In the summer of 2019, after graduating from college, Max and I set off on a 2-week adventure in Italy. This incredible journey marked my first trip abroad and holds a special place in our hearts. Throughout our adventure, we not only experienced Italy's vibrant culture but learned valuable lessons in planning and embraced stepping beyond our comfort zones.
Our two weeks in Italy were packed with delicious food, picturesque towns, exceptional wine, and a deep dive into the country's rich history. This itinerary primarily focuses on Northern Italy, showcasing iconic destinations that serve as an ideal introduction to this beautiful country, especially for those visiting for the first time. Get ready to create your very own Italian adventure with our recommendations and tips in this 2-week Itinerary in Italy!
The Best of Italy: 2-Week Itinerary
Days | City |
|---|---|
4 | Rome |
2 | Cinque Terre |
2 | Florence |
2 | Venice |
2 | Monte Isola |
4 | Tuscany |
Rome: Days 1-4
Our Italian adventure began in the city of Rome, where we dove headfirst into exploring iconic sights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain - all while indulging in endless pasta, gelato, and wine!
How to Get to Rome
To start your trip in Rome, you can fly into Leonardo da Vinci– Fiumicino Airport (FCO), just a quick train ride or taxi away from the city center. If you're traveling from within Italy, hopping on a train to Rome is also a convenient option.
Getting Around Rome
Once in Rome, the city offers an efficient metro system and buses to easily get around. We found buses to be super easy to travel around the city. Consider purchasing a Roma Pass; it's a great deal that offers you access to public transportation and key attractions. Taxis are available but can be pricey, and driving yourself around might not be the best choice due to traffic.
Where to Stay in Rome
Located in Rome's city center
4-star hotel offering complimentary breakfast
Just a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps
Photo Credit: Hotel Artemide via Booking.com
4-star hotel located in central Rome
Just a 10-minute walk to the lively Trastevere neighborhood
Amenities include a private garden and bar
Photo Credit: Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel via Booking.com
Elegant guesthouse located on the 5th floor of a historic building
Located within 500 meters of the Colosseum
Photo Credit: Top Floor Colosseo Guesthouse via Booking.com
Things to Do in Rome
Rome is one of the most historic and romantic cities in the world, offering an array of unique sights and activities. You can't miss iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain. If you plan to visit these landmarks, it's a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel. We love history and wanted to learn about the sites, even if we didn't have time for a full guided tour. The free Rick Steves travel app was super helpful - we downloaded audio tour episodes for sites we visited, allowing us to follow along just from our phone.
Visit the Colosseum
Explore the iconic Colosseum, immersing yourself in ancient Roman history. Walking through its corridors feels like stepping back in time and is a must-see when in Rome. We purchased tickets in advance with the audio tour, which gave us flexibility to explore at our own pace instead of a guided tour. It's a good idea to buy tickets early, especially during peak seasons. We got ours bundled with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets from getyourguide.com, where you'll find various ticket options and tours.
Visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill
Exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with our audio tour was so much fun. Imagining life in ancient Rome while walking through these ruins was fascinating. While the Colosseum is impressive, we found the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill even more captivating and highly recommend exploring during your visit.
Learn to Make Pasta at a Cooking Class
Our spontaneous cooking class through Eat & Walk Italy turned out to be a highlight of our trip. We learned how to make homemade pasta and tiramisu, which have since become a staple in our kitchen. After the class, we ate our pasta with a glass of wine, finishing with our tiramisu and a choice of espresso or limoncello.
Explore the Vatican
The Vatican is a walled city within Rome and home to the Pope. Explore the museums and immerse yourself in art and history. Visiting the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica was an unforgettable experience. Purchasing tickets for the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel in advance is a must-do to skip the lines and ensure your visit.
Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
No visit to Rome is complete without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck and a promise of return to this beautiful city. As one of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain is impressive and beautiful to visit in person.
Visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon stands as one of the few ancient Roman buildings still intact today. Once a Roman temple, it's now a Catholic church welcoming visitors daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased on-site by waiting in line or in advance here.
Visit the Spanish Steps
This iconic landmark is located in the Piazza di Spagna and became a tourist hotspot after it was featured in the classic movie "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn. At the base of the steps lies the Fontana della Barcaccia, while the top boasts the Sallustiano Obelisk and the Church of Trinità dei Monti. Since August 2019, sitting or eating on the steps is prohibited. Make sure to follow rules to avoid fees and keep an eye out for pickpockets since this is a high traffic area.
