How to Plan 7-10 Days in Italy

Planning a trip to Italy? We’re here to help!

I’ve been living in France for the past few years, just an hour away from the Italian border, so trips to Italy are pretty common for my husband and me. In fact, it’s one of our favorite European countries to visit! There are so many historical sites, gorgeous landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisines that change whenever you enter a new region.

There’s so much to see and do in this country that sometimes planning a trip itinerary can be daunting. That’s where our Italy itinerary comes in.

I’ve broken down the steps to planning the perfect trip to Italy, along with a highlight of the top destinations and cities to visit. You can customize your own trip by picking and choosing destinations within the country that seem the most interesting to you and your preferences.

With destinations to complete full Northern Italy itineraries to lesser-known hidden gems in stunning Southern Italy, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about each destination, along with some fun things to do and see while there. Let’s get into how to plan a trip to Italy so you’ll be living la dolce vita in no time!

Guide To Planning a Trip to Italy

Best Time to Visit Italy

The best time to visit Italy is surrounding the summer months – avoiding July and August. July and August bring sweltering heat and hoards of crowds trying to visit the same famous attractions as you.

My favorite months to visit major Italian cities are April and May. Rome and Vatican City are an absolute must around Easter.

If you plan to visit the coast and beaches, plan for early June or September. Places like Cinque Terre, Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast are absolutely magical during these months, and it’s warm enough to swim on both of Italy’s coasts.

Budgeting for a Trip to Italy

During your Italy trip planning, budgeting goes hand-in-hand with the time of year you plan to visit Italy. The high season (June to August) will have accommodation prices skyrocket due to high demand. Shoulder season (May and September), however, will be more friendly to your wallet while still getting to enjoy many of the perks of high season.

One way to save money is by enjoying meals on the go. Italians aren’t into large breakfasts – an espresso and fresh pastry is what you’ll find at most places.

This combo will be much more affordable at a local bakery rather than a hotel restaurant. You can also save money by booking your train and plane tickets in advance. Waiting last minute can also reward you with low prices, but the risk is high.

Italy is in the eurozone, so all transactions will be made in euros. Here’s a basic breakdown of what you can expect to spend daily on various costs:

• Accommodation: €60-€200
• Meals: €25-€55
• Attractions: €0-€20
• Transportation: €3-€20

Travel Advice

Being a foreigner living in Europe, I’ve collected many tips and tricks throughout the years to travel smarter and safer around the continent. Here are just a few tips to make your trip to Italy go smoothly:

• Public Transportation: Public transportation is absolutely amazing in Italy. Google Maps will be your best friend when planning your route to numerous places, as it very accurately incorporates the public transport schedule into your itinerary. When you get to a metro stop, be sure you’re entering the platform on the right side. Always double-check ahead of your trip to avoid any transportation strikes and have backup plans if strikes arise.
• Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are very common in larger cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice. They almost exclusively target tourists. Make sure to keep your passport and cash in secure places that can’t be easily accessed by people passing on the street.
• Language: While Italians will very much appreciate you learning their language before you arrive, it’s not a requirement, especially in major tourist destinations. Simple greetings in Italian will go a long way. In less visited parts of the country like southern Italy, you may run into situations where people will not understand English.
• Cash Payments: Always have some euros on you. While most places in Italy accept credit cards (though some won’t accept American Express), they often have minimums, so if you only want to make a small purchase, you’ll need cash. This is very common in smaller towns, too. Because my bank back in the U.S. offers me phenomenal exchange rates, I opt to use my debit card to take out cash instead of using an exchange service. Don’t forget to compare the rate your bank will offer you and compare it to foreign cash exchange companies. Additionally, only use ATMs in Italy that are linked to a specific bank. Non-bank-specific ATMs often come with their own hefty fees.
• Phone Data: Unless you’re traveling on a group tour, having a phone that works throughout the country you’re visiting is not only convenient but crucial. A phone will allow you to access directions, updates on travel news and warnings, translate phrases, and communicate, especially in an emergency. Check if your service provider offers affordable international data or buy a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination airport.

What to Pack for an Italy Trip

Packing for a trip to Italy is one of the most fun parts of your trip! Call me a typical millennial, but I always like to check out Pinterest and some of my favorite fashion blogs when it comes to getting fashion inspiration based on destination. Italy does experience all four seasons, especially Northern and Central Italy, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.

