italy and spain trip itinerary

How to Plan a Trip to Spain and Italy in 2024

From the passionate flamenco of Spain to the mouthwatering pasta of Italy, both destinations offer vibrant cultures and rich histories! Follow our guide as you plan to explore the breathtaking landscapes, see renowned landmarks, and taste delicious cuisine on an unforgettable trip of a lifetime, visiting iconic landmarks, such as Spain's Sagrada Família and Italy's Colosseum.

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• 1. How Long to Spend
• 2. Spain and Italy Itinerary
• 3. Costs for a Trip
• 4. Best Times to Visit
• 5. Which Country to Enter First
• 6. How to Travel between Spain and Italy

1. How Many Days to Spend in Italy and Spain

Generally speaking, it is necessary to spend at least 10 days in Spain and Italy to cover the top highlights. If you are visiting these countries for the first time and wish to explore the city highlights, you are recommended to spend at least 5 days in each destination. If you are a history enthusiast for ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and historical landmarks, then you could spend more days in Italy.

For a more profound cultural immersion, a 2-week trip would be preferable to fully enjoy both countries without feeling rushed. Allocate 1 week to Italy for a relaxed exploration of its classic cities and another week to Spain, giving you the opportunity to explore its islands and capital city.

Extending your trip to 3 weeks would certainly allow for a much deeper and richer itinerary. We recommend spending 2 weeks touring Italy from north to south and reserving the final week for the best of Spain.

Let us know your available time for travel, interests, group size, budget, and any other preferences, and our travel consultant would create a customized itinerary just for you. Feel free to contact us .

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2. Choose a Suitable Spain and Italy Itinerary

Here are two sample itinerary suggestions for Italy and Spain: a concise 10-day itinerary and a classic 14-day one.

Itinerary 1: 10-Day Concise Spain and Italy Tour (Time-Smart)

• Days 1–3: Madrid, Spain
• Days 4–5: Barcelona, Spain
• Days 6–8: Rome, Italy
• Days 9–10: Florence, Italy

For this itinerary, we have selected the most iconic travel destinations in Spain and Italy. You could explore the top attractions in these cities even with limited time.

Start your journey in Madrid by visiting the Museo Nacional del Prado, an impressive neoclassical building that houses exquisite masterpieces. Explore the stories behind the artwork with the help of your private guide. Next, head to the Palacio Real de Madrid to experience the splendor of the Spanish royal residence. Then, take a leisurely walking tour of the old town, making sure to stop for churros and chocolate. Consider taking a day trip from Madrid to Segovia, where you could visit the Alcázar de Segovia, which is said to have been the inspiration for Snow White's castle.

Your next stop is Barcelona , where you would be amazed by its architectural wonders, especially the works of Gaudí. Marvel at the enchanting Casa Batlló and the iconic Sagrada Família as you immerse yourself in a world of vibrant designs and captivating stories. Dive into the city's rich history by exploring the Gothic Quarter and don't forget to indulge in local delicacies at Mercat de la Boqueria.

While in Rome , seize the opportunity to explore iconic attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and other historical sites in Rome. In Florence , immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene by visiting museums and art galleries displaying masterpieces. Delight in a pizza and gelato-making class and get a taste of Italy's rustic charm by paying a visit to a family-run winery.

Itinerary 2: 14-Day Spain and Italy Family Tour

• Days 4–5: Valencia, Spain
• Days 6–7: Barcelona, Spain
• Days 8–10: Rome, Italy
• Days 11–12: Florence, Italy
• Days 13–14: Venice, Italy

For this family tour, we have added Valencia for a perfect blend of children's activities. Try a private walking tour in Valencia's historic center, followed by a unique paella cooking experience. Explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with a bike ride and walking tour. Visit Europe's largest aquarium, the Oceanogràfic, and delve into scientific wonders at the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe. Conclude your adventure at Gulliver Park for interactive fun inspired by the classic tale, Gulliver's Travels.

In Italy, we have added 2 days in Venice , where you could explore Piazza San Marco, admire the Grand Canal, and enjoy a gondola ride. Then, embark on a 4-hour island-hopping adventure in the Venetian Lagoon, visiting Murano, Burano, and Torcello. You may be captivated by glass blowers, colorful houses, and ancient history with the insights of a knowledgeable guide.

3. Step 3: Estimate Your Travel Costs

When comparing travel costs in Italy and Spain, Italy tends to be slightly more expensive than Spain, although the disparity is not significant. Both countries share many similarities otherwise. A fine 4-star hotel may cost about 200 USD per night in Italy, while it would cost about 150 USD in Spain. Traveling by train in both countries between the major cities would range from 30 to 100 USD depending on the distance.

Typically, our private tours in Italy cost about 500 USD per person per day, while a similar experience in Spain would be about 400 USD. These prices cover a comprehensive package of services, including airfares within and between the countries, accommodation in 4- or 5-star hotels, access to attractions, guided tours, and all necessary transport and private transfers.

Additionally, discounts of 30–50% are available for children under 10, ensuring a maximum-value, hassle-free travel experience for families and individuals.

4. Choose the Best Time to Visit

For the most favorable weather with fewer crowds in Italy and Spain, consider traveling during May, early June, September, or October.

In Spain, the summer vacation season typically runs from July to August. August, the hottest month, is generally not recommended due to high temperatures and increased tourist congestion. Many architectural sites may also undergo maintenance during this period, affecting the overall experience.

If cold weather is not a major concern for you, winter could also be a good time to visit, particularly for those seeking lower costs and fewer crowds. Both countries experience minimal rainfall during the winter months, offering a quieter travel experience. However, keep in mind that costs may rise during the Christmas period. Read more about the best times to visit Spain and Italy .

5. Decide Which Country to Enter First

Both Spain and Italy provide easy access to international flights from major cities worldwide. Your decision on whether to start your trip in Italy or Spain should be based on flight availability and convenience. For travelers flying from the USA, Spain is a bit quicker to reach by flight, taking about 1 hour less compared to Italy. Italy typically requires 8–9 hours to fly from New York to Rome.

6. Consider Transportation Between Spain and Italy

The most popular way to travel between Spain and Italy is by taking a direct flight. Major cities in Spain, such as Madrid and Barcelona, have direct flights to major Italian cities, such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.

The price for a one-way flight (2½ hours duration) from Madrid to Rome typically ranges from 50 to 200 USD for economy class. Prices could fluctuate based on the airline, season, and how far in advance you book your ticket.

Trains are not recommended as the journey takes more than 15 hours.

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2 Weeks in Europe: 6 Itineraries

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Europe is a continent consisting of 44 countries with diverse languages, climates, and cultures . It has numerous world-famous landmarks preserved from years upon years of history.

Spending 2 weeks in Europe will cover plenty of amazing places. It’s not much, but a good start, especially if it’s your first time here.

Another great thing about Europe is that the places are close to each other, you can reach most of them via train, buses, and driving. Land borders separate the countries. However, many of them practice free movement across borders.

This continent has peninsulas, islands, and varied landforms, as well as seas, lakes, and other bodies of water. There are infinite fascinating places to see, foods to taste, and activities to try out during your 2 weeks in Europe.

NOTE : Originally, we had a section for things to know before visiting or planning your Europe trip. Since this post grew to 8,000 words, we decided to move that section to a separate post to make it easier for you to read and scan the post. Go to our How to Plan a Trip to Europe for 2 weeks to see tips on when to go, what to budget, transportation, and more.

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Top places in europe (pinned map).

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2 WEEKS IN EUROPE ITINERARIES

I will show you six itinerary options to choose from for your 14 days in Europe. Covering multiple countries and featuring famous attractions that are historical, cultural, and outdoor activities.

