A prime destination in Europe’s Mediterranean, indulge in a 2 week Italy itinerary and see some of the most fascinating historic sites, sip exceptional wine, fill your belly with pasta, and soak up the la dolce vita in the best way.
This Italy itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants to see some of the country’s best places while enjoying unique, cultural experiences that make a trip to Italy all the more memorable.
As someone who has been traveling in Italy for nearly a decade, I’m so excited to give you my recommendations. Let’s get into all the details of this Italy in 2 weeks itinerary.
Table of Contents
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Is 2 weeks in Italy enough?
Doing a 2 week Italy itinerary is one of the best ways to see the country and cover a lot of ground with a decent amount of time.
While I prefer to travel slowly in Italy – seeing places for a week or even a month at time – it can be ideal to spend just a few days in several cities and take day trips to see more places.
As long as you give yourself at least 2 days in each main destination, you will be able to enjoy much of what Italy has to offer.
Don’t try to hustle through every place you go on your itinerary; you’ll waste a lot of time and money booking trains and even flights to other parts of the country.
That’s why this Italy itinerary is ideal. You’ll see loads of amazing places without getting burnt out by moving hotels every other day. And trust me, you’ll have a much richer and more memorable experience if you choose home bases instead of constantly packing your bags and moving.
So – yes, two weeks in Italy is enough to see many of the country’s most idyllic and fascinating places.
2 Week Italy Itinerary Outline
I’ve spent A LOT of time traveling in this country, and I’m so excited to give you my recommendations of how to spend 2 weeks in Italy. Here’s a quick glance on how you’ll spend the next 14 days of your trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Rome (3 nights)
2: Rome
3: Rome
4: Naples (2-3 nights)
5: Naples + Pompeii Day Trip
6: Sorrento / Amalfi Coast (optional 1 night)
7: Florence (3 nights)
8: Florence + Pisa Day Trip
9: Florence + Tuscan Countryside Trip
10: Bologna (1 night)
11: Venice (3 nights)
12: Venice
13: Venice + Day Trip
Day 14: Fly out of Venice
You will see that you’ll fly into Rome and out of Venice. These are two of the most popular points of entry for international flights (outside of Europe, in this case) and so it’s best to start and end your trip this way if you’re trying to see both the north and south.
Finally, multi-destination tickets can be more expensive and are best booked on the airline’s official website. So, if it’s much more affordable for you to fly in and out of Rome, you can skip Bologna (or spend 1 less day in Florence or Venice) and head back down to Rome on day 13.
What is the best time to visit Italy?
First of all, summer is the busiest and hottest time to visit Italy, paired with the highest prices for hotels and experiences. It can be ideal to visit for many, because of work schedules, and if that is the case I would recommend any month except August – this is the hottest month and a big travel month for Europeans.
Personally, I find the best time to visit Italy is April through early June or September to early October. You’ll have generally good weather, fewer crowds, and typically better rates on accommodation.
What to Wear in Italy
If you are visiting during the peak months or shoulder seasons, you can roughly follow this outline for Italy outfits. If you are visiting Italy in summer, I have a whole guide on best outfits for August in Italy.
- Comfortable walking shoes – this is a must, especially for all those cobbled streets. White sneakers and/or sturdy sandals like these Clarks are comfortable and stylish.
- A flowy dress
- A lightweight cardigan or jacket for nights
- Cute casual pants, skort, and/or romper
- A couple of cute tops to mix and match with your pants
- A low-key sun hat for May/June (fedora style would be great)
- This anti-theft bag because Rome is a prime pickpocketing destination. See my guide on avoiding pickpockets in Europe.
- A cotton/linen layer for added sun protection + sunscreen
- A lightweight scarf or cover up when entering basilicas and the Pantheon
How to Spend 2 Weeks in Italy – 14-Day Italy Itinerary
Ok, now we can finally get into all the details on what to do during your 14 days in Italy.
Remember, use this itinerary as a guide. Follow what speaks to you and leave a little wiggle room for spontaneity; you never know what you might come across or who you’ll meet while you’re traveling.
Day 1: Fly into Rome
Fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to begin your trip. I recommend aiming for a flight that arrives early so you can get a lot of time on your first day.