Explore Piazza Navona
We enjoyed exploring Rome's piazzas, especially Piazza Navona which is known for its beautiful fountains like the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Fountain of Neptune. Taking in the architecture and intricate details of the fountains while people-watching makes for a perfect afternoon in Rome!
Try Italian Gelato
A visit to Rome isn't complete without indulging in authentic Italian gelato. There are many tourist traps with high prices and less-than-authentic gelato. The best gelato shops often display natural-colored gelato rather than vibrant artificial colors. Regardless, nothing beats cooling off on a hot Italian day with a scoop of refreshing gelato.
Where to Eat in Rome
For an authentic Roman dining experience, don't miss out on classic dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe! Venture a bit away from tourist attractions for more authentic and affordable options.
Le Grotte
$$
Italian restaurant with pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a large wine selection
We enjoyed eating lunch outside and loved the spaghettone alla carbonara and bucatini all'amatriciana
Via della Vite, 37, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Café Gourmet
$$
We loved the gnocchi and risotto
Via Andrea Doria, 46, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Miraggio
$$
Roman Restaurant with amazing gnocchi and pizza
Via della Lungara, 16A, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Ristorante Sora Lucia
$$
Traditional Roman restaurant
One of our favorite meals in Italy! We loved the veal with sage butter
Via Rasella, 138, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Cinque Terre: Days 4-6
From Rome, our next stop was Cinque Terre, a collection of five vibrant coastal villages - Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These charming villages are popular for their colorful houses nestled into the cliffs along the Mediterranean Sea coast.
How to Get to Cinque Terre
The most convenient way to reach Cinque from Rome is by train. The journey from Rome takes around 4-5 hours, so an early trip will give you more time to explore the area. The first part of the trip is from the Roma Termini station to La Spezia, followed by a smaller train to your chosen village.
Getting Around Cinque Terre
A local train connects all five villages, offering an easy way to explore Cinque Terre. For adventurous travelers, there's a hiking trail that links the villages, stretching along the coastline for a more thrilling experience. Each village has its own bus system for local commuting, but they don't interconnect between villages. Another option is traveling by boat, allowing you to hop from one village to another while soaking in the scenic views! Each village is small and easy to explore by foot once you arrive.
Best Time to Visit Cinque Terre
The peak season in Cinque Terre spans from May to August. While the weather is great and everything is open, accommodation prices tend to be highest. We visited in early June and found it moderately busy without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
If you want to visit with less crowds, September and October can be a great option. Most places will still be open, and although the weather might be slightly cooler, it's a great time to explore.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre begins with selecting one of the five villages as your home base. Although the villages may seem similar, each offers a unique feel and characteristics that can influence your experience. Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare are the only villages that offer hotels since they are bigger than the other villages. However, you can opt for villas, guesthouses or Airbnb rentals throughout the area. We personally used booking.com and airbnb.com to secure our accommodations in Cinque Terre.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare stands out with its less hilly terrain and has the largest beach in Cinque Terre, making it an ideal choice for families and beach enthusiasts.
1-bedroom apartment with independent entrance
Just a 2-minute walk from the beach, restaurants, and bars
Photo Credit: Casa Sophia, TerreMarine via Airbnb.com
Vernazza
Vernazza can be one of the busier villages since many boat tours take off from here. Vernazza is also known for having great restaurants!
1-bedroom apartment located in Piazza di Vernazza
Offers a direct view of the square and sea
Photo Credit: MADA Charm Apartments Piazza via Airbnb.com
Corniglia
Located higher on a hill, Corniglia requires a climb up 365 stairs upon leaving the train station. Another option is to pay for a bus to take you to the top. While it's less crowded and offers more affordable accommodations, it's slightly harder to access and offers less restaurants and shops.
1-bedroom apartment located in the center of Corniglia
Offers a private sun terrace
Photo Credit: La Terrazza Sul Blu via Booking.com
Manarola
Considered the most picturesque and romantic of the villages, Manarola is a great spot for couples and honeymooners visiting Cinque Terre.
Just a 5-minute walk to the harbor
Continental and Italian breakfast options are available daily
Offers views overlooking Manarola
Photo Credit: Il Sogno di Manarola by The First via Booking.com
Riomaggiore
One of the larger villages, Riomaggiore is more lively and perfect for younger crowds. We enjoyed having Riomaggiore as our home base for exploring all of Cinque Terre.
1-bedroom apartment offering a terrace with mountain views
Just a 5-minute walk from Riomaggiore beach
Photo Credit: WanderJohn Penthouse via Booking.com
Things to Do in Cinque Terre
Explore the Five Villages
We had so much fun taking the train and stopping at each of the five villages in Cinque Terre. Each village offers a unique ambiance and features to explore. Spending time in each village allows you to truly appreciate their individual charms - from the rocky landscapes of Riomaggiore to the harbor of Vernazza and the cliffs of Corniglia.