Deciding where to spend your 2 weeks in Europe can be hard. Should it be in Spain or Portugal? How about both? Should you visit Rome or Paris ? When unsure, there are a few things you can do to see which places are more suitable for you.

For example, Rome would be ideal if you love historical sites such as ruins. Perhaps you like history, but in the form of art, then Paris is the one. For food lovers, don’t miss visiting France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Itinerary #1 South Europe: Spain and France or France and Italy

We have two sub-options in our first itinerary for your 2 weeks in Europe. This includes either Spain and France or France and Italy. Spain is well-known for its lively culture, flamenco, arts, and literature, as well as its wines, beaches, and, of course, football.

If you feel like this itinerary is a little too expensive, you can instead go to Portugal. Take a look at how to spend 2 weeks in Portuga l or even just a few days in Lisbon. Spending 14 days in Southern Europe is a good place to do your first trip to this continent.

France, on the other hand, is well-known for macarons, wine, champagne, great pastries, as well as fashion, museums, and other historical sites. You could also do many water activities in France or if you plan to come during winter, you can head to the Alps for some skiing.

Italy is loved for its opera, its art cities, unique scenery, and good food. They are also among the four fashion capitals, with luxury brands, and of course, who could forget the Vespa?

If you have never been to Italy, make sure you visit Venice, Rome, Florence, and the southwest coast, where you can visit Naples for Amalfi and Sorrento. You can also consider 2 weeks in Greece for this itinerary. Not to mention, the south is a famous region to spend honeymoon in Europe .

Spain for 7 days

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, not only for foreign visitors but also for other European nations. With its stunning beaches, yummy food, and very welcoming culture, Spain is undeniably a must-visit when you come to Europe for 2 weeks.

Most people go to Madrid, the capital of Barcelona, a coastal city. However, if you want to get away from big crowds, head to Seville, Valencia, or even Zaragoza. For young travellers who love to dance and party, Ibiza is a top spot, while Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria are awesome islands to explore and spend your vacation in.

We have a specific 2 weeks in Spain itinerary , which might help you plan a trip there if you decide to spend your trip in one European country only.

Here are some of the top-rated attractions in Spain :

• Alhambra and Generalife in Granada
• Palacio Real in Madrid – get your ticket in advance
• El Escorial near Madrid
• Aqueduct of Segovia – north of Madrid
• Sagrada Familia and Gaudi Sites in Barcelona – check tour prices
• Great Mosque in Cordoba, near Seville
• Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
• Beaches of Gran Canaria

France for 7 days

Some of the options to reach France from Spain include flying, taking a train, riding the bus, using rideshare or driving. The most recommended option is to ride a plane, but if you have plenty of time, you should consider renting a car and driving on your own. We have an article with 3 different itineraries on how to spend 2 weeks in France .

France is a country famous for many reasons. The food is great, it is rich in culture, the abundance of historical sites, and thousands of wineries to explore. France is also known for Tour de France and is a great holiday destination any time of the year. You should geat a hop-on hop-off bu s that will take you to the top attractions of Paris.

Paris is an obvious place to visit, but if you don’t like big cities or have been here before, you can consider other places. For history buffs, head to Calais, Dunkirk, and Normandy. For those who love the outdoors, check out Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Bordeaux (aka the Basque region).

Here are some of the top attractions n France:

• The Louvre in Paris – book a guided tour
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres near Paris
• Eiffel Tower in Paris – get your skip-the-line ticket in advance
• Chateau de Versailles in Paris – visit with a garden access
• Mont Saint Michel
• Loire Valley Chateaux
• Côte d’Azur aka French Riviera in the South
• Provence for lavender fields
• Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for skiing in the Alps

Italy for 7 days

To reach Italy from France, you could either take the train or fly but taking the train is preferred by most tourists and locals alike because you’ll be able to reach your destination in less than five hours anyway. There are tons of routes to choose from if you want to see some interesting scenery and plan to drive instead.

2 weeks in Europe have to include Italy. It is loved for its dishes to die for, beautiful castles, amazing hiking trails, and warm culture. Just like in Spain and France, wine in Italy is world-class and their historical sites are well preserved.

Before you book anything, decide where you want to go. Rome and Venice are the top places to visit in Italy. But if you have been there, it’s time to explore Florence, Milan, Bologna, and Genoa in the north. For the south, head to Naples, Sicily, and all the way to Palermo. Check out our 4 itineraries for 2 weeks in Italy .

Some of the top tourist attractions in Italy include :

• Colosseum in Rome – get your ticket in advance to skip the very long queue
• Spanish Steps in Rome
• Trevi Fountain in Rome
• Venice Grand Canal – don’t skip the romantic gondola ride
• Gode Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice – explore with a tour guide and secure a ticket
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Vatican City near Rome; Basilica of St. Peter, Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums – you can visit this in one go
• The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
• Lake Como near Milan
• Cinque Terre
• Amalfi Coast
• Pompei and Mount Vesuvius in Naples – visit this and the entirety of Naples on a day trip from Rome

Travel cost

These three destinations are one of the most expensive places in Europe. Budget around $2,000 for a 2-week trip around Spain, France, and Italy not including the flights from your location and back. Accommodation will be the most expensive cost while food is quite affordable in these places.

Of course, if you want to travel with luxury, you can easily spend $3,000-$5,000 which will allow you to stay at 4-5 star hotels, dine at fancy restaurants, and take a private car with a driver anywhere.

For those on a tight budget, $1,500 is possible , however, you will likely stay at youth hostels and share a room with other people in dorm/bunk rooms or even look at Couchsurfing. You can also save more money by looking at ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores or cooking in the hostel is possible. Join a free walking tour where you will be expected to give a tip based on the tour guide and the tour itself.

Itinerary #2 Central Europe: Germany and Poland

For this next itinerary, we’ll be covering 2 weeks in Central Europe, which consists of the countries Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. However, in this itinerary, we’ll only be covering Germany and Poland.

Germany is well-known for its cathedrals, castles, palaces, and colourful architecture, as well as its sausages and beers. It has many historical sites relating to World War I and II. Berlin is loved for being vegan-friendly, but meat-eaters shouldn’t have a problem finding their way around restaurants either.

Conversely, Poland is famous for its food, stunning geography, folklore, history, and friendly locals. In Poland, you’ll find Europe’s most ancient forest, Medieval Castle, the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp, amazing museums, and more.

Apart from that, you can also visit theme parks in Poland, such as Engerylandia Theme Park, Rabkoland, and Aquapark Sopot.

Germany for 8 days

Germany has so many things to offer that it would take 8 days to satiate your curiosity, and even then, you would barely scratch the surface. Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to see everything in 8 days. If you want t visit Germany only, we have these 2 weeks in Germany itineraries .

Most people will go to Berlin or Munich, but there are also other cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Cologne to name a few. I highly recommend you rent a car to move around easier, but taking a domestic flight or the train is also easy and affordable.

If you’re going to Berlin, the best way to see all the top attractions is by buying a hop-on hop-off bus with live a tour guide .

Here’s a list of the top attractions in Germany:

• Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
• Berlin Wall
• Cruise the River Spree – book a 2.5-hour boat tour
• Museum Island in Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Memorial – visit with a tour guide
• Neuschwanstein Castle near Munich
• Linderhof Palace near Munich – book a combo tour with Neuschwanstein Castle
• Marienplatz in Munich
• Pay respects at Dachau Concentration Camp – join a tour from Munich
• Kölner Dom in Cologne
• The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart
• Miniatur Wunderland at Port of Hamburg
• Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt near Nuremberg

Poland for 8 days

There are tons of modes of transportation from Germany to Poland, including boarding a plane, using rideshare cars, trains, buses, or driving. Flights between these two countries are frequent and affordable.

