advantage of it!

Agriturismos–essentially Italian farms that operate as small inn-and-restaurant combos in the countryside–are incredibly fun to experience, and there is no shortage to the number of hotels and villa rentals available.

Not only can you often find better prices than in the cities, waking up in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Italian countryside without another soul in sight is definitely a bucket-list-worthy experience.

Stick to 1-2 regions at a time.

Driving large swaths of Italy may be tempting when looking at a map, but large, sterile highways pretty much look the same wherever you go–that’s not where you’ll find the best Italy road trip experiences.

By narrowing your focus and sticking to a smaller geographic region, you’ll end spending far less time looking out the window at generic highways and far more time discovering the quiet corners that make traveling in Italy so very special.

Don’t feel like your Italy road trip has to last the length of your vacation.

Want to take a Tuscany road trip, but also to spend some time in Florence? Want to cruise the Amalfi Coast, but also spend several days in Rome? 

No worries–that’s actually an incredibly fun way to structure a trip!

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you need to pick up a rental car at the airport the second you land: there are rental agencies all over Italy’s cities and towns, and there’s no reason you can’t spend part of your vacation on a road trip in Italy and another part focused on its incredible cities.

Make sure you have access to a GPS for your Italy road trip.

This is absolutely imperative, in our opinion, and can make the difference between an extremely stressful road trip and a fairly laid-back one.

Whether you purchase an international cell phone plan through your carrier before leaving for Tuscany or you purchase an Italian SIM card on the ground, you’ll 100% want to make sure you have cell phone data–and therefore GPS–with you as you drive.

Buy the extra insurance–you won’t regret it.

Ultimately, this is up to you–I know some people prefer not to buy additional CDW insurance (aka the insurance that covers damages to the actual car you’re driving, as opposed to your liability to anyone else) on trips–but we buy it every. single. time. when driving in Italy and have no regrets.

I don’t want to overstate things, because driving in Italy isn’t exactly like driving in the Wild West–but let’s just say that the roads are often tiny, the buildings very close, the parking lots cramped, and the other tourists’ rental cars parked nearby are frequently scratched and dinged in a way that while not horrendously damaging, is definitely something a car rental company would love to charge you for if it happened on your watch.

The peace of mind is absolutely worth it to us–you can price it for yourself when shopping on  Discover Cars , or purchase a travel insurance policy that includes car rental insurance (but be sure to double-check the policy, because only some policies cover it).

… and note that your typical car insurance may not cover your rental car in Italy.

Be sure to double-check what coverages you have, if any, before renting a car–and make sure that they cover Italy specifically, not just Europe.

You’ll need an international driving permit to rent a car in Italy.

Technically, you always need an international driving permit to rent a car in Italy.

You can pick this up before you leave home from AAA, and it’s very easy and cheap to do–just a bit annoying, as it’s one more thing to add to your to-do list before leaving for your Italy road trip.

Now, that being said–will your rental agency always ask for it? No. Will the police always ask for it? No.

Is it worth the risk of being refused a rental car or getting a ticket over what amounts to $25 USD and a bit of hassle? Not in our opinion.

Rent the smallest car you can.

Not only is it cheaper, which is always excellent, but a smaller car is also much  easier to drive in Italy.

While the highways in Italy are pretty standard, this-could-be-anywhere highways, the small country roads, parking lots near villages, and dirt roads leading to vineyards and villas can be incredibly narrow.

However, this naturally does not stop them from being used for two-way traffic (you’ll probably end up pulling over to let someone maneuver past you at least a couple of times during your Italy road trip).

Be sure to account for how much space you’ll need for luggage, especially if you have three or more people in your group, but other than that–the smaller, the better.

Be militant about avoiding ZTL zones.

ZTL zones are restricted access zones that dot most of Italy’s historic city centers, including both world-famous cities and smaller towns.

If you drive into one, even accidentally, you’re risking a  big  ticket (and we’ve definitely had to call tiny Tuscan police stations to help some of our family members pay them off months after the fact).

Avoid them by parking on the outskirts of historical centers and by doing your research on where to park ahead of time.

You will encounter toll roads, so carry cash.

Most toll roads in Italy do take credit cards, but it’s always best to have a little cash on you–just in case.

Most cars in Italy are manuals.

Rental car agencies do tend to keep a few automatics on hand for tourists, but you’ll likely pay less and have more selection when renting a car for your Italy road trip if you can drive a manual instead!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “7 Phenomenal Italy Road Trip Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

Thank you for your amazing posts – wonderful details! We are headed to Italy in Sept/Oct 2023 and want to finish our trip with a 2 or 3 day driving tour of tuscany. Would you stay in one town and make day trips, say from Siena? Or move every night to a new town as we make our way back to Rome?

Ah, the perfect time of year to be in Italy. 🙂 You guys will have an amazing time!

I’d definitely recommend picking one town and making day trips from there. Since you’ll have a car, you may even want to consider staying at an agriturismo just outside of a town for easier parking and then driving to various towns/cities each day.

I would love to talk to you about making a special trip to my great grandfather’s hometown of Bagnaturo, and Pratola Peligna, near Sulmona in the Abruzzo region. I know it’s off the beaten path, and want to know the best way to get there. It is a trip of a lifetime.

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

We haven’t been there, but you’re definitely on the right track with taking a road trip. GPS directions are reasonably reliable in Italy, so I’d recommend renting a GPS if you don’t want to use the one on your phone.

And, while it’s definitely far off the beaten path, you’re also less than a 2 hour drive from Rome, so I’d recommend starting there unless you’re already going to be visiting somewhere else in Italy.

Hi Kate, my wife and I will be traveling to Italy in October of this year for two weeks. it is our first time and we will be spending time in Rome, then Sorrento, The Tuscany, Florence and then the Rome Airport. I will be renting a car for the Tuscany part of the trip and taking high speeds trains from Rome to Naples and then Naples to Florence what suggestions do You have for the trip?…We will be staying in B&B’s and Botique hotels and a Tuscan Villa for the two weeks….We want to see as much as possible but we also want to enjoy it as a vacation as well.

Sounds like you guys have a wonderful itinerary outlined!

From Sorrento, of course you’ll be able to reach Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, etc. I definitely recommend a guide at Pompeii–we didn’t use one the first time we visited and I regretted it.

I’m not sure how long you’ll be in Tuscany, but here’s our recommended road trip (it can of course be shortened and adapted): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/tuscany-road-trip-itinerary/

I have quite a few driving tips in there, too.

If you have even an afternoon to set aside for Naples itself, it’s a very memorable place. Get a pizza (L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the most famous, and Pizzeria Brandi is another favorite of ours), a coffee and sfogliatella from Cafe Gambrinus, and enjoy the chaos.

Hope you guys have an incredible time in Italy! October is probably our favorite month to be there. 🙂

Thanks so much for your help Kate….stay safe in your travels.

Kate Can you suggest any places to stay south of Rome as we road trip down to Taormina for the Bocelli concert on Sept 2 ? We land in Rome on the 27th of August and will head to cassino and the where would you suggest ? When we Taormina on the 5th we thought we would hang out in Sicily and then make our way back to Rome for sept 9 to our departure day of sept 12. We have seen Rome on a cruise 11 years ago but want to see a bit more. Any suggestions for accomodation in Rome . It is just 2 of us btw Thank you for your help Pattie

Sounds like quite the journey! I’m assuming you’re choosing this route because you’re confident drivers and want the adventure of the journey–if not, you may want to consider other options, as you don’t really need a car in either Rome or Taormina.

As far as the journey, though, you’ll be passing close to many incredible places along the way, including Naples, Pompeii, if you’re open to going out of the way, of course the Amalfi Coast. None of those are the easiest places to drive in Italy, but they’re all worth visiting!

Paestum, a lesser-known but incredible Greek ruin site, is a short detour as well.

Further south, the resort town of Tropea isn’t too far out of your way.

As far as accommodation in Rome, we have several suggestions in our itinerary posts: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/4-days-in-rome-itinerary/

Enjoy the drive!

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Italy in one week: The ultimate guide

NOTE: This article was inspired by our 8-day Highlights of Italy trip.

While many of us crave unlimited holidays, there are only so many vacation days we can take on an annual basis. Thankfully there are destinations that you can explore A LOT of in a mere 7 days, Italy being one of them.

The birthplace of the Renaissance has incredible art and delicious carbs in equal measures, and that’s just for starters. And though experiencing La Dolce Vita in a short time span may seem like an impossible journey – especially since Italy’s culture varies so much from north to south – it can be done. Because we want to help every traveler maximize their time in the country, we’ve curated a 7-day itinerary, filled with all the sights, history, pizza and pasta you could dream up.

Day 1: Rome

It should come to no surprise that the first stop in your short-but-sweet Italy trip is the ancient city of Rome. While the Eternal City is filled with historic ruins and architecture, it is also home to modern boutiques and chic restaurants, so you can get a taste of the old with the new. And don’t worry, with our suggested hidden gems to explore, your first destination will be far from boring…

First things first, you obviously have to visit the classics: The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain; where you can’t forget to toss in a few coins – each one indicating a special wish (one to return to Rome, two to find love, and three for marriage).

For visiting these popular sights, it’s best to go in the (early) morning, so you can save your afternoon for spots that are more under-the-radar, such as the Christian Catacombs, the first large-scale burial sight tucked in a volcanic rock. Yep, Rome is actually home to some of the oldest burial underground tunnels in the world.

To end your first evening in Roma, seek out the best gelato in the city, AKA the Ciampini. In between the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, this old-school gelato shop features classic flavors and simple ingredients that will have you believe you’ve found heaven on earth.

Day 2: Rome

Since Rome is Italy’s largest city, you definitely need more than just one day to enjoy all it has to offer. We suggest starting your second day in Rome with a morning walk, accompanied by an espresso and a Nutella-infused pastry. The best spots for some people watching and casual sightseeing are Piazza Navona and Piazza Del Popolo but don’t be shy to veer off into some cobble-stoned alleys – you never know what delights you might find.

In the afternoon, visit the Galleria Borghese, an art museum that houses stunning sculptures and paintings. Don’t forget to step outside and roam the grounds, to take in the breathtaking gardens filled with colorful flowers and rich greenery.

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You must not leave Rome without trying a few popular dishes that were born out of this city, such as the Pasta Carbonara and Bucatini all’ Amatriciana. If you head to Trastevere, a cobbled street-filled neighborhood on the river, you’re bound to find a number of hip restaurants that offer both of these specialties.

Once you’ve eaten more than strictly necessary, top off the rest of your stay in Rome in the heart of the city, Piazza de Santa Maria. Here, locals and travelers come together to congregate over (more) delicious food and lively nightlife.

Day 3: Venice

Just a few hours away, Venice is the next stop on our Italian mini-getaway. This City of Water can’t be forgotten (although it may very well soon be as it’s literally sinking every day…). You might as well spend 24 hours here while you still can!

Once you arrive in the city made up of tiny islands and bridges, you’ll want to check out the main attractions: the Piazza San Marco, the Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal. You may even take a few hours to go on an enchanting gondola ride through the canals – not an original idea, but a must-do nevertheless.

For the rest of the day, explore Venice’s best-kept secrets, including the city’s most unique bookshop. The Libreria Acqua Alta is a bookstore tucked away in a tiny sidestreet that screams “off the beaten track” as books are kept in boats and bathtubs, in order to keep them safe from the regular floods of Venice.

After you’ve wandered around the tiny streets of Venice, make your way to an island off the main city called La Certosa. This uninhabited island is basically a sprawling park and has just one boutique hotel, restaurant and bar. If you want to get away from Venice’s hustle and bustle, even just for an hour or two, it’s the place to go.

RELATED: CHECK OUT OUR NON-TOURISTY GUIDE TO VENICE

Day 4: Florence

Another few hours journey and you’ll find yourself in Florence, the city of art and wine. You simply can’t visit Italy without witnessing its beauty, and the surrounding Tuscan towns. Since the atmosphere of Tuscany is calmer than Rome and Venice, you’ll witness of a new side of Italy that’s incredibly alluring.

Your first day in Florence demands that you tour through the city center, witnessing iconic sights such as the Ponte Vechio (hello jewelry shopping!), the breathtaking Florence Cathedrol, and the must-see Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

While these main attractions will take up most of your day, you can have a midday break for gelato at Carapina, a hidden gem that only locals (and frequent visitors) know about. While tourists get side tracked by over-the-top gelato displays, tucked away on a side street is this small shop that offers unique flavors such as sweet wine and cantaloupe.

For the rest of the afternoon, make your way to Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory, an observatory that used to be Galileo Galilei’s villa while he was under house arrest. You’ll get to learn more about Florence’s rich history all while getting dreamy views overlooking the city from the hills. For a delicious dinner afterwards, enjoy a meal at Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco, a tiny restaurant that serves authentic Florentine steak and truffle pasta – two very distinct and special dishes from the region.

Day 5: Florence

For many, spending the day under the Tuscan sun right in the middle of wine country is the ultimate Italian dream come true. Thankfully there are tons of wineries to visit while you’re staying in Florence. It only takes a few hours to make way to wine heaven, and once there you can sip on whites and reds all day long.

For a dose of good time visit the Chianti Classico winery, where premium wines are made.  You’ll get a brief history lesson about the region and its special wine, all while sipping on samples with classic Italian dishes, including antipasti and pasta.

If you’re craving more wine and history head over to Badia a Coltibuono, an estate that features a farm, a church, gardens, and a wine cellar. After you spend an entire day under the Tuscan sun, you’ll want to spend the evening under the stars at this old monastery from the 11 th century.

RELATED: 6 CITIES IN ITALY TO VISIT BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE DOES

Day 6: Cinque Terre

While it takes a little longer to get to this next destination, let’s start off by saying it’s 100% worth it. Visiting the villages of Cinque Terre will ensure your life feels like a literal postcard. It’s a part of Italy that brings in millions of wanderlusters each year, purely for its colorful houses and breathtaking seaside views.

It will take you most of the day to see all of Cinque Terre, so start at the first village called Riomaggiore, and then hike your way through all five. At Riomaggiore, it’s worth visiting two churches: the Chiesa dell’Assunta and the Chiesa San Giovanni Battista.

RELATED: CHECK OUT OUR 8-DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY TOUR

Once you hike up to the second (and arguably most scenic) village, Manarola, you’ll want to seek out Nessun Dorma for an al fresco lunch that features only essential items: bruschetta and prosciutto. After lunch, hike your way past Corniglia, and spend the rest of the afternoon in Vernazza – the largest village in Cinque Terre. While there, visit the church, the Doria castle and the harbor.

For the late afternoon and evening, head over the final village, Monterosso, the only spot with a sandy beach. While small, visiting this spots caps off your stay at Cinque Terre nicely, though many boutiques and restaurants will probably entice you to stay longer…

Day 7: Pisa

The last stop on the taste of Italy tour is the city known for its not-so-stable architecture, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After you spend an hour making your way to Pisa, you’ll want to make your first stop at the world-famous sight, and take a few cheesy photos – you’ll regret it if you don’t.

Once you’ve got that out of your system, it’s time to explore off the beaten path. Luckily, Pisa has more to offer than the Leaning Tower. Other historic sights include the Church of San Francesco, featuring the tomb of Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, and the Museum of San Matteo, known for displaying sacred art.

LOVE ITALIAN CUISINE? YOU’LL LOVE THIS FOOD TRIP THROUGH SOUTHERN ITALY

Spend the rest of the day exploring the “piazzes” of Pisa – and no not pizza but the city’s three popular neighborhoods that gather locals and tourists alike. Look out for The Piazzi dei Cavalieri, the Piazza delle Vettovaglia ad the Pizza La Pera, each offering their own unique atmosphere and architecture.

For the evening, delight yourself in Pisa’s cuisine. A dish you’ll often find in this area is called “Sullo Scio”, a soup made up of garlic, rosemary, tomatoes, tagliatelle pasta and cheese. You can’t forget about dessert, but skip the gelato this time and go for the “Torta con Bischeri”, a tart made with rice, milk, lemon, vanilla and the best ingredient – liqueur. Walk it all off with an evening stroll among Pisa’s beautiful buildings and it’s fair to say your trip will end supremely blissfully.

Are you now desperate to book a flight to Italy? Check out our range of small group trips there.

Image Credits (top to bottom): c/o Intrepid Travel

Feeling inspired?

Melissa Ariganello

Always on the hunt for the coolest brunch and coffee spots, Melissa is a travel and lifestyle writer currently based in Vancouver. Having also lived in Montreal, Los Angeles and London, she is a nomadic foodie that has traveled to over 20 countries. Next on her travel bucket list is Brazil, Malta and Iceland.

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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 free 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!

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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

That Travelista

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.

I hope that helps!

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

Best christmas markets in cologne, germany: a first-timer’s guide, that travelista.

7 days in Italy itinerary: How to spend one week in Italy

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Italy is one of the prettiest countries in Europe. Full of historical landmarks, fashionable cities, charming towns and with a landscape so diverse that you will want to visit this country often. In this 7 days in Italy itinerary, we will share 10 different samples to choose from! 

The picturesque coastal cities, iconic UNESCO sites, mountains of the north, and the canals and delicious Italian cuisine make Italy such a popular travel destination and chances are that it has made its way into your heart and onto your bucket list. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What can you do in Italy for 7 days ?

As a country, Italy is diverse and is a large country. Thanks to high-speed trains and a regional rail network, you can explore a ton of places in a short time. The key here is to plan your one week in Italy really well and know what interests you. That way you can definitely check off many places from your Italy bucket list. 

In this post, we will share multiple city-focused 7 day Italy itinerary, which is perfect for all year round (especially off-season). Then we have regional-specific Italy itineraries covering – Tuscan region, Amalfi Coast, or the northern part of the country. 

No car? No problem! We have a few itineraries that use day tours with a base city, and another that relies on the train network to explore more of Italy. 

So there is a lot that you can do in 7 days, just pick one that you like, and get packing! 

Italy Itinerary 7 days (most popular city & culture trip all year round – our sample 1)

• Day 1:  Arrive in Rome, explore
• Day 2: Rome and the Vatican City
• Day 3 : Explore Rome highlights
• Day 4:  Venice sighsteeing
• Day 5:  Venetian Islands
• Day 6: Explore Florence city
• Day 7: Florence

Or a regional specific 7 day Italy itinerary, keeping one city as a base. Like this Tuscany itinerary 7 days (sample 3)

• Day 1 : Arrive in Rome or Milan, and take the train to Florence
• Day 2 and 3 : Explore Florence
• Day 4 : Pisa day trip
• Day 5 : San Gimigano day trip
• Day 6: Explore Siena for a day
• Day 7 : Chianti wine tour and return to Rome or Milan

Is 7 days enough in Italy? 

Wondering how many days are enough in Italy? 7 days in Italy is enough to explore the key highlights that the country has to offer. Plan to fly to Rome or Milan , and then use trains to get to other major cities, or small towns. Stay there overnight. 

Or you can also keep a city as your base (like Rome or Florence), and then travel via trains/tours every day. 

Ideally, we recommend that you book an extra day for an Italian vacation from the United States, Canada, or Asia. Use this time to travel overseas, factor in the flight and time difference, and then you will have awesome 7 days in Italy to explore. 

Have more time? Check out our 10 days in Italy itinerary guide

Preparing for Italy 7 day itinerary: Travel Tips

If you are a first-time visitor, here are essential tips for preparing for your trip to Italy for 7 days (or more).

Italy is located on the continent of Europe (southern part). Its capital city is Rome, and Milan is the largest city. If you are traveling from overseas, especially from Asia, the United States, or Canada, consider arriving in Rome or Milan . Both cities have international airports with a variety of flight carriers that connect you to Italy. 

Italy is one of the popular destinations in Europe, and some of the cities are expensive to visit and explore, but it is still possible to keep sightseeing within budget. 

Italy is a member of the European Union, and Euro is its official currency. 

If you require a tourist visa to Europe or the Schengen zone , you can use the same visa to enter Italy. Visitors holding USA and Canadian passports do not require a visa to visit Italy for a stay of up to 90 days.  

For commuting and travel within Italy, we highly recommend using a mix of high-speed and regional trains and tours.

7 day Italy Itinerary: Best of cities & culture travel – Rome, Florence & Venice (Sample 1)

In this very first one week in Italy itinerary, arrive in the capital city of Rome, and then explore Florence and Venice – some of the popular and iconic destinations in the country.

The first route begins in Rome, takes you through the historical landmarks of the Ancient Empire, moves to Venice’s waterways, and then finally brings you to the Renaissance city of Florence. 

Are you ready?

Day 1 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Arrive in Rome and explore

Getting to Rome : Rome is served by the Roma Fiumicino Airport (largest), and the Ciampino Airport. This is a great entry point to the country. 

From either airport, take a train to get to the city center – Roma Termini (largest train station in the country) and then take trains to other Italian cities or Roman neighborhoods. 

• From Roma Fiumicino Airport, get to the city center via direct train service –  Leonardo Express (30 minutes), or shuttle buses (40+ minutes)
• If arriving at the Ciampino Airport, then you can book this shuttle bus ride

Where to stay in Rome: We recommend staying at a centrally located hotel in Rome, so that you can walk to popular attractions. Hotels near Termini Station, Piazza Navona, and Pantheon are good options for a short trip.

Hotels: Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rome Termini | Condotti Boutique Hotel | Prassede Palace Hotel

Read: Detailed 3 day Rome itinerary

On day one of your Italy itineraries, arrive in Rome and explore the iconic landmarks of the city. Check out the Colosseum , Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour. With a tour, you can enjoy a fast-track entry as well as learn about its history. Here is the tour we took, and recommend it.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hop on and off tour to get oriented to the city. 

In the evening spend some time wandering through a neighborhood like Monti or Trastevere (“beyond the Tiber”) to appreciate the city’s bohemian alleys and cute trattorias. 

Day 2 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Head to the Vatican, and visit other sites in Rome

On day 2 of the Rome itinerary, plan to visit Vatican City . Start early and check out St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican museums with a guide. Here is a 2 hour tour that you can book.

After exploring the Vatican, stop by the Castel Sant’Angelo for an hour, before making your way to the heart of Rome. 

Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as called Hadrianeum was the mausoleum of the Roman emperor Hadrian. It was later converted into a fortress in the 5th century. You can check out various artwork at the fortress museum today.

Here is an entry ticket to the castle (of 1 hour). Be sure to admire the River Tiber and various bridges from the museum. 

Up next is the Trevi Fountain. Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, and you can visit this attraction for free. If hungry, you can find a ton of trattorias nearby for a meal or snack!

If you wish to take amazing photos here, you can plan to visit this spot in the morning of day 3. 

End the day’s itinerary at the Square of Spain or Piazza di Spagna . The iconic Spanish Steps are located here, which are one of the longest in Europe. The steps climb between the square and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, leading to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. 

It is completely free to explore, and we highly recommend it. Piazza di Spagna is also worth a visit – there are tons of designer shops from Gucci to Prada and beautiful cafes and restaurants for dining! 

Day 3 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Explore more of Rome, start for Venice in the evening 

On day 3 of this 7 day Italy itinerary, visit the Pantheon, followed by the Piazza Navona (you can swap this for Villa Borghese and museums). In the evening, start for Venice. 

Start for Pantheon bright and early in the morning. The Pantheon is one of the beautiful Roman attractions, and it is completely free to explore. 

It was built as a temple originally and is a Catholic Church now (Hadrian rebuilt it in 126 AD). 

Being free, and a touristy site, visitors line up at the entrance 30-40 minutes prior to the gates opening – highly recommend heading there before 08:00 am to beat the rush. 

If it gets too crowded, then skip going inside. There are cafes in and around the Pantheon at the Piazza Della Rotonda where you can grab breakfast. 

After the Pantheon, it is time to visit another popular spot in Rome – Piazza Navona . This piazza is another free attraction, and it is home to many beautiful Baroque architectures such as Bernini sculptures, and fountains. 

It is a great spot to soak in the ambiance of Rome by chilling out at the square or enjoying gelato in one of the quaint cafes. Plus there are lots of open spaces to wander around, hang out and soak in the sun!

After sightseeing, start for Venice . We recommend opting for a high-speed train. It takes about 3 hours to get there. Regular trains take 3 hours 45 minutes. 

• Trains depart from Rome Termini Station and arrive at the Venezia Santa Lucia . 
• Driving takes 6+ hours, one way. 

Day 4 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Explore Venice

Where to stay in Venice? 

For a short trip to Venice, we recommend staying by the Grand Canal or Santa Lucia Station. If you are looking for budget options, the neighborhood of Mestre is a good one.

Hotels : Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection | Hotel Campiello | Campanile Venice Mestre

You have a full day in Venice on day 4 of the one week Italy itinerary. Start your morning with a nice breakfast at a canalside cafe. 

Head over to the must-visit San Marco Piazza to check out the St Mark’s Basilica, Campanile tower, and the Doge Palace. You can opt for a 3 hour guided tour like this one – Piazza San Marco, and the Doge Palace tour which also covers the Bridge of Sighs.

