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How to do a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome: 2 hours

Sean Finelli Last Updated: November 18, 2022

If you don’t have tons of time to spend in Rome, you should still knock out the city’s main sites. Here’s how to do a quick DIY walking tour of Rome featuring Il Pincio, Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. So, enjoy Rome with this walking tour itinerary and maps.

DIY Walking Tour of Rome Itinerary

This itinerary covers the major spots in Rome that you can see without a guided tour. We’ll guide you from location to location, giving you options that will help you have a personalised experience of Rome. Read on to find the routes with bustling streets, great views, or ways to conserve energy.

If you’re planning to see the Vatican and Colosseum, we highly recommend our Rome in a Day Tour that not only includes the sites mentioned below but also gets you skip-the-line access to the Vatican and Colosseum.

Start this walking tour at either Piazza Navona or Il Pincio / Piazza del Popolo. I highly recommend taking a taxi to Il Pincio, which is in Villa Borghese over top of Piazza del Popolo. You can walk there or get pretty close by metro, but we recommend getting a taxi up to the top so you can walk downhill for the rest of this journey. Trust us, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to exercise in Rome, so conserve your energy wherever you can. Here’s your self-guided itinerary:

• Il Pincio and Piazza del Popolo
• The Spanish Steps,  Piazza di Spagna, and Via Condotti
• The Trevi Fountain
• The Pantheon
• Piazza Navona

Distance:  1.5 miles (2.5km)

Walking Time :  30 minutes

Total Duration:   90 minutes to 2 hours

1. Il Pincio and Piazza del Popolo

Terrazza del Pincio is one of those places you see all over social media but can’t actually find when visiting Rome. Good news, we’ve got you covered, and it’s actually very easy to get to. Go to Piazza del Popolo  (Piazza of the People) and look for the big hill. Hidden behind the street leading up the hill is a staircase going up to Il Pincio.

Il Pincio is on the outskirts of Villa Borghese. You can start in Villa Borghese and make your way down to Piazza del Popolo or the opposite. Piazza del Popolo is a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, from there it’s 10 minutes to Trevi Fountain, another 10 minutes to the Pantheon, which is 10 minutes from Piazza Navona, and so on. While you’re in the area, check out the top things to see near Piazza del Popolo .

2. Spanish Steps

From Pincio to the Spanish Steps, you have two options. The first is to walk down from Il Pincio into Piazza del Popolo. This is the best option if you want to walk through Rome’s bustling streets.

Your second option is to walk down viale della Trinità dei Monti. This road is situated above the neighborhood and slowly slopes downward. You get a great view of the area without the crowds. Take a peek into the terraces of the Roman elite and, best of all, you’ll arrive at the top of the Spanish Steps. 

As you approach the Spanish Steps , you’ll notice that you’re walking into Rome’s posh shopping district lined with high-end designers and brands. You’ll come to a large staircase leading up to the Trinita dei Monti church. 

So why are they called the Spanish Steps if we’re in Italy? The Spanish Steps aren’t actually Spanish at all. They got their name because the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See is located at the base of the steps.

The official name of the steps is actually Scalinata dei Trinita dei Monti. At the base of the steps, you’ll find another one of Rome’s beautiful fountains, Fontana della Barcaccia, or Fountain of the Longboat.

If you take time to explore the area, you might notice the Keats-Shelley House, located right at the foot of the Steps. This museum commemorates iconic English romantic poets Jonathan Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and houses countless poems, manuscripts, and other works by these authors. Check out the top things to see near the Spanish Steps .

3. Trevi Fountain

Above, you’ll see a map of the route we suggest taking from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain, which should take about 10 minutes. When you reach Piazza di Trevi, you’ll probably notice a large crowd of people taking the classic coin throw picture in front of the fountain.

Built in 1762 and designed by Nicola Salvi, Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi translates to “Three Street Fountain.” Quite literally, the fountain is located where three roads meet and what used to be the end point of one of Rome’s earliest aqueducts.

The fountain depicts ancient Greek god Oceanus on a chariot being pulled by two horses. One is obedient and one is resistant, symbolizing the changing tides of the ocean.

Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome again. If you throw two, you’ll soon have a new romance in your life. And if you throw three, you’re guaranteed to get married. Since you’re here, check out the top things to see near Trevi Fountain .

4. Pantheon

You can follow this simple route to reach the Pantheon, which is about a seven-minute walk away.

The Pantheon is typically considered Rome’s most well-preserved ancient building. This makes sense since the first two structures that stood in the Pantheon’s place were destroyed—one by the Great Fire of Rome and the other by lightning. When Emperor Hadrian built the third, he made sure it was extremely structurally sound.

We definitely recommend going inside the Pantheon to explore its beautiful rotunda. If you look up, you’ll notice an opening in the ceiling allowing sunlight in called the oculus.

The Pantheon is free to enter, and there is plenty to see inside. After exploring its Greco-Roman architecture from the outside, make sure you see Raphael’s tomb when you enter. If you have time, check out the top things to see near the Pantheon .

5. Piazza Navona

After exploring the Pantheon, walk four minutes away using this route to explore Piazza Navona.

The Piazza Navona is an incredibly beautiful square in the center of Rome lined by delicious eateries and shops. It sits on top of what used to be the Stadium of Domitian, where gladiatorial games and public executions used to take place in ancient Rome. 

Built around A.D. 80, the Stadium of Domitian even served as a replacement venue for the Colosseum when it was struck by lightning in A.D. 217. The restaurants and storefronts that line the Piazza Navona today still preserve the shape of the ancient running track and all of the buildings surrounding the piazza were built atop the stadium’s seating.

In the center of the Piazza Navona, you’ll notice a large obelisk with ancient hieroglyphs inscribed on its stone. Although originally located in Circus Maxentius, the obelisk now stands atop the Fountain of Four Rivers and features inscriptions that mention Emperor Domitian. Discover the top things to see near Piazza Navona .

By now, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite.

Finish With A Trastevere Food Tour

There’s really no better way to end your DIY walking tour of Rome than with a great meal! While there are plenty of restaurants and bars lining the piazza, we recommend joining our Trastevere Food Tour .

It meets just a few minutes away from Piazza Navona and features fantastic Rome street food and a traditional sit-down dinner, giving you a culinary experience that offers a more local take on the city’s cuisine.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to all things Rome as you plan your trip.

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

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Our Italy Road trip Itinerary – Self drive in Italy

Table of Contents

Our Italy itinerary is what pushed us into taking a major decision that we would be doing a self-drive Road trip in Italy. Our Italy driving holiday itinerary had an equal share of big and famous cities and the less visited yet well-known places. Though Italy has a good network of trains – It would have been difficult to travel by train to all the places marked in our Italy Road trip Itinerary.

Italy Road Trip Planner:

After I wrote this post about ‘ Things to know before you self-drive in Italy ’ , I got a lot of questions about places we traveled across Italy on our road trip. So, I decided to write this post which help your road trip through Italy. Be it 1 week or 10 days, this itinerary will help you while driving around Italy. This itinerary covers most of the beautiful and famous spots in Italy making it one of the best road trips in Italy.

We didn’t always hire a car for all the days we were in Italy, but did it strategically, which we will explain in the due course of this article. While exploring cities, we used local transport like Metro, trams and bus. When feasible, we took intercity trains. We hired a car only when we felt an absolute need of doing so.

And being avid road trippers, we enjoyed taking on Italian roads – sometimes driving in between choppy cliffs and deep blue ocean, sometimes cruising along state-of-the-art highway, sometimes creeping under tunnels that don’t seem to end, sometimes stuck in weekend highway jam, sometimes slowing down in countryside roads to see the hay bales neatly rolled up, sometimes driving along the coast for hundreds of miles but never to drive for the sake of it!

With such a pleasing experience , I would recommend that everyone should go road trippin in Italy at least once in a lifetime! Assisting you in your road trip adventure is your travel buddy – Hopping Miles. So, here it is – Road trip in Italy.

Road trip preparation for self drive holiday:

Well, for a good road trip, what do we need? A reliable and cost effective car and a comfortable place to rest for the day after a long day on the road. Right? I know you are nodding your head there. Let me ease this process for you by listing a couple of websites which we always use on our travels.

We booked the car from this website which compares different vendors , so that we can select the car that matches our taste and budget. Check prices now by entering the place in the search box below.

Accomodation

With so many booking sites and hundreds of hotels and apartments, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits our taste. That is where this site comes into picture. We always check the prices of hotels/apartment from this website and compare prices offered by different booking sites and book the accommodation from the one that offers the best price. Compare hotels by checking in this search box below !

Self drive Italy itinerary

I will list some places you can visit on your self drive holiday in Italy. And for our exact itinerary, you can check the next section.

• Amalfi coast
• Alberobello
• Cinque Terre

Our Italian Road trip Itinerary

In the first leg of the journey, we did Rome – Vatican City – Caserta – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi Coast – Alberobello – Bari

Lets look at each stop and see what we did there!

We flew into Rome and flew out of Rome to Bangalore, India. We spent 3 days in Rome – roaming around the city in hop-on hop-off bus and explored the World’s smallest country – Vatican city too!

Hop-on Hop-off bus  is the absolute best way to explore Rome. We get a bus pass which we can flash to the driver and hop onto the bus and hop off at any stop and this cycle continues. We did this and loved the convenience and frequency of  buses available. We bought our tickets from this link here:  Rome Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket. 

You can also buy a Roma Pass which covers entrance fee to major tourist attractions in Rome:  Roma Pass: 48-Hour City Card

After blissful 3 days of roaming in Rome, we hopped onto Vatican city for a day, which was just next door to Rome.

Vatican City:

Often known as the World’s smallest country, Vatican city is just a road away from Rome. There is no passport stamping required to enter and exit Vatican city. Vatican is known for its rich art collection and one whole day is needed to explore this gem. Have a look at this post to know how to ‘Explore Vatican City in a Day’

After exploring Rome and Vatican City, we picked up a pre-booked rental car, thus flagging off our Italian road trip! We got the best deal for our car rental from this website here. Our initial plan was to drive down to Pompeii and Naples before checking into our lovely room in Sorrento in Amalfi Coast. As luck would have it, we had a delay due to a situation and could start from Rome only in the second half of the day, so we changed our plan and drove to Sorrento with a small detour at Caserta.

The highlight of Caserta is definitely the ‘ Palace of Caserta ’. This UNESCO Heritage site sprawls over 60 acres with a 5 floors and 1200 rooms!!! Apart from the place itself which is impressive, vast gardens take away all the credit of being stunning with beautifully curated plants and water fountains at regular intervals. Though Palace of Caserta was under renovation at that time we had been there – it didn’t fail to amaze us!

Traffic jam on the way to Sorrento. We were stuck in jam inside the city too!

After a mesmerizing evening drive along the plunging Amalfi coastline as the sun retired for the day, we got stuck in the narrow lanes of Sorrento city. Traffic pile up due to road restrictions come into effect after sundown, this resulted in us getting struck in a traffic jam inside the city. We got lost at many places and google maps weren’t of any help but the locals were really helpful and guided us very well in spite of  having the language barrier.

Next morning, we strolled around Sorrento town and decided to hop on to Capri Island and indulge in the unique experience of Blue Grotto! So, off we were to Capri in a high-speed ferry from Sorrento!

Book a tour –  From Sorrento: Full-Day Capri and Anacapri Boat Tour

Surreal waters of Blue Grotto, Capri

Capri was a pleasant surprise. From the time the ferry approached the island, until our way back to Sorrento – Capri captivated us! Jagged cliffs rising high from the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea underneath – in this small island off Italy’s Eastern Coast. In spite of thousands of tourist inflow every day, much of Capri’s natural beauty is preserved to retain its charm. The proof of which are the narrow roads just enough to pass only 1 vehicle on either side. Nature’s bounty has been preserved and not given way to modernisation!

More on Capri and things to do here: Things to do in Capri

Amalfi Coast:

After a refreshing day in Capri, we were back on the road. How eager were we to drive in this piece of land! We took it easy while driving the Amalfi Coast by not rushing it. We rolled down the windows and breathed the fresh air of Amalfi Coast – sinking it all into the skin. The warm air rising from the sea blends with the fragrance of flowers slopped in every corner together with the scent of Citrus which grows here in abundance. Roads that snake all the way along the plunging coastline coupled with stunning views makes Amalfi Coast one of the scenic routes to drive in the world!

In case you aren’t doing a self guided driving trip and still want to experience the thrill of a road trip then try this tour or this one .

Check out my Amalfi coast video below: 

Alberobello:

After Italy surprised us with Amalfi coast drive, we had another visual treat waiting for us in Alberobello. Entire town with whitewashed houses called Trulli awaited us in Alberobello. The Trulli of Alberobello is a hut made of traditional Apulian drystone mainly consisting of hard limestone. The roof of Trullo is conical shape with stones stacked tightly on each other. If you fancy staying in a Trullo – you can as well do it. There are many BnBs and boutique Trullo stays in Alberobello. Check the prices now by entering your dates below.

We stayed in a small town called Eboli before traveling to Alberobello. Pizzas here are yumm!

The drive from Alberobello to Bari was all along Italy’s southern coastline. The main reason for us to drive to Bari was to return our rental car which we hired in Rome. That said, DON’T be fooled into thinking that our Italian road trip is over!

Rental cars which we returned in Bari. We were a family of 12. So we hired 3 cars!!

Back to Italy again for yet another road trip!

We returned the car in Bari  and took an overnight ferry to Croatia.  Read about our experience in Jadrolinija ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik in this article here . We explored Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia.  We returned to Italy through Slovenia via road and settled down in Venice for the day!

Some pics of our road trip in Croatia and Slovenia.

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Lake Bled, Slovenia

You might want to read:

Heavenly Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Fairytale town – Lake Bled, Slovenia

We roamed around Venice , hopping numerous bridges in the Venice Water bus or the ‘Vaporetto’ with a day pass. Watching gondolas pass by, hearing barcaroles sung by gondoliers who sway the gondola from under one bridge to another – Venice was all about life and history in a water land. If you are in Venice, do not miss the Gondola ride!

Book now –  Venice  Gondola Ride

Also, a must visit is the next door, Burano and Murano islands. Check out this tour here, this is such a bargain for money –  Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

After spending time to our heart’s content in Venice – It was time to move on. This time around, we did not hire a car. Remember what I had told earlier, rent a car only when necessary. As we were to stay in Milan for the next couple of days – we didn’t really need a car to go around – so, we took an intercity train from Venice to Milan – Italy’s fashion destination!

We went to see the ‘Duomo di Milan’ but ended up attending a concert!

Wandering in the streets of Milan, getting in and getting out of several metro trains – I wondered about one thing – How women are dressed up so beautifully with full makeup even at 5.30 AM! 😀

You can also do a day trip from Milan to Lake Como – Details here.

This wouldn’t be any ordinary morning – this would be a special one. A morning that showed us a light of day like no other morning. Sun rays piercing through the plump mountains, gliding though Lake Como before hitting the glass window of the train from Milan to Tirano.

The day could be called a Train day. Our train journey started in Milan at 5.30AM in the morning and ended at 9PM the same day in Milan. Why do I call it the train day? That’s because we spent the major chunk of the day in train. From Tirano, we ascended the legendary Bernina express. The rest was sequences just like dream.

Tirano town

You can save the hassle we had of booking several train tickets by simply going this tour, where they take care of all the round trip transfers to and fro Milan and also the Bernina Express tickets –  Bernina Express & St.Moritz Day Tour from Milan

Bernina Express:

Was I dreaming? Maybe, Yes – but certainly, No! As the train chugged away from Tirano, we scaled altitude by slowly climbing various bridges and passing through gloomy tunnels. Scenes distinctly vary from tiny villages puddled in lush green valley down below to glaciers melting to form electric blue lake. We alighted in St.Moritz town in Switzerland – spent 2-3 hours before getting back to Bernina Express to return to our temporary home in Milan.

It was time to get back on the road. We hired a car from Milan and drove to the land of Ferrari – Maranello!

As we curved into Maranello, roaring horses welcomed us into the world of Ferrari. Rest of the day was spent in gawking at these mean machines and lusting to own one! Read more about Maranello – Ferrari land Maranello, Italy

We drove from Maranello to Pisa through Florence with vineyards for company. Driving in the Tuscany region was another dream come true.

The entire region is sprinkled with acres of vineyards brimming with grape-bearing vines. Roads rise and fall at changing intervals – giving us elated views of the landscapes filled with different coloured flowers at each interval! See the colours of views we saw from the highway – here in this post!

Standing tall , leaning for centuries is the ‘Leaning tower of Pisa’. There is something charming about Pisa. That white tall leaning structure, the green grass around it, the blue skies – everything makes it photogenic! This wonder of the world and UNESCO Heritage site had to be visited and thus was!

While in Pisa, a must thing do is to go inside the ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ and climb all the way up and get a bird’s eye view from the top! It is sure inundating but is very exciting at the same time. We were running short of time as we had to drive to Rome and return the car, but wanted to go to the top of Leaning tower too. The lines for the ticket was long and we gave it a chance and finally did it. So, its a wise thing to book tickets in advance.

Book your  Timed Entrance Ticket to Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral

We drove back to ‘Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport’ in Rome and returned our rental car that showed us some surreal sights for over 2 days.

I know we have left out many other beautiful spots and cities in Italy. We knew about some but couldn’t manage to do it – Florence, Siena, Naples, Pompeii, Sicily, San Marino, Gradara . Some we regret not knowing about, during the planning stage like the ‘The Great Dolomite Road’. But, there’s always a next time!

Our Italy Road trip Map:

Italy self drive road trip – leg 1.

Rome – Vatican City – Caserta – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi Coast – Alberobello – Bari

Italy Self drive road trip – Leg 2

Venice – Milan – Tirano – Milan – Maranello – Florence – Pisa – Rome

You might also want to read :

17 cities and towns not to miss in Italy!

14 things to know before you self drive in Italy

Hope you have liked our itinerary and all geared up to prepare yours!

Let us know in the comment box below if you have been to the places we have been and share your experiences about that place with our readers!

If you have liked this post, show us some love and pat us on our backs! Like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter  and Instagram  and subscribe to our Youtube channel !

45 comments

Beautiful photographs and interesting narration!

Great.. useful info

Nice inspiration! Thanks for a great road trip itinerary 🙂 we are planning to do one in the North of Italy soon with my husband

Nice to know that Lisa! Have a great trip!! 🙂

Hi, Great trip and great photos. I would like to ask can you plz tell hidden gems, non touristic places in italy, moreover budget living in italy. Thanks. Ss

Thanks Sumira. I shall write a post on that soon 🙂

Good one guys.. It is very helpful for planning our road trip.. Cheers and thanks for putting this up!!

Thanks Dilip! 🙂

Great info and pic! I’m planning on a roadtrip to Italy too, so wondering how long did it take for your first and second leg and Croatia?

Thanks Elly. Our trip was for 17 days in total 🙂

I really enjoyed the post you shared with us, last Year visited Bari, next holiday to visit Italy

This is a amazing article (along with the other one – things to know before self drive in Italy). Can you please share few more details (if possible) on the places (hotels/B&Bs/Lodges etc) where you stayed for the night. Thanks.

Sure Kiran. Doing that post was on my mind from a long time. Now that you asked for it, I shall write it soon 🙂 And I’m glad that you found my articles helpful 🙂

Glad to see your article, the journey & itinerary looks fantastic as well great collection of pictures.

Thank you 🙂

Hey amazing itinerary. I wanted to know if you needed international driving licence or just the indian driving licence worked? Also which company did you hire the self-drive car from?

Thanks. For Italy, International driving license is mandatory but you need to carry the original Indian driving license with you too. We booked the company which offered the best price from rentalcars.com

WOW, This is a really great post. I like your post information because I love to travel. When I read your article I get more information about Italy. Thank you for sharing a very helpful and tips post.

Hey great read..i am off to a roadtrip from venice to south italy from 19 march for over a month long..I was wondering if i should hire a care throughout? is that a good idea..venice, florence, pompeii, matera, calabria,and then sicily. IS preebooking necessary or should i just land and book one? i will fly from catania (sicily to rome) as i fly out from rome to mumbai.

Also wanted to check how expensive does it get fuel wise? we are 2 people with 2 bags.

A car isn’t required to travel inside the cities and it is best to use local transport when exploring the cities. I’d recommend self drive after you get out of cities. Maybe you can do Venice-Florence in train and hire a car from Florence and drive down to Rome and Pompeii. Do not miss the Amalfi coast drive – its heavenly 🙂 Prebooking saves last minute hassle and we get time to book the cheap and best car rental.

Hi , Awesome blog on travel. Great pics. We are traveling to Italy in April end and planning to self drive around Tuscany for two days. We will be arriving in Florence from Rome by train and will be there for three days. We hope to spend two days in Tuscany country-side and want to hire a self drive car for the same. It will be great if you can suggest some thing. Since its a Sunday when we arrive in Florence, not sure if we can find an agency open on that day.

Thanks Anmol. Renting a car and driving through Tuscany is a really good idea. I’m sure you will love it, just like we did. Check this website for comparision between different rental cars and choose the one that suits you. We too booked from this site:)

http://www.rentalcars.com/CityLandingPage.do?countryCode=it&place=florence&affiliateCode=hoppingmi&preflang=en&adcamp=Florence&adplat=Comment

This is a brilliant find ! Love the information shared here and will definitely redefine my itinerary as I plan 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience with the cool photos .

Thanks Dora 🙂

I love road trips. For me it is the best way to travel. And Italy looks more perfect by a drive-off. There is the Lake Como and Amalfi Coast is like my dream location to see. Plus these pictures looks so good. Look like you had fun in your vacation.

Yes Moumita. We did. Thanks 🙂

So glad I stumbled upon this post, very useful. If I may ask you which were your fav top 3 places that are an absolute must visits. Also, which self drive would suggest – Amalfi coast or Tuscany? Thanks in advance.

My Top 3 in Italy: Amalfi Coast, Capri and Alberobello 🙂

If given a choice between the two, I’d choose Amalfi. That said, at some stretches in Amalfi coast is narrow and winding – attempt this if the driver is confident enough 🙂 We could do it though it was our first self drive experience abroad. Choice is yours. We booked our car from this website. It has good choices and pricing options.

Thanks for the list of suggested road trips.

I’ll be traveling soon, so this is going to help me a great deal.