Spend the first few hours going through customs, getting from the airport to the city centre of Rome, and checking into your hotel. You can take the Leonardo Express train to the Roma Termini Station; this takes about 30 minutes. After you arrive at the station, take the metro or grab a taxi from outside the station.
Tip! If you won’t have internet on your phone when you arrive, download the map of Rome on Google Maps before you go. This way, you’ll be able to navigate to your hotel via public transport or foot without needing internet access.
For a more detailed look at your days in Rome, see my 3-day Rome itinerary.
Where to Stay in Rome
Vacation rental in Campo de’ Fiori: Views that that overlook the market beautifully! It sleeps 4 and is very stylish.
Relais Monti: A great boutique hotel in Monti, especially if you book a room with a private terrace.
Dimora ai Fori: Very close to the Colosseum and has rooms with amazing views of the city.
Vittoria Garden Suites: A lovely budget-friendly accommodation in Rome.
Rome Itinerary - Day 1
Your second day is going to be your big day of sight-seeing and visiting places. Day 1 is all about taking it easy. Don’t book any excursions unless it’s something like an evening cooking class, just in case your flight has any delays.
Rather, enjoy some of the best things to do in Rome’s Monti neighborhood that don’t require bookings. Most of these are in the same area, so it seems like a lot but they are all pretty close together.
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore: This is a huge, ancient church located near the Termini Station. It dates back to 432 AD and is one of the most iconic churches to see with 2 weeks in Italy.
Trevi Fountain: One of the most famous places to visit in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is indeed stunning. The problem is that everyone else seems to think so and it’s one of the most chaotic and touristy places in the city. Prepare for crowds if you’re going in the middle of the day.
Gelato: Gelato on your first day in Italy? Yes, please! Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato is a very popular option. I always recommend pistachio because for me it’s like a taste test. If the pistachio is good, it’s a good gelato place.
Pantheon: Pay €5 to enter and see the Pantheon, one of the oldest places in Rome. It’s situated in a beautiful piazza, Piazza della Rotonda, with a stunning fountain.
Piazza Navona: My personal favorite piazza in Rome; this one is huge with multiple fountains and tons of restaurants and shops surrounding it. It’s central fountain is called La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (The Fountain of the Four Rivers, with four statues representing the Donau, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata).
Coffee at Sant’ Eustachio Caffè: Sant’ Eustachio Caffè is one of the most famous places for coffee in Rome. They roast their beans in house and blend them with water from an ancient aqueduct. Pretty cool, indeed.
Campo de’ Fiori: A really lively market area, night and day. Here you can find all sorts of fresh produce, dry pasta, truffle oils, cheeses, spices, flowers, and so much more. It’s a great place to find souvenirs from Italy.
Dinner in Campo de’ Fiori: Camp de’ Fiori is a great spot for lunch or dinner in Roma. We visited Antica Hostaria Romanesca and the Roman-style pastas were bellissima! It’s also a popular spot for cacio e pepe in Rome – a delicious cheese and black pepper Roman pasta.
Tour Option – Night E-Bike Tour w/ Food & Wine Tasting: I love seeing the Colosseum lit up at night, and the city in general. That’s why this e-bike tour of Rome is such a fun way to get to know the city on your first day. Because of course you at least want to stop and see the Colosseum on day one.
Day 2: Rome
Start your day with an Italian breakfast either by your hotel or at a spot closer to the Colosseum.
For breakfast nearby, I recommend Antico Caffe del Brasile, which I’ve been to several times and it has high ratings.
They have a big selection of baked goodies, like a cornetto (aka a croissant). I prefer mine vuoto (empty) but you can do marmalade, chocolate, pistachio, etc.
To take advantage of the main Rome activities during your 2 week Italy itinerary, you should get a Fast-Pass Entry Ticket to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
That ticket doesn’t include a guided tour. If you want a guide to take you through both places, then grab this highly-rated guided tour.
Rome Itinerary - Day 2
Here’s how I recommend you spend day 2 of your 14 days in Italy itinerary.
