Karli Trujillo
Italy is a country on many travellers' wish lists, and for good reason. The country boasts fabulous cuisine, gorgeous cities, towering mountains, beautiful beaches, and ancient historical sites. If you're planning a trip to Italy, the number of days you should spend there depends on what you want to see and do.
For first-time visitors, Rome, Florence, and Venice usually make the must-see list. With 10 days in Italy, you can visit these three cities and add in a quick visit to a nearby destination like Tuscany, Pisa, or the Cinque Terre. If you only have one week, you can still see the highlights of these three cities, but it will be a more rushed trip.
If you have two weeks, you can explore more of what Italy offers beyond the usual tourist destinations. You can travel along the stunning Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, or spend a few days exploring the Italian Lakes.
To experience Italy at its best, plan for three or four weeks. This will allow you to discover multiple regions, including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and truly immerse yourself in the culture.
What You'll Learn
How many days to spend in each Italian city
Italy is a country with diverse landscapes, cuisine, and dialects, with 20 distinct regions to explore. The number of days you should spend in each Italian city depends on your interests, priorities, and whether it is your first trip to Italy.
If you are short on time, you can see Italy's highlights in a matter of days, but spending two weeks or more will allow you to explore multiple regions. Here is a suggested breakdown of how many days to spend in each city, depending on the length of your trip:
One Week in Italy
In one week, you can explore Italy's wonderful cultural cities. The capital, Rome, is a must-see and deserves at least three days to explore its rich history, sights, and cuisine. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Venice, with its romantic canals, are also must-sees and deserve two days each. If you only have one week, it is best to focus on one city or a few cities in one region to truly experience what each has to offer.
Ten Days in Italy
With ten days in Italy, you can visit Rome, Florence, and Venice, and add a quick visit to a nearby destination like Tuscany, Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast. You will have to move quickly and focus on the main attractions, but you will still have a memorable trip.
Two Weeks in Italy
With two weeks in Italy, you can follow a similar itinerary as the ten-day trip but with more time to relax and explore. You can add a day or two in Rome and Florence, and spend a few days lounging on the Amalfi Coast and hiking in the Italian Lake District. You can also visit Milan, the fashion capital of the world, and Naples, the birthplace of pizza.
Three Weeks in Italy and Beyond
With three weeks or more in Italy, you can explore the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, return to your favourite places, and venture off the beaten path. You can spend a week or more in each province, soaking up the local culture and discovering hidden gems.
Remember, it is important to narrow down your focus and divide your time accordingly. Enjoying your destination and taking time to savour the experience is more important than rushing from place to place.
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How to plan a trip to Italy
Italy is a country with a lot to offer, from fabulous cuisine to gorgeous cities, towering mountains, beautiful beaches, and ancient historical sites. The best way to plan a trip to Italy is to decide on your priorities and the type of trip you want to have. Do you want to see the major cities, explore a specific region, or follow a theme? Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to Italy:
Decide on your priorities:
First, ask yourself why you are going to Italy. Are you a foodie who wants to taste your way across the country and take cooking classes? Are you interested in art and history? Do you want to experience the romanticized Italian culture? Or do you just want to see the most famous sights? Identifying your main priority will help you plan an itinerary that satisfies your interests.
Consider your travel style:
If this is your first trip to Italy, you may want to prioritize seeing the famous sights, such as Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como. For a first-time visit, it is recommended to spend at least 2 days in each major city and 3 days in each area. If you have more time or prefer a slower pace, you can add an extra day to each city and area.
If you have already visited the major cities, you may want to focus on exploring one region in-depth, such as Tuscany, Sicily, Abruzzo, or Puglia. In this case, it is recommended to spend at least 5 days in each region to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems.
Choose your transportation:
You can opt for public transportation, which is convenient for visiting major cities but can be time-consuming and confusing for regional travel. Alternatively, you can hire a car, which offers more flexibility but may be challenging if you are not comfortable driving in a foreign country. Another option is to book multi-day tours, which can be a great way to maximize your time and learn from local guides.
Sample Itineraries:
- For a 10-day classic Italy trip, you can visit Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Cinque Terre. This allows you to see three of Italy's most popular cities along with a spectacular coastal destination.
- If you have two weeks, you can explore the major cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice, and also visit the Sorrentine Peninsula, including the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri.
- With three weeks or more, you can add destinations such as the Italian Lakes (Lake Como), the Dolomites, Padua, Volterra, Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, and Sicily.
Remember, it is impossible to see everything in one trip, so take your time, slow down, and savor your experiences. Enjoy your trip to Italy!
How to decide where to go in Italy
Italy is a country with a lot to offer, from its fabulous cuisine, gorgeous cities, towering mountains, and beautiful beaches to its ancient historical sites. It is no surprise that it is on many travellers' wish lists.
When deciding where to go in Italy, it is important to consider your interests and how much time you have. If you are a first-time visitor, you might want to see all the famous sights, such as Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre. In that case, you should consider spending at least two days in each major city and three days in each area. If you have more time or prefer a slower pace, you can add an extra day to each place.
If you are a foodie, you might want to explore Italy's culinary delights and take cooking classes. In that case, you could consider visiting Naples for traditional Neapolitan pizza and coffee culture, Rome for its unique blend of pork and kosher traditions in the Jewish quarter, or Emilia Romagna, known for its delicious pasta, wine, and charcuterie.
