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With two weeks in Italy, how do you maximize your time? We will’t all journey the world indefinitely and spend limitless time on vacation in Italy. Relating to any Italian itinerary, there isn’t a good plan, and everybody has their very own pursuits. So we needed to assemble this wonderful two-week Italy Itinerary anybody can steal.

Italy is the one nation that we’ve got repeatedly returned to. This subsequent winter, we are going to make it our fifth time touring round Italy! One thing concerning the tradition, historical past, and meals warrants deep exploration. If it’s your first time within the nation, you’ll wish to hit all the primary vacationer locations resembling Venice, Florence, and Rome.

We propose stepping a bit off the easy route, and I’ve advised a number of smaller cities which are effectively definitely worth the journey. The best way we plan journeys is to choose the locations we discover of curiosity and go from there. You received’t hit every thing right here in only a two-week journey to Italy, however hopefully, it evokes you to return! This information has some must-see locations in Italy, so pack your luggage and choose what you want in your journey.

A Two Week Italy Itinerary

Venice

Love or hate Venice, there isn’t a denying its recognition. It could be one of the vital stunning historic cities on the planet, however it is usually besieged by vacationers who wreak havoc on town’s crumbling infrastructure.

The sinking metropolis is a community of 118 islands linked by bridges. Buildings listed below are previous, and if you happen to handle to flee the crowds, it feels such as you’ve stepped again 5 centuries. It’s surreal, and we do have a love for Venice.

One in all our prime suggestions for Italy is that Venice is finest within the shoulder and off-seasons. The canals of Venice are infamous for harboring lots of waste; in the summertime, the odor can get fairly dangerous; nevertheless, within the cooler months, there are fewer vacationers, much less waste, and the odor is at bay.

Venice is a must-see place in Italy, besides in the summertime months.

What to do in Venice?

Piazza San Marco

This is without doubt one of the focal factors within the metropolis and the primary sq.. You’ve doubtless seen numerous photographs of this iconic sq. lined by cafes, outlets, and museums. You can too sip a espresso at Cafe Florien, which claims to be the oldest cafe on the planet (however can be loopy costly).

The Grand Canal

The central artery to town and sometimes filled with boats. It has some stunning buildings alongside the canal and one of the vital well-known views in Venice.

Ca’ Macana

Masks outlets rule the streets of Venice, however most of those are low cost imports advertising and marketing to vacationers. Ca’Macana is a wonderful real masks store in Venice that makes all its personal merchandise. You possibly can even discover masks utilized in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Extensive Shut, because the store produced the masks for the movie. The store homeowners help you gown up and have enjoyable!

Spritz & Cicchetti

Having fun with a day of spritz and Cicchetti is a should in Venice. A Spritz Veneziano is an aperitif in Northeast Italy, and Cicchetti are bite-sized entrees much like tapas, usually on a slice of bread. Our favourite Spritz is at Bacareto Da Lele for a cool €1.50, and it’s proper across the nook from Osteria Al Squero, a great spot for Cicchetti. There’s little to no seating room, so come ready to face and loosen up alongside the canal.

Florence

Florence (Firenze) is the capital of Tuscany and a spotlight of any tour of Italy. Even if you happen to solely have two weeks in Italy, Florence ought to be in your two-week Italy itinerary. You must add this metropolis to your Italy itinerary if it’s not already.

The town is legendary for its world-class delicacies, museums, artistic endeavors, and the encircling countryside. The structure in Florence pulls you in and begs you to get misplaced in its historic coronary heart.

Florence is understood for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and stuffed with historical past. Strolling the slender, cobblestone streets, little has modified with marble basilicas, darkish chapels, fuel lanterns, and enchanting frescos.

What to do Florence? 

Duomo –  Santa Maria del Fiore

It’s essentially the most stunning cathedral in Italy. The scale and scale of the inside, together with the frescos housed inside, will humble anybody. It’s breathtaking with its white, pink, and inexperienced marble exterior. We love that regardless of being world-famous, the Duomo stays free to the general public.

Mercato Centrale

For those who’re trying to eat, head to the Mercato Centrale. You possibly can eat incredible bites with counters and some tables. The power solely provides to the setting, and the gorgeous meals merchandise of Tuscany are on full show.

