Gran Canal, Venice, Italy

2-Week Italy Road Trip Itinerary: Best of Italy in 14 Days

April 23, 2024

If you have two weeks for your holiday in Italy and want to see as much as possible of the most beautiful sights, then read this 2-week Italy itinerary!

A road trip across Italy is a dream for many, so we’ve put together a route where you can explore the country’s best places in 14 days.
Italy is one of Europe’s most exciting countries in many ways, full of stunning locations: from the breathtaking peaks of the Alps, the city of Venice, the landscapes of Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast, to the vibrant Sicily, Italy offers almost anything you’re looking for in an ideal travel destination.

We’ve mentioned before that Italy is one of our favorite travel destinations, and we return there about monthly! Yes, fortunately, the northern Italian border is only a few hours’ drive away from us, so we travel there every month for a good Italian pizza, to shop for quality Italian products, and to taste a bit of the Italian lifestyle, which fills the soul. These regular visits have allowed us to get to know Italy well and put together the best possible 2-week itinerary for you.

Although we believe that in Italy, two weeks is not enough time to see everything, we understand the intentions of tourists coming from afar, who have limited time, so we created a 14-day itinerary that allows you to see the most of Italy. We included the top places, the must-sees, and planned two weeks that really contain the best of Italy.

First, let’s take a brief overview of the two-week Italy itinerary, then we’ll answer the most important questions about traveling to Italy that arise during planning your trip. Then comes the 14-day road trip exploring Italy day by day, with all the details.

Overview of the 14-day Italy itinerary

Day 1: Rome

Day 2: Rome

Day 3: Naples

Day 4: Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius

Day 5: Amalfi Coast: Positano, Amalfi

Day 6: Saturnia hot springs

Day 7: Pisa

Day 8: Cinque Terre

Day 9: Milan

Day 10: Lake Como: Varenna and Bellagio

Day 11: Lake Garda: Sirmione

Day 12: Venice

Day 13: Florence

Day 14: Back to Rome

Map of the 2-week Italy road trip itinerary

FAQ: What to know about a two-week road trip in Italy

Let’s see the most common questions that may arise when planning a two-week Italian road trip. The following information is highly recommended for those planning their first trip to Italy.

About our 14-day Italy itinerary

  • Two weeks in Italy can be incredibly fulfilling, as we showcase in our itinerary, but in this case, the travel pace might be a bit fast. If you prefer a slower pace of travel for any reason, then plan to spend more time everywhere. In this case, you may need three weeks or even a month in Italy, or skip some less interesting places from our itinerary.
  • For almost every destination, we recommend other attractions worth visiting in the area. These are optional sights if you have more time and are curious about other places.
  • Our itinerary is designed for a road trip. We also provide options for public transportation, but we believe this route is best explored by car.
  • Our itinerary does not include the journey to the first destination or the journey back from there. So we start the itinerary in Rome, but getting to Rome and returning from Rome are not included, as this is entirely individual for everyone.

Is 2 weeks in Italy enough?

Two weeks in Italy is enough to explore some of the country’s most unique places, from natural wonders to historical landmarks, and to visit some of Italy’s most beautiful cities.

So, in two weeks, you can have a truly fulfilling journey exploring the best places in Italy, but many things will be left out.

Is it possible to see all of Italy in 2 weeks?

No. Two weeks is too little time to travel around the whole country. Since important areas like the Dolomites, Sicily, or Sardinia are left out of our itinerary, we would recommend at least a month or even more for a complete Italy tour.

What is included in our 2-week Italy trip

Our itinerary mainly focuses on the central parts of Italy, featuring the most famous attractions. The main destinations include Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Milan, Venice, and Florence. In addition to these, we recommend other rural destinations if you’re curious for more.

Where to start an Italy road trip

If you arrive in Italy by car, you’re likely entering from the north. In this case, your first stop among our itinerary destinations will either be Milan, Lake Garda, or Venice. Be flexible and continue the road trip as it makes sense.

If you arrive by plane, your flight will most likely land either in Rome or possibly Milan.

We planned Rome as the starting point, since most international flights land there.

How to get around Italy

By car

We definitely planned it for a car road trip, unfortunately it is quite difficult to do this with anything else. But don’t worry, although the Italian driving style may seem chaotic at first, you can actually get used to it quickly.

As an addition, if individual Italian regions interest you for a shorter trip (for example, due to limited time), read the article found by clicking on the link about the best road trips in Italy.