Admire the Views at Manarola's Scenic Viewpoint
To get the iconic views of Cinque Terre, you have to visit Manarola's scenic viewpoint. Though popular and often crowded, the views are absolutely worth it. We enjoyed walking to the viewpoints for the best views and even eating at the iconic Nessun Dorma for drinks and light snacks with breathtaking views.
Have a Beach Day at Monterosso al Mare
When you see beachy pictures of Cinque Terre, it's most likely the iconic orange and green umbrellas on the beach of Monterosso al Mare. It's the prime spot in Cinque Terre for a beach day, but planning ahead is crucial. While there's a small free beach area, it fills up very quickly, so an early arrival is key. Alternatively, reserve chairs and an umbrella at one of the lidos (paid beach clubs) in advance or early in the day, usually priced around €25 - €30 depending on the season.
Visit the Picturesque Village of Vernazza
Vernazza is the home to Cinque Terre's only natural harbor, complete with a small beach, great seafood restaurants, and a small lido during the summer months. Wander through the narrow streets of Vernazza's old town full of charming buildings and local shops. Don't miss taking the trail to the top of Vernazza for amazing views!
Explore Corniglia
Corniglia is the smallest of all five villages in Cinque Terre and is located on top of a cliff. Once you get off the train, you'll need to climb 365 stairs (or opt for a bus ride) to reach the village. Getting to Corniglia might be more challenging, resulting in fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations. However, this means there are limited dining options and shops. We visited Corniglia for a short time taking in the beautiful views and exploring its charming streets. Also, about 10 minutes from the city center, you can explore a rocky cove and swim in the aquamarine water.
Watch the Sunset on the Rocks of Riomaggiore
We really enjoyed walking out to the water below the village of Riomaggiore and finding a secluded spot on the rocks to relax and watch the sunset. It was so nice having a private piece of Cinque Terre to ourselves, soaking in the beautiful views.
Walk the Blue Trail
The Blue Trail Hike connects all five villages through a beautiful pathway and rugged landscapes. If you're considering this hike, make sure to keep in mind your fitness level and familiarize yourself with the trail's rules beforehand. This is a more adventurous way to explore Cinque Terre!
Where to Eat in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is known for its seafood, pesto, local wine, and focaccia. We enjoyed trying all of these local specialties during our stay in Cinque Terre. Check out our favorites below!
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Italian restaurant with stunning views of Manarola
We highly recommend this spot for the best views in Cinque Terre. Sip on a cocktail, enjoy light appetizers, and soak in the beautiful scenery
Tutti Fritti
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Fried seafood takeaway restaurant in Riomaggiore
We absolutely loved these fried seafood snacks!
Via Colombo, 161, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
$$
Seafood trattoria with outdoor seating in Monterosso
Their seafood and pasta is amazing!
Enoteca Dau Cila
$$$
Classic restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the water in Riomaggiore
We loved the seafood pasta and house wine with great views
Via San Giacomo, 65, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
Florence: Days 6-8
Following our time in Cinque Terre, we headed to Florence, a city famous for its Renaissance art, architecture, and rich history.
How to Get to Florence
Florence is easily accessible by both train and plane. You can fly into the main airport, Peretola (FLR). If you're traveling from another city in Italy, the train offers a convenient and scenic journey.
Getting Around Florence
Florence's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. We suggest walking around the city to fully explore the city's charm. While Ubers aren't available and taxis can be a bit expensive, there's a reliable bus system for those who prefer not to walk.
Where to Stay in Florence
Luxury Marriott hotel on the banks of the Arno River
Conveniently located in the heart of Florence
Photo Credit: The Westin Excelsior, Florence via Marriott.com
Charming 3-star hotel located just outside of Florence's historic center
Set in a 19th-century building with charming rooms
Enjoy a daily happy hour with complimentary drinks
Photo Credit: Hotel David via Booking.com
5-star hotel in the heart of Florence
Just a quick walk to the Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and more
Photo Credit: NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa via Booking.com
Things to Do in Florence
Visit the Florence Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is located in the Piazza del Duomo and is a stunning Gothic-style cathedral. You can even experience panoramic views of Florence by climbing 463 steps to the top of the dome. If you plan to do this, it's a good idea to pre book your time-slot.
See Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell’ Accademia
Visiting the David is a must when visiting Florence. Known as a masterpiece of Renaissance art, this sculpture is incredible to see in person and take in the intricate details.
