Italy Travel Itinerary
All popular cities, like Venice and Rome, are well connected by train, car or airplane. The best and fastest option is traveling by train, and the best way to see Italy is by car, so this Italy travel itinerary is a mix of those.
Day 1-3: Rome
Start your trip in Italy’s capital: 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.
Read: Top Things To Do in Rome
Day 4: Tuscany – Best of the Italy travel itinerary
Tuscany, with its rolling hills and vineyards, one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. Escape the city, rent a car in Rome 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.
Day 5: Tuscany (Siena)
No better way to start your day 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.
Siena
Hop back into the car and continue your Italy travel itinerary for 3 hours along the most scenic roads towards Siena. Do note that your navigation has to be set to ‘Avoid Highways’. Siena is a beautiful old city with a UNESCO status.
Close off the day by having a delicious Italian dinner at Osteria Permalicoa after that spend the night in charming Siena. (Our hotel)
More about Tuscany
Day 6: Tuscany (Siena to Florence)
On your last day in Tuscany, roam around Siena for a couple of hours, 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 therefor 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, the ancient bridge Ponte Vecchio, and go on a foodie adventure.
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)
Day 11: Cinque Terre to Venice
It’s time to head to Venice, your final stop on your Italy travel itinerary. Take the train from La Spezia to Venice, a 5-hour ride with one transfer in between. The train is super convenient in Italy as some of the best you will see in Europe.
Day 12-14: Venice
Welcome to the city where everything goes by boats and bridges. Venice is one of the world’s most unique cities and an absolute must-see when you travel to Italy. Spend your last days in Italy strolling along the canals, or crossing bridges sipping Italian coffee.
The mornings or late afternoon are the best times to stroll down the narrow streets of Venice as the city center gets busy during the midday as day trip arrives in the city.
See the best things to do in Venice
Costs of traveling in Italy
The costs of traveling in Italy depend on where you eat, sleep and how you get from A to B. These are the average expenses when you follow this Italy travel itinerary, eat at medium-priced restaurants and travel by train + car.
- Hotel: 65 – 300 USD / night
- Food: 20-80 USD / day
- Entrance fee: 18-45 USD
- Transport: 20 USD / day
- Water: 2 USD / 1.5L
- Airbnb: 40-80 USD / night
- Guesthouse: 40 USD / night
How to get around Italy?
Transportation plays an essential part in your Italy 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.
Italy by train
Traveling 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.
Rent 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. Rent a car online.
Tip: Be sure to have an International Drivers License. You can get this in your own country.
Italy by airplane
Same as the train, all major cities are connected by airplanes however, the train might be a faster option as the extra airport time adds up quickly.
Planning on flying or flying internationally? Find your flight here
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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