Car rental in Italy

If you arrive in Italy by plane, it’s worth renting a car. Compare prices and options on Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com.

We don’t have personal experience with car rental in Rome, but Sixt and Centauro received the best ratings, along with some local companies.

This applies everywhere, but especially in Italy, that you should get full insurance for the car. Unfortunately, car break-ins and minor accidents are not uncommon. Be prepared for this by definitely getting the best insurance!

Highways in Italy

Italy’s highways are toll roads, and they are the most expensive in Europe. Traffic jams often occur at toll booths. Inquire about Telepass at the car rental company, if available, you can use the yellow Telepass lanes, avoiding the hassle of tickets.

If your car doesn’t have Telepass, use the traditional toll booths, usually marked with white signs. You can also use lanes with blue “Carte” signs, but payment is by credit card only.

For calculating toll fees, ViaMichelin’s route planner is very helpful.

Public transport in Italy

If you prefer to use public transport within Italy, we can give some ideas. First, there are plenty of domestic flights in Italy, so you can fly between major cities.

The Milan-Bologna-Florence-Florence-Rome-Naples route is also connected by a high-speed train, which can get you from one city to another relatively quickly. The Milan-Naples journey takes around 4.5 hours by train and Milan-Rome just over 3 hours. If you prefer to travel by public transport, this is an option you may prefer. So train transport between the big cities in Italy is pretty well organized.

Additionally, even if you’re traveling by car, public transport is still recommended in major cities and certain other locations. Details about public transport options are provided separately for each destination.

The only thing left to solve in this case is getting to the countryside, which can be problematic without a car.

In Italy, there are also Flixbus and local bus services as options.

Alternatively, taxis can be a solution in Italy, but they can be too expensive for longer distances, and are only a good idea within the cities.

Best time to visit Italy for two weeks

Italy is a fantastic destination all year round, offering diverse experiences in every season.

  • In spring, you can enjoy blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures.
  • Summer is perfect for beach lovers.
  • Autumn brings colorful landscapes, especially in regions like Tuscany.
  • While winter is less popular and fewer places are open, it’s worth considering for travel due to fewer crowds and lower prices. If you’re planning a winter trip to Italy, use this suggested winter Italy guide to discover the best snowy destinations for a memorable Italian winter getaway.

Overall, we personally recommend May, June, September, and October for a two-week road trip in Italy.

Is Italy cheap to visit?

Italy has both affordable and expensive areas. Among the destinations in our itinerary, Rome, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast are the most expensive. The other stops fall more into the affordable category, where you can find mid-range accommodation for 100-200 euros per night, and other services are not overly expensive.

Despite this, overall, we wouldn’t consider Italy a cheap destination.

How much does a 2-week Italy trip cost

For an average mid-range trip, including 3-4 star hotels, a mid-range car, travel expenses, and dining at average restaurants, you should budget for approximately 2 people:

  • Hotels (3-4 stars): €100-300 per night
  • Dining: €50-80 for 2 people per day
  • Activities, entrance fees: Approximately €100-300 for 2 people for 2 weeks
  • Transportation for 2 weeks (car rental, fuel, tolls): €1200-2000 – Note: If you’re using your own car, it’s much cheaper.

In total, for two weeks, for two people, this amounts to approximately €4000 to €6000, excluding the cost of getting to Italy. This is the cost for a European middle-class level of travel in Italy for two weeks.

If you’re considering budget travel, you might need to rethink your itinerary and consider giving up car rental, as it’s one of the biggest expenses. Using public transportation can be much cheaper, but it comes with limitations (such as difficulty reaching rural areas). In that case, €2000 to €4000 could be enough.

If you’re thinking about luxury accommodations and services, plan for at least €8,000 to €10,000 in expenses. In Italy, five-star hotels, upscale restaurants, and premium cars are extremely expensive, requiring a deep dive into your wallet.

Where to stay in Italy

We’ll recommend hotels for each destination that we’ve personally tried or ones we would choose.

In summary, here are our top picks:

Detailed 2-week Italy road trip itinerary: How to spend 14 days in Italy

After the general questions, let’s look at the two-week itinerary. We believe it’s worth spending 2 weeks in Italy, visiting the country’s best places, as follows:

Day 1: Rome

The two-week Italian trip starts in the capital, Rome. Rome is not only Italy’s largest and most famous city, but it’s also a bustling metropolis with incredible historical heritage.