Colosseum & Roman Forum: If there’s one place you buy tickets for in Rome, let it be joint tickets for the Colosseum and Roman Forum. We’re talking Gladiators, ancient Roman ruins, and glimpse into the past. Grab tickets here.
Via dei Fori Imperiali: As you make your way to Capitoline Hill for the next two of this Rome three day itinerary, walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali. This old street goes between the Roman Forum and the Forum of Augustus and Trajan Forum and offers a new perspective of ancient Rome.
Palatine Hill: Home to museums (the world’s oldest museums,actually) with fantastic views of the Eternal City. This is also where aristocrats and emperors of Rome used to live.
Ara Coeli Staircase: Also located on the Capitoline Hill, the Ara Coeli Staircase offers a thigh-burning ascent to the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli (meaning there’s a lot of stairs and your booty will be proud of you for your efforts).
Monument of Victor Emmanuel II – Altar of the Fatherland: Dedicated to the first king of Italy (who is buried in the Pantheon), the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II is located between Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill (where you just were!). It’s hard to miss with its two bronze statues and white exterior perched high over Rome.
Aperitivo: A social tradition in Italy! It’s basically having a drink (typically alcoholic but not required) and a little snack a few hours before dinner. For an aperitivo, I recommend an Aperol Spritz or an Americano cocktail (this is not a coffee drink; it’s made with a bitter cocktail made with Campari).
Ponte Garibaldi: To get to the neighborhood of Trastevere, cross the lovely Garibaldi Bridge built in 1888.
Trastevere: Rome’s coolest neighborhood. Walk along the narrow cobbled streets, lined with greenery-covered buildings, local boutiques, craft breweries, and traditional trattorias/restaurants. Experience the lively nightlife around Piazza di San Calisto and Piazza Santa Maria.
Tour Option: Trastevere Food & Wine Walking Tour
See my guide on the best food tours in Rome to see more options.
Day 3: Rome + Vatican City
Day 3 is fun because you’ll get to check another country off your bucket list as part of your 2 week Italy itinerary. That’s right – Vatican City is its own country!
To get to Vatican City, you can walk, which will take about 30 minutes if you’re staying toward the center of Rome, or you can take public transport. Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station is the closest metro line.
While there, be sure to take in Michelangelo’s famous works in the Sistine Chapel. Then, climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican. There’s also the Gardens of Vatican City, home to a peaceful oasis full of fountains, sculptures, and rare plants.
Rome + Vatican City Itinerary - Day 3
Vatican City: Get your tickets in advance! It’s free to enter Vatican City, but the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums do cost. Avoid waiting in lines by reserving your tickets in advance. Tickets cost €20.00 + €5.00 for skip-the-line access when booking on the Vatican’s website.
For Vatican City, I also recommend a guided tour for a truly in-depth experience that makes your visit far more memorable.
Castel Sant’Angelo: continue by walking toward Castel Sant’Angelo. This super old castle was built in 135 AD, making it one of the oldest places in Rome. Here are tickets if you want to explore the inside.
St. Angelo Bridge: This Tiber River bridge leads right up to Castel Sant’Angelo. Taking a photo of the castle from the bridge gives you a beautiful perspective. The bridge is also some 2,000 years old, so that’s cool.
Spanish Steps: These iconic steps lead up to Renaissance church Trinità dei Monti. While there, admire the fountain at the square below before heading up the stairs.
Via del Corso: Rome’s most prominent shopping street. It’s romantic, scenic, and full of upscale boutique shops and big names like Zara and Apple.
Pizza or pasta: I recommend grabbing pizza or pasta for your last night in Rome. I like Gli Angeletti for its lovely patio, or Non c’è trippa pe’ gatti OR Diadema Restaurant.
Day 4: Naples
It’s hard to say whether Rome or Naples is my favorite city in Italy, but I am a Southern Italian girl at heart. All of this to say – this incredible, unique, chaotic city should definitely be part of your 2 week Italy itinerary.
Ignore the people who say to avoid Naples. They either just don’t understand the city OR they’ve never been and are just reiterating things they’ve been told.
Naples is an iconic city. If you love literature, cities that radiate energy, Neapolitan pizza, coastal views, and you’re not afraid to cross the road – then please don’t skip Naples.