For those interested in art and history, Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is a must-see, with its impressive art galleries and Renaissance works. Rome, the capital, is also a highlight, with its Roman ruins, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Palatine.
If you are looking for romantic destinations, Venice, with its canals and St. Mark's Basilica, is a great option. The Italian Lakes, such as Lake Como, are also worth considering, offering enchanting scenery and grand historical villas.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Dolomites are a perfect choice, with their stunning mountains and beautiful lakes. The Amalfi Coast is another option, with its secluded beaches and picturesque villages.
Remember, it is impossible to see everything in one trip, so it is important to narrow down your focus and divide your time accordingly. You can always return to explore more of this fascinating country!
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How to get around Italy
Italy has a well-developed transport system, with an extensive rail network, a widespread paved road network, and a large number of airports and seaports.
By Train
The Italian rail network is extensive, especially in the north, and it includes a high-speed rail network that connects major cities like Naples, Milan, and Turin. The national train operator, Trenitalia, runs most of the trains, while Italo, a private company, operates a few high-velocity services. The trains are divided into three main categories:
- Regionale: The slowest and cheapest trains, these generally stop at all or most stations.
- InterCity (IC): Faster services operating between major cities.
- Alta Velocità (AV): Modern, high-velocity trains with speeds of up to 300 km/h and good connections between major cities. This category includes the Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca trains operated by Trenitalia, and Italo trains.
Tickets can be reserved on the Trenitalia and Italo websites, at railway station counters and ticketing machines, and through travel agents. Tickets for regional and Intercity trains bought directly at the station should be validated before entering the train. Tickets bought online, however, do not need to be validated.
By Car
Driving your own car or renting one can be a good option if you want to visit small towns away from the train line or plan to explore the countryside. Car-hire companies like Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Italy by Car operate throughout the country. When renting a car, consider hiring a small compact car to reduce fuel expenses and make navigating narrow city lanes and tight parking spaces easier.
By Bus
An extensive network of bus services connects areas not served by the railway. The public suburban bus network is typically managed on a regional level, so there is no centralized website for purchasing tickets. Intercity bus tickets can be bought in advance at newsagents and tobacconists, while local bus tickets are usually sold at newsagents, tobacconists, and on the bus for a slightly higher price.
By Plane
Domestic flights are best reserved for longer trips, as Italy's train and bus networks are both cheap and reliable. Most major cities have airports, and several low-cost airlines operate domestic flights.
By Boat
Boats are a great way to explore Italy's coastline and islands. Larger navi (ferries) sail to Sicily and Sardinia, while smaller traghetti (ferries) and aliscafi (hydrofoils) serve the smaller islands. Most ferries carry vehicles, but hydrofoils do not. Local transport in Venice, including the vaporetto (small passenger ferries), also falls into this category.
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Where to stay in Italy
Italy is a large country with a diverse range of offerings, so it can be tricky to choose where to stay. Here is a list of places to stay in Italy, depending on your interests:
- Rome – Overall Best Place to Stay in Italy: Rome is a major gateway for international arrivals and has something for everyone, from history to food to nightlife. It is fairly central, so it's a good base for travelling elsewhere in the country.
- Sardinia – Best Place to Stay in Italy For Families: West of mainland Italy, Sardinia has a unique culture and a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. It offers watersports for older kids and adventure activities for all the family.
- Positano – Most Romantic Place to Stay in Italy for Couples: This town on the Amalfi Coast is known for its romantic atmosphere and limoncello. It's also a great base for day trips to Sorrento and Naples.
- Venice – Coolest Place to Stay in Italy: With its canals and stunning architecture, Venice is a destination everyone should visit. It's best to go sooner rather than later, as it's sinking and over-tourism is an issue.
- Bologna – Where to Stay in Italy on a Budget: Bologna is a great base for exploring the North of Italy on a budget. It has a large student population, so there are cheap restaurants and bars. It's also a hub for budget airlines.
- Florence – One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Italy: Florence is the art capital of the world, with pieces by Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters. It's also the gateway to the beautiful region of Tuscany.
- The Dolomites – Where to Stay in Italy for Adventure: This region in the Italian Alps is filled with excellent ski resorts and hiking trails. It's best to visit in summer or winter, as many cable cars close for maintenance in spring and autumn.
- Emilia-Romagna – Where To Stay In Italy for Food Lovers: Bologna is the largest city in this region, which is known as the birthplace of dishes like bolognese and parmigiano reggiano. Reggio Emilia is famous for its parmesan cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on your interests and how much time you have. If you're happy to stay in one area and soak up the culture, you could spend your whole trip in Rome. If you want to see the famous sights, you'll need at least two days in each major city (Rome, Florence, Venice, etc.) and three days in each area (Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Tuscany). If you have more time, you can add a day to each city and area.
For a first-time trip to Italy, I would recommend spending two nights in Venice, three nights in Florence and three nights in Rome.
If you want to see the famous sights, you'll need at least four days in Rome and Florence. If you only have 10 days, you could cut one city or one day from Rome and one day from Florence.
If you only have a week, you could spend four full days in Florence, with day trips to Lucca and Pisa, and then three days in Rome.
If you only have five days, choose one city and stay there. Even in a small city like Venice, you'll have more than enough to keep you occupied if you take your time and immerse yourself.