Clothing

As for the essentials, these are some of the basic clothing items I pack on almost every trip I take:

See Related: The Ultimate Beach Packing List: What to Bring to the Beach

Essential Items

Once you’ve planned your outfits, don’t forget about the other essentials! There are a few different considerations that don’t involve clothing. Here are a few examples:

• Travel Documents: You must bring a valid (unexpired) passport when traveling abroad. Other things I would recommend to have on you are an international drivers permit, a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your itinerary, and a list of emergency contacts.
• Electronics: Some things I always like to have with me on my travels include my DSLR camera, a few different lens options, Amazon Kindle (perfect for planes and train rides), noise-canceling headphones, and a portable charger. Don’t forget to pack all of the charging cords that accompany these devices and a US-to-EU plug adapter.
• Medications: Always make sure to pack all necessary medications as well as a copy of your prescription. Other medications I like to include are Tums, Ibuprofen, and Immodium. I also keep a small pack of bandages in my bag in case of blisters or other small wounds. Never pack your prescriptions in your checked baggage – always keep them in your carry-on in case of lost or stolen luggage.
• Toiletries: Whenever I travel, I try to keep my toiletries to a minimum, especially if I’m only traveling with a carry-on. Two things I always pack are my favorite conditioner and moisturizer in travel-sized containers. Everything else I can get from hotels or pick up at a local pharmacy or grocery store.

See Related: Things to Do in Italy & Best Places to Visit

Top Italian Cities and Destinations to Visit

Rome

If you’re planning your first trip to Italy, I highly recommend starting it in Rome. The Eternal City is home to many of Italy’s major attractions, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum, and the city-state of Vatican City. Rome is a large city with a lot to see and do and is also very well-connected, so you can enjoy many day trips with Rome as your home base.

Most of the top attractions will be found in the city center. The city is easily navigated using the public transport system, which includes metros and buses.

I highly recommend getting a 24-hour pass (or even a 72-hour pass) to easily get from place to place without having to spend time buying a ticket each time. In my experience, it does come out cheaper to buy the pass versus individual tickets.

Here are some things not to miss when visiting Rome:

• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
• The Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain
• Indulging in gelato in front of the chocolate fountain at Venchi
• Sampling delicious Italian food in the Trastevere neighborhood
• Take a day trip to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast
• For a once in a lifetime stay, check into Hotel Eden

Milan

Milan is full of high fashion and shopping, remarkable architecture, and delicious food. Every corner of this glamorous city is filled with exciting sights and sounds to behold.

This is another city where you can find awesome flight deals from the U.S. when planning a trip to Italy. Major sights include the Duomo di Milano, La Scala Theater, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

There are countless fantastic day trips to take from Milan. Some of my favorites are two major Italian lakes: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. You can also easily get to the Italian Riviera by car or train and explore cities like Genoa, San Remo, and Portofino.

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Milan. Here are the absolute must-dos:

See Related: Milan Travel Guide: Visit This City on a Budget

Amalfi Coast

An iconic Italian summer is best enjoyed on the sunny and warm Amalfi Coast. Beautiful old towns like Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Maiori, Minori and Sorrento dot this stretch of coast along the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. To get here, you’ll need to fly to Naples and drive, take a private (car) transfer, or take the train to Sorrento and then a ferry boat or private boat transfer to one of the other towns.

All of the beauty on the Amalfi Coast does come at a bit of a price. First of all – walking here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Wear really good shoes and prepare to descend and ascend hundreds of stairs each day.

It’s also quite crowded in the summer, so be prepared for expensive hotels and copious crowds. It’s completely possible to visit Amalfi on a day trip from Naples; just prepare for a long drive through winding roads.

That’s all to say – a visit to the Amalfi Coast is absolutely worth it. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Here are some of the best things to do and see while you’re there:

Cinque Terre National Park

Cinque Terre National Park is the perfect Italian destination to visit in the spring and summer. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its colorful fishing villages and stunning coastal hiking paths. I recommend spending three days in Cinque Terre, but it can also easily be done as a day trip from Florence or Milan.

Cinque Terre (translating to “five lands”) is made up of five charming fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso al Mare. Each tiny village has its unique quirks and can each be explored in under an hour, though you can definitely spend more time at amazing restaurants or near the water.