Pont Vecchio

This was the primary bridge to cross the Arno River in 1348. It’s been standing since that day and is lined with outlets and buildings. Be sure to catch it from the riverside and cross the bridge on foot.

All’Antico Vinaio

Grabbing a panini from this well-known sandwich store is a should in Italy. All’ Antico Vinaio has even been named probably the greatest sandwiches on the planet. The unique store is simply a storefront, and also you’ll need to get pleasure from an inexpensive glass of wine and a sandwich alongside the road. It’s an inexpensive eat that received’t disappoint anybody.

Tuscany

Italy hardly has a extra famed area than the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. It’s effectively value including the area to your two-week Italy itinerary. You possibly can take day journeys from Florence, keep in one of many quite a few cities, and revel in just a few nice Italian street journeys from the area.

The area is geographically various, with stunning seashores, islands, rolling hills, and the Apennine Mountains. You could find a few of Italy’s finest merchandise, resembling stunning wines, olives, mushrooms, cheese, legumes, and bread. There are entire journeys spent in Tuscany, and for good motive.

The place to go in Tuscany?

Siena

It’s solely a two-hour practice trip from Florence and every thing you possibly can hope for in a Tuscan city. That is the Italy romanticized in numerous films and books. It’s packed stuffed with medieval buildings and provides the Italian countryside at its doorstep.

Pisa

Be warned, Pisa is underwhelming. Many guests really feel drawn to come back right here for its famed tower. Essentially the most entertaining a part of a cease in Pisa is watching everybody air 5 the tower whereas they fake to carry the 180 ft bell tower. Pisa is walkable and provides an amazing place to seize a gelato and sit by the Arno River. Nevertheless, it’s not the prettiest metropolis.

Lucca

That is the walled Renaissance metropolis and the place I recommend heading as an alternative of Pisa if you happen to’re brief on time. It’s stuffed with cobblestoned streets, pretty piazzas, and street-side cafes. Take a day to walk alongside town ramparts and hop from one cafe to the following.

Cinque Terre

Italy has many must-see locations, however Cinque Terre is near primary. It’s not technically in Tuscany, however it’s a simple day journey from Tuscany. It’s a photogenic assortment of 5 cities on virtually each traveler’s Italy must-see listing.

The 5 cities are accessible by practice from La Spezia. The cities are colourful and perched alongside a sequence of cliffs. A path connects the 5 cities, and it’s a summertime favourite to hike.

Be ready for some steep descents and ascents. If the hike is an excessive amount of, all of the cities are accessible by practice or boat. When questioning the place to remain in Tuscany Cinque Terre is a good possibility!

Umbria

The capital of Umbria doesn’t make sufficient traveler lists, however it ought to be added to a 2 week Italy itinerary. Nevertheless, it’s effectively value a cease. The area is stuffed with incredible meals and wine, identical to Tuscany, and was lengthy recognized to vacationers as Tuscany’s little sister. It has wonderful hilltop cities, incredible meals, and half the vacationers.

It’s often known as the Inexperienced Coronary heart of Italy due to the wonderful countryside. To make all of it higher, the sights are simple to discover and solely require just a few days to see. It additionally saves you a protracted practice trip from Florence to Rome, making a pleasant cease in between.

The place to go in Umbria? 

Perugia

That is the capital of Umbria, however it’s a manageable hilltop metropolis. The town is loaded with historic websites and buildings, making exploring enjoyable. The town middle is a maze of steps, cobbled alleys, and arched stairways. At its coronary heart, you’ll discover a number of giant piazzas and mansions.

Assisi

Dwelling of St Frances, the patron saint of Italy, and a web site of pilgrimage for Italians. It’s considered one of Italy’s most stunning hilltop cities, with Mount Subasio rising above the city with wooded valleys. Because the city’s cobblestone streets ascend to the Cathedral or “heaven,” you’ll cross alongside the well-preserved constructing and listen to the clatter of footsteps from nuns and pilgrims.

Orvieto

You’ll be hard-pressed to discover a city extra stunning than the hill-topped Orvieto. As you method town, it’s breathtaking, and the cathedral is out of this world. As with all cities within the area, count on cobbled lanes, giant piazzas, church buildings, and many historical past. There may be not sufficient time in any two-week Italy itinerary to discover all Italy provides. Not even a month would suffice!

