From the dramatic Alpine cliffs and fashionable streets of Northern Italy to the ancient ruins of Rome to the sun-soaked Sicilian beaches, Italy is a place of staggering contrasts and beauty. And what better way to explore than with a jam-packed 2 weeks in Italy! It’s one of those places that I find myself returning to time and time again. Each adventure is different and leaves me even more in love with this Mediterranean gem.
While you could easily stick to one place on a two-week trip to Italy, savoring the city and living like a local, you can also cover a lot of ground within this time.
Tip: If this is your first Italian sojourn, check out my Top 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Italy as well as my essential money-saving travel hacks for Italy. If you’re traveling with an infant, be sure to check out my tips for Traveling Italy with a Baby!
To help you make the most of every moment, I’ve crafted the perfect 2 week Italy itinerary so you have enough time in each place to rest, relax, and see the best of the best (without feeling like you need a vacation after your vacation).
Pack your appetite and walking shoes! Here’s my two-week Italy itinerary.
2 Week Italy Itinerary Overview
Customize Your Two Weeks In Italy
You can easily mix and match parts of this two-week Italy itinerary. Train travel is easy and relatively affordable in Italy so you don’t need to follow one specific route. Choose which city makes the most sense for you then try to travel in a straight line or clockwise to minimize the amount of travel between each destination.
You could fly into Florence, Venice, or Rome then go from there.
While I highly recommend train travel, be mindful that strikes occasionally do happen. This can turn a three-hour trip into a five-hour adventure so budget time for any hiccups along the way.
Venice + Treviso (3 Days)
If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy, you probably have dreamy images of Venice floating through your mind. Exploring Venice is a must, but I’d encourage you to venture into the wider area.
The “other Venice’ is a little city called Treviso.
Maybe I am biased because my husband, Meyer, spent years living there…but I adore this charming town! It has all the beauty of Venice while boasting a thriving local culture away from the tourist crowds.
Plan at least an afternoon here and check out my travel tips for Treviso.
Of course, when you are traveling around Italy for 2 weeks, eating and drinking is an event in and of itself. Even merely grabbing a drink from a vending machine is on another level.
For the ultimate fun foodie delight, it’s well worth making a detour to check out the prosecco vending machine. In the heart of the Prosecco region, you can sample local wines and have the ultimate picnic in this picture-perfect setting.
Before you leave the area, grab your camera and set off for the vibrant town of Burano. This oh-so-Instagrammable town is at the top of my 10 Places to Visit in Italy (That Aren’t Rome).
Where to Stay in Venice & Treviso:
Hotel Palazzo Abadessa, Venice: This luxury hotel is set in a historical palace and it’s the best place to get away from it all after a long day of sightseeing.
Maison Matilda, Treviso:In the middle of the action beside Piazza Duomo, this boutique hotel ticks all the boxes.
Hotel Olimpia, Venice: Centrally located in the historical center of Venice, this is a great budget option for solo travelers and couples.
Venice & Traveso Highlights:
- The colorful city of Burano
- The Prosecco Vending Machine
- All of Venice’s nooks and crannies
Florence (3 Days)
The next stop on your 2 week Italy itinerary is one of the best spots to dig into classic Italian culture. Famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is the gateway to the romantic region of Tuscany.
Browse my complete guide to Florence and the surrounding area and the best hotels in Florence so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
We recently rented a historic farmhouse in the heart of the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany! I would highly recommend staying in this area to explore more of the Tuscan countryside. Dig into the rich culture of the city while you explore the museums and galleries then mingle with the locals in the hangout spots along the Arno River.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, join a food tour. This region has some of the best food in the country (which is saying a lot!).
Whether you go for an urban food tour in Florence or one that will take you into the countryside, it’s a must.
Tuscany is widely known for its incredible truffle hunting. Have a four-legged truffle hunter guide you through the forests of the countryside for an unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay in Florence:
NH Collection Fierenxe Porta Rossa: This chic five-star hotel is in the heart of Florence, and ticks all the boxes of a memorable luxury stay.
Casanova dei Boschi: Stay in a historic farmhouse in the heart of the Val d’Orcia region for a fairytale-like getaway filled with rustic charm.
Hotel David: The best-rated hotel in Florence on TripAdvisor, this budget-friendly hotel never ceases to impress.
Florence Highlights:
- Don’t miss out on a Florentine food tour
- See the statue of David Accademia Gallery
- Walk through the gorgeous Boboli Gardens
- Go truffle hunting with dogs just outside of the city
- Piazzale Michelangelo offers incredible views of the city
- Wander Mercato Centrale, Florence’s famous food market
Amalfi Coast (3 Days)
Easily one of the most picturesque destinations in the world, the Amalfi Coast is another epic experience. Hiking along the dramatic cliffs and exploring the pastel fishing villages that dot the coastline is a must.
