As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Italy is home to some of the most breathtaking architectural features you could ever find. Along with gastronomic delights and cultural attractions, you can’t blame tourists as this country moves and inspires like no other.
There is something to be discovered at every corner that will titillate your senses and fill your belly. Whether you are hungry for natural sights, culinary delights, or all things culture, Italy will not disappoint you. If you have 2 weeks in Europe and have never been to the ancient country of Italy, well, you have to go.
That is why it is recommended that you spend at least 2 weeks in Italy to make the most out of your trip. You can also simply cover only a specific region and check out the other parts on your next visit.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ITALY
Before you get ready for your trip to Italy, there are a few things that you need to know first. One is that taking public transport, such as the metro train, is convenient. The tips below will help you plan your travel to Italy.
ALSO READ: 2 weeks in France – choose between 3 different itineraries
When is the best time to go to Italy
The best time to travel to Italy is in spring (April to June) and fall (September and October). When you travel during these times of the year, you will get to enjoy perfect weather (not too hot or too cold, a little rain here and there). Plus, it is less crowded so you are more likely to find great deals on accommodation and airfare.
You might want to avoid the summer season (June to August) which is the busiest time of the year. During this time, it’s very crowded and prices in Italy that are related to tourism are usually at an all-time high.
If you want to go skiing and enjoy the Alps, go between December to February. December is also peak season because of Christmas and New Year holidays.
Are 2 weeks enough for Italy
14 days might be a tight schedule for Italy, but if you decide on focusing on a specific region or 2-3 cities, it can be a perfect amount of time.
For example, on this trip, visit northern Italy only. That means you can add Turin, Milan, and Genoa on your itinerary especially if you love nature and history. But for those who are visiting northern Italy for the first time, you can go to Venice, Bologna, and Florence.
In southern Italy, you have Rome, Naples, and Bari or the island of Sicily plus Rome. Trying to see More than 2-3 cities will get your Italy itinerary really cramped and you’d fill like you’re chasing a bus, train, or flight most of the time than relaxing.
Average cost of 14 days in Italy
It’s undeniable that Italy has gotten more expensive in the last few decades. For a mid-range budget, a two-week trip to Italy could cost roughly $2,000-$3,500 per person. This includes staying in standard hotels, eating at mid-range restaurants, using public transportation, and participating in typical tourist activities.
If you’re on a tight budget, you could manage a two-week trip for about $1,000-$1,500 per person. This involves staying in budget accommodations like hostels or budget hotels, eating at inexpensive eateries or self-catering, using public transport, and focusing on free or cheap activities.
For a luxury trip, expect to spend anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 or more per person for two weeks in Italy. This includes staying in luxury hotels or villas, dining at high-end restaurants, private tours, and premium experiences.
Getting around
Getting around in Italy as a visitor is very easy. Public transportation throughout the country is well-connected, especially the trains. Italy has a speed train which is a lot faster than driving. Although delay on the scheduled trip must be expected. You can also use buses to get from city to city.
Always be on the lookout for the local news. There are times when the train service is shut down due to labour strikes.
Renting a car will be an awesome idea. You’ll be able to go and stop whenever you want and bus and train delays won’t affect your itinerary. You can also rely on domestic flights, however, only do this if the destination is further than a 6-hour drive. If the distance is shorter than those, the flight will have to connect somewhere and will take more time.
In the city, you can use city buses. Rome has a tramline that works great for tourists. You can also use taxis and ride-hailing apps. You can install MyTaxi and Uber on your phone to make booking easier.
What to pack
What you need to pack if you will be spending 2 weeks in Italy will depend on the season you plan to visit. In general, you’ll want to opt for lightweight and comfortable clothing. Since you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring, it would be easier on your part if you’re comfortable.
A good pair of walking shoes is also ideal to have. And don’t forget to bring some form of a scarf to keep yourself covered when you enter churches and other sacred sites. Due to Italy’s geographical shape, the weather throughout the country can be significantly different. It is also recommended that you research beforehand the climate for the specific region you are travelling to.
If you have limited space in your luggage, you don’t need to pack toiletries. You can buy these when you land since most items such as toothpaste and mouthwash are heavy. But make sure you bring walking shoes or sandals that you already have broken into to avoid blisters.