Poland has a dark history, but the country is more than that. It has stunning lakes, UNESCO sites, and rather interesting cuisine, and it is in the top 20 safest countries in the world – a great place to discover if you are travelling alone.

Poland also has the biggest castle in the world, and many believe that vodka originated in Poland. In winter, you can ski in Poland, which is more affordable than France, Switzerland, and even Italy.

Many foreigners get confused and think Krakow is the capital of Piland, but it’s actually Warsaw. Apart from these two cities, you can also visit Gdansk, Wroclaw, Katowice, and Lublin. Most of the cities are connected via buses and trains hence moving around during your 2 weeks in Europe shouldn’t be a problem.

>>TIP: Check out our 2 weeks in Poland post if you prefer to explore that country on a single trip. There are two itineraries to choose from.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Poland:

• Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow
• Auschwitz- Birkenau Camps near Krakow – book a guided tour or combine it with the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour
• Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in Krakow
• Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow
• Warsaw Old Marketplace
• Lazienki Park in Warsaw
• Malbork Castle near Gdansk
• Morskie Oko Lake and Hot Bath Pools near Zakopane – check tour prices
• Crooked Forest near Szczecin

Travel cost:

Central Europe in general can be costly, but only if you plan to visit Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Poland and Czechia are both affordable destinations compared to their neighbouring countries. $2,000 will take you a long way if you choose one expensive place to spend a week and the other one is a more affordable country (e.g Germany and Poland or Switzerland and Czechia).

You can save even more money if you focus on Poland or Czechia only or book a trip to Switzerland just for 2-3 days instead of an entire week.

$5,000 will be a great budget for a luxury trip . This is suitable for couples who are on their honeymoon or retiree travellers. For young visitors and backpackers, you can probably get away with $1,000 to $1,500 for the 2 weeks trip .

Accommodation in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria is costly but affordable in Poland and Czechia. Rely on using public transportation in all countries, such as buses and trains, instead of renting a car or flying.

Itinerary #3 Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

The Baltics are one of the most affordable regions in Europe. Although it has its fair share of tourists, the streets and attractions don’t get too busy, even during the summer season. It’s an awesome place to spend your 2 weeks in Europe vacation without being surrounded by a big crowd.

Lithuania is famous for its natural scenery, including forests, lakes, flatlands, and other landscapes. There are also historical spots here to visit, and you must try their local ciders. I personally loved their local food, especially beetroot. If you’re a foody, check this Vilnius food guide for a list of must-try dishes.

Conversely, Latvia is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and art nouveau architecture. It’s on the coast, hence if visiting during summer, don’t forget to dip your toes.

Last but definitely not least is Estonia, which is famous for its dense woods, thousands of uninhabited islands, and rich history. It experienced a boom in tourism recently since it implemented a digital nomad visa.

Estonia is among Europe’s most linguistic nations, is one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world, and half of the country is made up of forest, which probably explains the great air quality. We also have two itineraries specifically for 2 weeks in the Baltics only or 2 weeks in Eastern Europe itineraries .

Lithuania for 5 days

Lithuania is rich in cultural preservation, so much so that UNESCO considered their folk dance as one of the intangible cultural heritages. They also have one of the oldest languages, even older than Greek, German, and Celtic, and the oldest tree in Europe could be found here as well.

With five days in Lithuania, you can do and see a lot of things. You can cover at least two major cities; the capital city Vilnius, and the cultural art city of Kaunas. If it’s warm enough, head to the coast and visit Klaipeda.

Here is a list of the best places to see in Lithuania:

• Gediminas Castle Tower in Vilnius
• Vilnius Cathedral Square
• Hot Air Balloon Flight – over Vilnius or Trakai Castle
• Energetikos ir technikos muziejus in Vilnius
• Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and A.Mickiewicz Memorial Museum in Vilnius
• MO Muziejus in Vilnius
• Gates of Dawn in Vilnius
• Three Crosses Monument in Vilnius – join a full-day tour from Vilnius
• Walk around Uzupis
• Trakai Castle near Vilnius
• Kaunas Castle
• Devils’ Museum in Kaunas
• Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai

Latvia for 4 days

You can go to Latvia from Lithuania by driving, riding a bus, plane, or taking the train. The most recommended option is through riding a bus as it is the cheapest and fastest. Latvia is also a great destination during summer. You can take a swim on its sandy beaches, lakes, and rivers.

You can either spend the entire 4 days in Riga, the capital city or take day trips to see Gauja National Park and Turaida Museum Reserve for example. You can also explore Riga on a segway tour .

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Latvia :

• House of the Black Heads in Riga – get your ticket in advance
• Riga Cathedral
• Three Brothers, Latvian Museum of Architecture
• St. Peter’s Church
• The Freedom Monument in Riga
• Shop souvenirs at Riga Central Market – join a food-tasting tour
• Gauja National Park outside of Riga
• Rundale Palace and Museum ner Jelgava

Estonia for 4 days

To reach Estonia if you’re coming from Latvia, you could board a plane, ride a bus, take the train, or drive. The most recommended option would be to ride a plane as it’s the fastest, but the cheapest option would be to take the bus.

Estonia is very unique, they have islands but are inhabited – and that makes it interesting to visit. There, you can go fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and for those who love birds, birdwatching is a popular thing to do in Estonia.

Tallinn, the capital, is obviously the most popular destination. However, with 2 weeks in Europe, around the Baltics, you can also head to Parnu and Tartu – both are located in the south of Estonia. Go to Haeska, Kabili, and Matsalu for birdwatching and wildlife experiences.

Here are some of the sights to see in Estonia :

• Tallinn’s Old Town
• Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor in Tallinn
• Lahemaa National Parl – sign up to a day trip
• Patarei Prison Exhibition/Communism Prison in Tallinn
• Parnu’s Beaches
• Alpakafarm near Parnu
• Estonian National Museum in Tartu
• Tagurpidi Maja (Peapeal OÜ) / Upside Down House in Tartu
• TYPA Letterpress and Paper Art Centre in Tartu
• Kuressaare Castle in Saare
• Join a 3-hour food tour

Travelling around the Baltics is one of my favourite destinations and one I recommend if you’re on a budget. You will still experience the European culture, walk through the alleys and paves with cobbled stone, and eat delicious meals.

It’s honestly possible to travel here for around $1,000 for those on a budget . You will stay in a hostel and consume street food or grocery store meals. The tours also don’t cost that much. Accommodation is around $25 to $35 a night, but transportation is cheap.

$2,000 is the average cost where you get to have a private room and try out a few local restaurants. For a luxury trip, $3,000 will get you very comfortable.

Itinerary #4 East Europe: Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria

East Europe is a massive region. You will have to choose 2-3 countries to cover during your visit and perhaps next time, you go to new places. Right now, we’ll only cover 4 destinations for your 12-day in Europe itinerary; Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria.

Croatia has so much to offer, but in the last few years, being the filming location of Game of Thrones, this country attracted more tourists. Aside from that, they also have stunning waterfalls and gorgeous Adriatic Islands, among other landscapes.

Hungary on the other hand is famous for its ruin bars, paprikas, and goulash. It also has sought-after outdoor and public thermal bars and great nightlife. Outside the city, Hungary has a lot of nature preserves and can be an affordable ski destination in winter.

Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe and has tons of hot springs. It’s undeniable how affordable Bulgaria is as a travel destination. It also sits right on the Black Sea, a popular spot during summer.

Nightlife in Bulgaria is another reason tourists come here for its affordability. Speaking of cuisine, the traditional Bulgarian food is something of a must-try.

