Italy is like your favorite dish that you can never quite finish because there’s always more to savor. With two weeks to explore, you can dive into bustling cities, tranquil countryside, and everything in between. You’ll eat like a local, sip on the best wines, and maybe even learn a few Italian phrases that will make your friends jealous. Grab your bag, and let’s go!
Week one: The big cities and cultural highlights
Start your adventure in Rome, the Eternal City, where you can practically feel the history seeping through the cobblestones. Spend about four days here.
- Day 1: Arrival in Rome Morning: Land at Fiumicino Airport, take the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station (30 minutes). Afternoon: Check into your hotel and grab a slice of pizza nearby. Evening: Stroll through the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in (because who doesn’t want to come back?). Dinner at a local trattoria.
- Day 2: Ancient Rome Morning: Visit the Colosseum (book tickets in advance to skip the line). Afternoon: Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Evening: Enjoy dinner in Trastevere, and wander through its charming streets.
- Day 3: Vatican City Morning: Tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (again, skip the line). Afternoon: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and climb to the dome for stunning views of the city. Evening: Grab gelato and relax in Piazza Navona.
- Day 4: Taste of Rome Morning: Take a cooking class and learn how to make pasta (don’t worry, there’s no judgment here). Afternoon: Visit the Pantheon and shop at Campo de' Fiori. Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant to watch the sunset over the city.
After Rome, take a train to Florence (1.5 hours). Spend three days in this Renaissance gem.
- Day 5: Arrival in Florence Morning: Check into your hotel and grab a cappuccino. Afternoon: Visit the Duomo and climb to the top (feel the burn). Evening: Dinner near the Ponte Vecchio.
- Day 6: Art and culture Morning: Spend the morning at the Uffizi Gallery (again, book in advance). Afternoon: Visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. Evening: Try the famous Florentine steak for dinner.
- Day 7: Tuscan day trip Morning: Rent a car or book a tour to explore the Tuscan countryside. Afternoon: Visit Siena and San Gimignano, sampling local wines. Evening: Return to Florence for a leisurely dinner.
Week two: The slow-paced countryside and coastal charm
Next, hop on a train to the Cinque Terre (2.5 hours) for some breathtaking coastal views. Plan to spend four days here.
- Day 8: Arrival in Cinque Terre Morning: Check into your accommodation in either Monterosso or Vernazza. Afternoon: Start with a hike from Monterosso to Vernazza (take your time, it’s gorgeous). Evening: Enjoy seafood dinner overlooking the water.
- Day 9: Explore the villages Morning: Visit Corniglia and Manarola, taking in the colorful buildings. Afternoon: Relax at the beach in Monterosso. Evening: Sunset viewing in Riomaggiore with a bottle of local wine.
- Day 10: More hiking and local experiences Morning: Hike the famous Lover’s Path between Manarola and Riomaggiore. Afternoon: Participate in a local pesto-making class. Evening: Dinner in Vernazza with views of the harbor.
- Day 11: Relax and unwind Morning: Spend the morning at the beach or take a boat tour along the coast. Afternoon: Have a leisurely lunch and explore local shops. Evening: One last dinner with your favorite Cinque Terre dish.
Finally, wrap up your trip with a train ride to Venice (3.5 hours). Spend the remaining three days getting lost in this floating city.
- Day 12: Arrival in Venice Morning: Check into your hotel and take a vaporetto down the Grand Canal. Afternoon: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Evening: Dinner at a canal-side restaurant.
- Day 13: Exploring the islands Morning: Take a boat to Murano and watch glass-making demonstrations. Afternoon: Head to Burano for colorful houses and lace-making. Evening: Return to Venice for dinner in the Jewish Ghetto.
- Day 14: Last day in Venice Morning: Spend your morning wandering through the narrow streets and bridges. Afternoon: Visit the Rialto Market for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner, and maybe a gondola ride (because why not?).
This two-week journey through Italy will leave you with unforgettable memories, a full belly, and a camera roll that will make your friends weep with envy. So pack your bags, don your most stylish travel shoes, and get ready to fall in love with Italy—one pasta dish at a time!