Just think about world-famous attractions like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, or St. Peter’s Basilica, and there’s so much more!

According to our itinerary, you’ll have a total of 2-2.5 days in Rome, which is a bit tight, but enough to see the best places.

Getting around Rome

In Rome, even if you’ve rented a car, you’ll likely need to park it at the hotel and explore the city on foot, by public transport, or by taxi. Rome operates a strict ZTL (limited traffic zone), meaning that as a non-local resident, you can’t drive into the city during certain times, and hefty fines apply if you do. We learned this the hard way years ago when we got three fines of 85 euros each in one day because we didn’t notice the signs!

You can check official websites to find out when you can enter the city center and which roads are affected, but unfortunately, the regulations are extremely complex. It’s more likely possible on weekends, and on weekdays, it might only be possible in the evening.

So, in short, it’s worth choosing other means of transportation besides a car in Rome. You can explore many places on foot, and for longer distances, there’s the bus network.

If you want to use public transport, consider purchasing the Roma Pass. This pass includes unlimited public transportation and certain entrance tickets for a set period.

Is the Roma Pass worth it?

Speaking of the Roma Pass, you might wonder if it’s worth buying at all. If you plan to use urban public transportation a lot, then it’s probably worth it. If you’re fine with the basic types of entrance tickets it offers, then it’s worth it.

Otherwise, it might not be necessary.

Things to see in the morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum

Back to the itinerary, start the day with the most iconic attraction, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.

It’s almost essential to book tickets in advance for these sites because it can be very difficult to get in sometimes. So if you want the best experience, book tickets online weeks in advance! If you’re interested in the Colosseum or Roman history in more detail, consider getting the more expensive ticket option, the Full Experience Undergrounds and Arena ticket, as it includes parts of the Colosseum not covered by the basic ticket (which comes with the Roma Pass). And although admission is free on the first Sunday of the month, we only recommend this option if you have no other choice, as the huge crowds can easily make the visit unpleasant.

After the Colosseum, head over to the Roman Forum and allocate 1–2 hours for this visit.

Pro tip: One of the best photo spots in the Roman Forum is the viewpoint next to the Portico degli Dei Consenti, accessible only from Via Monte Tarpeo, which you can reach from the streets outside.

After all the walking, when you’re tired, sit down at a nice Italian restaurant in the city center and relax with a delicious Italian pizza or pasta.

In the afternoon, exciting sights await again.

In the afternoon: The Altar of the Fatherland, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps

In the afternoon, there’s plenty of walking again, with more world-famous sights in the center of Rome.

Here are some of the best ones, which you can visit in a comfortable order:

  • The Altar of the Fatherland: Also known as the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, it is a spectacular marble building near the Roman Forum. Some parts of it can be visited for free, which is worth it as it offers a stunning view of the city from above.
  • Pantheon: A nearly 2000-year-old building famous for its dome. It now functions as a Christian church. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of every month; otherwise, it’s a few euros, and it’s worth buying tickets online in advance.
  • Piazza Navona: A square in the heart of Rome with interesting buildings, fountains, and statues, worth a short visit.
  • Trevi Fountain: Another major attraction in Rome, known for its massive crowds. This spectacular fountain was built in the 18th century and has a legend associated with it. According to the legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain with your back to it, you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins, you will find love, and if you throw three coins, you will get married. Funny, but it worked for us!
  • Spanish Steps: Another incredibly famous site in Rome, the Spanish Steps were also built in the 18th century, surrounded by interesting buildings, fountains, and statues. It’s worth taking a walk around the area.

The evening is free for leisure activities. Sit down at a restaurant, have an Aperol Spritz with your dinner, and enjoy the atmosphere of Rome.

Where to stay in Rome

In Rome, you have plenty of options to choose from.

If you arrive by car, make sure to research parking options thoroughly.

Prices can be a bit high for hotels in Rome, but we’ve tried to gather options for you from every price range:

  • NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali: A five-star hotel in downtown, within walking distance of many attractions. Enjoy fantastic views from most rooms and the rooftop terrace
  • Hotel St Martin by OMNIA hotels: A four-star hotel near the main train station, a bit farther from attractions but still within walking distance
  • Adesso Hotel: A four-star hotel a bit farther from attractions, offering affordable prices

Day 2: Rome

Start the second day in Rome with the highlight of the day: the Vatican. Here are the sights you can visit:

  • Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums house an exceptionally large collection of artworks that are worth seeing. Purchase your ticket online in advance, and consider getting a Skip the Line ticket to avoid waiting. Within the Vatican Museums, you can also visit the Sistine Chapel.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: The world’s largest Christian church holds great significance for Christians. Admission is free, but be mindful of your clothing: knees and shoulders must be covered. It’s also worth taking a stroll in the square in front of the basilica.