Romania is famous for its Carpathian Mountains, Salt Mines, and Medieval Fortresses. Just like Bulgaria, it’s also located on the Black Sea. One might want to visit Romania since it’s famous for being the home of Dracula.

Hungary for 7 days

Hungary, like many other European countries, is a landlocked country. But it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy summer in Hungary. This country has over 1,000 natural springs water, hence, the popularity of its thermal baths.

Budapest is not the only city worth visiting in Hungary, you should also consider Debrecen and Szeged. While Balaton Uplands National Park is the spot to you want to go hiking, join wine tours, and be around nature.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in this country :

• Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
• Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Bath – book a full-day spa
• Buda Castle
• Buy souvenirs at Central Market Hall
• Take a boat cruise Danube River in Budapest – check cruise prices
• Matthias Church in Budapest
• Esztergom Basilica
• The Caves of Lillafured near Miskolc
• Lavender field at Tihany

Croatia for 7 days

It is relatively easy to travel to Croatia if you’re coming from Hungary as they are neighbouring countries. You could travel by bus, by train or by driving. Any option is fine, but the cheapest option would be to ride the night bus.

As mentioned before, Croatia is now popular for being the filming location for Game of Thrones, but there are other places to see in this magnificent country. Just like its neighbouring country of Italy, Croatia is also a fantastic beach destination and so much more affordable.

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and a must-visit, then you can go to the coast. The most popular city is Split and Dubrovnik, but Zadar,  Hvar, and Pula are an equally stunning area for swimming and other water activities.

Want to spend 14 days in Croatia ? Our guide has three itineraries you can check out and see which one suits you best.

Some of the top tourist attractions in this country include :

• Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls – join a walking tour
• Trsteno Arboretum, Trsteno near Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik’s Lovrijenac Fort
• Visit Game of Thrones filming locations – book a tour
• Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb
• Diocletian’s Palace in Split – enjoy a walking tour with a local guide
• Blue Cave, near Split – book the 5 island boat tour
• Krka Waterfalls, near Split – visit on a boat tour
• Plitvice Lakes National Park near Zadar
• Kornati National Park near Zadar
• Euphrasian Basilica in Porec
• Pula’s Roman Arena
• Swim at Galebove Stijene in Pula
• Explore Brijuni/Brioni National Park near Pula
• Mulini Beach in Rovinj

Romania for 7 days

A massive country in East Europe, Romania has a lot to offer. From national parks, vibrant cities, historical sites, and beach access to the Black Sea. Bucharest is known for great nightlife, but apart from that, it’s also rich in cultural and historical spots.

Other than Bucharest, you have to go to the Transylvanian region, known as the home of Dracula. If it’s warm enough, head to Constanza, while Brasov and Cluj-Napoca are the areas to go to during winter for skiing and other winter activities.

Here are some of the places you could visit once you reached Romania:

• Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest
• Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History in Bucharest
• National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest
• Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest
• Vaser Valley Forestry Railway
• Bran Castle aka Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania – book a tour combo with Peles and Brasov trip
• Sighisoara Historic Center
• Covered Stairway in Sighisoara
• The Clock Tower in Sighisoara
• The Black Church in Brasov
• Peles Castle near Brasov – book a 2-day tour from Bucharest to visit Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara
• Bucegi Natural Park near Brasoc
• Transylvanian Alps

Bulgaria for 7 days

Just south of Romania, you can reach Bulgaria by train, bus, or driving. The quickest option would be to drive, which would take you more or less five hours, but the cheapest option is by riding a train.

Another country with the best nightlife, Bulgaria is popular with young tourists. But it doesn’t mean non-partygoers cannot enjoy Bulgaria. This country is a great place to explore the outdoors. There are many hiking trails and to ski here, you don’t have to spend too much.

Head to the capital city, Sofia, but for winter sports, you can go to Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo. If you are coming during the warm months, you can still go to the Black Sea by heading toward Varna.

Some of the top spots in Bulgaria are:

• National Palace of Culture in Sofia
• Sofia History Museum
• Rila Monastery – visit with combo tour to Boyana Church
• Seven Rila Lakes – check tour price from Sofia
• Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
• Belogradchik Rocks
• Prohodna Cave in Karlukovo
• Krushuna Waterfalls
• The Rose Valley near Kazanluk
• The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis in Plovdiv – join a tour of Plovdiv, Asen’s Fortress, and Bachkovo Monastery
• Pirin National Park near Plovdiv
• Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari near Shumen

East Europe is one of the most affordable regions in Europe. The accommodation alone can range between $20-$30 while food and the use of public transportation are also very affordable.

It’s easy to travel on a budget in eastern Europe, around $800 is feasible for backpackers and young travellers. If you want to be comfortable, $1,000 will be great and get you your own private room and dine at restaurants. $2,000 can easily be a luxury trip in this region for a 2-week adventure.

Itinerary #5 Nordic: Iceland, Norway, and Denmark

The next option would be the Nordic countries, which consist of Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. However, in this itinerary, we will only cover Norway, Iceland, and Denmark.

Norway is also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. It is famous for its fjords, lakes, and magical skies (Aurora Borealis), as well as Viking culture and folklore.

Iceland is also famous for a lot of natural wonders such as geysers, active volcanoes, and glaciers. You could also see the Northern Lights here. Iceland is relying 100% on renewable energy; hydropower, and geothermal.

Last but definitely not least is Denmark, which is well-known for its coastal towns, architecture, Royalty, and cuisine. Copenhagen is a must-visit. If you find yourself with extra time, you can hop on a train and head to Sweden.

You can also just visit Denmark, Norway, and Sweden using our 2 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary .

Iceland for 4 days

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, and you might be wondering why. They have glaciers but have volcanically heated pools at the same time, where you could swim all year round. That’s pretty fascinating.

Aside from that, it is also a literary-focused country. In fact, one out of ten Icelanders will publish a book even at least once in their lifetime.

Iceland is not a big country, but spending four days here is plenty. Most tourists love staying in Reykjavik, but you don’t have to. If you want to save money, you can stay outside the city and rent a car instead. You can easily move around in your own car, which means it doesn’t matter if your hotel is not in the city.

We have a complete guide and itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland .

Top attractions in Iceland:

• Drive the Golden Circle
• Blue Lagoon – get your ticket in advance including Kerid Volcanic Crater
• Gullfoss Falls
• Seljalandsfoss
• Silfra – snorkel between 2 tectonic plates between North American and Europe
• Þingvellir National Park
• Jökulsárlón
• Chase the Northern Lights – join a tour to find the best spot
• Icelandic Phallological Museum
• National Museum of Iceland
• Reykjanesfólkvangur
• Whale Watching near Reykjavik – book a cruise
• Eystri-Fellsfjara / Diamond Beach

Norway for 6 days

You will need to ride a plane to reach Norway if you’re coming from Iceland. The fastest route takes more or less 6 hours. However, the journey would be worth it because there are so many sights and sceneries once you reach Norway.

This includes the world’s longest road tunnel and the world’s most remote island, among others. This is also an amazing place to ski during winter.

Many tourists usually go to Oslo and Bergen, but you can also add Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Tromso to your itinerary of 2 weeks in Europe.

If you want to see Fjords, you have to head west; from Trondheim all the way down to Stavanger. Check our 2 weeks in Norway itinerary list if you only want to see this country.