In the afternoon, enjoy views of the picturesque Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge in Venice. If interested you can also wander the cute district or sestieri of San Polo, which is home to Rialto Market and the Basilica dei Frari.  

Go on a private gondola ride (45 minutes) in the evening.

Read : Is the gondola ride in Venice worth it?

Day 5 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Visit Venetian Islands, and start for Florence in the evening  

For day two in Venice, head to the Venetian Islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello. We recommend booking a tour so that can explore all three places without hassles (in 5.5 to 6 hours). 

These popular islands are located near Venice, and can also be accessed by public transport. Burano and Murano are very well known for their colorful houses and lace and for glass factories respectively. 

After exploring 2-3 islands, you will be back in Venice by late afternoon. Vaporetto or water bus will drop you at the center of Venice, so do give yourself enough time to pick up your luggage and then head to Santa Lucia train station. 

Getting to Florence:

• Venice to Florence is 2 hours by high-speed train
• Driving takes 3 hours 20 minutes

Day 6 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Explore Florence  

Where to stay in Florence?: We recommend staying at the center of Florence for this itinerary. Firenze Santa Maria Novella or Stazione di Santa Maria Novella (train station) is located within walking distance of the centre. 

Hotels : La Terrazza sul Duomo B&B | Grand Hotel Cavour Florence | Hotel Vasari 

Florence is one of the most popular cities in Italy. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, it is home to many museums, piazza, and stunning architecture everywhere. 

On day one of the Florence itinerary, visit one of the Renaissance museums – Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia. Being a popular destination, we recommend that you book your tickets ahead of time. 

Allot time to explore the second museum the next day. Uffizi Gallery is a Renaissance art museum and is one of the popular places in Florence. Here is where you can book your tickets.

From the Uffizi, make your way to the Piazza Della Signoria, which is a large public square. This piazza is surrounded by iconic Florentian landmarks such as the Palazzo Vecchio (which is a town hall today), a copy of Michelangelo’s David statue, fountains, and other stunning statues.  

In the late afternoon, make your way to the Ponte Vecchio – a medieval arch bridge, built over the Arno River. This is an important city landmark, so don’t miss it. 

From Ponte Vecchio, it is a little walk to get to the Piazza Michangelo – but it is all worth it for the views! This is a free attraction and we highly recommend visiting for sunset!

Day 7 of Italy itinerary 7 days: Explore Florence, and return to Rome

On the final day of the 7 day Italy itinerary, visit the iconic Florence Duomo. Explore the interiors and then climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. 

In the afternoon, you can visit the Galleria dell’Accademia , which is another Renaissance museum. This gallery is home to the original statue of Michelangelo’s David. 

If you would like to skip the museum, then you can browse the Mercato Centrale Firenze market or pay a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

Travel back to Rome:

By evening, hop on a high-speed train to return to Rome. Florence to Rome is 1.50 hours by high-speed train, and 3.50 hours by regional trains. 

Italy Itinerary 7 days from Rome: Rome, Florence & Pisa (Sample 2)

While the first 7 day Italy itinerary offers a great insight into the three iconic cities, here is a second option that makes it easy to explore – this one is also a more relaxed itinerary covering Rome and Florence in-depth and a day trip to Pisa . 

Day 1-3 of one week in Italy itinerary: Explore Rome

Without diving deeper into the Rome and Florence sightseeing tips in the subsequent Italy itineraries, we will just list the sites, hotel, and transportation information. 

Spend 3 days in Rome, and explore the following,

• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour
• Check out Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Venezia, and wander the neighborhood of Monti
• Visit the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese, and the gardens, followed by sunset at the Pincio Terrace

Day 4-5 of one week in Italy itinerary: Explore Florence

Start for Florence, from Rome. Use high-speed trains to get there in 1.50 hours. Alternatively, you can also use regional trains to get there in 3.50 hours. 

Use day four to settle and check in to your hotel. 

Here is what you can check out in Florence,

• Spend time exploring Renaissance art and structures in Florence like the Uffizi and the Accademia galleries
• Visit the iconic Firenze Duomo
• Palazzo Vecchio & Loggia dei Lanzi, and the Gucci Garden complex
• Check off the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza Michelangelo, and the Central Market 

Day 6 of one week in Italy itinerary: Explore Pisa from Florence

Go on a day trip to Pisa from Florence, to see the Leaning Tower, Baptistry and the Cathedral. You can use public transportation to get there, visit the complex and then return to Florence.

You can also book this as a half-day tour.

Day 7 of one week in Italy itinerary: Florence & return to Rome

We will share a few options for day 7 of this Italy itinerary. You may choose one based on the return flight from Rome. 

• Option 1: Enjoy a wine tour from Florence. Florence to Chianti is 1.25 hours by train. Here is 4.50-hour tour, in which you will get to sample wines and also return to Rome in the evening
• Option 2: Explore 2 more sites in Florence such as Santa Croce Basilica Complex , and Boboli Gardens

7 days in Tuscany Itinerary road trip: Florence & beyond (Sample 3)

Tuscany is one of our favorite regions in Italy. In this 7 day Tuscany itinerary , enjoy the lovely countryside, rolling hills, wines, and more. You can use this sample as a road trip or take trains from Florence to explore. 

Getting to Florence: When flying internationally you can get to Italy by arriving in Rome or Milan, and then taking a train (or car rental) to Florence. We have traveled to Florence from both Milan and Rome via high-speed trains, and it has worked well. 

Trains take 1.50 hours to get there from Milan or Rome to Florence.

Kickstart your Tuscany itinerary with Florence, and then take day trips (by train, car, or guided tours) to explore more of the region. 

Your sightseeing agenda will look like this,

• Day 1 : Arrive in Rome or Milan, take the train to Florence
• Day 2 and 3 : Explore Florence (use sightseeing tips from the previous itinerary sample)

In Florence, visit the city highlights like the Uffizi and the Accademia galleries, Firenze Duomo , Palazzo Vecchio & Loggia dei Lanzi, Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza Michelangelo, and the Central Market,

On day 4, explore Pisa on a day trip. Visit Leaning Tower, Baptistry, and the Cathedral. You can also book this as a half day tour.

Explore the town of San Gimignano on a day trip from Florence (on day 5). This is a beautiful Tuscan hill town that is full of medieval architecture and towers. 

Here is what you can do in San Gimignano in one day

• Visit the town center of San Gimignano and admire its stunning medieval architectural gems 
• The Townhall exhibits at the Palazzo Comunale are worth a visit
• Visit the Cathedral of San Gimignano

On day 6 of your Italy itinerary, visit Siena . Siena is like mini Florence. It is known for its art, museums, medieval cityscape, and the Palio, which is a horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo. 

Here is what you can do in one day in Siena,

• Visit the Siena Cathedral or Duomo di Siena and admire the beautiful marble work
• Hang out at the Piazza del Campo, which is a central square of Siena 
• Take a look at the Palazzo Pubblico (palace) which has served as the seat of the Republic of Siena’s government
• Visit the Basilica of San Domenico

On the final day, take a wine tasting tour in Tuscany by visiting classic Chianti wineries. 

Northern Italy Itinerary one week from Milan: Milan & beyond (Sample 4)

We enjoyed exploring Milan, and we think it is a perfect base to explore the Lombardy region and other places in the northern part of Italy. 

Getting to Milan: Milan is served by the Milan Malpensa Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the country. You can easily find good flights from North America to Milan. Here is a direct transfer between the airport and center

Where to stay in Milan? For a short trip, we recommend staying at the center (Zone 1 of Milan or near the Duomo), or Milan Centrale Station. In order to take day trips, Central Station accommodation is perfect like c-Hotel Atlantic Milano , where we stayed. 

Hotels : Starhotels Anderson | Park Hyatt Milan | c-Hotel Atlantic Milano

Day 1 – 2 of Italy 7 day Itinerary: Arrive in Milan & explore

Arrive in Milan and explore the city for the next 2 days. Milan is one of the wealthiest cities in the European Union and is home to the Duomo, the third-largest cathedral in the world. 

On your day one of your Milan itinerary , visit the Duomo. Take time to explore the interiors including visiting the archaeological site. Don’t leave without climbing to the rooftop terrace – we are sure you will love the views from up there.

Visiting the Milan Duomo is not free, you can book the tickets here . 

Up next is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world. It is located in the Piazza Duomo, and there are cafes and restaurants nearby where you can stop for lunch!

After lunch, make your way to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It is located in Santa Maria Delle Grazie and is a popular attraction in the city. We do recommend booking tickets early to avoid disappointment.

On day 2 of the 7 day Italy itinerary, visit the Sforzesco Castle and the Sempione Park . 

In the afternoon, explore Europe’s richest business district aka Porta Nuova , and admire the Vertical Forest aka Garden Houses. You can also utilize the second half of the day at the Navigli canal district.to enjoy a river sightseeing cruise. 

Or you can go shopping in the afternoon. The top places to shop are Via Montenapoleone and the famous Quadrilatero Della Moda. 

Day 3 to 7 of Italy 7 day itinerary: Day trips from Milan

Milan is great to embark on day trips. For this reason, we recommend staying near Central Train Station. Here is how your itinerary will look like, 

• Day 3 : Lake Como
• Day 4 : Cinque Terre 
• Day 5 : Verona & Lake Garda
• Day 6 : Principality of Monaco 
• Day 7: Serravalle Outlet shopping

Enjoy a full-day tour to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna from Milan . Milan to Como is about an hour by road and on this tour, you get to explore the lakeside, Villa Olmo, plus a sightseeing boat cruise. It also includes time in Bellagio and Varenna. 

It is a 10 hour guided tour , with round trip transportation. 

The following day get on the road for another day tour, this time to Cinque Terre with a cruise. It is a full-day tour of 13 hours, and it is great if you are pressed for time, and visiting in the off-season. 

As part of this guided tour, 2 villages of Monterosso and Manarola are covered. 

Up next is Verona – the land of Romeo and Juliet, with Lake Garda. Verona is 2 hours by road or high-speed train. To make it easy here is a 12 hour day tour for you.  

On this tour, a guided sightseeing trip of Verona, with stops at the famous Shakespearean sights of Romeo & Juliet, and the Roman amphitheater is included. 

Followed by time at the fortified town of Sirmione. The tour ends with sightseeing and an optional boat tour on Lake Garda. 

Day 6 of this itinerary is unique, it takes you to the Principality of Monaco on a day trip from Milan. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world; and is known for the Monte Carlo Casino, Grand Prix, and Grace Kelly! 

How to get to Monaco? From Milan, take the train to Ventimiglia, and then to Monte Carlo. It is possible to visit for a day, and then return. Ensure you book the earliest trains leaving for Monte Carlo, and return after 5:30 pm. 

Here is what you can explore on a day trip to Monaco,

• Check out the Monte Carlo Casino 
• Stroll the waterfront and check out fancy yachts! 
• Port Hercules is a must-visit, for a stroll and a nice meal 
• Visit the Jardin Exotique de Monaco , which is a beautiful garden located on the cliffside
• Visit Sainte-Dévote Chapel

On the final day of the Milan itinerary, enjoy outlet shopping at Serravalle . There are shuttles leaving for the mall, and you can shop from over 350 luxurious and fashionable brands! 

7 days in Northern Italy Itinerary: Milan, Verona & Cinque Terre (Sample 5)

Enjoy North Italian highlights on this 7 day itinerary. This is perfect if you wish to take it slow and spend 1-2 full days at each destination. 

Day 1 and 2: Arrive in Milan , and then explore Verona followed by Cinque Terre.

Where to stay in Milan? Starhotels Anderson | Park Hyatt Milan | c-Hotel Atlantic Milano

Here is what you can explore in 2 days, 

• Visit the Duomo and head to the rooftop terrace. You can book the tickets here .
• Hang out at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele  
• See Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Milan’s Santa Maria Delle Grazie
• Explore Porta Nuova , and admire the Vertical Forest aka Garden Houses
• Sforzesco Castle and enjoy a stroll at the Sempione Park
• Go shopping ( Quadrilatero Della Moda)
• Enjoy a food and wine experience
• Half-day food tour

Day 3 take a trip to Verona . It is about an hour and a half by train to get to Verona from Milan.

Explore the following on a day trip to Verona, 

• Wander the Piazza Delle Erbe which is the historical town center 
• Visit Juliet’s House and snap a photo of the balcony
• Visit Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
• Soak in views from the Torre dei Lamberti

Spend days 5 to 7 of the Italy itinerary in the Italian Riviera.

In 2 days in Cinque Terre, you can quickly explore the five colorful villages of – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. 

Getting to Cinque Terre: Take the train from Milan to Monterosso. This town will be the closest to Milan. 

• Start your sightseeing in Monterosso, which is a town with a large beach 
• From Monterosso, hop on the 5 Terre Express train to reach other villages in a matter of a few minutes. You can also buy a hop-on-hop-off travel card at the station. Alternatively, you can hike to the next village, Vernazza which is also known for a lovely beach
• The next day, hang out at the Riomaggiore beach in the morning, and then by noon head to Manarola for lunch
• Complete the day with a sunset view from Corniglia
• On day 3, go on a short hike from one village to the next (part of the Cinque Terre National Park ), and then return to Milan in the evening to fly out

1 week in Italy Itinerary: Milan, Venice & Florence (Sample 6)

This one week itinerary for Italy skips Rome and instead covers Milan (arrival airport), Venice, and Florence. 

Day 1 – 2 of Italy itinerary: Arrive in Milan and explore

Getting to Milan: Get to Milan’s Malpensa Airport. From the airport, make your way to the center or train station (which is a good area for accommodation). Here is a direct transfer between the airport and center

Here is what you can explore in 2 days,

• Visit the Duomo . You can book the tickets here
• Go shopping
• Enjoy a food and wine experience or half-day food tour

Day 3 – 4 of Italy itinerary: Start for Venice and explore 

Getting to Venice: Milan to Venice by high speed train takes 2.50 hours

Spend 2 days in Venice exploring various neighborhoods and attractions like

• Wander along the Grand Canal and districts like San Polo
• Visit the Piazza San Marco, and the Doge Palace
• Go on a private gondola ride (45 minutes)
• Explore the nearby Venetian Islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello. We recommend booking a tour so that can explore without hassles

After the tour, take a train to return to Venice. Or stay overnight in Venice and start for Florence the next day. 

Day 5 – 7 of Italy itinerary: Start for Florence, explore and return to Milan

Getting to Florence: Highspeed trains take 2 hours to get from Venice to Florence. Driving time is 3.50 hours

Where to stay in Florence? La Terrazza sul Duomo B&B | Grand Hotel Cavour Florence | Hotel Vasari

Here is what you can check out in Florence on days 5 and 6,

• Check off the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Central Market 

On day 7, take a wine tour in Tuscany by visiting classic Chianti wineries. Or go on a day trip to Pisa. Return to Milan in the evening (Florence to Milan is 1.50 hours by high-speed train). 

Italy Itinerary 7 days from Rome: Rome, Pompeii & Amalfi (Sample 7)

You will LOVE this Italy itinerary that focuses on Rome, and Amalfi, and a day trip to Pompeii which can be done from either location. 

Day 1 – 3 of 7 days in Italy: Arrive in Rome, and explore

Getting to Rome: For this itinerary, fly into Roma Fiumicino airport. From Roma Fiumicino Airport, get to the city center via direct train service –  Leonardo Express (30 minutes), or shuttle buses (40+ minutes)

Here is a detailed southern Italy itinerary: Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary 7 days

Day 4 of 7 days in Italy: Take a day trip to Pompeii from Rome

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii from Rome on a day trip. We took a tour, and enjoyed the company of an expert looking at the various sites and their history! 

As part of this tour, you can also walk up to the top of Mount Vesuvius with views of the Bay of Naples (available April through mid-November), or free time in Naples (mid-November – March). You can book this day tour with a guide

Alternatively, you can also take a train to Pompeii from Rome. Trains take 2 hours one way. The price of train tickets from Roma Termini to Pompei starts at €12.70 (for a Standard Class ticket).

Day 5 of 7 days in Italy: Amalfi Coast and return to Rome

To explore Amalfi Coast from Rome, you have to make connections via Naples. High-speed trains take 1.50 hours to get there. 

Plan to arrive at Vietri Sul Mare in Amalfi from Naples, which has a train station. Trains take an hour to get there. We recommend staying in Naples so that it is easier to get back on day 7 – to Rome to fly out. 

Hotels for Naples: UNAHOTELS | Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo (for hotels on the Amalfi refer to the next itinerary sample)

Once you arrive in Vietri Sul Mare on day 5, head to one of the cleanest beaches on the Amalfi – Spiaggia Della Crestarella. Spend the rest of the day here – lazying on a sandy beach. 

On day 6, start for Amalfi town. To get to Amalfi town, you can take the train from Naples to Vietri Sul Mare, and then a bus to reach Amalfi town center. It will take about 2+ hours, one way.

Or you can skip the bus, and instead hire a taxi to reach Amalfi in 20 minutes. 

Spend a full day in Amalfi, and enjoy a stroll at the Marina Grande , which is Amalfi’s main beach. Visit the Duomo di Amalfi with its unique striped Byzantine facade. Head to the top of the cathedral for amazing views. 

You will find a lot of souvenir shops, and restaurants to hang out in. 

On day 7, explore Naples for half a day, and then from there make connections for Rome.

7 day Amalfi Coast Italy Itinerary (Sample 8)

This itinerary focuses on the Amalfi Coast. When flying internationally, choose to arrive in Rome, and then take a train or bus to Sorrento. Keep Sorrento as a base to explore the coast.

Day 1 of 7 days in Italy: Arrive in Rome, travel to Sorrento

Use day one of the itinerary to arrive in Rome, and travel to Sorrento. Then check in to your hotel. 

Getting to Sorrento: Trains from Rome to Sorrento via Napoli Centrale and Napoli P. Garibaldi take around 3.50 hours. Flixbus offers routes that take around 4.50+ hours, one way. 

Where to stay in Sorrento? Hotel Regina Sorrento (with a view) | Sorrento Pool&Suites (affordable) 

Day 2 of 7 days in Italy: Sorrento to Vietri Sul Mare day trip

Spend a day in Vietri Sul Mare. You can get there by train from Sorrento.

Rent a sunbed, and enjoy one of the cleanest beaches on the Amalfi – Spiaggia Della Crestarella. 

After beach time, go ceramic shopping at the center. Do stop by the Church of San Giovanni Battista or the Cathedral of Vietri. 

Day 3 of 7 days in Italy: Sorrento to Amalfi Town day trip

To get to Amalfi town, you have a few options,

• By road (renting a car, taxi, etc). The road distance is 40 km
• By ferry from Sorrento to Amalfi Coast which takes one hour and 30 minutes (one way)

There are a few things to see in Amalfi town, other than beach time. Here is what you can explore on a day trip,

• Relax or enjoy a stroll at the Marina Grande
• Photograph the stunning beach and the steep cliffs surrounding the Amalfi town
• Visit the Duomo di Amalfi with its unique striped Byzantine facade. Admire the interiors, and also head to the top of the cathedral for views

Day 4 of 7 days in Italy: Sorrento to Positano day trip

On day 4, plan to relax in the beautiful village of Positano. 

From Sorrento to Positano, ferries depart approximately every two hours and take about 40 minutes to get there. The ticket price is around €15 per person and can be purchased online.

Positano is one of the picturesque villages on the Amalfi. Here is what you can explore in one day,

• Relax at the beach
• Admire the colorful cliffside houses
• (Window) shop in local boutiques 
• Visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta which features the iconic dome and a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary
• Hike Sentiero Degli Dei trail 

Read : Amalfi Coast itinerary 4 days

Day 5 of 7 days in Italy: Sorrento to Capri Island

We recommend this day tour from Sorrento to Capri Island and the Blue Grotto. This is a small group tour of 12 guests. 

The boat cruise departs from Sorrento and takes you to the sea cave from a small rowboat. 

The sea cave is formed by the erosive action of the sea, and its beauty comes from the intense blue color of the crystalline water. The tour covers the whole island and includes Faraglioni, the White Grotto, the Green Grotto, and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena.

You can swim or snorkel in the blue waters at your own pace. Book this day tour here

Day 6 of 7 days in Italy: Salerno 

Visit the coastal town of Salerno from Sorrento.

Getting to Salerno : Ferries take 2+ hours to get there, one way

Here is what you can explore in Salerno,

• Visit the Salerno Cathedral dating back to 1085. The church is dedicated to Saint Matthew
• Explore Parco Naturale Diecimare , known for its wildlife and safari park 
• Spend time hiking, or walking through this town and enjoying its landscape

Day 7 of 7 days in Italy: Sorrento to Pompeii Archaeological site day trip

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii from Sorrento on a day trip. As part of this tour, you can also walk up to the top of Mount Vesuvius.

You can book this day tour with a guide.   This tour also includes lunch.

7 days in Italy on a budget: Florence, Bologna, Lucca, San Marino & Pisa (Sample 9)

In this 7 day Italy trip, you will explore Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Bologna, and San Marino, a microstate in Europe. 

Kickstart your Italy travel itinerary with Florence, and then take day trips.

Where to stay in Florence: La Terrazza sul Duomo B&B | Grand Hotel Cavour Florence | Hotel Vasari 

• Day 4 : Bologna for a day
• Day 5 : Lucca day trip
• Day 6: San Marino day trip
• Day 7 : Pisa half-day trip

Spend one day in Bologna (day 4). Florence to Bologna is 35 minutes by train. 

On a day trip check out the Two Towers of Bologna, visit the Seven Churches of Basilica of Santo Stefano, and the Municipal Palace. Also, take time to eat some delicious Italian pasta, and admire the Fountain of Neptune.

Next visit Lucca (day 5) . Florence to Lucca is less than 2 hours by train.

In one day in  Lucca, visit its stunning Cathedral, and climb the Guinigi Tower for amazing views. The Church of San Michele in Foro is also another place to add to your list. Do tour the Pfanner Palace and visit the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi.

For day 6, visit the microstate of San Marino. It is one of the world’s oldest republics, and is wonderful views! 

How to get to San Marino? Take the train from Florence to Rimini, and then ride the San Marino bus (near the train station. Landmark: Napoleon Hotel). The bus ride is about 50 minutes. And from there it is just a short walk to the centre. 

These are the things to see in San Marino. Admire the Three Towers dating back to the 11th century, and wander the old town and narrow cobblestone streets of San Marino. 

You can enjoy a nice short hike, and then visit the Basilica di San Marino which is a Catholic church. If you have extra time, make way to the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall of the City of San Marino

On day 7, go on a half-day trip to explore Pisa. Check out the Leaning Tower, the Baptistry, and the Cathedral. You can also book this as a tour.

Then return to Rome or Milan (to fly out). 

Italy Itinerary 7 days: Venice, Cinque Terre & Dolomites (Sample 10)

In our last 7 day Italy itineraries guide, we will share a sample that covers Venice , Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites. 

Day 1 to 3 of one week in Italy: Arrive in Venice and explore 

Plan to arrive in Rome or Milan, and then travel to Venice. Or you can make connections to Venice Marco Polo Airport. And then check in to your hotel. 

Where to stay in Venice? : Palazzo Veneziano – Venice Collection | Hotel Campiello | Campanile Venice Mestre

Explore the iconic landmarks like the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square,  Piazza San Marco, and the Doge Palace , and go on a private gondola ride (45 minutes). 

Use the second day in Venice, to explore the nearby Venetian Islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello. We recommend booking a tour for this 

Day 4 to 6 of one week in Italy: Cinque Terre and return to Venice on day 6 

Explore the five villages of Cinque Terre next. Admire them all from Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. 

To get to Cinque Terre, take the train from Venice. There are stops in every village but expect to change one train at least. It takes about 4.50 hours+, one way.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre? Arbaspàa (in Manarola) | Santa Marta Rooms via Roma (in Vernazza)

In order to explore all the villages, we recommend the 5 Terre Express train to reach other villages in just a few minutes. You can also buy a hop-on-hop-off travel card at the station to travel between villages.

Here is what you can explore: 

• Relax and chill out at a beach in Monterosso. 
• Go hiking from one village to another particularly from Monterosso to Vernazza . You’ll have to climb 550 steps along the way, but the uninterrupted views are worth it!
• Admire the colorful village of Riomaggiore, and also hit the beach
• Enjoy a nice meal in Manarola, yes the one with coast views .
• Head to Corniglia to admire Saint Mary’s Terrace for that postcard view of the village! 
• Enjoy hikes and trails in the Cinque Terre National Park (free entrance) 

On day 6, plan to return to Venice by evening. 

Day 7 of one week in Italy: Venice to Dolomites day trip

Without renting a car, use this full-day tour to get a glimpse of the UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains. 

Visit the mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and go shopping. Take time to check out Lake Misurina as well as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks. Tours also stop at seasonal areas like Lake Braies (winter/spring) and Lake Misurina (summer). This is a small group tour of 8 people. Book it here

Additional Italy tips:

So that’s a wrap! We hope you found our post useful in planning your trip to Italy. 

