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Italy Itinerary: How to Plan 7-10 Days in Italy

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Are you planning a trip to Italy? We’re here to help! Here is how to plan a full Italy itinerary.

I’ve been living in France for the past few years, just an hour away from the Italian border, so trips to Italy are pretty common for my husband and me.

It’s one of our favorite European countries to visit! There are so many historical sites, gorgeous landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisines that change whenever you enter a new region.

There’s so much to see and do in this country that sometimes planning a trip itinerary can be daunting. That’s where our Italy itinerary comes in.

I’ve broken down the steps to planning the perfect trip to Italy and highlighted the top destinations and cities to visit. You can customize your trip by picking and choosing destinations within the country that seem the most interesting to you and your preferences.

With destinations to complete full Northern Italy itineraries and lesser-known hidden gems in stunning Southern Italy, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about each destination, along with some fun things to do and see while there. Let’s get into how to plan a trip to Italy so you’ll be living La Dolce Vita in no time!

Guide To Planning a Trip to Italy

Category Information
Best time to visit Late spring, early summer, early fall
Visa requirements Schengen visa (valid for up to 90 days), ETIAS registration beginning in 2024
Currency Euro
Language Italian
Transportation Trains, buses, rental cars
Must-see Rome, Milan, Cinque Terre, Florence, Amalfi Coast
Food and drink Pasta, pizza, focaccia, wine, gelato
Cultural tips Dress modestly to visit churches and other religious sites, prepare for late dinners/ minimal all-day dining restaurants, learn basic Italian greetings
Safety tips Be aware of pickpockets, try not to walk alone at night, agree on a price before going into a taxi or private tours

Best Time to Visit Italy

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

The best time to visit Italy is surrounding the summer months – avoiding July and August. July and August bring sweltering heat and hoards of crowds trying to visit the same famous attractions as you.

My favorite months to visit major Italian cities are April and May. Rome and Vatican City are an absolute must around Easter.

If you plan to visit the coast and beaches, plan for early June or September. Places like Cinque Terre, Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast are absolutely magical during these months, and it’s warm enough to swim on both of Italy’s coasts.

Budgeting for a Trip to Italy

During your Italy trip planning, budgeting goes hand-in-hand with the time of year you plan to visit Italy. The high season (June to August) will have accommodation prices skyrocket due to high demand.

Shoulder season (May and September), however, will be more friendly to your wallet while still getting to enjoy many of the perks of high season.

One way to save money is by enjoying meals on the go. Italians aren’t into large breakfasts – an espresso and fresh pastry is what you’ll find at most places.

This combo will be much more affordable at a local bakery rather than a hotel restaurant. You can also save money by booking your train and plane tickets in advance. Waiting last minute can also reward you with low prices, but the risk is high.

Italy is in the eurozone, so all transactions will be made in euros. Here’s a basic breakdown of what you can expect to spend daily on various costs:

  • Accommodation: €60-€200
  • Meals: €25-€55
  • Attractions: €0-€20
  • Transportation: €3-€20

Travel Advice

Inside Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence, Italy
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

As a foreigner living in Europe, I’ve collected many tips and tricks to travel smarter and safer. Here are just a few tips to make your trip to Italy go smoothly:

  • Public Transportation: Public transportation is absolutely amazing in Italy. Google Maps will be your best friend when planning your route to numerous places, as it very accurately incorporates the public transport schedule into your itinerary. When you get to a metro stop, be sure you’re entering the platform on the right side. Always double-check ahead of your trip to avoid any transportation strikes and have backup plans if strikes arise.
  • Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are very common in larger cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice. They almost exclusively target tourists. Make sure to keep your passport and cash in secure places that can’t be easily accessed by people passing on the street.
  • Language: While Italians will appreciate you learning their language before you arrive, it’s not a requirement, especially in major tourist destinations. Simple greetings in Italian will go a long way. In less visited parts of the country like southern Italy, you may encounter situations where people will not understand English.
  • Cash Payments: Always have some euros on you. While most places in Italy accept credit cards (though some won’t accept American Express), they often have minimums, so if you only want to make a small purchase, you’ll need cash. This is very common in smaller towns, too. Because my bank in the U.S. offers me phenomenal exchange rates, I use my debit card to take out cash instead of using an exchange service. Don’t forget to compare the rate your bank will offer you to that of foreign cash exchange companies. Additionally, only use ATMs in Italy that are linked to a specific bank. Non-bank-specific ATMs often come with their own hefty fees.
  • Phone Data: Unless you’re traveling on a group tour, having a phone that works throughout the country you’re visiting is not only convenient but crucial. A phone will allow you to access directions, updates on travel news and warnings, translate phrases, and communicate, especially in an emergency. Check if your service provider offers affordable international data or buy a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination airport.

