Italy Itinerary Ideas: Best 3, 7, 10, 14-Day and 3-Week Travel Routes for 2026

Written by S.Castlemilk
Date: 26.08.26

Thousands of Ancient Roman sites, Renaissance architectural marvels, Christian landmarks, crystal-clear waters, volcanic natural landscapes, unbelievable food and wine! The prospect of choosing between the countless Italian enjoyments can be Danting (pun intended) and can easily make your head spin.

To help you plan, the AXA team has curated the best Italy trip itineraries by duration whether you have 3 or 4 days for a short city break, a 7-day trip, 10 days, 2 weeks, or 3 full weeks to explore. Whatever your travel preferences and length of stay, we have you covered.

Don’t forget the most important aspect: have fun and devour everything Italy has to offer!

Table of Contents: Best Italy Travel Itineraries

• ⚡ 3–4 Days: Long Weekend in Rome
• 🗺️ 7 Days: Classic Rome, Pisa & Florence
• 🧭 10 Days: 2 Classic Route Options
  - 🚆 Option 1: Rail Trip (Venice, Florence & Rome)
  - 🚗 Option 2: Puglia Road Trip (Bari to Salento)
• 📅 14 Days: Northern Italy Highlights
• 🌊 3 weeks: Complete Venice to Amalfi Route
• 💡 Which Italian Region Should You Visit?
• 📋 Before Travelling to Italy: Visas & Practical Tips
• ❓ Italy Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

How to Spend a Long Weekend in Rome: Itinerary and Day Trip

Focusing on a single city is the best strategy for a short Italian getaway. For a 3-day long weekend, all your attention should be on the Italian capital, the Eternal City, Rome, and its main landmarks with an optional 4th bonus day for an excursion under an hour away.

Day 1: Self-Guided Walk in Rome's Historic Center

Your first day in Rome will be devoted to walk-by sites, allowing you to take in the city atmosphere and find your bearings around town.

• Route: Piazza di Spagna → Trevi Fountain → The Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Castel Sant'Angelo
• How to get there: Take Metro A to Spagna. The circuit spans 3.5 km.

💡TREVI FOUNTAIN TIP: Viewing the fountain from the main square remains free. However, stepping down to the lower basin (to throw a coin or get up close) costs €2 during regulated hours. Access to the basin remains completely free before 9:00 AM and after 10:00 PM.

📌Pantheon Entry: Entering the Pantheon requires a €5 ticket.
Book directly on the official Musei Italiani portal to avoid long queues and reseller markups.

Day 2: How to Visit Vatican City (Città Vaticano) and St. Peter's Basilica

Welcome to the world's smallest sovereign state but the most important for the Catholic community and Michelangelo aficionados.

• What to see: St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel
• How to get there: Take Metro A to Ottaviano.

📌CAUTION! The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month). Book tickets online well in advance.

Day 3: Exploring Ancient Rome, the Colosseum, and the Forum

Head to the zona archeologica to discover the ruins of the Roman Empire.

• What to see:
  - Palatine Hill where Augustus Caesar built his palace
  - The Roman forum, the heart of political and social Roman life
  - Circus Maximus: the former racetrack.
  - The Colosseum where the legendary gladiator (and naval!) battles took place.
  - The Caracalla Baths where Roman people used to meet and bathe.

• How to get there: Take Metro B to Colosseo.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW! Palatine Hill, the Forum, and the Colosseum form one complex (combined ticket with mandatory time slot), while the Baths of Caracalla stand a 15-minute walk south.

Day 4 (Bonus): Day Trip to Tivoli from Rome

Only 40 minutes from the Eternal City, Tivoli, founded around 1215 BC, is a perfect choice if you are in the mood for UNESCO listed sites and magnificent architecture.

• What to see:
• Villa d’Este- its Renaissance palace and garden (the first giardini delle meraviglie i.e. gardens of wonder),
• Villa Adriana, the ideal city imagined by Emperor Hadrian,
• The medieval fortress of Rocca Pia built by pope Pius II in 1461.
• How to get there: Regional train FL2 from Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli station (45 min), or COTRAL bus from Ponte Mammolo.

👉 For real-time event schedules, city maps, and official opening times, plan your trip via the official Turismo Roma portal.

Top 5 Things to Do During a Long Weekend in Rome

1. Climb St. Peter's Basilica Dome: Visit the world's largest church inside the smallest sovereign state. Conquer the 136-meter dome for an unrivalled panoramic view across the city skyline.
   