We have a packing list for a 2-week trip which come with a printable checklist that you can use for another trip too.
Language and currency
Italy’s official language is Italian. Most road signs are in Italian and most locals speak this English. However, younger locals speak English and are happy to help especially in bigger cities. But it’s vital that you install a translation app on your phone to make things much easier.
Italy uses the Euro and the ATMs will dispense this currency. The majority of the country is still a cash-based society. You can pay with your bank card in hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores. But for gas stations, food stalls, and entrance fees in parks – it’s best to use cash.
When you are dining, tipping is not required. But check the bill if it has a service charge included in your plan to give a tip for impeccable service.
Visa and COVID-19 policy
Italy has been open to all visitors starting May 2022 and no longer requires to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, tests, and other requirements relating to the pandemic.
For US citizens, Canadians, New Zealanders, Australians, Japanese, South Koreans, Malaysians, and some countries in Latin America and the Middles East can travel to Italy without a visa for a maximum of 90 days stay (for both leisure and business travel). You need to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months by the end of your intended trip. For those that require a visa, the conditions vary according to your country of origin.
Other basic travel tips
PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN ITALY
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2 WEEKS IN ITALY ITINERARY
Choosing where to go in Italy seems like an impossible feat. Each destination or city has something unique to offer that makes them worth spending time in. Notably, you have to consider what kind of attractions you can see. This will enable you to find the right destination that would match your interests or the places you want to explore.
Below are different travel itineraries for Italy if you plan to spend around 14 days. Take a look at which one suits you best. You can also mix and match the cities that you like and create your own travel itinerary.
Itinerary #1: North – Venice, Bologna, Florence, Milan
The north of Italy have so much to offer. From culture to traditions, historical sites to declines food, and of course, amazing attractions. This itinerary is great if you have been to Italy before but only got to see one or two cities. This time, you probably can skip Venice and visit Trento instead, skip Milan and go to Genoa or Lake Como.
This region is also a great place to explore especially if you love history, literature, music, arts, fashion, food, and even plan to spend a semester here or take your uni at the popular uni city of Bologna (the food capital of Italy) or Pisa.
You will still have to either land in Venice or Milan since most flights, especially international flights will arrive here. You can take a bus, train, or pick up your rental car at the airport to start your exciting trip.
If you’re going to Milan, I highly recommend you take a day trip to Lake Como, Genoa, and Turin. All those places are only less than 2 hours from Miland and offer incredible sights and experiences.
Venice for 3 days
As one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world, Venice is punctuated by the charm of its ancient canals. It is known by many names including “The Floating City” and “The City of Canals”. Venice is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its architecture, artwork, and natural beauty. It is a sin to go to Italy and skip Venice.
How to get here: Venice Marco Polo Airport is the main airport in the city. This is where you must fly if you are looking for flights from outside Italy. You can also get to Venice via train or cruise ship.
Bologna for 2 days
Bologna is known for many reasons, one of which is being a university city. Apart from that, this city also has impressive ancient churches and the location of a piano that Mozart used while he was studying in Italy.
Bologna is also the city you want to be if you’re a foody. It’s the gastronomic capital of Italy and many popular Italian dishes are hailed from this northern city.
How to get here: From Venice, you can take a 1.5-hour train south, Bolognia being the 4th stop. The service is run by Italo Treno and goes every 30-minutes. If you take the bus, that will take 2.5 hours (run by Flixbus). For those planning to drive, it’s a 1-2 hour journey.
Florence and Pisa for 4 days
As the capital city of the Tuscan region, Florence is one of the most romantic cities in Italy. This is mainly because of the abundance of Renaissance art and architecture. It is the perfect place to go for those seeking cultural attractions. You will be in awe of the awe-inspiring creations of Michaelangelo and Brunelleschi.
Four days is plenty of time in Florence. You can use one of the days by planning a day trip to Pisa, which is only an hour away and take a silly photo at the Learning Tower of Pisa.
How to get here: Florence is south of Bologna. The drive from Bologna to Florence is 1.5 hours, while the train will take about 40-minutes, and the bus is 1.5 hours.
There are two international airports in Tuscany that you can fly into to get to Florence: Galileo Galilei International Airport and Amerigo Vespucci Airport. You can also get to Florence via train from Italy or other parts of Europe.