Thanks 🙂 Glad it helped you 🙂

Hi! Thanks for this share. What about parking in amalfi / and around? Was it pricey? I’m planning Como to Amalfi (1 day in Capri) and Milan and Naples on the way to Italy and when leaving. Debating getting a car or just train and ferry?

We drove by Amalfi and stopped by parking lay byes to soak in some lovely views. And as for choosing the mode of transport, see what works out for you the best. We are always inclined towards road trips, so it was natural for us to choose the self drive option 🙂

Realy some awesome trip in Italy, I used to live here, and my family was return after three weeks in this summer.

wow this is awesome stuff lots of value . i never visited italy bt your article eager to go there. thanks ASHWINI for sharing with us.

Hi, It is a nice explanation of the trip. I am planning as well but just planning to do a self drive in Tuscany region, but bit scared that as how easy or difficult will it be do drive left side of the care. Please do let me know if it was fine. Another query, how difficult was the parking in different places like Pisa, Florence, etc

Thanks, Sumit

Tuscany has good roads and amazing landscapes. So, self drive is safe there 🙂

We didn’t enter Florence with our rental car but Pisa was not difficult for parking.

What would be your suggestion for a main town to fly into and out of in Italy? we want to fly in hire a car do the road trip and then fly out of a different city without having to retrace any of our travels.

Start with Rome and do an anticlockwise trip and end it in Florence or vice versa

Hi! This was perfect information for us. We are planning our honeymoon and want to cruise around Italy. We are thinking to fly into Naples and self drive up through Rome, Florence and Tuscany, then to Venice and end our trip with a new nights down in Amalfi. Do you suggest we drive the whole time? Or should we drive up and fly back down to be in Amalfi? We didn’t feel we needed a car in Amalfi, so we were thinking to use public transportation there. We are looking to explore and take our time along with stay at AirBnbs along the way.

Good idea Heather. You don’t need a car in Amalfi unless you have plans to drive along without any stops. As you are staying for 2 days in Amalfi, car isn’t a good idea because towns are small and parking is a hassle.

Hey nicely described, well informed and amazing instructions!! Just one thing i wanted to know was how many days did it take you to complete leg 1 and leg 2 separately?

4 and 5 days respectively

So how many days was this entire trip? And would you recommend this type of travel with a 2 year old?

The trip was for 17 days and easily doable with a 2 year old

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• Starts Siena, Italy
• Ends Lazio, Italy

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

• Activities Trekking and Hiking

• Starts Dobbiaco, Italy
• Ends Dobbiaco, Italy

Walks in the Italian Dolomites

• Transport Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Jun 01 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 08 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy
• Ends Campitello Di Fassa, Italy

Walking in the Dolomites

• Accommodation Hotel, Resort, Hut & Camping
• Transport Bus
• Jun 15 10+ seats left
• Jun 16 10+ seats left

• Starts Naples, Italy

Amalfi Explorer

• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Villa
• Transport Train, Boat & Bus

• Starts Lake Como, Italy
• Ends Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como Rambling

• Accommodation Hotel, Villa, Hut & Resort
• Transport Boat, Train, Ferry, Bus & Taxi

• Starts Orvieto, Italy
• Ends Rome, Italy

Via Francigena: Orvieto to Rome

• Starts Sardinia, Italy
• Ends Cabras, Italy

A Saunter in Sardinia

• Starts Genoa, Italy
• Ends Cinque Terre And Liguria, Italy

Portofino and the Cinque Terre

• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train & Bus

• Starts Assisi, Italy
• Ends Spoleto, Italy

St Francis Way: Assisi to Spoleto

• Transport Private Vehicle & Taxi

• Starts Tuscany, Italy
• Ends Lucca, Italy

Walking in the Apuane Alps

• Transport Train & Bus
• May 15 10+ seats left
• May 16 10+ seats left

• Starts Rome, Italy

The Tuscan Dream

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Independent Tour
• Activities City sightseeing
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat, Bus, Coach & Train
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• May 09 10+ seats left

• Ends Sorrento, Italy

The Amalfi Coast Walk

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Hotel, Villa & Resort
• Transport Bus, Boat & Train
• Age Range 13-95 yrs
• May 02 Only 8 seats left
• May 03 Only 8 seats left

Going to Italy? Chat with a local travel expert in Italy who can help design a self-guided trip to Italy.

Italy Self-guided Tour Reviews

• James B Dohn

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Roads Less Traveled Italy

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Authentic Experiences

  natural wonders in italy,   cultural tourism travel to italy, with our customized, self-guided tours of italy, you can….

     Travel to Italy on a budget or treat yourself to some luxury

     Save huge amounts of time and effort (and worry) without spending a fortune

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I believe that tourism should benefit destinations as well as the traveler. 

To this end, I donate 15% of my fees to Planeterra , a non-profit organization that supports community tourism enterprises. 

The bottom line is Roads Less Traveled Italy’s mission is to help people enjoy a new way of traveling to one of the most beloved countries in the world. 

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Think about what it would be like to create a customized, self-guided tour of italy….

Are you interested in authentic, slow travel in Italy? Have you always wanted to travel off the beaten path independently, but been unsure about where to go or what to do? Maybe you want to start out in Rome…or Florence, or Venice, but then rent a car or hop a train and explore the heart of the surrounding area. Or, head to one of the lesser touristed regions such as Le Marche or Abruzzo for a relaxed adventure filled with the perfect mix of cultural treasures and natural wonders. Whether by car, rail, cycle, or foot, you can travel authentically and independently. I work directly with you to determine your priorities and match these with the best of what Italy has to offer, creating the customized, self-guided tour of Italy you have always dreamed of.

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Italy Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout Italy is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop for photo breaks whenever you want and craft the perfect itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 10 tours are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience.

10 Self drive tours in Italy with reviews

Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive

Enchanting Waters: Discovering the Lakes of Italy, Self-Drive

• Christmas & New Year

Tuscany Escape, Self-Drive

Puglian Villages Tour, Self-drive

Sicily Grand Tour, Self-drive

Mini Tour of Sicily, Self-drive

• In-depth Cultural

Puglia Spring Road Trip (from Bari)

You won't be disappointed! Traveling with Authentic Puglia Tours allows you to truly experience Pugliese culture and interact with locals. The activities allow you to see a part of Puglia the average traveler would not get to experience.

• Intl. Flights Included
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Sardinia & San Pietro Island hopping: Adventures in Europe's Caribbean

• Flights included

Puglia Summer Road Trip (from Bari)

Adventure Sicily & Salina: Volcanic Islands of the Mediterranean

Regions in italy.

• South Italy (7)

Travel Styles

• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY IN ITALY WITH OUR SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Your Italy Your Way

Italy Trails offers a comprehensive set of services for your self guided tours in Italy, that allows you to discover Italy in an independent, safe and comfortable way

Our Italy Trails team will design your journey to Italy  according to your needs and your experiences as independent travellers.

We advise you on routes and the best stops, allowing you to move freely and fully enjoy your experience in this marvellous land.

Italy Trails can organize any type of self-guided tour in Italy, accommodating for arrivals in  Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Brindisi, Pisa, Palermo and many other hidden gems .

In case of specific needs, we are able to provide the assistance of drivers and/or guides for any route.

Our Services for Your Travel to Italy

Customized itinerary.

Together, we will choose an itinerary that meets your expectations, taking into account your interests and your travel experience

EXTERNAL ACTIVITY

Thanks to the knowledge of our Italian travel experts, we will advise you on the most interesting and exciting activities offered in each region

PERSONALIZED ROADBOOK

Italy Trails roadbooks are produced individually with each client and itinerary in mind. They include not only directions and daily itinerary, but also practical advice, helpful tips and suggested stops that we know you will enjoy.

We will choose the best Hotels and B&Bs based on your preferences and take care of reservations

TRAVEL MEETS TECHNOLOGY

Upon your arrival in Italy, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of our team who will provide you with any assistance that you may need to ensure your journey starts off on the right foot.

CAR SERVICE AND TRANSPORT

We will provide reliable cars complete with travel equipment to ensure a safe and comfortable experience

BEST SAVOUR EXPERIENCES

We will suggest the best restaurants and local cooking classes to savour the authentic essence of traditional Italian food

SECURITY AND ASSISTANCE

At your welcome meeting we will provide a cellphone with a local SIM card so you can contact us at any time for assistance and advice.

Why Choose Us For Your Italy Experience?

Choosing Italy Trails means being able to count on professionals inspired by passion and in-depth knowledge of our homeland.

Thanks to our experience, you will be able to make the most of the precious time you have here and enjoy your holiday in Italy in the way that you prefer. Our flexible tour structure can be organized into any type of self-guided tour in Italy, whether you are traveling as a group, with children, as a couple or solo.

The goal is to guarantee maximum autonomy by providing you with the most suitable tools to visit the spectacular areas of the region in the most efficient way. In case of specific needs, we can provide drivers/guides for any itinerary.

Our proposal includes all the services and equipment to live an unforgettable journey in Italy, combining adventure and safety.

Thanks to our support service in English, Spanish, French and German, we will constantly be at your side to respond to any needs.

No time wasted searching for what to see and do, we will create the best experience in the region for you

No doubt about the quality of hotels and activities, because we have vetted our partners thoroughly

Avoid missing the best this Italy has to offer because of poor planning or lack of local expertise. The most fascinating and original features of this place are difficult to find without the right advice

Any problems can be solved with the help of our assistance in English, French, Spanish and German

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HOW TO BOOK YOUR SELF GUIDED TOUR IN ITALY IN 5 STEPS

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OUR PLAN INCLUDES

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Ancestry Experience

Ancestry Experience is not just a journey into the past. It is also a journey into the present and the future. It is a journey that can help build bridges between generations, strengthen family and community ties, and create a sense of continuity and belonging. And it can be an enriching and transformative experience that can give new meaning to our lives.

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We design experiences in Italy with the best travel professionals in the world, for any request, please send us a message to

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How to plan an Italy trip

Want to know how to plan an Italy trip? You’ve come to the right place. Italy trip planning is one of our favorite things to do. So much so that we set up this website.

We wrote this article to take you step by step through planning your trip. From deciding when to go and how much it will cost to what to take and how to use your mobile phone, it’s all here to remove the overwhelm and make your trip planning easier. Even if you choose to hire a travel agent to assist with your bookings, it is a good idea to walk through these steps as it will help the agent build the best trip for you.

You can see an overview of the steps you need to follow in the article contents below. Follow our guide and you’ll be on your way to planning your own trip or choosing the right tour for you and your travel companions.

Article contents

Step 1 – Decide when you want to go and your budget

When to go to italy.

There is no bad time to visit Italy but there may be one that suits you better. Depending on your interests and the places you want to see you need to be aware of seasonal differences that you need to know about:

• Summer – June to August: peak tourist season, weather is hot and prices higher. Many Italians are on vacation and the coastal areas are very busy especially in mid August
• Fall / Autumn – September to November: September remains hot and busy in most of the major tourist centers. By October the weather is cooling and ferry services on the coast and lakes stop running. At this time grape harvest is in full swing. November is generally quite wet but there is lots of sunshine between the showers.
• Winter – December to February: As the weather cools so do the crowds. Attractions are much less busy and the lead up to Christmas is magical with lights and decorations in shop windows. In January and February restaurants in many coastal areas are closed. February’s Carnevale in Venice is generally one of the most expensive times to visit the city
• Spring – March to May: In March and April wildflowers bloom and the countryside is awash with color. Easter is a popular holiday for Europeans to visit Italian cities especially Rome, Florence and Venice.

NOTE: peak season in the most visited destinations is May – October.

Our favorite time to visit Italy in the shoulder months. In April and May and October and November the weather is generally sunny and mild, the crowds are manageable and you can find great value deals on your flight and accommodation.

Although we are past the worst of the pandemic and travel restrictions, things can change quickly – you can check our article Can you travel to Italy plus current situation.  We update this regularly with the latest travel news.  

READ: Our full article on the best time to visit Italy

How much will it cost?

This will depend on your expectations, interests and travel style. You can travel very cheaply in Italy if you visit lesser-known regional areas and avoid the big cities. Even in the big cities it is possible to find free attractions and budget accommodation if you know where to look.

If you want to see the main sights and enjoy experiences such as cooking classes, private boat cruises and wine tours then the sky is really the limit when it comes to cost.

Most travelers fall somewhere in the middle however and a reasonable daily budget per person for food, transport and activities is around €100 on top of flights and accommodation.

READ: Our full article on Budgeting for your trip to Italy.

Expert Assistance

Need some help planning your trip?

Book in for a trip consultation with our expert Italy travel planners ready to help you build your dream vacation in Italy whether that be a classic first timer trip or an off the beaten path adventure

Step 2 – Do some preliminary research and preparation

Where to research your trip to italy.

From online news and magazines, blogs, Instagram, Facebook groups (check out Italy Travel Planning ) and even podcasts like ours – there are thousands of resources online. I am sure you’ve already seen quite a few of them already. Sometimes endless options can be overwhelming so we recommend collecting ideas in an online folder or scrapbook and organizing them into destinations that you really want to see.

You’ll probably want to “do it all” but really have a think about your interests and what will best suit you and your travel style. Once you have some ideas, it’s best to consult a structured resource to check your assumptions and thoughts.

Traditional guidebooks definitely have their place for planning a trip to Italy. Well researched and structured, they’ll give you in depth information on destinations and sights to see as well as practical tips to help you plan. Even after 30+ trips to Italy we still consult guidebooks for new destinations we want to visit. You can find our favorite Italy guidebooks here .

Italy travel planners

We noticed that even guidebooks can provide too much information in the planning process so we created one page travel planners for the top places to visit in Italy. Our planners tell you the top sights, best viewpoints, must have experiences and our favorite places to eat (including best gelato stops) in each place.

You can print them off or keep them on your phone and there’s a link to an online map so you can map out your days. We have guides for Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Our goal is always to simplify the trip planning process and we know you will find them useful.

DISCOVER: Our Digital travel guides and planners .

Group tour itineraries

Tour companies – like ours ! – put a lot of effort into designing tours that cover the main sights and even lesser known regions. They know the times it takes to get around and how long you can stay in each place to get a taste or feel for the destination.

We often check itineraries of places we would like to visit as an input into our own planning.  Here are some recommended tour companies and itineraries to investigate.

Private tours

If you want maximum flexibility and comfort, consider a private driving tour . From the moment you land, to when you depart, you’ll have a personal driver with local knowledge making sure your trip is exactly what you imagined.

Passports and visas

At this stage of your planning it is a good idea to check the validity of your passport and if you require a visa. Citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand may enter Italy and stay up to 90 days without a visa within an 180 day period. You must have 6 months validity on your passport when you enter Italy. Go and check this now as it can take several months for new passports to be processed.

All other nationalities should check this Italian government site that will walk you through whether a visa is required for your visit.

Citizens of the European Union can travel with photo identification.

Please note – this information is subject to change and it is always best to check with your local foreign office for the latest advice on travel to Italy.

• United States –  click here
• Australia –  click here
• United Kingdom –  click here
• Canada –  click here

READ: Can you travel to Italy plus current situation .

Step 3 – Confirm your itinerary

Itinerary planning is where many people get stuck. We understand. There are so many amazing places to see in Italy that deciding where to go and how much time to spend there can be hard. As a general rule, we like to spend a minimum of three nights in each place to minimize time spent traveling and also enjoy each place as much as possible. So if you have a 10 day trip then 3 main stops would be a good baseline to start with.

Where to go

From your research, you probably have an idea of where you want to go. You may want to visit the popular cities and regions on your first trip however each city and region in Italy offers something special.

Most popular cities

Most popular regions.

On our site, you can also browse Italy’s lesser-known cities and regions on the destinations page or visit our article on hidden gems in Italy for inspiration.

Itinerary suggestions

As a general rule, for a 3-5 day trip we suggest choosing one destination – a city or region. If you have a week to 10 days then you can plan 1-3 places in either the north OR south of Italy. In a two week trip you could cover 3-4 places and see both north and south.

Try not to squeeze too much in. It’s easy to underestimate transit times and getting in and out of airports and train stations. Plus you want to have plenty of time to enjoy yourself and soak up every last moment.

Suggested itineraries

If it is your first trip to Italy, like many first-time visitors you may choose to start your journey in Rome and visit Florence and Venice. This 10 day Italy itinerary covers that route. It includes detailed instructions on how to make the most of your time in Italy.

Want our FREE Italy trip planning checklist? >> Click here .

Alternative 10 day itinerary suggestions

Most people travel to Italy for 10 to 14 days so we built some itinerary suggestions to cater for that time frame that cover both northern and southern Italy.

Group Tours

Packaged group tours of Italy are a popular way to travel and avoid the stress of planning your own trip. They are also a great option if you would like some company along the way. Here is a quick summary of popular tour companies:

• Untold Italy small group tours – we run exclusive small group tours for food and wine-loving travelers wanting to get off the beaten path to see hidden Italy beyond the major cities and tourist areas. We lead groups of 14 people on journeys of discovery to experience the regions of Sicily, Puglia, Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, Bologna and surrounds, Capri and the Cilento coasts > learn more
• Trafalgar – popular and well respected brand appealing to the 50+ age group. Travel is by coach and the focus is on culture and history. Expect group sizes of 40-45 passengers and 4 star hotels. Trafalgar also include interesting local experiences such as wine tastings and unique stays in their itineraries. Check out their popular Best of Italy tour
• Intrepid Travel – small group tours with an average of 10 travelers with plenty of free time built in for exploring. Their popular Italy Real Food Adventure is an 8 day itinerary that showcases their travel style well
• Peregrine – Intrepid’s premium brand offers some interesting hiking tours of the Italian Lakes and Amalfi Coast
• Tourradar – is a market place for group packaged tours where you can browse hundreds of package tours by different operators, and by date. You then filter by your interests and age group and read detailed reviews. You can browse fully organized tours to independent self-drive or train itineraries

READ: Our full article on the Best package tours for Italy .

When should you start booking your trip?

Italy is one of the most visited destinations in the world, so in our opinion, it is never too early to start the booking process. Book accommodation as soon as possible, and at least 6-12 months in advance especially for peak times in July and August.  We prefer to pay the higher rate for flexible bookings on both Booking.com and Plum Guide .

Day tour and attractions also sell out months in advance at peak times. In 2020 our preferred booking site GetYourGuide refunded all tours canceled due to the pandemic and stand by their policy of allowing cancelations with a full refund up to 24 hours before your activity starts.

Flight bookings will depend on where you are flying from. For long haul flights the best deals are generally found 6-12 months in advance while deals pop up regularly for travel within Europe.

Rail bookings can be made up to 4 months in advance on high speed intercity and standard intercity trains.

Step 4 – Book your flights, inbound travel & insurance

Flights to italy.

It is easy to fly direct (or with a single stop) into Italy from most places in the world. Rome Fiumicino [Leonardo da Vinci](FCO) international airport is the main hub for air traffic but you can also easily fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airports from major hubs around the world.

There are many other airports throughout the country that can be accessed within Italy and Europe. Pisa is useful for trips to Tuscany and the Cinque Terre and you will need to fly into both Sicily and Sardinia.

To source the best flight deals to Italy we use a combination of Skyscanner ,  CheapoAir  and  Google flights .

• Skyscanner  – portal where you can view cheapest days and routes to fly and set alerts for price drops
• CheapoAir – uncovers the best deals on first and business class flights around the world
• Google flights  – great for checking schedules and airline routes

Secure the best deals by setting up alerts on Skyscanner for the month you wish to travel and wait for price drops. It’s good to have a price that you wish to pay in mind but be prepared to be flexible on dates and stopovers. It is often cheaper to fly into Milan rather than Rome and that city is a useful entry point for northern Italy itineraries.

TIP: always use an incognito browser window to search for flight deals. Prices are amended up for users known to be searching for specific dates and times.

Inbound rail from within Europe

Major Italian cities – Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice – have fantastic fast speed train links from other capitals and major cities in Europe. The website  Seat 61  is a great resource for planning train travel within Europe.

Bus travel to Italy

If you’re on a tight budget and traveling within Europe, then you might want to consider coming to Italy by bus. Low cost operator  Flixbus covers 3,000 destinations in 39 countries.

You can compare schedules and prices using Omio – a useful site for booking a combination of train, bus and air travel within Europe.

Organize travel insurance

Once you have booked your flights or tour, we recommend organizing travel insurance straight away. The main reason you should purchase insurance is to cover health costs and emergency repatriation to your home country should you fall ill. Since 2020 you need to check whether there is cover provided for issues relating to covid19 however general health cover is recommended regardless.

Cover for cancelation, delays and loss of belongings is a bonus and again they may not apply under pandemic conditions. You need to read all the terms and conditions of your cover including any exclusions before you commit to buy.

Policy costs vary by your country of residence, what is covered, age, existing conditions and the insurer. You can visit Worldnomads for a quick quote. We use this company for our family travels and find the cost, coverage and claims process to be good to excellent.

Another option if you are in the United States is Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance . Unfortunately neither option provides policies for those aged over 69. In this case you can try Travel Insurance Master – a service that allows you to compare quotes and insurance policies.

Step 5 – Book accommodation and transport

Accommodation.

Choosing where to stay at each stop is an important part of itinerary planning. Italy has many different options for tourists and you can expect the usual range of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation as well as apartments and villas.

If you plan to spend any time in the country, consider staying at an agriturismo or farm stay. This is accommodation offered by Italian farmers who earn additional income by providing rooms and meals. Very popular in Italy and Europe, prices ranges from budget to luxurious. You can find agriturismi (plural) with swimming pools, hammams, restaurants and wine cellars. We always try to build them into our itinerary. 

LISTEN: Find out about farm stays in Italy in this podcast episode .

How much will accommodation cost?

Here is a rough guide to average prices for a double room. This will vary with prices higher in popular areas at peak times

Upscale / Luxury – €210+ [USD $240+] per night Midrange / Boutique – €120-260 [USD $135-295] per night Budget / B&B – €70-130 [USD $80-150] per night Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB – €30-45 [USD $30-40] per night

Best accommodation sites

Our favorite sites for booking lodging are Booking.com and Plum Guide – between them, you’ll find a huge range of options from hotels and resorts to bed and breakfast, apartments and farm stay accommodation.

Plum Guide is particularly useful for longer stays in apartments and villas and if you’re traveling as a family and need some extra space. Use the code “Untold5” for a 5% discount here .