See Related: Pros and Cons of Living in Italy

What to Pack for an Italy Trip

Moving luggage through Venice, Italy
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Packing for a trip to Italy is one of the most fun parts of your trip! Call me a typical millennial, but I always like to check out Pinterest and some of my favorite fashion blogs for inspiration based on destination. Italy does experience all four seasons, especially Northern and Central Italy, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.

Clothing

As for the essentials, these are some of the basic clothing items I pack on almost every trip I take:

See Related: The Ultimate Beach Packing List: What to Bring to the Beach

Essential Items

Once you’ve planned your outfits, don’t forget about the other essentials! There are a few different considerations that don’t involve clothing. Here are a few examples:

  • Travel Documents: You must bring a valid (unexpired) passport when traveling abroad. Other things I would recommend to have on you are an international drivers permit, a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your itinerary, and a list of emergency contacts.
  • Electronics: Some things I always like to have with me on my travels include my DSLR camera, a few different lens options, Amazon Kindle (perfect for planes and train rides), noise-canceling headphones, and a portable charger. Don’t forget to pack all of the charging cords that accompany these devices and a US-to-EU plug adapter.
  • Medications: Always make sure to pack all necessary medications as well as a copy of your prescription. Other medications I like to include are Tums, Ibuprofen, and Immodium. I also keep a small pack of bandages in my bag in case of blisters or other small wounds. Never pack your prescriptions in your checked baggage – always keep them in your carry-on in case of lost or stolen luggage.
  • Toiletries: Whenever I travel, I try to keep my toiletries to a minimum, especially if I’m only traveling with a carry-on. Two things I always pack are my favorite conditioner and moisturizer in travel-sized containers. Everything else I can get from hotels or pick up at a local pharmacy or grocery store.

See Related: Things to Do in Italy & Best Places to Visit

Top Italian Cities and Destinations to Visit

Rome

Colosseum in Rome
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

If you’re planning your first trip to Italy, I highly recommend starting it in Rome. The Eternal City is home to many of Italy’s major attractions, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and the city-state of Vatican City. Rome is a large city with a lot to see and do and is also very well-connected, so you can enjoy many day trips with Rome as your home base.

Most of the top attractions will be found in the city center. The city is easily navigated using the public transport system, which includes metros and buses.

I highly recommend getting a 24-hour pass (or even a 72-hour pass) to easily get from place to place without spending time buying a ticket each time. In my experience, buying the pass over individual tickets does come out cheaper.

Here are some things not to miss when visiting Rome:

  • The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
  • The Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain
  • Indulging in gelato in front of the chocolate fountain at Venchi
  • Sampling delicious Italian food in the Trastevere neighborhood
  • Take a day trip to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast
  • For a once in a lifetime stay, check into Hotel Eden

Milan

Duomo di Milano, one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy
Boris Stroujko / Adobe Stock

Milan has high fashion and shopping, remarkable architecture, and delicious food. Every corner of this glamorous city is filled with exciting sights and sounds.

This is another city where you can find awesome flight deals from the U.S. when planning a trip to Italy. Major sights include the Duomo di Milano, La Scala Theater, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

There are countless fantastic day trips to take from Milan. Some of my favorites are two major Italian lakes: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. You can also easily get to the Italian Riviera by car or train and explore cities like Genoa, San Remo, and Portofino.