Milan for 5 days
As a city known for its “haute couture” image, Milan is showcased in the impressive architectural design in the cityscape. Indeed, the fashion week is held annually in this city, which showcases its propensity for style.
Milan is also considered an alpha global city as it is among the best in the field of art, education, fashion, finance, design, and tourism. The city highlights include the Gothic Duomo.
How to get here: Milan is northwest of Florence. You can get there by your rented car and the trip will take about 3-4 hours. There’s also a train which is only a 2-hour trip and the bus is the longest, 4 hours. There is a direct 2-hour flight, the ticket usually costs $30-$50.
Malpensa Airport is the main hub for air transport to Milan. There are several flights daily from other parts of or outside Italy. There is also a train from Venice or Rome that travel daily to Milan. If the train is not an option, there are also coach services in Milan.
Day trips from Milan: You have plenty of time in Milan, this means that you can easily take a day trip to many places. The most popular is to head to Lake Como. The other options that are less touristy are Turin and Genoa.
Turin is a less popular city an hour and a half away southwest of Milan. Here, you will see historical sites, museums, and pretty much being in a metropolitan city that is the gateway to the Alps.
On the other hand, Genoa is a port city, about 2 hours south of Milan. If you have been to Marseille in France, some people would compare Genoa and Marseille and point out their similarities. This city has been a valuable maritime trade route for centuries. You can visit ancient sites, explore piazzas, and sign up for a boat tour.
Itinerary #2: South – Rome, Naples, Sicily
History lovers should definitely do this 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. It’s also perfect if you love the beach and plan to visit during summer to enjoy the famous Mediterranean Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. This travel tour is slower giving you ample time to enjoy the trip and soak up the beauty of southern Italy.
It’s recommended o book your flight to land in Rome where you’ll be starting your escapade. When you land in Rome, you can either pick up a rental car at the airport or decide on that later. It’s much easier to traverse through Rome by foot or bus, it might be smarter to plan using a rented car once you’re ready to leave Rome.
Rome for 3 days
As the capital of Italy, Rome is known for its religion and art. No visit to the country would be complete without including Rome in your list of places to go. This is where you will The Vatican City, the world’s smallest city-state. It is also home to many spectacular ancient ruins such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
How to get here: There are two major airports in Rome: Ciampino and Fiumicino. There are daily flights direct from major cities in Europe and the US. You can also take the train from other parts of Italy, such as Florence. And many of the visitors that come to Italy do so via a cruise ship.
Naples for 4 days
Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is soul-stirring with its affection for art and undeniable elegance. When you visit the city, don’t forget to sample this famed culinary creation that is now popular all over the world.
Everywhere you look in this city, you’ll land your eye on cultural assets in the form of castles, cathedrals, palaces, and squares. It is bustling with energy and history that makes you feel like you are being transported back in time.
It’s recommended to plan to stay in Naples for 4-5 days. During this time, not only you can cover Naples but also take a trip to Pompeii, Salerno, Capri, Sorrento, and the stunning Amalfi Coast.
How to get here: A high-speed train travels daily from Rome to Naples. The travel time can take just over an hour. For those planning to drive their own car, the distance between Rome and Naples is a little over 2 hours and a bus will take 2-3 hours. If you are flying from outside Italy, you must book a flight to Naples Airport.
Catania for 3 days
It’s now time to bid the beautiful Naples goodbye and continue your journey down to Catania. This southern city is popular for Baroque architecture and UNESCO status. But it’s popular for being the home to Mount Etna.
Catania is on the island of Sicily – rich in history, culture, and traditions that are very different from the north or even central part of Italy. Although Catania doesn’t get as much love as Palermo, there’s an upside to that. For people who wish to get away from big crowds, but still, learn about Sicilian culture – Catania is the place.
This is also the place you want to go if you don’t care much about the beach and are a hiker enthusiast.
How to get here: There is a great distance between Naples and Catania. A drive will take 7-8 hours and the train journey is 8-9 hours. It’s much better to take a flight which is only an hour flight and costs $20-$30. You can always rent another car once you arrive at Catania Airport.
Palermo for 4 days
Palermo is a metropolitan and busy harbour coastal city on the island of Sicily, and its capital. It’s the most sought-after destination in southern Italy for a good reason. Palermo has lots of historical and ancient sites dating all the way back to the 12th century.