Other sites we use and recommend

• BookingsForYou – beautiful villas and apartments in Tuscany, Italian Lakes and Puglia – 5% for readers when you mention our site or code – UntoldItaly – when booking
• VRBO – has some great options for long stay villas and apartments, particularly on the Amalfi Coast
• Agriturismo.it – great for finding smaller farm stays but the booking engine is terrible. You can usually find the same properties on Booking.com
• Airbnb – we have used Airbnb on many occasions in Italy but are now finding better value and booking conditions on Booking.com and VRBO

LISTEN: To more accommodation options and what to look for in this podcast episode .

Further reading:

• Where to stay in Rome – a district by district guide to the best areas to stay
• Best places to stay in Florence – neighborhoods and areas best suited to your trip
• Where to stay in Venice – a neighborhood and area guide
• Where to stay in Milan – best areas, places and hotels

READ: Our Italy accommodation guide .

Transport while in Italy

As a general rule, if you are traveling between cities and major towns then the best way to travel around Italy is by train. If you want to explore the countryside and small villages you will need to rent a car.

When you are mapping out distances to travel between destinations use Google maps or Rome2Rio .

Train travel in Italy

Trains in Italy are modern and efficient. Fast speed services link the major cities and regional trains connect smaller towns and villages. Two major train networks operate throughout Italy – Italo and Trenitalia .

You should book in advance for high speed intercity services where seats are allocated. If you purchase non-flexible tickets you can make significant savings with advance bookings. They are not required on regional services.

READ: Our Complete guide to train travel in Italy .

Recommended train booking sites – Omio and The Trainline

You can book directly with the Italian operators or an easier way is with:

Omio – compare train times and prices across both Trenitalia and Italo schedules and keep your ticket details on their handy app. Click here to search for rail tickets on Omio

The Trainline is a similar service to Omio offering schedules, pricing and booking for train companies in Italy and Europe. They also have a useful app and great instructions in English. Click here to search for rail tickets on The Trainline

High speed train intercity travel times on popular routes

Rome to Florence – 1 hour 30 minutes Rome to Naples – 1 hour 15 minutes Rome to Milan – 3 hours Rome to Venice – 4 hours Florence to Venice – 2 hours Florence to Milan – 2 hours

Car rental in Italy

One of the best ways to see the smaller towns and countryside in Italy is to rent a car and take to the open road. Driving in Italy is quite straightforward. You just need to do some forward planning and use your common sense. Here are some tips to

• You are required to carry an International Drivers Permit – these can be arranged in your home country at minimal cost
• Standard transmission on cars is manual or stick shift. If you want to rent an automatic car expect to pay extra, if you can find one available
• Rent the smallest car you can to fit you and your luggage – roads are often narrow and you don’t want to get stuck!
• Heavy fines apply if you enter ZTL zones or historic districts where driving is not allowed

We use both Car Rental by booking.com  and AutoEurope to find the best car rental deals in Italy including one way options. They both search international and local providers so you get a wide variety of choice and there is 24/7 support if you need it. AutoEurope is usually your best option if you want a one way rental.

Click here to search for car rentals in Italy with Car Rental by booking.com .

READ: Our guide to Renting a car in Italy .

Internal flights

If you want to visit the islands of Sicily or Sardinia, or travel very long distances, flying makes the most sense.

Check on Skyscanner  or  Google flights  for routes and prices. Remember to set alerts for those routes you want to fly and book early for flights in the summer months.

READ: Our guide to all transportation in Italy .

Step 6 – Book Attractions, tours and activities

Major attractions.

The major cities of Italy – Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan – are some of the busiest cities for tourists in the world. And most visitors want to spend time at their famous attractions

We strongly advise you to prebook advance skip-the-line tickets for the following attractions – the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery and Doge’s Palace. Otherwise, you could spend precious vacation hours standing in lines to enter these sites. Note – in winter months booking in advance is not as necessary.

We have given you the official booking sites and an alternative for approved ticket partners should you have trouble using the official site – unfortunately, that happens a lot! The direct sites are usually cheaper but the partner sites are generally more user friendly. Always check the terms and conditions of your purchase, particularly in relation to changes and refunds. GetYourGuide has a very easy cancelation policy which in many cases allows cancelation with refunds up to 24 hours prior to departure.

• Colosseum – official ticket site OR buy Colosseum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Vatican Museums – official ticket site OR buy Vatican Museum tickets on Get Your Guide
• Omnia pass – Colosseum + Vatican + one other museum + hop on, hop off bus – click here for details
• Uffizi Gallery – official ticket site OR buy Uffizi tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘David’ statue [Accademia Gallery] – official ticket site OR buy Accademia tickets on Get Your Guide
• Duomo roof climb – official ticket site OR buy Dome climb tickets on Get Your Guide
• Doge’s Palace  – official ticket site OR buy Doge’s palace tickets on Get Your Guide
• San Marco basilica  – official skip the line tickets OR buy a tour of San Marco including tickets on Get Your Guide
• ‘Last Supper’ painting – official ticket site OR buy Last Supper tickets on Get Your Guide
• Duomo rooftop  – official ticket site OR buy Duomo tickets on Get Your Guide

READ: Our full review of Get Your Guide .

If you want to learn about the sites you are visiting then we recommend a group day tour. We prefer small group or private tours where you learn about the culture and history of the places you are visiting. It’s so much more fun than reading plaques and you are also able to ask questions.

So make sure to build in a couple of tours when you are planning a trip to Italy.

Our favorite small group tour companies are Take Walks (formerly Walks of Italy) and Liv Tours  and we prefer With Locals for private tours. Both offer very well designed and engaging tours of the major sights in Italy as well as interesting food and cultural tours.

• Take Walks have a longstanding reputation for excellent service, groups under 20 people and guaranteed departures. So if you are the only person booked on a tour it will still go ahead. We recently enjoyed our Colosseum at night tour and day trip to Tuscany with them
• Liv Tours – family run Italian company offering true small group tours of 6 people or less. All of their tours use expert guides who will help you fall in love with Italian history, culture, and food. Tours include a popular golf cart tour of Rome’s highlights and their fascinating Women’s history tours
• With Locals offer great value private tours. You choose from a series of set itineraries and guides in cities across Italy. There are tours focused on history, food, culture and other themes or they can be customized them for your group. We tried their 10 Tastes of Naples recently and it was lots of fun. They also have great options for families
• Eating Europe – food tour specialists who will ensure you discover the best local dishes

Save 5% on Liv Tours with code – ‘untold italy’ >> click here to browse tours

• Rome: A 3 Day Itinerary
• The best tours in Rome
• Unmissable day trips from Florence
• Day trip from Rome to Pompeii
• Best tours of the Vatican
• Tickets and tours for the Colosseum
• Rome’s best food tours

Activities and experiences

Seeing the sights of Italy is always a treat but you’ll also love immersing yourself in Italian culture. These days you can choose from a wide range of experiences and activities. From food and wine tours, to football matches, concerts and exploring the countryside by vintage car, there are memorable experiences to suit you.

Recommended experiences

• Cooking class with Nonna Nerina near Rome – Grandma Nerina teaches you how to make fresh pasta and welcomes you into her home. If you can’t wait until you get to Italy to do this she also does online classes
•   Capri boat trip –  small group on a private boat means a slower pace and more time to see the island. You can read what to expect on this day trip here

Our favorite companies for searching for interesting and unique things to do in Italy are:

• Cookly – cooking class and food and wine experiences like truffle hunting from small operators across Italy
• Get Your Guide – has the biggest listing of tours and experiences

Step 7 – Get ready for departure

Organize your money and credit card.

The local currency in Italy is the € Euro.

You do not need to carry too much cash when you are there. Credit and debit cards VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted while American Express and Diners Club are not as popular. You may want to consider a foreign currency card like the Wise Mastercard where you can convert Euros easily and cheaply from your US dollar, Australian dollar or Canadian dollar accounts (plus many other currencies)

Be aware of foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees applied to your account when you are abroad. You may want to review the cards you are taking with you prior to your trip. We recommend that you take two – one as a back up for emergencies. And inform your bank before you go. Sometimes they can be overzealous and place a block on your card if they see unusual activity.

Book airport transfers

Planning your arrival in Italy is recommended. Most of the airports are a fair way out from the city center – and in the case of Venice, in the middle of a lagoon!

Compare different transfer services on Suntransfers – a company that specializes in transfer options from major airports. They have options to suit all budgets and prices for coach, mini bus, private car and limo services.

Rome – transfers from Fiumicino airport

Taxis are fine to take in Rome. There is a set rate into the center of €48 and the ride takes around 45 minutes. Or, if you would prefer to be met at the airport you can pre-book a transfer. A transfer is the best option if you are traveling with more than 2 people and have several items of luggage. We recommend:

• Welcome Pickups – available 24/7, a private car transfer means you are met at the arrivals hall and will take between 30 minutes and one hour door-to-door.
• Suntransfers – offers a wide range of vehicles for groups of all sizes. Transfers can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance with no penalty.

Another popular way to transfer into Rome is to take the Leonardo Express train . This non-stop service between Fiumicino and Rome Termini (the main station) takes 32 minutes. Trains depart every half hour from 6:08 to 23:23, and the cost is €14. You can purchase tickets at the station on the day. Unless you are staying close to Termini you will then need to get a taxi to your accommodation.

The cheapest transfer option – this bus goes direct from the airport to Termini – €6-7 one way.

READ: Our full article on Rome airport transfers .

Venice transfers

The water bus company Alilaguna runs shuttles every 15 -30 minutes in peak season to and from the airport and the islands on the lagoon. This bus stops at San Marco and Rialto as well as some other secondary stops. The fare is €8 one way €15 return and the journey takes 1½ hours – you can book online here

A private boat transfer or shared transfer in a water taxi is the fastest (and most glamorous) way to transfer to your accommodation in Venice. Journey times and prices depend on the number of people in your party and exclusivity. A direct private transfer to the airport takes around 45 minutes.

• Private transfer – around €200 for 6 people – book here
• Shared water taxi transfer – around €32 per person – book here

You can also take a taxi (cost €25) or express airport bus to Piazzale Roma (cost €8) and then take a vaporetto (water bus) or walk your hotel/accommodation. A one way trip on the ferry costs €7 per person and is valid for 60 minutes.

READ: Our full article on Venice airport transfers .

Florence transfers from Florence airport

Florence airport is very close to the city center and a 15 minute taxi ride away. There is also an airport bus that takes around 20 minutes.   A 20 minute tram ride takes you to the main Santa Maria Novella train station and costs €1.50.

Florence transfers from Pisa airport

Many people fly to Pisa to reach Florence as it is a larger airport. If you arrive during the day take the PisaMover train to Pisa Centrale train station – journey time 5 minutes. Then take a train to Florence. Starts at 6.00 am and the last train departs at midnight and it costs €5.00.

On our last visit we arranged a transfer with Suntransfers as we arrived too late for the last train. There is also a coach transfer option.

Amalfi Coast or Sorrento transfers from Naples airport or train station

We recommend organizing a private transfer for this journey. The train, ferry and bus via Sorrento can take 4 hours while a car service is around 1.5 hours. You can compare different services on Suntransfers – a site specializing in ground transportation.

You may find sites or groups where specific drivers are recommended. We do not recommend booking a driver this way for safety reasons – how do you know that the person recommending the driver is reputable, let alone the driver? And also for practical reasons – small operators may not have capacity or availability.

Plan how to access the internet

Consider how you will access the internet on your trip. You may be happy to disconnect and use paper or offline maps however many of us need internet access.

Italy has high speed internet and there are many options to stay connected depending on your needs. If you use minimal data and are happy to use offline maps and guides then you should be able to get by using wifi at your hotel or accommodation. Do not expect wifi to be available in restaurants and cafes because in Italy restaurants are for eating.

If you plan to use wifi make sure to turn off international data roaming before your trip to avoid unpleasant bill surprises.

Paid internet options

• Use your provider’s roaming plan – usually very expensive and slow speeds if coming from outside Europe
• Local SIM – purchase a tourist SIM before your depart or when you arrive that has enough data for map navigation and research. Italian provider TIM comes highly recommended and there are outlets at the airports and train stations
• Portable wifi device – connect multiple devices to high speed internet for reasonable prices. We use and recommend Solis Wifi (Get 10% off with our code – UNTOLDM )

READ: Our full guide to Cellphones and getting online in Italy (SIMs, wifi and more) .

Packing for your Italy trip

The key to packing for Italy is to pack the minimum that you need. Many people like to take carry-on luggage only for their trips. This is a great way to travel as you will find it much easier managing trains, cobblestones and stairs that are a feature of travel in Italy.

But, most of us find that a challenge, so try to stick to a medium bag per person plus one carry on item. Large suitcases are not a good idea. You will also thank yourself if you consider your footwear carefully. Three comfortable pairs will see you through most trips.

Note – We have a complete packing guide coming soon.

LISTEN: to packing strategies in this podcast episode .

Must have items for your trip

• Luggage – get the size right with our guide to the best luggage for Italy
• Untold Italy travel planners – one page checklists of the must see sights, restaurants and gelato bars in Italy’s most popular places
• Collapsible water bottle – stay hydrated and fill up at free water fountains all over Italy
• Camera – for your vacation snaps. We recommend lightweight mirrorless models like these ones
• Packing cubes – these make packing, organizing your luggage and unpacking so easy. We love them!
• Power cube – don’t bring lots of bulky converters. This one has 3 USB ports
• Battery pack – keep all your devices charged
• Plug adapter – you will need one!
• Face masks – for your safety and you may be required to wear one indoors
• Hand sanitizer wipes – to keep germs at bay

READ: Our Complete packing guide for Italy .

Get started and plan your Italy trip now!

We hope you now have more confidence to start planning your trip to Italy. This will no doubt be a trip that you’ll remember and cherish for years to come. And, like many of us, you may find it sparks a passion to return to bella Italia again and again.

Latest Italy Travel Podcasts and Articles

Can you travel to italy – latest travel information [april 2024], visiting italy in may – reasons to go and what to expect, episode #216: 10 reasons we love italy’s umbria region, visiting italy in april – reasons to go and what to expect, episode #215: discover regional italy without a car, episode #210: travel smart to italy – your guide to new regulations and important dates, how to use your cellphone in italy, venice tourist tax – latest information on the new access pass for venice, planning a trip to italy.

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community . Our 115,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

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THE 10 BEST Italy Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in italy.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Self driving boats on Lake Como

2. Amalfi Coast Day Trip with our Amalfi Boat Rental

3. Boat Rental Without License Lake Como 40 hp

4. 2 Hours Boat Rental Without License 40hp Engine on Lake Como

5. 1 Hour Boat Rental Without License 40hp Engine on Lake Como

6. Self Drive Boat Hire

7. Private Boat Excursion from Sorrento to Capri and Faraglioni

8. Unlimited Internet with eSIM Mobile Data in Rome and Italy

9. Doge's Palace: Skip the line Ticket, Audio Guide & VR Experience

10. Truffle Hunting Experience in Assisi

11. 4 Hours Boat Rental Without License 40hp Engine on Lake Como

12. Private and Guided Half-Day Boat Tour in Palermo

13. Florence Vespa Rental

14. Family Scavenger Hunt Venice

15. 2-Hours Excursion to the Blue Grotto of Taormina in Isola Bella

16. Capri Boat Day Tour from Sorrento

17. Dinghy rental on the Amalfi Coast without a license

18. Full-Day Boat Rental in Sorrento

19. Rome Tiber cycle path: Electric & Muscle Rental Bike

20. Rental Capelli Tempest 530 max. 6 people 40hp

21. Rent your Electric Vespa 45 in Florence for 8 hours

22. 2 hours Boat Rental Lake Como

23. Rome City Bike & E-Bike Daily Rental

24. Full Day Scooter Rental in Rome

25. Verona:Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour

26. Vespa Rental in Rome 24 hours

27. Boat rental in Salerno

28. Kayak Rental - Lake Como Bellagio

29. Dinghy Rental with Skipper in the Maddalena Archipelago

30. Open Air Escape Game in Villa Borghese !

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How to spend 10 days in italy: 5 italy itinerary ideas for 2024.

If you’re wondering how to spend 10 days in Italy, I’ve got you covered with these 5 itineraries! Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary.

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Itinerary Ideas for your Trip to Italy

Italy is an incredible country that should be on any traveler’s bucket list! Italy has given us so much: the Renaissance, famous artwork, timeless classical music, stunning architecture, pasta, pizza, gelato …need I say more? Not only is Italy the birthplace of so many things, but it is also home to breathtaking natural beauty , from the lakes and mountains in the north to the gorgeous stretches of coastline on either side of the country.

• Here are my top 10 day Italy itineraries:
• Gotta See it All: Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, & Venice
• Classic Italy: Rome, Florence, & Venice
• Northern Lakes of Italy: Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como , & Lake Maggiore
• Italian Island Hopping: Sardinia & Sicily
• Exploring Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Chianti, & San Gimignano

Here's a Short Cut

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Italy Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

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We love Italy and have spent time living there and also being tourists there many times! It’s one of our favorite places to visit over and over again.

Any trip to Italy will be amazing, but I wanted to give you a few Italy itinerary options to choose from. They are all great options, but everyone has different tastes, and one might be a better fit for your needs and group.

If you want to learn more about Italy before planning your trip, be sure to read my complete Italy Travel Guide. 

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

How long should you plan for your trip around Italy? How about indefinitely? Two weeks in Italy is really nice, but if that’s not an option for you, I think that 10 days in Italy is a good amount of time for your first visit. It will allow you to see around three sites without getting too worn out, and it’s the average paid vacation time for most Americans.

A full 10 days in Italy gives you enough time to visit several cities in the country and have some in-depth experiences without feeling too rushed. But if you only have one week in Italy, you can still have a great time. Just cut one location out of any of these itineraries and you’ll be fine! There are so many things to do in Italy and you’ll never be able to see them all, but you can see the best!

If you’re stressing about how to plan a trip to Italy, take a deep breath. Anywhere you choose will be great! Once you’ve decided to spend 10 days in Italy, it’s time to get planning your trip! This is the fun part, but it can also be pretty stressful. Be sure to read all the information here , and once you pick which itinerary works best for you, do all the research you can!

The best time to travel to Italy can be a tricky question! The best time to go to Italy will be different depending on what you want to do or see. If you want to see snowy mountains in the Dolomites or go skiing, obviously you’ll want to go in the winter. If you want to spend most of your time on the beach, you’ll want to go in the summer. Summer in Italy can be hot, humid, and really crowded. So if you want to see the big cities, it’s best to go during shoulder season (April-May or September-October).

The best time of year to visit Italy is probably May or September in my opinion.  Keep your preferences in mind when choosing when to go to Italy. I give my recommendation for each itinerary below.

Getting around Italy can be fun and easy! In my opinion, traveling by train is the best way to travel around Italy and see the country. It allows you to sit back and relax between destinations, and with the cost of fuel and tolls in Italy, it’s actually the most affordable way to travel Italy. Traveling around Italy by train can sound a little scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. Be sure to read my guide so that you feel confident before booking tickets and traveling by train.

Read My Guide to Train Travel in Italy Here

Many will recommend purchasing a Rail Pass for your trip to Italy. A Rail Pass allows you to ride many trains in Italy without a reservation. This means you can hop onto almost any train in Italy. You can read more about it in my Italy Train Guide . Depending on the length of your trip, how often you’ll be riding trains, which trains you’ll be taking, and how many countries you’re planning to visit in Europe , it can be a great deal…

But it can also be a waste of money . For these itineraries, I don’t recommend buying one. I’ve done the math on each of these itineraries and I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are straying from any of these Italy itineraries, you really need to do the math and decide if it’s right for you. This Italy Train Guide lays all of the information out for you.

There are some areas in Italy that I think it’s definitely worth renting a car! In the northern lakes, dolomites, Sardinia, and Tuscany are all great places to drive in Italy. That can be a little terrifying in some areas. Be sure to read this guide to driving in Italy.  I always tell people that once you drive in Italy you can drive anywhere!

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

How much does a trip to Italy cost you ask? Your trip to Italy cost will be very different than the next person. You’ll need to budget for your 10 days in Italy. Your budget will depend a lot on where you choose to go. Large cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence will be more expensive than staying in the countryside.

Italy uses the Euro like a lot of Europe. The exchange rate is usually around .90 Euros to 1 USD. Food costs around the same as in the US, fuel is a lot more expensive, and accommodation will vary widely.

I would plan on spending around €100-300/night for accommodations depending on your group size and level of luxury. If you’re a small group, VRBOs and house rentals can be very cheap! If you’re traveling Italy on a budget, I highly recommend using VRBOs over hotels.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you’ll want to follow my basic advice, especially if its your first trip to Italy!

• Learn a few basic words in Italian (grazie, ciao, preggo)
• Be sure to validate your train tickets (avoid getting a €300 fine and read this! )
• Try the local food and venture away from the main tourist sites to get it
• Be sure to pack an Italy-specific power adapter (they have 2 types of plugs). I use THIS ONE for Italy specific plugs.   And THIS ONE for European plugs also found in Italy. 
• Beware of pickpockets ( you can learn about what happened to me here )
• Beware of a Coperto charge. This is a charge to sit and eat.
• Read my Tips for Visiting Europe

Where to go in Italy you ask? When planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you. The country is so large, it can be overwhelming. After visiting Italy 5 separate times, I have found it best to focus on one region of the country at a time if possible. I know that it’s so hard to visit Italy and not want to see it all, but you won’t want to spend your entire trip on a train, or in a car, or on a plane.

See this list of the best places to see in Italy

While it’s tough to say just which are the best places to visit in Italy, because, let’s be honest, all of Italy is so dang amazing, I do have some personal favorite Italy vacations. When I help friends plan their trip to Italy, I like to give them a little taste of everything: city, history, nature, beach, culture, and food!

I love getting off the beaten path, but there are just some places that are a must see in Italy! There are literally hundreds of choices you can make for your first Italy itinerary, and they would all be amazing. Every person or group has different preferences and interests. That’s why I have created five different 10 day Italy itinerary ideas for you.

You’ll have tons of amazing things to do in Italy, and what you choose to do will largely depend on where you go and what time of year you go, but here are some of the top things to do in Italy:

• Take a cooking class
• Eat gelato at least twice a day
• Go to the beach
• Visit ancient ruins
• Ride on a Vespa

Download my FREE Italy Bucket List by clicking here.

Packing for Italy can be tricky depending on the time of year you’re visiting. Our family backpacked around Europe , spending an entire month in Italy. You can see our Italy Packing List here. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes. I love these sandals for warmer months and these boots for colder months.

