You’ve been planning a 2 week Italy itinerary for a while and still feel in a stalemate? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The country is so packed with things to do, wonderful places to visit, and great Italian food to try that anyone traveling to Italy for the first time is bound to feel overwhelmed. Show
If you don’t want the burden of the logistics, you can book one of the best Italy tours, but if you prefer to travel independently, fret not, we’re here to help. This guide of ours, even though extensive and detailed, will only touch the most popular cities you can’t miss in 2 weeks in Italy. Those places you really can’t afford to miss if it’s your first time in this beautiful country. We will squeeze as much as we can into a two-week Italy tour itinerary. It’s not strictly a Rome Florence Venice itinerary, it includes also other places, but it’s pretty classic. Contents show 1 Is 2 weeks long enough in Italy? 2 Should I go to Italy for 2 weeks or 3 weeks? 3 14 Days In Italy – A Step-By-Step Itinerary 4 Map Of Your 14 Days In Italy 5 Where to go: a cool itinerary for two weeks in Italy 5.1 Milan – 2 Days 5.2 Venice – 2 to 3 Days 5.3 Cinque Terre – 2 Days 5.4 Florence – 3 to 4 Days 5.5 Rome – 4 to 6 Days 5.6 Naples and the Amalfi Coast – 3 Days 6 Hidden gems + alternative Italy itineraries 6.1 Sardinia 6.2 Northern Italy 6.3 Bologna and Emilia Romagna 6.4 Sicily 6.5 Take more day trips 7 Essential tips for two weeks in Italy 7.1 Best time to travel to Italy 7.2 How to get around Italy 7.3 What to pack for Italy 7.4 How much money do you need for 2 weeks in Italy? 7.5 Which is better Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre? Is 2 weeks long enough in Italy?If it’s your first trip, 2 weeks is a pretty good amount of time to get the grasp of what to expect from an Italian holiday, to experience the local culture, to visit the most famous and classic landmarks, and to fall in love with the country. Two weeks in Italy is enough if you do proper planning. Whether you are planning a classic 2-week Italy itinerary or a more alternative one, you need to keep in mind that there will always be places you won’t be able to include. Which is the best excuse to plan a second trip or more! Should I go to Italy for 2 weeks or 3 weeks?If you are planning a country-wide itinerary, I think you will need at least two weeks to cover the most important landmarks. Of course, if you can afford 3 weeks in Italy you can either include more regions and places or stay longer in the cities you are visiting. For example, you could stay a week in Rome, 5 days in Florence, or devote 4 to 5 days to the Campania region and enjoy a more complete experience. 14 Days In Italy – A Step-By-Step ItineraryGranted, with so much to see, planning your best 2-week Italy itinerary is not easy. Our extensive guide will provide you with the essentials to organize a perfect vacation on your own. If you are visiting for the first time, 2 weeks in Italy are enough to see the main attractions in the main cities. Planning 14 days in Italy allows you to explore the classics such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. If you want to enjoy a place longer, visit more attractions or take some day trips, you can easily spend 3 weeks in Italy. If you have less than two weeks in Italy, you can avoid some of the attractions in each city and stay one day less. Here, we give you the tools to plan a trip to Italy on your own. If it’s not your first time or you have more than two weeks in Italy, check out our other guides on specific areas like Sardinia, Sicily in the cities of Catania and Agrigento, and Trentino Alto Adige, both its cities and the Dolomites mountain range. We will see when is the best time to visit Italy depending on what type of holiday you want, we will suggest the best car rentals in case you want to embark on an Italy road trip, we will tell you what to pack and obviously what to visit to make your holiday smooth and unforgettable. This guide will empower you to plan a trip to Italy on your own. For each city, we will provide you with the best day tours if you wish to optimize the time of your 2 weeks Italy itinerary and have more in-depth information. At the end of this guide, you will also find a selection of the best tours to Italy in case you want a hassle-free holiday where expert organizers take care of the details and the logistics for you. Map Of Your 14 Days In ItalyWhere to go: a cool itinerary for two weeks in ItalyMilan – 2 DaysMilan is Italy’s “Wall Street”, a bustling financial hub that attracts businessmen for work or business-oriented travelers. However, with a long history and a good deal of historical landmarks and artistic attractions, Milan has been imposing itself also as an exciting tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. On your 2-week Italy itinerary, we suggest spending 2 days in Milan. If you want to stay less, you can also visit most attractions in Milan in 1 day. Some of the most important places to visit in Milan are:
READ MORE: Check out our extensive guide to Milan to find out what to do if you have more time. The next stop in your two-week trip to Italy is La Serenissima, so book your Milan to Venice train and get to one of the world’s most romantic cities. Click here to check timetables and prices with Omio (formerly GoEuro). Venice – 2 to 3 DaysOne of the most popular destinations in Italy, Venice is as gorgeous as it gets. Unprecedented views, a unique urban landscape, and a long history are the perfect combination for an unforgettable trip. And if you go for the Carnival, the colorful and fascinating masks will add to the charm of the city. How many days in Venice? We suggest 2 to 3 but it really depends on how much time you have, how much you want to enjoy and explore the city and, last but not least, on your budget. Some of the things to do in Venice in your two weeks in Italy are:
Unless you are part of an organized tour, from Venice to the Cinque Terre, I definitely suggest you take the train as it’s cheap, comfortable and you can find different times of departure. Click here to book and see the prices on Omio (GoEuro). Cinque Terre – 2 DaysThe quaint villages of the Italian Riviera never fail to bedazzle travelers from all over the world. If you want to spend three weeks in Italy, you can stay a bit longer in the Liguria region and explore also cities like Genoa and La Spezia. Close to La Spezia, the capital of the province, are also beautiful places like Lerici and Tellaro, sea resorts cherished by writers and artists. Being on the coast, you will find great fish restaurants. Alongside the five scenic villages part of the Cinque Terre, La Spezia’s coastline boasts also other towns worth a stop, such as Portovenere, Le Grazie, and Levanto. The five villages known as Cinque Terre are:
From Cinque Terre to Florence, too, you can take the train. First, a regional to get to La Spezia and Genoa, then a high-speed train to Florence. Click here to check timetables and prices with RailEurope. Florence – 3 to 4 DaysThe birthplace of the Renaissance and included in most tours, very likely your Italy travel itinerary will have at least two days in Florence. Here, we suggest three to four days, but if you have only ten days in Italy, two is also enough to get a taste of the city. The city’s history was heavily influenced by the rule of the Medici family, and today we can still see much of their legacy. Walking around Florence will fill you with beauty and culture. Enjoy its ancient art and architecture all around the city center, walk along the Arno river and linger in the Ponte Vecchio bridge for some shopping and photo snapping. We wrote a full guide to Florence, but here are some of the best things to do:
The whole region of Tuscany is amazing, so if you can stretch your holiday a couple more days, you might like to explore also other cities such as Siena and Pisa and the countryside with a day trip from Florence to the Chianti region and San Gimignano town. Click here to check availability and price. Florence is not too far from Rome, with Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa or Frecciargento high-speed trains, it takes an hour and a half. Click here to book and see the prices on Omio. READ MORE: How to plan a perfect trip to Florence Rome – 4 to 6 DaysThe capital of the ancient Roman empire boasting some 3000 years of history and rich civilization, the places to visit in Rome are endless. From the archaeological sites of the Roman Forum to the quaint neighborhood of Trastevere to the Vatican City, the more you manage to devote to Rome, the better you will experience the city. It goes without saying that Rome is a must-see, especially if it’s your first 2-week trip to Italy. Some of the things to do in Rome in your 2 weeks in Italy include:
Rome is divided into “Rioni”, neighborhoods, and each of them has its own landmarks and personality. From Prati to Trastevere to Testaccio and Ostiense, countless are the things to see in Rome, the restaurants where you can try the traditional food, the park where to run, jog or chill out for an afternoon, the museums, the palaces and more. To get around and see how to best enjoy Rome, check out my full guide of the city, or click here to see what are the best Rome tours if you wish to save some time but still visit the most important sites. My eBook “Tasting Rome by Neighbourhood” suggests five daily Rome itineraries in as many districts, giving you the chance to explore the popular and lesser-known areas of the city stopping to eat in the best restaurants along the way. All the meals of the day are covered, from breakfast to dinner, with some suggestions also for aperitif and gelato. Your next stop when planning a 2 week trip to Italy for the first time is Naples, the gorgeous capital city of the Campania region not too far from Rome. With Trenitalia high-speed trains you will reach it in a little more than an hour. Click here to book and see the prices on Omio (GoEuro). Naples and the Amalfi Coast – 3 DaysFamous for having invented the pizza, alongside delicious cuisine, Naples has a lot to offer to the curious traveler who wants to dig deep into the local history and culture. Walk around its city center, enjoy the view of the Vesuvio volcano and the beach, explore its wonderful coastline and soak in its rich tradition. Some of the best things to do in Naples in your 2 weeks in Italy include:
Once your 14 days in Italy are over, you can either take your flight back home from Naples or take a train to Rome and your flight from Fiumicino International Airport. Hidden gems + alternative Italy itinerariesIf you like to discover also more offbeat destinations or you can afford a longer holiday, say 3 weeks in Italy, you can really add some interesting places to your Italy itinerary. For example, let’s say that you are back in Rome after this two-week Italy trip and you have one extra week. SardiniaFor a lovely alternative, you can catch a plane to Sardinia and enjoy a fantastic offbeat destination! To be able to stray off the bigger cities and explore its traditional soul, make sure you rent a car. Your experience in Sardinia will depend on the season. If you are traveling in summer, especially the months of July and August, what you can do will pretty much limit to the beach because it’s really hot. Not too bad, considering that Sardinia is surrounded by wonderful beaches and a turquoise Mediterranean Sea. If you go in spring or fall, you can enjoy a more authentic experience by exploring the towns of the inland. Places like Orgosolo, Oristano, Ghilarza, and San Sperate will make for lovely trips to immerse in the local culture. In winter, I suggest a stop in Mamoiada for their Mamuthones festival. You can see these ancient masquerades the night of the 16th of January or in February for Carnival. Carnival is a fantastic occasion to visit also towns like Oristano where they celebrate it with the Sartiglia or Ottana where they have the masks of Boes and Merdules, always coming from ancient times and farming-themed. If it’s your first time in Sardinia, I also suggest you explore the city where you land, which is going to be either Cagliari, Bosa, or Alghero. All of them are extremely fascinating and are surrounded by interesting places for a potential day trip. Northern ItalyIf you enjoyed the northern cities and want to explore more of them, a nice alternative is to explore the Trentino Alto Adige region or the beautiful city of Turin. The region of Trentino Alto Adige is heaven for nature lovers. For scenic treks, choose any of the destinations in the Dolomites from the stunning Madonna di Campiglio to Molveno Lake to the Marmolada. If you are more of a cultural traveler, you can explore charming cities like Trento, Bolzano, Rovereto, and Merano, or quaint towns like Bressanone and Levico. In Trentino Alto Adige, when you are not skiing, you can visit the castles scattered around the region like Castel Thun and Castel Beseno or sacred places like San Romedio Sanctuary perched on a cliff. City slickers will probably enjoy a couple of days in Turin. The cool capital of the Piedmont region opens up to a myriad of different opportunities. If you are fond of Christian history, you can visit the Duomo to see the Holy Shroud, while other types of spirituality will be attracted by esoteric places such as Piazza Statuto, Portone del Diavolo (Gates of Hell), and Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio. In Turin, you can definitely enjoy great food, indulge in an evening aperitif, and sip their traditional bicerin coffee drink. For some great day trip, head to the Baroque Basilica of Superga or Venaria Reale royal palace. Not sure if you’d rather visit Milan or Turin? Our tips will help! Bologna and Emilia RomagnaFoodies on the lookout for some alternative destinations to include in their 2-week Italy itinerary should consider Bologna. Showcasing a very elegant architecture, the streets of the city center are covered with porticoes, making it more pleasant to walk in both summer and winter. Being the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, it goes without saying that the food in Bologna is hearty, delicious, and pretty fulfilling. Tuck into lasagna, piadina, tortellini, and all types of stuffed pasta in ragout sauce before moving on to the next destination. Other fantastic places to visit in the region are Ravenna, the last capital of the western Roman Empire and packed with gorgeous Byzantine mosaics that have been declared UNESCO world heritage sites, Parma and the surrounding castles, Modena