We will leave you with some additional tips

14 days in Italy allows you to explore the country without being rushed. We do recommend focusing on a particular region and picking 1-3 cities for this itinerary.  One week in Italy is great too, but if you wish to cover more ground you must be open to using high-speed trains and travel to the next destination in the evening or early to make the most of your trip. 7 days in Italy is best to explore one region and stick to that area only. 

Although Italy is expensive as compared to Lisbon or Sarajevo, it is definitely less expensive than Switzerland or Iceland.  For a 7 day trip, expect to spend $120 per person per day (double occupancy). This includes hotel, meals at a trattoria, and entry fees to some of the attractions.  You can find a nice hotel for $100 USD per night for two.  We didn’t include high-speed train tickets here, as it will vary depending on the itinerary, the city, and how far in advance you are booking.  So, $840 + return flight tickets. Airfare typically starts at $550+ USD round trip.

You can surely use one week in Italy to check off some of the iconic landmarks as outlined in our sample itinerary, and then set aside an extra day for traveling!

Other Italy travel guides: 

• Italy: Most beautiful list cities in Italy that you must visit
• Italy Itinerary : 2 weeks in Italy itinerary with Amalfi Coast
• Italy Packing List : What to wear in Italy or Italy in November
• Bucket list: From Italy Spain United Kingdom to Portugal, here is the ultimate European bucket list

Pin: 7 day Italy itinerary ideas to add to your bucket list

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Not a bad effort for an outsider.

HI Mayuri, My wife and I went to Italy based on your itinerary and it was very helpful. Thanks

That’s so good to hear! Appreciate your message 🙂 Thank you George!

I have just sat down and opened a map of Italy to start planning our trip for the beginning of May and saw your post … amazing! We really don´t have any set plans of where to go but would like to see Rome, Naples and some of the beautiful coastline of the Amalfi Coast so your Itineraries have been so helpful!! We just have a week so will check out your tours and hotels. Thank you for all your tips and advice! Excellent job!

Thank you, Vicky! Enjoy your trip!

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Northern Italy Road Trip – 1 Week Itinerary

Updated April 26, 2022

// By Margherita

Planning a visit to Italy? A Northern Italy road trip is an incredible way to experience a wide range of beautiful and world-famous cities in a very short space of time. Among the Northern cities are Turin, Milan, Verona, Venice and Como, all within a 400 km straight line.

Are you planning to travel to Italy? I’m sure you’ll be aware that high-speed Italian trains are an excellent way to move around the country – for example, you can travel from Milan to Venice in just 2 hours, and all the way from Milan to Rome in 3!

However, by travelling fast you’re bound to miss those unusual sights and offbeat places that make travelling to a country like Italy so special. But guess what – we have the solution. How does a Northern Italy road trip sound?

Driving around Italy is a great way to discover individual regions and escape the crowds, visiting Tuscany in spring or Sardinia in winter for example, but it’s also a fun, hassle-free way to move between major cities, while discovering smaller villages and scenic locations along the way. 

That’s why we put together a road trip from the West to the East of Northern Italy – starting in Turin , the home of Fiat and the first capital of Italy, and ending in Venice via Milan, Lake Como and more. 

Our Northern Italy road trip itinerary is a week long , but you can easily extend it to 10 days, two weeks or more, depending on how much time off you have.

We’ve included some practical tips and frequent questions for a Northern Italy road trip, plus a full itinerary including what to see, and how to travel between cities – the quick and the scenic option!

Northern Italy Road Trip Practical Tips

What do i need to rent a car in italy.

If you have a valid car driving licence issued in a EU country , you can simply rent a car in Italy with that. If your driving licence was issued in the US, Australia or elsewhere, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Not all car rentals might require an IDP, but we highly recommend having yours on you at all times – if you’re pulled over for a check, or you’re involved in an accident, you’ll DEFINITELY need it.

You’ll also need a credit card , since all car rentals will want one as a guarantee. Prepaid or debit cards are not usually accepted.

What is the best way to rent a car in Italy?

We highly recommend renting for your Northern Italy road trip only from international brands like Hertz, Avis, Europcar and the like.

You’ll find them at all major airports , including Turin, where this itinerary begins, and Venice, where the trip ends. Alternatively, all major cities also have car rental offices in town, usually near the station or in the centre. 

You may find local car rentals advertising cut-price fares – from experience, we can tell you that very often scams are a possibility. Save yourself a headache and only rent from reputable brands like the ones mentioned above. 

When you collect your car, make sure you also check and double-check the body of the car for dents and scratches , no matter how tiny, and take photos. Italian car rentals have the reputation of being very pedantic for body damage and charge hundreds of euros even for tiny dents – if you can, get extra insurance!

Do I need visas to travel to Italy?

That depends on your passport. Italy is part of the Schengen area , alongside 25 more EU countries, so Schengen visa requirements apply to Italy.

Currently, many nationalities (including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more) can access the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days.  

Make sure you double-check Schengen visa requirements well before your road trip to Italy, so that you have enough time to gather all documents you need!

Is driving around Italy dangerous?

Italian drivers have a reputation for being reckless and hot tempered, but to be honest, having driven in dozens of countries, I can safely state that driving around Italy is no more dangerous than driving around any other EU country. 

Just make sure you use common sense – never drink and drive, try to drive during the day rather than at night if you’re not familiar with the roads, and avoid driving in and out of cities at peak hour. 

Also, make sure never to leave valuables in your car , especially if it’s parked in the street or somewhere unattended. Car break ins are very common!

What is the best time for a Northern Italy road trip?

Personally I would say any time is good to road trip around Italy , except for summer. June-August is peak season in all of Italy, and it’s usually very hot. Holiday destinations are booked out months in advance, and places like Venice and Lake Como will be very, very crowded. 

Autumn is a great time for an Italian road trip , especially from October onwards, when you’ll find lots of food-related events in smaller towns. Winter is also a good time if you don’t mind the cold , and it’s the best time to visit Venice with no crowds.

If you want warm weather, just visit in Spring, but try to visit before Easter – that’s when high season starts again!

1 Week Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Turin (1 day).

Where better to start a Northern Italy road trip than Turin ? The capital of the Piedmont region is packed full of attractions, the roads are not too busy, and it’s a great starting point for a day trip to the Alps – perfect if you’re visiting in Winter!

Turin is also worth a visit for two main reasons – first and foremost, it was Italy’s first capital , and it still houses many points of interest from the time. The easiest to visit is Piazza Castello , surrounded by stunning buildings including, Palazzo Reale , the former home of Italy’s royals, UNESCO-listed Palazzo Madama , and Teatro Regio , Italy’s first theatre.

Another unmissable point of interest in Turin is the Duomo , housing the Sindone (also known as the Turin Shroud), which is exhibited once every 10 years, drawing crowds of worshippers.

The second reason to start your Northern Italy road trip in Turin is that the city is home to Fiat , the car manufacturer behind the Cinquecento and so many other cool cars. The historic headquarters of Fiat are in Lingotto – the building has now been turned into a shopping centre, but you can still check out the test track on the roof, from where you get great views over Turin. 

Finally, for more amazing views, don’t miss climbing to the top of the Mole Antonelliana , the most iconic building in Turin, housing a great cinema museum. 

The centre of Turin is a little busy to drive and park, so you can venture to the Northern outskirts where you can tour the iconic Allianz stadium, Juventus’ 41,000 capacity football stadium .

Looking for some unusual Turin tours? Have a look below!

• Magic Turin Tour: Dark Arts and Black Magic
• Turin and Piedmont Card
• Turin Mysteries and Legends Tour
• Private Tour: Piedmont Wine Tasting of the Barolo Region
• Turin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: 24 or 48-Hour Ticket
• Turin Underground Tour

Here are some of the best Turin hotels!

• Turin Palace Hotel – retro charm a few steps from Porta Nuova
• Principi di Piemonte – luxurious and modern rooms near the Egyptian Museum
• NH Piazza Carlina – stay in a 17th century palazzo with two rooftop terraces
• Allegroitalia Golden Palace – colourful hotel near the centre with a great spa!
• Palazzo del Carretto Art Apartments – if you want your very own Turin apartment, full of art pieces
• Cascina San Vito – a haven of peace not far from town, with great mountain views
• Villa Erre Literary B&B – perfect for road trippers, this literary B&B is in a small town a quick drive away from Turin

Lake Como (1 Day)

Road tripping to Lake Como is fun! True story, the lake is easy to visit by train from Milan , but you’ll be stuck in Como and Bellagio with all the other tourists.

If you have your own car, you can visit smaller villages like Lenno , to visit the amazing Villa Balbianello, or places like Dervio and Varenna, that only see a handful of visitors. 

Lake Como is worth including in your Italy road trip because of the stunning scenery – the lake is surrounded by mountains, and on a sunny day, with the sun sparkling over the calm waters, it’s a place of rare beauty.

Hiking lovers will also be pleased to know that the Lake Como and surrounds are full of trails , allowing you to explore on foot at your own pace. A nice easy trek is the one from Brunate to Faro Voltiano – or if you want to extend your trip, you can hike the 4-day Sentiero del Viandante (Wanderer’s Trail) along the eastern branch of Lake Como. 

Turin to Como – Direct Way:  A4 to the outskirts of Milan, then A8/A9 to Como. Distance 167 km – travel time 2 hours

Turin to Como – Scenic Way: follow provincial and minor state roads to Vercelli, Novara, Busto Arsizio and finally Como. Distance 165 km – travel time 4 hours, or more depending on stops!

Looking for some fun Lake Como tours? Have a look below!

• From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip
• Lake Como with Bellagio and Lugano Day Trip from Milan
• Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan
• Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, & Madonna del Ghisallo Day Trip
• Lake Como: Classic Tour and Cruise to Bellagio
• Lake Como and Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Here are some of the best Lake Como hotels!

• Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como  – probably the BEST Lake Como hotel!
• VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como  – stunning views and charming surrounds
• Palazzo Albricci Peregrini  – stay in a period Palazzo
• Hotel Villa Flori  – boutique hotel surrounded by nature
• B&B Vista Lago  – to enjoy lakeside Italian hospitality
• Ostello Bello Lake Como  – great value for money in the Lake Como chapter of famous Ostello Bello! 

Milan (2 Days)

After chilling on Lake Como, it’s time to visit Milan , my hometown and favourite city in Italy! There’s so much to see and do in Milan – the city boasts an incredible blend of contemporary city skyscrapers, historical sights, industrial architecture and more!

We recommend spending at least two days in Milan , especially if it’s your first time. The main unmissable sight is the Milan Duomo , arguably the most iconic gothic cathedral in the world. 

Make sure to book your tickets in advance and allow at least half a day, to have time to visit the interiors and to climb to the top for great views of Milan from above. 

The second big-ticket Milan attraction is Leonardo’s Last Supper , located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. For the Last Supper, it’s crucial to book tickets in advance as only 25 people are allowed in at any time – but it’s really worth doing!

Another great thing to do is walking along the Navigli , Milan’s two surviving canals, and a lively nightlife area. Just one piece of local advice – skip the touristy happy hour buffets! Food is really poor quality. Opt for one of Milan’s best cheap restaurants instead!

Como to Milan – Direct Way: take the A9 and A8. Distance 51 km, travel time 1 hour.

Como to Milan – Scenic Way:  follow the SP31 to Saronno, and then keep following the blue ‘Milano’ signs through the Brianza area and Milan’s northern suburbs. Distance 53 km, travel time 1 hour 40.

Looking for some fun Milan tours? Have a look below!

• FREE Milan guided tour
• Skip-the-Line Tour of the Duomo and Rooftops
• Milan Duomo and Rooftop Tour with Virtual Reality
• The Best Of Milan Tour With Last Supper Tickets & Milan Duomo Rooftop
• Milan Sforza Castle Guided Tour
• Milan Sforza Castle and Leonardo Skip-the-Line Tour
• Milan Sforza Castle Virtual Reality Tour

Here are some of the best Milan hotels – or else, check out our full Where to Stay in Milan post!

• Park Hyatt Milan – only steps away from the Duomo, with a stunning rooftop terrace
• Four Seasons Milan – luxury rooms in a 15th century convent with a secret garden
• Hotel Principe di Savoia – the most iconic luxury property in town, with lavish rooms and a decadent spa
• Armani Hotel Milano – completely furnished by Armani and located above the Armani flagship store!
• Ostello Bello – great value stay in this luxury hostel offering lots of perks
• Palazzo Segreti – modern comfort in an 18th-century palazzo
• Klima Hotel Milano – perfect for road trippers! Large, comfortable business hotel near the A4 exit, it’s also pet friendly!
• Hotel Milano Scala – luxury property with a special attention to sustainability, perfect for eco friendly travellers!
• Nu Hotel – with Asian-inspired decor and plenty of parking space nearby

Verona (1 Day)

160 km East of Milan you will find Verona , with its picturesque historic centre which includes the Verona Arena , a Roman amphitheatre completed in 30 AD.

The Arena is almost 2000 years old and it is still used today for opera and ballet performances, seating 30,000 spectators!

There are also several castles to visit in Verona and magnificent religious buildings , like the Romanesque Duomo, Sant’Anastasia with its Gothic architecture, and the Basilica of San Zeno , dedicated to the city’s patron saint.

Verona also has their own version of Rome’s Arch of Constantine, known as Arco dei Gavi , which was built in the first century AD as a defensive gate into the city.

You’ll noticed that I failed to mention the best known tourist trap in town , Juliet’s Home – please, instead of wasting time rubbing boobs or sticking chewing gum on a wall, head for a walk along the Adige river or for an aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe, or follow this Verona tips from a local!

Milan to Verona – Direct Way:  just take the A4 motorway, or the A35 to Brescia and then the A4. Distance 160 km, travel time 2 hours.

Milan to Verona – Scenic Way:  you could even take a full day to drive from Milan to Verona, even though distance is only 160 km. Some of the points of interest you can check along the way are Bergamo and Soncino castle , but definitely make sure you also stop on the southern shore of Lake Garda , in Sirmione for example.

Distance 160 km, travel time from 4 hours to the whole day!

Looking for some fun Verona tours? Have a look below!

• FREE Verona Walking Tour
• Verona: Private Pasta-Making Class at a Local’s Home
• Vespa Tour around Verona
• Verona Arena Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
• Verona from Above: Lamberti Tower Skip-the-Line Entry
• Verona: Vineyard and Winery Tour with Wine Tasting
• Verona: Soave, Borgo and Amarone Wine Tasting Tour
• The Highlights of Verona Small Group Walking Tour

Here are some of the best Verona hotels!

• Fiore d’Arancio – truly stunning Baroque-inspired two bedroom apartment with lots of golden details!
• Due Torri Hotel – classic luxury hotel with over 700 years history!
• Byblos Art Hotel – contemporary art in a period villa
• Hotel Trieste – great value and lots of 20th century art in this colourful hotel 
• Relais I Tamasotti – perfect for roadtrippers, a country retreat in the hills around Verona
• Hotel Villa Malaspina – historical residence away from the centre, surrounded by nature
• Locanda Al Vescovo – with a great spa and chromotherapy rooms

Venice (2 Days)

Venice is the perfect place to end your Northern Italian road trip . First of all, cars are not allowed in the historic centre – so we highly recommend selecting Mestre or Venice Airport as your rental car drop off point, and making your way into Venice by water bus for a truly scenic arrival.

With 118 small islands, floating around Venice will be a nice break from all that driving – definitely spend one day checking out the main sights in town, like San Marco Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Grand Canal , but also allow some time for some smaller island in the Lagoon – Murano and Burano are a popular and fun option for a day trip. 

Venice is a busy place, especially in summer or times like Carnival – however, don’t let this deter you. You can always get away from the busiest tourist hotspot and wander around places like Dorsoduro or the Jewish Ghetto , or head to the island of Giudecca , where locals still outnumber tourists. 

Verona to Venice – Direct Way: take the A4 and A57 motorway. Distance 120 km, travel time 1 hour 20.

Verona to Venice – Scenic Way: you have two options – drive north along regional roads, through Vicenza, Castelfranco and Scorzè, or south via Este then following the edge of the Venetian lagoon. Either way, it’s amazing!

Distance 150 km – driving time 4 hours

Looking for some fun Venice tours? Have a look below!

• FREE Venice Walking Tour
• Venice Gondola Ride for only €20!
• Boat Tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello
• Doge’s Palace Priority Entrance & St. Mark’s Square Tour
• Underground Venice: Legends and Ghosts
• Saint Mark’s Basilica: Introduction and Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour

Here are some of the best Venice hotels!

• Hotel Danieli – legendary luxury hotel not far from St. Mark’s Square
• Belmond Hotel Cipriani – quite simply, the best hotel in Venice, with its own saltwater pool and Michelin-starred restaurant
• Cà Pozzo – simple yet modern, friendly boutique hotel
• Arcadia Boutique Hotel – great service in this boutique hotel, not far from the station
• The Gritti Palace – lavish 15th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal
• Cà Maria Adele – luxury Baroque-themed suites just steps away from Santa Maria della Salute

When is the Best Time for a Northern Italy Road Trip?

The best times for a road trip around Northern Italy are definitely Spring or Autumn. In Northern Italy, the climate is continental, with warm summers and chilly winters – add to that that most of the itinerary above follows the Po Valley, getting boiling hot and humid in summer, cold and foggy in winter.

So, Spring and Autumn are the ideal times to visit Northern Italy. Spring starts in late March, and April is usually a busy time with Easter and some public holidays – read our post about Italy in April to get the exact dates. March may be a little chilly, but May is also a great month for a Northern Italy road trip. Temperatures should be around 20/25°C during the day, dropping to 15/18°C at night. Early June is also a good time – by the middle of the month, the school year ends and the tourist high season begins.

When talking about Autumn, the best period is between late September and early/mid-October. Temperatures are similar to those found in Spring, and crowds are usually smaller, but as October progresses the weather cools down considerably and the time changes, leading to early sunsets (around 5 pm).

If you don’t mind the cold, winter can also be a good time for a road trip around Northern Italy. It’s normally quite dry, but it can be foggy and cold – in January, the coldest month, daytime temperatures are around 5°C dropping below zero at night. The good thing is that it’s also the quietest time to visit, and you’ll be able to snag good deals on accommodation and car hire!

Is there anything else you’d like to know about planning the ideal Northern Italy road trip? Let us know in the comments!

Italy Itinerary: One Week in Italy

Easily my most popular article on this site is my suggestion for the perfect two-week Italy itinerary . It’s ideal for the first-time visitor, but not everyone has two solid weeks of vacation time to put toward an Italy trip – or you’ve got two weeks, but you’re hoping to visit more than just Italy in that period of time. Either way, if a week is all you’ve got set aside for Italy, here are some options for a one-week Italy itinerary.

And if you want to take charge of your own trip, here’s my step-by-step guide on how to make your own Italy itinerary .

Itinerary Planning Assumptions

Colosseum at night || creative commons photo by Umberto Rotundo

First things first – when I say “one week,” I mean one week’s worth of work or school days, meaning you’ll be taking five days off. The actual itineraries involve you flying out on a Friday night or Saturday morning and not flying home until Sunday of the following week, though, so the time you’re gone is actually more like eight-nine days. I’m trying to squeeze as much vacation time as possible out of one week for you.

Second, this itinerary – like my two-week itinerary – is focused on what I call Italy’s “Holy Trinity” of Rome , Florence , and Venice . There are different options for day trips and other stops that will add different flavors to your trip, depending on which you choose, but the basic premise is that you haven’t been to Italy’s big three before.

Third, I strongly recommend that you choose lodging in the historic center in each destination, purely to eke out even more time spent exploring. Sure, you may save a bit of money by booking a hotel on the outskirts. And when you need to take the bus or Metro to the attractions each day, that’s time you’re not actually visiting the attractions. Staying closer to the sights can give you more vacation time.

Finally, in order to maximize the amount of time you spend exploring Italy itself – and not in transit – this itinerary is designed around what’s known as an “open-jaw” airline ticket. This means you’ll fly into one city and out of another, rather than backtracking at the end of your trip. These are typically around the same price as a simple round-trip ticket, and they’ll give you much more time on the ground. Here are some tips to finding cheap airfare to Italy .

One Week in Italy: Itinerary Ideas

The “holy trinity” + pompeii.

Because this itinerary not only includes Italy’s big three but also one of its most popular tourist attractions – Pompeii – it’s a winner for travelers who love checking must-see sights off their travel wish lists. It’s also great for history fanatics who get chills at the notion of walking the same ancient cobblestones that the ancient Romans did.

Venice : 1-2 hotel nights (optional half-day trip to lagoon islands) Florence : 2 hotel nights (optional half-day trip to Pisa ) Rome : 4 hotel nights (including a day trip to Pompeii; optional half-day trip to Ostia)

For this itinerary:

• You’ll fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Rome (FCO).
• You can take the train everywhere, so there’s no need to rent a car in Italy .
• The number of nights you spend in Venice will depend on just how long your “week” is. If you’re squeezing a full nine days out of a week-long trip, stay two nights. It’s worth it.
• The optional side trips are listed to give you some suggestions if you want to cover more ground, but you could easily spend a day in Venice and two full days in Florence with no need of any other city’s distractions. In Rome, after a day trip to Pompeii, you can also be completely content in The Eternal City for the rest of the time – or a side-trip to Ostia can give you a chance to see the excavation of another ancient Roman city plus a visit to the beach, all within a half-hour train ride from Rome.

The “Holy Trinity” + Siena

Most of us have that friend who’s been to Italy and just can’t stop gushing about Siena . There are lots of good reasons for that, so why not go see it for yourself? You’ll get time in Italy’s big three, plus a little extra time in this quintessentially Tuscan town (an overnight stay makes it even better).

Venice : 1-2 hotel nights (optional half-day trip to lagoon islands or Verona) Florence : 2 hotel nights (optional half-day trip to Pisa) Siena : 1 hotel night Rome : 3 hotel nights

• You’ll take public transportation for the whole trip, so there’s no need to rent a car. The train will get you nearly everywhere, though the more efficient route from Florence to Siena is by bus.
• Anyone who wants to skip Siena and use that extra day to wander a bit more aimlessly in Tuscany can certainly do so – for that, you’ll be happier renting a car for a day or two.
• The optional side trips are listed to give you some suggestions if you want to cover more ground, but you could easily spend a day in Venice and two full days in Florence with no need of any other city’s distractions.

The “Holy Trinity” + The Cinque Terre

To many, summer trips to Italy don’t quite feel complete without some time near the sea. This itinerary option includes a swing through Liguria , with two nights in one of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre . They’re no longer sleepy fishing villages – they’ve become supremely popular with American and German backpackers and hikers, particularly. They’re still beautiful, whether they’re on or off the beaten path. The beaches here are not among Italy’s best, but the one in the biggest Cinque Terre town (Monterosso al Mare) is relatively good-sized.

Venice : 1-2 hotel nights Cinque Terre : 2 hotel nights Florence : 2 hotel nights (optional Pisa visit en route from Liguria) Rome : 2 hotel nights

• You can take the train everywhere, so there’s no need to rent a car.
• Trains from the Cinque Terre to Florence often require a change in Pisa, so stash your bags at the train station’s luggage office and catch the bus into the center to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You don’t need more than two hours to see the tower, baptistery, and cathedral, and it’s a fun way to break up a travel day.
• The most popular hiking trail in the Cinque Terre is the one linking the five villages, so it’s also the most crowded. There are lots of other trails throughout the National Park that covers the area, however, so if you’re keen to escape the crowds hire a hiking guide or get a very detailed trail map.

The “Holy Trinity” + The Amalfi Coast

This is another itinerary for summer trips, when just looking at the water isn’t enough. Spending time on the glittering Amalfi Coast gives you a chance to get on the beach and into the water for a couple days at the end of your trip. Keep in mind that during the summer, these beach towns are incredibly popular with vacationing Italians as well as foreign visitors. Book lodging well in advance if possible.

Venice : 1-2 hotel nights Florence : 2 hotel nights Rome : 2 hotel nights Amalfi Coast : 2 hotel nights

• You’ll fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Naples (NAP). Schedule your flight out of Naples later in the day so that you can make the trip from the Amalfi Coast – that will save you from needing to relocate to a hotel in Naples for your last night.
• You’ll take public transportation for the whole trip, so there’s no need to rent a car. For the Amalfi Coast, there’s no train service, so you’ll take the bus from Sorrento.
• You have several options for towns in which to base yourself on the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento isn’t technically part of the Amalfi Coast, but it’s similar – and it’s a transportation hub for the area, making it a good option if you’re keen on day trips. The better beaches are in places like Positano and Amalfi, however. Note that Positano in particular is a very vertical town – you’ll be climbing lots of stairs to get to and from the beach.

36 responses to “Italy Itinerary: One Week in Italy”

Could you help me to book the train? Its very confusing

Thanks for the question! I actually wrote a book about trains in Italy, which should help you out: http://italyexplained.com/books/italy-explained-trains/

We fly into Treviso/Venice but then plan to got to FLorence, Cinque Terre, Siena and leave flying out from Pisa in afternoon. In what order do you suggest this type of trip w/ about 1 night per location, its a 6 day total trip and hope to travel mainly by train between locations.