The Best Way to See Italy in 10 Days 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas

I’ve compiled 5 itineraries for your 10 day trip to Italy. Any of these will be a great choice, it just depends on your personal preferences and what you really want to prioritize during your time in Italy. I’ve made some really classic itineraries and some more off the beaten path itineraries! Each Italy trip itinerary has been tried and tested by myself and I can highly recommend any of them. These are my top 5 Italy vacation ideas.

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

This is one of the best Italy vacations for really energetic and active travelers. This itinerary is great for those visiting Italy for the first time, who think they may never have the opportunity to return again. Not everyone travels all the time, which is totally understandable. Some can’t afford to travel often, and some don’t really want to. If you think you’ll only be in Italy once in your life, this is the itinerary for you. It’s definitely an aggressive itinerary that requires you to move through the country nearly every day and spend about one day in each city, but it can be done!

I’ve done this Italy itinerary several times with friends and with my kids. It’s exhausting, but doable, and you’ll so SO much!

If you want to make your life easier, you can purchase this full itinerary , which includes interactive maps, an hour by hour guide, walking you through each moment of your trip. This full itinerary provides you with specific tours and classes, and exact train schedules, as well as recommended accommodations. My interactive 40 page PDF contains everything you need to pull off this amazing itinerary! 

Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, & Venice

Day 1: rome, day 2: rome, day 5: florence & pisa, day 9: venice, day 10: venice.

Most affordable flights to Italy will take you to Rome. It’s where I’ve flown into every time I’ve visited Italy. But shop around and find the best deal because you can begin this Italy itinerary at any point.

You can start your Italy itinerary anywhere you wish, but I always recommend starting in Rome . Rome is the third most visited city in Europe, after Paris and London, with 7-10 million visitors per year, and for good reason.

Rome is full of art, history, culture, and amazing food. It is incredible to wander down a street and suddenly come upon an ancient structure or statue! Ancient history is everywhere in this large city.

When you first arrive in Rome, jetlag will probably get the best of you. Give yourself a day to recover and take in all the beauty (and gelato ) that this ancient city has to offer. You’re going to get here and never want to leave.

There is so much to see and do in Rome, it could literally take you a lifetime. Don’t be discouraged by not being able to do it all. There is still so much that you can see just in a day and a half! Be sure to read my guide to Rome in One Day before you go.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Rome:

• Wake up early to beat the crowds
• Vespa Tour of Rome ( more info here Seriously one of the best things to do in Italy)
• Tour the Colosseum BOOK HERE
• See St. Peter’s Basilica BOOK HERE
• Wander Trastevere

Read More: What to do in Rome for a Day

You can easily get from Rome to the Amalfi coast by taking the train from Rome to Naples . From there, I recommend either taking the bus system along the coast, hiring a driver, or renting a car. Or even better, a Vespa! Parking is crazy along the Amalfi Coast . There are parking garages, but they fill up fast and cost a lot, so just be prepared and bring cash.

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Cost: $24- Adults $12- Children

The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline that you could honestly spend weeks in, lazing away on the picturesque beaches and soaking up the sun. But if you’re on a mission to see it all, take an entire day to relax and enjoy the sites. There are many small towns dotting the winding coastline. I recommend picking one and spending a few hours at the beach.

I personally love the beach at Atrani because you don’t have to walk down a thousand stairs like Positano, but you still get that beautiful and classic look of Amalfi! You can rent 2 beach chairs and an umbrella on the beach for €20 cash.

Here are the things you cannot miss on the Amalfi Coast

• Spend at least one day on the beach
• Drive along the coast
• Take a day trip to Capri BOOK HERE
• Discover more things to do on the Amalfi Coast here

After you’ve had a relaxing day on the Amalfi Coast, it’s time to head to another classic city in Italy: Florence! Hop back on the bus or rental car or taxi to Naples , then take the train to Florence .

Time: 2.5 hours Cost: $44- Adults $22- Children

Florence is a beautiful city that is home to much of Italy’s Renaissance art. Home to Michaelangelo, da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Buonarroti, and Botticelli just to name a few, Florence is overflowing with ancient art and architecture! Spend a day and a half exploring museums , walking along the Ponte Vecchio , and eating gelato in this renowned city of culture. Tours and tickets MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE ! Especially if you are going during the busy season.

Here are things you should not miss in Florence:

• See Michaelangelo’s David BOOK HERE
• Walk up the Duomo BOOK HERE
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery BOOK HERE
• Visit the Boboli Gardens

For the last half of your second day in Florence, I recommend a quick trip to Pisa on your way to Cinque Terre .

Time: 1 hour Cost: $11- Adults $5- Children

Head to Pisa to see the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa ! Yes, it’s touristy, but worth seeing, especially if this will be your only time in Italy. Going up to the top is really awesome. Kids must be 6 or older and you can book your tickets here.

After you’ve spent a few hours in Pisa, it’s time to head back on the train to Cinque Terre. Which town you train to will depend on which of the 5 towns you stay in. But if you don’t know that yet, you can book tickets to La Spezia and pick up a regional train to any of the towns Cinque Terre towns last minute.

Time: 1 hour Cost: $12- Adults $6- Children

Cinque Terre is one of my very favorite places in Italy ! It was one of my  best trips to Italy and i t’s what I picture parts of Italy must have looked 100 years ago! Cinque Terre, translated, means Five Lands , and is the area consisting of five villages:  Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore . They are all equally stunning, and whichever one you choose will be amazing. They all have their own special charm, and they also all have their own pros and cons. Read my complete guide to Cinque Terre to help you decide which town to stay in.

The beautiful towns built on cliffs are honestly one of the best things to see in Italy. Be sure to spend some time in the ocean during your time in Cinque Terre. Monterosso has a beautiful white sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas. I recommend that you spend at least two nights in Cinque Terre so that you have a full day and a half to explore all the towns. There is a train that goes between each town so that the area is very easy to navigate.

Here are things you should not miss in Cinque Terre:

• Visit all of the five towns by train
• Take the ferry at least once so you can see Cinque Terre from the water
• Eat gelato in every town

Once you’ve done some relaxing in Cinque Terre, hop on the train to Milan.

Time: 3.5 hours Cost: $26- Adults $13- Children

Stop into Milan for a quick trip to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Last Supper , which must be booked in advance ! Now you’re on your way to  Lake Como!

You have two great options for exploring Lake Como. You can either take the train and ferry around Lake Como, or you can rent a car. If you want to see more of the remote parts of Lake Como in the north, or just drive around the lake, I suggest you rent a car. But taking a train is simple and affordable. It’s just a matter of preference. I suggest that you take the train to Varenna where you can catch a ferry to Bellagio or Menaggio, Lake Como’s major towns.

Time: 40 minutes Cost: $8- Adults $4- Children

Welcome to one of my favorite places on earth. With gorgeous lakeside villas and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy. I recommend you spend your time boating around the lake and checking out all the magnificent houses, wandering the streets of Bellagio, and renting a scooter to explore.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Lake Como:

• Rent a boat
• Visit George Clooney
• Villa del Balbianello (from Star Wars)

It’s time for your last train ride in Italy! Take the train from Varenna to Venice (be sure to book San Lucia and not Mestre). This will take you to the heart of Venice. From there you can take a water taxi or water bus to anywhere in the city.

Time: 4 hours Cost: $36- Adults $18- Children

You’ll be spending the last two days of your Italy trip in the lovely Venice. There’s no place on earth like it! Spend your last moments in Italy floating down the canals, getting lost in the winding alleyways, and eating gelato ! Read all about what to do in Venice before going.

Things not to miss in Venice:

• Gondola ride BOOK HERE
• Boat Ride to Colorful Burano BOOK HERE
• Murano Glass tour BOOK HERE
• Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs BOOK HERE
• Book a Photoshoot in Venice: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.

If this itinerary feels right for your 10 days in Italy, you can get the complete itinerary here. Let me do all the work for you! 

This is the best Italy itinerary for someone who wants a really classic experience . It covers the most important sites and major cities in Italy that most visitors will want to see on their first trip to Italy. This Italy itinerary allows you to spend a few days in each location, so you can get to know each city a little better. You can do this itinerary in any order, but most people choose to start in Rome.

Rome, Florence, & Venice

Day 1-3: rome.

You’ll begin your classic tour of Italy in the capital of Italy. There is so much to see in Rome, you’ll be glad you have three days to see it!

Here are some ideas for your 3 days in Rome:

• I recommend getting up early in the mornings to see sites like the Pantheon and Spanish Steps before the rest of the tourists wake up. The city is so beautiful in the morning light.
• Your first day in Rome is a great day to take a guided tour of the city so that you can get a lay of the land and check the main sites off. I recommend taking a Vespa Tour! It’s so much fun and even kids can go. Knowledgable tour guides drive you around the entire city, stopping to show you classic and little-known sites. They even stop for gelato. Read here for more Vespa Tour information.
• Eat dinner in Trastevere , where you’ll find many tiny little restaurants all serving delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.
• Try several gelato shops each day to find your favorite. Read this to find out the best gelato shops in Italy. My personal favorite is Gelato del Teatro!
• Take a cooking class . Rome is home to some of the best food in the world. Don’t skip out on learning how to make it yourself. This cooking class is amazing and I love this food tour.
• If you’re visiting Rome with Kids, there is so much to do! My kids love Rome, and not just for the gelato. Read my guide to Rome with kids.
• Book a Photoshoot in Rome: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.

You can take a direct train from Rome to Florence in under an hour and a half. It’s an easy train ride from city center to city center.

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Cost: $22- Adults $11- Children

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must for your classic trip to Italy. You’ll have the opportunity to see celebrated artwork and architecture.

Some ideas for how to spend your next few days in Florence:

• Walk the Ponte Vecchio: This ancient bridge has been around forever and is one of the most iconic sites in Florence.
• Take a Food Tour of Florence: BOOK HERE
• Take pictures in the iconic Florence photobooth
• Book a Photoshoot in Florence: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.
• Walk up the Duomo . You’ll need to get tickets for this, but this massive, iconic building is just gorgeous.
• Tour the many museums of Florence. Don’t miss Michaelangelo’s David.

You can easily get from Florence to Venice by train. Be sure to buy tickets to Venice Santa Lucia and NOT Mestre ! Santa Lucia will take you directly to the archipelago of Venice while Mestre takes you to the industrial part of Venice.

Time: 2 hours Cost: $37- Adults $17- Children

Spend the last few days of your classic Italy itinerary in Venice. It’s one of the best cities in Italy and unlike anywhere else in the world. If you play it right, Venice can be a relaxing way to end your trip. I seriously recommend waking up with the sun and exploring Venice in the early hours while it’s quiet and not overcrowded. It is truly beautiful. When it starts to get too busy or hot, go back to the hotel and take a nap! Then go back out around dinner time and explore until dark. I’ve done this during several trips to Venice and it was perfect!

Be sure to take advantage of the Vaporetto (public water transportation) and visit the islands of Murano and Burano!

Here are some ideas of things to do during your time in Venice:

• Take a Mask Making Class BOOK HERE
• Take a Murano Glass Tour BOOK HERE
• Visit Burano BOOK HERE
• Take a Gondola Ride BOOK HERE
• Go on a Food Tour BOOK HERE

When to go: Summer

This Lakes of Northern Italy itinerary is one of my favorites, and not something that most people try. This is best Italy itinerary if you’re intereseted in exploring the beautiful lakes of Northern Italy. It’s some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see in your life.

I love this itinerary for a family trip to Italy. I do recommend that if you choose this itinerary, you book a trip for late spring or early fall as the lakes do get crowded during the summer, and are very cold during the winter months.

Each lake has something unique to offer and it’s worth visiting all of them, but if this itinerary seems a little intense for your 10 days in Italy, I recommend cutting out one or two lakes and just sticking with two or three areas. The great thing about this itinerary is that you’ll also be able to see Milan, so you’ll get a taste of a large Italian city while also enjoying the countryside and beach time.

For this Northern Italy itinerary, I highly recommend flying into Milan and renting a car. The lakes and northern scenery can be best seen while taking leisurely winding drives around the lakes.

Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como, & Lake Maggiore

On your first day of this 10 day Italy itienrary, you will fly into Milan. Here you can spend an entire day or half day exploring the city. Be sure not to miss the imposing Duomo of Milan and The Last Supper if you are interested in art history.

Known for its crystal clear waters, Lake Garda is a beautiful destination for relaxation and fun. Be sure to visit the stunning Scaligero Castle for magnificent views. You can also visit Gardaland , a great family amusement park!

Lake Iseo, known as Lago d’Iseo is a little-known lake between Garda and Como that is a hidden gem in Italy. You can spend your time here hiking, ferrying across the lake, or visiting Grumello Castle.

Lake Como is one of the best places in Italy and one of my favorite places on earth. Yes, it’s popular, but its worth spending at least a few days here. We spent several months and never got sick of it! Rent a boat and cruise the lake yourself and visit the famous town of Bellagio. You can read all about what to do in Lake Como here. 

Laggo Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and claims both Italy and Switzerland as it crosses the borders. It is located just south of the Swiss Alps which means there are beautiful mountains surrounding the lake all with incredible views. As such a large lake, you have many options for where to stay. There are beautiful lush gardens and old villas dotting the lake. you really can’t go wrong!

Head back to Milan after your wonderful 10 days on the lakes of Italy.

Sardinia and Sicily are the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and are both worth visiting. You can easily ferry between the two islands via an overnight ferry, which can be really fun. Both islands offer a unique taste of Italy that is something a little different from the mainland boot!

Sardinia & Sicily

Spend 5 days on this beautiful Italian island that is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of my favorite places to go in Italy to enjoy the beach! With over 1,200 miles of gorgeous coastline, sandy beaches, Star Wars-esque rocky beaches, beautiful mountains, and centuries of history, it’s an easy choice for anyone looking for a tropical Italian holiday. Italy beaches are known as some of the best in the world, and, in my opinion, most of them are on Sardinia!

Sardinia is known as a “Blue Zone” which means that people who live here live longer than anyone on Earth. The people there are so friendly, the food is amazing, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

You can fly to Sardinia, or you can take the ferry from Livorno to Olbia, or take the ferry from Sicily to Cagliari. Depending on which side of the island you decide to spend most of your time on (remember, it’s huge) either one of these could work for you.

Time: Livorno to Olbia: 8 Hours Trapani to Cagliari: 11 hours Cost: Around $70/person with a car (extra for private room for overnight ferry)

Mountains, history, food, beaches…Sicily really does have it all! It’s one of the best places to vacation in Italy for sun lovers. Located in the soccer ball of Italy, just off the toe of the infamous boot, Sicily is the largest Meddeteranian island and worth spending a few days on. Sicily boasts some of the best beaches in Italy and evenin the world, like Cefalu, San Vito Lo Capo, Isola Bella, but also offers a rich history and culture as well as a delicious tradition of cullinary delights. Spend time on the beach, hiking, visiting ancient ruins , and tasting classic Sicilian food . It’s a great place to take a cooking class (BOOK HERE) .

Sicily is a great place to have a car so that you can really see the island. Read this guide to an Italy   road trip in Sicily .

You can fly to Sicily or take the ferry over. Flying into Naples and driving 4.5 hours down the coast can be beautiful and gives you the option of stopping in the Amalfi coast if you have time.

Time: Naples to Sicily: 5 Hours Cost: $40/person (ferry)

Exploring Tuscany is one of the most classic Italian experiences you can have. What I love about visiting Tuscany, especially as a family, is that it is laid back and you can usually rent a nice villa with a pool for a good price on VRBO, while being surrounded by enchanting scenery. I’ve created a list here of beautiful villas in Tuscany at affordable prices (ps. most of them have pools)!

For this Tuscany Itinerary, I highly recommend picking a home base in one place and taking day trips from there. Everywhere on this list is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in Tuscany. Maybe take a day trip every other day from your home base. This is perfect if you want to do an Italy road trip through Tuscany.

If you’d rather base yourself in Florence and take a day trip to San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti, this is a great tour that hits all those locations.

Florence, Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, &

Visit Florence for a day trip. Enjoy the ancient feel the the city, walk the Ponte Vecchio, visit famous museums and see incredible artwork!

Spend time enjoying your Tuscan Villa. Look for cooking classes near you and try local food.

Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Lucca, stopping in Pisa on your way there. Climb up the leaning tower of Pisa (you must book in advance) .

Spend the majority of your time in Lucca, an amazing walled city, largely free from traffic and filled with beautiful architecture. I think it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Rent a bike and ride around the ancient walls of the city. You can even take a self-guided bike tour of the city.   Be sure to grab a few gelatos during your time in Lucca as these were some of my favorite gelato shops in Italy.

Take a day to explore your own little Tuscan town. Sometimes the local hidden gems can be your favorite part of your trip to Italy! You never know what you’ll find. As the locals what they recommend doing nearby.

With lush vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns, Chianti is a beautiful region of Tuscany. This is a great area to take a scenic drive or rent bikes to enjoy more views. If you’d like some help seeing Chianti, you can actually book a half day tour that will take you to all the best spots.

San Gimignano is a beautiful and well-kept walled city in Tuscany. This medival city still has its original house towers.

This beautiful medival town will steal your heart the moment you enter its walls. Be prepared to climb some steep hills in Siena. Grab a pizza and hang out on the Piazza del Campo, the fan shaped public square where everyone comes to enjoy the city.

Spend one last day in Florence seeing the sites before heading home.

Whichever itinerary you choose for your trip to Italy will be wonderful. You really can’t go wrong by choosing any of these. I love helping my readers plan their travel, so if you need any help please reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram . You can learn more information about traveling to Italy on my Italy Website, I Heart Italy . If you want some great tips on traveling Italy, join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Book Your Flight s and Car Find a budget airlines by using  Skyscanner . This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here. For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO . I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use  Booking , as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz . Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel? Check out my  resource page  for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

Wanderlust Crew

26 thoughts on “ how to spend 10 days in italy: 5 italy itinerary ideas for 2024 ”.

Thanks for your detailed descriptions of each place. I am so tempted to visit all of them but I will be on a cruise this time. If you only have one day to visit between Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terre, which one(s) would you recommend? We are a group of multi-generation travellers (incl 1 72 yo and 1 4 yo kid). Thanks.

Hi Angie! A cruise sounds so incredible!! You’re going to love Italy. Hands down I would choose Cinque Terre! All 5 towns are so incredible and they are easily accessible by the trains. Not sure of the stamina of the 72 year old and the 4 year old, but I would avoid Corniglia just because there are a million stairs! There IS a bus that will take you from the train station to the top of the town though, but it was very crowded and unreliable. Riomaggiore and Vernazza were my favorites though. You’re going to love it! Let me know where you end up going! Have the best time!! xo Vanessa

Just purchased your 10 day itinerary and love it! Hubby and I are planning for Sept/Oct 2020 for 2 weeks. We are thinking about using 5-6 of those days to visit Sardina while we are there. Any suggestions for trimming a few days off the 10 day itinerary and suggestions for Sardinia. Or, is it too much to add Sardinia in 2 weeks? Thanks! Erin

Hi Erin, I’d cut out Lake Como and Venice and head to Sardinia instead. We spent a month in Sardinia last year and loved it. It’s super low key and not very touristy! Feel free to email me if you’d like help with a customized itinerary. xo Vanessa

Hi there. We are a family of three (1 son age 13yo) traveling to Italy in mid/end of May 2020. We definitely want to see Rome and then I am torn between going north(Florence/NW(Cinque Terre)/really North Dolomites/Alps)or South towards Sorrento and Amalfi coast. We have 10 days flying out of NYC. We are first time visitors to Italy and don’t want a jam packed schedule. Can you point me in the right direction? Love all your info! TY!

Hey Diane! That sounds like an amazing trip. I agree, especially with teens you don’t want to pack too much in. How long are you in Italy for? I would recommend flying into Rome, spending 2-3 days there, then catching the train to Cinque Terre. Then spend a day in Florence and see the famous artwork. With teens I like to break up the history/culture with some beach time! You can read more about Cinque Terre here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/things-to-do-in-cinque-terre/ May is a great time to go. Great weather, but not too crazy busy! Let me know if you need more help planning! xo Vanessa

We are there for 10 days. I decided Rome/Florence for day/Cinque Terre/Lake region and home out of Milan. I have read all your i fo and LOVE it. Ty!

That sounds perfect! Definitely spend some time in Lake Como!! It’s one of my favorite places ever! Good luck and holler if you need help! Enjoy!

What do you do with the bags, when you do the half day tour to Pisa enroute to Cinque Terre. Is there storage facility at the train station?

Hey Danny! Great question! There are storage lockers in the Pisa Train station. You can find that here: https://www.stowyourbags.com/en/shop/pisa/luggage-storage-pisa-centrale-station/

Hi there. We are couple planning our vacation to Italy, we will be there for 12 days. We are flying into Rome so we will spend some time there, we also plan on going down to the Amalfi coast. We would like to add another spot or two to visit during our trip, we’ve both been to Florence, so we were thinking about maybe doing an Airbnb in Tuscany, or perhaps going somewhere south since we’ll be in Amalfi. We are not really sure what to do. Any suggestions/or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi Charles. Have you thought of visiting Puglia or hopping a flight to Sardinia or Sicily for something a little different? Renting a house in Tuscany would also be lovely. You honestly can’t go wrong!

Great post with lots of helpful information in Italy travel. Italy is my favorite country, I just can’t get enough of it!

Thanks Whitney. Italy has everything! Love it!

Hi – We are family of 4 which includes boys age of 5 and 10. We are visiting Italy for 11 days in March 9-20. I am more concern about the weather than anything else. What cities should I cover?

Hi Rohan, Italy will be great! The weather will vary greatly in March depending on what area you’re going to. If you want warmer, definitely stay south. If you need any help planning feel free to email me at [email protected] xo Vanessa

This guide is amazing! My boyfriend and I will be in Italy for 12 days at the end of December and beginning of January. It will be our first time and we are having a hard time because we want to see everything. Any recommendations for this time of the year? We heard that the Amalfi Coast shuts down during the winter. Should we save that for another trip? Thanks!

Hey Katie. So exciting about Italy! You guys will love it! Amalfi does sort of shut down, but it’s also great to see it without hordes of tourists. Cinque Terre is also another amazing place. Are you doing Venice? It’s beautiful at Christmas time.

This is the first truly helpful piece of content I’ve read trying to plan my honeymoon in Italy and not knowing where to start. Super grateful that I came across this!