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Norway:

• Bygdoy Peninsula in Oslo 
• Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo
• Viking Ship Museum in Oslo
• Naeroyfjorden
• Akershus Fortress in Oslo
• Oslo’s Fjords – check tour prices or a cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm, and Stegastein 
• Hanseviertel Bryggen in Bergen
• Sognefjord near Bergen
• Osterrjod and Mostraumen near Bergen – join a cruise
• Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), in Stavanger
• Lofoten Islands
• Geirangerfjord
• Arctic Museum in Tromso
• Find the Northern Lights from Tromso – book a guided tour
• Atlantic Ocean Road

Denmark for 4 days

To reach Denmark from Norway, the best would be to take a plane. There is also a car ferry service, but with a limited time, it’s not ideal. Denmark has the oldest Monarchy in Europe.

Denmark is a small country but popular not only in Europe but around the world. For many years, it has been voted the happiest country in the world. It’s also known for being safe for tourists, the home birth of lego, and has the oldest monarchy in Europe and the oldest flag in the world.

Naturally, visitors will go to Copenhagen, but since the country (excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands) is not that big, 4 days in Denmark is plenty

You can explore the entirety of Copenhagen and even have time to go to Odense, where the famous children’s book author Hans Christian Andersen was born. You can actually get to the city centre from Copenhagen airport in just 13 minutes – a great way to save time.

Here is a list of some of the best attractions in Denmark:

• The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) – explore Copenhagen in a day
• Freetown Christiania
• The King’s Garden
• Amalienborg
• Rosenborg Castle
• Tivoli Gardens – get your ticket in advance
• Botanical Garden
• The Round Tower
• Memorial Anchor
• Copenhagen Opera House
• Walk around Strøget
• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
• Christiansborg Palace
• Danish Architecture Centre
• Ofelia Plads
• Legoland in Billund
• Hans Christian Andersen’s Childhood Home
• H. C. Andersens House

Nordic and Scandinavia is undeniably the most expensive place to travel around Europe. Accommodation alone could run $100, and dining and consuming alcohol are costly as well. But taking the bus and train is a little bearable.

To ensure that you will enjoy your 2 weeks in Europe around this region, plan to spend about $2,000 . If you are on a budget, you can probably do it for $1,700 but no less. But for l uxury, your trip cost will really skyrocket up to $5,000 .

Itinerary #6 West Europe: The UK, Netherlands, and Belgium

The last itinerary option for your 2 weeks in Europe includes the countries the UK, Netherlands, and Belgium, also known as the west of Europe.

The UK is popular for many things, including its monarchy, culture, history, and performers. Being the home of four different countries; England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you can easily say that it’s worth a visit. From bustling cities, amazing hiking trails, pubs to check out, and castles to explore.

There are tons of iconic places in the Netherlands despite it being a small country. The Netherlands is famous for many things . Here, you’ll be able to see windmills, cheese markets, bulb fields, and earthenware, among others. The Netherlands also have plenty of historical spots to discover including Anne Frank’s House.

The last country on our list is Belgium. They have high-quality chocolates, hence the name Belgian chocolate. This country is also well-known for waffles and beer and is the home to NATO headquarters.

The UK for 6 days

There are many things to see in the UK, and six days is definitely not going to be enough. But don’t panic. If this is your first time here, list the attractions you really want to see first. The world-famous Big Ben, London Eye, and River Thames can all be found here, and that’s just in London.

If you have been here before, perhaps, you can now explore less popular areas. Perhaps, you can focus on hiking instead of being in the city or just spend 14 days in England only, especially if it’s your first time.

It’s undeniable that the UK has the most famous monarchy in the world. London alone has a lot of attractions related to the British Monarchy and historical places. In order to make the most out of your trip, the recommended duration of stay is at least five days.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in the UK , 2 weeks in England , and 2 weeks in Ireland and Northern Ireland itineraries.

List of some best places to see in the UK :

• Tower Bridge
• Stonehenge – book a combo tour with Windsor Castle and Bath
• Buckingham Palace
• The British Museum
• Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition – buy your ticket in advance
• Kensington Palace
• Madame Tussauds – get your skip-the-line ticket
• Shakespeare’s Globe
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Book a Harry Potter tour – Warner Bros. Studio
• Scotney Castle
• Bodiam Castle
• Warwick Castle
• Lake District National Park
• Dean Village
• Edinburgh Castle – book a skip-the-line tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands – check the tour price from Edinburgh
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
• Titanic Belfast – join a guided tour
• Crumlin Road Gaol
• Giants Causeway – visit with a stop at Dark Hedges, Dunluce, and Belfast
• Free Derry Corner
• The Derry Walls

The Netherlands for 4 days

You could either ride the train or drive if you want to reach the Netherlands from the UK. Once you reach the Netherlands, you could experience the biggest ice skating tour in the world, or join a cycling tour. You can also know more about world-famous painters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Four days sounds too little but you can actually do a lot while in the Netherlands. You can of course explore Amsterdam, and head to The Hague, Rotterdam, and Groningen.

Some things to see and do in The Netherlands:

• Jordaan and Amsterdam’s Canals – book the famous canal cruise
• Anne Frank House
• Rijksmuseum
• Mauritshuis
• Van Gogh Museum – enjoy with an audio guide
• The Windmills of Kinderdijk
• Hoge Veluwe National Park
• Valkenburg Castle Ruins

Belgium for 4 days

To reach Belgium, you could ride the train, ride a bus, use rideshare, or drive. The cheapest option would be to use rideshare and the most recommended option would be to ride the train. It would take you almost 3 hours to reach your destination.

The popular cities in Belgium are Brussels which is the capital, Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. You can take buses, trains, or rent a car to travel between cities. Don’t forget to go try different beers and waffles which are two of my favourite part of my visit.

Popular attractions in Belgium:

• Grand Palace
• Atomium – get your entry ticket in advance
• Sign up for the famous Hungry Mary’s beer and chocolate tour or join chocolate making class
• Manneken Pis
• Day trip to Bruges and Ghent – enjoy with a tour guide
• The Canals of Bruges
• Battlefield in Flanders
• Belfry of Bruges
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Bruges Beer Experience
• Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
• Gravensteen
• Museum Aan de Stroom
• The Rubens House

What I enjoy about travelling in western Europe is how it’s honestly a pricey place but it can be done on a budget. If you think you can stay on your feet for long hours and walking around is not a problem, you can easily cut costs by taking the bus or taxi. The accommodation will surely get you, but dining can be affordable.

The street food in all these countries is fun, globally diverse, and easy to find. For budget travellers, $1,700 is required for your 2-week trip and most likely requires you to stay in a youth hostel. $ 2,500 offers comfort and a bit of luxury where you can dine at nice restaurants. $4,000 means you can stay in hotels right downtown and near the top attractions, With this budget, you can even hire taxis during your entire trip.

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN EUROPE

There are so many countries to choose from if you plan to visit Europe. Fortunately, Europe has amazing transportation between cities and countries, making it easy to travel around even with limited time.

When planning your 14-day itinerary for Europe, don’t try to cram it too much. It’s better to travel a bit slower, see fewer places, but be able to enjoy and process everything you have seen and experienced. Europe is not going anywhere, you can always visit again and check out a new place.

I hope that you found these 2 weeks in Europe itineraries helpful in planning your own.

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Highlights of Italy & Spain - 17 Days

Barcelona to rome, andalucia – mediterranean coast – classic italy 16 days, best of spain & southern france & italy lakes - 18 days (small group), enjoy andalusia, mediterranean coast and classic italy, jewels of spain and italy, barcelona to rome quest (summer, 9 days), barcelona to rome quest (winter, 9 days), from gaudi to gelato: spain and italy, 12-day mediterranean marvels & italian treasures with msc cruise voyage.