And by crossing the road, I just mean that drivers in Naples are their own breed and you just sort of have to make a run for it when crossing. When in doubt, do as the locals do and wait for their move.
Tip! For a more detailed look, see my 2-day Naples itinerary.
Where to Stay in Naples
Santa Chiara Boutique Hotel: Set in a 17th-century building with some of the best views. There’s a rooftop terrace that looks out toward Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Stunning! Upscale, 4-star prices.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio: One of the most famous hotels in Naples, Italy, and it’s just a couple of minutes away from the Ovo Castle. The rooftop pool actually overlooks the historic castle.
Napoli Visit Home: More of a b&b style with private rooms/bathrooms with a shared lounge. It’s really tidy, well-designed, and has cute views of Naples. It’s one of the most affordable hotels in Naples with excellent rooms.
Tric Trac Hostel: One of the top hostels in Naples. It has a cool rooftop balcony, free breakfast, and shared rooms. Great for meeting people when doing solo travel in Naples.
Naples Itinerary - Day 4
Take the train from Rome to Naples: Take the Italo or Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. Don’t book the regionale train; it’s too long. Italo and Frecciarossa usually take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. Get your train ticket in advance.
Check in and grab coffee: You might not be able to check in to your hotel until 3 or 4 p.m. but you should be able to drop off your bag. Do that and then go out for a coffee. Anywhere is fine and you can ask the attendant at the hotel for a recommendation.
Castel Nuovo: Visit the enormous Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, a unique medieval castle that offers fantastic views of the city and Port of Naples.
Entry costs €6 and tickets can be purchased when you arrive at the castle. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days. Only open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Historic Napoli: Naples has an entirely different feel from northern Italy and even nearby cities like Rome. It’s more rugged, known for its bustling street life, with vendors, motorbikes, and pedestrians filling the streets. Motorbikes swerve past cars and pedestrians, people drive fast, and the city feels alive. Explore it, embrace it, have fun.
Duomo di Napoli: Set in the historic centre, and one of the most famous places in the city. I didn’t find the outside to be too spectacular but the interior is stunning, especially with its dome ceiling, intricate frescoes, and sculptures.
Piazza del Plebiscito: This is the main gathering spot in the city and it’s home to San Francesco di Paola Basilica, Royal Palace of Naples, large statues, and more. It’s a very iconic place to visit during your 2 week Italy itinerary!
Via Cesario Console: After passing Piazza del Plebiscito, you should walk down Via Cesario Console toward the statue of Augusto and the sea. From here, you’ll have some lovely views of the water, the Port of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius.
Neapolitan pizza: There’s L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, made ultra-famous as it was mentioned in Eat, Pray, Love – though it was still a hot spot well before that book came out. The lines are long, so wait or choose another pizzeria like Pizzeria D’Angeli practically right across the street.
Day 5: Naples + Pompeii
Spend a little more time getting to know Naples and visit Pompeii (one of the world’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites), which is just on the other side of Mount Vesuvius (which you can clearly see from Naples).
It’s only 20 minutes outside of the center, just on the other side of Mount Vesuvius – the volcano that destroyed this ancient city.
Naples + Pompeii Itinerary - Day 5
Pompeii: To visit Pompeii from Naples most efficiently, I highly recommend booking a Pompeii day tour. It will be a lot more immersive with a tour guide’s perspective but you’ll still have time to see stuff on your own.
Mount Vesuvius is also amazing when it comes to what to do in Naples. Luckily, this day trip to Pompeii includes a stop-over at Vesuvius. You’ll do a short walk up the crater that overlooks the Bay of Naples.
This tour starts around 9:30 a.m. and returns around 5:00 p.m.
If you’re fine to skip walking on Mount Vesuvius, you can opt for this half-day Pompeii tour from Naples that lasts only 3 hours.
Dinner in Naples: Return to Naples for dinner. Alternatively, you can book a Neapolitan cooking class for a unique experience.
Day 6: Naples to Amalfi Coast
Here you have 2 options, extending your 2 week Italy itinerary with Amalfi Coast further south. You can either do this day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Naples or check out of your Naples hotel and stay 1 night in Sorrento.