Well, with only a 6-day trip, I’d say you’re trying to do too much. 🙂 But if you really only want to spend one night in each place, then that’s up to you! Taking the train is the best option for this trip, too – Trenitalia goes to all those citeis.

we will be in Rome for a week long conference. Will be in the rest of Italy for a week (7 days) What would be the most important highlights. Want to get the true flavor of Italy, not just touristy.

I think the article above is a good place to start for the answer to your question, Clarise. I’d also suggest, if you want to venture away from the highlights I’ve listed above, that you read through my tips on how to create the perfect Italy itinerary for any trip .

Thank you for this it is fantastic. We get married in Sorrento next month and we are planning to spend the following week travelling north (by car) to Siena / Florence then on to the lakes. Any more top tips or must-sees that aren’t listed here?

There’s plenty, it’s all over the site! 🙂 Browse through the travel guide (the menu item at the top of every page), from which you should be able to find everything you need, either from links within text or related links on the right-hand sidebar of many articles. Happy hunting! (And let me know if you’re looking for something specific that you can’t find.) Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

This is really great! I’m planning my honeymoon in October for about 11-12 days. I’m debating between Cinque terre and Amalfi coast in addition to the “Holy Trinity”. I’m leaning towards Amalfi coast since I think the weather will be better in October and both have similar scenery(or so I have heard), but I keep reading that it gets very busy in Amalfi coast? What do you think?

I was on the Amalfi Coast in October one year, and it was not only not busy, it was chilly and rainy half the time! In October, you really don’t know what you’re going to get weather-wise. Read about some of the things to keep in mind when you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast outside the high season , including potentially unpredictable ferry schedules.

We are staying in Soriano for a week and want to maximize our time without feeling rushed and still enjoy our vacation. Any advice to how far we should venture? We are planning a full day winery/olive oil/cooking class tour while in Soriano. We are thinking about 1 or 2 days in Rome and booking a private tour guide while there. Any other suggestions on places we should visit on our trip? It will be the first time in Italy for both of us.

The tips in this article about how to plan the perfect Italy itinerary would probably help you, even if you’re only looking for day trips. One of the big things to consider is how long it takes to get from place to place, or how challenging it is by public transit. And then it’s up to you what seems a “reasonable” option for day trips. Of course, if you have a car, that gives you a lot more freedom (although I would strongly recommend you don’t drive into Rome!).

Soriano looks like it’s not far from Viterbo, which I hear has a charming city center. There are Etruscan ruins in Tarquinia , further toward the coast. Orvieto to the north might be another lovely day trip option.

This is such an amazing post, thanks so much!!!! I’m planning to be in Italy in October and was wondering if you had recommendations on “tall chic boots” that are also comfortable!! Planning to start in Venice, then Florence, and then Rome. I’ll also be in Ireland, Scotland, and Scandinavia before Italy, so i’ve been looking atwarmer boots, but am afraid they might be too warm . . ?! Any recommendations on good not too warm but nice & comfy boots??

My favorite travel boots are linked under “shoes” in my article about what to pack for an Italy trip . I’ve had them for years now – I recently had the soles replaced – but I’m not sure if that specific model is made anymore. That brand has lots of options, though, if you see another style that strikes your fancy.

Hello, we are traveling to Rome and Venice and are looking to add one more city to our stay. We will be in Italy from Dec 31-Jan 10. Do you have any suggestions on a city to visit that would be enjoyable during the winter? Thanks so much!

I think as long as your itinerary consists of mainly indoor things – museums, churches, galleries, etc. – then just about any Italian city would fit the bill (as long as there are things you want to do there, of course). It really depends on what you want to see/do. Here’s some information about visiting Italy in the winter , and here’s a list of the regions of Italy . The latter page has a brief overview of major cities or tourist destinations in each, so maybe one of them will spark your interest. I’d at least consider Florence, Verona, Perugia, and Bologna, and smaller places that might be nice (depending on what you want to do) are Orvieto, Assisi, and Siena.

Hello, Thanks for the wonderful information here. I’m planning to reach Italy on 22nd June, for a week. My plan is as below: Milan: 22 June – 24 June (2.5 days) Cinque Terre & Pisa: 25 June (1 day) Florence: 26 June – 27 June (2 days) Rome: 28 June – 29 June (2 days)

I really want to visit all four places. Please let me know if I should increase/decrease half a day from any city so that I can enjoy most in each of them.

Thanks & Regards

I don’t know how you’ll be able to see both Cinque Terre and Pisa in one day, especially since it’s a travel day. I think you need to read my article about how to plan an Italy itinerary – it would be really good for you to understand transportation times.

Hi, Thanks for your prompt revert. Based on your advice, I have changed my plan to as below: Milan: 22 June – 24 June (2.5 days) Florence: 25 June – 27 June (2.5 days). While I’m in Florence, I’m planning to visit Pisa on evening of 25 June. Rome: 27 June – 29 June (2.5 days) Please let me know your thoughts on this plan and if I should make any changes here. Thanks & regards

I think as long as you’ve researched the transportation time and you’re happy with it, then the itinerary is great. 🙂 It has to be good for YOU, not for anyone else, since you’ll be taking the trip!

We will be in Italy March 7-13 (only 6 nights). Fly in and out of Rome. We would love to see Rome, Venice, Pisa and Sorrento, but not sure if this possible. I’ve been going over train schedules and ways to fit it all in. In your opinion, if I have to delete one, which one?

This really comes down to how much time you’re willing to spend in transit (vs. actually visiting a place) and how long you want to be in each place. These are the steps I use to figure out the viability of any trip I’m planning for myself (in Italy or otherwise!), and it may help you here, too. It’s impossible for me to choose which city to skip for you, since my travel tastes are likely different from yours. 🙂

Since it will be early March, what are your thoughts about Sorrento/Amalfi Coast? Better to wait for a summer/early fall trip for that area of Italy in your opinion?

Personally, yes. I wouldn’t want to get all the way to the Amalfi Coast only to have it rainy the whole time, keeping you indoors. You might luck out with good weather (though not beach weather in early March), but you’re just as likely (if not more likely) to get cold and rainy weather. Here’s some information on traveling in Italy in March , and more general information about the weather in Italy .

hello, we are planning ( wife, my friend & his wife) to go Italy in Dec during Christmas time for a week as we have more must taken leaves. Venice, Pisa, Rome in the list as of now. planning to go around in car from Czech republic. what is your view on this. [I know its hard core winter , but we don’t want sit inside home all the time]

not pisa its Florence *

I think the information in the article above is my best advice on one-week itineraries in Italy. The cities you mentioned are all included, and you can add on a day trip here or there depending on what you want to see. I do think that you wouldn’t need to have a car to see Venice, Florence, and Rome. You can read more about visiting Italy in December here.

Hi, my roommate and I are trying to plan a trip Starting in Italy for 8 nights (1st day would be getting off the plane probably late)- We want to divide the time between Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice in that order and then end in Nice to start a road trip along the south of France. What is going to be the most time and/or cost efficient way to get between Cinque Terre and Venice and then from Venice to Nice? Also, critiques or suggestions for this preliminary itinerary appreciated. We have no extra days to spare from our other stops after Italy but we might be able to leave a day early to buy us one extra day for Italy…

June 26th-29th Florence (downtown one day, winery tour to the south 2nd day) June 29th-July 2nd Cinque Terre July 2nd- July 4th Venice July 4th – arrive in Nice

Thanks in advance 🙂

If you haven’t already, I recommend going through the suggested steps in my article about how to plan the perfect Italy itinerary for any trip. In the case of your questions, I’d focus on the transportation times in particular, since that will help give you an idea of how much time you’ll actually have left in each place to explore it. I think trains are going to be your best bet, so that makes it easy to research travel times.

Hi Jessica, I am going to Italy for 1 week Monday – Monday. I am flying in and out of Pisa. I plan to do Pisa – Siena – Florence – Cinque Terre – then back to Pisa to fly home. Do you think thats the best order transport wise? Also is there any places you recommend over the ones I’ve chosen? Thank you!

I’d suggest you go through my article about making the perfect Italy itinerary , as it will answer some of your questions about route order. It’s important to know travel times, too, since you’ll be moving around a lot in one week, so you know how much time you have in each spot to explore.

Thanks for this amazing planner. I am thinking about road tripping to Italy soon. This is such an amazing and helpful post for me. I love how thoroughly you have described everything, it is going to be very helpful for my drive-off.

HI Jessica, Thank you, your blog is great!! I will be in Italy for a week and I am planning t visit Florence, Roma and the Amalfi Coast. However, since I only have a couple of days in the Amalfy coast I was wondering what cities are best to visit. I am thinking about seeing Amalfi, and Positano and maybe skipping Naples. What do you think? I want to go to the amalfi mostly for the landscapes and the food not necessarily for big city stuff but I don’t know if I’ll regret skipping Naples. Many thanks!

It really depends on what you’re most interested in doing, and how long you want to spend in transit. I’d suggest looking up how long it will take you to get from city to city, keeping in mind that the towns on the Amalfi Coast are not served by trains (only buses and, in season, boats). If you think you’ll have gotten your fill of cities after Florence and Rome and you’ll be more interested in seaside scenery, then yes – the Amalfi Coast is a great option.

My buddy is getting married in Croatia in June 2019 and starting to look at timing. We would probably do a few days in Croatia before the wedding in Dubrovnik then head to Italy for about a week. Is there a reason you don’t recommend Tuscany? My wife loves wine but I am sure anywhere you go has that. Thoughts?

Tuscany is included in each of these options – Florence is the Tuscan capital. 🙂 Of course, you could easily spend an entire week in Tuscany alone, if you wanted to. And yes, wine is everywhere in Italy .

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Journey of Doing

15 One Week Italy Itinerary Ideas to Inspire Your Vacation

I’ve been percolating on a series of Italy itinerary posts for awhile.  After all, we’ve spent several weeks in Italy every single year since 2015 (minus 2020).  Most of our trips are longer than a week, but I recognize that the United States offers the shortest vacation times in the modern world.  For a lot of people, taking more than a week off at a time is incredibly challenging, if not impossible.  Thus, I thought the best place to start these itinerary posts are at one week.   Obviously you could combine some of these if you are able to plan a longer trip, but on the longer itinerary posts, I’ll give you more ideas that might not be on the one week Italy itinerary plans simply because of how challenging it can be to get to some places.  This is particularly true in parts of Northern Italy, as well as Southern Italy

For all intents and purposes, this post is going to cover 7 day itineraries for Italy.  If you can leave on a Thursday evening and return the following Sunday (or Monday if it’s a holiday week!), you can fully utilize both weekends and get a little extra time without having to take a lot of extra vacation time.  When I worked in consulting, this is how I would maximizing my 7 (yes, 7 per year) days of vacation – by creating long weekends over holiday weekends when we already had Mondays off.          

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links for tours and products I love at no additional cost to you.  You can read my  full disclosure policy here.

Making the Most of One Week in Italy

Italy in 7 days.

A week in Italy is doable but you can’t do Italy in a week, so let’s kick of these Italy itineraries.  If you’re someone who is going to have to leave on a Friday (or a Saturday) and come back the following Sunday, these one week Italy itinerary ideas are for you.  You’re going to have to figure out what is most important to you (architecture, art, history, food?) and choose a single city as your starting point.   

For each of these itinerary ideas, I will share some of my favorite things to do in each destination.  Hopefully this can help you figure out what you want to explore – and get a better idea of what is important to a place!  That said, travel is personal, so use my suggestions as a jumping off point – not a point-by-point map or checklist.    

Open Jaw Ticketing

If you want to cover a lot of ground, the best tip I can give you to make the most of your one week Italy itinerary is to utilize open jaw flights.   What does this mean?  It means that you will fly into one city and out of another city.  Often times, if you plan in advance, this does not result in a more expensive airline ticket.  It will save you money on having to backtrack to get back to your original point of departure though.  I use ITA Matrix to search for open jaw itineraries and use Book with Matrix to actually book the itinerary. 

I always book with the airline directly.  It makes things so much easier when flights change.  Our November Italy itinerary had multiple cancellations due to British Airways schedule changes.  We changed our airport of departure 3-4 times.  In every case, because I booked with American Airlines directly, I could search their availability, call in with what worked best for me, and they would rebook us.       

Go Beyond the “Big Three” Italian Cities

There are a lot of tour companies that will sell you an Italy itinerary that visits Rome, Florence, and Venice (and likely includes a drive-by of Tuscany, lol).  All of these cities are amazing and they should be visited, but it’s not necessary to do all of them on a single one week Italy itinerary!  In fact, I would argue that the best way to see Italy for the first time is to see both sides of it – see one of the “big” cities and see small town Italy.  Not only will this give you a more authentic look at the country as a whole, but it will also help you figure out what you enjoy. 

If you’re traveling to check off as many big sites on your Italy bucket list as you can, this might be the itinerary for you… but if you’re traveling to experience La Dolce Vita , slow down and see the smaller cities as well.    

Skip the Day Trip

Recently, one of the Italians I follow posted a link to the proliferation of Florence day trips and asked how people felt about it.  I’ve already railed against the Cinque Terre day trip on this blog; I can’t imagine spending one day in Florence.  The truth is, no matter where you go, if you spend one day in a destination, you’ll spend most of your time getting there.  You’ll likely arrive at the most crowded time of the day and you’ll leave before magic hours – the time when a place slows down, the skies go from blue hour to inky blue, and only the locals are left.  

No matter how popular a place is as a day trip, I can promise you that if you slow down and spend or night or two, you’ll unlock some of the magic that is absolutely missed on day trips.  There is magic to be found everywhere.  I promise.  

Transportation within Italy Matters

How you plan to get around will influence your itinerary for Italy.  If you absolutely do not want to drive in Italy , you’ll want to visit places that are well-connected by train or bus.  The train in Italy is a lovely way to travel, and they have certainly improved since I first studied abroad here. 

We also really enjoy driving in Italy because we can get to places that are not easily reachable by train or bus.  It also gives us the flexibility to have dinner at agriturismos outside of town, visit wineries, and have a few experiences that would be more difficult without a car.  And, since I’m being totally honest here, I can only travel by train if we don’t drive.  I get very carsick on buses.  When we drive, I have a bit more control over the elements that affect my carsickness.  (This is true in the US, as well.  It’s not just an Italy thing.)    

Rome Itinerary Ideas

American Airlines offers a direct flight from DFW-FCO (Rome), so a lot of our Italian itineraries start by flying into Rome.  Rome can be difficult as a first destination in Italy, but it’s also popular for a reason.  There is truly something for everyone in Rome.  Food, history, culture, religion – whatever your reason for visiting Rome is, you’ll find it there. 

Why do I say Rome is difficult?  One , it is a big city and isn’t necessarily well-connected by public transportation.  You’ll need to be comfortable exploring Rome on your own two feet.  Two , there are a lot of tourist traps for restaurants.  I think most of the worst meals I’ve had in Italy were in Rome.  (Don’t worry – I have tips for you to avoid this.)  Three , there’s no way to see it all.  You have to make concessions.  You can see the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, but they’re on the other side of the river from the Vatican Museums.  The most delicious restaurant areas are a pretty good walk (or metro ride) away from the sites of ancient Rome.  It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit them, but it is really important to do your research ahead of time and decide what is most important to your group.      

Religious Rome & Assisi

(This itinerary does not require a car.   You can do it by train.)  

Day One in Rome  

• Morning:  Arrive in Rome and check-in to your hotel.  Get out, walk around, and start beating the jet lag.  If you must take a nap, don’t sleep for more than 20 minutes.  Walk into every church you find.  You never know what is beyond the facade.  
• Evening:   Book a Rome food tour for dinner on your first night in Rome.  This will save you a lot of bad meals.  Our family favorite was the Trastevere food tour , but the Testaccio food tour gives you a great look at local life in Rome, too.   

Day Two in Rome

• Morning:  Book an early access tour of the Vatican Museums .  This will allow you to see the Sistine Chapel in almost private conditions.  If you’re traveling with a bigger group, we booked a private tour with Deborah from LivTours .  (I loved our experience so much that I’m going to share my discount code with you – save 10% by using DEBORAH10 .)  (Read more of my tips for visiting the Vatican City. )  After visiting the museums, head over to St. Peter’s and take a DIY tour using Rick Steves’ Audio Guide for St. Peter’s Basilica.  
• Evening:  Take a sunset walking tour of Rome and see the monuments at their best.  Make sure that you have a late dinner reservation ready to go!   

Day Three in Rome

• Morning:  Head to the Pantheon before the line gets too long.  You can purchase an audioguide or use Rick Steves Audio Guide to the Pantheon .  (Tom loves doing these.)

Day Four in Rome / Assisi

• Afternoon:   Assisi is only 2-2.5 hours away from Rome by train (or car).  I recommend traveling after you check out from your hotel.  This will allow you to miss the most crowded parts of the day and minimize having to store your luggage.  By the time you get settled into Assisi, you’ll have the place all to yourself.  (Check out some of my Assisi recommendations !)

Day Five in Assisi

•   Morning:  Take this Assisi walking tour .  Seriously.  It shouldn’t be missed.  You’ll visit a lot of the churches in Assisi, including the famous Basilica of St. Francis.  I learned so much on this tour, and all of the churches are worth visiting.  You’ll have the afternoon to go back and visit the ones that intrigued you for longer.  (Please don’t forget to respect the Basilica’s wishes and don’t take pictures of the inside of the church.  It’s really disruptive to everyone else when they have to yell at you.)

Day Six in Assisi and Rome

• Late Morning: Before heading back to Rome, don’t miss this wine tasting in Assisi .  If you aren’t a wine drinker, they also offer olive oil tastings .  (You can book a private transfer to their vineyard.)  This family provides the most delicious and entertaining experience in Assisi.  We visited in June 2021, and I would go back in a heartbeat.  They fed us a delicious meal using fresh ingredients, allowed us to try their olive oils and wines (and taught us the difference in quality), and provided so many laughs along the way.  This is a wonderful way to end your time in Assisi and enjoy some incredible views, too. 

Day Seven in Rome

• If you have time, do anything that you missed out on or wanted to experience again.  (I keep an on-going list of my favorite tours in Rome that is updated every time I find a new one to love!)                    

Historical Rome & Pompeii

(This itinerary does not require a car.  You can do it by train.)  

• Morning:  Arrive in Rome and check-in to your hotel.  Get out, walk around, and start beating the jet lag.  If you must take a nap, don’t sleep for more than 20 minutes.  
• Evening:   Book a Rome food tour for dinner on your first night in Rome.  This will save you a lot of bad meals.  Our family favorite was the Trastevere food tour , but the Testaccio food tour gives you a great look at local life in Rome, too. 
• Morning:   Skip the line at the Colosseum and visit the Roman Forum  with a guide.  Honestly, this was probably the most interesting tour we’ve done in Rome and I’m not nearly as obsessed with the Romans as my husband is.  If you don’t use a guide, you’re just looking at ruins.  This tour made everything come alive for me. 
• Evening:  Take a night walking tour of Rome and see everything from the Piazza Popolo to the Campo dei Fiori and everything in between.  As of late 2021, the Roman Forum is not illuminated in the evening again, so while you might want to take a night tour of the Colosseum , you won’t be able to see much else.
• Rome is your oyster!  Visit the Pantheon, take a tour of the Capitoline museum (Tom loved this), take the train out to Ostia Antica, or visit Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este . 

Day Four in Rome / Amalfi Coast 

• Morning:  Head south by train!  The most cost effective way to enjoy Pompeii with time constraints (and enjoy Amalfi) is to make Sorrento your home base.  Sorrento is about 2.5 hours from Rome by train and 30 minutes from Pompeii.  You could venture further south to the more popular Positano, but you’re going to pay much higher prices and it will be more difficult to get around.
• Afternoon:   Take some time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the view.  You can take a hydrofoil to some of the more glitzy towns of Amalfi if you’re feeling ambitious.  Just make sure to plan how you’re going to get back to your home base. Driving in Amalfi isn’t for the faint of heart!  

Day Five in Pompeii and Herculaneum

• Book a guide and board the Scavi train to Pompeii.  I recommend getting out early before it gets too hot and too crowded.  If you can’t make the morning work, go in the late afternoon before the site closes.  You’ll have less crowds to contend with than if you go in the middle of the day.  Whatever you do, skip a midday arrival if you can! 

Day Six in Sorrento and Rome

• Give yourself a leisurely morning to relax and enjoy the coastal views before heading back to Rome.  The train is only 2.5 hours, so there’s no reason to be in a hurry.  If you can store your luggage at your hotel, maybe it’s worth taking a day trip over to Capri and heading back to Rome in the evening.  Either way, make it an easy travel day so you’re ready to wrap up your time in Rome tomorrow.     
• If you’re not leaving today, make sure to do anything that you missed out on or wanted to experience again.  (I keep an on-going list of my favorite tours in Rome that is updated every time I find a new one to love!)   

Rome & Umbria

If you are flying into Rome but were hoping to visit Tuscany for wine and food, may I suggest Umbria instead?  Umbria is a more rustic Tuscany with beautiful hill towns, amazing resorts, and extremely tasty food… and it’s largely ignored by guidebooks and tourists!  While it’s no secret that I love a beautiful Tuscan hill town , I also really love Umbria.  I recommend doing three nights in Rome and two or three nights in Umbria. 

If you’re really ambitious, you can do what we do and drive from Umbria to the Rome airport on the morning of your flight.  We’ve done that multiple times to extend our time in the Italian countryside.      

For Food & Wine, Visit Montefalco

Montefalco was our first foray into Umbria during winter 2018.  We drove over for dinner and were completely flummoxed by the fact that it wasn’t in our guidebooks.  It’s a very well-preserved walled city that is underrated and under appreciated.   It’s about 2 hours northeast of Rome.   

If you love food and wine, I highly recommend adding Montefalco to your Italy itinerary. Montefalco is a quiet town with a beautiful town square, amazing restaurants, and delicious wines. You can book a wine tasting of Sagrantino, Montefalco Rosso, Passito, and even Trebbiano white wines .  (We’ve purchased two dozen bottles of Bocale wines in less than a year.)  Truffles are very popular here, so if you’ve been wanting to experience truffles, Montefalco is a great place to go.

In addition to food and wine, Montefalco has some incredible frescos and old churches to see.  On our last trip to Montefalco, we walked all the small streets beyond the town center and stumbled upon numerous very old churches that had remnants of beautiful art.  Again, you won’t read about these things in the guidebooks.  You just have to explore. 

STAY:   Palazzo Bontadosi

For Meat and Mountains, Visit Norcia

Norcia is one of the new places we discovered on our trip in summer 2021.  2.5 hours northeast of Rome, you’ll wind through some mountains and valleys and stumble upon a small town that need you to visit.  In the past, Norcia was famous for its butchers, which means it is famous for its sausages and salumi.  Norcia has some truly amazing sausage pasta dishes.  (One of our waiters in Cortona recommended Norcia to us for the food.  He definitely wasn’t wrong in his recommendations!)  While we couldn’t bring home sausages, we did bring home truffle cheese from Norcia.  It did not disappoint.

If you look up Norcia online, you’ll probably find that it was severely damaged by an earthquake in 2016 and 2017, which significantly damaged a lot of the town.  The cathedral is closed and covered in scaffolding and you can hear work being done non-stop during the day.  While there isn’t a lot to see in town, they need you to visit.  Tourism has largely disappeared because of the damage.  In the summer (May – July), the mountains and fields are in bloom with the Castelluccio di Norcia, so bring your hiking gear but stay in town to support the local economy that needs you.          

STAY:   Palazzo Seneca (We booked through Tablet Plus so we could take advantage of a room upgrade, a hotel credit, a welcome amenity, and a late checkout.  It is a Relais & Chateaux property, so these benefits may also be available through your favorite travel agent.) 

For Relaxation Away from Rome

If all the hustle of Rome has you overwhelmed and in need of a break, head to my favorite spa resort two hours north of Rome.  Borgo dei Conti is the perfect place to unplug from Rome, enjoy nature, and indulge in wellness.  We stayed at Borgo dei Conti after Christmas in 2018, for easter in 2019, and in summer 2021.

From the moment you check in, you’re encouraged to relax.  Seriously.  They sent us to the bar to enjoy a glass of wine while they prepared our room.  The chateaux rooms are beautifully decorated but maintain the charm of the original architecture with exposed beams and period art throughout the hotel.  There is a beautiful library where you can curl up with a book (or peruse their collection).  The spa has a jacuzzi and a small pool, as well as a steam room and sauna, and you can book treatments as well.  There are multiple restaurants on property, so you really don’t have to leave… though I do love the pizza restaurant (Valpino) that is a short walk or drive from the hotel!    

There are multiple pools, tennis courts, and other opportunities for wellness, but what I loved most in summer 2021 were the guided mediation walks throughout the park around the property.  You’ll feel miles away from Rome and the only noise you’ll hear are the birds.  It’s truly lovely. 

My favorite memory is buying a bottle of wine from the bar and watching the sunset over the lake from one of the many terraces at the hotel.         