“I really enjoyed my Italy and Spain Tour Radar trip, most of it was really enjoyable.” Leslie E Dodge, traveled in June 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Skip the line at Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Discover Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Montjuic
• Taste wine in Montepulciano and tour Bologna's center

“The tour itself was way overpriced for what it was. I've paid half the price for group tours in Europe.” Stephanie Size, traveled in June 2024

• Walk (and eat) around Cinque Terra
• Follow Van Gough’s Arles inspiration trail
• Explore the Carcassonne sights

• Coach / Bus
• Visit Seville's Cathedral and picturesque Santa Cruz
• Explore Madrid's historic districts and palaces
• Tour the ancient Mosque and Jewish Quarter in Cordoba

• Visit the majestic Alhambra Palace in Granada
• Experience a traditional Tapas Tour in Seville
• Explore the historic city of Toledo

• Christmas & New Year
• Enjoy a panoramic tour of Barcelona's landmarks
• Tour the grand Mosque and quaint streets of Cordoba
• Discover Granada's Alhambra and Generalife Gardens

“The tour was an amazing experience. The highlights were truly breathtaking.” Antonio Ferre, traveled in May 2019

• Sightseeing
• Enjoy a panoramic tour of Barcelona's famous sites
• Discover the Alhambra's Moorish splendor in Granada

“This was the most amazing week of my life! A year on and I'm still thinking about it and catching up with the friends I made.” Gavin Day, traveled in May 2023

• See the Leaning Tower and tour Florence
• Gamble at Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
• Hike and taste wine in Cinque Terre

• Discover Cinque Terre with a rail pass
• Tour Pompeii and gaze at Mt. Vesuvius

• Wine tasting
• Discover the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
• Explore Madrid's historic streets and plazas
• Stroll through Venice's iconic St. Mark's Square

• Relax with a spa day and fine dining at sea
• Tour Alicante's Santa Barbara Castle and views
• Explore Lisbon's historical charm and architecture

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3 Weeks In Italy: 3 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Italy is a destination all kinds of travellers could enjoy . Regardless if you only have a few days, a week, or even about a month. If you are looking for a beach holiday, hiking trip, food getaway, or cultural trip – Italy should be on your list. If it’s your first tsime here, I highly recommend you check out these fantastic books about Italy .

Italy is only one of the few places on Earth where you can experience so many things in a short period of time. Due to its location, wherever you are coming from, you know there’s always a fast way to reach Italy.

In this article, I will show you three different 3 weeks in Italy itineraries. One for the northern part, second for the southern region, and third for the all-over Italy trip. Some of the places and attractions might be repeated.

ALSO READ: Europe in 3 weeks on a budget or 20 days in Southern Europe itinerary

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO ITALY

It’s pretty easy to travel to Italy. But to make things easier for you, I list quick travel tips for your visit to Italy. Below is information to help you plan your trip , including when to go, cost, visa, and more:

Best time to go to Italy

Depending on what you want to do, basically, all year round is an excellent time to visit Italy. The busiest time for hiking and summer activities is from June until August. For winter activities like skiing, visiting northern Italy from December until February is best.

If you want to avoid the crowd, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September-November) are great times to explore Italy . During this time, the prices are also reasonable compared to during summer where accommodations and flights are more expensive.

Are 3 weeks enough for Italy

Yes. The country is relatively small with a decent transportation network , but still offers a unique experience in each city. so much so that you might feel like 20 days in not enough.

3 weeks in Italy is perfect whether it’s your first time here or you’re exploring less-known areas. The country has pretty okay public transportation, but the high-speed train really makes a difference.

You can even rent a car and drive on your own, although it will take a little more time. If you travel by bus, it could take more time to get from one place to another. While trains and planes can be faster options.

Getting around Italy

The best way to travel around Italy is by using the trains or trams to cities, planes, driving, then buses . Almost all towns are connected by trains. Big cities to big cities (Rome to Florence for example) take only 3 hours by train.

Italy, in general, has a fantastic train system . Although some people may argue about its punctuality, it is reliable and affordable. However, this is more true in the northern part. Getting from Naples or Rome to Sicily, it’s best to take a plane.

On the other hand, if you prefer the freedom of movement – rent a car . Just remember, most cars are in manual transmission. IDP (International Driver’s Permit) are valid in Italy. You might also want to consider spending 3 weeks on a cruise , a great way to explore and get around Italy.

You can always take a domestic flight if you want to go faster. Most major cities are flights to all other major cities within the country.

Lastly, you can use buses. Most young people will use the buses for affordability . However, the price difference between bus and train is not much. At least on trains, you can walk around and stretch.

I once had a 6-hour layover in Rome and didn’t want to spend all those hours at the airport. So, I tossed my luggage at the airport luggage storage, took the train to the city, had a nice local lunch, walked on Spanish steps, and, of course, my favourite, a couple of spoons of gelato.

Italy is part of Schengen, which is a policy under the EU. This means that the Italian immigration office follows the same visa rules as other Schengen State members when it comes to allowing tourists to enter and travel in the country.

Travellers with passports from most Americas, most of Europe, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and some Middle East can enter and travel to Italy for 90 days (EU/Schengen Members have freedom of movement).

The rest of the nationalities not on the list must apply for a Schengen visa.

3 weeks in Italy budget

This can vary a lot depending on your style of travelling and preference. If you don’t mind staying in a shared dorm room, a backpacker budget of $1,500 will be doable . You can mix up eating street food, dining at the restaurant, and checking some food at the grocery stores.

If you can spend a little bit more, $2,500 will be more ideal . You get your own private room and try out local restaurants.

A $5,000 budget for three weeks in Italy will be very comfortable for those seeking luxury . An option to spend a few nights in a luxury hotel and dine out most of the time. All these prices exclude the cost of your flight to and from Italy.

But remember , Italy in the summer months are a lot more expensive, especially for accommodation and transportation. These numbers also don’t include your main flight to Italy and travel insurance.

Package tours

You can skip all the planning and book a package tour covering accommodation, tours, transportation, and even food. This is ideal for people who want to pack their luggage, arrive in Italy, and start the adventure. Some of these tours are only 2 weeks though. That means you can still have some days for the places that are not featured.

Other basic travel tips

Here is a list of sites I use for travel services, such as accommodations, tour sites, car rentals, and even travel insurance. I prefer booking some things in advance, such as hotels and flights. Most hotels allow free cancellation at the last minute; the same goes for some tours.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN ITALY

Click the logo on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN ITALY ITINERARIES

From the eyes of an outsider, I’d say the north of Italy is so different from the south . It has this older European vibe, and everything feels more intimate. I love exploring this region because the train lines here are just great.

Going from city to city is no trouble (well, the train schedule is an extra challenge). It’s definitely the area I recommend for people who hate spending time at train/bus stations or even the airport.

I also love that while it can be humid during summer, the greenery keeps the temperature cool and walking around isn’t too bad. Now, let’s discuss the best itinerary for 3 weeks in Italy or you can also read our 3 weeks in Italy, Spain, and France itinerary.

Itinerary #1: Northern Italy – Milan, Venice, Florence

This itinerary will take you to the northern part of Italy , where art is rich, wine is tasty, and fashion is part of the daily grind. The good thing about this itinerary is you can quickly get from one place to another.

If you land in Milan, you can train to Venice and Florence. From Florence, you can take a flight home. If you feel one week for each city is too long, add Bologna to your 3 weeks in Italy itinerary. It’s in the middle of these three great cities.

This itinerary is suitable for those who love food, history, architecture, and fashion. I didn’t mention it here, but if you have time, stop by Bologna – the food capital of Italy.