In the afternoon, you can head to Castel Sant’Angelo. Whether you want to explore the inside of the castle depends on your personal preferences. We don’t think it’s a must-see. However, it’s worth seeing from the outside and taking a walk on the nearby St. Angelo Bridge to take some photos.

You can also use the afternoon to catch up on anything you might have missed in the city center the previous day.

If you have extra time, here are some optional activities you can consider adding to your Rome itinerary:

  • Circus Maximus
  • Baths of Caracalla
  • Visiting one of the catacombs
  • Piazza del Popolo
  • Villa Borghese

Day 3: Naples

We planned the third day of our 2-week Italy itinerary for Naples.

Rome – Naples: 230 km (143 mi), 2.5 hours

Although Naples is an interesting city, we allocated relatively little time here, only visiting the most popular places. Firstly, transportation is chaotic, secondly, public safety is not great, and thirdly, there are more exciting places to visit nearby.

So, the morning will be spent getting there, and the afternoon will be for exploring Naples. In the city center, we recommend a few sights that you can comfortably visit on foot.

If you have a car, leave it in a secure garage or at the hotel.

The main attractions in Naples are as follows:

  • Piazza del Plebiscito
  • Castel dell’Ovo
  • Royal Palace of Naples
  • Castel Nuovo
  • Sant’Elmo Castle: It’s a bit further from the other attractions, but worth considering for its excellent views.

Recently, some of these attractions have been temporarily closed, so before your trip, be sure to check for the latest updates on their opening status.

Overnight in or around Naples. If you’re looking to save money, it’s worth spending the next two nights in the vicinity of Naples as well, and taking day trips over the following two days.

Where to stay in and around Naples

Day 4: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

On the fourth day of your itinerary, visit the two main attractions near Naples: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

It’s worth booking tickets in advance for both, as they are very popular.

Pompeii Archaeological Park

The ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, and you can see its remains at the Pompeii Archaeological Park. Plan to spend a few hours visiting, and wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.

As mentioned above, don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance!

Mount Vesuvius

You can reach Mount Vesuvius by bus or car, but you’ll need to park your car a few kilometers before the final stretch. From the parking lot, which is paid, small buses also require payment to take you to the entrance where your ticket is valid. Optionally, you can walk, which is quite tiring uphill but easy downhill.

From the ticket checkpoint entrance, you have to walk the last kilometer on a steep, gravel road.

You can walk relatively close to the volcano’s crater, and sometimes it emits smoke. Additionally, there is a great view of the surrounding area.

If you have time left, Caserta Castle is also near Naples. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful castles, with a magical atmosphere and a huge garden.

Day 5: Amalfi Coast

On the fifth day of our itinerary, we’ll take you to a more vibrant area, one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, the Amalfi Coast.

Although our itinerary includes only one day on the Amalfi Coast, if you feel like seeing more of this wonderful area, feel free to plan for 2 or 3 days!

If you have to explore the Amalfi Coast in just one day, it’s a challenge but also a wonderful experience. Time allows for only the two most visited towns, Positano and Amalfi.

Positano

Start your day in Positano, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Naples. Parking in Positano is not easy, so it’s best if you travel outside the peak season.

Upon arrival in Positano, head down to the beach, where you can visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta on the way. There are plenty of activities on the beach.

In the summer, you can swim, and you can have lunch at the Rada Beach Bistrot with a wonderful view.

During the rest of the year, you can take a pleasant walk along the beach, in a quieter environment, with breathtaking views.

If you’re interested, take a boat tour and see the towns of the Amalfi Coast from the sea.

After lunch, stroll through the streets of Positano, checking out the various handmade products. Buy a lemon sorbet at Collina Positano Bakery and walk along Via Cristoforo Colombo, enjoying the best views of Positano.

Amalfi

During the afternoon, head over to Amalfi, where you should also spend a few hours.

Take a walk around the harbor area, and don’t miss the famous Amalfi Cathedral.