and Maranello for sports cars fans, and Rimini and Riccione in summer. SicilyIt’s really hard to leave Sicily off your trip. Whether you are following a classic 2-week Italy itinerary or a more alternative one, Sicily is the largest Italian island and packed with amazing cities, activities, foods, and historical sites to discover. Whether you land in Palermo or Catania, I suggest taking your time to explore your port of arrival before moving on. Palermo is Italy’s “most Arab” city. Showcasing a suggestive combination of Christian and Muslim sacred sites and decorative patterns, in Palermo you can easily spend a week doing every day something different. Of course, the region deserves to be visited far and wide, so I’ll understand if you move onto the next harbour sooner. Get lost in the maze of alleys of Mazara del Vallo where you will spot architectural and artistic influences from the Romans, the Punics, the Saracens, and the Normans. This beautiful town is famous for its pristine beaches lapped by a crystal azure sea. Carry on to Agrigento where, apart from enjoying the local beaches, you can also visit the town and the famous Valle dei Templi Greek ruins. Before leaving Sicily, make sure you consider visiting also places like Syracuse, Ragusa, Taormina, and the beautiful Catania for its charming architecture and an excursion on the Etna Mount. Take more day tripsAlternatively, you can spend more days in some of the cities suggested in our classic 2 weeks in Italy itinerary and take some day trips. From Florence, you can enjoy a great day trip to Pisa, Lucca, or Siena. Or other fantastic towns such as San Gimignano, Arezzo, and obviously the wonderful vineyards of the Chianti region. There are also plenty of day trips you can take from Rome. You can visit the beautiful Viterbo also known as the city of popes, the scenic Bracciano on its namesake lake, Cerveteri for Etruscan history and necropolis, and Tivoli for two wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From Venice, you can head to Verona and come back in the evening. Venice is a big group of islands, so when you are done with the main attractions in Piazza San Marco and the Jewish Quarter, head to the picturesque harbors of Burano, Torcello, Pellestrina, and Sant’Erasmo. Some other great day trips from Venice in the Veneto region include Treviso, Padova, Rovigo, Vicenza, and Belluno for a great holiday in the Dolomites. From Naples, I highly recommend you visit Pompeii. History buffs can even devote two days to this wonderfully preserved ancient Roman city because it’s huge and all parts are very interesting and revealing of the local life before the Vesuvius destroyed it. More great day trips from Naples include Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and the city of Caserta for its gorgeous “Reggia” royal palace. The possibilities are endless, and soon we’ll be publishing a full northern Italy itinerary and an exciting offbeat Italy itinerary! Essential tips for two weeks in ItalyBest time to travel to ItalyBoasting a mild climate and the advantages of four seasons, depending on what your ideal holiday is, any time is good to visit Italy. Do you like skiing? Explore the beautiful Dolomites in Trentino Alto Adige. Do you prefer chilling out in the sun? Discover the gorgeous beaches in Sardinia in summer. As far as the main cities go, any month is good to visit. In Rome, Florence and Venice there are so many things to see and do that really any season is good. If you are quite free to choose your holiday time, I would probably avoid July and August as they are very crowded and can be very hot. So not so pleasant to walk around the city center. Spring and Fall are both great seasons to visit the big cities both to avoid the crowds and to have a more pleasant climate. How to get around ItalyItaly has a great and very widespread railway system, so if you are traveling independently, you can totally rely on Trenitalia or Italo Treno. After each major city, I mentioned the transport you can book to get to your next stop but Italy railway is great to reach also smaller towns and even tiny villages. The perfect way of traveling around Italy for two weeks. If you are visiting the cities and towns within the railway network, you are covered. But if you are planning on getting off the train route, relying solely on the buses might not be as straightforward. So for example, if you want to visit the Tuscany countryside or some parks outside Rome, I suggest you rent a car. Definitely, the best option when planning a 2-week Italy road trip. What to pack for ItalyAs Italy has four seasons, you can decide what to pack once you know when you are traveling. Spring is a very popular season thanks to its mild weather, but it can sometimes be tricky as temperatures change all of a sudden. My advice would be to wear different layers so that you can