To get between each town, you can take a train or hike the coastal paths. Trains depart every 10-15 minutes and take less than five minutes to get between each town.

The hiking paths in Cinque Terre range from easy to moderate and require the purchase of a Cinque Terre Trekking Card. You can go on your own or join one of the interesting hiking tours available throughout the late spring and summer.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Cinque Terre:

• Rent a pair of sunbeds on the beach at Monterosso al Mare
• Grab drinks and bruschetta at Nessun Dorma (download the app to reserve your spot)
• Enjoy some seaside gelato in Vernazza
• Take a boat ride around the coast at sunset
• For a once in a lifetime stay, check into this pet-friendly villa close to the beach and the park

Tuscany

Located in central Italy, the gorgeous region of Tuscany is a gorgeous destination to consider while Italy trip planning. Major cities in Tuscany include Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Pisa.

This region is known for its gorgeous rolling hills, tree-lined roads, and amazing wine. Tuscany is easily navigated by car or train, with train stations located in all of the main towns. If you want an easy base, stay somewhere like Florence or Pisa.

Tuscany is all about gorgeous landscapes and good food made with simple ingredients. In all of Italy, restaurants in Florence are some of the best.

Be sure to try local dishes and check out the local food markets. I highly recommend taking cooking classes and cultural tours while visiting Tuscany. Additionally, Florence is home to some of the best museums in all of Italy that deserve to take up a day of your itinerary.

Here are some of the best things to see and do as you bask under the Tuscan sun:

• Enjoy one of these package tours of Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa from Florence
• Visit the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence
• Take a pizza and gelato-making class in a real Tuscan farmhouse
• Admire the Florence Duomo
• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa (pro tip: there’s a direct bus to the tower from Pisa Centrale train station)
• Soak in the natural hot springs in Saturnia
• Watch the sunset from Piazza Michelangelo
• Go on a food tour of Pisa
• Grab a scoop at Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano – the most famous gelateria in the world!
• For a once in a lifetime stay, check into Borgo San Felice

See Related: Where to Stay in Florence, Italy: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Capri

The island of Capri is known as a Mediterranean playground for the rich and famous. It’s just a short ferry ride from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

If you have the money, you should stay at one of the island’s luxury resorts. Otherwise, a day trip is the perfect amount of time to explore this beautiful little island.

While the island itself is pretty great, the best way to enjoy Capri is by sea. Surrounding the island are tons of sea caves, fascinating rock formations, and hard-to-reach beach clubs.

I recommend hiring a private boat for a half-day to explore the island at your own pace. I went on one of those cheap group boat tours around the island that you can book when you arrive, and I have to admit it was a bit disappointing and uncomfortable.

Capri is filled with so many luxury experiences, including shopping, restaurants, hotels, and boat tours. Here are the top things I recommend doing in Capri:

• Take a private boat tour around the island
• Visit the Blue Grotto
• Spend a day at La Fontelina beach club
• Go shopping in Capri town
• Enjoy a frozen limoncello (in a giant lemon) at Bar Aprea
• Take the chairlift between Anacapri and Monte Solaro
• For a once in a lifetime stay, check into Hotel La Palma

Naples

As the third largest city in Italy, Naples has a long history and lots to see and do. It’s a great base to explore Italy, especially places like the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and the rest of Southern Italy. But don’t overlook Naples! The old city has some of the most fascinating points of interest, including secret underground tunnels, catacombs, churches with incredible works of art, and so much more.

And, of course, you can’t make a stop in Naples without sampling some delicious Neapolitan pizza! Perfect for fueling up in between all the exciting sights and landmarks. The original can be found at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find bad pizza here.

Don’t leave these things off your next Naples itinerary:

Bologna

Bologna perfectly blends rich history and the modern world. It is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university as well as the factory of one of the most beloved Italian luxury vehicles: Lamborghini.

You can also find the Ferrari Museum and factory in the same region. It is still a popular university town today and is a diverse and bustling city.

Along with all of the amazing old buildings and fast cars, Bologna has given the world some of the most recognized Italian dishes of all time, including pasta bolognese, tortellini, and literal bologna (known as mortadella in Italian). A day well spent in Bologna consists of sampling delicious food, walking around the old town, and admiring the beautiful architecture from another time.