This location has one of the most stunning architectures in the country while opera performances are a must-do here. For food lovers, you might want to try out seafood, pasta alla norma, arancini, and of course, cannoli.
If you prefer relaxing on the beach, pack your swimsuit and sunscreen then head to Mondello Beach, Lido Valdesi, Magaggiari Beach, and La Praiola. But for a more serene environment, check out Alcamo Marina Beach during the weekdays.
Itinerary #3: Popular spots – Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples
Italy is such an amazing 2-week holiday destination. It has history, beach, hiking, and of course food. This 2 weeks in Italy itinerary is easily the one for first-time visitors. You’ll get to see and explore the top attractions and cities of the country. This is suitable for pretty much everyone as it highlights Italy’s history, magnificent architecture, scenic landscape, and tasty food which you can wash down with yummy and affordable wine.
With this itinerary, it’s also recommended to rent a car. You won’t have to drive longer than 3-4 hours unless you add stops along the way.
Venice for 3 days
I don’t think Venice really need an introduction. We’ve heard the titles, praise, and every adjective that describes a magical city. Start your Italy trip by landing in Venice, renting out a gondola and visiting its waterway canals.
On land, you can pay a visit to its historical sites and simply admire its beauty. Don’t forget to sit down in one of the street restaurants and order a nice cup of coffee or pick up a delicious gelato.
You shouldn’t have a hard time getting to Venice. If you’re coming all the way from Latin America, Asia, or Africa, you might have to connect in Rome or other major cities in Europe such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Florence and Pisa for 4 days
Florence is the home of Rennaisance art, architecture, and monuments. The Uffizi Gallery houses the famous “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli, “Coronation of the Virgin” by Fra Angelico, and “Laocoon and his Sons” by Baccio Bandinelli.
Known for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa is a common day trip from Florence. It is a must-add to your 3-week itinerary in Italy. It belongs to the region of Tuscany. Pisa is home to more than 20 historic churches, palaces, bridges, and other medieval structures. It is also known as a university town in the Tuscan region.
How to get there: If you are travelling from within Italy, the train is the fastest way to get to Florence Pisa. It is only a 3-hour drive from Venice to Florence, the train will take 2-3 hours. Unfortunately, there is no direct flight. While Pisa is only an hour away from Florence. The Pisa International Airport (also known as Galileo Galilei Airport) is the main airport to fly into to get to Pisa.
Rome for 3 days
The next destination is the glorious Rome! It’s the capital city of Italy and remains the most visited city in Italy. Spend your days wandering through the ancient yet well-preserved walls of the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. Then find yourself a nice little restaurant or pick up a slice of pizza on the street and enjoy the unique atmosphere Rome brings.
How to get here: Rome is only 1 hour and a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Florence. The drive will take 3 hours, and a direct flight is not available.
Naples for 4 days
Naples is the lovely and ideal place to finish your 2 weeks in Italy trip. It’s located in the most admirable coastal region of the country. Have you heard of the names, Capri, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento? These two small towns are Italy’s pride when it comes to splendid and romantic beaches.
Apart from Naples’ excellent beaches, it’s also a great location for hiking which you don’t get the chance to do in the other Italian cities you have been to. The best hikes you can do in Naples are Punta Campanella, Pineta di San Costanzo, and of course Vesuvio National Park.
How to get here: Driving from Rome to Naples will take a bit over 2 hours up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. The train will take a bit over an hour. Again, there are no direct flights between these two cities.
Naples is a very popular city in Italy. Finding a flight from here either back home or to your next destination should not be too hard. You can also easily fly from here to major European cities where intercontinental flights are available.
Itinerary #4: Away from tourists – Florence, Rimini, San Marino, Pescara, Viste
This final itinerary for 14-days in Italy is suitable for people who want to get away from tourists and most likely have been to Italy before. This travel plan highlights destinations that are equally beautiful and worth exploring as the other parts of the country.
You will get to visit cathedrals, archaeological sites, historical landmarks, beaches, vineyards, enjoy hiking, and do a day trip to San Marino. It is an independent country in the middle of Italy located in the northeast of the country.