This is a fantastic guide! Thank you! My husband and I are planning for one week in May – 9-10 days max. So wondering if I do your “see-it-all” itinerary but take out Lake Como and Milan. That’ll give me time to do a day trip to Capri right? How would you break up the 10 days for Rome, Amalfi (Positano & Capri), Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice?

Yes you could definitely cut out anything. I think 2 days in each location is sufficient. 1 day for Capri.

We plan on visiting Italy in the fall and hitting Rome-Amalfi-Naples(Pompeii and Mt.Vesuv)-Florence-Venice. We planned to fly in to Rome, but we’re just wondering if you typically book a flight out from Milan or another city at the end of these itineraries or just take a train back down to Rome for the last day so you can book round trip? We were also interested in maybe spending a day relaxing at a winery and visiting a hot spring. Would Florence be a good spot for that? Thanks!

Tuscany is a great place to relax at a winery. If it’s cheaper to fly round trip out of Rome, I would just take the train from Milan to Rome. The trains are really affordable in Italy. Here is some more train info that might be helpful: https://iheartitaly.co/train-italy/

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Should you plan your own Italy trip or book a tour?

• Browse Italy tours options
• Learn how to plan your own Italy itinerary

And now, yes, here’s my longer answer. I genuinely believe that planning and booking your own trips, no matter where you’re going, results in more rewarding travel experiences. This is partly because you, as the traveler, get to see the process through the whole way, from sowing the seeds right up to harvest. It’s extremely gratifying to do your research to find, say, a secret ticket window in Florence that lets you get reservations to bypass the line in front of the Uffizi – I give you permission to feel a bit smug when it works just like you heard it would. Besides the personal satisfaction of a job well done, however, there is the simple fact that when you’re on an organized tour you don’t have the leeway that’s required for spontaneity. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a few hours of free time each day, but asking serendipity to adhere to a schedule sort of defeats the purpose. Making your own agenda (or making up your mind not to have one) gives you the freedom to explore whatever strikes your fancy. Spend longer in a cafe because you’re having a great conversation with a stranger, seek out a suburban flea market to look for treasures, or take a wrong turn on purpose just to see where it goes. In my own experience, it’s these unexpected detours that have led to some of my most cherished travel memories – and most would have been impossible if I were being shepherded around on a tour. All of this waxing on about the merits of planning your own trip, and I still think “it depends?” Absolutely. Planning your own trip to Italy does require more work than booking a package trip, there’s no getting around that. If you’re one of the many over-worked people who barely has time to do the grocery shopping, let alone research hotels in Venice , you might feel a panic attack coming on at the very thought of figuring out all the details involved in trip planning. Folks, travel is supposed to be fun . The best kinds of trips include challenges, I firmly believe that, but the overall feeling shouldn’t be one of dread, obligation, or discomfort. The bottom line is that you need to listen to your gut – what are you comfortable doing? Do you get excited about planning your own trip, or does the very idea make you want to stay home? The answer to that question will tell you whether you should go DIY or book a tour. Either way, so long as you’re getting out and seeing the world, that’s a good thing. photo by pmorgan67

A Do It Yourself Guide to Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast

If you’re an independent traveler looking for self guided tours of Italy where you can get a bit off-the-beaten-path, then consider Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast. Our do-it-yourself guide will help you discover a beautifully unspoiled side of Tuscany on your own, whether you’re traveling for 2 days or 2 weeks.

This post will cover:

• Where to stay
• Best things to do
• Top villages and towns to visit
• Restaurant (and gelato) recommendations

Updated: Summer 2023. Originally published: Nov 2017.

  You can also get free access to a detailed, interactive map with all of these restaurants, accommodations, and points of interest recommendations.  The map was made to be a resource for creating your own Tuscany driving itineraries and biking routes for 2 days to 2 weeks.

* Get access to our Tuscany Etruscan Coast map here *  

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Italy? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Italy here: What you need to know about Italy travel right now

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Where is the Etruscan Coast?

The Etruscan Coast runs along the western side of Italy, just south of Pisa and to the west of Florence , between Livorno and Piombino.

This area boasts the beautiful rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages that you probably associate with Tuscany. But it also tops things off with sunny, sandy beaches.

This area really has it all. And though Northern Europeans flock here for the summer sun, and bicycle tours cycle through on a regular basis, the area is surprisingly uncrowded.

The best time to come to this part of Tuscany is in the Spring or Fall when the weather is pleasant and the influx of tourists is mild.

Where to Stay in Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast

Places to stay in this part of Tuscany are numerous and include hotels, bed and breakfasts, short-term vacation rentals, mid-term apartment rentals, resorts, and even glamping.

Castagneto Carducci

Our top choice of places to stay in Tuscany is Casa Toscana , just below the hill-top village of Castagneto Carducci.

We had the pleasure of staying there for six weeks during our help exchange and we can personally attest that the owner, Chicca, is a wonderful host – now our dear friend.

She lives on the main floor of this Tuscan farm house, where she hosts cooking classes  (more on that below), and she rents out two self-contained apartments above.

The apartments have two bedrooms, one bathroom, full kitchens, laundry, and wifi. It’s located just off the main “wine and olive road” – a picturesque drive through the area’s most popular vineyards and olive groves.

From here, you can easily drive or bike to all of the destinations we mention in this post, plus it’s just a short hike to the little village of Castagneto Carducci where you’ll find cafes, gelaterias, and several restaurants.

Click here to see more details about Casa Toscana and use the contact form for a quote

Casale Marittimo

Casale was probably our favorite village on the Etruscan Coast, so if we stayed anywhere else, this would probably be it.

The town has a few restaurants and a small but friendly grocery store, with everything in walking distance – though it’s all very steep, being perched on the top of a hill!

You can easily see it all within the course of a day, so either stay one night and move on, or use it as a home base to see the Northern side of the Etruscan Coast region.

– Il Poderino Della Gioiosa is one of the top rated and best value guest houses in this area, and you can use their bicycles for free! Click here to see current rates for Il Poderino Della Gioiosa

A slightly larger town that still has its charms is Suvereto, inland on the southern side of the Etruscan Coast region.

– Il Giardino dei Limoni bed and breakfast comes highly rated with several room options, centrally located. Check current rates for Il Giardino dei Limoni on Booking.com

Beach Properties

If it’s beach-front properties you’re looking for, you’ll find them in the coastal towns of San Vincenzo, Marina di Castagneto Carducci, Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Cecina, Vada, Rosignano Solvay, etc.

If we had a European campervan, we’d definitely want to stay at Podere Pianetti agri-glamping campsite, just a short walk from the beach. We met a Dutch couple who highly recommended it (you can also rent luxury tents, which come with free bicycle use).

You might also like: Our Guide to Unconventional Accommodations in Italy Tuscany Castles to Visit and Stay In

Best Things To Do On The Etruscan Coast

We were fortunate to have free access to bicycles, thanks to our hosts at Casa Toscana. But we did rent e-bikes from Ciclo Sport in Donoratico one day.

With assistance from the e-bikes, we were able to explore more hillside villages than our untrained legs would have allowed us on a regular bike.

There are plenty of beautiful rural roads, both paved and unpaved, that are ideal for cyclists. If you stay at Casa Toscana in Castagneto, both Chicca and Arnaud have a wealth of knowledge about the best biking routes in the area.

Whether you prefer easy 8 mile rides to the beach or epic 40+ mile loops, cycling to the nearest gelato shop or tasting wines and olive oils along the way, there’s something for every one.

Explore Villages

Discovering the villages of Tuscany is our favorite thing to do. Just stroll through the cobble stone streets and hidden alleys, imagining what life was like in medieval times and stopping at cafes or gelaterias along the way.

If you have a car, you can probably visit 3 to 5 villages per day. Some are small enough that a quick walk-through is plenty, while others have a bit more to offer. Don’t expect a whole lot “to do” in these villages, but do expect to be charmed.

If you’re short on time, we recommend prioritizing the following towns:

– Bolgheri – Visit shops, taste Castello di Bolgheri wines, and enjoy a drink or gelato on the terrace. Better yet, do a food tour with Chicca and she’ll show you the best of the best.

– Populonia – Climb the tower and visit the Acropolis, check out the beach down below if you like, too.

– Casale Marittimo – Hike up the steep, narrow hilltop village and enjoy a drink or gelato on the main square.

– Castagneto Carducci – Hike up to the old church, grab a gelato, coffee, or a full meal, visit shops, and enjoy the views. Chicca also has a great food tour in this town, as it’s right next to her home.

– Swing by to pick up some meats and cheeses at Mucci e Staccioli in Monteverdi

For a full list of what to see and do, village by village, sign up to access to our Tuscany map .

Go Wine Tasting

With the salty sea air, enclosed by the rich rolling hills of Tuscany, and the introduction of French grapes to the area, the Etruscan Coast has world-class wines like no other.

While the region has always been productive for farming, wine making has only been around for about 40 years. Wine tasting opportunities abound, especially along the Strada del Vino (wine road).

Our friends Chicca and Arnaud recommend the following places to taste and purchase wine:

– Castello di Bolgheri – Tour the wine cellar from 700AD with world-class wines in an old castle at the center of Bolgheri

– Giovanni Chiappini  – Sample wines and olive oils on a beautiful family farm

– Michele Satta  – A true wine pioneer and friend of Chicca and Arnaud

If you’re curious about good wines to order in a restaurant from this area, here are Chicca and Arnaud’s recommendations for bottles under 20 euros:

– Le Macchiole – Volpolo – Insoglio Del Cinghiale – Le Difese – Bruciato – Ferrugini – Felciano – Le Grottine (white) – Scalabrone (rose)

Try A Cooking Class

Enjoying good food from fresh, local products is at the heart of Italian culture. Whether you’re a skilled cook or not, a cooking experience through the Cooking in Tuscany association is sure to top your vacation memories in Tuscany.

Join Chicca for a home-cooked meal, learning all about the history and culture behind her family recipes. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor: a full meal of amazing Italian food!

>> Learn more about Cooking in Tuscany in our blog post review <<

The following 1 minute video is a quick glimpse at Chicca’s cooking classes (and the prep before guests arrive) when we did a Work Away exchange with her:

Enjoy the Beach

There are miles and miles of sand to enjoy, and when you’re in a coastal town, you’ll find lounge chairs, changing rooms, cafes, umbrellas, and other amenities available.

To avoid crowds, try the quiet Pianetti Beach outside of Marina di Castagneto (location details can be accessed through our Tuscany map ).

The Etruscan Coast is also the perfect place to watch the sun set over the ocean!

Read next: Best Beaches in Tuscany

Visit Historic Sites

The coastal town of Populonia is the site of an incredible discovery that uncovered an ancient Roman acropolis.

Because the port town processed so much ore, slags of metal built up and eventually left everything completely buried. Centuries later, remains of the densely populated Etruscan city were uncovered while cleaning up the shores.

Today, you can climb the medieval castle towers for excellent views of the coast. There is also an archeological park and small museum in the village of Populonia where you can learn about the historic significance of the site.

Aside from charming shops and beautiful medieval architecture, an impressively well-preserved Roman theater was uncovered under a parking lot behind the town!

At the other end of Volterra, you’ll find a stone arch gateway into the city with foundations from 2nd century B.C. A moving story on a nearby wall tells of how the townspeople worked round-the-clock to fill up the entire arch and prevent it from destruction during WWII.

Where To Eat on the Etruscan Coast

Here are their top recommendations for restaurants in Tuscany, as well as gelaterias.  (For a more complete list, with 28 local eateries, request access to our self-guided Tuscany map .) 

Restaurants on Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast:

– Osteria La Magona – Castagneto/Bolgheri – Delicious lunch and dinner, famous for meat and wines, with a beautiful location on the Strada del Vino. We loved the Degustazione starter pictured above. ( Book in advance. )

– Pizzeria da Ciro – Castagneto Carducci – Traditional wood oven pizza from Naples.

– Enoteca Tognoni – Bolgheri – Nice atmosphere and good food. http://www.enotecatognoni.it/

– Osteria del Tasso – Castagneto/Bolgheri –  restaurant on a winery with fantastic meals and wine pairings. https://www.osteriadeltasso.com/en/

– Il Bucaniere – San Vincenzo – beachouse restaurant with great seafood http://www.ristoranteilbucaniere.com/

Best Gelato:

– Bar Jolly – Next to the Donoratico-Castagneto-Carducci train station. Try the chocolate or mousse!

– Filippo and le Carapine – Cecina – Try pistacchio with pana at Filippo!

– Bolgheri Ti Amo – Stand next to Caffe della Posta, Bolgheri – Must try their signature Bolgheri Ti Amo flavor with caramelized pistacchios!

Access Our Free Self-Guided Tour Map of Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast

It always helps me to see things on a map, so I’ve gathered all of the recommendations mentioned in this post – plus many more – and compiled them into one interactive map for Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast.

The map includes:

– 28 places to eat (including the best gelato!) – Best places to stay – Top villages to visit – Points of interest in each village – Favorite bike routes we did from Casa Toscana

We’re giving out this map for free by e-mail only. Please sign up below and we’ll send it to your inbox.

You’ll also get our complimentary e-series with tips to save money and experience more meaningful travel, but you can unsubscribe at any time.

✈️ Protect your Tuscany trip with Travel Insurance – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

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Home / Blog / Destination / Italy / Rome / Rome in a Day: Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome

Rome in a Day: Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome

Rome is a city with thousands of years of history, all layered together and visible in its stunning monuments, buildings and neighborhoods. The historic center in particular is full of things to do and see, and luckily they’re all within walking distance of one another. And even if you’ve only got one free day to explore the Italian capital, we’ve got you covered. This self-guided walking tour of Rome will help you hit all the main monuments and areas in just a few hours.

Of course, we think this city merits at least a few days of exploring. But in case you’re short on time, we’ve rounded up the top spots you simply can’t miss.

On this self-guided walking tour of Rome, we’re taking you from the Colosseum to the Vatican, with many stops in between. But feel free to spend as much time as you’d like at each place, and adapt it to fit with any other tours you might have scheduled.

8 Essential Stops on a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome

Colosseum and roman forum.

Let’s start our day with one of Rome’s oldest monuments, the Colosseum . Even if you don’t have time to go inside, the park around the monument gives you a good look at the exterior. If you walk down the road a bit, you’ll be able to look down into the Roman Forum at the ruins as well. 

Piazza Venezia

Your next stop is the central hub of Rome, Piazza Venezia, where you’ll find the Vittorio Emanuele II monument—or as the Romans affectionately call it, “the wedding cake.” This multi-level, white marble monument was built to commemorate the unification of Italy under the reign of its first king, Vittorio Emanuele II.

Trevi Fountain

Not far from Piazza Venezia is one of the most popular sites in Rome, the Fontana di Trevi . Wandering along a small side street, you’ll hear the fountain before you see it. This stunning masterpiece is a must-see for any first-time visitors to Rome. Due to the popular tradition of throwing coins in the fountain, it earns about €3,000 a day to be given to the charity Caritas .

Insider’s tip: It’s best to visit as early (or late) as possible in the day to avoid the crowds. Think 5 or 6 a.m.!

Spanish Steps

From the Trevi Fountain, you’ll make your way to the Spanish Steps next (detour to Piazza Barberini if you’d like to see another of Bernini’s fountains along the way, the Fontana del Tritone ). Because recent restrictions prohibit any sitting or eating on the steps themselves, hold off until our next stop. In the meantime, you can take photos, grab a drink at the rooftop terrace above the steps, or do some shopping at the designer stores in the square. 

This iconic building is next on your self-guided walking tour of Rome. You may know that the Roman Pantheon is famous for being the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. But did you know that the building burned down twice?? Or that painter Raphael’s fiancée is buried here? Before gazing up at that awe-inspiring ceiling, make sure to brush up on some little-known facts about the Pantheon !

And of course, we have plenty of recommendations for where to eat near the Pantheon. After you’ve admired the only source of light, a 7.8-meter oculus in the center of the dome, head outside to enjoy a refreshing gelato. 

Insider’s tip: If you visit on a rainy day, you can see the raindrops falling inside the Pantheon.

Piazza Navona

A short walk from the Pantheon will bring you to Piazza Navona . Just like the Circus Maximus, this square was originally used for chariot racing and other events in Ancient Roman times, before being built over in later eras. In the center is yet another of Bernini’s fountains, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi , which has inspired people with its beauty for centuries.

Remember, it’s best to skip dining at any restaurants in this area (most of which will be overpriced). But if you do want to sit and enjoy the view, grab a cappuccino or glass of wine at one of the many bars nearby. 

St. Peter’s and the Vatican

Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, the Vatican can easily take up an entire morning or afternoon. Be prepared for long lines (even if you buy a ticket ahead of time). You’ll want to dedicate at least a couple of hours if you do decide to venture into the Vatican Museums or the basilica. From the outside, however, you can see the entire square of St. Peter’s and enjoy the exterior architecture and sculptures.

After a long day spent exploring the center of Rome and its historic treasures, heading to the Trastevere neighborhood for dinner, a drink and maybe a gelato is the perfect way to end the evening. Join us on our Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour  or continue the DIY spirit of the day and choose from among Trastevere’s best restaurants .

Either way, you’ll end your tour of Rome in one of its most beautiful areas, where you’ll get to see a different side of this vibrant city.

Update notice: This article was updated on June 19, 2023.

Ready to explore the path once trodden by emperors, popes, and other fascinating figures? Join us for a guided tour of two of the most majestic attractions in Rome on our Castel Sant’Angelo to Pantheon Tour !

And, if you offer a coin to the Trevi Fountain, you’ll be more likely to return to Rome. I left in 92, didn’t do the coin thing as I’d hoped to be back in 2 weeks (half my vacation), I never returned. When you’ve spent a few days in Rome, you’ll understand. A word to the wise.

Very wise words, Mary!

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Tour Company Vs On Your Own?

We are in our mid 60's and have done lots of travel throughout the USA, some in Australia and Thailand. But this will be our first trip to Europe. In your opinion, is it better to use a tour company or attempt the travel on your own? Pros and Cons. Thanks.

I have never used a tour company, but if I did, it would be RS. I run into RS tour members all over Europe and they seem very happy. If you have no fitness issues, you should be fine.

PRO: someone does all the logistical inter-city travel planning and execution for you. You have built-in resources from tour mates and guides who have been to places you might want to explore on your free time or on a later trip. You may have time to extend your independent travel after the tour, and use the skills you acquire during the tour.

CON: It's a tour, so the amount of time you have in any given location will be brief (with the exception of single-city or My Way tours). Some people (like me) like the possibility of waking up in the morning and changing the day's itinerary; although you can opt out of activities on a tour. You need to be ready to move when the bus is ready, no choice of how/when to move on to the next place. With independent travel, you can build an itinerary around opening/closing days of sights you really want to see (I tend to use Mondays as transportation days, since many sights are closed on Mondays).

Zoe is spot on as usual !

Ask yourself questions: 1. Do you enjoy the research process ? Planning process? Some people find it overwhelming to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B. Some LOVE the planning ! 2. If this is your first trip, do you feel better allowing someone else to handle the lodging and logistics ? 3. Do you think you would like to be on someone else's schedule ? Will you enjoy someone, a tour guide, around you all the time ? I take a tour of the Sistine Chapel and love it ! But I wonder about the structure of a tour for 2 weeks ?

Imagine yourself in Europe. Will you chafe at being a member of a tour group ? Or do you feel a sense of relief that you did not have to be overwhelmed by all of the planning ??

If you've got your airfare purchased and tell us the cities you want to visit and the time you've got we can give you ideas about how long in each destination, how to travel point A to point B, maybe a hotel suggestion.

I don't think it is an either/or question. There is "no better." As described above each has it own advantage and disadvantage so it depends on what appeals to you at a moment. We have done both and will do both in the future. It is just a question of the "trade offs" you are willing to accept. Tour company are always more efficient in the use of time mainly because travel and travel arrangements can be time consuming and confusing at times. There is a convenience to climbing on your tour bus outside the hotel and not to worry about where it is going.

I do a mix of both, I plan all travel on my own, because I love it. I am a researcher by nature and I know my resources to use on the internet to make me feel good about every hotel, every train schedule and all excursions. With that being said we always book some sort of tour when we are in a major city, sometimes they are food tours, bus tours, walking tours...so we get that expert guides and stories of the city. Sometimes I do just want to hop on a bus and let someone else plan my day and just sit back and enjoy, my only task for the day is getting to the meeting point on time. You seem well traveled and understand that not everything is going to go right all the time, but that is part of the adventure!

If you have strong preferences about what you want to do and what you don't want to do, you must do it on your own. With the internet it has never been so easy: train schedules are easily available, and advance booking of transport and hotels is one mouse-click away. If you have no very articulate wishes, are not so keen on arranging it all by yourself, don't feel comfortable with finding you way in an unfamiliar environment or aren't keen on the prospect of waiting an hour for the connecting train to arrive, a tour is evidently the better choice. Language is hardly a consideration. English is becoming rapidly the lingua franca in Europe.

You might want to consider taking a tour since this is your first trip to Europe. There's so much history, art, culture and food to take in that you'd be able to get more out of your trip with a tour. A tour would take the pressure off you to plan and execute a trip somewhere you've never experienced before. It would be nice to go a few days early and a few days after the tours in larger cities, however. You do want to take a tour to places that really peak your interest, however.

A lot may depend on where you want to go and how much time you have. As another poster (or two) said, a tour can be more efficient in use of time, getting you to your next destination effortlessly and usually quicker, having your hotels already booked and you just have to walk in and get your key, planning some of your meals in places you might not think to go on your own, etc. But if you're more of a "I want to go here, and I want to do this" kind of person, maybe a tour isn't for you. Traveling independently in Europe is, in a lot of ways, just as easy as traveling in the USA. It's often a different type of traveling - staying in one place and taking day trips, using trains and buses instead of driving - rather than road-tripping (although that's actually quite easy in Europe also). I started out taking tours because I was a solo female over 50 and felt more comfortable traveling with others. I quickly discovered the joy and freedom of traveling independently to Europe and have done several short and long (2 month) trips to Europe with no real problems or issues.

Although I might recommend taking a tour (RS, of course) because it is you first time in Europe, I'm not so sure I would say that taking a tour the first time is going to be of any help for planning your next one. My first trip to Europe was a business trip with all travel arrangements and accommodations arranged by the company. My second trip was a two week trip on my own planning. I don't think the previous trip was of much value to help me plan the next trip.