Milan

Milan ought to be on anybody’s two-week Italy itinerary. Milan (Milano) is the world’s trend capital and is residence to greats like Prada, Valentino, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana. Nevertheless, most vacationers don’t store for these clothes manufacturers, which isn’t a motive to go until you’re into high-class trend.

In any case, town does pack a good quantity of sights, museums, and eating places value visiting, and usually, there are many issues to do in Milan.

It’s a metropolis full of favor and recognized for being posh. This implies hip bars, well-dressed locals, and plenty of nice locations to eat. The town additionally serves as an amazing base for exploring the Southern Italian Alps and well-known lakes like Como and Garda. That being stated, it’s our least favourite metropolis in Italy and simple to provide a skip with solely two weeks in Italy or a restricted time.

What to do in Milan? 

Santa Maria Delle Grazie

The historic church is a wonderful piece of structure, however it’s most well-known for what’s inside. The church homes considered one of Leonardo da Vinci’s final work, The Final Supper. E book your tickets upfront if you happen to’re touring in the summertime months.

Teatro alla Scala

We’re followers of opera and ballet, so having fun with a present on the Teatro la Scala was a should in our lifetimes. It’s famed for being probably the greatest theaters on the planet and has a number of the finest abilities. Simply be warned, tickets are costly.

Duomo of Milan

It’s the most important cathedral on the planet. The muse was laid in 1386, and it took practically 500 years to finish the herculean process. It’s an architectural marvel and a sight in Italy and the world.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The well-known Galleria is a procuring arcade linking Duomo Sq. with Teatro Alla Scala. The large glass roof is mind-boggling, and the inside tiles are beautiful. I wouldn’t plan on an excessive amount of procuring because the Galleria homes high-end manufacturers.

Rome

All roads result in Rome. It’s the beating coronary heart of Italy and a metropolis that begs to be explored once more, and once more, and possibly yet one more time. It’s often known as the Everlasting Metropolis and one of many most romanticized cities in Italy – and the world. Historical past haunts its each nook, suffering from historic websites spanning a number of millennia. There isn’t a metropolis on earth like Rome.

Rome has amassed nice wealth over time because the seat of energy of the Catholic church the result’s beautiful structure. Vatican Metropolis is unparalleled in its magnificence and scale. We’re not massive metropolis folks or into museums and church buildings, however the Vatican will humble you.

The place Rome actually shines is the power for a vacationer to get misplaced and immerse themselves. Simply choose a path and hold strolling. It’s not at all times about ticking off the sights or previous buildings. Cease and revel in “un caffè.”

What to do in Rome?

Trevi Fountain

Everyone knows the saying that if you happen to throw a coin within the Trevi Fountain, you’re destined to return. Properly, we’ve performed that, and we’ve been again… 4 occasions. Till subsequent time, Roma!

Vatican Metropolis

Put together to spend a half-day or extra in Vatican Metropolis. Relying on the traces, coming into St Peter’s Basilica may take some time, particularly in the summertime. As soon as inside, you’ll wish to take the time to understand your environment.  Convey a scarf to cowl your shoulders right here, the place you possibly can admire the Sistine Chapel. If you wish to keep away from traces, it helps to purchase tickets upfront.

Discover Trastevere

Cross the Tiber river to Trastevere. The bohemian and hip neighborhood is lengthy recognized for its working-class roots and distinctive vibe. Rome is continually reinventing itself, for instance, you try an amazing beer bar at Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà. Calm down, have a beer, watch a soccer match, and mingle with locals and expats.

Roman Discussion board & Colosseum

Exploring the Colosseum and Roman Discussion board can even tie up not less than half of your day. The excellent news is they’re near the subway station, and proper beside one another. These shouldn’t be missed!

Embrace Aperitivo

On the finish of the day Romans meet for aperitivo, it’s primarily the Italian completely happy hour. Any first rate bar provides meals starting from easy snacks to full-on buffets or stunning Italian meals merchandise.

Knights of Malta

An out-of-the-way literal keyhole to town.  Excessive on the hills, you possibly can look via a small keyhole, that overlooks peaceable gardens and an excellent view of St Peter’s Basilica.  In case you have further time, this can be a sight value going to.  Go to later within the day for extra peace and quiet.