Visit Uffizi Gallery
Located in Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery is an art museum featuring an impressive collection of Renaissance art. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and showcases many works of Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. We suggest downloading the Rick Steves audio tour instead of booking a guided tour.
Walk Across Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and home to endless jewelry vendors. Walk along this iconic landmark and take in the scenic views of the Arno River.
Where to Eat in Florence
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Intimate Italian restaurant featuring a charming wine cellar
Our favorites included the spinach and ricotta gnocchi, risotto with caramelized pear, and the Florentine eggs benedict
Da Nerbone
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Market stand in Mercato Centrale Firenze serving authentic Tuscan dishes
The beef sandwich was so good that we made a special trip back to Florence just to try it again!
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
$$
Traditional Tuscan restaurant open since 1580
Known for their handmade pici and ribollita
Venice: Days 8-10
Our next stop was Venice, the iconic "Floating City." Known for its romantic gondolas navigating the endless canals, rich historic architecture, and distinctive culture, Venice was unlike any other place we've visited.
How to Get to Venice
Venice is conveniently accessible by train or bus from Florence. Once you arrive at the Venice Santa Lucia train station, you'll find yourself in the heart of the city. From there, you can reach your accommodations via water taxi, water bus, or gondola to get your accommodations.
Getting Around Venice
Just navigating Venice is an adventure in itself! We relied on the city's water bus transportation system, which efficiently navigates Venice's waterways. It's also easy to explore the narrow alleyways by foot.
Where to Stay in Venice
5-star resort on the private island of Isola delle Rose
Enjoy a private and complimentary water shuttle
Located only a few minutes from St. Mark's Square
Amenities include a spa, rooftop pool, cooking classes, and more
Photo Credit: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa via Mariott.com
Venetian style boutique hotel
Located between St. Mark's Square and the Accademia Gallery
Amenities include a daily breakfast, a beautiful courtyard, and lounge area with a bar, library, and games
Photo Credit: Novecento Boutique Hotel via Novecento.biz
5-star luxury hotel set inside a 15th-century palace on Giudecca Island
Amenities include a private boat service, outdoor pool, spa, cooking classes, tennis courts, gardens, and much more
Photo Credit: Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel via Booking.com
Things to Do in Venice
Take a Gondola Ride
Explore the canals of Venice from a unique perspective with a romantic gondola ride. There are many options when walking around Venice, so wait to choose one that you like and find a friendly guide. While these rides can be a bit pricey, they're a must when visiting Venice.
Get Lost
One of our favorite ways to soak in Venice's charm was by wandering aimlessly. Exploring the endless alleyways that lead straight to the canal was so much fun. Immerse yourself in the unique landscape, discover local shops, and experience the ambiance of Venice at your own pace.
Explore the Island of Burano
Burano is a small island about five miles from Venice that you can easily get to by water bus. Burano is known as the island of lace and for all of its colorful buildings. Stroll through its charming streets, discover local shops, and admire the colorful buildings.
Explore Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Square, is the largest square in Venice and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica, this area can get pretty busy so we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
Where to Eat in Venice
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Family-run Venetian trattoria offering meat and seafood dishes
Photo Credit: Vini da Gigio via Vinidagigio.it
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Fresh pasta in a cup
The squid ink pasta and ragu were our favorites
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Seafood restaurant in Burano
$$$
Venetian seafood restaurant
Monte Isola: Days 10-12
Hidden in the heart of Lago d'Iseo, Lake Iseo, is Italy's hidden treasure - Monte Isola. This island remains a well-kept secret and we loved exploring this small and intimate location.
How to Get to Monte Isola
To reach this island, take a scenic train ride to Brescia from major Italian cities. From Brescia, a short bus ride takes you to Sulzano. Once in Sulzano, a 20-minute ferry ride will take you across the water to Monte Isola.
Getting Around Monte Isola
One of the charming aspects of Monte Isola is the lack of cars. Cars are actually banned on the island and locals get around by motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles. You can explore the island by foot or bicycle. There is also a local bus system available for convenient travel.
Where to Stay in Monte Isola
Our stay at La Foresta Monte Isola, a charming bed and breakfast, was an absolute delight. The beautiful views of Lake Iseo from our room, coupled with the hospitality of the staff, made our experience unforgettable. Don't miss the amazing Italian breakfast served each morning and the incredible on-site restaurant. We couldn't recommend staying here enough and would love to return in the future.
Intimate family owned bed and breakfast with 10 rooms
Offers private balconies with lake views
Italian breakfast every morning and amazing on-site restaurant
Things to Do in Monte Isola
Hike Mount Isola
You can hike to the summit of Mount Isola for amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Explore the Village of Peschiera Maraglio
Stroll through the quaint fishing village of Peschiera Maraglio, where cobblestone streets and rustic fishing boats transport you back in time.