Those who would rather commute back to Naples just to not have to switch hotels again should definitely opt for the day trip. I know changing hotels too much can be tiring.
If you rent a car, it will take just over an hour to get to Sorrento. My train via the L1, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Porta Nolana to Sorrento Station.
Renting a car for the day is a pleasant way to explore the best of Amalfi Coast from places like Sorrento to Salerno.
No specific itinerary for today, just unwind and enjoy yourself!
Sorrento: Explore the city centre, go swimming if the weather permits (Bagni Regina Giovanna is an iconic choice), and take in the lush scenery of the Amalfi Coast.
Hotel recommendation: If you do stay in Sorrento, here’s a luxury hotel option with coastal views. Otherwise, this is a great budget-friendly alternative.
Day 7: Florence
You’re halfway through your 2 weeks in Italy itinerary!
Whether or not you spend the night in Sorrento, you’ll need to head back to Naples to catch the train to Florence. The train from Napoli Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella takes just under 3 hours.
Aim to leave Naples by 11 a.m. or noon. From there, you should be able to check into your Florence hotel when you arrive. Most hotels have check-in open around 2 or 3 p.m.
Where to Stay in Florence
Hotel Torre Guelfa: Upscale hotel with chic, old-world rooms and nice terrace.
Ostello Bello Firenze: Really charming hostel with shared and private rooms. The private rooms are hotel quality.
Plus Florence: Really cool hostel with swimming pool and Duomo views.
Florence Itinerary - Day 7
Train from Naples to Florence: This takes about 3 hours. Bring a book or headphones and your favorite podcast downloaded while you enjoy one of your longest train rides of your 2 week Italy itinerary.
Check into your hotel: See my recommendations above for options for a range of budgets.
Lunch: I love Florence for its pasta dishes! Enjoy pasta in the center. I really enjoyed Le Cappelle Medicee Ristorante. But check out this local’s guide for the best pasta in Florence.
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore: Known as Il Duomo, this is probably the most famous landmark in Firenze. Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for stunning views.
Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s famous bridge! It’s a medieval arched bridge that looks like it’s a building, but inside you’ll find a market and shops.
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo: This is hands down one of the best things to do during an Italy trip! Catch the sunset overlooking Florence. Bring a bottle of wine if you’d like!
Day 8: Florence + Pisa
Today you’ll be able to visit a Florence museum – a must-do with 2 weeks in Italy. It’s also a great chance to take the train OR book a half-day trip to Pisa.
So here’s what I would recommend: First visit either the Uffizi Gallery or Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. Then, take the train around noon to arrive in Pisa at 1 p.m. Spend a few hours walking around and exploring the city’s sites.
I don’t think it’s necessary to book a day tour unless you really want to learn a lot about Pisa while you’re there. I recommend saving your money for a professional day tour to Tuscany instead.
You can get a round-trip train ticket for €22.
Florence + Pisa Itinerary - Day 8
Breakfast: A classic Italian breakfast of a cappuccino and sweet pastry is recommended but you do! You can also have a breakfast sandwich. Anywhere near your accommodation will do the trick.
Uffizi Gallery or Galleria dell’Accademia: You should be able to visit both during your Italy itinerary, but if you’re short on time this morning then visit the Galleria dell’Accademia first. It’s smaller with less to see compared to Uffizi.
Train to Pisa: Take the train to Pisa and spend 4-5 hours there. Eat lunch, see the famous leaning tower, and wander through its historic centre.
Alternative: If you’d rather slow travel in Florence than take a day trip on this day, then rent bikes and cycle around the city. It’s such a lovely place and there are a lot of cycling paths that make exploring easy on a bike. Here’s where to book a bike rental.
Day 9: Tuscany Day Trip
One of the most magical things you’ll do during your 2 week Italy itinerary is a day trip to the Tuscan countryside.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or not, the landscapes and historic villages are to die for. Here are a few tour options to help you decide.
Side note: If for whatever reason the Tuscan countryside isn’t calling to you, no judgment – check out Cinque Terre day trips instead.
Chianti Wine Tour
Chianti + Siena + Pisa Tour
Siena & San Gimignano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine
Day 10: Bologna
Wave arrivederci a Firenze! You’re off to spend one day in Bologna. You’ll spend just one night there before heading to Venice where you’ll spend the last days of your Italy itinerary.