Day-to-day overview

• Day 1 : Arrive in Milan and relax. You can take a flixbus from the airport to the city centre or board a train . You can also arrange a private transfer . There’s a bus from Malpensa airport and Bergamo airport . If you plan to drive a car rental , you can pick it up from the airport.
• Day 2 to 3 : Get yourself a 48-hour pass to use for museums and transportation. Explore historical sites such as Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Pinacoteca di Brerait, Sforzesco Castle , Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and take a lunch or snack break at All’Antico Vinaio
• Day 4 : Day trip to Lake Como – check this tour
• Day 5 : Day trip to Serravalle Designer Outline – book a bus transfer
• Day 6 : Day trip to Saint Moritz and Bernina in Switzerland by a scenic train ride
• Day 7 : Travel from Milan to Venice by bus or train
• Day 8 : Get settled in Venice and stroll around San Marco Basilica. Perhaps book a dinner either at Da Cherubino or Osteria Da Carla. If you’re feeling fancy, Ristorante La Piazza and Ristorante Venezua Gourmet are highly rated and might require reservations.
• Day 7 to 9 : Visir prominent sites, including Doge’s Palace, Museo di Palazzo Grimani, Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, of course, book a Grand Canal Gondola ride.
• Day 10 : Spend half a day at Burano and Murano boat tour with glass blowing factory visit
• Day 11 : Join a food tour and do some souvenir shopping
• Day 12 : Travel from Venice to Florence via a bus or booking a train
• Day 13 : Get a Florence bus pass to ease going around the city
• Day 14 to 15 : Explore the city centre of Florence, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Basilica di San Miniato, Piazzale Michelangelo, Giardino delle Rose, Villa Bardini, and Pitti Palace to name a few.
• Day 16: Day trip to Cinque Terre – check the tour cost
• Day 17 : Day trip to Pisa including Siena and San Gimignano
• Day 18 : Day trip to Tuscany with Chianti winery – read tour reviews
• Day 19 : Enjoy your last day in Italy
• Day 20 : Transfer from Florence city centre to the airport by bus, tram, or a private transfer

Week 1 – Milan and surrounding areas

Milan is also known as a literature city . Even though Milan is now a modern city, you won’t get lost in the middle of skyscrapers. The city has managed to keep their historic buildings and charming streets while ensuring they offer convenience to the locals and tourists.

Visit Milan for a blend of high-end fashion, historic architecture, and vibrant culture . Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and offers unparalleled shopping with designer boutiques lining the Quadrilatero della Moda.

Don’t miss the iconic Cathedral of Milan (Duomo) and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Round off the day with an aperitivo in the trendy Navigli district, where canals and vibrant nightlife offer a unique Milanese experience.

From Milan, you can plan a day trip to Lake Como or Turin , and both can be reached by train. Genoa is also an option, but the train connects to Turin. If you’re renting a car, you can pick it up at the airport or downtown Mila.

Week 2 – Venice and surrounding areas

3 weeks in Italy is incomplete without visiting the famous Venice , a trendy romantic destination in Italy. However, it’s more than a beautiful gondola ride.

Venice holds historical sites and is pretty much the most popular floating city. Venice can be reached through a quick plane ride from Milan or a 3.5-hour train ride.

It is a small island city, so you can easily just walk around, remember there are many steps and small alleys. It’s so easy to spend 2 days in Venice or even a week. There are so many things to do and food to eat.

From Venice, you can take a break from the busy tourist trail and head to Vicenza or Padua , which you can reach by train. Or go all the way to Bologna since it’s the road towards Florence anyway (your next destination).

You can get to Venice from Milan in different ways: by bus, train, or plane. The bus is the cheapest , which will take around 3 hours.

Taking the train to Venice will be more comfortable and can be faster. Taking a flight might not be the fastest since you’ll need to go through a connection. The driving time is around 3 hours for those who plan to rent a car for this trip.

Week 3 – Florence and Pisa

Florence is probably known for Renaissance Art, architecture, and monuments . It is also the home of the most popular galleries. For art and history fans, this is a city you won’t want to miss. Spending time in Florence is an immersion in Renaissance art and architecture.

With the iconic Duomo as its centrepiece, Florence is a treasure trove of masterpieces. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to behold works by da Vinci and Botticelli. Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, explore charming streets, and savour Tuscan cuisine with a glass of Chianti.

You can fly from Venice to Florence or enjoy a scenic 3-hour train ride. A bus is also an option, which is more affordable, but it’s a slower way to travel.

If you have too much time in Florence, get on a day trip to Pisa or Bologna . From Venice to Florence is only a 2 hr and 30 min train ride . The bus can take longer, and the flight requires a connection, making the trip even longer. Driving is just a bit over 3 hours.

Itinerary #2: South – Rome, Naples, Sicily

The South of Italy offers stunning beaches and must-visit historical sites . There are also dozens of wineries to explore, castles to discover, and mountains to hike. This is an ideal itinerary for those who want to learn about Italian culture and history, enjoy the beaches , and do some outdoor activities .

This 3 weeks in Italy itinerary will start in the capital city of Rome, followed by the famous metropolitan city of Naples, and then to Italy’s biggest island in the south- Sicily.

The south of Italy is rich in history, outdoor activities, and enjoying the scenic Mediterranean Sea. Again, if you have too much time, you can add Bari or hike the two best National Parks in this region – Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park and Pollino National Park.

If you plan to rent a car (pick up from Rome), you might have to drop it off in Naples because getting from Naples to Sicily will take 18-20 hours. Unless you plan to stop in another town in between, it’s best to take a flight from there.

• Day 1 : Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. If you’re arriving at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO), you can take a bus , train , private transfer , or pick up your rental car . Ciampino Airport (CIA) also has bus and train services plus private transfer or rental car pick-up locations.
• Day 2 to 4 : Get a hop-on, hop-off Rome bus pass . Spend a few days sightseeing the main attractions in Rome such as Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Palatine Hill. Don’t forget to toss a coin at Trevi Fountain and walk down Spanish Steps. Don’t forget to join a cooking class.
• Day 5 : Travel from Rome to Naples by bus , train , or a private transfer
• Day 6 : Full-day tour of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Coast
• Day 7 : Full-day tour of Pompeii Ruins Archaeological Sites, which can be combined with Mount Vesuvius.
• Day 8 : Take a break and enjoy a low-activity day, perhaps book a nice restaurant such as Mimi alla Ferrovia or Zero Zero Grano or a more affordable place like Trattoria da Nennella or Mangi & Bevi.
• Day 9 : Book a food tour of Naples or a cooking class and Naples Underground tour
• Day 10 : Full-day boat tour on the Gulf of Naples and Capri or Capri with Blue Grotto
• Day 11 : Do a day hike at Vesuvio National Park
• Day 12 : Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in Lido California or Isola Verde Acqua Park if you’re travelling with kids.
• Day 13 : Travel from Naples to Sicily by plane. Choose between staying near Palermo or Catania, both are around an hour’s flight and costs $60 to $80 per person. You can do the ferry or on land, but it takes more than 9 hours.
• Day 14 : If you enjoy having a rental vehicle, you can pick it up at the Palermo airport or Catania airport . You can get a bus pass if you’re not renting a car.
• Day 15 : Half-day trip to Mount Etna for sunrise or sunset, which can also include a buggy tour and wine tasting
• Day 16 : Explore the island of Sicily to visit the Valley of the Temples, Turkish Steps, and The Godfather filming locations.
• Day 17 : Full-day boat tour covering Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli
• Day 18 : Book a night street food tour, wine-tasting tour, and/or do a market tour
• Day 19 : Enjoy the beaches of Sicily and do some souvenir shopping
• Day 20 : Head to the airport and drop off your rental car or a minivan transfer

Week 1 – Rome

Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world , with a history spanning 2,500 years. It has been a centre of politics, culture, power, and development. Vatican City, now an independent state, can be visited during your trip to Rome.