There is certainly something to be said for planning you own trip. You don't have to hold to someone else's schedule. If you find somewhere you really like, you can stay there longer. And you only have to go to the places you want to see in the first place. For example, I'd rather see places in the interior of the Black Forest than Baden-Baden.

On the other hand, with a tour you don't have to do any planning. Just show up. And a dedicated tour bus can get you places faster than either public transportation or driving a rental car, and you are free to look at the scenery without risking an accident.

HOWEVER, planning takes time, and time is money. I spend hundreds of hours researching a trip to do on my own (I love the planning. Not everyone does.). But I get exactly what I want. I only go to the places I want to see.

But a big difference is economics. I use public transportation. So far it has gotten me everywhere I wanted to go (but it takes research). I probably stay in simpler, less expensive places. I prefer it that way. When I traveled on business we always stayed in 3 and 4 star hotels. I found that environment too "sterile". We might as well have stayed the whole time in the Holiday Inn in Peoria and had them put pictures of Europe in the windows - Belgium one day, Germany the next.

But I can see that with a tour, I would be paying someone a lot of money to plan for me. On my last trip, traveling with a partner, I spent what Rick would call 22 days (actually 21 nights or 21 noon-to-noon days) traveling from the interior of the Black Forest and Schwabia for 4 nights, then 13 nights along the German Alps from the Oberallgäu to Berchtesgaden, finishing with 4 nights in Munich. My total expenses for this trip was 2800 euro, about $3000 at today's exchange rate, or $140/"day", double occupancy.

Compare that with Rick's Germany in 13 days (actually 12 of my days) tour for $3395 per person double occupancy. That's $6790 for a couple for 12 "days" or $566 per day. Four times what I spend, and I get all of my meals, not just breakfasts and six dinners. That's a lot of money to spend to have someone plan a trip for you.

I hate to keep bringing it back to economics, but how many of us have unlimited financial resources. If you spend less on you trips, you can afford to come back more often, or if you spend less per day you can afford to stay longer.

Hi Kentucky people, assuming I understood your handle, I have traveled throughout the world, over several decades, and in various circumstances, sometimes alone, or as one of a couple, or in a small group. These recent years, being on my own, I have adopted a travel style of taking an excellent RS Tour in Europe, with some additional days before and/or after, usually to explore other places in the same country as the tour. For me, this combines the best of both worlds, given that I am now retired and have the time and resources for a somewhat longer trip. Clearly when you are on your own, you have to plan all your own itinerary, lodging, transportation, meals, tickets for popular sites, etc. some people love that, some really don't. In a tour those things are well planned for you. My experience is that RS Tours are really superb, as long as you are comfortable with the nature of the tour: pack light, no bellmen, no 5-star international hotels, walk quite a lot, rarely can "sleep in", no grumps, etc. RS guides are really terrific, very well informed, good communicators, really dedicated to each individual tour member's welfare and enjoyment of their experiences. Hotels range from quite nice to really surprisingly wonderful. Group meals are often great experiences and cuisine, sometimes involving a cooking demonstration, farm or winery visit, etc. Other tour members are good company and become friends. A big advantage is that the tour group and bus allow stops at interesting places along the way that you would not know about, locate or feasibly be able to reach on your own. Of course on your own, you could spend some less or much more, depending on the travel style you choose. One thing you might do would be to take a group tour, then add a few days in places different than the tour stops. For instance, in Italy, you might take a Venice, Florence and Rome Tour, and on your own visit some small towns in the Veneto, or in Tuscany or Umbria. Or, if you take the Village Italy Tour, then add on some days in Venice, Florence and/or Rome on your own. Travel well!

Thanks everyone. I am looking at Rome (of course), Florence, and Veince, possibly Cinque Terre. The only concern I have with the Rick Steves tours it says you may need to share a bathroom, no thanks. 10-14 day trip is what we are looking at.

And the other concern if we don't do a tour, how do we get from hotel to Vatican, etc, other than a cab.

Also, when looking at a hotel a friend used, when I go directly to the hotel, they state they do not have any rooms for those nights, but when using other sites such as hotels.com, it shows the room is available.

I have taken 7 RS Tours so far, never had to share a bathroom. I think that shared bathrooms on a tour are VERY RARE these days, maybe in some remote mountain location. You could call the RS Tour office and ask about that for a particular tour, just to be sure. Depending on where in Rome you are starting out, you may be able to get very near the Vatican by walking, bus, metro, or taxi. You can also take an organized day tour (many of us on this forum recommend Walks of Italy "Pristine Sistine" tour), and the tour company will provide a meeting point and directions. As for differing information about hotel availability, it can depend on how far in advance you are searching. Far in advance, some hotels do not yet have reservations open. You can try to e-mail or phone the hotel for clarification. I myself have never used hotels.com but have often used booking.com and expedia.com and have never had any problems. Just be careful whether you are choosing a cancelable or non-cancelable/non-refundable rate, which is often somewhat cheaper.

Kentuckmn-have you read Europe Through The back Door, this book explains public transport, hotels etc. I would also purchase a guide book on each county your visiting to get an overview of the sites, neighborhoods to stay in, hotel recommendations etc. I used RS book for some of our hotel bookings, and even requesting rooms 8 months in advanced they were sold out so I just kept going down the list till I found one and booked it right away! If you find a room on Hotels.com and the cancel policy is one you can live with and the room is one you want (do you really want a single room with a bathroom down the hall?), book it or call the Hotel Directly. You can also consider renting apartments if your in one place long enough, we only do an apartment for 3+ nights.

To get around Rome we use Uber, we would check google maps and see if we could walk. If we had a big walking day (Colosseum) we would save our feet and take an Uber.

Thank you Letizia. I am actually reading Europe thru the Back Door now. Plus I have a RS guide book for Rome and DK book for Italy.

I will call RS to learn more about having a private bathroom. Thanks.

Unless there's an unforeseen change, the only two tours that use hotels with shared baths for a few of the rooms are the 21-day Best of Europe and the Scandinavia tour. In those cases, it's mentioned in the details on the web page for the route.

Taxi, Metro, or bus can all be convenient ways to reach the Vatican, and I wouldn't hesitate to use any of those. However, buses sometimes get so crowded that you can practically only get on at the start of the line. There are only a couple of Metro lines, but it's still handy to have a hotel near one.

Personally, I love to make my own arrangements and my over 70 husband happily goes along! We feel that a tour company is too restrictive for us; frankly, we are not always ready to be at a meeting point at the specified time. We went on a self-planned 21-day trip to Italy this past April that went from Rome to Cinque Terre to Venice to Pescara (by train) to Corfinio, Abbruzzo by car to see where my grandparents were born, then by train to the Amalfi Coast and back to Rome. I purchased train tickets early at the best rate and we had no problem making the trains (well, except for when we got lost returning the car in Pescara - we made the train literally by 3 minutes!) All lodging was done through Expedia, relying heavily on customer reviews. It was all lovely, there were no surprises, we saw and did everything we wanted to do, and the entire trip for 2 people, 21 days, was $8,100. I'm most certain you cannot do that through any kind of a tour.

I just finished planning our next trip - 24 days to focus on the Adriatic Coast. Because we got such a killer deal on airfare, I estimate the entire trip at just over $6,000.

Last year we spent 20 nights in Italy, got our air travel with reward miles, and spent $4500 for two people - total, not each - for the entire trip! We stayed in apartments in four towns, one for 7 nights, one 6 nights, one 5 nights, and then one hotel for 2 nights. We were in Umbria, Amalfi Coast, the Paestum area, and Ostia. If you enjoy the planning phase and want to save money, then travel on your own. You don't say when you plan to go. When using reward miles, I usually book my airline tickets at least six months ahead and have been known to book them as soon as they're available (I think 11 months ahead?). I often book lodging six months ahead, but I'm picky about where I want to stay. Nowadays you can also save a small bundle by booking train trips way ahead.

My friend and I are taking a tour in August/September. It's theme based, Trail of the Lippizaners (horses). When we first started talking about it, we looked into the tour and because the company was unknown to us, debated about taking it. We then asked each other if we wanted to do the trip ourselves but decided we liked the organization of the tour which means we didn't have to hassle with transportation, hotels, etc. Su didn't want to drive in Europe and public transportation wasn't going to meet all of our needs. We research the tour company in depth and what all the tour included then booked the tour. The company has been wonderful to work with. What we really like is that the guided tour is limited to 16 people, thus in a smaller bus. I'll give you a report when we return. The 16-day tour has 5 afternoons/evenings of free time so we can explore on our own. I researched and found a trail ride at Lake Bled and am arranging my free time to include that. I don't know if there are other riders on the tour, but I don't mind going off by myself to do something I really enjoy. Slovenian countryside from horseback has to be great. We have two days pre-tour on our own in Venice to enjoy what we want to see. I enjoy the research and have scoped out lots of things to do within the parameters of the tour. Not every hour is regimented as someone referred to. 25 years ago, yes it's been a very long time, when I went riding in Ireland, the ride was tour-based, but the remainder of the time we rented a car and drove around the island staying at B&Bs and stopping wherever we wanted. Really the best of both worlds. But we were a lot younger then and more adventuresome. Do consider a tour if you think that is best for you - if you want someone else to be responsible for transportation, hotels, restaurants, etc. But find one that gives you plenty of free time to explore on your own.

I have been to Europe on 6 occasions. The first 5 times, I made my own travel plans. On my last trip, I took the Rick Steves 17 Day Best of Italy Tour. I have to say it was the best of the 6 vacations. Granted it was a lot more expensive, but we saw and learned so much more than if we had done it on our own. I do all the planning on our trips. I think my wife enjoyed the tour more since she didn't have to listen to me all the time. I could really relax, because everything was planned. If you don't want to have everything planned, you might want to look at a "My Way Tour". At least you wouldn't have to worry about transportation and hotels. I really enjoyed going out to dinner with some of the people on the tour. It was great to share conversations on what we had seen during the day.

We never shared a bathroom with anyone else.

If you can travel in Thailand, then you can travel in Europe. I have only traveled in a tour when It was too hard to get my desired sites. There are plenty of pros and cons above. You will have to decide for yourself your level of comfort.

Thailand was a nightmare. Luckily a lot of our time was spent with a friend who lived there. Street food was scary since my husband has fish and seafood allergies

I always defer to the far more experienced travelers on this forum, as we took our first trip abroad in June 2015. But here are my thoughts.

Of course you can do it on your own, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. We did our first few days in London on our own and had a great time. Several answers to your post have focused on the pragmatic cost aspects of doing it yourself, and that's entirely valid. But we're taking our second Rick Steves tour in May, based primarily on these two somewhat more intangible, subjective criteria:

1) The quality of the guides. Our primary guide on the Best of Paris tour was fabulous, smart and fun, but so were all of the local guides, as well. All were tremendously, infectiously knowledgeable, which totally enriched our experience. Not much more to say about that.

2) The group dynamic. My wife, son and I are all introverts by nature, and we're perfectly happy functioning in our own bubble. But we've drunk the Rick Steves kool-aid and believe that the RS tours attract very like-minded, flexible, enthusiastic people. Being with such a group encourages us to exist outside our shell, to be more sociable, to interact with other people and, again, enriches our experience.

Our the RS tours pricey? Sure. Can you do it a lot cheaper on your own? Sure. And I'm sure we'll do plenty of traveling on our own. But we consider these tours to be an excellent value for what you get.

I am looking at Rome (of course), Florence, and Veince, possibly Cinque Terre.

Others of the RS gang have already covered the usual pros and cons but I'll mention that these locations are easy to do solo. All of them are well used to hosting travelers from all over the world, basic English is widely spoken, and trains to get from one to another are neither difficult nor particularly expensive. China? Different story; I don't know as I'd be up to tackling that one!

But as already mentioned, the choice can be up to economics and preference? We don't take tours (or haven't yet) because they either don't spend enough time in locations we'd find particularly interesting, and too much time in others. We like to set our own daily agenda, flex it as the spirit moves us, and we can travel considerably longer for the price of a tour.

Yes, it means doing our own research and planning, and that's the piece that usually determines the choice? Tours take care of most of the details so are a plus for very busy people or those who simply dislike that process.

So the only "better" is what suits your style, budget and preferences.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

The Perfect 10 Day Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Road trips can be a really cost-effective way to travel in a country and you get to set your own pace which is awesome. Many people don’t think right away of a Europe road trip, but it’s a great way to experience a country and get to know even better. Here is the 10-day Italy road trip itinerary I used for my summer trip.

Italy is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. I love the history, food, and nature in this country. It’s impossible to see everything in ten days and this road trip was actually my second time visiting.

Table of Contents

This 10 day Italy road trip itinerary is a trip I took after a few different visits with a friend who had never been. We wanted a great mix of exploring and relaxing, making this my favorite trip to Italy I’ve taken.

When I visited in high school, I got the chance to see most of the important historical places in Italy and so when I started thinking about planning a trip this past summer, I wanted to visit some of the more picturesque places in Italy and discover the unique places I had heard others love. That’s how this Italy road trip idea came to be.

There’s so much to see and do while in Italy; you’ll need some  tips for Italy  and some help along the way. I’m lucky enough to have friends who love to travel, and she definitely helped me plan this one out. One of the reasons this trip was so much fun is because I got to go with a good friend of mine from here in DC. Traveling is always fun when you’ve got a good friend by your side! Thanks, Elissa, for coming with me and putting up with all my craziness.

• Flight : $410
• Car Rental : $180 ($90 per person)
• Hotels : $845 ($422.45 per person)
• Food:  ~$30 a day per person (~$210)
• Activities:  ~$300 per person
• Total Per Person:  $1473

Tips for a Road Trip in Italy

Planning a road trip in Italy can be an exciting adventure, given the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your road trip and tips for  renting a car in Italy .

Ensure you have navigation options:

• Use GPS navigation or smartphone apps to help you navigate. Make sure to have a physical map as a backup.
• For the most part, if you get an international data plan, your phone will work well in Italy, but I always recommend a backup just in case.

Driving Regulations:

• Familiarize yourself with Italian driving regulations and road signs. Speed limits, parking rules, and other traffic regulations may differ from those in your home country.
• Be aware of the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in some cities where only authorized vehicles are allowed.

Renting a Car :

• Choose a  reliable car rental company  and book in advance to secure the best rates.
• Consider renting a smaller car, especially if you plan to navigate through narrow streets in historic towns.
• The default for car rentals is a manual transmission. Automatic transmissions will likely be at least double the price. Make sure you look at the selection when reserving online.

International Driving Permit (IDP):

• Americans are required to have an International Driving Permit. You can get one at AAA.

Fuel and Tolls:

• Be aware of fuel prices and fill up when needed. Some rural areas may have limited gas stations.
• Italy has an extensive toll system on highways. Keep some cash on hand for toll booths, as not all accept credit cards.
• Parking in city centers can be challenging. Look for public parking lots or garages.
• In smaller towns, you may need to park outside the city walls and walk to the center. I give suggestions in cities throughout this itinerary.

Traffic and Driving Style:

• Italian drivers can be assertive, and traffic in cities can be hectic. Stay alert and be patient.
• Be prepared for narrow roads, especially in rural areas and historic city centers.

Cultural Etiquette:

• Familiarize yourself with Italian traffic customs, such as the use of roundabouts and yielding to the right.

Emergency Services:

• Save emergency numbers in your phone and know the location of nearby hospitals and pharmacies.

Weather and Season:

• Check the weather forecast and be prepared for varying conditions, especially if traveling in mountainous regions.

Essentials to Pack

• Foldable Backpack :  Carry essentials like maps, snacks, water, and a  first aid kit  in a day pack or this awesome backpack for Europe  you can easily grab in your car. You don’t want to have to unpack your whole bag looking for something.
• Reusable Water Bottle  : Good for the environment and means you stay hydrated at all times! Most places in the US will have an easy place to fill up your water bottle on a trip.
• Portable Charger with Fast Charging Technology :  Even if you think you don’t need it because your car has a plug, I still recommend bringing an additional charger. You want to make sure you have the ability to navigate and get help if needed.
• Sunglasses : While you might think that drinking into the sunset sounds romantic, it’s not easy on your eyes. Get some good sunglasses!
• Collapsible Cooler : Keep drinks, snacks, and leftovers cold with a collapsible cooler for easy storage and setup when needed. It fits easily in a suitcase!

Subscribe  to access my editable  road trip packing checklist !  Discover  what to pack for an international trip here, too.

10 Day Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Day in Rome

Tour $50 – $150 USD or pay individually for entry $80

Rome  has so much to do and see. If it’s your first trip to Italy, you’ll want to spend more than one day in Rome. I had already seen the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and museums in Rome. I did not get to go into the Colosseum or Forum when I was there previously, so I spent the day  exploring the Colosseum and Forum with Walks  and saw the things I missed.

I highly recommend  their tours , whether it’s your first time there or your third. It was a fun way to spend the day, and I got all the insider tips/skipped the lines. When you’re only in a city for a few days, these things are key!

If this is your first time in Italy, consider spending  two days in Rome instead of two days in Cinque Terre. My friend arrived a day before me so she could spend a day exploring more of Rome and not miss the must-see spots. Even two days is a short amount of time, but you can make it happen if you are prepared to do lots of walking. Most of the historical things in Rome are in two main areas—near the Vatican and near the Colosseum.

Spend your first day seeing the sites with a tour through Walks. Their  Rome in a Day Tour  will let you see all of the major sites!

I actually just went on this full-day tour with my now husband, and it was an amazing and effortless experience. We got to see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Vatican, and more. They took care of everything on the tour, and we skipped the line for everything, so no time was wasted. If you have just one day and want to see the major sites, this is the tour for you.

Vatican : The Vatican is a huge tour and takes a lot of time to get through. Even after hours here, there’s more to explore. Our tour guide took us through the museum and into St. Peter’s Square. There, the tour ends around 4 pm but you still have time to see more of the museums and inside St. Peter’s Basilica once the tour is over.

Walk around St. Peter’s Square and go inside the Basilica. It’s the largest one in the world and spectacular to see. While you’re here, you can send a postcard from the Vatican (it’s technically it’s own country/province!). Stop at the post office before leaving!

Don’t forget to spend some time walking around Rome after dark. This is a city that seems to always have something going on and dinner is done late in the city, usually after 8:30. So the city stays alive after dark! There’s lots to do in Rome at night that you won’t want to miss.

Pro-tip: It’s super cheap to rent a car in Europe and pretty easy in Italy! You’ll need an international driver’s permit in Italy if you are coming from the US or many other countries. They are super easy to get at AAA or another similar service. Check your country’s rules before booking a car!

Consider using RentalCars.com to compare pricing; it’s pretty seamless. Look up companies before booking because many listed are actually partnered with American companies, so you need to be careful when you book.

Where to Stay in Rome

There are a lot of amazing places to stay in Rome with a view . Consider staying somewhere extra special on your trip! A few I’d highly recommend are:

Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo

Overview : 200 m from the Colosseum and from the metro station, not far from the Eur business district and from the major archaeological sites, monuments, and museums. The hotel offers 160 rooms, some boasting views of the Colosseum. Outdoor swimming pool and panoramic terrace (open from the end of May till September). Swimming with a view of the ancient Roman sites is amazing!

Relais Fontana di Trevi

Overview : The Relais Fontana di Trevi puts guests deep in the cobble-stoned heart of Renaissance Rome, with other landmarks such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza Barberini within easy walking distance. The ideal accommodation for an unforgettable romantic break with one of the best views of the Trevi Fountain.

Day 2: Pisa and Hot Springs to La Spezia/Cinque Terre

5 hour drive total free

We took our rental car and got out of the city. We made a stop at some really awesome hot springs in Saturnia. Parking and entry are free, which makes it really easy to walk around! Saturnia can get extremely crowded during the day.

People get incredible pictures who go really early in the morning, but the experience is the same whether there is a crowd or not. We found that most people were not tourists or were very relaxed there. We saw very few kids and just relaxed along the really interesting terraces.

Pro-tip: The ground is tough to walk on around Saturnia. If you can bring water shoes – do it! Your feet will thank you.

After this stop, we kept driving and made it to Pisa. We found parking very close to the Leaning Tower and Cathedral, just in time for sunset. It was absolutely stunning and a great way to experience the city.

Pro-tip 2: If you want to go inside the Leaning Tower and Cathedral, you’ll need to get there earlier in the day. We arrived around 5:30 and things were already closing. We only got to walk around

Day 3/4:  Cinque Terre

We spent three nights and two full days in Cinque Terre, and it was just incredible. We had the cutest little  Airbnb  with the nicest host that I just couldn’t recommend enough. The view was beautiful, and our host left us limoncello and pastries to try. It was such a great spot!

Cinque Terre is probably my favorite place that we visited when I was in Italy this past time. It was so beautiful and unique. It offers everything that you could want – history, beautiful buildings, beaches, adventure, and delicious food.

We drove from Pisa to La Spezia that evening and spent time walking around town and grabbing a late dinner after we arrived. We chose to stay in La Spezia instead of in one of the five Cinque Terre towns for a few different reasons.

La Spezia is cheaper to stay in than the towns in Cinque Terre and easier to park a car in. It’s basically impossible to park in any of the five towns in Cinque Terre. It provides a good starting point for your trip, and there is a train that takes you into town.

If you are there over the summer, you can park at the school near the train for free or in the commuter parking in town. If you are there during the school year, you’ll have to park in a garage or along the street. Street parking was just $6 for the day, so it really is not a big expense! The garage would be about $20.

While in Cinque Terre, there is tons to do! I’ve got two posts about Cinque Terre where I go into more depth about everything you need to know . Spending two days here was awesome. A lot of people spend one day here as a day trip from Florence, but with a car, we felt there was more time we could spend here, and I think it’s a great idea to take more time to enjoy this beautiful area.

Things to do in Cinque Terre include:

• Cinque Terre hike (pass required)
• cliff jumping in Manarola
• Swimming in Vernazza
• Visiting cathedrals
• Sunset Rides

It was my favorite part of the road trip, for sure!

Pro-tip: Getting a Cinque Terre pass is the best way to easily get around Cinque Terre. Trains run until 10 pm back to La Spezia, so you don’t have to feel like you are rushed even if you don’t stay in one of the five towns of Cinque Terre.

Day 4 Driving

You will drive from La Spezia to Florence, a 2 hour drive.

Day 5: Florence

We spent two nights but one full day in Florence. The hotel we chose was about $100 a night and included breakfast but not parking. We chose it because it had a more central location, making it easier to walk around, and we didn’t even have to take public transit.