If you’re looking for a truly atmospheric place to have dinner, reserve a table at the lemon grove Pizzeria Donna Stella and enjoy delicious Italian food.

If you want to explore more places in the area, we recommend visiting the island of Capri, which is accessible by boat and is the perfect day trip destination nearby.

It’s advisable to return to the Naples area for the night, as accommodation tends to be cheaper there. However, if you still prefer to stay along the Amalfi Coast, we recommend a few hotels.

Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

  • Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel: A five-star luxury hotel in Amalfi, offering exquisite Amalfi views and first-class services if you’re seeking the best
  • Le Sirenuse: One of Positano’s most renowned five-star luxury hotels. It offers traditional Southern Italian style and stunning views
  • Tramonto d’Oro: A sleek four-star hotel in Praiano, boasting impressive sea views
  • Villa Piedimonte: A four-star hotel in Ravello, blending modern and local styles with stunning views
  • Hotel Le Terrazze: A three-star hotel in Conta dei Marini, a short drive from Amalfi, with seaside views and excellent ratings
  • Angelina Residence: Affordable apartments in Maiori

Day 6: Saturnia

Our sixth day of the itinerary will mostly be spent on the road as our next destinations are in Northern Italy. However, we shouldn’t miss out on one of Italy’s most popular natural bathing spots, the Saturnia hot springs.

Naples – Saturnia: 375 km (233 mi), 4 hours

The Saturnia hot springs are a natural bathing spot consisting of small natural, tiered pools filled with warm water from natural springs. There are several such springs in Tuscany, known for their healing properties and the stunning environments they are found in, with Saturnia being the largest among them.

Considering the itinerary, you’ll likely arrive at the springs in the afternoon, when it might be crowded in the summer. In this case, if crowds bother you, schedule your visit for around sunset or the following morning.

Parking is available for a fee at the nearby parking lot, while the use of the baths is free, but additional services (e.g., showers) are chargeable.

If you’re interested in other Tuscan bathing spots, consider visiting Bagni di San Filippo, a smaller but similar bathing spot to Saturnia.

For accommodations, you can either stay near Saturnia or travel onwards in the evening to our next destination, Pisa.

Saturnia – Pisa: 210 km (130 mi), 2.5 hours

Where to stay near Saturnia

Where to stay in Pisa

Day 7: Pisa

On the seventh day, whether you spent the night in Pisa or arrived from Saturnia, explore Pisa’s world-famous landmark, the Leaning Tower. It will only take one or two hours, so you can spend the rest of the day resting or doing anything else.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries in several stages, it began to lean due to the unstable ground during construction.

You can visit it for a fee, which you can buy online. It’s advisable to plan your visit in advance as the tower is very popular.

The Cathedral Square itself, where the tower and other buildings are located, is free to visit. However, entry to the Cathedral, Battistero di San Giovanni, museum, and exhibition on the square requires a ticket. You can buy a combined ticket or just one for the tower.

There are several parking lots around the tower, but we recommend researching well which one to leave your car in, as car break-ins are common in Pisa!

If you have time in the afternoon, we suggest continuing your journey towards the next day’s destination, Cinque Terre. Spend the night in the Cinque Terre area so you can maximize your time there on the eighth day, as it is a more time-consuming destination. Here are some accommodations we recommend.

Pisa – Cinque Terre: 100 km (62 mi), 1.5 hours

Where to stay in the Cinque Terre

Where to stay near the Cinque Terre

Day 8: Cinque Terre

Our 8th day of the journey leads to the famous Italian destination of Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre in Italy consists of five charming fishing villages on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, in the Liguria region. Known as the “five lands,” these villages are famous for their beautiful landscapes and authentic Italian atmosphere.

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination in Italy, offering plenty of sights and experiences. The villages’ unique charm, colorful seaside houses, impressive mountains, and the sea, along with Italian cuisine, guarantee a memorable journey.

So on the 8th day, visit the five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The quickest way to visit all five villages is by leaving your car in Monterosso or La Spezia and taking the train to the villages. This way, you can explore all five villages in a single day.

During your visit to Cinque Terre, you can discover the small colorful fishing villages, hike the rocky paths, fantastic viewpoints, enjoy the stunning beaches, and savor delicious Italian cuisine at places like the famous Nessun Dorma restaurant in Manarola.

Don’t miss out on Cinque Terre on this two-week journey, as it will be one of the destinations that offer the most unforgettable experiences.