For this travel plan, I highly recommend you rent a car since public transportation between less-touristic destinations can be unreliable.
Florence for 2-3 days
You will have to still arrive in a big city since these are the ones serviced by international airlines. You can either land in Florence or Rome, spend a few days gathering yourself, get local currency, and plan how to get to your next destination.
1-2 days would be ideal especially if you are doing an intercontinental flight and want to catch up with sleep or arrange a rented car.
If you’ve never been to Florence, this city will surprise you in many ways. You can do incredible hikes around Florence such as Palazzo Vecchio – Santa Croce Loop, Via Degli Dei, and Parco del Mensola. You can also simply walk around downtown and explore quaint Italian alleys and visit local markets.
Rimini and San Marino for 4 days
Rimini is situated in the Emilia-Romagna region, east of Florence. It’s a coastal city facing the Adriatic Sea. The beaches of Rimini are less busy than the ones in Naples, you can easily find a nice spot and just relax. This place also has pretty interesting historical sites such as the 15th-century Malatestiano Temple, located south of the city.
4 days is plenty, this means that you can afford a day trip and visit San Marino. It is an independent state that is landlocked in Italy. Wander through its city centre (San Marino) which is covered in cobbled stones and surrounded by traditional houses giving such a Medieval atmosphere.
This country is a favourite for professional cyclists due to its hilly roads and lack of flat ground. Many professional cyclists live here but also use this as an awesome training spot, it’s the equivalent of the country Andorra which is located on the border between France and Spain.
How to get here: Rimini is 237 km (147 miles) east of Florence, about a 2-3 hour drive, the train or bus will take about the same time. but you will be required to change carriage or bus in Bologna.
Pescara/Abruzzo for 3 days
Pescara is a nice and calming coast directly east of Rome, south of Rimini. It’s part of the magnificent region of Abruzzo. This region boasts rich vineyards, a church located on the hill that overviews snowcapped mountains, and fantastic food culture. Abruzzo produces olive oil, pasta sauce, pasta, and yummy jams. If you’re coming in summer, you might catch a food festival filled with local produce and artisan products.
There are also plenty of hike opportunities around Abruzzo where you can visit ancient ruins, and beautiful national parks, and explore the walled city of L’Aquila, which was damaged in 2009 due to the earthquake.
How to get here: Pescara is 250 km (160 miles) south of Rimini. The drive will take about 2.5 hours, the same as the train.
Vieste for 4 days
To finish off your 2 weeks in Italy, you will be doing lots of hiking that are not too known to international visitors. You will get to hike, swim, and enjoy authentic Italian dishes for 4 glorious days. You will also be visiting a museum that displays unique shells and marine fossils near downtown.
Gargano National Park is a wetland region with awe-inspiring valleys. It’s also located along the coast adding such a dramatic and stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. I recommend you to base yourself at Vieste, a beach town and the most eastern point of the region and location of monolith reef of Pizzomunno.
But remember, during peak season, this area can still be busy due to local visitors and an influx of international tourists. But if you visit at the end of summer or just before it starts, you will be able to find tranquillity – an ideal way to end your trip.