Here are the best things to see and do in Bologna:

• Go on a private food tour around the city, with six or ten tastings
• Visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums
• Learn how to make pasta bolognese from scratch
• People watch at a cafe in Piazza Maggiore
• Visit the Church of San Domenico, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city
• Go on a guided walking tour of the city to admire some of its oldest buildings
• For a once in a lifetime stay, check into the Grand Hotel Majestic

Venice

When planning a trip to Italy, you’ve probably come across more than a few stunning photos of the canal ways of Venice. This city is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country and can easily be seen in just a day or a few days. Venice is famous for its carnival celebrations and romantic canals that can be enjoyed by going on a gondola ride or by taking a long stroll through the city.

Venice is great for couples, families, and solo travelers. It’s also awesome to visit at pretty much any time of year.

I would recommend early fall or spring when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds to deal with. When visiting Italy, you’ll want to prepare for any transportation strikes that may arise. The last time I was in Venice, a strike was going on, and unbeknownst to us, it even affected the ferry boats from mainland Venice out to the old town.

Strikes aside, Venice is still one of the best places to visit on a trip to Italy. These are the things you shouldn’t miss:

Puglia

Puglia has easily become one of my favorite regions in Italy to visit. It’s gorgeous and full of fascinating architecture and historical landmarks. From the stunning seaside town of Polignano a Mare to the charming trulli of Alberobello, this underrated region of Southern Italy is soon to be a tourism hotspot.

You can find many engaging tours to some of the nearby landmarks, like the Sassi di Matera, one of the earliest human settlements in the world. If you’re eager to enjoy the seaside, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli offer incredible views of the sea and fresh seafood. Towns like Alberobello and Ostuni feature white-washed buildings and fascinating architecture that will make you feel like you’ve just been transported to Greece.

Traveling through Puglia requires a bit more planning than in the major cities of Italy, and I would recommend renting a car rather than relying on public transportation here. With that said, here are all the top spots you need to see in this amazing region:

• Admire the stunning trulli in Alberobello (my favorite thing to do!)
• Go swimming at Lido Cala Paura in Polignano a Mare
• Go on a boat tour of the coast
• Eat at Grotta Palazzese
• Visit the Sassi di Matera
• Go snorkeling off the coast of Monopoli
• Enjoy an architectural tour of Lecce
• Visit the cool cave of Grotte di Castellana
• For a once in a lifetime stay, check into Borgo Egnazia

Top Landmarks for Italian History and Culture

Art Galleries and Museums

I’d argue that some of the most impressive European art galleries and museums can be found in Italy. Most cities, big and small, are filled with amazing works of art and historical artifacts that have stood the test of time.

I highly recommend looking up the websites of museums in the cities that you plan to visit before going. Oftentimes, there are reduced admission fees on certain days, like the first Sunday of each month.

My favorite place in Italy to spend the day meandering through fascinating museums is Florence, where you can find the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Pitti Palace. If you’re in Rome, make sure to check out the Borghese Gallery and Museum and, of course, the Vatican Museums.

I’ve never been disappointed when visiting museums in Italy, even smaller, regional ones. One of my recent favorites was Casa Grotta Antica Matera, which depicted a reconstruction of an ancient cave home in Matera and described what life was like in the early times all the way into the 1950s.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Italy is home to 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – 53 cultural sites and five natural sites. Many historic city centers, including Florence, Rome, and Naples, are included on this list. These sites represent irreplaceable pieces of Italy’s rich culture and heritage that is unique to its location.

These are some of the most interesting sites that you should consider adding to the itinerary of your own trip to Italy:

• Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata
• The Basilica of San Francesco (St. Francis) in Assisi
• The Botanical Garden of Padua (the oldest botanical garden in the world)
• The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan
• The Amalfi Coast
• Cinque Terre
• The Dolomites
• Alberobello
• Villa d’Este in Tivoli
• The Sassi of Matera

Thermal Baths and Resorts

Did you know Italians were the OG wellness gurus? For centuries, Italians have recognized the power of the naturally occurring thermal waters that can be found throughout the country. Ruins of ancient Roman Baths can be found all over Italy, and thermal bathing is still a widely popular activity today.

One of the most popular naturally occurring hot springs that you can visit can be found in Tuscany. The Cascate del Mulino in the small town of Saturnia is absolutely stunning and is worth the drive. Try to get there before 8:00 am to avoid the crowds and tours.