STAY:   Borgo dei Conti Resort

Venice Itinerary Ideas

The second easiest place in Italy for us to visit from the US is Venice.  American Airlines offers a direct flight from PHL-VCE (Philadelphia to Venice), and we used this flight for anniversary trips in September.  Tom loves Venice.  It’s his favorite place to visit in Italy.  I like Venice because it’s beautiful and unique.  Given it’s location, my recommendation for spending a week in Venice is to do a few days in one sestiere (district) and move to a second sestiere or one of the Venice islands for a few days for a different experience.

One of my favorite sesitere to stay in is Dorsoduro.  This area has a lot of quieter canals and art galleries that I love to visit.  I’ve also stayed in San Marco and Guidecca, as well as the island of Murano and the Isola della Rose.  I loved staying in Murano .  After walking around Castello, I think it would be a neat and very local place to stay (as local as Venice can be these days).

I think it’s really important to understand how the over-saturation of tourism and daytrippers from cruise ships has contributed to a Venice that is not sustainable for locals to live there.  For that reason, I think it’s important to stay in Venice and slow down, as well as contribute to the economy.  Susana has a great 3-day sustainable Venice itinerary if you don’t want to spend a week in Venice.          

Making the Most of Your Venice Trip

Here are just a few Venice travel tips to make your trip more enjoyable.  

•   Find a hotel in Venice and stay in Venice.   Not in Mestre.  Not a train ride away.  In Venice.  We really love Palazzo Veneziano in Dorsoduro.  The Hotel Danieli is perfect for a romantic trip to Venice.  The Hilton Venice is a great mid-luxury hotel, especially with a vaporetto pass.
•   Buy a vaporetto pass for the duration of your stay.  It is far more cost effective than individual rides and it will save your feet.  (There are a lot of stairs in Venice.)
•   Give yourself plenty of time to get places, particularly if you have a reservation to honor.  Because of the tight roads, sometimes internet doesn’t work perfectly.  (And, really, put the phone away.  The beauty is in the walk.)
•   Practice sustainable tourism.  If you want Venice to be there when you go back, patronize local businesses.  This means buying locally made glass and masks, instead of things manufactured and mass produced elsewhere.  It includes not contributing to the affordable housing problem by encouraging the proliferation of AirBnB.  And, book local guides and tours, rather than just looking for the perfect instagram background.  We’ve been to Venice twice post-COVID, and in a lot of ways, it is so much nicer to visit now because it doesn’t feel overrun with mass tourism.  Let’s do our part to help continue to grow Venice back to a place where locals can and want to live and tourists can enjoyably visit!            

Suggested One Week Itinerary for Venice

Day One in Venice

• Morning:   Book a walking tour of Venice with a to get your bearings.  I love Lu with Secret Venice Tour or these free Venice walking tours .  By doing this early, you can get local recommendations and avoid the tourist traps, of which there are many.
• Evening:  Give your feet a break, board the #1 Vaporetto before sunset, and grab an outdoor seat in the front.  Cruise down the Grand Canal with this DIY audio tour .

Day Two in Venice

• Morning:  Head to St. Mark’s Square before the daytrippers arrive and enjoy the quiet beauty of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful living room.  Visit the Basilica of San Marco, take the stairs to the rooftop, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the square as it starts to fill up.  If you need a coffee (or gelato) break, we love the iconic (and expensive) Caffe Florian .
• Afternoon:  Visit the Frari Church, one of Venice’s famous churches that is far from where the tourists usually wander.  (Another under appreciated church nearby is the Chiesa di San Pantalon.) 
• Evening: Prepare for apertivo and learn more about the Venetian tradition of cicchetti with a wine tasting at Venice bar off a small canal.  While Venice doesn’t create its own wine, the Veneto does and this is a great place to try it without leaving the islands!  The owner provided us with an entire rainbow of wines to try! 

Day Three in Venice

• Morning:  Take a  guided tour of the Doges Palace .  Yes, you can visit on your own, but unless you know a lot about Venetian history, you won’t really know what you’re seeing.  You’ll even be able to cross the Bridge of Sighs from the inside.
• Evening:  If it is in your budget, take a  gondola ride in Venice .  (I have a few suggestions for ways to make it work in that post!)  I think sunset and blue hour is the most magical hour for gondola rides in Venice.  Night gondola rides are extremely romantic though.                   

Day Four in Venice

• Depending on whether or not you decide to stay in Venice or move to one of the islands, today should be a day for exploring the islands.  We’ve stayed at the Hyatt Centric Murano in December 2021 and loved the experience.  We saw parts of Murano that tourists don’t usually see and some of the more beautiful glass shops are deep in Murano. 
• If you are feeling adventurous and want to DIY this tour so you won’t feel rushed, I love Torcello.  The ancient church is incredible.
• If you’re looking for souvenirs, head to Murano for glass or Burano for lace. 
• If you’re looking for the colorful Venetian buildings, they are on Burano.     

Days Five through Seven in Venice

• Your goal for the rest of the trip should be to experience the “real” Venice away from all the touristy sites.  I strongly recommend taking another walking tour of Venice to see a different area that you’ve visited before.  However, you could take a traditional Venetian Carnival mask-making workshop or try your hand at Venetian glass-making , as well.
• Don’t underestimate the beauty of exploring Venice at night.  First of all, it’s very safe.  Second of all, it’s incredibly captivating to have the canals to yourself.  I also love this night walking tour of Venice , which can provide you a lot more insight into Venetian history and help the city feel even more magical and mysterious.
• Don’t be afraid to get lost.  Put the phone away.  Look up.  Go wherever intrigues you.  (I love the left, right, or straight game.)  One, Venice isn’t *that* big.  Two, you’re never far from a vaporetto stop if you get tired.  Three, you are on islands and can’t get off (unless you walk back across the causeway).  The beauty of Venice is found in smaller canals and campos, far away from the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, though you can’t miss those either.          

Florence and Tuscany Itinerary Ideas

I could dedicate an entire post for one week Italy itinerary ideas for Florence and Tuscany.  Arguable one of our favorite regions of Italy and where we return to because there is just so much to explore, it is hard to know where to begin.  You could put together a Tuscany road trip , bypassing Florence completely, or you could put together an entire 7-day itinerary for Florence, and in either case, you would only scratch the surface of either place. 

If Tuscany’s small towns don’t appeal to you, but you’re still looking for good food, you can board a train and be in Bologna in 35 minutes.  Bologna is delicious and a short train ride away from Parma and Modena, which offer more delicious delights.  Visiting Emilia-Romagna (twice) is one of our highlights from our 2021 travels, and it can easily be coupled with Florence.

Similar to the Rome itinerary ideas I shared above, I’m going to give you a day-by-day look at what I think you should consider doing in Florence.  From there, I’ll give you a little bit of information of places in Tuscany that you could add on to your itinerary with options for travel by train or by car.

For what its worth, there are multiple airports to start (and end) your Florence trip.  While Florence (FLR) does have its own airport, Bologna (BLQ) and Pisa (PSA) are very popular airports to fly into to visit Tuscany and Florence.  We generally fly British Airways into Bologna or Pisa from LHR.        

Suggested One Week Itinerary for Florence

Day One in Florence:

• Take a free walking tour of Florence .  If you are extra ambitious, take both the morning and the afternoon tours.  It’s the best introduction to the city, the Renaissance and its history.  We have taken both of these tours multiple times and always learn something new. 
• Evening:  Head to the Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset and the best view of Florence.  (You can also climb a little bit further up to San Miniato and avoid some of the crowds.)    

Day Two in Florence:

• Morning:  Book a guided tour of the Accademia or the Uffizi Museum (but not both in one day) to learn more about the evolution of the Renaissance artists.  If guided tours aren’t your thing, make a museum reservation for an early timeslot to avoid the crowds  Grab lunch at one of Florence’s famous panini places.  I recommend ‘Ino near the Uffizi and Sandwichic near the Accademia.     
• Afternoon:   If you aren’t museumed out, I recommend switching gears and learning more about the scientific discoveries of the Renaissance.  I love the small DaVinci Museum and the Galileo Museum .  Choose one and create your own adventure! 

Day Three in Florence:

• Morning:  Visit Santa Croce or the Duomo when it first opens to avoid the lines.  I prefer Santa Croce because the interior is just stunning, but you can’t come to Florence and not appreciate the Duomo.  If you want to marvel at Brunelleschi Dome, book a ticket to climb the dome OR the bell tower.  Climbing the dome will let you go in between the two-dome system.  Climbing the bell tower will give you a view of the dome.  
• For lunch you could head to the Mercato Centrale (near the Duomo) or the Sant’Ambrogio market (near Santa Croce).
• Evening:  Whether you are planning to head to Tuscany or not, I would book a food tour of Florence , a Tuscan wine tasting (at different price points!), or walking tour of Florence at sunset !    

Days Four through Seven in Florence:

• Take a cooking class in Florence (one of my favorite activities)!
• Visit the Duomo Museum to see the original art that was in the Duomo.
• Tour the Bargello Museum to see more Renaissance sculpture.
• Visit the Florence Synagogue to learn more about the history of this beautiful building and the Jewish people in Florence and Italy (Make sure to get the audioguide) 
• Visit the Medici Chapel and Museum
• Take a guided tour of the Palazzo Vecchio
• Ride the bus to Fiesole to see the Roman ruins and for some incredible views of Florence
• Visit the Boboli Gardens and/or the Pitti Palace .
• Head to the less popular but very beautiful Bardini Gardens.
• Hopefully this will be open to more than tour groups again soon, but you can see a grain market that was converted to a church – Orsanmichele has an alterpiece that was designed “in situ” (in and for the place it was designed) and it’s absolutely gorgeous.  You can also visit the small museum upstairs, if it’s open.
• Take a vintage Fiat 500 driving tour of the Tuscan hills at sunset.  You need to be able to drive a manual transmission for this.  The views are incredible, but it can be stressful.  Everyone needs to take their patience for this (speaking from experience, lol). 
• Have more food and wine tours in Florence to learn more about local cuisine.  

Tuscany Side Trips from Florence (by train)

If you want to experience Tuscany but don’t want to rent a car in Italy, there are several great Tuscan hill towns that you can reach by train or bus.  I recommend spending at least two nights in the smaller Tuscan towns.  Two nights gives you the opportunity to enjoy a few restaurants, experience the town in both the morning and the evening, and see a little bit more of a town.  If you only spend one night, you’ll check into your room around 3, have the evening to explore, and often have to check out of your hotel by 11:00 the next morning.  That’s an intense schedule.  

If you just visit these towns as a day trip from Florence, you’ll miss the magic that happens before and after the tourists leave.  Some of my favorite memories in Siena are sitting on the Campo in the evening, having dinner at an agriturismo outside of Pienza on a rainy evening, and watching the sunset over Montepulciano with a glass of wine.  Those aren’t experiences that are easy as a daytripper.  Plus, Florence hotels are expensive (comparatively).  If you are going to spend the money to be in Florence, be in Florence.  Tuscany hotels are less expensive, so you can splurge for train tickets (or rental cars), meals, and other adventures.

While I’ve only listed a few towns here, it’s because these are the ones where I can personally recommend where to stay and things to do based on personal experience.  Other hill towns I’ve visited and that are high on my list are Volterra, Pienza, Pisa, and Lucca.  My unpublished Tuscany restaurant and hotel list currently has 94 entries on it, so I’ll be adding to this post for awhile.       

Medieval Siena

Siena is 1-1.5 hours from Florence by bus or train. 

Siena is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Tuscany. The entirety of historical center of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  I love the architecture, the views from the city walls, and I especially love watching the passeggiata around the Campo in evenings.

I loved this walking tour of Siena because we were able to learn more about the different Contrada in Siena, and the Palio.  We even got to see some of the tapestries in a neighborhood museum.  

Make sure you visit the Siena Duomo , and specifically don’t miss visiting the Piccolomini Library.  (I overlooked it on three trips to Siena.)  It’s one of my favorite things because it’s so breathtaking.  It’s even more beautiful after you’ve visited the Uffizi and you have better understanding of why it’s so impressive.  Truly, I’ve never seen frescos like this.

Another thing I recommend is to take a food tour in Siena .  You’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the flavors of Tuscany without even leaving the city. We have ended up with so many  souvenirs from taking food tours !

STAY:  La Terraza Sul Campo  

Classic Cortona

Cortona is 1.5 hours from Florence by train

Cortona is absolutely beautiful.  It’s the subject of Under the Tuscan Sun, but don’t let its fame deter you.  (I did for several years.  Learn from my mistake.)  

I would hardly consider Cortona off the beaten track, but it certainly felt that way when we were there in June and October 2021. We were surrounded by Italian speakers in restaurants and on the main square. This hill town feels alive and “lived in,” in a way that some more popular hill towns seem to be lacking.

We start each day with a walk through town, including an intense climb to visit the churches in the northern parts of town. Don’t miss the Basilica of Santa Margherita. It is the most beautiful church I’ve seen in Tuscany.  After a mid-day nap and spa treatment at our hotel, we would start our evenings with a passeggiata, pause for an apertivo, and wrap up with dinner and gelato.

Cortona is a wonderful place to eat , drink, and walk around.  Ask waiters to make recommendations for you.  You’ll never go wrong.  I promise.  

STAY:   Monastero di Cortona Hotel and Spa (full review on our rooms at the Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa )

San Gimignano – The Towers of Tuscany

San Gimignano is 2 hours from Florence by bus or train.

San Gimignano is one of the most pleasant surprises of our hill town adventures.  I thought it would be overrun by tourists, but it does have a lot to offer.  It is a relatively flat hill town, which makes it a very walkable city.  It’s not as flat as Pienza, but it is way less steep than Cortona, Montalcino, and Montepulciano.  Even though it doesn’t have the height of the other towns, it also offers incredible views of green vineyards and rolling hills, as well as the olive groves of Tuscany.  Beyond that, there seem  to be a lot of art galleries scattered through town, which I loved.

Another thing that makes San Gimignano great for the traveller without a car is that they have a great winery within walking distance of the old town.  You can do a wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting near San Gimignano .  I love booking a tasting that includes lunch because you can enjoy a seasonal Tuscan meal, in addition to your tasting.  The family that runs the winery is so hospitable, and their products are wonderful.  They also ship to the US!  (We’ve order a lot of wine and olive oil from them, especially during the pandemic in support of Italy in 2020 .

Tuscany Side Trips by Car

If you’re not afraid of driving in Italy, you will certainly be rewarded with some incredible hill town experiences.  There are some really lovely towns that are best reached by car.  If you are planning to travel by car, I strongly recommend renting from a multi-national car company.  I’ve had the best experiences with Sixt and Hertz.  Similar to my recommendation to book open jaw airline tickets, I highly recommend one-way car rentals if it makes sense for your itinerary.  As you can tell, I’m not a fan of backtracking!

When driving in Italy, make sure to reach out to your hotel for any information on directions and parking.  First , some hotels have ZTL zone where only residents and cars with permits can drive.  It doesn’t mean that you can’t drive there, but they will need to register your license plate so you don’t get fined.  Second , sometimes parking has to be arranged in advance.  This isn’t the US where valet parking is unlimited.  You’ll want to reserve your spot or get details on where the best public parking is close to your hotel.  Third , your hotel can give you the best instructions for getting there.  Google maps doesn’t always know that you can’t drive through the city center.  The point-by-point instructions that I’ve received from hotels are always – well – on point.      

Montepulciano – The Classic Italian Hill Town

Montepulciano is 1.5 hours from Florence by car.  (It’s 3-3.5 hours by train or bus.)

We’ve made at least overnight 4 trips to Montepulciano, not counting a few side trips to the Christmas market or for lunch on our way to another destination. The hills are steep, but you are rewarded with sweeping views of the countryside (book my favorite suite at Palazzo Carletti ), a beautiful town center and fortress, and one of the best bistecca fiorentinas in Tuscany. It feels like a classic Italian hill town, and like Cortona, it feels “lived in.”  You see locals going about their daily business.  

From mid-November until early January, there is a fabulous Christmas market in Montepulciano that runs throughout the town.  This market feels very local with a lot of typical Tuscan meats and cheeses on offer, as well as gifts that range from ceramics to wooden decor. 

Montepulciano is also famous for its wines, though they are not as famous as the Brunello di Montalcino, they are very good.  We really enjoy heading up to Enoilteca , a wine bar at the very top of town, that offers beautiful views of the Tuscan sunset, as well as an extensive wine-by-the-glass system so you can try numerous Tuscan wines.  There are also a couple of wineries in the center of town that will let you tour their wine cellars that are actually built into the hillside. 

With a car, you will have the flexibility to visit some of the wineries outside of town (or even head to Montalcino), but you will need to make an appointment in advance.  Your hotel will be able to help you with this.  You are also only a short drive from Pienza, home of the famous pecorino di Pienza cheese (and my favorite gelateria, Buon Gusto).  There are numerous shops and farms where you can stop for tastings between Montepulciano and Pienza.  

STAY:   Palazzo Carletti  

Staying in the Tuscan Countryside

Near Arezzo

Il Borro is about 30 minutes from Arezzo and 1 hour from Florence by car.  

If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy the Tuscan countryside, focus on wellness, and also enjoy really great food, I love Il Borro .  This is truly a place to disconnect from everything, enjoy nature, and maybe – just maybe, venture into one of the nearby villages for dinner if you don’t want to stay at the resort the entire time.  It’s the perfect place to slow down; I booked it in the middle of a three-week trip through Italy. It fell between Cortona and Florence on our itinerary.  We spent our time going between our suite, the spa, and the pools.  It was glorious.

The thing that makes Il Borro unique that it is actually a  village-turned-resort by the Ferragamo family.  The suites are cottages spread throughout a traditional Italian village. The rooms all have beautiful views of the mountains with a comfortable seclusion… with all the amenities of a luxury 5-star hotel at your fingertips. 

Il Borro offers an on-site winery, two pools, two restaurants, and multiple craftsmen and artisan shops where you can see how products are made.  As it relates to wellness, Il Borro offers hiking trails, a lovely spa, and a gym.  (I had a wonderful massage in the spa.  It was incredibly relaxing.)  As far as activities go, Il Borro offers everything from horseback riding to cooking classes to truffle hunting. 

While it may seem sort of like Disneyland (I wasn’t at all sure when I booked it), the resort offers a very authentic Tuscan experience (without the hill town).  It is also a member of the Relais & Chateaux hotel collection , so the experiences are designed with both authenticity and quality in mind. 

I booked through  Tablet Hotels as a Plus member .  Plus members receive a space-available upgrade (we were upgraded to an incredible junior suite), a 90 euro spa credit, daily breakfast, and a free wine tasting.  These perks proved to be a great way to experience a lot of what the resort had to offer in a short time. 

Near Montalcino

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is about 20 minutes from Montalcino and 1.5 hours from Florence by car.

We decided to spend a few days in Tuscany and Umbria at the start of the new year before flying out of Rome.  I wanted to find a hotel similar to Il Borro, and the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco fit the bill for the time of year when we were visiting.

Prior to our arrival, I was able to set up a wine tasting (because when near Montalcino), as well as a fresh pasta cooking class.  One of the things that I loved about the Rosewood is that they had an extensive brochure that detailed all of the activities you could participate in – from sports (golf and tennis), to food and wine experiences, to hiking and wellness, to guided excursions throughout the area, to children’s activities.  It was very detailed and caters to both couples and families.   

The rooms are extremely luxurious with small touches like weighted blankets that make them especially cozy and romantic.  (If I could bring the entire bed, including the bedding home, that would be amazing.)  There were candles in the room and all the lights were on dimmer switches.  Our bathroom had a separate extra long tub and shower – long leisurely bubble baths were my favorite and bath salts were included!  We also had a private patio with lounge chairs overlooking the countryside.  Turndown service included a bottle of rosso di Montalcino wine.  This is the perfect hotel for a honeymoon in Tuscany.    

My only regret? Neither Tom nor I were feeling at our best, so we didn’t make the most of this incredible resort.

I booked the Rosewood through a travel agent.  Our stay included a room upgrade, free breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, and extended check-in/out times.  The Rosewood is a splurge and a half, but if you’re looking to make one – this one to make.      

Additional One Week Italy Itinerary Ideas

Bologna and emilia romagna.

In 2021, we made two trips to Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region .  With Bologna only being 35 minutes away from Florence by high speed train, it’s a wonderful side trip from Florence , but you could easily spend a week in this region, especially if you’re really into food.  I loved Bologna and Parma both because they felt SO alive, especially in the evenings.  We didn’t have a single bad meal while we were there. 

I feel like I’m just starting to peel back the layers on this region, so I can’t give a definitive guide to how to spend your time here, however I do have a few recommendations on my mini guide and where to stay below.  I highly, highly, highly recommend taking a cooking class and/or food tour.  (Convincing you to do both is the dream!)  

STAY:  Palazzo Gozzi in Parma  

STAY:  051 Suites in Bologna      

Milan, Torino, and Lake Como

I find it easiest and most authentic to write about the things I know well.  All of the places I’ve mentioned here are places where we have spent a lot of time over numerous visits over the years.  You might notice that Lake Como is missing.  While we have flown into and out of Milan a few times, we haven’t spent much time there yet. We did spend two nights at the Park Hyatt Milan and took time to see The Last Supper. 

We coupled Milan with about a week in the Piedmont region, including staying at Palas Cerequio and Turin .  I was inspired by Stacie Flinner’s instagram stories and visits to Torino , Lake Como , and the parts of northern Italy that we haven’t visited yet.  I’m hoping that we can continue to explore these areas more.

Puglia and Southern Italy

In winter 2019, we spent a little bit of time exploring the Puglia region .  It was absolutely lovely.  (It’s also very affordable.)  This is on the Adriatic coast of Italy and is most known for the trulli houses in Alberobello and the white stone towns that line the sea front.  While I loved our stay at La Sommita Relais in Ostuni , there is a Four Seasons Puglia that is supposed to be opening.  It will be a beachfront property and I’m excited to see what it looks like.  I’d like to head further south and check out Lecce and Matera.

If you could find a good flight into Bari or Brindisi, it would be a lovely off-the-beaten path destination for 7 days in Italy.  It’s definitely more affordable than some of the other coastal regions on the opposite coast of Italy.  You will definitely need to rent a car in Puglia though.      

Another Italian destination that we are really interested in adding is Sicily .  My sister spends quite a bit of time there, and she’s definitely sold me on it.  Without a direct flight, it seems like an ambitious trip to make on a 1 week in Italy itinerary.  We usually try to limit our connections to one for a 1 week Italy itinerary.  Sometimes I will stretch to two stops if the flights line up really well, but I have an easier time with jetlag if we can arrive in the morning versus in the late afternoon or evening. 

I think you need at least a week to explore Sicily, if not two weeks, so I would save it for another longer trip.   

Sara loves to help people use their vacation time more effectively by planning beautiful, memorable, and delicious trips. She spends several weeks every year exploring Italy and central Europe. In addition to her full-time job, she is constantly searching for beautiful places and spaces. She loves the direct flights between Dallas and Italy, France, and Germany but is always up for wherever a great deal on an airline ticket will take her. (Sara also really loves European Christmas markets and tries to visit at least one new one every holiday season.)

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This is INCREDIBLE! And now I’m all the rage for our horrendous work ethic and vacation policies here in the United States. It’s just flat out gross. But this is amazing – you are by far the most knowledgeable and well traveled friend ever <3

Wow for sure pinning this. Thank you! Italy is still on our list (this was to be our 2020 trip) and this will be so handy when we actually go

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

One week in Italy itinerary ideas for families: how to spend 7 days in Italy

One week in Italy itinerary ideas for families: 10 inspirational itineraries to help you decide how to spend a week in I taly with children, see Italy’s highlights and make wonderful family memories.

What’s the best itinerary to see Italy in one week with kids in tow?

This is one of the most common conundrums among families planning an Italy vacation with children and one of the most debated topics between people who have already been.

If you are part of my Travel Italy with Kids Facebook Group (if you are not, join via the button below, it’s free!) you probably have already noticed how many conflicting opinions this simple question elicits!

There is indeed no simple answer.

There are infinite ways to plan a trip to Italy with children and not just because Italy offers so many options.

How much to see with seven days in Italy also comes down to how much energy you and the kids have when it comes to hopping on trains and transport, the level of crowds, season and more.

In many cases, you will see recommendations to slow down whatever itinerary you have in mind and stay longer in one, maximum two places, for the week.

This is indeed good advice; however, it will inevitably mean compromising on how many places you see.

If you are happy with seeing a smaller area but in-depth, allowing space for downtime for the kids and no travel days, then you have plenty of beautiful and child-friendly areas to choose from!

You can find here >>> my guide to the best places to visit in Italy with kids , with individual family guides per area.

If, instead, you want to see many different places and find a lot of journey time is worth the effort, then just keep reading

Below, you will find severs one-week Italy itinerary ideas that can help you understand how much is doable in the time you have.

I wrote these itineraries on the basis of my own family travels in Italy and I have added some that our group members too and recommended.