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Milan. Here are the absolute must-dos:

See Related: Milan Travel Guide: Visit This City on a Budget

Amalfi Coast

Aerial View of Maiori Coastline
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

An iconic Italian summer is best enjoyed on the sunny and warm Amalfi Coast. Beautiful old towns like Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Maiori, Minori and Sorrento dot this stretch of coast along the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. To get here, you’ll need to fly to Naples and drive, take a private (car) transfer, or take the train to Sorrento and then a ferry boat or private boat transfer to one of the other towns.

All of the beauty on the Amalfi Coast does come at a bit of a price. First of all – walking here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Wear really good shoes and prepare to descend and ascend hundreds of stairs each day.

It’s also quite crowded in the summer, so be prepared for expensive hotels and copious crowds. It’s completely possible to visit Amalfi on a day trip from Naples; just prepare for a long drive through winding roads.

That’s all to say – visiting the Amalfi Coast is worth it. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Here are some of the best things to do and see while you’re there:

Cinque Terre National Park

Cinque Terre Scenery
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Cinque Terre National Park is the perfect Italian destination in spring and summer. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful fishing villages and stunning coastal hiking paths. I recommend spending three days in Cinque Terre, but it can also easily be done as a day trip from Florence or Milan.

Cinque Terre (“five lands”) comprises five charming fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso al Mare. Each tiny village has its unique quirks and can each be explored in under an hour, though you can definitely spend more time at amazing restaurants or near the water.

You can take a train or hike the coastal paths to get between each town. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes and take less than five minutes to get between each town.

The hiking paths in Cinque Terre range from easy to moderate and require the purchase of a Cinque Terre Trekking Card. You can go alone or join one of the interesting hiking tours available throughout the late spring and summer.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Cinque Terre:

Tuscany

View of the city of Florence, Italy from Piazzale Michelangelo
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Located in central Italy, the gorgeous region of Tuscany is a gorgeous destination to consider while planning your Italy trip. Major cities in Tuscany include Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa.

This region is known for its gorgeous rolling hills, tree-lined roads, and amazing wine. Tuscany is easily navigated by car or train, with train stations in all the main towns. If you want an easy base, stay somewhere like Florence or Pisa.

Tuscany is all about gorgeous landscapes and good food made with simple ingredients. In all of Italy, restaurants in Florence are some of the best.

Be sure to try local dishes and check out the local food markets. I highly recommend taking cooking classes and cultural tours while visiting Tuscany. Additionally, Florence is home to some of the best museums in Italy that deserve to take up a day of your itinerary.

Here are some of the best things to see and do as you bask under the Tuscan sun:

  • Enjoy one of these package tours of Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa from Florence
  • Visit the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence
  • Take a pizza and gelato-making class in a real Tuscan farmhouse
  • Admire the Florence Duomo
  • Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa (pro tip: there’s a direct bus to the tower from Pisa Centrale train station)
  • Soak in the natural hot springs in Saturnia
  • Watch the sunset from Piazza Michelangelo
  • Go on a food tour of Pisa
  • Grab a scoop at Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano – the most famous gelateria in the world!
  • For a once-in-a-lifetime stay, check into Borgo San Felice

If you’re visiting Tuscany, you’ll definitely want to watch our itinerary and trip to the region from the ViaTravelers YouTube channel.

See Related: Where to Stay in Florence

Capri

Port in Capri, Italy
Gerald Villena / Adobe Stock

The island of Capri is known as a Mediterranean playground for the rich and famous. It’s just a short ferry ride from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

If you have the money, you should stay at one of the island’s luxury resorts. Otherwise, a day trip is the perfect time to explore this beautiful island.

While the island is pretty great, the best way to enjoy Capri is by sea. Surrounding the island are many sea caves, fascinating rock formations, and hard-to-reach beach clubs.

I recommend hiring a private boat for a half-day to explore the island at your own pace. I went on one of those cheap group boat tours around the island that you can book when you arrive, and I must admit it was a bit disappointing and uncomfortable.

Capri has many luxury experiences, including shopping, restaurants, hotels, and boat tours. Here are the top things I recommend doing in Capri:

  • Take a private boat tour around the island
  • Visit the Blue Grotto
  • Spend a day at La Fontelina Beach Club
  • Go shopping in Capri town
  • Enjoy a frozen limoncello (in a giant lemon) at Bar Aprea
  • Take the chairlift between Anacapri and Monte Solaro
  • For gorgeous accommodation, check into Hotel La Palma

Naples

View from Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

As the third largest city in Italy, Naples has a long history and lots to see and do. It’s a great base to explore Italy, especially places like the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and the rest of Southern Italy.

