Day 1-3: Rome
Start your trip in the capital of Italy: Rome. Rome has some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions; the Colosseum and Vatican City. Flights to Rome are usually the most affordable, which makes it a great start location.
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome offers accommodation for every kind of budget, including plenty of great hostels (search all hostels in Rome here).
Piazza Navona and San Lorenzo are central areas within walking distance of many of the top attractions. However, San Lorenzo is slightly cheaper if you’re traveling on a budget.
Day 4: Tuscany – Best of the Italy Travel Itinerary
Tuscany, with its rolling hills and vineyards, is one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. Escape the city, rent a car in Rome, Italy, and drive 3 hours along Lago Di Bolsena to Saturnia, the thermal area. Spend the afternoon and have dinner in this tiny medieval village called Montemarano.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Day 5: Tuscany (Siena)
No better way to start your day than by dipping into the natural hot springs in Saturnia. Between 7-8 AM is the best time to visit, and if you stay at this hotel, it is just a 5-minute walk.
Close off the day by having a delicious Italian dinner at Osteria Permalico. After that, spend the night in charming Siena (this was our hotel).
Where to Stay in Siena
If you’re only staying for one night in Siena, stick to the city center (around the Torre del Mangia), so you are close to all the historic landmarks, bars, and restaurants.
Alternatively, if you want to get back on the road early the next day, opt for rural accommodation within easy driving distance of the city.
Day 6: Tuscany (Siena to Florence)
On your last day in Tuscany, roam around Siena for a couple of hours, and visit Piazza Del Campo and the cathedral Duomo di Siena.
Siena’s old city center has a great ambiance. Cars are not allowed inside the old city center. Therefore, the city is a favorite on every Italy travel route. Read more information about where to park your car in our Tuscany Guide.
Around noon, continue to your last stop: Florence. Optionally, visit San Gimignano or Volterra and drop off the car in Florence.
Day 7: Florence
Welcome to Florence. Spend the next 24 hours wandering around this ancient city and discover sites like the Duomo of Florence and the ancient bridge Ponte Vecchio.
While you’re in Florence, don’t miss out on a foodie adventure. Hop between cafes and restaurants, trying delicious fresh pasta and finding the best gelato!
Where to Stay in Florence
Florence has plenty of great accommodation options, from cute guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels (search for your hostel here) to luxury hotels.
Santa Croce is the best area to stay with loads of small bars and walking distance from all the things to do in Florence.
Day 8-10: Cinque Terre
In the morning, take the train from Florence to Cinque Terre, a 2.5h journey. Cinque Terre is a national park with five incredibly picturesque villages with hiking routes where you want to spend as much time as possible.
Spend two nights in Riomaggiore, Monterosso, or La Spezia, which is right outside the national park. (Find the best train tickets here)
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Accommodations inside Cinque Terre National Park are booked far in advance. Hotels are mostly available in Riomaggiore and Monterosso but expect to pay way over your typical budget per night.
A more affordable choice is to stay in La Spezia, where hotels start at 35 EUR a night. Alternatively, for the most budget-friendly option, search for a hostel in the area.
The mornings or late afternoon are the best times to stroll down the narrow streets of Venice as the city center gets busy during midday as the day trippers arrive in the city.
See the best things to do in Venice
Where to Stay in Venice
Stay in the middle of the city but tucked away in a quiet street 5 minutes walking from San Marco Square at Novecento Boutique Hotel.
If you’re on a tight budget, your best option is to stay outside of Venice on the mainland.
How to Get Around Italy?
Transportation plays an essential part in your Italian experience. Your Italy travel itinerary can be done by train, car, or plane. The fastest and most affordable way to travel in Italy is by train. However, a car gets you to those scenic country roads.
Renting a Car in Italy
For full flexibility and to go off the beaten path, driving a car is a perfect option. All major cities in Italy are well connected by train, but to visit Tuscany or the Dolomites, you need to rent a car. Avoid popular cities by car, as parking costs are sometimes the price of a train ticket.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Italy by Train
Traveling around Italy by train is excellent. They are incredibly fast (up to 350 km/h!), affordable, and much cleaner for the environment compared to an airplane. Book the train tickets a few days in advance to secure your spot on the train.
Italy by Airplane
Just like the train, all major cities have international airports with domestic flights that connect cities internally as well as international flights.
However, the train might be a faster option for your trip around Italy, as the extra airport time adds up quickly.
Best Time to Visit Italy
Tourism in Italy is huge because it is one of the most-visited countries worldwide, so it is recommended to avoid the high season.
The best time to go to Italy is in spring, from April to June, and fall, from September and October. Prices are lower, fewer tourists, and comfortable temperatures.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Cheap Flights via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.
Hi, just wondering what you guys did with your rental car after Saturnia springs? Wondering if going back to Rome & returning it would be the best option to take the train to Florence. Definitely want to do Rome the first couple of days, Saturnia springs, as well as Elsa trail & Diborrato waterfall in Tuscany, then either Florence or Venice (would love if you could suggest one over the other) and definitely would like to stop in Cinque De Terre for a day or two. Just wondering if returning the car and going by train is best in that case. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!!
Hi Victoria, time-wise it’s better to rent a car for the part from Rome to Florence and carry on by train from Florence :-) However, it depends on how much the rental company charges you for returning the car at another city. If that’s way too much, you can drive back to Rome and take the train.