2. Test Your Honesty at the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità): Place your hand inside this 1st-century ancient stone relief, legend has it that it bites off the hand of anyone telling a lie!
   
3. Experience Nightlife at Campo dei Fiori: Known for its bustling square lined with restaurants and outdoor bars. For a premium evening, reserve a table at the Vista Rooftop Club for cocktails and a few of the chef’s signature bites.
   
4. Explore Italy's Hollywood at Cinecittà Studios: Film buffs can take Metro Line A directly to the Cinecittà station (approx. 20 minutes from Termini) to tour the legendary sets where historic cinema classics and modern epics were made.
   
5. Take a Nature Day Trip to Lake Bracciano: Located less than an hour north, this volcanic lake features crystal-clear waters, medieval stone villages, and the majestic Orsini-Odescalchi Castle.

👉Explore our complete Rome city guide for detailed itineraries, handpicked addresses, and budget-saving tips.

How to Get Around Rome

• From the airports: Count 30 to 45 minutes to reach the city center (Termini Station) from Fiumicino via the non-stop Leonardo Express train or Ciampino via direct shuttle buses).
  
• Getting around town: Pack comfortable walking shoes! Rome is best discovered on foot.
  For public transport (metro, buses, and trams), simply use contactless payment (Tap & Go) with your credit card or smartphone directly at the gates or readers (€1.50 per 100-minute ticket).

7-Day Italy Itinerary: Classic Rome, Pisa and Florence

Exploring two or three key destinations in a week requires a balanced pace. This classic route connects Rome and Tuscany using Italy’s high-speed rail network, giving you maximum time on the ground without burning hours in transit.

Days 1 to 3: Rome Beyond the Highlights

👉 Refer to our 3-day long weekend guide above for the main central attractions.

• Day 1 (Iconic Center): Dedicate this day to classic walk-by monuments: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant'Angelo.
  
• Day 2 (Vatican and Gastronomy): Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums in the morning. In the afternoon, take an authentic foodie walking tour in the historic
  Trastevere neighborhood to sample local supplì, cacio e pepe, and Roman street food.
  
• Day 3 (Ancient History and Villa Borghese): Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum early. Spend your afternoon wandering the gardens of Villa Borghese to visit the Borghese Gallery (famous for Bernini sculptures). Mandatory advanced reservation required.

Day 4: Pisa Stopover

(Train from Rome: 2h15 to 2h45 via Frecciabianca or Intercity)

• Piazza dei Miracoli: Arrive before 9:00 AM to explore the UNESCO-listed complex including the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral (Duomo), the Baptistery, and the Camposanto monumental cemetery before tour buses arrive.
  
• Modern Art and River Strolls: Walk down the Arno riverbanks (Lungarni) and stop by the Sant'Antonio Abate church to view Keith Haring’s famous 1989 mural, Tuttomondo.
  
• Vintage shopping: If visiting in mid-spring or autumn, check out the Pisa Vintage Fest (held in April and November at the historic Stazione Leopolda) for retro fashion and design collectibles.
  
• Detour Option (By Car): If driving between Rome and Pisa, stop at the port city of Livorno to explore the Venezia Nuova district, visit the Old Fortress (Fortezza Vecchia), or take a dip at Cala del Leone.

💡 TIP FOR TRAVELLERS: Drop your luggage at the official Deposito Bagagli inside Pisa Centrale station while exploring town.

Days 5 to 7: Florence (Firenze)

(Train from Pisa: 50 minutes to 1 hour via Regional train)

• Day 5 (Historic Heart):
  
  - Start by the piazza del Duomo with Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, be amazed by Brunelleschi’s dome, the largest masonry vault ever built, and the 3,600 m² frescoes painted on its ceiling, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.
  
  - Walk to Piazza della Signoria where you can visit the Palazzo Vecchio (or old palace, currently the Town Hall). Climb the Arnolfo Tower for a magnificent view on the town and particularly the Duomo.
  
  - Visit the jewellery shops on the Ponte Vecchio.

💡 PRO TIP: If you are in Florence on Easter Sunday, try to attend the 350-year-old tradition of Scoppio del carro i.e. the Explosion of the Cart in front of the Duomo cathedral.