The hotel was definitely outdated and while it was fine, we paid far less for other hotels on our stay and found them to be much nicer. Book far in advance for hotels in Florence. I’m choosing not to link it here as I do not think it is worth staying at honestly!

As I said, I’ve been to Florence before, so this was a recap for me. If this is your first trip to Italy, I highly recommend spending another day here if you can and cutting a day, possibly from Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast .

Florence is known for all the museums and some of the most famous painters in the world residing there. There’s tons to do in Florence, so below, I’ll list some of the must-visit things to do that I really loved!

If you have been like me, consider skipping some things that have long lines and spending more time wandering the streets. One of the best things about this city is that they recently outlawed cars in many downtown areas unless you have special permits. This means that there are no cars on the roads as you walk through the historic Renaissance streets. It’s pretty magical!

On my one day I went to Pitti Palace, the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Below you’ll find all the top things to do.

Some of the must-see spots in Florence include:

• Florence Cathedral
• Uffizi Gallery
• Piazza della Signoria (open-air gallery)
• Galleria dell’Accademia
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as the Duomo)
• Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
• Ponte Vecchio Bridge

We didn’t have to drive once while in Florence! Everything is so close together and easy to get to. You also can’t go wrong and should just enjoy this city!

Planning out what to do in Florence is important because there’s so much to see! I definitely recommend booking things you want to do in advance and being prepared to stand in lines quite a bit!

PS Did you know there are a ton of amazing outlets in Italy ? Many are located right near Florence and, with your car, easy to get to. If you’re a fashionista, then you’ll want to add this stop.

Pro-tip: There are tons of new road closures in Florence because of high tourism volume. All of the road closures in Florence are not listed on Google maps yet. This means that you’ve got to plan ahead and ask your hotel for specific directions if you plan to drive. We ended up driving around for over an hour trying to figure out how to get to our hotels because Google kept telling us to go down illegal roads!

Day 6: Tuscany to Amalfi

Drive Through Tuscany to Amalfi Coast, 6 hour drive

This is the longest driving day so it’s important you build in a few stops! There are tons of things to see in Tuscany – mostly awesome wineries. We chose to spend a day enjoying Tuscany on our way back down past Rome on the longest drive of the trip. What is a good road trip if you don’t get to spend some time enjoying the countryside?! We loved seeing the amazing rolling hills of Tuscany and all the cute little towns you go through.

We drove along some really awesome and windy roads as we went through the country side. The Chianti reason felt like the best place to stop because that’s one of our favorite types of wine. Chianti is just one of the regions you can visit in Tuscany along your drive back. If you have a specific type of Italian wine you love make sure you look it up!

Visiting wineries in Italy is different from the US and some other countries. You cannot go up to most wineries and simply enjoy a wine tasting. Most tastings must be booked in advance and reserved space is limited. It will typically include tastings of several wines, a tour of the winery, and light food to accompany the wines. They do sell out and most do not have wine tastings on a Sunday. It takes some planning and research to figure things out.

If you want beautiful views, consider more time on a  road trip through Tuscany.

Initially, we thought we would just find a winery to go to, but after looking some more, we realized we couldn’t actually visit one with that method. We even looked some up online that said you don’t need a reservation and tried to go to one only to find out it was closed. Long story short, book in advance!

Reach out to wineries before you go. Some take a while to get back to you as they are mostly family owned businesses. We were messaging wineries up to the last-minute and got lucky finding one that would take us the day before and almost completely missed out on the experience.

Fattoria Veticcio is a family owned winery with beautiful scenery overlooking the town of Greve. It was $40 for the tasting, tour, and light food. Our GPS took us around the back causing us to get lost for a bit, but after a phone call to the winery, we found it with ease. They were so kind and helpful.

I imagine that it would be amazing to stay at this winery because there are two awesome pools there and several tasting rooms. The wine was so good we ended up buying three bottles each to bring back to the US with us! I haven’t gotten the courage to again drink this wine yet because I don’t want to waste it!

Amalfi Coast is one of those places that I heard so much about before visiting. I had really high expectations and wanted to love it. That being said, I did really like it but it didn’t live up to expectations. It was crowded, overpriced, and the driving was really scary! Also, I do not recommend driving past Sorrento unless you are an extremely confident driver. It can be really difficult to drive along the winding roads.

Pro-tip:  The closest thing I can think to driving in Amalfi Coast is driving  Route 1 in California . It’s a drive with beautiful views, but will cause the average driver anxiety. I chose to drive slowly and carefully despite many people whizzing past me. Be confident and careful on the roads, and you will be fine!

Day in Capri  $80 per person

This was my favorite part of Amalfi Coast! The whole day was incredible and I see it as a must if you’re headed this way. We chose to do a full day trip with a boating/snorkel experience around the entire island. We did this because while there are affordable ways to get to Capri, they won’t take you all the way around the island and are still 30 Euros a person. Also, food on Capri can be very pricey and we wanted to make sure we got there and really relaxed.

We chose the first day of our time in Amalfi Coast to do a day trip to Capri because we didn’t want to be rushed when we got back or try to drive after spending all day in the sun and on a boat. It ended up being the best decision!

We got up the next day whenever we wanted and we enjoyed Capri stress-free. The only complaint I have about the tour was us trying to find it. The directions were not clear and it was very difficult to get there. We never got a confirmation from them or an email.

We ended up calling them multiple times before we were able to speak to someone. It was not ideal. The harbor we met them in was in Sorrento and it was easy once we were there to know what to do. We drove to Marina Grande and were able to park for $12 for the day. 

When there, we asked where the tour companies were and were immediately directed to the right place. We just didn’t hear from the company to know if we were going the right way.

Option 1: Day in Sorrento

Sorrento is an awesome city with lots to do, I recommend it as your home base, especially if you are trying to visit  Amalfi Coast without a car . I was surprised how much we loved our little hotel and place along the water. We stayed in Sorrento and I was so impressed! For just $80 a night we had a great breakfast, free parking (on the street), and a fabulous view from our hotel. Seriously worth staying here with everything it has to offer at the price.

Start by visiting a limoncello factory, I Giardini di Cataldo. Sorrento is known for its giant lemons, they are used to make all types of delicious lemon infused things! Limoncello is a classic and the factory does free tastings! Out back you’ll find tons of lemon trees that make a perfect setting if you decide to buy some and want a place to enjoy a drink. Walkthrough the cute streets and enjoy your time looking into the many shops that are found throughout the town.

Pro-tip:  You will find lemon flavored things all over Amalfi Coast. They almost all sell the same products or type of products. Try getting something from the factory if you want it to be the freshest!

From there we went to spend our afternoon at one of the famous docks located on the water. We chose to hang out at one of the many decks/restaurants that are in the small port in downtown Sorrento called Delphino. The food was delicious and the view was perfect!

Eating lunch there gets you access to their deck where you get lounge chairs, changing stations, and places to jump in the ocean. Unfortunately, while we were there the deck area was closed due to high winds. Instead, we hung out on the beach and rented chairs for just 4 Euros. It was cheap and lots of fun to hang out there!

From here, we went back to our hotel and headed off to Amalfi for a fancy day on the coast.

Option 2: Day in Pompeii and Herculaneum

If you’re a history lover, spend the day exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii is incredible! I went to Pompeii on my first trip to Italy back in 2005 and was absolutely in love with it. Walking the streets of the city that existed 2,000 years ago is pretty amazing and taking a tour lets you in on every detail that you are seeing. You won’t want to miss visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

For lunch, stop in Naples which is home to the beginnings of pizza, and there are some great spots to grab one. I’d recommend Pizzeria Brandi the home of the first pizza! 

I’d recommend taking a tour of Pompeii for the full experience. It’s huge, and it can be difficult to know what you are looking at. Here are a few options:

•   Complete Pompeii Experience with Archeologist Guide
• From Naples: Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour

1 1/2 hour drive to Amalfi

We arrived around 5 pm in Amalfi. We stayed at a hotel with a beautiful view called  Holiday House Le Palme . While it had an awesome view, it was not ideal. You had to drive up a cliff side for over 1 1/2 from Sorrento to get there. Then once there, you have to park along the side of the cliff and walk down 300 stairs to get to the place. There is no food there and the closest place to walk to is 30 minutes away.

Otherwise, you have to drive back down the cliff for about 2o minutes to get to town and try to find parking. The hotel was beautiful, but there were tons of mosquitos. Also, there was loud music all night long, and roosters woke us up early in the morning. It was the worst night’s sleep of the whole trip!

We went to dinner here from our hotel on Amalfi and spent an evening relaxing in Atrani, mostly because the place we were staying at would drive us there and I could handle no more driving those tiny streets that day. They have a huge beach area that is cheap to rent a chair from if you have time during the day. This town is quieter than others.

Pro-tip:  There are ferries that go between all of the towns on Amalfi Coast. They are an easy and hassle way to get from town to town. They also give you great views of every town. I actually recommend staying in just Sorrento if you can and taking ferries instead of doing a night in Amalfi or Positano for a road trip. The driving was stressful and what you can get for even $250 a night is not ideal.

Day in Amalfi/Positano

We started off the day by spending the morning in Amalfi. It is actually a town as well as the name of the region. This confused me when I looked it up at first! It is a really gorgeous town and has a very resort feel to it. The beaches are long and there are two large harbor areas where boats are docked. There is also an incredible cathedral located in the middle of town that you can see.

From Amalfi, we took a ferry to Positano for 20 Euros round trip (16 if you  visit Amalfi in the fall ). It was the perfect way to see Positano because it’s not a cheap city! We walked from the lower part of town to the top to get the iconic view and grab lunch. In the afternoon, we walked around and spent some time on the beach.

I saw more pictures of Positano than anywhere else along the Amalfi Coast. Positano is a beautiful and picturesque town but it is overpriced. While here, eat some awesome food and enjoy the incredibly cute streets! Walking around the small streets, exploring shops, and seeing the cutest spots was worth it.

The private beach areas were much more expensive here than other areas. There were spots almost taking up the entire beach there with chairs. You’ll pay 24 Euros for the day (compared to the free ones we had on Capri and 4 Euro chairs we had in Sorrento) and that won’t even get you an umbrella or towel. The beach area here was not impressive and I feel like there are spots that are a better choice.

Day 10 Drive to Airport & Fly Home

(I flew on to  Lisbon !)

This day speaks for itself a little bit but just know that this drive is a little scary and much faster if you do not take the coast. It’s about a 2 hour drive back to Rome and you’ll want to plan for traffic depending on what time you leave. Give yourself plenty of time as you get back into the city!

Ideas for Extending your Italy Road Trip:

• Venice  – there’s  so much to do in Venice
• Milan – the cathedral there is gorgeous
• The Dolomites and explore the mountains
• Lake Como is beautiful and would be an excellent addition
• Continue your drive through Southern Italy for gorgeous towns and beaches. 

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One Day in Milan – A Self Guided Milan Walking Tour

by Violeta Matei

Last Updated on: 5th March 2024, 09:23 pm

#1 top pick organized tour

• Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket
• -> Small group walking tour of historic Milan
• -> Skip-the-line ticket to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
• -> Local guide, expert historian
• -> Headsets provided for groups of more than 6 people
• -> Duration: 3 hours
• -> Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1078 reviews)

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Main Topics of One Day in Milan – A Self Guided Milan Walking Tour

The Wrong Italian Train on the Right Track

Ask for mercy and directions, 1. the milan cathedral – duomo di milano, 2. galleria vittorio emanuele ii, 3. piazza della scala, 4. sforza castle, 5. parco sempione, 6. santa maria delle grazie, 7. porta ticinese, 8. columns of san lorenzo, 9. shopping time, is milan worth visiting, the best place to start your milan walking tour, what if i want a guided tour.

This is a Milan itinerary I’ve created myself during one of my trips to Italy, when I only had one day to spend in Milan.

It is the perfect step-by-step tour that covers all major tourist landmarks in the city and also allows you to do some shopping by the end of your day. It is the only self-guided walking tour of Milan you’ll ever need.

This Milan walking tour requires one full day to complete. It covers Il Duomo di Milano, Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza della Scala, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Porta Ticinese, the Columns of San Lorenzo and the main shopping street in Milan.

Find and book Milan tours and activities on Viator.com. Book ahead to save time and money!

My Self-Guided Tour of Milan

My day tour of Milan actually started in Bergamo, where I was living at that time. I took a train from Bergamo to Milano Centrale early morning.

I learned how useful it is to know how to say thank you in Italian when I accidentally took the wrong train that was heading over to Brescia instead of Milan

Next time, I’ll pick one of the good neighborhoods of Milan to stay for at least three days. I want to explore the city and maybe to attend a show at Scala di Milano.

Although I thought everything was clear, I managed to make a mistake. I took the train going the opposite direction. I had noticed that the train arrived about ten minutes earlier than scheduled, but I didn’t have any worry. I imagined it just arrived in advance. Little did I know I was going to waste about one hour of my day in Milan jumping from one train to the other.

As I was watching the mountains out the window, I was struck by a dark insight: the mountains were on the wrong side of the railway. I realized my mistake before arriving to Brescia, so I was able to jump off the train as soon as it hit the station. It only took a few seconds to notice a train that was heading to Milan.

After asking a few people for confirmation, I jumped on that train. It didn’t even cross my mind that my ticket I had bought the previous day wasn’t good for this fancier train.

As the control team came, I showed them my ticket. The Italian guy smiled and explained in Italian that I should have taken another type of train. At the same time, he realized that my journey had started in Bergamo, so he understood I had taken the wrong train. He smiled, and allowed me to travel without having to pay anything extra (although I was pretty sure the new train was more expensive, as it was better looking and much faster than the other one). Anyway, my advice to you is to watch carefully what type of train you want to take, and buy your tickets accordingly.

Beware that in Italy trains heading to opposite directions may share the same rails.

Bergamo is one of the stations where this happens. You always need to make sure you take the train you were intended to. If you see it arriving earlier than expected, ask someone where it goes.

Milano Centrale is very close to the Duomo, so here’s where you should start your tour from.

If you want to visit the cathedral, take into consideration you’re going to need between one and two hours. The tickets start from around $25-$30 for a self guided audio tour, and they may go up to over $40 for skip-the-line access and the visiting of the Crypt. If time allows, you should go for the full tour. The Duomo is one of the Milan must see things. It is fabulous.

Buy your Milan Cathedral and Rooftop ticket here today.

Keep in mind that some of the tourist objectives included in the tour are closed on Wednesdays.

Always do your own research before booking any tour, just to make sure that you’re going to see all monuments and attractions on your Milan bucket list. Read reviews and check out forums such as Reddit and Quora.

Here’s the Duomo di Milano on the map .

The striking Gothic design of the Duomo is worth the money and the effort. Besides, climbing to the top of the cathedral will grant you an excellent photo opportunity. If you don’t want to take the stairs to the top, you can pay a few dollars more to choose the elevator ride.

Even if you decide to skip the visit, you should still assign about 30 minutes for taking photos of the exterior of the cathedral. This impressive construction took about 600 years to complete, and it is a marvelous work of art.

You have to see it to understand why everyone considers it a must while visiting Milan.

Do you want to see the world’s oldest shopping mall? This is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a four-story covered passage which is considered one of the major landmarks of Milan, Italy.

As you stand in front of the Duomo di Milano, facing the building, the Galleria is on your left hand side. If you can’t spot it, just ask anyone around you for directions.

Most probably you won’t be doing any shopping inside the gallery, as those luxury shops have crazy prices. Expect to spend a few good minutes inside, though, because the mosaics on the ground are amazing, as well as the arching glass and cast iron roof.

One of the four mosaics depicts a bull which is very hard to miss, as there are always crowds of people around it. The legend says that spinning around with one heel on the bull’s balls will bring you good luck. Unfortunately, this legend has helped creating a big hole in the said area of the Turin Bull .

As you exit the Vittorio Emanuele II gallery, you’ll reach Piazza della Scala. Here you can find the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, and a few museums worth vising.

However, remember that you are supposed to spend only one day in Milan, so you may want to skip all these museums. Save them for another time, and head to the next stop, Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco).

Sforza Castle, also known as Castello Sforzesco, was one of the largest citadels in Europe, during the 16th and 17th centuries. You’ll get to Sforza Castle right after you leave the Scala Square  (Piazza della Scala). The castle is hard to miss, as it is literally huge. Here’s where it is in Milan.

The castle hosts the Museums of the Castello, where you can see one of the last works of Michelangelo and many other masterpieces of great Italian artists. If you plan to visit the museum, make sure you schedule one full hour for that.

Behind the Sforza Castle you’ll find the Sempione Park. This is a lovely place, an oasis of peace and relaxation.

I would have loved to spend my full day in Milan in Parco Sempione, watching the people passing by, the leaves falling off the trees, and the lovers holding hands and kissing on the wooden benches.

The admission to Park Sempione is free of charge. During winter months, the park is open from Monday to Sunday,. from 7 am to 6 pm. During summer months, it closes at 7 pm.

Anyway, if you make it part of your Milan one day itinerary, you’ll find it open regardless the season, as you’ll get here by 2 pm (give or take one hour).

Exit Sempione Park through the gate nearby the Triennale di Milano, take the Viale Moliere street, then Viale Pietro e Maria Curie , Via G. Leopardi , Via Aurelio Saffi , and then Via Fratelli Ruffini.

Buy your half-day Milan history tour and The Last Supper here . If you only want a Last Supper guided tour, click here .

This terracotta Renaissance church with Gothic interior is home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.

The church is very beautiful, and it makes a cool contrast with the surrounding buildings. It is a very nice place to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun. I didn’t visit it, but I spend quite a while taking photos and enjoying the view.

This is a landmark neoclassical pink granite gate with pillars, erecting right in the middle of modern constructions, roads and railways. It marks Napoleon’s victory in Marengo.

You’ll only need a few minutes to catch your breath and take a few photos. If you’ve got enough of walking for your day in Milan, you can skip it, and go straight to the Columns of San Lorenzo.

This is an archeological site consisting from of 16 Roman marble columns, next to remains of an amphitheater and baths. It is amazing to see the new and the old together.

I love how Italians preserved their ancient remains without compromising on the development of the city.

People in Milan can go on with their lives, while tourists and history fans can stop to appreciate the beauty of ancient constructions.

If you look on a map of Milan, you’ll see that you are already close to the Duomo and to Milano Centrale. Depending on the amount of time you have left, you can either stop for some food, get on your train, or go for some shopping.

Via Montenapoleone is the place to go for luxury shopping in Milan.

For more down to earth shops (and ready-to-wear brands you can find all over Europe), head over to Corso Buenos Aires, or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

For unique clothing items and nice food choices, try the Corso Venezia Avenue and Corso di Porta Ticinese.

You can see enough of Milan in one day, provided that you stick to the center of the city and to the main tourist attractions. This article on my blog describes a self guided Milan walking tour you can try if you have one day to spare.

You can also do this as part of a bigger Northern Italy itinerary . If you were to do the same in Rome, for instance, you’d need several days of Rome walking tours self guided or with a guide to get to see the city.

Milan is one of the must-see places in Italy . Although famous for being The European Capital of Fashion, Milan boasts a few tourist attractions worth seeing, either in a self-guided walking tour or by booking a guided tour like this one, here .

Besides, there are some cool day trips you can take from Milan , so you can make it your base camp for one week, to see the beautiful Lombardy. As Milano Airports are important nodes for flights to and from exotic destinations all over the world, you might end up having one day Milan layovers. Beware, though, you’ll need more than six hours layover to be able to visit Milan without missing your flight.

Even though it isn’t as overwhelming as Rome or Florence, Milan is worth at least a short walking tour.

Here’s a brief video walking tour of Milan that includes many of the above listed landmarks:

Wherever you may be coming from, chances are you’ll have an easy time getting to Milano Centrale , the main train station in Milan. This is one of the main railway stations in Europe, and it is conveniently located in the center of the city. This makes it the perfect spot to start your one day in Milan from.

When taking a train in Italy, always make sure it is the one you’ve been waiting for. If your train is supposed to arrive at line 1 at a certain time, don’t jump on any train arriving several minutes earlier. I did this mistake and I found myself on a train to Brescia instead of Milan. Fortunately I noticed that I had the mountains on the wrong side, so I jumped off the train and took another one back to Milan.

Even if your self guided Milan walking tour won’t end in the same spot, you’ll find lots of transportation options to get to Milano Centrale once you’re done walking and shopping.

Just make sure you check how much time you need to get back to the train station. If time allows, take the vintage tram to Milano Centrale. It has a very long itinerary and it is slow, but it lets you see a lot of this elegant city. I found public transportation in Milan to be better organized and more reliable than in Rome.

When planning your day, you should consider leaving the shopping for the end of your walk, in order to avoid carrying all those bags with you through museums, cathedrals and parks. Once you’re done with your sightseeing, you can head over to some shops and spoil yourself with a few nice outfits or an elegant pair of shoes.

Speaking of this, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes like these ones , as you have a long day ahead. If you want, feel free to see my own top of the best walking shoes for travel .

These are only a few things to do in Milan. The whole itinerary may be a bit too much for one day, though.You may want to get on a hop-on hop-off bus to see everything in one go without that much walking. Check out this link to see the price of this tour as of today.

For slow travel and relaxed sightseeing, you should schedule an overnight stay in one of the Milan hotels. You can find a pretty good list here . This would enable you to visit all the museums and take your time to admire all those stunning works of art and architecture.

In terms of what to wear in Italy , make sure you check out the weather forecast before you pack. Also, dress in layers and don’t forget that burglars and pickpockets are waiting for distracted tourists.

Do you want to pin this Milan self-guided tour for later? Here you are!

• Milan Arrival Private Transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan City

• Price: $128.03
• Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' or Vineyard and Milan Duomo Tour

• Price: $127.68
• Alfa Romeo museum Milan private guided tour, from Milan

• Price: $155.55
• Milan Segway Tour by Night

• Price: $82.56
• Vintage Fiat 500 Tour in Milan

• Price: $72.97
• Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise and Landscapes

• Price: $102.31
• Private Lake Como and surrounding wine region tour from Milan

• Price: $285.37
• Skip-the-Line Milan Duomo Underground and Terrace Small-Group Tour

• Price: $77.78
• Discovering Milan on the Historic Tram

• Price: $214.18
• Evening Food Tour with Wine Tasting in Milan

• Price: $101.71
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10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: 2 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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If you’re planning a Northern Italy itinerary, it can be tough to map out the ideal route if you only have a limited amount of time. There is a lot to see in the north of this diverse country — from beautiful cities to storied lakes to incredible coastline — that there is absolutely no way one can pack everything into just 10 days in Northern Italy.

