The Ultimate Italian Itinerary

So you’re planning a trip to Italy. You’ve heard of all these amazing places and everyone you talk to wants to give their input on where you should go. Problem is, how do you actually DO it? Here’s a map and my recommended guide for a great Italian itinerary to hit the big spots, as well as the best day trips from each hub if you have the time.

Overview of Italy

How to travel Italy

Italy is very reachable by train, bus, and flying! Once you’re inside the country, it’s fairly easy to move around. There are lots of budget airlines with cheap flights. I once bought a flight for $10! Crazy right?

Key Italian phrases to know

Italian Itinerary Map

Destinations to visit in Italy

* My personal top recommendations for day trips

Start: Milan

2 – 3 days

Let’s start in Milan. Milan has a big airport so it’s usually cheaper to fly into. It’s also the hub for a budget airline, Easyjet, so it’s cheaper and easier to fly in and out of, compared to other cities in Italy. That’s why I recommend Milan as your starting point.

Milan is a very nice city, but it’s also very industrial. Many Italians live and work here. The city centre is beautiful and historic, but isn’t going to be the old-world feel that you can find in other cities in the rest of the country. I would recommend 1-2 days in Milan to see the sights, museums, and get you on your feet in case you’re experiencing jet lag.

In Milan you can:

• See the cathedral (il Duomo) in the city centre
• Shop around the Piazza del Duomo and the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• View The Last Supper at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie

If you want to add a few more days, near Milan you can also take day trips to:

• *Go see the lakes, such as Lake Como, Maggiore, Bellaggio, etc.
• Visit my beloved Turin
• Explore the Alps

Here’s a link to a few day trips, in case you’re worried about figuring it all out on your own.

Verona

On the way to the next stop, you’re able to stop in Verona if you wish. I always recommend taking trains in Italy. There are direct trains to Venice, and trains that stop in Verona. In Verona, you can wander around the historical city centre and see Juliet’s balcony (from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet) as well as the museum there. I recommend at least stopping for lunch before moving on to Venice, since it’s on the way anyway!

Venice

2 – 3 days

To the east, close to Austria and Slovenia, is Venice. Venice is famous for its history and canals. Instead of public buses, you take boats to get around.

To be honest, Venice is extremely touristic. I always say that it seems more like an amusement park than an actual city. With that in mind, Venice is unique and it’s famous for a reason! I would still add it as a place you need to mark off your list, at least once.

In Venice you can:

• People watch in St. Mark’s Square
• Take a gondola ride through the canals
• Visit the Doge’s Palace

Outside of Venice you can:

• *See the other Italian islands of Torcello, Burano, and Murano
• Go to the beach at Lido
• Explore historic Padua

Bologna

On the way from Venice to Florence is Bologna. Bologna is a culinary and historic sight. There are several buildings and basilicas to explore and is definitely worth a quick stop!

Florence

1 – 2 days

Honestly, I love Florence. Can’t you see how much I love Florence? It’s small but not too small, and is very cosmopolitan, perfect for a weekend trip. Everywhere you walk you’ll find leather shops so save your money for Florence! There are also a ton of art museums and statues surrounding the city centre.

Within Florence you can:

• Pose in front of the Duomo
• See amazing artwork such as Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia and many famous paintings at Uffizi Gallery
• Shop on Ponte Vecchio

Florence also has amazing day trips! You can:

• *Explore the picturesque Cinque Terre
• See the Leaning Tower in Pisa
• *Partake in Italian wine in and around Siena (BONUS: Do it on a Vespa!!)

Rome

2 – 3 days

In the center of the country lies the city of Rome. Rome is amazing and historic, but can also get overrun by tourists. You have to see the Colosseo at least once in your life though, as well as live out your Lizzie McGuire dreams.

In Rome be sure to:

• Visit the Colosseo
• Admire St. Peter’s Basilica
• Make a wish at Trevi Fountain

Day trips from Rome include:

• Visit villas at Tivoli
• *Soak up some history in Orvieto or Assisi
• Go off the grid in Civita di Bagnoregio
• Other day trips from Rome

Naples

1 day

Top Left: Naples City Centre Top Right: The ancient city of Pompeii

Bottom Left: Me enjoying pizza Bottom Right: Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast

Naples is the connecting city to the rest of the coast. It’s also where pizza was invented.

While I’m personally not in love with the city, it’s worth it to visit Naples for a day just for the pizza and the close proximity to historic Pompeii and the beautiful seaside. Naples is really better known for its connection to the Amalfi Coast.

Inside the city you can:

• Walk around the Piazza del Plebiscito
• View the San Gennaro Catacombs
• Tour the Royal Palace

Close to Naples you can:

• *Be a beach bum and explore the Amalfi Coast or take a boat to Capri
• *See history at Pompeii
• Climb Mount Vesuvius

Quick note about Pompeii: Do a tour! I’m normally not someone who utilizes tours but I so wish I had in Pompeii. Otherwise you’re just walking around the area, trying to guess at what each building could be.

From Naples, you are able to fly back to Milan and onward to your next destination or home.

There are many other places to visit in the country of course, but I hope this Italian itinerary helped you understand the top attractions better and how to see each one.