• Day 6 (Art and Medici Gardens):
  
  - Visit the Uffizi Gallery and the masterpieces of Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci
  
  - Use the not-so-secret Vasari corridor built over the shops of the Ponte Vecchio to reach the Boboli Gardens and the grottos as well as the Palazzo Pitti where you will find the Galleria Palatina and the works of Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Rubens.
  
  - Sunset stop at Piazzale Michelangelo.
  
• Day 7 (Basilicas and Markets):
  
  - Start your day by Santa Croce Basilica, the largest Franciscan church in the World and home to 4,000 works of art as well as the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo and Rossini.
  
  - Head to the Galleria dell Academia for Michelangelo’s David and their collection of musical instruments including Antonio Stradivari violins.
  
  - Finish your stay by the Mercato Central for the smell, the atmosphere and the food court.

❤️ FAVOURITE SPOT: For evening drinks with views over the red tiled roofs, book a table at Loggia Roof Bar atop Palazzo Guadagni.

How to Get Around This 7-day Itinerary in Italy

• Flight Strategy: Book an open-jaw (multi-city) ticket arriving at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and departing from Florence Peretola (FLR) or Pisa (PSA) to avoid an unnecessary return journey.
  
• High-Speed Train (Recommended): Italy’s rail network (Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo) connects city centers directly. Rome to Florence takes just 1h30, while Rome to Pisa takes under 3 hours. No rental car is needed.
  
• Driving / Rental Car: Driving inside historical centers (Rome, Florence, Pisa) is strictly forbidden due to ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas carrying heavy fines).

💡PRO TIP: If driving, pick up your rental car after leaving Rome and drop it off before entering Florence.

Best 10-Day Italy Itineraries: 2 Route Options for Your Trip

A 10-day stay offers the perfect balance between in-depth visits and a sweet, relaxed pace. To help you plan your ideal vacation, we have created two distinct routes depending on your travel style:

• (Option 1: The Iconic Trio (Venice, Florence and Rome). A classic high-speed train route connecting Italy’s three most famous historical cities and their artistic treasures.
  
• (Option 2: Puglia Lover’s Route (Bari, Brindisi and Salento). A scenic road trip down the "heel of the boot" for travelers seeking turquoise beaches, whitewashed villages, and authentic local gastronomy.

10-Day Italy Itinerary Option 1: The Iconic Rail Trip (Venice, Florence and Rome)

This classic route takes you through Italy’s holy trinity of art, history, and culture using the country's ultra-efficient high-speed rail network.

• Route summary: Venice (3 Days) ➔ Florence (3 Days) ➔ Rome (4 Days)
  
• Flight Strategy: Book a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket landing at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and departing from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). This avoids an unnecessary 4-hour return trip to Venice at the end of your stay.
  
• How to Get Around: Italy’s high-speed train network (Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo) is the fastest way to complete this route.
  Trains link Venice to Florence in 2h15, and Florence to Rome in 1h30, dropping you directly in each historic center without the stress of rental cars or ZTL fines.

Days 1 to 3: Venice and The Lagoon (Veneto)

Day 1: San Marco Highlights and Gondola Ride

• Morning at St. Mark's: Start at the Correr Museum on Piazza San Marco to understand the floating city’s origin, built entirely on millions of wooden piles. Next, visit St. Mark’s Basilica with its 5 domes, 4,000 m² of gold mosaics, and 500 marble columns.

💡 PRO TIP (Pala d'Oro): Inside St. Mark’s Basilica, don’t miss the Pala d'Oro, a breathtaking altar retable adorned with 3,000 pearls and gemstones (sapphires, emeralds, and rubies). Step out onto the Loggia dei Cavalli for an iconic view over the piazza.

• Afternoon Stroll to Rialto: Wander the maze of narrow streets, squares (campos), and bridges before reaching the Rialto Bridge, built over the Grand Canal in 1172.
  
• Evening Gondola: Wrap up with a classic gondola ride.
  Around €90 for 30 minutes during the day and €110 in the evening (often shorter, but not cheaper; expensive, but worth it!).

Day 2: Renaissance Art, Doge's Palace and Bacari

• Morning Masterpieces: Take a quick visit to Santa Maria della Salute (commissioned during the 1630 plague outbreak and housing works by Tintoretto and Titian).
  Choose between the Gallerie dell’Accademia for Venetian paintings (including Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man) or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for 20th-century art.
  