How to get here: The distance between Pescara and Vieste is around 227 km (141 miles). The journey by car will take 3 hours, if you take the bus, it will be around 5-6 hours. Unfortunately, there are no train lines here.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ITALY
Bologna
- Two Towers
- Piazza Maggiore
- Fountain of Neptune
- Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
- Basilica di San Petronio
- Basilica of San Domenico
- Palazzo d’Accursio
- Pinacoteca Nazionale
- Certosa di Bologna
Catania
- Castello Ursino
- Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini
- Cattedrale di Sant’Agata
- Via Etna
- Teatro AMssimo Bellini
- Fountain of the Elephant
- Riserva Naturale Oasi del Simeto
- Day trip to Syracuse
Florence
- Uffizi Gallery – buy an affordable skip-the-line tour in advance
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Pallazo Vecchio
- David of Michaelangelo
- Pitti Palace
- Accademia Gallery and Brunelleschi Dome
- Piazzale Michaelangelo
- Forteza da Basso
- Chianti Wineries – vineyard and wine tasting tour
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Cinque Terre hike from Florence
- Ponte Vecchio
- Join a handmade pasta and dessert cooking class
- Piazza del Duomo
- The Boboli Gardens
Milan
- Teatro Alla Scala
- Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci
- Duomo di Milano/Milan Cathedral – get a skip-the-line ticket
- Sempione Park
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Sforzesco Castle/Sforza Castle
- Lake Maggiore
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
- Santa Maria delle Grazie – Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour
- Arco Della Pace
- Lake Como with Bellagio tour from Milan
- Aero Gravity – open from 10 AM – 10.30 PM
- All’Antico Vinaio – a great sandwich shop for a quick bite or join a Milan food tour
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Corso Garibaldi – streets for many dining options
- Best to use Milan 48-hour pass – free entrance to museums, discounts on restaurants, and transportation perks
- Milan hop-on hop-off bus tour
Naples and around
- Naples hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Naples National Archaeological
- Castel Nuovo
- Ovo Castle
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Climbing Mount Vesuvius
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte
- Anacapri/Capri Island
- Bourbon Tunnel tour
- Faraglioni
- Amalfi Coast
- Ruins of Pompeii – including the Casa del Fauno, the Temple of Apollo, the Amphitheater, and the Temple of Jupiter – book a combo tour
- Grotta dello Smeraldo
- Museo Correale di Terranova
- Bagni Regina Giovanna
- Veiled Christ – located in Cappella Sansevero
- Fiordo di Furore
- Visit Catacombe di San Gennaro
- Herculaneum
- Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi full-day tour
- Castel dell Ovo is a sea-bound castle
- Naples Underground tour
- Spiaggia Marina Grande
- Villa Jovis
- Naples food tour
Palermo
- Cattedrale di Palermo
- Spiaggia Vergine Maria
- Catacombe dei Cappuccini
- Massimo Theater
- Quattro Canti
- Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio
- Fontana Pretoria
- Norman Palace
- Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel
- Castello della Zisa
- Riserva Naturale di Capo Gallo
- Baia di San Cataldo
Pescara
- Ponte del Mare
- Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo
- Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Birthplace Musuem
- Piazza della Rinascita
- Nature REserve Pineta Dannuziana
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale d’Abruzzo
- Castle of Roccascalegna
- Monte Amaro/Maiella
- Spiaggia di Valle Grotte
Pisa
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Lungarno di Pisa
- Santa Maria Della Spina
- Marina di Pisa
- Monte Pisano
- Camposanto
- Iglesia de Santa Maria della Spina
Rome
- Pantheon
- Borhese Gallery and Museum
- Piazza del Popolo
- Villa Borghese
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – buy a combo ticket
- Piazza Navona
- Baths of Caracalla
- Vatican City, Vatican Museums – get yourself a skip-the-line ticket
- Altar of the Fatherland
- St. Peter’s Basilica – join a St. Peter’s Basilica to Underground Grotto tour
- Castle Saint Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountain
- Rome food tour
- Vatican and Rome City Pass with free use of transportation
Venice
- Venetian Arsenal
- Ca’ Rezzonico
- Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
- St Mark’s Basilica – buy a skip-the-line tour with terrace access
- St. Mark’s Square
- Venice Lido
- St. Mark’s Campanile
- Doge’s Palace
- Rialto Bridge
- San Marco Campanile
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Venice’s Grand Canal Gondola tour
- Gallerie dell’ Accademia
- Don’t miss a Venice street food tour
Vieste
- Spiaggia di San Lorenzo
- Scalinata dell’amore
- Scialara
- Monolite Pizzomunno
- Museo Malacologico Vieste
- Vieste Lighthouse
- Spiaggia di Scialmarino
- Riserva naturale Foresta Umbra
- Vicolo del Bacio
- Hike Coppa d’Incero
MUST-TRY ITALIAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS
Food in Italy is like a great conquest. The challenge is in being able to try all the must-eat foods within 2 weeks in Italy. Indeed, a country that is known for its culinary history requires that you taste as much as it can offer.
Every region or city in Italy is known for its respective dishes. Thus, it is a must to sample them when you visit each city. Below is a list of the recommended dishes that you simply cannot leave Italy without trying.
Pizza
Probably the single dish that unifies and represents Italy as a country to the world, Pizza is easy, cheap, and very filling. This is probably why it easily grew in popularity in other parts of the world.