Plan at least one day just soaking in the sun at the stunning beach town of Positano then take a day trip to Capri.
In Capri, you’ve definitely got to check out the Blue Grotto, a beautiful sea cave only accessible by a guided boat tour.
Planning Tip: Getting around the Amalfi Coast requires planning. You will want to start in Naples and then hop onto the Circumvesuviana, the regional train. Check out my Amalfi Coast guide for the full details.
Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast:
Il San Pietro: Though pricey, this hotel delivers exceptional value. With resort perks including a private beach club and iconic orange umbrellas, Il San Pietro won’t disappoint!
Hotel Palazzo Murat: Enjoy a range of accommodations at various prices, each offering access to fantastic amenities like a lush garden and sparkling pool!
Hostel Brikette: The best choice if you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy all that Positano has to offer. It has a lovely outdoor terrace and is ideally positioned close to public transportation.
Amalfi Coast Highlights:
- Plan a day trip to Capri
- Make your way down Positano’s steep inclines
- Admire the city built into the cliffs
- Hike Sentiero degli Dei, otherwise known as “Path of the Gods”
Here are the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast
Rome (3 Days)
What Italy 2-week itinerary would be complete without a trip to Rome?
Whether you are a history buff, foodie, or culture vulture, you could barely crack the surface of Rome in a year, say nothing of a few days. Once the center of the Western World, this dynamic city is truly one of the most fascinating cities in the world. So, if you only have three days, you’re going to have to make some tough choices! Before your trip, check out my list of the best hotels to stay at in Rome.
In my guide on what to do in Rome in three days, I’ve put together my Roman bucket list. Of course, history and food are at the heart of it all here.
My favorite souvenir from the trip was an authentic pizza recipe that I got during my food tour and pizza-making class.
Full of carbs and ready to explore, I then booked a Vespa tour. Riding around town with a local, I saw another side of the city.
Where to Stay in Rome:
Rarity Suites: Located in Rome’s heart by Piazza del Popolo, this stay offers city views and a terrace. Cozy, clean rooms packed with amenities. Get ready for exceptional hospitality!
Top Floor Colosseo Guesthouse: This modern guesthouse offers a cozy sanctuary away from the city bustle. Located 500m from the Colosseum, this spot is highly rated for staff, value, and location.
B&B Easy: Affordable, clean, and cozy for budget-conscious Rome travelers. Conveniently located near Rome Ostiense Train Station and Piramide Metro Stop!
Rome Highlights:
- Sample cup after cup of gelato
- Do a pasta or pizza-making class
- Live out your Lizzie McGuire dreams and book a Vespa tour
- See so many famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum and the Pantheon
Cinque Terre (2 Days)
Get ready to end your 2 week Italy itinerary on a high note with this last stop!
Another stunning coastal region, the five villages dotting the Mediterranean Sea coast are well worth a detour.
Visiting Cinque Terre, as the colorful corner of northwestern Italy is called, is a prime destination for a taste of la dolce vita. Hike amongst the ancient vineyards of Cinque Terre or just lounge in the sun by the beach.
If you’re feeling inspired, The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an easy day trip (though I’d say the true gems are all within Cinque Terre so don’t push yourself unless you want to).
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre:
La Vista di Marina by The First: Enjoy breathtaking views of Cinque Terre and a mere 100-meter walk to Riomaggiore Beach. Select rooms feature kitchens, while all offer continental breakfast. Don’t miss their honeymoon suite if you’re planning a 2 week honeymoon in Italy!
Sergeant First Class Riomaggiore: Stay in air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and quiet street views, just 200 meters from Riomaggiore Beach. Enjoy the sea views with your complimentary wine or champagne and fruits.
Perla del Marinaio: Another beachfront property in Riomaggiore offering sweeping views and quick access to the beach. This is the perfect option for budget-conscious couples or solo travelers who don’t want to comfromise on comfort and location.
Cinque Terre Highlights:
- Each seaside town is incredibly picturesque
- Disney’s “Luca” is inspired by Cinque Terre
- Hike between each coastal town or take a short train ride
- The Tower of Pisa isn’t too far from here
Read More:
Feeling inspired by this two-week Italy itinerary? Keep on planning that dream escape with my Ultimate Italy Travel Guide.
I love the itinerary but I do not have two weeks. Love Venice and Florence