I hope you can find one that matches your travel dreams and styles. They are all built keeping in mind the needs of families and with an emphasis on attractions and locations that parents and kids can enjoy together.

Below each, you will find city and area guides to help you make whatever tweaks you may need.

Safe travel planning!

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission on qualifying purchases.

If you want even more help or you have any questions, please in my FREE Facebook group about traveling to Italy with kids: I will be there to answer all tour questions and we have a great community of parents with incredible knowledge of Italy and lots of tips to help you make the most of your trip!

Itinerary 1: Florence, Tuscany countryside, Venice

This Italy itinerary will show you the splendor of Renaissance Florence, the relaxing rolling hills of Tuscany and unique Venice.

It is a trip for families interested in a classic Italy experience and who want to mix city and country. It is best planned with the use of both car and train.

At the end of it, you have links to our family city guides and area guides to help you pick the best activities, accommodation and restaurants among the many available.

This one week Italy itinerary for families develops as follows:

Day 1: Florence

• Morning: Florence city center self-guided walk (Duomo with duomo climb Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica historical merry go round, Ponte Vecchio)
• Afternoon: Museum Visit
• Sunset: taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo, dinner in town

Day 2: Florence

• Morning: Family-friendly pasta-making class
• Afternoon: Boboli Gardens and Oltrarno in good weather / child-friendly Museo Leonardo in case of rain
• Evening: dinner

Day 3: Tuscany countryside day trip

• Day trip to the Tuscany countryside (views, wineries, farms…)
• Dinner in Florence

Day 4: Lucca (option to add Pisa)

• Full day trip by train to Lucca with a self-guided bike tour of the town (all ages).
• Optional stop in Pisa , on the same train line, to show the leaning tower of Pisa to the children

Day 5: Fiesole and Gelato Making Class

• Morning: Short bus to Fiesole and its Roman Theater / Museum visit
• Afternoon: family friendly gelato making class in Florence

Day 6: Venice

• Morning: train to Venice, arrival and settling in
• Afternoon: Venice city center walk (Rialto, San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sights), Doge’s Palace tour
• Sunset gondola ride

Day 7: Murano and Burano (Venice)

• Morning: Scavenger hunt with Macaco Tours (several formats available for kids and teens)
• Afternoon: half-day trip to Murano and Burano – option to take a 15 min glassworks workshop for the kids in Murano at Ferro Toso
• Dinner in Venice Jewish ghetto

Travel resources for this one week Italy itinerary

Family city guide to Florence (things to do with kids, family hotel, tips) | Prettiest villages in Tuscany | Family guide to Venice (things to with kids, family hotels, tips) | What to eat in Venice | Two nights in Venice with kids itinerary

Itinerary 2: one week Italy itinerary visiting Rome, Bologna, Ravenna

This is a one-week Italy itinerary for families who love cities, history, food and have car lovers in the group (big or small!)

This itinerary is entirely traveled by train.

This one-week Italy itinerary for families develops as follows:

Day 1: Rome

• Morning: Rome city center highlights (self-guided or guided tour to see the Pantheon area, Spanish Steps, etc)
• Afternoon: Borghese Gardens
• Dinner near Piazza Navona

Day 2: Rome

• Morning: Colosseum visit. Break in Colle Oppio park.
• Afternoon: Explora Children Museum (small kids) / St Peter’s Square and and Basilica (all ages)
• Dinner in Trastevere

Day 3: Bologna

• Morning: train to Bologna
• Afternoon: walk in Bologna city center (Bologna’s secret window, Piazza Maggiore, kid-friendly Salaborsa).
• Dinner in the university area

Find here >> our guide to visiting Bologna with kids

Day 4 Modena and Maranello Ferrari Museum and factory tour

• Full day trip to the Maranello Ferrari Museum and Factory Tour and Ferrari Museum in Modena City center
• Evening: dinner back in Bologna

Day 5 Ravenna

• Day trip to Ravenna to see the mosaics and the kid-friendly mosaic museum.

Find here >>> our complete family guide to Ravenna with kids .

Day 6 Verona

• Train to Verona, arrival and settling in; pick up treasure hunt free map from tourist office beside the arena.
• Afternoon: Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Arche Scaligere (all locations also on the kids’ map) on foot or city tourist train

Day 7 Verona

• Scaligero bridge, Juliet’s House, shopping in Verona city center
• Evening: dinner in Verona

Resources for this itinerary:

Family guide: how to visit Rome with kids | Family guide to Bologna | How to visit the Ferrari Museums | Family guide to Ravenna with kids | Family Guide to Verona

Itinerary 3: 7 days in Italy to see Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

This one-week family itinerary brings you to some of Italy’s most popular areas and children’s favorites such as Pompeii.

This family itinerary allows you to mix time in the city, on the coast and visiting family-friendly archaeological sites .

At the end of it, you have links to our family city guides and area guides to help you pick the best activities, accommodations and restaurants among the many available.

• Morning: Rome city center (highlights)
• Afternoon: Afternoon at the Borghese Gardens (all ages)
• Dinner in the Pantheon area

• Morning: Colosseum tour. Colle Oppio park.
• Afternoon: St Peter’s Square, Welcome to Rome Exhibition

Day 3 Pompeii and Sorrento

• Morning: Train to Pompeii and Pompeii visit as a stop over while going to Sorrento
• Train to Sorrento, arrival and settling in
• Dinner and night in Sorrento

Day 4: Amalfi Coast

• Full day on the Amalfi coast ferry hopping between towns
• Evening food tour in Sorrento with the Gourmet Girls Food Tours

Day 5: Capri

Full day trip to Capri by local ferry.

Day 6: Rome

• Morning: Train to Rome, settling into accommodation
• Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo

Day 7 Rome:

• Morning: Pizza del Campidoglio, Jewish Ghetto
• Afternoon: Gladiator School
• Evening (after dinner): Trevi fountain

Resources for this itinerary;

Family guide to Rome with kids | Capri with kids | Amalfi Coast with kids

Itinerary 4: 7 day Italy itinerary between Rome and Umbria

This one week itinerary between Rome and Umbria is perfect for families who want to see Rome and its marvels and then slow down in beautiful countryside settings.

Not too fast-paced, this family itinerary brings you to big cities, small towns and country locations, all within a relatively compact yet varied part of central Italy.

• Morning: Rome city center highlights (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish steps etc)
• Afternoon: Welcome to Rome Exhibition
• Evening: Dinner in the Pantheon area

• Morning: Colosseum tour. Colle Oppio Park.
• Morning: St Peter’s Square and basilica (all ages) / Vatican Museums (Older kids)
• Afternoon: Borghese Gardens, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain area
• Pizza making glass

Day 4: Perugia

• Morning: train to Perugia and settling in
• Afternoon: explore Perugia (Perugina chocolate factory, underground city, artisan workshops)

Day 5: Day trip to Umbira’s small towns

Full day trip to Gubbio (tourist train ride, ‘crazy’ fountain’, medieval town) and Spello (older kids or with a carrier. medieval charm, flowery balconies) or Assisi , St Frances’ town

Day 6: Adventure park

Full day trip to one of Umbria’s adventure parks

Day 7: Rome

• Morning: train to Rome

Rome with kids travel guide | Umbria with kids | Family guide to Spello | Guide to Gubbio with kids | Family Guide to visiting Assisi with kids

Itinerary 5 Rome and Tuscany

Rome and Tuscany are at the top of many visitors’ travel wish lists for Itlay and they are lovely areas to visit with kids of any age.

It is perfect for families who want to see Rome but also spend time in the beautiful countryside, enjoying child-friendly farms, seeing small towns, and tasting the delicious food and wine Tuscany is known for.

The best way to follow this one-week itinerary is to mix time in Rome without a car and then get your own transport to explore Tuscany.

• Morning: Rome city center highlights (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps etc
• Afternoon: Explora Children Museum (Small Kids) / Welcome to Rome Exhibition

• Morning: Colosseum Tour. Colle Oppio Park
• Afternoon: Pizza Making class
• Evening (after dark): Trevi Fountain

Day 4: Montepulciano

• Morning: drive to your agriturismo near Montepulciano
• Afternoon in Montepulciano (Playground, piazza Grande, wine shops)

Day 5: Pienza

• Morning: slow mornign in agriturismo
• Afternoon: Pienza (playground, pecorino, walk to ‘Gladiator Cypresses’)

Day 6: Siena and Bagno Vignoni

• Morning: Siena (Piazza del Campo, Duomo, child friendly orto de’ Pecci)
• Afternoon: Bagno Vignoni (kid-friendly thermal spa town)
• Dinner: Bagno Vignoni

• Morning: transit back to Rome

Resources for this itinerary: Family guide to Rome with kids | Tuscany with kids | The best agriturismo (farm stays) in Tuscany for families | Wine tasting in Tuscany with kids

If you are worried about driving in Italy, I recommend you also read our guides: driving in Italy, all you n eed to know and how to rent a car in Italy .

Itinerary 6 Lake Garda and Verona

The area of Lake Garda is one of the best places to visit in Italy with kids as it is varied, well served and packed with things to do for kids big and small.

Day 1: Peschiera

• Morning: explore Peschiera the tourist train
• Afternoon: Peschiera town center walk (playground, bastions, Piazza delle Armi)

Day 2 Bardolino

• Morning: excursion to family friendly Barolino (tourist train, playground, restaurants)
• Afternoon: lake side cycle to Lazise

Day 3 Gardaland

Fun day in Gardaland theme park, perfect for children of school age and up who love riders and the thrill of one of Itlay’s best amusement parks.

>>> Find info and tickets here <<<

Day 4 Sirmione

Ferry hopping around the lake to see Sirmione , Sirmione castle and Limone

Day 5 Parco Natura Viva

Full day out in Parco Natura Viva Safari Park to get up close and personal with the animals and spend the day outdoors

• Morning: train to Verona and settling in
• Afternoon: tourist train or city walks for city highlights (Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Arche Scaligere)
• Morning: Scaligero Bridge and surrounding area
• Afternoon: family friendly cooking class

Resources for this itinerary: Lake Garda with kids | Best places to visit on Lake Garda | Family guide to Verona

Itinerary 7 Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is high on the list of many families and it is best included in your itinerary if combined with Tuscany.

The two together allow you to experience a mix of art cities, countryside and coast; this is also a great Italy itinerary for kids who want to see the famous leaning tower of Pisa.

Day 1 Florence

• Morning: city center walk and duomo climb
• Sunset: Taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo

Day 2 Florence

• Morning: Ponte Vecchio and Boboli gardens
• Afternoon: Family friendly pasta making class

Day 3 Pisa and Monterosso

• Morning: train to Pisa (leaning tower of Pisa, cathedral and Battistero).
• Afternoon: train from Pisa to Monterosso and settling in

Day 4 day: Cinque Terre

Day trip ferrying around Cinque Terre

Day 5 : Cinque Terre

• Morning: Family hike to Corniglia
• Afternoon: beach day in Monterosso

Day 6 : Porto Venere

• Morning: Train to Levanto, then get bikes and cycle the family-friendly Levanto – Bonassola
• Afternoon: Ferry trip to pretty Porto Venere and its colorful town center

Day 7 Florence

• Morning: Train to Florence, settling in
• Afternoon: gelato making class

Resources to plan this itinerary: Family guide to Florence with kids | How to spend one day in Pisa | Guide to Cinque Terre with kids

One week Italy Itinerary 8 Puglia and Basilicata for families

This one-week Italy itinerary brings you to some of the most beautiful and, in parts, most underrated areas of Italy’s South.

The itinerary leads you to popular Puglia, its pretty beaches and towns, and then allows you to discover the marvel of Matera and the outstanding archaeological site of Paestum.

This itinerary is best followed by car and it is suited to families who want to explore small towns and spend time on the beach (summer).

Day 1 Trani  

• Morning: Trani (duomo, marina, Bike tour)
• Afternoon: Castel del Monte

Day 2 Grotte di Castellana

• Morning: visit to Grotte di Castellana (impressive caves with stalagmites and rock formations)
• Afternoon: drive to Aberobello, and city stroll (trulli)

Day 3: Alberobello, Locorotondo, Matera

• Morning: Alberobello (trullo Sovrano Museum)
• Lunch: in Locorotondo car free town center
• Afternoon: drive to Matera, settling in

Day 4: Matera

• Morning: tuk tuk tour of the city
• Afternoon: leisure walk in sassi
• Evening: Matera

Day 5: Paestum and Naples

• Morning: Drive to Paestum (Greek temples)
• Afternoon: drive into Naples, arrive and settle in, evening in Naples

Day 6: Naples

• Morning: Naples archaeological museum and city center stroll
• Afternoon: Pizza making class with local chef

Day 7: Pompei

Full-Day trip to Pompeii by train / guided tour including access to Vesuvius

Resources to plan this itinerary: Puglia with kids | Matera with kids | Naples with kids (coming soon) | Guide to Paestum

Itinerary 9: one week in Italy to see Rome, Amalfi, Pisa and Venice

This itinerary has been inspired by one of the most energetic members of our Facebook group who managed to see Rome, Amalfi, Pisa and Venice with two small children in 8 days!

It is a much busier itinerary than any other on this page; however, he showed all this can be done in a week and so I am sharing my recommended way to plan your time.

At the end of this one-week Italy itinerary outline, you will find all the family city guides to help you plan each stay at best.

• Morning: Colosseum Visit.
• Afternoon: City center stroll to see Rome highlights
• Dinner: in the city center

Day 2: Amalfi town

• Morning: train and ferry to Amalfi town and settling in
• Afternoon: Amalfi town visit

Day 3: Amalfi Coast town hopping

Full-day excursion by car or ferry to explore other Amalfi Coast towns.

Day 4: Pisa and Venice

• Morning: train to Pisa and Pisa visit (Leaning tower of Pisa, cathedral, etc)
• Afternoon: Train to Venice, arrival and settling in
• Morning: Venice city center. St Mark’s basilica and Doges’ Palace tour
• Afternoon: Row Venice Gondola experience

Day 7: Murano and Burano

• Morning: Ferry to Murano and glasswork demonstration and workshop for kids
• Afternoon: ferry to nearby Burano (colorful houses, lace, biscuits)

Resources to plan this trip: Rome with kids | Amalfi Town with kids | One day in Pisa | Venice with kids | the best towns on the Amalfi Coast | How to visit the Amalfi coast with kids

Other one-week Italy itineraries for families

As I mentioned at the start of this article, the family itineraries for Italy I have recommended so far are for families who want to cover a lot of grounds in the seven days in Italy they have.

If you are happy enough to, instead, settle in one area and explore locally, then I recommend you check out our guides about the most child-friendly locations in Italy, and in particular:

• Dolomites with kids
• Tuscany with kids
• Lake Garda with kids
• Umbria with kids
• Puglia with kids
• Liguria with kids
• Sicily with kids
• Sardinia with kids

Not yet sure how long to spend in Italy? Check out our itineraries for 10 days in Italy with kids and 2 weeks in Italy with kids to see what you can see with the time you have!

Planning a trip to Italy? Don’t forget to also check out our 100+ Italy travel tips and our guide to planning a first trip to Italy !

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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Is One Week Enough For Italy? | 8 One-Week Itineraries

So, you’re planning a trip to Italy and are wondering if one week is enough? It depends on what you’re planning to visit in Italy. We created several inspirational itineraries for one week in Italy. 

One week in Italy is enough to visit several highlights in the country. It is not enough for a complete roundtrip throughout Italy. You can choose for a roundtrip through an Italian region, hiking in the Dolomites. Exploring the coastline, go on an Italian food trip, or an Italian city trip visiting the world’s most famous cities. Italy has it all! 

We went to Italy several times. In 2019 we traveled through the country with our 15-year-old Toyota Yaris and a rooftop tent on top. It was a great adventure, Italy became one of our favorite European countries! We love the people, the Italian cuisine, the unique history, and the beautiful nature. 

When you only have one week to travel to Italy, it can be a challenge choosing which part of the country you should go to. So that’s why I created several one-week itineraries for different areas and things to do in Italy. 

Hopefully, it helps you decide where to go. You’ll get much more inspiration for the possibilities for visiting Italy. Let’s find out more! 

One Week Itineraries for Italy – What To Expect

Before I describe the different articles more detailed, let me first tell you what to expect in this article. 

In the next part, I’ll describe the highlights of each itinerary. Where to go, and the best way to travel around. For almost every itinerary, I will add a link to one of our other articles. This article is more like a summary of many different possibilities. Our other articles are much more in-depth guides. Where you’ll also find roadmaps, best places to stay, and additional helpful information.

The itineraries that we added in this article are; 

• A 7 Day City Trip to The Major Italian Cities 
• Northern Italian Roadtrip
• One Week in Tuscany Region
• A countryside road trip between Venice and Florence
• Visiting Italians West Coast (Amalfi Coast & Cinque Terre) 
• Sicily Island Tour For One Week
• Sardinia Island Tour For One Week
• Italian Food Road Trip in Emilio Romagna Region (Northern Italy)

As you can see, 8 completely different adventures in one of the most diverse European countries. 

Fun Fact: Italy, as we know it today, exists since 1861. Centuries before that, the different regions were independent Italian countries. It is one of the reasons why there’s so much diversity within the Italian cultures. Between 1861 and 1946, Italy was official ‘the Kingdom of Italy.’ It became a republic after the 2nd World War. 

1) A 7 Day City Trip to The Major Italian Cities 

In this itinerary, we focus on visiting the major Italian cities Rome, Florence, and Venice. A trip discovering the Italian and European history, exploring the extraordinary ancient architecture, unique city vibes, and lovely Italian countryside during your travels between the cities.

Of course, it is up to you where to start with this itinerary. For this example, we begin in Rome and travel up north towards Venice. But it is also straightforward to go from Venice to Rome (North to South). I don’t recommend starting in Florence with this itinerary. Florence is located between Venice and Rome, so it is not logical to travel back and forth this way.

I recommend spending two days in each city. Which gives you one extra day for travel time, staying a while longer in a city, or adding an additional destination to this itinerary.

Choosing Rome as a starting point is what I think the most convenient because you can quickly fly into the city from almost every major airport in Europe. And a few times a day there are arriving direct flights that depart from New York as well.

There are multiple ways to travel between the cities. The fastest method of traveling is by taking a domestic flight, but this is probably also the most expensive and non-eco friendly way. The two options that I would recommend is either traveling by train or by rental car. Both ways of traveling are safe, and they are both convenient. The most significant advantage of traveling by car is that you have the freedom to stop wherever you like, and can also visit the small villages in between these major cities.

Traveling by train is much faster, and you don’t have the hassle of finding a parking spot. You directly arrive in the city center while hopping off the train. I think it is the ideal way of traveling for this itinerary!

You can find the latest ticket prices and train schedules between the cities on the website of  Tren Italia  (The Italian Traincompany)

Highlights of Rome

The city is, of course, known as the capital of the Roman Empire. It was once the greatest civilization in the world. Known for its unique architecture, monuments like the trevi fountain, Spanish steps. And ancient buildings like the Colosseum and Pantheon. It is the only entrance to Vatican City, the capital of the catholic church. Roman civilization had a significant influence on our daily life. It was the first civilization that used a public sewage system, for example. You can read many more interesting facts in our article;  What is Rome Known For.  

Rome is a fantastic city to visit, and most of the city’s highlights are within walking distance. When you’re looking for a 2-day walking itinerary for your visit to Rome, make sure to read our article  Is Rome A Walkable City? 

Highlights of Florence

Florence is known as the capital of the renaissance. The renaissance is a period in European history between the 13th and 17th centuries. Also known as the middle ages. During this period, art forms, architecture, politics, and science were all changing. 

It was the period of modernism, new inventions, renaissance humanism. This period created a whole new perspective on human life. Florence is often referred to as the capital of this period, and the city where the renaissance began. Renowned artists and scientists, like Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and Copernicus, all lived during these ages. 

A few of the Famous buildings from that time are  the Duomo (Florence Cathedral), Ponte Vecchio, and Church of San Lorenzo. 

Highlights of Venice

The city of water  or  the floating city . All well-known nicknames for one of the most famous Italian cities. Did you know the city exists out of more than 118 small islands that are all connected by bridges? There are over 400 bridges in Venice!  

With all those small canals and lovely bridges, it is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is also one of the busiest cities in the world, receiving millions of tourists throughout the year. 

During the middle ages and the renaissance era, Venice was an important financial and international capital for Italy. You’ll find many historic buildings throughout the city, with, of course, San Marco square as one of the most famous central points of Venice. 

Climate change has its effects on the city. Over the last years, high tides, and heavy rainfalls, flooded the ancient city several times. Damaging historical sites for millions of dollars. The city is still a unique place to visit. However, many parts are being renovated for the coming years. 

2) Northern Italian Roadtrip

A road trip through the northern part of Italy can lead you through several provinces of the country. The region  Lombardy, Emilio-Romagna, Veneto, Tuscany,  they can all be part of the road trip. But if you only have a week to explore this part of the country, it can be overwhelming to choose where to go, and which parts you should leave for another time.

This itinerary is a road trip alongside some unique highlights of Northern Italy. It is based on our road trip itinerary  A Roundtrip through Northern Italy .  Where we created several routes for 5, 10, and 14 days through this part of the country. If you’re looking for more inspiration, I recommend reading the article.

The route we chose for this itinerary starts and stops in Milan. In between, you’ll visit the highlights of the region, like Lake Garda, Verona, and Cinque Terre. Milan is a metropolitan which is easy to reach by plane from many cities in Europe and the United States. It is the perfect starting end ending point of this road trip.

Recommended Route & Highlights Northern Italy

The northern part of Italy is most famous for its beautiful nature with the Dolomites mountains, and several splendid lakes. Also, it is known as the fashion capital of the world. And many renowned Italian recipes were invented in the Northern part of Italy. We recommend the following route for this road trip:

Milan – Lake Garda – Verona – Parma – Cinque Terre – Milan.  Check out  the route in Google Maps .

It is a route slightly more than 700 kilometers, and easy to follow using public transport. However, the best way of traveling for this road trip is using a (rental)car. Driving around this part of Italy is the best way to experience the beautiful nature.

Milan is one of the most influential fashion capitals in the world. But did you know the city was already founded 600BC? And it hosts one of the world’s most famous paintings  Last Supper  of Leonardo Da Vinci. Read more about the Milan highlights in our article;  What is Milan Famous For?

For a long time, Lake Garda was used as a holiday destination for wealthy Italians. Today it is a perfect place for hiking, swimming, exploring the Dolomites, and exploring ancient old castles. Like in the renowned village Sirmione. 

 Find out more in our article;  What is Lake Garda Famous For?

Famous as the city from Romeo and Juliet. You can even visit Juliet’s balcony in Verona. But did they both ever existed? They did in the mind of Shakespeare, but actually never in real life. Still, it is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. 

 Luckily Verona has a lot more to offer. It is a beautiful ancient city with unique buildings and surroundings.

Find out more about Verona’s highlights in  this article.

Fan of the world-famous Parma ham? How cool is it to visit the city where this tasty dried pork meat is created. Did you know there are many quality standards before a ham can be called  parma ham?  The most important factor is that it’s to be made in the region. 

 Parma surprised me as a city. I really liked the vibe when being there. It is a student city, but also with a great historical vibe. When visiting Parma, make sure to visit Teatro Farnese, a unique wooden theater built during the middle ages! Find out more in our article  What is Parma Famous For?

Cinque Terre

A road trip through this part of Italy isn’t complete without a visit to the famous coastline of Cinque Terre. A UNESCO world heritage site! The region exists actually out of five old fisherman villages, with all their unique identities. Known for their houses, painted in many colors and built along the cliffs.

In our article  What is Cinque Terre Famous For ,  you can find out all the important details of this amazing coastline.

Did you know Genoa is the most important harbor city of Italy? The city hosts the largest container port of the country. But the city has this naval function for a long time. It was even the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and also the departure point for its journeys exploring the world.  

More information about this unique city is available in our article  What is Genoa Famous For . 

3) One Week in Tuscany Region

A trip to Tuscany is a trip to history. The region is the birthplace of the renaissance, with as the capital Florence. Tuscany is a region known for its green landscapes, villages where you still feel walking back into the middle ages. Just like other parts of Italy, the region is known for its excellent cuisine. Because of its climate and unique countryside, it also has a perfect wine and olive oil region.

The best way to travel around the Tuscany region is by traveling by car. It is simply the best way to explore the beautiful countryside and small villages. However, when you go for a wine tasting tour, it is probably best to park your car and go on a guided tour with transport. So you can enjoy some of the wines and don’t have to worry about driving 😉

Most famous cities in the Tuscany region are  Florence  and  Pisa. 

Fun Fact; The Famous Tower of Pisa straightens every year! Find out more in our article What is Tuscany Known For?

The Chianti region is the most famous wine region. Some highlights you can’t miss are, of course, villages like  Sienna, Prato, San Gimignano, Volterra, and Trequanda.

