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Planning a trip to Italy?
Everything you need to have the best Italy vacation ever with the best places to go, things to do, food to eat, and places to stay in Italy!
With an incredible culture (including some of the best food anywhere), beautiful ancient hill towns, interesting historic attractions, and a fantastic beach scene, it’s no wonder that Italy is one of the top travel destinations in the world.
I’ve spent months traveling in Italy, and it’s my favorite country to go to. Planning a visit to Italy can be overwhelming because there are so many incredible places to go.
Click here to open a new tab and read 30 Best Places to Visit In Italy
I can help you decide where to go in Italy…
This is a popular Italy road trip itinerary (Italy self-drive itinerary) and is perfect for first-time and repeat visitors. I’ve done a variation of this many times. It’s fun for family travel to Italy, a couples trip, traveling with friends, or even solo travel.
I recommend doing the 10 days Italy itinerary, or if you have the time, the 2 week Italy itinerary is even better.
In this Rome, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre itinerary, you will experience some of the best of Italy.
Visit the ancient city of Rome, the Medieval Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano, the Renaissance city of Florence, and some much-needed time at the beach in the picturesque Cinque Terre. If you have enough time, visit enchanting Venice at the end of your Italy travel itinerary.
Many travelers go to Italy and only see Rome, Florence, and sometimes Venice, and they are missing out. These are must see cities in Italy, but there are so many other great places to visit to experience the best of this amazing country.
In the slower-paced small towns in Italy (in the countryside and at the beach), you will get more of the incredible culture and enjoy the incredibly beautiful surroundings.
Keep reading for the best Italy itinerary.
Use this Italy Itinerary 10 days or the suggestions for a 7 day Italy Itinerary, 12 day Italy itinerary, or 2 week Italy itinerary to plan and book your trip…
Ready for the best Italy vacation itinerary?
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Find the best prices on flights to Italy here
Click here to search for the lowest flight prices
10 Days Italy Itinerary- Italy Trip Planner
3 Days in Rome
GET THERE
How to get from the airport into the city center of Rome
- Fly into Rome
- Go to the official taxi line to catch a cab to your accommodations (vans are available for families of 5 or more.)
STAY
Where to stay in Rome
- Stay in an apartment, hotel, or bed & breakfast in the central Pantheon and Piazza Navona area. For a more local neighborhood outside of the center stay in Trastevere.
Looking for the best place to stay in Rome? Book a top-rated hotel here:
- Di Rienzo Pantheon– Excellent location by the Pantheon, B&B rooms (with rooftop terrace) and apartments. Breakfast is served on the Piazza in front of the Pantheon. Click here for the latest prices
- Lifestyle Suites Rome – Modern and elegant boutique hotel and one of the highest rated on Trip Advisor Click here for the latest prices
*** Click here to for more accommodations in Rome
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for an apartment
DO
Things to do in Rome
- Take Colosseum tour that includes the underground dungeon and 3rd ring
- The Vatican, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and Sistine Chapel- consider hiring a tour guide for this
- Take the underground tour of St. Peter’s tomb and Necropolis (kids must be at least 15 years old)
- Check out the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus
- Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona, and Campo de ‘Fiori
- Walk around the Trastevere neighborhood
- Get up to a rooftop terrace to look at the amazing view of the rooftops
- Sit at the Trevi Fountain, then walk to the Spanish Steps and do a little shopping in this store packed area
Click here to book great Rome tours, tickets, and activities
EAT
Where to eat in Rome and what to eat in Rome
- Great coffee is easy to find, but Sant-Eustachio il Caffe (since 1938) is remarkable
- Try the specialty pasta of Rome cacio y pepe (cheese and pepper) It’s a family favorite.
- Enjoy a takeout piece of pizza from Forno and sit on the famous Campo D’Fiore square. There is a great farmer’s market here every morning (since 1869.)
- For some authentic Roman food in a local neighborhood eat at Da Enzo in the Trastevere. Dar Poeta, down the street, has great pizza.
***For more information on where to eat and the top things to do in Rome, click here to read a detailed Rome Itinerary for 2, 3 or 4 days
Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals
Rome Travel Tip
Gelato is everywhere. Make sure to go to an authentic gelato shop where the quality is high and it is homemade (you shouldn’t see any colors that don’t come naturally from food!)
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10 Days in Italy Itinerary- self drive Italy itinerary
5 Days in Tuscany itinerary (& Florence itinerary)
*For the 2 weeks or 12 day Italy itinerary, one option is to stay 1 week in Tuscany
GET THERE- Rome to Tuscany
How to get from to Tuscany from Rome
- The best way to travel from Rome to Tuscany is to rent a car for pick up at Termini in Rome. If you are not comfortable driving in Rome rent a car at a location outside of the city near the highway heading north.
- Drive to San Gimignano via the A1 Autostrada (toll road.)
*Book a one-way car rental, dropping off in Pisa (at or near the train station)
Click here to see the best prices for car rentals
Italy Travel Tips
- Grab a ticket when entering the toll station. When exiting get in the cash or credit card lines then insert your ticket and pay.
- Stop and have an espresso or cappuccino at one of the many gas stations/cafes on the highway. (Yes, there is excellent coffee at the gas stations in Italy!)