Naples has a reputation for being unsafe, but it’s a great place to visit and perennially underrated. So don’t overlook Naples!

The old city has some of the most fascinating points of interest, including secret underground tunnels, catacombs, churches with incredible works of art, and so much more.

And, of course, you can’t stop in Naples without sampling some delicious Neapolitan pizza! Perfect for fueling up in between all the exciting sights and landmarks. The original can be found at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find bad pizza here.

Don’t leave these things off your next Naples itinerary:

Bologna

Statue with a red brick building in Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Bologna perfectly blends rich history and the modern world. It is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university and the factory of Lamborghini, one of the most beloved Italian luxury vehicles.

You can also find the Ferrari Museum and factory in the same region. It is still a popular university town and a diverse and bustling city.

Along with the amazing old buildings and fast cars, Bologna has given the world some of the most recognized Italian dishes of all time, including pasta bolognese, tortellini, and literal bologna (known as mortadella in Italian).

A day well spent in Bologna consists of sampling delicious food, walking around the old town, and admiring the beautiful architecture from another time.

Here are the best things to see and do in Bologna:

  • Go on a private food tour around the city, with six or ten tastings
  • Visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums
  • Learn how to make pasta bolognese from scratch
  • People watch at a cafe in Piazza Maggiore
  • Visit the Church of San Domenico, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city
  • Go on a guided walking tour of the city to admire some of its oldest buildings
  • For a once-in-a-lifetime stay, check into the Grand Hotel Majestic

Read Also: Should You Visit Bologna or Florence?

Venice

Gondolas lined up in Venice, Italy
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

When planning a trip to Italy, you’ve probably come across more than a few stunning photos of the canal ways of Venice. This city is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country and can easily be seen in just a day or a few days.

Venice is famous for its carnival celebrations and romantic canals that can be enjoyed by going on a gondola ride or taking a long stroll through the city.

Venice is great for couples, families, and solo travelers. It’s also awesome to visit at pretty much any time of year.

I would recommend early fall or spring when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. When visiting Italy, you’ll want to prepare for any transportation strikes that may arise. The last time I was in Venice, a strike was going on, and unbeknownst to us, it even affected the ferry boats from mainland Venice out to the old town.

Strikes aside, Venice is still one of the best places to visit on a trip to Italy. These are the things you shouldn’t miss:

Puglia

People enjoying the beach in Polignano a Mare, Italy
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Puglia has easily become one of my favorite regions in Italy to visit. It’s gorgeous and full of fascinating architecture and historical landmarks. From the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare to the charming trulli of Alberobello, this underrated region of Southern Italy is soon to be a tourism hotspot.

You can find many engaging tours to some of the nearby landmarks, like the Sassi di Matera, one of the earliest human settlements in the world. If you’re eager to enjoy the seaside, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli offer incredible views of the sea and fresh seafood.

Towns like Alberobello and Ostuni feature white-washed buildings and fascinating architecture that make you feel like you’ve just been transported to Greece.

Traveling through Puglia requires a bit more planning than in the major cities of Italy, and I would recommend renting a car rather than relying on public transportation here. With that said, here are all the top spots you need to see in this amazing region:

  • Admire the stunning trulli in Alberobello (my favorite thing to do!)
  • Go swimming at Lido Cala Paura in Polignano a Mare
  • Go on a boat tour of the coast
  • Eat at Grotta Palazzese
  • Visit the Sassi di Matera
  • Go snorkeling off the coast of Monopoli
  • Enjoy an architectural tour of Lecce
  • Visit the cool cave of Grotte di Castellana
  • For excellent accommodation, check into Borgo Egnazia

Top Landmarks for Italian History and Culture

Art Galleries and Museums

Uffizi Gallery Exhibit
BGStock72 / Adobe Stock

I’d argue that some of the most impressive European art galleries and museums can be found in Italy. Most cities, big and small, are filled with amazing works of art and historical artifacts that have stood the test of time.

