A Two-Week Classic Italy Itinerary
Must-See Destinations
Ready to craft the perfect adventure around Italy, but unsure about where to kick things off, which places to hit, the budget, or how many days to plan for? This itinerary is perfect for you because it's packed with all the essentials to create a spectacular 15-day journey. You'll be able to see the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food along the way.
If you follow this guide, you'll find historical cities, stunning artwork, picture-perfect scenery, and gourmet food. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Rome (3 days)
- Florence (3 days)
- Cinque Terre (3 days)
- Milan (2 days)
- Venice (3 days)
Vernazza in Cinque Terre
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big City Activities
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Historic Sites
- Museums
- Nightlife
This region is also very popular for its world-class cities adorned with sights, attractions, vibrant nightlife, enticing restaurants, shopping, and more. On a trip through the area, you'll be able to spend time exploring these dynamic cities and everything they have to offer. Make sure you specifically visit Rome and Milan if you love urban vibes.
Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Italy is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Florence, Rome, and Cinque Terre.
Italy pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre for the beautiful scenery.
You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of Italy. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.
Along this itinerary, you'll discover a number of fantastic museums waiting to be explored, so be sure to carve out some time to see them. When it comes to Florence, Rome, and Milan, the museums offer great experiences.
Get ready for a buzzing nightlife scene in Italy with plenty of hot spots that are an absolute must-visit. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Milan and Rome.
Venice, Italy
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to Italy. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Autumn in Italy offers a cooler climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the added perk of dwindling tourist crowds as the season unfolds. Consider this time of year for a visit if you are able to work it into your schedule.
Spring is a terrific time to visit Italy. You'll find plenty of natural beauty, great weather, and inspiring destinations.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of Italy. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. Especially visit Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below. In particular, make a point to visit Rome and Venice.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Florence, Rome, and Milan can especially help your budget.
The Cinque Terre Coastline
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in Italy is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 2 hours apart.
We selected Rome as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Rome, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
The train network in Italy offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.
To navigate this itinerary with ease, do it with a car. If you aren't in a position to bring your own, no problem, just rent a car. Having your own vehicle in Italy means you're in control of your schedule and can make pit stops whenever you feel like it.
Buses offer an excellent means of transportation within the area due to their affordability, speed, and convenience. For budget-conscious travelers who prefer not to be at the wheel, exploring the various price options makes considering buses an attractive alternative to other transportation modes.
Is 15 days enough time in Italy?
Yes, 15 days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Italy. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around 15 days to truly appreciate everything.
The Vatican
How much does a 15-day trip to Italy cost?
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific 15-day adventure in Italy, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | $223 | 3 | $670 |
| Florence | $197 | 3 | $590 |
| Cinque Terre | $185 | 3 | $555 |
| Milan | $213 | 2 | $425 |
| Venice | $301 | 3 | $904 |
| Total per person | $3,144 | ||
| for 2 People | $6,288 | ||
The estimated cost for this 15-day adventure in Italy is approximately $3,144 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Italy based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | $99 | 3 | $297 |
| Florence | $118 | 3 | $354 |
| Cinque Terre | $171 | 3 | $513 |
| Milan | $104 | 2 | $208 |
| Venice | $135 | 3 | $405 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $1,777 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | $28 | 3 days | $84 |
| Florence | $23 | 3 days | $68 |
| Cinque Terre | $27 | 3 days | $82 |
| Milan | $25 | 2 days | $50 |
| Venice | $35 | 3 days | $106 |
| Total expected hostel cost* | $390 | ||
Italy Itinerary
1. Rome
3 Days
Rome is the capital city of Italy, and for many visitors it serves as the entry and departure point of their trip. Rome is filled with ancient ruins hidden next to modern development. It's a history enthusiasts dream. The city is also filled with cafes and Italian restaurants where you can sip wine and dine on Italian pasta dishes.
Rome brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.
For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.
The music scene here is popular and famous around the world. Make sure to take some time to see a show.
Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.
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