Today, you will find a variety of pizza toppings. The classic Italian pizza is simply made with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
Risotto
Risotto originated in central-northern Italy and is now one of the most iconic Italian dishes, Risotto is made with short-grain rice that is slowly cooked with a creamy texture. There are a variety of ingredients used for making risotto, including mushrooms, seafood, and saffron.
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Bruschetta al Pomodoro (or tomato bruschetta) is one of many vegan options available in Italy. It is one of the must-try dishes in Italy because of all of the main ingredients that represent the country – tomato and basil. The bread is char-grilled to give it that crunchy exterior to contrast the tomato and basil topping.
Gelato
You simply cannot leave Italy without consuming their world-famous gelato. A scoop or two is perfect to provide relief from the heat during an Italian summer day.
There are also a variety of gelatos to choose from, and you can find vegan options. The velvety texture of the gelato is smoother than regular ice cream.
ACCOMMODATIONS (per city)
To help you plan your 2 weeks in Italy itinerary, here’s a list of recommended places you can stay depending on your budget arranged by city. Whether you’re a backpacker, an average traveller, or a luxury seeker, there’s something for everyone.
Bologna
- Affordable: Casa Isolani Pizza Maggiore or Denise B&B
- Mid-range: Casa Isolani or A San Lazzaro Rooms
- Luxury: Art Hotel Commercianti or Hotel Corona d’Oro or NH Bologna De La Gare or Starhotels Excelsoir
Catania
- Affordable: Domoikos or Hotel Sofia
- Mid-range: B&B Stesicoro or Liberty Hotel
- Luxury: Palace Catania or B&B Palazzo Cerami or 81 Suite and Breakfast
Florence
- Mid-range: hu Firenze Camping in Town or B&B Home
- Luxury: Hotel De La Ville or Hotel della Signoria
Milan
- Affordable: Lion Hostel or Matteo Guest House
- Mid-range: Starhotel Business Palace pr Cesena3 Plus
- Luxury: Palazzo Cornalia or Hotel Manin
Naples
- Affordable: Los Mochileros Hostel or Naples Experience Hostel
- Mid-range: B&B Vesu or Raggio di Sole 2
- Luxury: Macchiato Suites or Relais della Porta
Palermo
- Affordable: B&B Vivere Palermo or Teatro Del Sole Apartment or B&B Hotel Quattro Canti
- Mid-range: La Maison del Sole or Vittorio Emanuele Rooms or InCanto
- Luxury: Palazzo Santamarina or Duca di Villena or Quintocanto Hotel & Spa
Pescara
- Affordable: B&B Hotel Pescara or Dimora Novecento
- Mid-range: Villa L’Aurora or Marini Bed&Breakfast or Aron Only Suites B&B or Corso 84 Suites
- Luxury: Wood Luxury House or Smartfit House or Villa Alba Luxury Resort
Rimini
- Affordable: Ariminum Hotel or Card International Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Gabbiano or Hotel Baby
- Luxury: Savoia Hotel or Hotel Aria or Le Rose Suite Hotel or i-Suite Hotel
Rome
- Affordable: Residenza Laterano or Affittacamere de Barby
- Mid-range: Villa Paganini or Walker Guest House
- Luxury: Dimora ai Fori or Tree Charme Parliament Boutique
Venice
- Mid-range: Al Portico Guest House or Hotel Principe
- Luxury: Carnival Palace or Hotel Dell’Opera
Vieste
- Affordable: Rocca Sul Mare Hotel or Quintessenza – Charme Rooms
- Mid-range: Agriturismo Posta Pastorella or La Duchessa e Il Contadino
- Luxury: Suite Mozart or B&B Armonia Vieste
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN ITALY
Italy is one of the most popular countries for tourism. But just when you think you know all there is to know about Italy, it surprises you. When you visit Italy, use the information above to help you plan for your trip. But also come with an open mind because you will discover more hidden gems along the way, and that isn’t always a bad thing.
2 weeks in Italy might not sound like a lot, because it’s not. However, there are many ways to explore this country. I don’t recommend you try to overload your itinerary as you won’t have time to enjoy, slow down, and process everything you are seeing. It’s better to focus on one region or area and leave something for your next visit. Because after this trip, I’m sure you’ll be back.
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