Day 9: Milan

On day 9, we planned Milan as the next destination for the Italian part of the journey.

Cinque Terre – Milan: 245 km (152 mi), 3 hours

So on this day, it’s worth wandering around and exploring the city of Milan as much as you can in a half day.

The best things to do in Milan include:

  • Visit the famous Milan Cathedral and the Cathedral Square in front of it.
  • Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, right next to the Duomo, which you might recognize from social media
  • If you have extra time, many attractions in the city center are within walking distance, such as Castello Sforzesco and the Royal Palace of Milan.
  • For football fans, the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) is a bit farther away, but worth a visit.

If you find that you need more time in Milan, feel free to plan extra time here. Alternatively, you can use the following two days to make up for anything you missed.

Spend the night in Milan, and if you feel like it, enjoy the entertainment options the big city has to offer.

Where to stay in Milan

In Milan, we recommend the following hotels:

Day 10: Lake Como

On the 10th day of the itinerary, take a day trip from Milan to the famous Lake Como.

Lake Como is huge, and you could easily spend days here, so if you need more time, feel free to plan for it.

We’ll try to cover the highlights in one day, focusing on the two most beautiful towns: Varenna and Bellagio. Since these are small towns, a few hours in each might be enough to explore, sit down somewhere, and enjoy the stunning views.

Varenna

Varenna is about 1.5 hours by car from Milan on the eastern side of the lake.

It’s a very small town that’s best explored on foot; there’s not much else you can do there.

For the best views in Varenna, head to Molo Riva Grande, and you’ll have one of the town’s best photo spots right on the pier.

Additionally, stroll along the lakefront, through the narrow streets, and soak in the Italian atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a great view, Bar Il Molo offers one of the best views.

Another attraction in the town is Villa Monastero, where you can enter with a ticket and explore the garden, a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.

Bellagio

The most time-efficient way to travel between Varenna and Bellagio is by ferry because there are regular ferry services between the towns. Plus, you’ll get the best views of the colorful towns from the water.

In Bellagio, also park your car and explore this charming town on foot. Take a stroll along the lakefront, through the narrow streets, and if you feel like it, dine at a local restaurant.

For the best views of the lake in this area, visit Parco di Villa Serbelloni, which, however, can only be visited with a pre-booked guided tour.

Return to the Milan area in the evening, staying in the same accommodation as the day before.

Day 11: Lake Garda

On day 11 of our two-week itinerary in Italy, we head towards Venice. If you missed anything in Milan the previous days, feel free to catch up in the morning. However, on the way to Venice, there are still sights to see, such as the famous Lake Garda, where it’s also worth stopping for a few hours.

Milan – Lake Garda: 130 km (81 mi), 1.5 hours

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a popular destination surrounded by mountains and picturesque lakeside towns.

The most convenient town near Lake Garda is Sirmione. Although there are several picturesque towns along the lake, this one fits best into the itinerary, and you can have a great afternoon in Sirmione.

In the summer, it can be a bit crowded, making parking challenging, but don’t give up; there will be free spaces eventually. Outside the peak season, there are fewer such problems.

Explore the old town area on foot. The main attraction is the Scaligero Castle of Sirmione, a medieval castle surrounded by water. It’s impressive from the outside, but for a few euros, you can also visit the interior.

During the afternoon, take a stroll through the old town of Sirmione, have some authentic Italian gelato, check out the local artisan products, and enjoy the views of Lake Garda from both sides of the Sirmione peninsula.

If you have time left, take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy the stunning views from the water as well.

Travel to Venice in the evening, which is our next destination for the following day.

Lake Garda – Venice: 150 km, (93 mi), 1.5-2 hours

If you’re traveling by car, it’s worth considering staying in Mestre (a mainland city next to Venice) and paying for parking in Venice only if necessary. So, we recommend accommodations in both Mestre and Venice.

Where to stay in Mestre

  • Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna: A four-star hotel in Mestre, an affordable option near Mestre train station, with private parking. We stayed here several times

Where to stay in Venice

Day 12: Venice

On the 12th day of our two-week itinerary, we’re heading to Venice.

If you stayed in Mestre the previous day, you’ll need to travel to Venice. If you’re not doing this at peak times, feel free to do it by car. For shorter stays, we recommend Parcheggio S. Andrea in Venice, which charges every 2 hours. If you plan to stay longer (more than 6-8 hours), opt for nearby garages with daily rates.