  I think a week is perfect for exploring this region. It is recommended starting your route in Florence and do a roundtrip through the region. If you have plans to go to other parts in Europe during this trip as well (or coming from a different European city), you might want to start or end this trip in Pisa. Pisa international airport offers many flights to the major European cities, so it is a perfect city to use for a transfer.

You don’t need to spend much time in Pisa, though, except for the famous leaning tower, there’s not much to explore in the city. I would recommend spending a lot more time exploring the countryside of the Tuscany region, which is definitely worth it! In our article,  What is Tuscany Known For ,  we describe many more of the highlights in the region.

4) A countryside road trip between Venice and Florence

The two most important cities from the Renassaince period were Florence and Venice. Florence because it was basically the birthplace of the renaissance. And Venice because it was one of the most important financial and (maritime) trade hubs during these ages.

A road trip between Venice and Florence is possible by following different routes. If you don’t want to drive around yourself, it is also convenient for traveling by train between these two cities. When traveling by train, you will follow basically a straight line between the two cities and even cross the famous city of Bologna.

I would recommend traveling by car and taking your time to explore the beautiful landscapes you’ll come across in between these famous cities. Here’s an excellent example for a route you can follow;

Venice – Verona – Modena – Bologna – Florence

This route is around 340 kilometers long, and 450 kilometers if you plan to avoid tollroads. Avoiding toll roads is recommended in Italy. It saves you a lot of money. And most toll roads aren’t even quicker when you compare them with normal roads.

A different route you can follow is exploring the eastern coastline. You can visit the national park Veneto Delta. And when you cross the city Ravenna, you’ll head in the direction of Bologna. It is all straightforward driving.

Both routes are unique and beautiful for exploring the Italian countryside. It can be a bit overwhelming to decide which route you’re going to take. If you like to visit the old ancient cities, make sure to follow the city route we just described. 

And when you’re more into exploring nature, you might be better of exploring the route alongside the eastern coastline of Italy.

You can find both routes on Google Maps  here .

Not sure if you want to travel by car or train? In our article  How To Get Around Italy ,  we tell you the best ways of traveling through Italy.

Best Travel Must-Have For Every Traveler

These items are must-haves for every traveler, and I can highly recommend them without any hesitation: Travel Hammock :   This lightweight hammock is made of ultra-light parachute silk material. The hammock fits in a small portable bag and is very-easy-to you use. You can relax comfortably anywhere: on the beach, by the lake, in the forest, campsite, your hotel, Airbnb and even at home!  The North Face Backpack :   This is a high-quality, versatile, and practical daypack from one of the best brands in the world. It is a perfect choice, no matter what kind of travel plans you have. Oasis Kindle E-reader :   A waterproof E-reader for unlimited reading while traveling. It is a must-have for every traveler that enjoys reading. This E-reader has an adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber. It also works with Audible, so you switch effortlessly from reading to listening. Sony Noise-canceling headphone :   A world-leading noise-canceling headphone to make your travel trip more comfortable and less exhausting. One of the best travel products out there. Either for listening to music, podcasts. Or to block all the noise during traveling, for example, when you’re in an airplane.  GoPro HERO 8 :  We’ve been using a GoPro camera since the first generation came on the market. It is our go-to travel camera ever since. Perfect for making the best pictures and memorable videos. It’s easy to use, waterproof and fits in your pocket or daypack. The new generation has a built-in stabilizer so that videos will be even better quality!  Check out our  recommendations page  for more travel gear and recourses. 

5) Visiting Italians West Coast (Amalfi Coast & Cinque Terre) 

The Italian Westcoast, worldwide renowned by what many people say, are the most beautiful parts of coastline in the world. I’m talking, of course, about the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre is located in the northern part, close to Genoa. And a region consisting out of five traditional fisherman villages. The Amalfi Coast is close to Naples , more in the South of Italy. Both areas are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Both are known for their steep cliffs, fantastic nature, and beautiful roads between the villages. Perfect for a road trip alongside the coastline. Many people asking themselves which part is better to visit?

What if I told you, you can visit both the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre in one week, wouldn’t that be a fantastic thing to do?

Driving between the two coastlines is only around 700 kilometers, and straightforward to do. We drove this route in a few days ourselves during our road trip through Europe. If you plan things ahead, it is an easy route to follow. You can find the different directions on Google Maps  here .

I recommend flying into Naples, which is easy from many major cities in Europe. From there, you can rent a car and drive in the direction of the Amalfi Coast. You’ll have enough time exploring the villages like Sorrento, Positano, and Salerno. A maximum of two days for the Amalfi coast is enough. Unless you want to go hiking, then I would recommend planning three days.

When you finished exploring Amalfi Coast, you can drive up north in the direction of Cinque Terre. On the way, you’ll cross the ancient site of Pompeii, Naples. You can even stop in Rome, and Florence if you like.

Once you reach Cinque Terre, two days of exploring are enough. That’s including hiking in the region. Cinque Terre is a bit smaller and more comfortable to drive around. 

Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast

You can, of course, stay longer in both areas. You can also decide to go to one of the two regions, and save the other for a different trip. Either way, you might want to read our articles  What is Cinque Terre Famous For?   And  Why Is The Amalfi Coast So Famous?  So you can learn more about the two famous coastal regions of Italy.

6) Sicily Island Tour For One Week

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean sea. The island is separated from the Italian mainland by a small sea street. It is located west of the Italian peninsula. Until 1860 Sicily was an independent region. It was merged with the Italian kingdom during the unification process of Italy. However, Sicily became an autonomic island within the Kingdom of Italy (which is now the republic of Italy).

There are a lot of differences between Sicily and Italy. That has not only to do with the independence of Sicily over the years. The island has a rich cultural history and was an important settlement in the development of humankind.

You can read the most significant difference between Sicily and Italy in our article;  What’s the difference between Sicily and Italy?

Sicily is famous for the place where the Italian (Sicilian) Mafia is originated. And while the mafia is still active in Italy and Sicily, the island is entirely safe to visit. It is not like you’re walking into a movie scene from the  Godfather  or something. The Sicilian mafia, which is known for their violent behavior and as an organized crime organization, started off quite innocent.

When Sicily became a part of Italy during the unification process in 1860. The new Italian government distributed land to Sicilian citizens. This process created many landowners, but the new Sicilian government didn’t have the manpower to make sure everyone was paying taxes and obeyed the law. To make sure Sicily didn’t become an outlaw state, the new landowners appointed themselves as ‘land protectors,’ which became the Sicilian Mafia.

Highlights of Sicily

Luckily Sicily is not only known for its history with the Italian mafia. There’s a lot more to discover on this island. I think it is a must-visit when you go to Italy, there’s so much history and beautiful nature to find. Sicily is an island that has it all!

Did you know it was one of the first international settlements in the world? Around the 11th century BC, it was the Phoenicians who started an agreement on the island. The Phoenicians were a civilization coming from the direction that we now know as Turkey (they probably left on the exploring journeys from Lebanon). They were a largely known civilization before the Greeks went on their exploring journeys and reigned over a large part of Europe.

The Phoenicians created their settlement at the most north-western point of Sicily. Their most important city was where we know to find the city of Palermo.

Greeks arrived in Sicily around the 8th century BC and created the settlement Syracuse. The Roman Empire took over the reign of Sicily around the third century BC after they won the Punic Wars. Germans, Spanish, Catalan, Arabs, and Vikings also greatly influenced the island’s culture. 

It is because of this history that Sicily is known as one of the best-preserved historical islands in the world. It is a modern island, but you’ll find many historical sites like the valley of Temples. You can still visit original Greek temples (some of the best in the world!).

The island is also known as a hiking paradise. Especially for adventure hikers, looking to explore one of the most active volcanos in the world; Mount Etna. Did you know the Volcano erupts several times a year? Luckily most eruptions are not dangerous for the Sicilian inhabitants. 

 Mount Etna is not only a hiking paradise, but many winter adventurers are also visiting the Volcano. Despite the extreme warmth of the Volcano, it is possible to go skiing from the mountain during the winter months. Because of the Volcano’s height (3300 meters above sea level), snow slopes are something that often occurs during the winter months.

Roadtrip Sicily 

You can imagine that there’s a lot to see and do while visiting Sicily. And I didn’t even mention the beautiful beaches you’ll find on the island! I think it is a perfect holiday destination. But I would recommend choosing for a dedicated visit to the island, and not combining it with other tours to Italy if you only have a week.

In our article  Best City in Sicily ,  you’ll find different road trip ideas. If you want to know more about the island, make sure reading our articles  What is Sicily Famous For   and  What is The Best Time to Visit Sicily .

7) Sardinia Island Tour For One Week

Of course, this list of best one-week itineraries in Italy is not complete without mentioning the island of Sardinia. Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean sea, after Sicily. However, the island is entirely different than Sicily, and thus also unique to visit. 

Sardinia is known as a blue zone. A region in the world, where people live much longer than average in healthy conditions. The island has the world’s highest rate of people that are 100 years or older! There’s a kind of a magic formula, which researchers and scientists discovered while comparing the lifestyle of people living in the different blue zones in the world. Read more about this in our article; What is Sardinia Famous For ? (or you can order the book The Blue Zones on Amazon)

Anyway, Sardinia is not only known as the blue zone island. It is known for its beautiful nature, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters. In fact, it has the most beautiful beaches and seas in the Mediterranean sea. People are often surprised at how clear the seas are around Sardinia. Some of the best beaches are  Porto Istana  and  Cala Luna. 

Sardinia is the perfect place if you’re looking to visit an Italian island and beautiful nature. Almost 25% of Sardinia is designated as a national park. The island has a wide variety of eco-systems. It is one of the most important places in Europe regarding biodiversity. 

Famous cities in Sardinia are, of course, Cagliari, Oristano, Sassari, and Olbia. The island of Corsica is closeby, which is officially French, and also a national park. 

Sardinia is best to reach, taking a ferry from Civitavecchia, which is close to Rome. A must visit when you’re going to Sardinia is exploring the islands of Maddalena. Interesting settlements, and beautiful nature in the north of Sardinia. 

Best Time To Visit Sardinia

The best time to visit Sardinia is between April and June or September and October. During these months, the tourist season is not on its peak, and temperatures are convenient. It is not to warm, and there’s less rainfall. The southern part of the island is perfect for surfing and kitesurfing. And other parts are ideal for hiking. So the island has a lot to offer. Find out more on when to visit Sardinia in our article;  What is the Best time to visit Sardinia. 

8) Italian Food Road Trip in Emilio Romagna Region (Northern Italy)

Italy is, of course, best known for its unique and tasteful Italian cuisine. So how great would it be if you can explore the country and its unique food heritage? A road trip alongside the different cities where some of the best Italian food is originated. 

The northern part of Italy is somehow known as the best region to explore Italian cuisine. More specifically, the Emilio-Romagna region is known as the area where much world-famous Italian food is originated. Parmesan Cheese, and Parma ham in Parma. Bolognese sauce in Bologna, and the renowned balsamic vinegar from Modena. 

Also, some famous pasta’s like lasagna, tortellini, and gnocchi are made in the traditional way in this region. It has even one of the world’s best restaurant  Osteria Francescana   (according to  the world’s best 50 , this restaurant ranked #1 in 2016, 2018, and 2nd in 2017.)  It is hard to reserve a table because it is often fully booked. But maybe you’re in luck and can get a reservation, it’s worth a try! More information on the restaurant’s  website . 

Italian Food Route

Anyway if you can’t get a table at Osteria Fransecana don’t worry, there are many other great establishments you can try. Let’s find out the best route for exploring the Emilio-Romagna region (check out the map with driving instructions on Google Maps  here ). 

It is probably most convenient to fly into Florence. The city offers many connections both from Europe and intercontinental flights. However, when you’re traveling from another European city, it is also convenient to go directly to Bologna. There are many connections from major European cities to Bologna airport. 

So, let’s say you’re coming from the USA, you start in Florence on the first day. Give yourself some time to explore the unique historic city, which we mentioned earlier in this article. 

Bologna, Parma, Modena are the other cities I would recommend visiting. If you had more time, there’s a lot more to explore in this region as well! 

Bologna is not only known for the best Gelato in Europe, and maybe in the world! It is also known for its unique architecture, with classical porticos, connecting important buildings in the city. 

 I would recommend reading our article ‘ What is Bologna Famous For? ‘  before you’re going to the city. We tell you all the highlights of the famous city. 

After Bologna, it is time exploring Modena, not only known for one of the best restaurants in the world. Also, the place where Balsamic Vinegar is originated. There are many places where you can try this traditional, tasteful vinegar. 

Parma is the best-known place in this region regarding food. You can enjoy Parma ham, Parmesan Cheese. It is excellent to visit a food factory where you can learn how everything is made traditionally. We tell you more about the Parma highlights in our article;  What is Parma Famous For?

Getting Around Emilio Romagna

I would recommend renting a car to get around this area. When traveling in a car, you can easily explore the beautiful countryside as well. 

It is more convenient to visit some local farms and restaurants. In Italy, known as  Agriturismo.  Where you can often find the best food and hospitality. 

A different way of exploring this area is by renting an Italian Vespa scooter. Perfect for driving around the hilly countryside, and picking out a place in the hills where you can enjoy a traditional Italian picnic. 

Both ways of transportation are safe, and it is straightforward driving around in Italy. However, if your driving you can’t enjoy the Italian wines, so if you plan to have a wine tasting, you might want to book a tour where the transport is included! 😉 

Renting a Car in Italy

If you’re going to rent a car for one of these road trips, I would recommend using rentalcars.com . We always use them when renting a car in a different country. I find them trustworthy, and I like that it is basically a search engine, finding the best prices in the market. 

Make sure always renting a car with insurance, it is something I would recommend to double-check. Sometimes prices can change if you add insurance. You can also inform with WorldNomads, a great insurance company focused on travelers like you and me. 

Travel Insurance

Either if you need a car or full travel insurance, I would recommend using World Nomads . Their coverage is, from what I’ve seen, the best and most complete of every (online)travel insurance. And they’re not very expensive. Which is also an essential factor. 

WorldNomads offers a wide range of activities for their insurance, and they are incredibly flexible. If your travel plans change, you can just let them know, and easily change your insurance as well. 

Find out more about car rental and travel insurance on our  recommendations page . 

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1 week in Italy is enough time to get a great overview of this rail-friendly country. Pick up a Eurail Pass and get ready to dine out on pizza and pasta, dip your toes in the ocean, and soak up some fascinating history with this short but sweet itinerary.

Itinerary highlights

Rome’s Forum and Colosseum; art, gelato, and architecture in Florence; the Leaning Tower of Pisa; the canals of Venice; and fashion in Milan.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Days 1 - 2: Rome

Visit the Roman Forum , Colosseum and Palatine Hill . You can get combination tickets that are valid for two days.

Explore St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City . It's home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael.

Walk the streets and visit the likes of the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon before feasting on traditional Italian food.

Days 3 - 4: Florence

Get a combination ticket and climb the bell tower and dome of the main cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore .

Marvel at world famous artworks at Uffizi Gallery , then walk the streets towards Ponte Vecchio and buy a traditional gelato.

Have more time? Take in the panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo .

Day 5: Pisa

You can't spend 1 week in Italy without snapping a cheesy picture alongside the Leaning Tower of Pisa - you know you want to!

Visit the Duomo di Pisa , a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral. It survived a fire in 1595.

Don’t want to stay overnight? Pisa is an easy day trip by train from Florence. You can also store your luggage at the Pisa train station.

Day 6: Venice

Cross the Rialto bridge at the Grand Canal, walk along the smaller canals and get lost in the labyrinth-like alleyways.

If you can afford to splash out a bit, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a scenic ride across the water.

Get an aerial view of Venice from San Marco Campanile .

Day 7: Milan

Explore the massive Gothic Duomo de Milano (Milan Cathedral) and appreciate the architecture. It took almost six centuries to finish!

Splurge (or window shop) at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , one of the oldest shopping malls in the world.

Visit the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Is 1 week in Italy enough for me?

1 week in Italy may sound too short to fully appreciate everything that this incredible country. But with easy flights to big cities like Milan and Rome, international connections are easy.

Thanks to the country’s comprehensive network of high-speed trains, 1 week in Italy is long enough to get an overview of the country’s top highlights. A Eurail Italy Pass will have you covered!

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Travel Guide

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In One Week in Italy

Let’s be realistic: It’s impossible to see these storied cities properly in a week. However, a fast, efficient rail network along the Rome–Florence–Venice axis makes it’s surprisingly easy to see a handful of the best that these graceful, art-stuffed cities have to offer. This weeklong itinerary treads the familiar highlights—but they are the most visited because they are sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Rome ★★★

You could spend a lifetime in the Eternal City, but 3 days is enough to get a flavor of it. There are two essential areas to focus on in a short visit. The first is the legacy of Imperial Rome, such as the Forum , Campidoglio , and Colosseum . Bookend day 1 with the Forum and Colosseum (one first, the other last) to avoid the busiest crowds; the same ticket is good for both. On day 2, tackle St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums , with a collection unlike any other in the world that, of course, includes Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. On day 3, it’s a toss-up: Choose between the underground catacombs of the Via Appia Antica ; treading the cobbled streets of an ancient port at Ostia Antica ; or spend the day wandering the Centro Storico and the Tridente, on the well-trod streets connecting Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and more. Spend your evenings in the bars of Campo de’ Fiori or Monti and the restaurants of Trastevere or Testaccio. Toward the end of your third day, catch the late train to Florence. Make sure you have booked in advance: Walk-up fares are much more expensive than advanced tickets on the high-speed network.

Days 4 & 5: Florence: cradle of the Renaissance ★★★

You have 2 whole days to explore the city of Giotto, Leonardo, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Start with their masterpieces at the Uffizi (you should definitely have booked admission tickets ahead), followed by the Duomo complex: Scale Brunelleschi’s ochre dome, and follow up with a visit to the adjoining Battistero di San Giovanni, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, and Campanile di Giotto. Start day 5 with “David” at the Accademia . For the rest of your time, spend it getting to know the art at the Palazzo Pitti , the intimate wall paintings of San Marco, and Masaccio’s revolutionary frescoes in the Cappella Brancacci . In the evenings, head south of the Arno for lively wine bars and better restaurants. Leave on an early train on the morning of day 6.

Days 6 & 7: Venice: the city that defies the sea ★★★

You’ll ride into the heart of Venice on a vaporetto (water bus), taking in the Grand Canal , the world’s greatest thoroughfare. Begin your sightseeing at Piazza San Marco : The Basilica di San Marco is right there, and after exploring it, visit the nearby Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) before walking over the Bridge of Sighs . Begin your evening with the classic Venetian aperitivo, an Aperol spritz (Aperol with sparkling wine and soda) followed by cicchetti (Venetian tapas) before a late dinner. Make day 7 all about the city’s unique art: the Gallerie dell’Accademia , the modern Peggy Guggenheim Collection , and San Rocco . Catch the latest train you can back to Rome. Or add another night—you can never stay too long in Venice.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Wild Junket

Puglia Road Trip: My 1-Week Puglia Itinerary

Last Updated on March 8, 2024

Planning a Puglia road trip? Here’s my 1-week Puglia itinerary that packs in the best beaches, towns and grottos.

Mention Southern Italy and most people think of the flamboyant Amalfi Coast or sun-kissed Sicily. Have you heard of Puglia?

Poised on the “heel” of Italy, the region of Puglia is a lesser-known part of Southern Italy that is slowly making its way into the limelight.   We’ve just returned from a Puglia road trip, and have completely fallen under its spell.

With more than 800 km of coastline, Puglia lies between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea and has no shortage of incredible beaches. And once you get away from the coast, you’ll find a treasure trove of cave networks, historical villages and unique architecture.

Table of Contents

How to Get Around Puglia

Best time to do a puglia road trip, map of puglia road trip, get lost in the old town, enjoy street food at largo albicocca, explore bari castle, where to stay in bari, swim in the beach at polignano a mare, explore the centro storico, enjoy fresh seafood with a view, hop over to monopoli, where to stay in monopoli, wander around the white-washed town, visit the saturday market, dine in a cave, where to stay in ostuni, explore the trullo town of alberobello, enjoy the view at the belvedere, visit museums and churches, where to stay in alberobello, learn about the story of matera, marvel at the sasso barisano, see matera’s best viewpoints, don’t miss the belvedere di murgia timone, explore sasso caveoso, eat in a cave again, where to stay in matera, itinerary day 8: back to bari, how much does this puglia road trip cost, drive to the tip of puglia, explore the amalfi coast, hop over to sicily, enjoy your puglia road trip, puglia road trip itinerary .

With 1 week in Puglia, you’ll barely scratch the surface of the region. There is just SO much to see in Italy — every little village and historical town has a story to tell.

In this Southern Italy itinerary, we will be focusing on the region of Puglia. 7days in Puglia are perfect to explore at a leisurely pace and see the best places in Southern Italy . If you have more time, definitely tag on the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, which are just a few hours south of Puglia by car.

How to Get to Puglia

This Southern Italy itinerary starts and ends in Bari, the capital of Puglia. The airport is small, and it does not offer any COVID19 test on arrival.

There are plenty of budget flights to Bari from major cities in Europe like London and Paris. We got our flights from Amsterdam to Bari on Transavia for just 150 euros round trip.

If you’re flying from the US, you can get flights from New York to Bari for as cheap as $500 return these days.

Search for Flights to Puglia

With its winding coastal roads and excellent infrastructure, Puglia is made for road trips. It’s relatively easy to drive in Puglia, but be careful of maniac drivers within the cities. We’ve driven around Italy a few times and never had any issues.

Car rental is affordable in Puglia, with prices starting from US$30 per day. There are many car hire companies at the airport. I always book my car hire with Discover Cars as they have consistently given the best prices and customer service.

Book Your Car Rental!

Southern Italy has a Mediterranean climate and is great to visit all year round.

In general, the best time to do a Puglia road trip is April – June, and October – November . There are less people and prices are lower. Plus the weather will still be sunny and relatively warm.

We did this Puglia road trip at the end of October, and temperatures were still as high as 73°F (or 23°C) during the day. They dip to around 55°F (13°C) at night. We just needed a small jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. During the day, we could wander around with just a t-shirt/shorts or dress.

My 1-Week Puglia Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Bari
• Day 3: Poligano a Mare 
• Day 4: Ostuni
• Day 5: Alberobello
• Day 6-7: Matera

To follow this Puglia road trip itinerary, open the map below in Google Maps app to get a full scale interactive view.

Puglia Itinerary Day 1-2: Bari

Most people tend to skip Bari and head straight to nearby coastal towns.  That’s such a shame as Bari is just as worthwhile to visit as its famous neighbors. We recommend spending at least 2 days in Bari before starting your Puglia road trip.

The historic centre, known as Bari Vecchia, is built between the city’s two ports. Its labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with historic   buildings and ornate shrines is made for walking.

Visit the  Basilica di San Nicola , chat with the ladies along Orecchiette Street by the Cathedral (locals love to sit out and make fresh pasta shaped like ears), and enjoy some fresh pasta and wine at Piazza Mercantile — Bari is bound to surprise you.

Largo Albicocca is the best place in Bari for some authentic Puglian street food. Try some panzerotto (deep fried pizza dough filled with tomato and mozzarella) and sgagliozze (polenta).

In recent years, this formerly neglected open space in the historic centre has transformed into an urban garden of sorts that comes alive every evening.

Built around 1132, Castello Normanno Svevo is an impressive construction encircled by moat. One of the best attractions in Bari, the castle now serves as an exhibition centre and events venue. A visit to the castle’s grounds costs 9€/adult.

Airbnb: Casa Ranieri

This stylish loft in the Centro Storico is a great base for families or couples looking for some space. Experience how it’s like to live like a local in this beautiful space. Check rates here.

Mid Range: B&B Murex

Steps away from the Cathedral, B&B Murex has charming rooms with clean lines and a slick look. Excellent location! We enjoyed our stay here and highly recommend it. Check rates here.

Luxury: Palazzo Calò

Located in the heart of the old town, this contemporary hotel converted from an old palace (pictured) has combined modern designs with ancient architecture. Rooms feature wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls. Check rates here.

Puglia Itinerary Day 3: Polignano a Mare

It’s time to hit the road and get this Puglia road trip started! Your first stop is just a 30-minute drive away. You’ve probably seen photos of this iconic beach on Instagram: Polignano a Mare is a stunning beach town unlike anywhere else in Italy.

Hemmed in by rugged cliffs that resemble a fjord, the main beach of Polignano a Mare is the main star of the show. It was once a harbor for the Romans, but these days, it has become a seafront piazza that’s particular busy in summer.

During our visit in October, there were still a few locals swimming at the beach. But the water was definitely too cold for us. If you’re here in summer, check out the boat trips that take you beneath the cliffs and further along the coast.

Perched above the craggy cliffs, Polignano a Mare was founded by a seafaring Roman commander. The white-washed old town perched on the cliffs right next to the famous beach is a charming maze of winding streets, churches, alfresco cafes and terraces offering spectacular sea views.

Donna Gina has some of the best views in town and also the best atmosphere for romantic dinners. Fly #Calaporto is located right on the beach and serves fresh seafood with impressive cocktails but views aren’t as great.