Naples

This metropolis is the other of Milan, you both love or hate it. It’s gritty, it’s loud, it’s in your face, and it’s Italian. The electrical energy within the slender streets of Naples can’t be crushed. The town is filled with historical past, architectural treasures, palaces, castles, artwork, seashores, and church buildings.

Did I point out that town additionally has a number of the finest meals in Italy? Producing the world’s finest pizza, pasta, espresso, seafood, snacks, and sweets, Naples has all of it. That is due to the very fact fertile countryside, a bountiful sea, and a culinary angle encompass town.

Naples is our favourite metropolis in Italy, and for good motive. Neglect the hype about crime and soiled streets and study to embrace it. Naples’ flaws are what make it distinctive and exhilarating.

What to do in Naples?

Gino Sorbillo

If Naples has the most effective pizza on the planet and Gino Sorbillo has the most effective pizza in Naples, then the most effective pizza will be discovered at Gino Sorbillo. Anticipate an enormous crowd across the pizza joint and loopy lengthy waits for a desk.

Nevertheless, there may be one trick: push via the throngs of individuals, stroll as much as the hostess, and order your pie take away. You may get a pizza in lower than 5 minutes, even with two-hour-plus waits. The very best half is it’s €3.50 for a Margherita pizza.

Cafe Tradition

Espresso is a critical affair to Neapolitans. You possibly can’t stroll down a road in Naples that doesn’t have a restaurant bar. A espresso store in Italy isn’t any Starbucks. It’s standing-room solely, and the drinks are made to be drunk instantly. Go away the journey laptop computer within the resort room. For those who’re in search of a charismatic bar, try Bar Mexico.

Castel Nuovo

It’s a focus of town and near the well-known Piazza del Plebiscito. The fort dates again to 1282 and provides wonderful harbor views from its ramparts.

Nationwide Archaeological Museum

We’re not museum folks, however this museum boasts spectacular ruins.

Associated learn: Is Pompeii value a go to?

Practice Journey in Italy

Touring round Italy by practice is the simplest and finest technique to maximize your time there and full every thing in your Italy itinerary. Each vacation spot on this listing is linked through practice – a lot of them through scenic practice rides! – and so they’re all simply accessible. If you wish to get monetary savings, you can even journey through bus.

There are two practice firms in Italy. Trenitalia is basically based mostly within the North, and their trains are typically nicer and dearer. NTV Italo is extra widespread within the South and cheaper than Trenitalia.

For those who hyperlink all of the cities within the submit, you must take a practice not than a few hours, with solely a handful of modifications, if any. In order for you extra info on practice journey in Italy, Seat 61 is a superb information.

There may be so A lot Extra to Italy!

I hope this information helped you out. It’s a normal submit overlaying a lot of Italy’s important sights and cities. There may be a lot extra to Italy that isn’t on this starter listing. We notably love The Dolomites, Lake Como, and Sicily in Southern Italy! See the remainder of our Italian guides.

Transport To and Round Italy

Attending to Italy has by no means been cheaper, with finances airways like RyanAir working out of many Italian cities. For those who fly from a unique continent, the primary hubs are Rome, Florence, and Milan.

As soon as in Italy, one of the simplest ways to get round is through practice. For long-distance routes, reserving beforehand with Trenitalia and reserving a seat is finest. If touring shorter distances, you can even present up on the practice station and purchase a ticket there.

We’ve rented a automobile quite a few occasions in Italy, and it’s an effective way to get round by yourself schedule. An automated rental automobile can go for as little as €45 a day within the off-season and as much as €100 a day within the excessive seasons and can make sure you get to all the most effective locations in Italy. Realizing how you can drive a handbook automobile will usually get cheaper charges in Europe. For those who’re touring as a gaggle, hiring a automobile in your journey is value your whereas.

We traveled round Italy for one week and paid about $300 for a automobile rental in Italy, which was an honest deal! I verify comparability websites to get the most effective costs.

Italy’s attract is plain, and as your two-week journey ends, the recollections you’ve made will beckon you to return. Till then, carry the great thing about Italy with you. Arrivederci!