Another Tuscan wellness gem is Montecatini Terme, known for its giant spa complex. Nearby in Monsumanno Terme, Grotta Giusti is a hotel that features its own swimming pool filled with natural thermal water and an underwater thermal cave that (PADI certified) guests can even dive in.

I recently visited QC Terme in Milan, and while it doesn’t feature any naturally occurring thermal waters, it’s a fantastic place to relax in the middle of the city, it comes in at an affordable price ($80~ for an all-day pass to use all spa facilities, including a large snack), and really encapsulates the Italian tradition of thermal bathing. QC Terme locations can be found all over Italy and even has a location in France and New York City.

Travel Logistics

Getting to Italy

In today’s world, finding deals on flight bookings has never been easier. There are tons of websites that will assist you in your quest to find the very best flights.

Three sites that I always recommend are Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Skyscanner, and Momondo. Skyscanner and Momondo are basically flight search engines that will offer you a variety of flights, whereas Going is more personal and tailored to your interests.

Getting to Italy involves flying to one of the country’s major cities, usually: Milan, Rome, Naples, and Venice. These major airports will be located far outside of the city center, so you’ll need to take either a taxi, direct private transfer, bus, or train to get into the city.

For instance, in Rome, there is the Leonardo Express train, which will take you directly from the international airport to Rome Termini, the main train station in the city. There is a similar system for Milan, as well. An airport bus or train will cost more than a regular transportation ticket, so don’t be alarmed when you see the higher price.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an absolute must when it comes to planning an international trip. You never know what could happen – be it canceled flights, lost luggage, or a medical emergency – so it’s better to have and be prepared rather than need it and not have it.

Here at ViaTravelers, our favorite online marketplace for travel insurance is travelinsurance.com. This website compares plans from many trusted insurers like AIG, AXA, and John Hancock. Simply put in your trip information, and you’ll get a list of different plans with quotes. Once you select one, your trip will be covered instantly.

Getting Around While in Italy

Train travel in Italy is among the best in the world. There are two major train networks (Italo and TrenItalia) that operate throughout the entire country. Both companies offer train itineraries that can get you across Italy on a single train.

Recommended train booking sites include Omio and ItaliaRail. I use Omio all over Europe, but ItaliaRail is an app specifically for Italy train travel, and they even have a dedicated English language site to make things even easier.

While the train is clearly my favorite way to get around Italy, you can also easily get around by bus or by renting a car. Renting a car will certainly come in handy if you plan to visit smaller towns during your vacation.

Also, if you’re traveling with multiple people, the daily cost of renting a car might even be cheaper than multiple train and public transportation tickets. One thing to note, though, is that many Italian cities have ZTLs, which are zones that are limited to local traffic, so be aware of those while planning your driving route.

Another way to get around is simply by booking guided tours. This is a superb option if you don’t want to rent a car and don’t want to deal with the logistics of train travel. You can book a small group tour for each town you visit or look into fully organized tours that can last a few days.

Accommodations

Italy offers a wide range of accommodation options. Be sure to book through the official booking sites of hotels or through trusted third-party sites, like booking.com, hotels.com, and VRBO. You can find hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfast accommodation options throughout the country.

A unique stay that you can commonly find throughout Italy is an agriturismo or a farm stay accommodation. These can be livestock farms, produce farms, and even vineyards that offer visitors a place to stay. I love staying at agriturismos because they often have their own restaurants that serve up fresh and delicious dishes that are often local delicacies.

Italian Cuisine and Dining Options

Italian food is one of the most-loved cuisines around the world, so when you’re in the actual country, it’s an absolute must to sample some of the country’s most famous dishes. When visiting the different regions of Italy, I highly recommend trying foods from that specific region. Here are just a few regional dishes and specialties to try:

• Lombardy (Milan):risotto, polenta, panettone (especially at Christmas), grana padano
• Liguria (Cinque Terre): Genovese pesto, focaccia, trofie, olive oil, mussels
• Tuscany (Florence): Florentine steak, Chianti wine, panzanella, pappardelle al ragu
• Emilia-Romagna (Bologna): Mortadella Bologna, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, proscuitto di Parma, bolognese, tortellini
• Campania (Naples): Neapolitan pizza, spaghetti con vongole, Buffalo mozarella
• Lazio (Rome): pasta alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, gnocchi alla Romana, gelato

Possible Italy Itinerary to Follow

FAQs

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