• Afternoon Views and Doges: Admire La Fenice opera house on your way back to San Marco, then climb the 98.6-meter Campanile for a 360° panoramic view over Venice, the lagoon, and the Dolomites on clear days. Tour the Doge’s Palace to explore its grand chambers and Casanova’s prison cells, then walk across the Bridge of Sighs from the inside.
  
• Evening Cicchetti: Count your blessings at a local bacaro (wine bar) with a glass of local wine and cicchetti (Venetian small bites).

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) got its poetic name because prisoners, walking from the Doge’s Palace courtrooms to their cells, would catch one last glimpse of Venice through the small stone grilles—and sigh at the beauty of the Serenissima before being locked away.

Day 3: Murano, Burano and Europe’s Oldest Ghetto

• Lagoon Islands: Take a vaporetto to Murano to admire (and even participate in!) its famous glassmaking tradition. Continue to colourful Burano for its vivid painted houses and handmade lace.
  
• Historic Cannaregio: Return to the Cannaregio district to explore Europe's oldest Jewish Ghetto. Visit the Jewish Museum, admire the historic synagogues, and sample traditional Venetian kosher cuisine.

Days 4 to 6: Florence and The Renaissance (Tuscany)

(Train from Venice Santa Lucia to Firenze Santa Maria Novella: 2h15 via High-Speed Train)

Days 4 to 6 Itinerary Overview

• Day 4 (Historic Center): Take your time to savour the beauty of Firenze’s Renaissance architecture. Explore the Piazza del Duomo, admire Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, and Giotto’s Campanile. Walk across the gold-shop-lined Ponte Vecchio.
  
• Day 5 (World-Class Art): Marvel at Botticelli’s and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, wander through the Boboli Gardens at Palazzo Pitti, and catch sunset views over red tiled roofs from Piazzale Michelangelo.
  
• Day 6 (Tuscan Flavors): Visit the Accademia Gallery for Michelangelo’s David, then spend a slow afternoon tasting wine and local delicacies at the bustling Mercato Centrale.

Days 7 to 10: Rome and The Eternal City (Lazio)

(Train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Roma Termini: 1h30 via High-Speed Train)

Days 7 to 9: Ancient History and Vatican Wonders

• The Classics: Enjoy an in-depth discovery of the Roman classics: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican Museums.

💡 PRO TIP (Ancient Museums): Visit the Capitoline Museums—the oldest public museum network in the world—and look out for the iconic bronze statue of the Capitoline Wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of the Eternal City.

Day 10: Trastevere Life and Local Markets

• Local Vibe: Spend your final day in Rome’s "coolest neighbourhood" where locals escape the tourist crowds: the lively Trastevere rione, with its charming vicoli (narrow streets), vintage shops, quiet piazzas, and authentic trattorias.

💡 PRO TIP (Flea and Food Markets): Trastevere hosts lively food and flea markets, including the famous Sunday Porta Portese market, as well as the seasonal Riverside Market held along the Tiber quays on summer evenings.

10-Day Italy Itinerary Option 2: Puglia Lover’s Road trip (Bari, Brindisi and Salento)

Stretching down the southeast coast including the "heel of the boot", once confidential, Puglia is now a world-renown destination. This ambitious itinerary offers you the possibility to pick and choose according to your pace and preferences, embracing the true Italian spirit of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).

• Route Summary: Bari and Itria Valley (3 Nights) ➔ Brindisi Coast and White Towns (4 Nights) ➔ Lecce and Salento (3 Nights)
  
• Flight Strategy: Book a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket landing at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and departing from Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS). This avoids driving back north at the end of your trip.
  
• How to Get Around: Renting a car at Bari Airport is the best way to travel between regions. To keep driving down to a minimum and maximize relaxation, this itinerary uses just 3 hotel bases for short daily excursions.

💡 PRO TIP (Dolce Vita and Vespa Experience): Rent an iconic Italian car like a vintage Fiat 500 for the scenic coastal roads.
When staying in larger historic centers like Bari or Lecce, switch to an electric Vespa rental to zip through narrow alleyways, bypass traffic, avoid parking hassles, and soak in the slow-paced Dolce Vita.

Base 1: Bari and Itria Valley (3 Nights)

Instead of changing hotels every night, drop your bags in or near Bari and take short, relaxed trips into the surrounding countryside.

• Polignano a Mare and Monopoli: Start gently by exploring the historic centers, rocky beaches, and enjoying slow strolls along the Adriatic sea.
  
