Read My Guide to Train Travel in Italy Here. Try the local carbs including the focaccia and the orecchiette (little ears) pasta. You can purchase your skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill here. Going on a road trip means youre pretty much guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too. So, rather than create one epic Italian road trip, Ive divided it into a northern Italy road trip and a southern Italy road trip. That way you can just pick one and break the country up into manageable chunks. Got a while? Be sure to read my guide to Rome in One Day before you go. Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips! You can buy your skip-the-line tickets to the Duomo here. Bologna Venice Verona. Alternatively, take a guided day tour of the Dolomites on day 8 and a day trip to Bologna, the foodie capital of Italy, on day 9. Day 3: Drive to Monterey + Cannery Row. Buses may not be as fast as trains, but they can be a cheaper and useful alternative, especially if trains are fully booked in the peak season. Spring, from mid April on, and fall are wonderful times to do this itinerary. A guide to Positano Day 4 Capri Take a ferry from Naples to reach Capri island in about 40 minutes. The best time to visit Sardinia is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. Adventurous visitors can hike the next day. When viewed from the scenic trail, it is shaped like a heart! It is a relatively easy, 6-mile hike that will take you past three of the most famous summits in the area. With lush vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns, Chianti is a beautiful region of Tuscany. Youll have tons of amazing things to do in Italy, and what you choose to do will largely depend on where you go and what time of year you go, but here are some of the top things to do in Italy: Download my FREE Italy Bucket List by clicking here. Explore the town before the tour buses show up around 10 am. Some of the best wine anywhere can be found in Sondrio, and a wine tasting should be on the to-do list. This is the fun part, but it can also be pretty stressful. On day 6, head to the Eastern Dolomites, where youll base yourself in Cortina di Ampezzo. 10 Day France and Italy Tours & Trips. We plan on visiting Italy in the fall and hitting Rome-Amalfi-Naples(Pompeii and Mt.Vesuv)-Florence-Venice. The best time to visitPugliais spring, early summer, or early fall, for pleasant weather, lower crowds, and less pricey accommodation. On this 10-day Italy itinerary, experience some of the best cities in Northern Italy, and enjoy the art, architecture and history, as well as the incredible food and drink on offer. Spend the day exploring the iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City. Not far away, youll spot Tiber Island, the lone island on the river that flows through Rome. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Less time? Hi! For those that prefer to drive, we have several Italy itineraries that are perfect for road trips. Find and compare all 81 St. Moritz tours, cruises, and packages from 14 companies. Though regional trains may be cheaper, Le Frecce trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel through the country. Find and compare all 81 St. Moritz tours, cruises, and packages from 14 companies. Spend the rest of your time strolling the city center, where you can admire more of Palladios work. Visit local vineyards and sample some of Sicilys finest wines before enjoying a sunset stroll along the salt flats. We have 10 days flying out of NYC. Or, is it too much to add Sardinia in 2 weeks? There are many small towns dotting the winding coastline. 3 March 2023. Italy is blessed with an excellent train I think 2 days in each location is sufficient. If youd like some help seeing Chianti, you can actually book a half day tour that will take you to all the best spots. On your final day, explore some of the outlying islands in the lagoon. From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. When planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you. Then spend a night in the town of Alberobello in the warm interior. or Parma, for its delicious parmigiano reggiano and prosciutto di Parma. Itinerary Overview Day 1:Travel Day + San Francisco sight seeing Day 2:San Francisco sight seeing Day 3:Drive to Monterey + Cannery Row Day 4:Big Sur Road Trip Day 5:Day trip to Paso Robles Wine Country Day 6:Drive to Los Angeles Day 7:Los Angeles sight seeing + Travel home Day 1: Fly into San Francisco This is my recommended 10 day Italy itinerary for people who want to stay in a relatively contained area yet still be able to see many famous places and a variety of Explore the breathtakingly beautiful South Tyrol region of Italy on this 10-day road trip. In Arezzo, tour the many sights that offer notable art and architecture. Spend your first day hiking between the villages, taking in stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. On your first day in Rome, walk the historic center to gawk at all the famous monuments and landmarks. Sardinia offers so much for travelers to enjoy and explore, from ancient ruins and caves to stunning beaches and plenty of natural beauty. If you want to stay in a hotel, useBooking, as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Rome is full of art, history, culture, and amazing food. What I love about visiting Tuscany, especially as a family, is that it is laid back and you can usually rent a nice villa with a pool for a good price on VRBO, while being surrounded by enchanting scenery. Set aside a day to join a bike tour along the Appian Way to explore the catacombs and marvel at the still-standing ancient Roman aqueducts. Spend the day visiting the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, and other sites, to gawk at the mosaics. You have various options for getting around while visiting Italy. Fly into Salzburg in Austria. You can read all about what to do in Lake Como here. In the morning, drive to Campo Imperatore, a high plateau in the breathtaking Gran Sasso National Park. Thanks! Here are some ideas of things to do during your time in Venice: This Lakes of Northern Italy itinerary is one of my favorites, and not something that most people try. Be sure to spend some time in the ocean during your time in Cinque Terre. On day 9, you can take the ferry (or do a boat tour) to the beautiful isle of Capri. If you are a first-time visitor, here are essential tips for preparing for your trip to Italy for 7 days (or more). Days 2 4: GoldenPass and Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. In case you have more time or take a second visit, here are some other Italian destinations wed happily recommend. Be sure to check out the views from the Two Towers of Bologna, and pop by the oldest still-open university in the world, Bologna University (open continuously since 1088!). Next, its on to Venice, one of the most iconic cities