I highly recommend looking up the museums’ websites in the cities you plan to visit. Often, there are reduced admission fees on certain days, like the first Sunday of each month.

My favorite place in Italy to spend the day meandering through fascinating museums is Florence, where you can find the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Pitti Palace. If you’re in Rome, check out the Borghese Gallery and Museum and, of course, the Vatican Museums.

I’ve never been disappointed when visiting museums in Italy, even smaller, regional ones. One of my recent favorites was Casa Grotta Antica Matera, which depicted a reconstruction of an ancient cave home in Matera and described what life was like in the early times into the 1950s.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

White building with stone roofs called trulli in Alberobello, Italy
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 53 cultural sites, and five natural sites. Many historic city centers, including Florence, Rome, and Naples, are included on this list. These sites represent irreplaceable pieces of Italy’s rich culture and heritage that are unique to their location.

These are some of the most interesting sites that you should consider adding to the itinerary of your trip to Italy:

  • Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata
  • The Basilica of San Francesco (St. Francis) in Assisi
  • The Botanical Garden of Padua (the oldest botanical garden in the world)
  • The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan
  • The Amalfi Coast
  • Cinque Terre
  • The Dolomites
  • Alberobello
  • Villa d’Este in Tivoli
  • The Sassi of Matera

Thermal Baths and Resorts

Tourists taking a dip at Saturnia
Brittney Liu / ViaTravelers

Did you know Italians were the OG wellness gurus? For centuries, Italians have recognized the power of the naturally occurring thermal waters that can be found throughout the country. Ruins of ancient Roman Baths can be found all over Italy, and thermal bathing is still a widely popular activity today.

One of the most popular naturally occurring hot springs that you can visit can be found in Tuscany. The Cascate del Mulino in the small town of Saturnia is stunning and is worth the drive. Try to get there before 8:00 a.m. to avoid the crowds and tours.

Another Tuscan wellness gem is Montecatini Terme, known for its giant spa complex. Nearby in Monsumanno Terme, Grotta Giusti is a hotel with a swimming pool filled with natural thermal water and an underwater thermal cave that (PADI certified) guests can even dive in (PADI certified).

I recently visited QC Terme in Milan, and while it doesn’t feature any naturally occurring thermal waters, it’s a fantastic place to relax in the middle of the city.

It comes in at an affordable price ($80~ for an all-day pass to use all spa facilities, including a large snack) and encapsulates the Italian tradition of thermal bathing. QC Terme locations all over Italy, including France and New York City.

Travel Logistics

Getting to Italy

Skyscanner homepage
Skyscanner / Skyscanner

In today’s world, finding deals on flight bookings has never been easier. There are tons of websites that will assist you in your quest to find the very best flights.

Three sites that I always recommend are Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Skyscanner, and Momondo. Skyscanner and Momondo are flight search engines that will offer you a variety of flights, whereas Going is more personal and tailored to your interests.

Getting to Italy involves flying to one of the country’s major cities: Milan, Rome, Naples, and Venice. These major airports will be far outside the city center, so you must take a taxi, direct private transfer, bus, or train to get into the city.

For instance, there is the Leonardo Express train in Rome, which will take you directly from the international airport to Rome Termini, the main train station in the city. Milan has a similar system. An airport bus or train will cost more than a regular transportation ticket, so don’t be alarmed when you see the higher price.

Travel Insurance

TravelInsurance.com Website
TravelInsurance.com/ TravelInsurance.com

Travel insurance is an absolute must when planning an international trip. You never know what could happen – canceled flights, lost luggage, or a medical emergency – so it’s better to have and be prepared rather than need it and not have it.

Here at ViaTravelers, our favorite online marketplace for travel insurance is TravelInsurance.com. This website compares plans from trusted insurers like AIG, AXA, and John Hancock. Put in your trip information, and you’ll get a list of plans with quotes. Once you select one, your trip will be covered instantly.

Getting Around While in Italy

Freccia Rossa 1000 Trenitalia at Santa Maria Novella Train Station
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

Train travel in Italy is among the best in the world. There are two major train networks (Italo and TrenItalia) that operate throughout the entire country. Both companies offer train itineraries to get you across Italy on a single train.