However, if you know what you want to see and adequately plan out your time, you can see a lot in 10 days if you simply prioritise your top destinations.

Whether you’re after a Milan-Venice-Lake Como itinerary or you’re searching for something that loops you through Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, the routes below are sure to help you plan out your perfect trip to Northern Italy!

Table of Contents

Getting To & Around Northern Italy

Whether you’re looking to map out a route by train or would like to opt for a North Italy road trip, it is important to discuss A) how to get to your desired destination and B) how you plan to get around whilst there.

We will start with the first point. Both of the routes outlined below begin in Milan and that is for good reason – Milan Malpensa Airport is the second highest traffic airport in Italy and it’s also the second-largest city in the country. This means that it is the most logical starting-off point if you’re visiting Northern Italy.

There are a few other airports near Milan that can also be a point of entry into the region – especially if you’re flying a budget airline from elsewhere in Italy or from Europe in general.

I’m speaking of the Bergamo airport, which is often billed as the “Milan Bergamo Airport” but do keep in mind that this airport is in the city of Bergamo and is located about one hour from Milan’s train station itself – though it is easy to reach Milan.

There are other airports in most of the cities that are mentioned in both routes, including Venice, Bologna and Genoa, however, they are smaller and not as many flights go to them from as many destinations.

When it comes to getting around on your trip to Northern Italy, you also have a few options open to you. By far the easiest way to go on either of the routes listed below would be by car. This will help you save time and also allow you to make stops along the way and reach further-flung places.

Driving in Northern Italy is easy and holds none of the stressors that you may experience in the south of the country.

You don’t need a car to get around the major cities like Milan, Venice, Bologna, Bergamo, Verona and Genoa, meaning that it makes the most sense to find a place to park your car and use public transit (or your own two feet) while in these destinations. However, having your own vehicle can make day trips exceptionally easy and convenient.

Having your own car is also ideal for exploring Lakes Como and Garda as, again, it gives you a lot more flexibility. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices on rental cars.

However, if you don’t want to rent a car or don’t drive for whatever reason, both of the routes outlined below are also doable via train with a few considerations in mind.

You likely won’t be able to see as much as you could if you had your own vehicle just because coordinating timetables can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean you will have any less of a fulfilling trip to Northern Italy. You can browse schedules and book train tickets here.

Lombardy & Veneto in 10 Days

This itinerary for Northern Italy is perfect for those who want to see the well-known highlights of the region including Milan, Venice and Lake Como. There are also a couple of lesser-visited gems on this route to ensure you have a varied and interesting time exploring the Lombardy and Veneto regions – two of the best places in Northern Italy to visit.

Day 1 – Milan

Plan to spend the first day of your Northern Italy trip exploring the highlights of Milan . Italy’s second-largest city has a lot to offer visitors and you need to spend at least 2 full days getting to know the city.

Your first day should be dedicated to seeing all of the main sites of the city. Begin your day at the iconic Milan Duomo – the city’s main cathedral. A visit here can take several hours and is truly spectacular. You can pre-book tickets here .

You can fill the rest of your day wandering by the Royal Palace, the Museo de Novecento, the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II and, of course, the famous Teatro La Scala. Plan to spend at least two nights in Milan before moving on to your next destination.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel  – If you’re visiting the Lombardy capital on a mid-range budget, then this classical hotel is a great option. Located in the centre of Milan within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, they have a range of great rooms to choose from and breakfast included for guests each morning.

Castello Guest House Milano   – This luxury guesthouse is an excellent choice for those after a bit of a splurge while visiting Milan. Well-located for exploring the highlights of the city within a stone’s throw, they have countless lovely rooms on offer and plenty of other amenities to enjoy, as well. 

QUO Milano  – Budget and solo travellers will love this centrally-located hostel. Well situated for exploring the best Milan has to offer, it is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and they offer both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Milan hotels!

Day 2 – Milan

Your second day in Milan should be spent getting to know the city just a little bit better. Check out some of the city’s smaller churches, some cool areas and, of course, one of the most famous paintings in the world – da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

Start your day at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio before making your way over to the Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie where you can view the Last Supper. Afterwards, you can go over and explore Castello Sforzesco and tranquil Sempione Park.

End your day by exploring the hip and happening Navigli district, which is a great place to partake in Italy’s favourite pre-dinner pastime – aperitivo!

Day 3 – Lake Como

Day 3 of this North Italy itinerary takes you out of Milan and to beautiful Lake Como . Keep in mind that it is best and easiest to explore Lake Como if you have your own car, however, it is still possible to see a lot of the villages by relying on the extensive ferry system around the lake.

Many treat Lake Como as a day trip from Milan , however, it is best to spend at least a couple of days here to really get a good feel for this beautiful area.

Plan to spend your first day in Lake Como exploring the iconic villages around the lake – Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna. These three villages are well-connected by ferry and you can very easily enjoy this day without your own car.

Each village is small and has its own charm so make sure to take your time to get lost in the beautiful little streets and take in tons of incomparable lakeside views.

Where to Stay in Lake Como

B&B Villa Rosalinda – This bed and breakfast in the quiet town of Dongo in the north of Lake Como is a great option for those looking for a tranquil escape on the lake. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from and offer breakfast to guests each morning.

Villa Lario Resort Mandello – Luxury travellers will swoon over this beautiful hotel located in the town of Mandello del Lario – about fifteen minutes south of quaint Varenna. They have countless luxe rooms to choose from and an extensive list of amenities to ensure that your stay is absolutely perfect.

Miralago B&B and Apartments – This bed and breakfast located just outside of Bellagio offers both en-suite rooms and some apartment options for those looking for a comfortable self-catering notion. They are in a great area for exploring Lake Como and breakfast is available upon request.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lake Como hotels!

Day 4 – Lake Como

Dedicate day 4 to exploring some of Lake Como’s larger cities and also taking in one of the lake’s famous villas and their beautiful gardens.

Spend your morning touring a villa – there are countless to choose from on Lake Como. It’s best to get to whichever villa you choose as early as possible as they can get very busy and popular, especially if you’re travelling in the high season.

Your afternoon can be spent exploring the cities of Como and Lecco, both located on either end of the south of the lake.

Keep in mind that if you’re keen to visit both of these cities in a day, it’s best if you have your own car. If you’re relying on the ferry system on Lake Como, then plan to simply spend your afternoon in Como and maybe go on a cruise or boat tour on the lake to enjoy it from a different perspective.

Day 5 – Bergamo

On day 5, it’s time to leave Lake Como and drive about an hour to the lovely city of Bergamo. Though its airport acts as a hub for a number of budget airlines across Europe, not enough visitors take the time to explore this delightful city and this is really a shame – it has a lot to offer.

Its compact nature means that you only really need to spend one day in Bergamo to do it justice. Split over two parts – the Citta Alta and Citta Bassa – the majority of the historic sites lie in the Citta Alta, so that is where you will likely dedicate the majority of your time.

You can take the funicular up to the Citta Alta before taking in Piazza Vecchia – Bergamo’s main square. Take another funicular up to the Castello di San Viglia where you can get fantastic views of the city from above. We recommend walking down and making a stop in the botanical gardens on your way.

Later, explore the Duomo di Bergamo and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. And if you want even more fantastic views of the city, head up the Campanone tower. Then make your way down, on foot, to the Citta Bassa. You will walk along the Venetian Walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

End your day in Citta Bassa for aperitivo and dinner with the locals.

Where to Stay in Bergamo

B&B Entro Le Mura – Located in Citta Alta close to all the top sites in Bergamo, this bed and breakfast is an excellent option for mid-range travellers. They offer a number of cosy rooms to choose from and, of course, breakfast is included for guests to enjoy each morning.

Petronilla – This luxury hotel located in Citta Bassa is great for those looking for a plush stay in Bergamo. Well located for exploring all this wonderful little city has to offer, they have a number of rooms on offer, there is an on-site restaurant/bar and they even allow pets.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bergamo hotels!

Day 6 – Lake Garda

From Bergamo, it’s time to head to the incredible Lake Garda for the sixth day of your itinerary. Though you could easily spend 2 or 3 days in Lake Garda, you can get a good feel for the lake and some of its towns in just one day, as well.

Where you decide to go in Lake Garda really depends on if you have a car or not, as the lake can be difficult to navigate without your own vehicle. Keeping that in mind, if you’re doing your Northern Italy itinerary by train, plan to explore the area in and around Sirmione, which has easy train connections.

If you have a car, you have the option to go wherever you choose on the lake, however, keep in mind that this is the largest lake in Italy and it may take some time to drive between places.

You can opt to spend the morning in Sirmione before heading up the western side of Garda and exploring the towns of Salo, Maderno and Gargnano.

Alternatively, you could spend your time at the north of Lake Garda and explore the towns of Limone and Riva del Garda before heading down the eastern coast to lovely Malcesine.

Plan to spend the next two nights on Lake Garda – there are lots of lovely towns to stay in on the lake .

Where to Stay in Lake Garda

Ambienthotel PrimaLuna – This hotel is an excellent mid-range hotel in Lake Garda. Located in the lovely town of Malcesine, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from and there is even a great swimming pool to enjoy and a fantastic breakfast available for guests each morning.

Grand Hotel Fasano – Located in Gardone Riviera between the towns of Salo and Maderno on Lake Garda’s western side, this hotel is perfect for those after a bit of luxury when visiting Italy’s largest lake. They have a number of plush rooms to choose from, two swimming pools to enjoy and an on-site bar, spa and wellness centre.

Blue Sky Garda – This two-bedroom apartment can be a great option on Lake Garda if you’re after the convenience and privacy of your own flat. Situated in the town of Malcesine on the eastern side of the lake, its location is perfect for exploring the area.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lake Garda hotels!

Day 7 – Verona

From Lake Garda, it’s time to head to nearby Verona. An oft-overlooked city in the Veneto region, Verona is perhaps most well known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet , however, this city has a lot more to offer than just that.

Much like Lake Garda, you could easily spend 2 or 3 days in Verona , however, you can also see the highlights of this compact city in just a simple day trip , which is what we recommend here.

During your day in Verona, make sure not to miss the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s house) and, of course, the Verona Arena.

The arena is an impressive Roman colosseum that attracts only a fraction of the crowds found at the most famous one in Rome. There are plenty of other Roman ruins to enjoy in Verona, not just this incredible arena.

Plan to spend your night on Lake Garda before heading to Venice the next day.

Day 8 – Venice

Generally, no visit to Northern Italy is considered complete without visiting the iconic city of Venice.

This is a city that needs no introduction but keep in mind that the city has been struggling under the stresses of overtourism and it is important to spend a good amount of time here in order to travel a bit more sustainably and have the most benefit to the local economy. That is why we recommend spending up to 3 days in Venice.

Spend your first day in this city of canals taking in the top and most iconic sites. These include, of course, the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. Make sure to take your time to simply enjoy the ambience of this incredible city and even get out onto the canals on a gondola!

Spend your evening in a cosy taverna eating local fare and simply enjoying the final destination on your fantastic itinerary through Northern Italy.

Where to Stay in Venice

Ca’ Angeli – This hotel in the San Polo neighbourhood only has 6 rooms on offer, but it is a great choice for those looking for a wonderful, central place to stay when exploring Venice. They have a number of great amenities for guests to enjoy along with a wonderful breakfast on offer each morning.

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel – Located within spitting distance of the iconic Rialto Bridge, this is the perfect place for a luxury escape to Venice. Couples are sure to love the chic rooms on offer and there is also an on-site bar and wonderful breakfast included each morning.

Combo Venezia – Those looking to save as much money in notoriously expensive Venice as possible will love this small, locally-run hostel. Perfect for solo travellers, as well, it is located in the cool Cannaregio neighbourhood and they have a range of dorms and privates available along with great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Venice hotels!

Day 9 – Venice

Your second day in Venice should be spent digging a little bit deeper and enjoying some of the lesser visited neighbourhoods of the city – the places where the Venice locals live away from the tourist crowds.

Start your morning by wandering around the historic San Polo neighbourhood before making your way over to the lovely Dorsoduro neighbourhood. Cross over the Accademia Bridge back to the historic, central San Marco neighbourhood to round out your afternoon.

In the evening, head to the lively Cannaregio neighbourhood in order to get a real local feel and to dine at a wonderful Venetian restaurant!

Day 10 – Venice

On the final day of your trip, you’re still in Venice and it’s time to explore some of the islands off the coast of this incredible city. The most famous of these islands include Murano and Burano, known for their incredibly colourful houses and charming atmosphere.

If the season is right, you could also use this day as a beach day, lounging on one of the many sandy stretches close to the city. You can book a tour here.

Alternatively, you could opt to go on a day trip to the nearby Prosecco region and sip some of the area’s eponymous Sparking wine. Another popular day trip option is to the town of Treviso, which is located just outside of Venice and worth the journey.

Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna & Liguria in 10 Days

Also beginning in Milan, this 10-day itinerary is great for those looking for something different from the routes that include the lakes and Venice (such as the one outlined above).

Winding you through gastronomic Emilia-Romagna before ending in gorgeous Liguria, you’re sure to fall in love with this area of Northern Italy.

Begin day one of this route through Northern Italy in the vibrant city of Milan. As mentioned in the route outlined above, spend this first day exploring the highlights of the city centre, including the Milan Duomo and the Teatro La Scala.

End your day like the Milanese do with an aperitivo before heading out to dinner. Plan to spend three nights in Milan for this itinerary, though we will only spend 2 full days exploring the city proper.

Your second day in Milan should be spent seeing all of the sites in the city that you didn’t get to on your first day in the city. This includes various churches, viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and relaxing in a tranquil park.

Spend your evening exploring the hip and happening Navigli district where you can get an authentic taste of Milanese life away from throngs of tourist crowds.

Day 3 – Lake Como or Bergamo

The third day in Milan should be spent on a day trip – where to is up to you! Milan makes for an excellent base to explore a couple of nearby areas, so you have a couple of options open to you.

If you’d like to head to the Italian lakes, then a day trip to Lake Como is definitely in the cards. You can hop on a train to Varenna and spend the day riding the ferries between beautiful Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna itself. Alternatively, you can organise a guided tour here.

Alternatively, if you want to explore a city that isn’t on the radar of a lot of international visitors to the Lombardy region, consider going on a day trip to historic Bergamo.

Bergamo has a lot to offer visitors and it is an absolutely beautiful city to visit and spend some time in. One day is definitely enough to see all of the highlights of this lovely place.

Day 4 – Modena

Day 4 sees you heading to the incredible Emilia-Romagna region. Your final destination for today will be the region’s capital of Bologna, however, make sure to make a pit stop in the charming city of Modena first.

Modena is known, primarily, for being the homeland of Balsamic vinegar and heading to an acetaia (the place where traditional vinegar is made) is an excellent thing to do in the city. However, there is a lot more on offer here than just that – especially if you’re into food!

Spend your day wandering through the incredible Mercato Albinelli to see what fresh produce and local pastas are made fresh here. Then simply take the time to get lost in the city. Wander through the winding streets and grand piazzas, take in the lively Cathedral and simply enjoy this lovely city.

Modena is located only about a 30-minute drive or train ride from Bologna, so it’s not difficult to end your day in the latter city.

Where to Stay in Bologna

B&B Chez Moi Lame 57  – This cute boutique B&B is perfect for those after a romantic escape to Bologna. They offer a handful of chic, quaint, clean and comfortable rooms on offer and there is a breakfast voucher given to guests daily to dine in a nearby local cafe.

Hotel Metropolitan – If it’s luxury you’re after in Emilia-Romagna’s capital, then this plush hotel is the perfect option. They have an excellent location in the heart of Bologna, myriad chic rooms on offer and countless luxe amenities to ensure your stay is fantastic.

Dopa Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this hip hostel located in the centre of Bologna. They have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms on offer, breakfast is included each morning and it’s a great place to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bologna hotels!

Day 5 – Bologna

The fifth day of this route through Northern Italy sees you exploring Emilia-Romagna’s capital city of Bologna . Home to ragu bolognese and plenty of other gastronomic delights, Bologna has a lot to offer visitors beyond its food scene (but it’s totally fine to visit just for that, as well!).

Start your day in Bologna in the Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square. Take in the towers and the Basilica di San Petronio before wandering down Via Rizzoli, the city’s main drag filled with shops. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring the university area – Bologna is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

End your day in one of the city’s many restaurants dining on local fare and enjoying every minute.

Day 6 – Bologna

On day six of this itinerary, you have the option to either continue exploring Bologna or to go on a day trip to nearby Parma . If you choose the former, there are a number of things that you can choose to occupy your time.

One of the best things to do in Bologna is to go on a food tour – some of the most famous Italian dishes come from this city and it is a great chance to sample them with context.

If you choose to go on a day trip, you can’t go wrong with beautiful Parma. Parma is well-known for being the homeplace of such delicacies as prosciutto di Parma and, of course, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

You can sample these to your heart’s desire in Parma, along with exploring what is one of the most charming and historic cities in the region.

Day 7 – Cinque Terre

When you get to your seventh day of this trip through Northern Italy, it’s time to head to another region and area of the country – Liguria and, more specifically, Cinque Terre .

Literally translating to “five villages,” this area is made up of five lovely little towns situated on the dramatic Ligurian coast. These postcard-perfect towns are a can’t-miss destination on this itinerary!

Spend your first day in the main city near Cinque Terra, La Spezia. Though not one of the five villages itself, it is absolutely beautiful and it has a lot to offer visitors.

You can also use this day to explore two of the five villages. Take the time to wander around beautiful Riomaggiore and charming Manarola before calling it a day and resting up for another perfect day of exploration tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

L’Approdo Dell’Ammiraglio – Those after a good mid-range place to base themselves for exploring Cinque Terre will love this guesthouse in La Spezia. They have numerous lovely and bright rooms on offer and an unbeatable location.

Miramare Apartments&Suites – This aparthotel is great for those after the convenience of an entire apartment with all the benefits of a traditional hotel. Located in La Spezia within easy reach of Cinque Terre, they have a number of different fully-furnished apartments available that range in size.

La Serra Sul Mare – Located in the town of Monterosso, this is one of the best places to stay in Cinque Terre for those looking for a luxury option. They have an unbeatable location within five minutes of the beach, all rooms have their own balcony and there are countless other amenities offered.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cinque Terre hotels!

Day 8 – Cinque Terre

Your second day in Cinque Terre should be spent exploring more of the five lovely villages. Start your day in Monterosso al Mare – the largest of five towns that make up Cinque Terre. Known for its beautiful beaches, incredible scenery and charming old town.

From Monterosso, head to the village of Vernazza. This is a gorgeous fortified town with, like all other villages in the region, incredible sea views to enjoy. In fact, this is a great place to enjoy a sunset cruise on the sea, if it suits your fancy.

Day 9 – Genoa

The final destination for this particular 10-day Northern Italy itinerary should end in the Ligurian capital of Genoa. This seaside city is absolutely beautiful and full of interesting things to do – in fact, plan to spend 2 days in Genoa to round out your trip to the north of Italy.

Your first day in Genoa should begin by wandering down Via Garibaldi, the city’s main drag. After getting your bearings, head over to the Palazzi dei Rolli. Once you’ve explored this former palace, visit the San Lorenzo Cathedral.

Of course, no visit to Genoa would be complete without gorging yourself on delicious pesto pasta — the famous basil, pine nut and parmesan sauce hails from this city.

Where to Stay in Genoa

B&B Dormire Dai Grimaldi – Mid-range travellers will love this quaint and cosy bed and breakfast in the centre of Genoa. They offer a number of different en-suite rooms, a lovely communal lounge area and there is a hearty breakfast included each morning.

Hotel Astoria – If you’re after luxury in the Ligurian capital, then this plush hotel is a great option. For those looking for a high-end option, then this luxe hotel is a great choice. They have an excellent central location for exploring Genoa and have a range of lovely rooms to choose from, along with numerous other amenities.

OStellin Genova Hostel – For those looking for a budget option or a great social atmosphere while travelling, then this hostel is a great option. They offer both private rooms and dorm beds and have an excellent location for exploring all Genoa has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Genoa hotels!

Day 10 – Genoa

Dedicate the final day of this itinerary to getting to know Genoa just a little bit better. Spend your morning in Genoa along the seaside and visit the renowned Genoa Aquarium which is the largest aquarium in Italy and the largest of its kind in all of Europe.

There is a lot to see here so plan to spend a good amount of time learning about all of the sea creatures here.

In the afternoon, take the time to get lost in the lovely Porto Antico (old port) neighbourhood along the harbour. Dine on delicious, fresh seafood and really make sure to savour you last day of your Northern Italian adventure.

Have 14 Days in Northern Italy?

If you, for example, have 14 days in Northern Italy or more to spend, your options are virtually unlimited. There are so many incredible areas to explore that you won’t struggle to figure out where to go.

If you’re following the first route on this itinerary, you could easily add a visit to the Dolomites after exploring Venice. Spending time in getting to know the regions of Trentino and South Tyrol and taking in the incredible views of the Italian Alps is always worth it with stunning mountain peaks and lakes like Lagi di Braies.

Alternatively, a good place to visit when moving on from Genoa is the city of Turin . As one of Italy’s largest cities, it can be overlooked. However, there is a lot to do in Turin (and in the Piedmont region , in general) that it is definitely.

You could also choose to fuse the two itineraries together for a longer trip through Northern Italy. From Venice in the first route, head to Bologna, Cinque Terre, Genoa and beyond!

Northern Italy is one of the most fascinating regions of the country to explore. With so much to offer, mapping out the ideal 10-day itinerary can be a bit overwhelming, but once you weigh out your priorities, you’re sure to have an exceptional trip.

Are you planning to visit Northern Italy? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

12 Best Things To Do In Perugia, Italy

Venice to Verona Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Verona

8 Best Towns to Stay in Lake Como, Italy

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi Maggie. It was great reading about northern Italy. We’re planning a southern Italy trip soon. Naples and amalfi coast and around. Could you please send me an itinerary for 15-18 days. Thanks. Paul

Hi Paul, you may find some inspiration in one of our generic Italy itineraries ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/10-day-italy-itinerary/ ), our Amalfi Coast itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/amalfi-coast-itinerary/ ), our Puglia itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/puglia-itinerary/ ) and our Sicily itinerary ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/sicily-itinerary/ ). Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

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