From its culinary scene and medieval center to energy and authentic Italian culture, Bologna is a magical place to explore.
Plus, it’s a little more outside the main tourist hub, so if you’re visiting during the peak season, you can enjoy more of a break compared to Rome and Florence.
Where to Stay in Bologna
Hotel Panorama Bologna Centro: Popular hotel in a great location with moderate prices.
B&Bononia View: Cozy, affordable rooms with balconies and views of the city. Includes breakfast!
Bohoostel: Budget hostel option with a cool patio.
Bologna Itinerary - Day 10
Train from Florence to Bologna: Book your train to Bologna; It will only take around 38 minutes, so it’s a short train ride today! You’ll go from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale.
Check into the hotel: See my recommendations above on where to stay.
Fountain of Neptune: One of the symbols of the city, the Fountain of Neptune is a must-see. It dates back to the 1500s and it’s – you guessed it – dedicated to Neptune from Greek mythology. He is surrounded by dolphins, mermaids, cherubs, and coats of arms.
Piazza Maggiore: Bologna’s massive square is a popular meeting point and it’s surrounded by ancient buildings like the Palazzo del Podestà.
Asinelli Tower and Garisenda Tower: Two massive towers shoot off of Bologna’s skylines and these are them. You can even climb 498 steps to the top of its tallest one. Talk about a great way to work off all that gelato.
Restaurants: Check out this Bologna restaurant guide to decide where to eat with your 1 day in the city.
Day 11: Venice
Today you’ll arrive at the last home base of your 2 week Italy itinerary – bittersweet! Here’s how to spend the following days of your trip.
Tip! Venice changed its rules for visiting the city during the peak times. When you arrive on train, make sure you have proof of accommodation so you are not charged a “day-tripper fee”. You can read more about the new changes.
Where to Stay in Venice
Ca’ Angeli: Venetian B&B in a central area with lovely, quiet rooms.
Rooftop Studio: Cute, small studio with canal views from the rooftops.
Alloggio Casa Loredan: 16th-century house turned hotel with city views and a sun terrace.
Venice Itinerary - Day 11
Train from Bologna to Venice: Take the train from Bologna to Venice Santa Lucia Station. It costs around €10-20 and lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes if you book an Italo train.
Train from Bologna to Naples: Book the Italo train that arrives in Venice in just an hour and half.
Check into your hotel: Your last hotel during this 2 week Italy trip! See my recommendations above.
Ponte di Rialto: Venice’s most iconic bridge! It crosses the Grand Canal and is a total must-see.
Ponte delle Tette: A small, but famous bridge where topless prostitutes used to hang out during the 16th to 18th centuries. Bridge of the Ta-Tas.
Basilica di San Marco: Easily one of the most extraordinary basilicas in Europe, St. Mark’s Basilica should be one of your first stops of the day. It’s set in the huge Piazza San Marco with a couple of other must-see landmarks.
Tip! For the best experience, book this skip-the-line ticket that gives you access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Doge’s Palace: This was once the Doge’s residence and the seat of Venetian government and it’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Caffè Florian: Really picturesque, old-world coffee house in a Neo-Baroque style. They serve coffee and cocktails, but it is pricey.
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute: Another iconic basilica to see, though not as famous as San Marco. This one, however, is right on the water.
Gallerie dell’Accademia: Venetian art from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Cocktails by the Canali: Overlooking the Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, Bar Longhi is a beautiful spot for an aperitivo. But keep in mind this is a pricey spot – a cocktail will cost around €25!
For a budget-friendly option, grab an Aperol Spritz at Osteria da MORO. It also looks over the Canal.
Day 12: Venice
On your 2nd day, get to know Venice a bit more. Visit a quirky bookstore, see some hidden gems, book a gondola ride, and wander through the city at a leisurely pace.
Venice Itinerary - Day 12
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: A bit of tucked-away gem, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is set off a small street. If you go inside, you can climb the stairs for a lovely view.