• Alberobello: Head inland for a morning to discover over 1,500 trulli, the iconic dry stone huts with corbelled roofs specific to the Itria Valley.
  
• Locorotondo: Discover this circular historic center, famous for whitewashed alleyways, local gastronomy, and crisp white wine, perfect for an afternoon of dolce far niente over an aperitivo.

Base 2: Brindisi Coast and White Towns (4 Nights)

Settle into a local masseria or coastal hotel near Brindisi or Ostuni for 4 nights of pure relaxation.

• Cisternino: Admire charming architecture and experience unique culinary traditions.

💡FOOD TIP (Local Specialty): Try the bombette (cheese-stuffed pork rolls) at a local fornello pronto, a traditional butcher shop where you pick your meat from the counter and have it grilled for you on the spot!

• Ostuni: Wander at your own pace through the cobblestone streets of the "White Town", named for the distinctive colour of its houses.
  
• Carovigno and Specchiolla: Tour the 12th-century Castello Dentice di Frasso to admire its uncommon triangular tower and loggia, then head down to the coast for fresh seafood.
  
• Pure Relaxation and Wellness Break: Take a full day off to unwind

❤️ OUR FAVORITE PICK: Treat yourself to Masseria Torre Coccaro, a 5-star luxury hotel set in ancient olive groves. Its cave-carved spa and heated indoor pool offer the ultimate dolce far niente relaxation.

Base 3: Lecce & Salento (3 Nights)

Unpack one last time in Baroque Lecce or a southern beach resort.

• Lecce: Marvel at magnificent Baroque architecture, elaborate church facades, and the ancient Roman amphitheatre in the heart of the city.
  
• Otranto: Explore the historic seaside fortress, enjoy sandy beaches, and photograph the striking emerald-green lake inside the Cava di Bauxite quarry.
  
• Santa Maria di Leuca and Salento Beaches: Discover dramatic coastal landscapes and sea grottos (including Grotta dei Giganti, Grotta della Stalla, and Grotta della Vora).
  Finish your trip relaxing at the "Maldives of Salento" (Spiaggia di Pescoluse) near Posto Vecchio for a final swim in turquoise waters.

Best 14-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: Two Weeks of Cities, Culture and Gastronomy

A 14-day stay allows you to savour Italian culture, natural scenery, and iconic landmarks. This balanced itinerary combines major regional capitals with renown UNESCO sites and Italy’s greatest culinary regions, keeping travel times short (under 2 hours between destinations).

• Route Summary: Turin and Milan (Area 1) ➔ Veneto: Verona, Venice and Padua (Area 2)
  ➔ Emilia-Romagna: Bologna (Area 3) ➔ Optional Extension: Florence and Tuscany
  
• Flight Strategy: Book a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket landing at Turin Airport (TRN) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) and departing from Bologna Airport (BLQ) or Florence Airport (FLR).
  
• How to Get Around: The high-speed train network (Frecciarossa or Italo) is the fastest and most stress-free option to connect all these cities without worrying about parking or driving restrictions (ZTL).

Area 1: Turin and Milan

What to do and see in Turin, Piedmont capital

• Royal Palace: Visit the magnificent Armory, Holy Shroud Chapel, and Royal Gardens.
  
• Porta Palatina: Admire the best-preserved 1st-century Roman gate in the world.
  
• Mole Antonelliana: Take the interior glass lift up to the panoramic terrace for views of the city and Alps, then visit the Cinema Museum housed inside.
  
• Historic Porticos: Walk down 18 km of covered arcades—the largest pedestrian zone in Europe filled with historic cafés and artisan shops.
  
• Slow Food and Chocolate: Taste the local gianduiotto (hazelnut chocolate) in the birthplace of Slow Food, paired with world-class regional wines (Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco) and white truffles.

What to do and see in Milan, Lombardy capital

Getting there from Turin: ~1h by high-speed train

• Duomo di Milano: Visit this spectacular gothic cathedral, commissioned—according to legend—by the devil himself. Inside, look for the holy relic of the Nail used in Christ's crucifixion, and the hauntingly realistic statue of a skinned Saint Bartholomew.
  
• Da Vinci’s Last Supper: Book tickets in advance to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie basilica and admire Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece.
  
• Sforzesco Castle and Sempione Park: Explore the historical museums housed inside the castle, then take a relaxing walk through the surrounding park.
  