cover in the evening when it’s usually colder. If you are planning a 2-week trip to Italy in Spring, make sure you pack some pretty flexible clothes. The beginning of the Fall in Italy is pretty nice as the summer heat is mostly gone and the winter cold has not arrived yet. Mostly, you can wear light clothes and carry a jacket, a light jumper, and a light scarf for the evening. Make sure you pack an umbrella. If you are wondering what to pack for Italy for the winter, it’s pretty straightforward: warm clothes, a jacket, a coat, warm trousers, and sweaters. Quite straightforward is also packing for a summer Italy trip: shorts, t-shirts, sandals, or summer runners, and obviously a bikini if you are going to the beach! For some peace of mind, especially on public transport, you might want to wear anti-theft clothes. Clever Travel Companion has a pretty wide choice of models, colors, and clothes such as scarves, boxers, leggings, tops, t-shirts, women’s underpants, and more. How much money do you need for 2 weeks in Italy?If you are really traveling on a budget, you should consider putting aside around 1500€ (1600$), international flights excluded. If you prefer mid-range accommodation rather than hostels or cheap B&Bs and to treat yourself to some restaurant lunch or dinner, a budget of 2000€ (2100$) per person will be more likely. Accommodation prices will vary depending on the location and on the season. Rome in November will be cheaper than in December, April, or even August. Generally speaking, Italy in December will be more expensive than in January or in November. Also, hotels in the Naples will be more affordable than in Venice. When it comes to food, if you wish to save some good bucks, you can opt for street food on the go, which is delicious and you are bound to find plenty of specialties. The cost of local transport depends on how you travel. Domestic flights are usually more expensive than trains and buses, including bullet trains. You can find some offers and promotions but it’s a matter of luck. Of course, if you need to go from Milan to Palermo quickly, a flight is the best option. High-speed trains are more expensive than regional and Intercity trains, but obviously faster. They are more affordable than flights and in some cases I think a better choice. For example, if you are going from Milan to Rome, or from Florence to Rome, the bullet train will take you from city center to city center so you are going to save time and money of the airport transfers. Regional trains are recommended if you wish to stop in smaller towns where Trenitalia’s Freccia trains and Italo fast trains don’t stop. Finally, if you are traveling on a shoestring and want to save also in public transport, check out bus schedules and routes. This is the cheapest option but also the slowest. This means that you either need to stay in Italy for more than two weeks, sacrifice some destinations, or skip some landmarks. READ MORE: Tips for planning a perfect trip to Italy Which is better Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre?If you are traveling with kids and planning cultural sightseeing, the Amalfi Coast should be your choice. The Cinque Terre is a good option if you want to do some hiking between the towns and visit other cities of the Italian Riviera and Liguria region such as Levico, Genoa, and La Spezia. Amalfi Coast is the destination for celebrities and families. Its location close to Naples, Pompeii, Caserta, and Sorrento allows for a great cultural holiday. Both Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are summer destinations because they are on the coast and in winter most tourism resorts and facilities are closed. Plus, bad weather might cause landslides and heavy rain. Is 2 weeks enough time in Italy?For first time visitors, 2 weeks in Italy is the perfect amount of time to hit the country's most famous and classic spots, see which ones you love, and (if you're anything like us) fall head-over-heels in love with the country to the point that you'll leave planning your next trip back.
How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Italy?Those looking to experience Italy on a shoestring could spend two weeks here for around €1,320 ($1,420) excluding flights. However, if you're looking to avoid hostels & dine at the occasional restaurant or two, a €2,000 budget per person (excluding flights) is likely a more realistic figure.
How to plan a trip to Italy for 2 weeks?Here is a 14-day Italy itinerary that starts in Naples and ends in Venice:. Day 1: Arrive in Naples, travel to Sorrento, explore Sorrento.. Day 2: Amalfi Coast.. Day 3: Capri day trip.. Day 4: Visit Pompeii on the way to Rome, afternoon in Rome.. Day 5: Rome: Colosseum and the Borghese.. Day 6: Rome: The Vatican.. Day 7: Florence.. How much does a full trip to Italy cost?How Much is a Trip to Italy: Average Cost Per Day. |