Optional Stop: Park and ride the funicular up to the 1000-foot-high walled town of Orvieto and have lunch.
STAY
Where to stay in Tuscany
- Stay outside of the Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano in an agriturismo (with a pool in warm weather months!)
Looking for the best place to stay in Tuscany? Book a top-rated hotel here:
- Agriturismo Poggiacolle– One of my favorites and the online reviewers agree. I have sent family and friends and everyone loves this place! Stay in an apartment and ask for a view of the medieval towers. Click here for the latest prices
- Locanda Dell’ Artista– Another gorgeous farmhouse (growing grapes and olives) with a panoramic pool and restaurant. Rooms and suites available. Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a villa in Tuscany
Tuscany Road Trip
DO
Things to do in Tuscany
There are some fun things to do in San Gimignano
- Walk around the interior of the walls.
- Head to the Piazza Del Duomo, and see the San Gimignano Cathedral and the Piazza della Cisterna.
- Shop in the stores that have local products then have a gelato while looking up at the towers
- Florence– This city is a Renaissance stunner full of art and culture. Leave EARLY and get there before the masses of tourists. Plan out where to park in advance, and set your navigation to get you there.
Click here to book a good Florence tour including “Skip the Line to Museums”
- Siena– Enter this UNESCO World Heritage site through one of the seven gates.
***Siena Travel Tip: Take a picture of the gate you enter so you can find your car when you exit!
- Volterra– visit this lesser-known Tuscan gem. Have some lunch then walk around.
Click here to book a fun Tuscan tour or activity
EAT
Where to eat in Tuscany and what to eat in Tuscany
- Have dinner at your Agriturismo or one that is nearby. Many offer multi-course dinners with ingredients from their farm.
- Get a list of the weekly farmer’s markets in the area and shop for produce, local cheese (taste as many as you like), meats, and fresh bread. Try the many fantastic types of Tuscan cheeses and wines and some local olive oil.
- Cook Tuscan food if you have a kitchen.
Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals
Click here to get the Best Travel Apps for your trip to Italy
10 day Italian itinerary
Rome to Cinque Terre
2 Days in Monterosso al Mare – Cinque Terre
GET THERE
How to get to Cinque Terre
- Drive to Pisa. Take a quick look and photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa then drop your car off at the car rental office at the train station.
- Take the Train to the beautiful beach town of Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost town of the five.
STAY
Where to stay in Cinque Terre
- Stay in a bed & breakfast or apartment in the old part of Monterosso al Mare–there are many great choices with high ratings. This is the best town in Cinque Terre if you want more choices of places to eat, shop… and Monterosso has the best beaches.
Looking for the best place to stay in Monterosso? Book a top-rated hotel here:
- Hotel Marina– Simple accommodations in a convenient central location with a delicious breakfast included, as well as afternoon pasta. Click here for the latest prices
- Hotel Stella Della Marina– Near the harbor with a sundeck on the roof. Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for an apartment to rent
Cinque Terre Itinerary
DO
Things to do in Cinque Terre
- Walk around the old and new parts of Monterosso
- Spend some time on the beach.
- Take one of the best hikes in the Cinque Terre -from Monterosso to Vernazza. Have a delicious Italian lunch and take a boat or the train back.
*This hike can be strenuous, so make sure you are in good shape.
Click here to book a good Cinque Terre tour now
EAT
What to eat in Cinque Terre
- This is the Liguria region of Italy, home to two of the best Italian things to eat- pesto pasta and focaccia -pressed-out bread dough baked to perfection after being covered in olive oil, and sprinkled with salt.
Getting Home from Italy if you aren’t going to Venice
- Take the train to the airport. Fly out of Pisa, Florence, or Milan.
*If your flight departs early, spend the night in the city you are flying out of. Arrange transportation to the airport in advance through your accommodations.
If you have 2 weeks in Italy
2 week Italy itinerary
2 Days in Venice
GET THERE
- Take the 5-hour train to Venice.
- Catch the Vaporetto (canal ferry) in the direction of St. Marks Square (make sure it is going towards St. Marks, through the canal).
Click here to book your train ticket
STAY
- Stay in a hotel or apartment in a central location near Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square.)
Book a hotel or apartment in Venice.
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for an apartment
DO
- Get up early, grab a coffee to go from a “bar,” and enjoy Piazza San Marco without the crowds.
- See St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Visit Doge’s Palace and Museum, or another museum in Venice.
- Walk around and get lost in the maze of streets.
- Walk over the Rialto Bridge.
- Ride the Vaporetto boat along the Grand Canal.
- Take a ride in a gondola.
Venice Travel Tips
- The restaurant prices in Venice are very high and there are a lot of tourist traps. Plan where to eat before you leave home by reading online reviews.
- Get up very early, before the crowds. Get a cappuccino or espresso to go (“da porta via”) from a bar near Piazza San Marco. Sit in one of the chairs of the closed restaurants and gaze at the Venetian splendor in peace
- Save money and enjoy a nice Italian picnic or a takeaway pizza on the water near Piazza San Marco.
Getting Home from Venice
- Fly out of Venice or Milan
Interested in more of the best places to go in Italy? Read Best Places to Visit in Italy
Italy Map
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