• Brera District: Stroll through this charming neighborhood known for its artistic atmosphere, galleries, and boutique shops.

❤️HIGHLIGHT MOMENT (Navigli Canals): End your day in the lively Navigli district, walking along historic canals lined with vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops for a classic Milanese aperitivo.

Area 2: The Veneto region (Verona, Venice, Padua

Getting to Veneto from Milan: ~1h15 by high-speed train to Verona What to do and see in Verona

Take your Romeo or Juliet (not both, they are trouble!) to UNESCO-listed Verona:

• Piazza Bra and Verona Arena: Explore the lively central square and its remarkable 1st-century Roman amphitheatre.
  
• Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti: Visit the city’s oldest square and climb the tower for panoramic views of the area.
  
• Castelvecchio: Tour this 1350s fortress to admire its impressive collection of medieval Christian art.
  
• Castel San Pietro Funicular: Ride up to the hill (colle) for sweeping views over Verona and the ancient Roman theatre below.
  
• Juliet’s House: Stop by the famous balcony which was actually just a window in Shakespeare's original play! Touristy, but still deeply charming.

❤️ HIGHLIGHT MOMENT (Arena Opera Festival): Running every year from June to September since 1913, attending a world-class opera performance inside Verona's ancient Roman amphitheatre is an unforgettable experience.

What to do and see in Venice, Veneto capital

Getting there from Verona: ~1h10 by high-speed train

Off you go to the iconic capital of the region! Beyond the famous landmarks (see section above), take time to shop for unique handcrafted items—like authentic friulane (the iconic velvet gondolier slippers), custom frames, or hand-printed stationery at artisan gems like Il Pavone or Gianni Basso’s Stampatore Tradizionale.

What to do and see in Padua

Getting there from Venice: ~25 min by train, or on the way back from Verona: ~45 min If you have time on your way, make a stop in Padua to discover:

• The 8 sites of the UNESCO listed fresco cycles, particularly Giotto’s work in the Scrovegni chapel.
  
• University Botanical Garden: Wander through this 1545 garden, recognized as the oldest surviving university botanical garden in the world.

Area 3: The Emilia-Romagna region

Getting to Bologna from Veneto: ~1h30 by high-speed train from Venice or ~50 min from Padua What to do and see in Bologna, Italy’s food capital

La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa (The Learned, The Fat, The Red)—welcome to Bologna, home to Europe's oldest university and Italy's ultimate culinary capital:

• Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio: Explore the historic heart of the city surrounded by majestic medieval palaces (palazzi).
  
• Pavaglione Portico and Archiginnasio: Walk under the grand portico to reach the 16th-century university seat. Inside, visit the fascinating wooden anatomical theatre—where the first public human dissection took place back in 1315!
  
• The Due Torri (Two Towers): Take up the challenge of climbing the 498 steps of the medieval Asinelli Tower for sweeping views over the iconic red-tiled roofs.
  
• Endless Arcades: Stroll beneath nearly 40 kilometres of UNESCO-listed porticos crisscrossing the city centre.

❤️HIGHLIGHT MOMENT (Food Tour and Classes): Take a culinary tour, cooking class, or local factory visit to unlock the delicious secrets behind fresh egg pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, and Prosciutto di Parma.

Optional Extension: Tuscany and Florence

Getting there from Bologna: ~35 min by high-speed train, or ~2h by car/bus via the scenic route

If you have extra time left, finish your two-week stay on an even higher note by exploring the Renaissance treasures, world-renowned museums, and historic bridges of Florence (see section above).

💡 PRO TIP (The Scenic Route): Choose the picturesque mountain route when travelling from Bologna to Florence to take in breathtaking views across the Apennine landscapes.

Best 21-Day Italy Itinerary: From Venice to the Amalfi Coast

Three weeks in Italy is the ideal timeframe to combine iconic regional capitals, deep cultural immersion, and relaxing coastal time.
We have structured this route week by week, but feel free to adjust the days in each destination.
For instance, streamlining your time in Rome to maximize your coastal getaway along the Amalfi Coast.

• Route Summary:
  Week 1: Venice, Padua and Bologna
  Week 2: Florence, Pisa and Tuscany Scenic Drive
  Week 3: Rome and The Amalfi Coast
  
• Flight Strategy: Book a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket landing at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and departing from Naples International Airport (NAP) or Rome Fiumicino (FCO).
  