Taking the train to Venice is also a good idea, since the train station is conveniently located and eliminates parking hassles. Alternatively, buses run to Venice and drop you near parking lots at Piazzale Roma.

In Venice, it’s challenging to determine how much time you’ll need. We have been there many times, and while Venice is undoubtedly fascinating, there is not much new to see after a few hours of visiting. That’s why we planned one day in Venice in our itinerary for the two-week Italian tour.

The must-see attractions you can cover in a thorough day’s walk in Venice include:

  • Academia Bridge
  • St. Mark’s Square
  • Doge’s Palace
  • St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Rialto Bridge

The most efficient way to explore these is in the listed order, starting from the southern part of Venice toward Academia Bridge, then to St. Mark’s Square, and finally towards Rialto Bridge, or vice versa.

If you want a gondola ride, go for it along the way.

If you prefer less walking, you can use vaporetto along the Grand Canal.

As you walk, you’ll pass numerous Italian restaurants and cafés. Feel free to stop for lunch or grab a quick bite at an Italian fast-food eatery.

Optionally, if you have an extra day or different interests, consider visiting Burano Island. You can reach it by vaporetto from Venice, and it’s worth a few hours’ visit due to its stunning colorful scenery.

Day 13: Florence

Our last destination before returning to the starting point is the popular city of Florence. Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is famous for its rich history, stunning art, and iconic architecture.

Venice – Florence: 260 km (162 mi), 3 hours 20 minutes

We’ve planned about one day in Florence as well, as the must-see sights can be covered in a day.

Florence is particularly renowned for its art, so art enthusiasts may want to spend even more time in the city. If you’re a lover of art, you can find an art-themed itinerary for Florence by clicking on the link.

However, if you’re only interested in the essentials, then 24 hours in the city may be enough.

Here are some top places to visit in Florence:

  • Piazzale Michelangelo: Our favorite among the sights is Piazzale Michelangelo, offering a panoramic view of the entire city from above. Although it’s a bit farther from the other attractions, it’s worth the effort.
  • Florence Cathedral: The area around the Florence Cathedral is also a must-visit. The 13th-century cathedral is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece both inside and out. However, it can get quite crowded around the cathedral and at the entrance during peak times. Since you need a ticket to get in, it’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance.
  • Michelangelo’s David: Nearby, in the Galleria dell’Accademia museum, you can see Michelangelo’s world-famous statue of David. Book your ticket in advance!
  • Ponte Vecchio: Another great attraction in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), which is a must-visit when in Florence.
  • Palazzo Vecchio: A 13th-century palace that you’ll likely come across on your way between the cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio. Buying a ticket is required to visit the interior. In front of the palace, you’ll find a replica of the Statue of David, the scenic Neptune Fountain, and opposite it, the Piazza della Signoria square.

So, if you’re traveling to Florence, the best thing you can do is take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, enjoy the stunning buildings and views, visit world-class museums, and indulge in the flavors of Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias.

Enjoy your evening in Florence!

Where to stay in Florence

  • iQ Hotel Firenze: A modern four-star hotel in the center of Florence, within walking distance of the attractions
  • I Vivai: A four-star hotel located in the countryside, a short drive from Florence. It offers a much more affordable option.

Day 14: Rome

On the last day of your two-week trip, take the opportunity to fill in anything you might have missed in Florence, then head back to Rome by late afternoon at the latest.

Florence – Rome: 310 km (193 mi), 3.5 hours

If you feel like you didn’t have enough time in Rome during the first two full days of the itinerary, you still have the opportunity to catch up on what you wanted to see in Rome.

On the evening of the 14th day, our itinerary comes to an end, as this is the last day of the trip.

In this 2-week Italy itinerary, we aimed to showcase the best of Italy, highlighting the country’s outstanding attractions and providing tips for a truly enjoyable trip. We detailed the daily activities and offered travel tips based on our years of experience in Italy, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have!

Although the pace of the itinerary may have seemed fast, with some adjustments or by adding a few extra days, you can comfortably visit Italy’s most popular destinations.

Rome with its historical landmarks, the vibrant coastal atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast, the colorful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, and the breathtaking lakes of the north are sure to capture your heart, providing truly unforgettable experiences.

So don’t miss out on these destinations, whether you follow our two-week itinerary or visit them in your own way, because you’re guaranteed to have wonderful experiences at these places!

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