The cliff restaurant that is built into the caves above the sea, Grotta Palazzese , is a sight to behold — but be prepared to fork out at least $200 for a meal here.

Another 15-minute drive south along the coast lies Monopoli, another coastal town that is surprisingly large by comparison. The old town of Monopoli also feels refreshingly less touristy than Polignano a Mare.

Visit the 16th-century Castle of Charles V which is built on a promontory that juts out into the sea. Next to the fortified walls is a popular rocky beach where you can take a refreshing dip after a day before ending your day.

Airbnb: Casa Chloè

A tastefully designed dome house just 50m from the sea, Casa Chloe is a comfortable, spacious home fully equipped with a kitchen and lounge area. Check the rates here.

Mid Range: Albergo Diffuso Monopoli

Set in various locations around the historical center, this midrange hotel offers elegant rooms and suites that have gorgeous spa baths in underground caves. Check rates here.

Luxury: Bellavista Suites

Splurge yourself with a stay in this chic hotel in Monopoli’s historic centre, just 50m from the public beaches. The seaview terrace has an infinity pool, and every suite has a spa bath. Check rates here.

Puglia Itinerary Day 4: Ostuni

After a night in Monopoli, continue driving south along the coast. The small coastal road will bring you past one charming fishing village after another.

Make a quick stop at Capitolo to visit the Spanish fort of Torre Cintola that dates back to the 1500s. Then continue on to Savalletri where you’ll find plenty of rocky beaches and natural, shallow pools.

Enjoy a seafood lunch under the sun at one of the waterfront restaurants in Savalletri. We recommend MòMò Pescato e Cucinato , which has a stunning setting and also outstanding frittura (fried seafood platter) and fresh sashimi and sea urchins.

It’s easy to see how Ostuni earned the nickname “Citta Bianca”, meaning white city, as you make your approach into town. Built atop a hill to protect from invaders, Ostuni is essentially a stack of white-washed houses stacked atop a sea of green olive groves.

Take your time to meander along the cobblestoned paths and explore the maze of houses upon houses, with little gardens. We absolutely enjoyed finding surprises at every corner, including hidden trattoria and artisan shops.

Ostuni is renown for its fresh local produce and culinary culture, thanks to its location in the fertile Valle d’Itria. If you’re here on a Saturday, be sure to visit the open-air weekly market, held between 8 am and 1 pm along Via Gabbriele D’Annunzio.

Ostuni is renown for having the best Puglian cuisine in the region. We had so many amazing meals here, but the one that stood out was dinner at the cave restaurant, Ristorante Caffe Cavour right outside the old town. The ambience is fantastic, and prices are affordable.

Airbnb: Dolce Vita

This charming townhouse (pictured) is just 300m from Ostuni’s main square, and has a charming interior and a spectacular rooftop overlooking olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Vico Bianco

Located inside the old town, this is a hip, stylish hotel converted from an old building, with original stone walls immaculate preserved. The rooftop terrace and pool are the best features. Check rates here.

Luxury: Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA

Set in a 18th-century building, this opulent boutique hotel has tastefully assembled design and architecture, with an outdoor pool and elegant suites. Check rates here.

Puglia Itinerary Day 5: Alberobello

Next day, prepare for a scenic drive as this Puglia road trip will bring you further inland into the Valle d’Itria . Set on a high fertile plain in the centre of Puglia, the Itria Valley stretches from Ostuni to Putignano.

Its wooded slopes, vineyards and endless olive groves are punctuated by the coned roofs of the trullo, whitewashed stone huts with an architectural style unique to the area.

The trullo house was first created as a means to avoid paying taxes. Local peasants would build their houses without mortar so that they could quickly and easily take them down when inspectors came! Many of them still remain standing today, but most have been converted into hotels and restaurants.

Alberobello has the highest concentration of trulli (trullo in singular form) in Puglia, with over 1,500 of them packed into one small town.   Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Alberobello draws in hordes of tourists and daytrippers.

Avoid coming here in summer or try to visit early in the morning.

But during our visit in October 2020, we were lucky to find Alberobello without the usual crowds (due to the pandemic).

Once you arrive in the town centre, head to the hilltop Rione Monti quarter within the ‘trulli zone’. The best viewpoint for a panorama of all the trulli rooftops in Alberobello is Belvedere Santa Lucia along Via Contessa (right by the steep steps that have writings on them).

Rione Monti is extremely touristy, with every trullo converted into tacky souvenir shops or produce stores. If you can look past them, you’ll still photogenic corners and quiet backstreets hidden within.

Visit the Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla to understand how life in the trulli was like centuries ago. Entry is only 3euros and it comes with an iPad interactive guide.

At the top of the hill, you’ll find the Parrocchia Sant’Antonio di Padova , the only trullo church in the world! Aberobello town’s church has a truly unique architecture and definitely worth visiting just to see its exterior.

Staying in a traditional trull0 is a highlight of our Puglia road trip. Here are some of my recommendations:

Airbnb: Trullo Vito

Located slightly outside of Alberobello, this trulli hotel (pictured) has a gorgeous private pool carved into dry stone wall. Refurbished in 2016, the hotel is designed in true Puglian style with modern comforts. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Tipico Resort

We stayed in a 2-level trullo at Tipico Resort, and had a fantastic rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding trulli. It was right in the heart of the old town, steps from great restaurants and shops. Check rates here.

Luxury: Le Alcove-Luxury Hotel nei Trulli

One of the first luxury hotels in Alberobello is a landmark hotel with exquisite design and style. Sleep in a traditional trullo and enjoy your own private spa bath. Check rates here.

Puglia Itinerary Days 6-7: Matera

I have saved the best for last! Around a 1-hour drive from Alberobello is by far our favorite spot in this Puglia road trip: the ancient cave city of Matera . [Technically Matera is located in the Basilicata region, not Puglia — but it is just an 1-hour’s drive from Bari.]

Matera is madly photogenic: Houses tumble down the hillsides, stacked on top of one another, perched on the edge of a ravine. Its hilltop tangle of caves and sand-colored alleys is beyond compare. But what makes it truly special is the story behind Matera.

In the 1950s, Matera was branded “ the shame of Italy” . People here lived in caves with their livestock, without electricity, plumbing nor running water. But a writer Carlo Levi changed Matera’s fate with his book.

The Italian authorities were forced to stop ignoring the issue, and relocated residents to a nearby rural development. The creatives then moved in and made it their mission to uphold Matera’s cultural traditions. After a transformation from slum to cultural hub, Matera was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The old part of Matera is huge and there are plenty of things to do in Matera. The Sassi di Matera is divided into two districts — Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Start in Sasso Barisano and spend a day roaming its narrow alleyways, interconnected loops and cave-converted-spaces.

The main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, is full of life especially in the morning. It’s also where you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint of the Sassi as well as Palombaro Lungo , an underground cistern with impressive columns and arches.

Walk all the way down to Via Fiorentini and visit Sassi in Miniatura , a free museum with impressive clay miniature models of the old town. Then climb up to the Cathedral for yet another impressive view of Matera.

At the back of the Cathedral, continue down the steps and you’ll see the plunging ravine before you. Across the ravine is a hill punctuated with paleolithic caves that have existed for over 7,000 years! To get there, you can actually hike down the slopes via Porto Pistola and cross the bridge.

Alternatively, you can also drive across the ravine to get to the paleolithic caves. The Belvedere di Murgia Timone, easily the best photography spot in Matera, is just a 10-minute drive away.   The best time to come here is at sunset. Click here for directions.

This was where the crucifixion scene in The Passion of Christ was filmed — and you can easily see why they chose this spot as Matera looks almost biblical in the background.

Next day, head to Sasso Caveoso, the other part of ancient Matera. In contrast to Sasso Barisano, this area is less developed and you will get to see caves that are left entirely intact (especially those dug into the area that runs into Via Casalnuovo).

From the main piazza, the beautiful  Church of San Pietro Caveoso  is a gorgeous landmark worth visiting. Right above it is the rock church of Santa Maria de Idris , which is carved into a huge rock pinnacle jutting from the gorge. Climbing to the top of the rock is an experience on its own!

In the evening, head to the Piazza G. Pascoli to see the maze-like city lit up in gold. It’s a gorgeous sight and definitely one you don’t want to miss! If you have extra days, check out my full list of things to do in Matera .

Matera is one of the best places to try authentic Italian food and there is no shortage of atmospheric restaurants in Matera — but La Lopa really takes it up a notch with its otherworldly setting. They serve Materan dishes and wine using only locally sourced ingredients. And it also has the cutest little cinema that plays movies set in Matera!

We definitely recommend staying in the Sassi (historic centre) and walking everywhere. There are lots of stylish boutique hotels converted from cave houses.

Airbnb: La Casa di Giò

With a panoramic terrace overlooking Matera’s historical center, this loft-style apartment has one of the best views in Matera. Featuring an all-white interior, the apartment is fully equipped and spacious. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Cave Rooms Sassi

Set in several locations in Sasso Barisano, this guesthouse has cave rooms that have excellent locations. We stayed at one near the main piazza and walked everywhere. The owner was extremely welcoming and helpful. Check rates here.

Luxury: Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa

Easily one of the coolest hotels in the world , the property (pictured) is home to 35 rooms that are carved into the side of a cliff. Its biggest draw is the spa, which includes a heated swimming pool embedded in natural rock. Check rates here.

Sadly your Puglia road trip has come to an end. From Matera, it’s just a short 1-hour drive back to Bari Airport. Bari Airport is small, so you won’t need to arrive more than 2 hours before your flight departs. Drop your hired car and catch your flight home.

Southern Italy is a relatively affordable destination, compared to the US, UK and other parts of Western Europe. Food is exquisite and affordable, a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant costs around $30/person.

Car rental in Puglia is cheap, you can find rates as low as $30/day. We always book online at DiscoverCars.com as their rates are consistently the lowest. We spent US$200 for a 1-week car rental with pickup/dropoff at Bari Airport.

Accommodation is slightly more expensive in the popular tourist destinations like Alberobello. But you can still find accommodation in a trullo or cave for $80/night.

More Puglia Itinerary Ideas

1 week is barely enough time to cover Puglia, not to mention the whole of Southern Italy. If you’ve got more than 1 week, here are some ideas on how you can extend your Southern Italy itinerary.

For those who’d like to extend your Puglia road trip, you can actually drive around the entire heel of southern Italy. From Ostuni, continue driving east along the coast to the beautiful rocky beaches of Torre Sant’ Andrea and La Grotta de Poesia . Make a stop at the towns of Lecce and Otranto before heading south all the way to Gallipoli .

One of the most beautiful places in Europe , the famous Amalfi Coast is actually just a 3-hour drive from Matera, which makes it an easy extension of your Puglia road trip. Soak in the Italian dolce vita vibes in Positano , explore the narrow alleyways of Amalfi , and go on a boat trip to the nearby Capri island . Then head over to Sorrento and wander its beautiful coquette streets, balconies with amazing views.

Alternatively, Sicily is around a 6-hour drive from Matera. Make a stop at Reggio Calabria , the link between the Italian peninsula and Sicily. Continue on to the charming clifftop town of Taormina and Syracuse before ending your journey in Palermo . Adventure seekers wouldn’t want to miss the chance to trek up Mount Etna , the highest active volcano in Europe.

I hope you’ve found this Southern Italy itinerary to be useful. It’s excellent for those with just 1 week in the region, but if you’ve got more time, I definitely recommend exploring more of Italy. It’s one most of the most visited countries in the world for good reason: Italy has SO much culture, history, food, and beaches to offer. Plus, every region has something special to offer.

Read my articles on Italy below:

• Italian Food Guide: Best Dishes to Try in Italy
• 15 Cool Things to Do in Matera
• My Detailed Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• A 4-Day Cinque Terre Itinerary
• Path of Gods: Trekking from Bologna to Florence

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Mimamsa Diary

This is such an inspiring blog to get me out of the pandemic doldrums and plan a trip soon. Thank you.

So glad to hear that Mimamsa, thank you!

Sally Watson

We are planning one week in Puglia next year 2023 late July. (Yes I know it’s peak tourist season and will be hot but we are fitting in with the end of a tour and the start of a cruise.!) your blog has been incredibly helpful!!1 We plan to fly from Athens to Bari, spend 6 days touring Puglia and then getting a train from Bari to Venice from where we will sail. I hope it is a do-able trip. but as I said you have certainly given us some great ideas!!! Thankyou.

Thank you for the kind words! Glad my article has helped you plan your trip! It’s definitely doable and while it’ll be crowded in late July, I’m sure you’ll still enjoy your trip!

Thank you for your blog! We are currently planning a trip to Southern Italy and are interested in renting a car. Where do you park your car when visiting these towns, like Alberobello, as I know there is no driving in the city limits.

hi Meaghan, yeh parking can be tricky, but we usually head out early when there are still parking lots Alberobello for example has a big carpark at the entrance of the town and you can easily park there. Matera is trickier, but our hotel was kind enough to show us on the map where to park. I’d recommend booking hotels that have parking lots to make things easier.

This is very helpful as we are currently planning a trip to Italy in Oct. We are looking your 7 day suggestion, but spending more time in each place: Bari-Polignano a Mare-Ostuni-Alberobello- Matera- Bari. I am wondering if you suggested limited time in each place as there is not much to see/do/eat/drink? Do you have suggestion as to which city it might be worth spending more time? Thank you so much.

hi Heidi, thanks for your kind note! We spent more time in Matera and Alberobello as those two places are the most interesting and stunning. 7 days are pretty tight so we didn’t get to spend more time at each spot. Polignano a Mare and Ostuni are also really beautiful, but we only had one day at each spot. Hope this helps!

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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 it comes to road trips, a journey through southern Italy offers a chance to see a combination of spectacular scenery, traditional towns and epic natural wonders. One minute you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the next you’re driving along the heart-stopping roads of the Amalfi Coast.

You could spend a few days exploring Puglia’s prettiest towns including Monopoli and Ostuni, before spending the rest of the week enjoying the crystal waters in Sicily .

There’s a variety of cuisines to sample too, with incredible pizza in Naples, seafood pasta in Puglia, tasty olive oil and Sicilian delicacies including arrancini and sweet cannolis.

Oh and you’ve got a mix of activities on offer too. Hike active volcano Stromboli in Sicily , take a boat trip to the glamorous island of Capri , stay in a traditional Trulli house in Alberobello or go on a pizza tour of Naples (it’s a hard life!)

And the best part about a southern Italy road trip? The fact you don’t have stick to a set route. While you could follow my southern Italy itinerary on the map below, I’d encourage you to read my travel tips and then add a few stops of your own. It’s a beautiful part of the country – you could find yourself passing fields of olive trees or winding along dramatic cliff roads. You never know what you’ll find!  

Rather than create one epic Italian road trip, I’ve divided the country in two! Read on for my southern Italy road trip or check out my route for an amazing northern Italy road trip , which includes stops in Rome, Verona, Venice, Lake Como and a few other beautiful spots. 

Southern Italy Road Trip Itinerary

This south of Italy road trip starts in Naples and ends in Sicily – both of which have plenty of flight options available. Italy self-drive holidays are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why with routes like this one!

From eating pizza in Naples, to feeling like a movie star as you drive the Amalfi Coast, and then onto some of the prettiest towns in Italy as you explore Puglia, before finishing your enjoying Sicily’s dramatic landscapes, this route has it all! It’ll definitely show you some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too.

It’s also an easy one to break up – you could just concentrate on Naples and Amalfi, or spend a week exploring Puglia. These are some of my favourite parts of Italy, so I’m excited to share why they should be on your Italy road trip itinerary. I’d recommend a minimum of one week in southern Italy, but if you want to cram in everything on this blog, I’d suggest two to three weeks.

I’d also recommend taking a look at my guide to the best hidden gems in Italy too – you might find a few other stops to visit while you’re touring southern Italy.

Southern Italy Road Trip Map

I’ve used a map to plot the perfect route for your Southern Italy road trip . I recommend opening it another window to study in detail!

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’ve also included lots of must-haves at the end of this post, to make the process much easier!

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 1 – Naples

Once you’ve exhausted northern Italy , it’s time to head south on your Italy road trip. The unspoilt shores of the southern coastline will appeal to travellers who like to explore off the beaten track.

First up, the bustling streets of Naples. Set on the Mediterranean coastline with active volcano Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop, this exciting city is the birthplace of Italian pizza, mysterious underground catacombs, castles and lively main squares.

If you choose to stay in Naples for a few nights, you could take day trips to the Amalfi Coast, hop on a boat to the island of Capri or tour Pompeii’s archaeological sites. There are lots of amazing southern Italy tours to choose from!

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 2 – Amalfi Coast

If your idea of the perfect Italy road trip is immersing yourself in glitz and glamour of old-time Italy, the Amalfi Coast is for you. With cliffside villages, colourful buildings and secluded beaches which lead to the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Italy. It’s also known for being one of the best Italian road trips.

Brace yourself if you’re the designated driver! The coastal road is winding and not for the faint hearted, but the views are worth it. Don’t miss the picturesque towns of Praiano, Ravello, Sorrento and Positano – a classic holiday resort with an old-world grandeur and panoramic views along the coast.

If you plan to stay a few nights, Sorrento is a good choice. With museums, piazzas, shopping and reasonably priced accommodation on offer, it’s a great base from which to explore the towns along the coast and visit the island of Capri. I’d recommend reading this guide to where to stay in Sorrento during your trip planning!

I did some of this road trip in reverse last summer and ended in Amalfi Coast before driving to Naples and fly home. We booked a last minute night at one of the hotels in Vietri Sul Mare, a town close to Salerno, right at the start of the coast. It was a basic hotel, but I still dream about the views regularly – looking out over that incredible blue water and the beautiful town and beach. I’d go back in a heartbeat! 

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 3 – Puglia

Puglia is where we chose to go on our main holiday last year. Similar to this southern Italy travel itinerary, we hired a car in Naples and drove across the country to Italy’s heel. Driving in southern Italy wasn’t too scary, although some of the smaller towns and villages have narrow roads, so I’d recommend hiring a compact car. 

Puglia is pretty, traditional, and has a great reputation for food. It’s one of my favourite parts of Italy. Home to unspoilt sandy beaches and cliffside fishing villages, Puglia is often overlooked in favour of glam places like Amalfi or Cinque Terre, but I think it offers a lot.

You could spend a few weeks just in Puglia, and still have plenty more to go back for, as there are gorgeous beaches, pretty towns and lots of history to keep you busy!  A few places I’d recommend visiting are Alberobello, with its traditional white, cone-shaped Trulli houses (which, collectively have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site ). We spent a night staying in one and it was absolutely magical.

We also stayed in Monopoli – a beautiful seaside town with a small beach, medieval city walls and maze-like cobbled streets fulled with tiny wine bars and rustic restaurants.

Polignano a Mare is one of the most famous towns, and another absolutely stunning spot. With it’s cove like beach, dramatic cliffs and even a cave restaurant built into the rocks overlooking the water, I fell in love with the place! We spent a day there, eating fresh seafood pasta and gelato while meandering the pretty streets.

Ostuni is another must-see (and one of the best hidden gems in Italy ). It’s known as the white city, and from afar has the appearance of lots of white houses stacked up on top of each other. Park somewhere outside the old city and wander up the hill, taking in the magic of the white washed buildings, cute pizzerias and architectural wonders. 

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and interested in discovering Baroque architecture as well as having lively nightlife, street food and café lined piazzas, venture to Lecce, one of Puglia’s largest cities. Or consider a trip to Bari or Gallipoli – both great stops on your Puglia road trip. If you’re having trouble choosing where to stay, check out the 11 best luxury villas in Puglia .

Southern Italy Road Trip: Stop 4 – Sicily Itinerary

As you can see, the drive from Puglia to Sicily is a long one. You could do it in a day, but you might be more comfortable breaking it up over a few nights. The fastest ferry route to Sicily is from Reggio Calabria and it takes around half an hour.

This is one of the best parts of the itinerary, so there’s a chance you may want to book a dedicated holiday for your Sicily road trip, as there’s so much to see and do. Adventure lovers might want to climb Mount Etna. Over 3500m high, you can get pretty high up with minimal effort, as there’s a cable car to get you up to 2500m!

In terms of beauty, Taormina is one of the prettiest hilltop towns in Sicily. It’s home to a theatre built by the ancient greeks, several historic churches, and pretty streets filled with colourful market stalls and restaurants.

It’s also a gorgeous region for hotels, with everything from cute boutique hotels to grand resorts. My guide to the best beach resorts in Sicily will help you pick where to stay!

Nature lovers will enjoy bird-spotting in the reserves, or you can spend time enjoying the sandy beaches of picturesque Cefalu or Mondello.

It doesn’t seem long ago that I spent a week sailing around Sicily’s Aeolian Islands – something I’d recommend in a heartbeat if you have a bit longer to spent in the region. I hiked Stromboli Volcano, took a mud bath on Vulcano island, and went wine tasting in Salina. The islands are gorgeous, varied and have a wonderful old world charm that I found very comforting.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Southern 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 southern 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.

Packing List For Southern Italy

Now you’ve got your route planned out, it’s time to decide what to pack! Here are a few quick suggestions of what to take, with some links to specific items I’d rate picking up before you travel.

Women’s packing list for Southern Italy

Women’s lightweight trousers – It’s good to have some conservative items and not flash too much skin. These are practical, lightweight but a bit cute too! Women’s sundress – Something pretty and not too short for when it’s appropriate. Women’s maxi dress – I quite liked having a longer item or two. If you pair it with a cardigan it’s more conservative too. Women’s midi skirt – I live in items like this in warm countries and have them in multiple colours and patterns. They’re comfortable and not revealing.

Women’s shorts – I packed a few pairs. I’d recommend something loose and comfortable like these shorts , and then perhaps some classic denim shorts too. Women’s summer top – I wore a lot of things like this. Neutral colours work best as you can mix and match with shorts and skirts. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down! Women’s zip up hooded jacket – A few places get chilly, so you’ll want to be able to layer up occasionally. A zip up hoody like this will come in handy. Women’s bikini – You’ll need to pack a couple of items of swimwear. There are so many cute bikinis out there to choose from! Women’s rash guard – Not essential, but if you burn easily (or plan to surf) I’d recommend one of these. This one is great as it has a built-in bra and comes with a pair of matching shorts. Women’s sports vest – I’d recommend one or two sweat-absorbing vests like this for adventurous activities. Women’s sports bra – Ideal for sporty or adventure activities. I prefer sports bras like this Under Armour one which has some built in padding for extra support. Women’s leggings – Leggings are great for active adventures. These Under Armour ones are great as they’re very lightweight. Sarong – A really useful item for any travels in warm countries! Use it as a towel, a cover up, to sit on, to lie on or for a cute addition to an outfit! Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself. Sunglasses – I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Men’s packing list for Southern Italy

Men’s casual shorts – I’d recommend several pairs of comfortable shorts for everyday use. Men’s chinos or jeans – I’d recommend a few pairs of chinos, jeans or cargo pants. Men’s T-shirts – Pack a few options of t-shirts too. Men’s shirts – A few shirts (long or short sleeved) are a good idea. I personally love these linen shirts . They look very cool!

Men’s vests – If you sweat a lot, you might find vest tops more comfortable in the heat. Men’s zip up hooded jacket – You might want to layer up if it gets chilly in the evenings. Men’s jumper – A smarter option for keeping warm.   Men’s sports tops – For active days, something like this is really useful as it’s super-absorbent. Men’s sports shorts – If you’re doing some adventurous hikes or activities, you’ll want shorts you can move freely in. Swimming trunks – The more fun the pattern, the better! These ones have pockets and are quick dry too. Baseball cap – Look for one with a mesh back like this one , so it’s more breathable. Sunglasses – You can’t beat a classic pair of these Ray Bans !

Other general items to pack for Southern Italy

If you’re planning your trip, you should think about more than just clothing when you start packing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…

Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one . If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this , that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen , which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here . 

Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy on your trip. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum . 

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat like this to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun . It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.

Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my small handbag and is nice and sturdy.

Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack . It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!

Reusable water bottle   – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the  Chilly’s water bottles . I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! I also really like these bottles with straws . They’re really easy to drink from, they have a strap, never leak and hold a good volume.

Power bank – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.

I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment , which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability. 

Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges multiple items at once, using plugs or USB and can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets!

Dry bag – I’m really happy I invested in a dry bag like this . It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.

Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my southern Italy road trip itinerary. Let me know where you decide to go and what your highlights are! As mentioned, this is probably best spread out and followed at a slower pace, so if you’re looking for a southern Italy itinerary for 14 days, it’s ideal!

Looking to explore more of the country? Check out my northern Italy road trip itinerary ! 

I honestly think this is the best south Italy itinerary as it’s got a bit of everything. If you want to save it to help with your trip planning, how about pinning 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.

1 thought on “The Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More”

I haven’t been to Italy since I was a teenager! Now I’m trying to figure out why it’s hasn’t been higher up my list?? Those pictures make me want to be there now! Thanks for the inspiration and the tips! ?

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