• How to Get Around: High-speed trains (Frecciarossa) easily connect Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome.
  Rent a car for 2–3 days in Tuscany, then rely on regional trains, ferries, or private transfers on the Amalfi Coast to avoid heavy coastal traffic.

Week 1: Venice, Padua and Bologna (The North & Food Capital)

(Travel time: ~25 min train Venice ➔ Padua, ~1h train Padua ➔ Bologna)

Start in La Serenissima to explore its iconic canals, historic landmarks, and hidden artisan alleyways at a relaxed pace. On your way south to Emilia-Romagna, stop in Padua to admire Giotto's 14th-century frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel and the world's oldest university botanical garden. Finish the week in Bologna, indulging in authentic food tours, climbing the medieval Asinelli Tower, and walking beneath endless UNESCO-listed porticos.

Week 2: Florence, Pisa and Scenic Tuscany

(Travel time: ~35 min train Bologna ➔ Florence, ~1h train Florence ➔ Pisa)

Head to Florence to spend a few days following in the footsteps of the Medici family among Renaissance masterworks, iconic museums, and historic bridges. Make a day trip to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower.

💡 PRO TIP (The Tuscan Road Trip): Drive from Pisa down to Rome along the scenic countryside route through Siena, the rolling vineyard hills of Val d’Orcia, Lake Bolsena, and the historic Via Cassia for quintessential Italian views.

Week 3: Rome and The Amalfi Coast

(Travel time: ~1h10 high-speed train Rome ➔ Naples/Salerno)

Spend 2 to 3 days in Rome for a focused highlight reel of the Eternal City—explore the Colosseum, shop at bustling local markets, soak in the atmosphere of historic piazze, or attend a Wednesday Papal Audience.

Then, head south to dedicate the rest of your week to the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Ravello). A longer stay here allows you to digest all the culture and great food at a relaxed coastal pace: take a boat trip to Capri, visit the dramatic Furore Fjord, marvel at the views from Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity in Ravello, or hike the famous Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods).

Which Italian Regions Should You Visit Based on Your Travel Style?

Whether you are travelling with children, seeking dramatic volcano hikes, looking to unwind on turquoise beaches, or wanting to dive into Renaissance masterworks, Italy offers an incredible variety of landscapes. Here is how to target the best regions for your specific trip.

Where to go in Italy with kids? Best destinations for a family trip

• Top regions to target: Tuscany, the Northern Lakes (Lake Garda), and Campania (Rome to Pompeii).
  
• Why children will love it: Italy is exceptionally welcoming to families. Kids can explore the Colosseum like gladiators, climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, take boat rides across Lake Garda, or spend a day at theme parks like Gardaland… All accompanied by daily pizza and gelato stops!

💡 RHYTHM TIP: Stick to short travel distances and choose one or two central bases (like a Tuscan agriturismo) to avoid constant packing and unpacking.

Where to go in Italy for beaches, islands, and coastal relaxation?

• Top regions to target: Sardinia, Apulia (Puglia), Sicily, and the Northern Lakes (Como, Garda).
  
• The coastal experience: From the Caribbean-like white sands of Sardinia (Cala Mariolu) and the dramatic sea caves of Polignano a Mare in Apulia to the aristocratic lakeside beaches of Lake Como, Italy is a paradise for sunseekers and boat trips.

💡 LOGISTICS TIP: Resist the urge to island-hop too fast. Focus on one region—like Western Sicily or Southern Sardinia—to avoid losing precious days on ferry connections.

What are the best Italian regions for nature, hiking, and volcanoes?

• Top regions to target: Trentino-Alto Adige (The Dolomites), Liguria (Cinque Terre), Campania (Amalfi Coast), Sicily (Mount Etna) and Aeolian Islands (Stromboli and Vulcano).
  
• What awaits active travellers: Hike between dramatic alpine peaks at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, walk the cliffside Path of the Gods overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, or trek across the moonlike volcanic craters of Mount Etna and the active island of Stromboli.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Bear in mind that volcanic tours are dependent on weather conditions as well as explosive activity. Check the information provided by the Italian Civil Protection Department.

What are the best Italian cities to visit for art, history, and culture?

• Top regions to target: Lazio (Rome), Tuscany (Florence), Veneto (Venice), Lombardy (Milan), and Emilia-Romagna (Bologna).
  
• Cultural highlights: Marvel at Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Milan, cross the Rialto Bridge in Venice, wander through the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and immerse yourself in thousands of years of history across Rome's open-air museum!