Gondola ride: Book a private gondola ride for one of the most popular things to do in Venice. These can be pricey for private ones, but shared ones are pretty affordable and you can book your shared gondola ride in advance.
Tip! If you don’t want to splurge on a gondola, you can book a water taxi to see an unexplored part of Venice.
Libreria Acqua Alta: See this cool secondhand bookstore full of vintage finds. Plus, there are resident cats and the place is this chaotic masterpiece of books on top of books.
Casual lunch at Farini: Just a few minutes walking from the bookstore is a place to get cut pizza or “pizza al taglio”. This means you order at the counter and select the slices of pizza you want before going to sit down. They also have coffee, pastries, and Aperol Spritz. It’s called Farini and they have three locations.
Day 13: Venice + Islands
Burano and Murano: This is a highly-rated private boat tour of Burano and Murano and it’s just €44 a person. There are different times available, depending whether you want to spend the morning or evening on the islands.
Dinner in Venice: Some recommendations include Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti, Osteria La Zucca, and Rio Novo if you want canal views.
Venice Jazz Club: For a fun nightcap and live music on the last day of your 14 day Italy trip, check out the Venice Jazz Club.
Day 14: Fly Home From Venice
If you have time, enjoy a final Italian breakfast and a last walk around for souvenirs.
From there, you book a water taxi (your hotel can help arrange this for you). It’s the splurgiest option as it will be around €100+.
My favorite recommendation, however, is to book this waterbus service. It’s €15 a person taking you from the Venice Railway Station to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
There’s also a shuttle service with ATVO buses. Every 30 minutes, they drive from the airport via Mestre to Piazzale Roma in Venice. The journey takes 25 minutes and costs about €10 for a one-way.
Conclusion - 2 Week Italy Itinerary
Thank you for reading my guide on how to plan out a 2 week Italy itinerary! I hope you have an amazing time on your adventure. Remember, you don’t have to follow my itinerary to a T. Use your best judgment following your own travel style. 🙂 Ciao!
Drop me a comment below if you have ANY questions or concerns. I’ll get back to you!
What about a 12 day Italy itinerary?
If you have a couple of less days to spend in Italy, then I recommend skipping Sorrento/Amalfi Coast and Bologna.
However, if your heart is set on seeing the Amalfi Coast, then use Naples as a base to see Pompeii and Amalfi, spending days 4 and 5 seeing Naples, the coast, and Pompeii.
Either option is a fanastic way to spend your 12 days Italy itinerary without missing out on too much of what’s been covered in this guide.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning an Italy itinerary.
How much does an average 2 week trip to Italy cost?
This largely depends on your habits and travel style. The average cost of a hotel room in Rome, for example, is $99. So, you will likely spend around $1,400 USD in hotel costs. For food, you could spend anywhere from €18 and up a day. Everything else, train fares, excursions, tickets, are extra. Roughly, I would say a 2-week Italy itinerary costs around $2,500.
What is the best way to see all of Italy in two weeks?
If you want to see parts of south, central, and northern Italy in 2 weeks, follow my above itinerary that starts in Rome, works its way down to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, before heading more north to Florence and Venice with more stops along the way.
How many days are enough to see Italy?
At least 7-10, but ideally 13 days will give you enough time to enjoy yourself and cover a lot of ground.
4 Responses
Thank you. The itinerary seems perfect . Any suggestion if 1) . Bologna Venice can be skipped for Sicily and Palermo? 2)is Tuscany worth two days / 1 night?
Hi! You can skip Bologna/Venice and spend those days in Sicily. You would need to fly as a train journey isn’t possible. Would you be able to fly out of Sicily for your return flight? That would be best so you don’t have to fly back to the mainland.
Tuscany is worth 2 days, yes! That’s considering you’re interested in seeing villages, doing wine tours, etc. 🙂
Hello. Could you give any advice on adding Lake Como to the itinerary? As well as Cinque Terre. We would like to skip Florance and Venice.
Hi – that sounds great! You could head up to Cinque Terre after Naples or Sorrento and spend the days you’d have stayed in Florence there. Then, it may not make sense to go to Bologna so you could visit Genoa or Milan for a night before heading to Lake Como. With Lake Como as your last stop, you should fly home from the Milan airport. 🙂