Where to Eat in Monte Isola
$$$
Seafood restaurant offering seasonal dishes
Our favorites were all of the fresh seafood dishes and the ice cream with olive oil
Tuscany: Days 12-16
Exploring the charming towns of Tuscany was the highlight of our unforgettable Italian summer adventure. Each town offered unique charm, delicious food, authentic local experiences, and breathtaking views of the rolling Tuscan hills.
How to Get to Tuscany
When it comes to reaching Tuscany from various parts of Italy, the most convenient option is to take the train. If you're flying into Italy, it's best to arrive in Florence and then either rent a car or take a train to your final destination in Tuscany.
Getting Around Tuscany
For the ultimate Tuscany experience, renting a car is the way to go. It's important to note that most cars in Europe are manual, so if you require an automatic like we did, be prepared for a potentially more challenging search and higher costs.
Where to Stay in Tuscany
Our home base was Fattoria Di Pancole, located just outside the town of San Gimignano, which gave us a great central location for exploring Tuscany.
60-hectare vineyard offering private apartments with fully functioning kitchens
Onsite pool with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside
Only a 5-minute drive from San Gimignano
Photo Credit: Fattoria Di Pancole via Booking.com
Luxury 5-star hotel within a 900 year-old Italian estate
Located in Montalcino, Tuscany
Private golf club, winery, cooking school, spa, outdoor heated pool, and more
Photo Credit: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco via Booking.com
Luxury Marriott Resort
Located outside of Lucca in the heart of Tuscany
Spa, pool, bar, and cooking classes
Things to Do in Tuscany
Learn to Make Pasta at an Italian Cooking Class
During our stay in Tuscany, we had the opportunity to take our first-ever cooking class, an experience that left us hooked on culinary adventures. We booked this class through Cesarine, which offers authentic culinary experiences throughout Italy. Lucia Casagli hosted our class at her home in San Gimignano, with her neighbor translating since she didn't speak English. During this 4-hour class, Lucia taught us how to prepare fresh pasta, pork ragu, Tuscan chicken, and delicious tarts for dessert. This immersive experience taught us so much about the local culture and cuisine of Tuscany. We truly recommend booking a cooking class through Cesarine, which costs around $165/per person including food and wine.
Book a Wine Tasting
Our stay at Fattoria Di Pancole gave us the chance to participate in a one-on-one wine tasting, allowing us to sample their award-winning wines alongside local charcuterie. The tasting lasted for an hour and cost €25.00 per person. We would have loved to do the guided tour of the vineyard, cellar, and tasting of all wines, but unfortunately, this was already booked during our stay. If you want to partake in a full tour, be sure to book ahead of time to avoid missing out like we did!
Book an Olive Oil Tasting
Just outside of San Gimignano, we enjoyed sampling local olive oil at Cesani Winery. We had never participated in an olive oil tasting before and it was such a fun and unique experience for us. Cesani Winery not only produces olive oil but also wine and saffron. During our tasting, our host guided us through this fun and informative tasting where we learned about differences in Italian olive oil depending on the region, and taught us the proper way to taste olive oil, all with a stunning panoramic view from their terrace. You can even stay at Cesani, where they offer traditional rooms, an outdoor pool, wine and olive oil tastings, cooking classes, and more.
Photo Credit: Agriturismo Cesani via Booking.com
Explore Medieval Towns
Exploring the charming Tuscan medieval towns by car was such a fun adventure. Learning about the history, architecture, and cuisine of each village taught us so much about Tuscany.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the most popular small towns in Tuscany and is known for its medieval architecture and iconic towers. San Gimignano is one of the best preserved wall towns in Tuscany and is full of ancient stone buildings to explore. There's something for everyone with plenty of shops, restaurants, gelato, museums, and many more!
Siena
Siena is a Tuscan city with a perfectly preserved medieval center with a cathedral, the famous Piazza del Campo, and amazing views of Tuscany.
Certaldo
Certaldo is another well-preserved medieval walled town in Tuscany and a great place to explore and admire medieval architecture. This quaint town is full of charming streets, shops, and authentic restaurants like Osteria da Chichibio.
Where to Eat in Tuscany
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Casual authentic Italian restaurant
We loved the truffle pizza, anchovy and caper pizza, and the house wine.
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Authentic Tuscan restaurant
Their charcuterie board is a must-try, and the pici all'aglione with garlic and hot chili peppers was my personal favorite.
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Traditional Italian restaurant serving authentic Tuscan dishes
We loved all the fresh pasta, especially the cacio e pepe
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