💡 TRAVEL TIP: Balance intense museum days with "slow travel" moments. Leave time in your schedule to simply sit at a piazza café for an evening aperitivo.

Where to go in Italy for food and wine? Best regions for foodies

• Top regions to target: Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Parma, Modena), Piedmont (Turin, Langhe), and Tuscany.
  
• A culinary paradise: Indulge in authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and real Balsamic Vinegar in Parma and Modena, taste handmade tagliatelle al ragù beneath Bologna's porticos, or go white truffle hunting paired with world-class Barolo wines in the rolling hills of Piedmont.

💡 FOODIE TIPS! Plan factory tours well in advance. For instance, you can reserve official dairy visits directly through the official Parmigiano Reggiano consortium.
For accommodation, opt for authentic farm stays listed on the national Agriturismo portal or family-run trattorie over tourist-heavy restaurants near major landmarks.

Planning Your Trip to Italy: Visa Requirements, Travel Insurance and Practical Tips

To ensure a smooth trip, double-check your entry requirements, visa needs, and travel insurance before visiting Italy, which is part of the Schengen Area.

Here is your essential pre-departure checklist before finalizing your itinerary:

• Visa for Italy: If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, you must obtain it prior to departure.

👉 Learn more about requirements and application steps in our Guide to Italy Visa Rules.

• ☑️ ETIAS Authorization: If you travel with a visa-exempt passport (US, Canada, UK, Australia…), this electronic travel authorization will soon be required by the European Union.

👉 Before departing, check the official ETIAS website to confirm current entry rules.

• Travel Medical Insurance: Mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and strongly recommended for all other travellers to cover unexpected health expenses and emergencies.

👉 Protect your journey and secure your visa with our AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy: fully accepted by embassies and consulates, offering complete coverage across Europe.

• Complete Italy Travel Guide: Local secrets, recommended spots, budget breakdowns, and transport hacks.
  👉Read our comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Italy from A to Z.
  
• Official Tourist Information: For regional updates and official events, check the official Italian Tourism website.

Why Choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy?

Mandatory for Schengen visa applications and highly recommended for every traveller, AXA Schengen insurance protects you throughout your entire Italian journey:

• 100% Compliant with Official Requirements: Receive an instant digital certificate right after purchase, fully refunded if your visa application is refused.
  
• High Medical Coverage: Up to €2,000,000 in emergency medical treatment and hospitalization costs.
  
• Full Repatriation Guarantee: Complete coverage
  
• 24/7 Medical Assistance: Access to multilingual medical teleconsultation anytime during your stay.
  
• Comprehensive Protection: luggage, personal liability, and personal accident insurance.
  
• Extended European Protection: Valid across all Schengen countries, the EU, and the UK.

Whether you are planning short city weekends, extended road trips, or nationwide exploration, our options adapt to your travel style.
Benefit from 65 years of expertise in international assistance!
So before you take off, make sure to:

You might find these articles interesting:

• Travel and safety advice for your trip to Italy
• Driving licences allowed in the Schengen area
• Need More Trip Ideas? Browse Our Complete Europe Travel Guides

Planning Your Trip to Italy: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to visit Italy without a car?

With a very efficient railway network including high-speed trains connecting major cities and one that even boards a ferry to reach Sicily, you can easily travel in Italy without a car. However, it will prevent you from visiting more remote and confidential areas.

Which region in Italy can you fully explore in one week?

As Italy's 6th smallest region, the lesser-known Le Marche is perfect for a one-week trip. It seamlessly blends hilltop medieval villages, fairy-tale castles, pristine beaches, dramatic caves, and the scenic Apennine Mountains. To top it off, the region comes alive with vibrant food festivals (sagre) celebrating delicious local specialties.

Is Italy worth visiting off-season?

Yes, absolutely. Imagine, having the entire San Marco square almost to yourself, not being timed to admire the Sistine Chapel or the Duomo in Firenze? If you stay very still and silent, you might even see a local or two… Beware, however, of the Aqua Alta from October to March in Venice as well as historical sites being closed for off-season maintenance.

How long should a road trip in Italy be?

For a full north-to-south road trip, allow at least 3 to 4 weeks. If you have less time, focus on one region for a full week, whether it’s exploring Tuscany, driving along the Amalfi Coast, or island hopping in Sicily or Sardinia.