in Italy. We would like to add another spot or two to visit during our trip, weve both been to Florence, so we were thinking about maybe doing an Airbnb in Tuscany, or perhaps going somewhere south since well be in Amalfi. The historic center of Vieste is built on a limestone peninsula. Get lost in the narrow alleys and among the white houses adorned with plants. Thanks! The citys wealth came from salt production in the 1800s. With three full days in Florence, you can pace yourself and take in the sights, while also allowing time each day to wander the historic center and savor the ambience in the streets and plazas, as well as enjoy some leisurely meals. While some of our 10-day Italy itineraries are perfect for travelers looking to sample different destinations on that first magical trip to Italy, others are suitable for visitors seeking a more in-depth experience of a region or a smaller area, perhaps on a returning visit. Later in the day you can also visit Lago di Dobbiaco. The gothic cathedral has a magnificent exterior and a just as fabulous interior. We are Dhara and Kishore. Yes, its touristy, but worth seeing, especially if this will be your only time in Italy. Visit an art museum, either the Gallerie dellAccademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and book a gondola ride or take the vaporetto along the length of the Grand Canal to admire the architecture on both banks. Hey Danny! Ive done the math on each of these itineraries and I dont think its worth it. They all have their own special charm, and they also all have their own pros and cons. Recommendation: Vatican City (which includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peters Basilica) is another place where buying tickets in advance really makes sense unless you enjoy waiting in lines for hours. Visit the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, the former residence of the Medici family. In case sifting through pages of listings doesnt appeal to you, weve included recommendations for accommodation at each stop on your Italian itinerary below. Enjoy a panino at Allantico Vinaio and Michelin star dining with a view of the Arno River at Borgo San Jacopo. On day 2, start with a morning vaporetto ride of the Grand Canal. Both cities have lots of art and architecture to admire as well. Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary. Each of them has been run by the same family for generations and now houses a seafood restaurant. I never travel without it. In Pisa, the Field of Miracles contains not only the Leaning Tower, which you can climb for 360-degree views, but also the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto (the cemetery). In Bologna, you can climb the city towers: Asinelli and Garisenda, stroll Piazza Maggiore, and walk its stunning porticoes. I recommend taking a, If youre visiting Rome with Kids, there is so much to do! Outside of Florence, a car is recommended for more flexibility, although you can craft a Tuscany itinerary with a combination of train trips and guided tours. There are some areas in Italy that I think its definitely worth renting a car! Id cut out Lake Como and Venice and head to Sardinia instead. It is truly beautiful. I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. Hi there. Enjoy wandering the historic center in the evening, and sample some gelato! It covers the most important sites and major cities in Italy that most visitors will want to see on their first trip to Italy. In Venice, youll want to explore the area around Piazza San Marco, including the Basilica and Doges Palace. Start by basing yourself in Villasimius, where you can visit picturesque beaches like Spiaggia di Porto Giunco and Spiaggia di Simius. Start this road trip in Trapani. WebDay 2: Florence. Italy is an incredible country that should be on any travelers bucket list! Its just a matter of preference. The main highlight, besides the typical Tyrolean architecture, is the South Tyrol museum of Archaeology. Milan is one of the countrys largest cities and probably the most modern destination on this trip, featuring a dense mix of historic landmarks amidst a bustling metropolis. You really cant go wrong by choosing any of these. This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know youre getting the best deal. The most beautiful part of the Abruzzo coast is the Costa dei Trabocchi, which runs for 60 km from the town of Ortona to Vasto. Great weather, but not too crazy busy! On arrival, head for the ancient village of Santo Stefano in Sessania. First of all, if you plan to visit in summer or close to it, book well in advance to make sure you get somewhere you like. Walk or bike the medieval walls, wander the cobblestone streets, and take in the sights. Time: 2.5 hoursCost: $44- Adults $22- Children. But taking a train is simple and affordable. However, to make the most of this trip, plan on visiting between April and October. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and admire the many other fountains. Beyond major landmarks, youll see a different side of Milan through its neighborhoods. Theres no place on earth like it! You can also get around Italy by bus. On this 10-day Italy itinerary, experience Finish in the city of Catania and depart from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). WebExperience the best of St. Moritz in 10 days. You can admire the architecture of the entire area around the basilica, then go inside to see paintings by Titian. I personally love the beach at Atrani because you dont have to walk down a thousand stairs like Positano, but you still get that beautiful and classic look of Amalfi! Make your way to Ragusa, known for its Baroque architecture. Take the train from Varenna to Venice (be sure to book San Lucia and not Mestre). Today you can choose a day trip from Verona: beautiful Lake Garda, or historic Vicenza, with its Palladian architecture. Visit independently, or book a guided tour. Explore the super scenic Val dOrcia on a day drive from Siena. SafetyWing offers travel insurance for only about $10 a week, making it a no-brainer to get. Take a walk along the Arno river. Rent a bike and ride around the ancient walls of the city. Wander around the historic center, with its many porticos (which form kilometers upon kilometers of shaded walkways) and red-washed buildings, which earn it one of its three nicknames,La Rossa (the Red One). Youll need to budget for your 10 days in Italy. This Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary is arguably the most classic and one of the best routes for those who want to see Italy and the top highlights for the first time. With ten days to explore all three cities, you will have enough time to really do them justice while also being able to go on a day trip or two. Leaving for your trip soon? Then theres Circus Maximus, where thousands would cheer on chariots as they raced around the still-visible track.