Recommended train booking sites include Omio and ItaliaRail. I use Omio all over Europe, but ItaliaRail is an app specifically for Italy train travel, and they even have a dedicated English language site to make things even easier.

While the train is my favorite way to get around Italy, you can also easily get around by bus or by renting a car. Renting a car will be useful for visiting smaller towns during your vacation.

Also, if you’re traveling with multiple people, the daily cost of renting a car might even be cheaper than multiple trains and public transportation tickets. One thing to note, though, is that many Italian cities have ZTLs, which are zones limited to local traffic, so be aware of those while planning your driving route.

When you are within the city limits, you can always take on the micro-mobility angle of electric scooters. Major cities have fully embraced these, which, given the incredible architecture, is a decent idea to reduce the impact of pollution damage on these historic sites. Look how many electric scooters were outside Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence!

Bird electric scooters lined up for rent at Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence.
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

Another way to get around is simply by booking guided tours. This is a superb option if you don’t want to rent a car and don’t want to deal with the logistics of train travel. You can book a small group tour for each town you visit or look into fully organized tours that can last a few days.

Accommodations

Striking red building and pool overlooking the Amalfi Coast
Le Sirenuse / Booking.com

Italy offers a wide range of accommodation options. Be sure to book through the official booking sites of hotels or trusted third-party sites, like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and VRBO. Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfast accommodation options throughout the country can be found.

An agriturismo or a farm stay accommodation is a unique stay that you can commonly find throughout Italy. These can be livestock farms, produce farms, and even vineyards that offer visitors a place to stay. I love staying at Agriturismos because their restaurants often serve fresh and delicious dishes that are often local delicacies.

Italian Cuisine and Dining Options

Cheese at Mercato Centrale
Tupungato / Shutterstock

Italian food is one of the most-loved cuisines around the world, so when you’re in the actual country, it’s an absolute must to sample some of the country’s most famous dishes. When visiting different regions of Italy, I highly recommend trying foods from those specific regions. Here are just a few regional dishes and specialties to try:

  • Lombardy (Milan): risotto, polenta, panettone (especially at Christmas), grana Padano
  • Liguria (Cinque Terre): Genovese pesto, focaccia, trofie, olive oil, mussels
  • Tuscany (Florence): Florentine steak, Chianti wine, panzanella, pappardelle al ragu
  • Emilia-Romagna (Bologna): mortadella Bologna, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, proscuitto di Parma, Bolognese, tortellini
  • Campania (Naples): Neapolitan pizza, spaghetti con vongole, mozzarella di bufala
  • Lazio (Rome): pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, gnocchi alla Romana, gelato

Possible Italy Itinerary to Follow

Day Location Activities
1 Milan Visit the Duomo di Milano, go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, see the Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie
2 Milan Visit Sforza Castle, stroll through Parco Sempione, take a tour of La Scala Theater
3 Cinque Terre Visit all five towns, have lunch at Nessun Dorma, spend the rest of the day at the beach in Monterosso al Mare
4 Florence Visit Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, check out the Duomo, stroll down Ponte Vecchio, watch the sunset from Piazza Michelangelo
5 Rome Stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the way to Rome, visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
6 Rome Tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, visit Castel Sant’Angelo, visit Vatican City
7 Venice Take a gondola ride, visit Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, have dinner on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge

FAQs

How can I travel around Italy?

Traveling around Italy is extremely easy. Large cities have multiple forms of public transportation (metro, bus, cable car, etc.) and regional trains.

Major train networks operate long-distance high-speed intercity services to get you between large cities in just a few hours. Road trips are also possible – I recommend checking out rentalcars.com to save money and find the best car rental deals.

What are the famous Italian foods that I should try?

You should try famous Italian foods based on the region you’re visiting. For example, in Liguria, you need to try focaccia.

In Tuscany, sample some amazing Chianti wine and Florentine steak. Rome is famous for its various pasta dishes, including carbonara and cacio e pepe.

What is the best time to plan a trip to Italy?

The best times to visit Italy are late spring, early summer (before July), and early fall (September and October). During these times of the year, the weather is perfect, and there are fewer crowds.

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