T ravelling in Rome is like stepping back in time. Walk among ancient ruins at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and marvel at Vatican City’s treasures. Meander through charming streets, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and indulge in delectable Italian cuisine.

Whether it’s witnessing grand architecture, exploring the rich history, or sipping espresso at a quaint café, Rome’s blend of antiquity and vibrant modern life captures the heart of every traveller.

7 days in Rome might sounds like a lot of time, but it’s honestly just enough. You’ll have pleny of time to see evertyhing including the Vatican City.

Note that many of these places in Rome have a long wait line. Either get a skip-the-line ticket or start your day earl y.

Week 2 – Naples and surrounding areas

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and has been inhabited since the Neolithic period . It is full of squares, churches, historical buildings, modern amenities, nightlife, and adventurous activities.

This is an amazing destination because you can visit historical sites such as ruins, but also appreciate Italy’s natural beauty such as hiking trails and beaches.

From Naples , top sites you might also want to cover are Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri, and Salerno.

To get from Rome to Naples, you have 3 options; bus, train, fly or drive. If you’re driving, it’s a 2-hour and 30 min trip. If you’re taking the train to Naples , that’s about 1 hr and 15 mins, while it’s a 2 hr and 30 mins by bus .

If you’re planning to rent a car in Rome, scheduled to drop it off in Naples. Unless you want to drive from Naples to Sicily for 8+ hours.

Week 3 – Sicily

Sicily is the biggest Italian island that’s why the places to visit here almost seem endless . It has numerous beaches, archaeological sites, islets, and archipelagos. It is also tourist-friendly all year round as it has a great climate, nothing too extreme.

A trip to Sicily offers a blend of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and delectable cuisine. Explore the historic sites of Palermo, walk the narrow medieval streets of Erice, and marvel at the well-preserved Greek temples of Agrigento.

Don’t miss a hike on Mount Etna , Europe’s largest active volcano. Savour authentic Sicilian dishes like arancini and cannoli, and taste the local Nero d’Avola wine. Relax on beautiful beaches in Taormina and take a boat trip to the captivating Aeolian Islands. Sicily combines natural beauty with rich culture for a memorable vacation.

Flying from Naples to Sicily is the best option. You can fly to Palermo or Catania, which is only an hour’s flight. Without further ado, here are some of the places you could visit while staying in Sicily:

Itinerary #3 All around Italy: Venice, Rome, Sicily

This next itinerary for 3 weeks in Italy is perfect for first-time visitors . You’ll get to see and enjoy all Italy’s top attractions . From food, culture, history, outdoors, and architecture – it’s perfect!

Just remember that since you’re visiting cities a bit far from one another, car rental might not be an option. A mixture of trains, buses, and flying will be required to get around from one place to another. The schedule is tight , so make sure to book your skip-the-line tickets and accommodation as soon as you have the dates.

There are tons of modes of transportation when travelling across Italy . For long distances, you can either ride trains or planes. You could reach your destination faster by plane, but it is more expensive.

So, if you have ample time and prefer to sightsee while travelling, then you could choose to ride a train instead.

You can take the bus, rent a car or hire a private driver for short travel. If you chose the latter option, aside from having a private driver, they could also serve as a semi-tourist guide and recommend places to visit. This 3 weeks in Italy itinerary will give all the best of Italy – historical Rome, stunning Venice, and the beaches of Sicily.

• Day 1 : Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Either book the airport shuttle bus to get to Venice City or take the train , you can also pick up your rental vehicle at the airport
• Day 2: Explore Venice’s historical sites
• Day 3 : Don’t forget to book the magical Grand Canal Gondola Ride
• Day 4 : Travel from Venice to Florence either via bus , train , or driving
• Day 5 : Roam around Florence and check out the top attractions
• Day 6 : Day trip to Pisa and see the Leaning Tower
• Day 7 : Hike the Cinque Terre
• Day 8 : Travel from Florence to Rome. You can book a bus or board a train , or drive for 1.5 hours
• Day 9 : Take the day slow and don’t plan any tour, enjoy Rome and its food
• Day 10 : Explore Rome’s famous sites such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and the Vatican City sites
• Day 11 : Travel to Naples from Rome via a bus , train or take the 1-hour drive
• Day 12 : Hike Mount Vesuvius and visit some historical sites
• Day 13 : Day trip to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Coast
• Day 14 : Do a food and bourbon tour
• Day 15 : Take a day off and enjoy the beach and food in Naples
• Day 16 : Travel from Naples to Sicily, must take the 1-hour flight, and drop off your car rental at Naples Airport if you have one, you can pick up another vehicle at Palermo Airport or Catania Airport
• Day 17 : Hike Mount Etna either sunrise or sunset, you can sign up for a buggy tour as well and do a wine tasting after
• Day 18 : Book a No Mafia tour and/or visit The Godfather filming locations
• Day 19 : Enjoy the Sicilian beaches and do some souvenir shopping
• Day 20 : Head to the airport to drop off your car and catch your flight home

Week 1 – Venice and Florence

Even though it’s not one of the largest cities in Italy, Venice is among the most popular cities for tourism in the world . Some of their tourist spots draw millions of tourists per year. However, Venice is small enough that a few days can be enough.

At the same time, Florence offers a unique experience, such as architecture, food, and history . If you have extra time, you can even plan a day trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This means you can cover Venice and Florence in a week. Luckily, Florence is south of Venice, on the way to Rome. This will save you a lot of time while maximising your 3 weeks in Italy. Both locations are rich in history, beautiful architecture, and must-see sites.

Week 2 – Rome and Naples

Rome is the most visited city in Italy and the 16th most visited city worldwide. You can easily spend a week in Rome exploring various sites and trying out local restaurants.

You can take a day trip or two if you have extra time. Head to Naples (Sorrento, Amalfi) or Pescara, which has fewer tourists.

In Rome, stand in awe of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain . Indulge in authentic pasta and gelato as you wander through ancient streets. Then, take a high-speed train to Naples, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

Discover Naples’ bustling streets, historic sites, and savour the world-famous Neapolitan pizza . Don’t miss a day trip to the nearby Pompeii ruins or a picturesque boat ride along the Amalfi Coast for a complete Italian experience.

To get from Florence to Rome, you can either book a bus seat or board a train . Driving will take 1.5 hours. You can reach Naples from Rome via bus , train , or drive a bit over an hour trip.

Sicily is a fascinating place. Aside from being the biggest island in Italy, they also have a language recognized by UNESCO. Aside from that, Sicily has around nine dialects. Besides their rich culture, there are also tons of places to visit in Sicily. It’s the island where you’ll find Catania, Palermo, and Mount Etna.

A vacation in Sicily promises a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Meander through ancient Greek temples in Agrigento and relish the bustling markets in Palermo.

Savour delectable Sicilian cuisine with Arabic and Mediterranean influences, and don’t miss trying the famous cannoli.

Relax on stunning beaches like Scala dei Turchi or take a thrilling cable car ride up Mount Etna , Europe’s tallest active volcano. Wander through charming Taormina and catch a puppet theatre show, a traditional Sicilian art form.

The travel time over land from Rome to Sicily is long . Although you can indeed take a train , taking a short flight is much better to save time. There are direct flights to Palermo and Catania .

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ITALY (per city)

Now that you have an idea of how you want to split your 3 weeks in Italy, it’s time to show you the must-see sites in each city. I also include a list of recommended tours that you can book, whether it’s an activity, food tour, or a cooking class.

• Duomo di Milano /Milan Cathedral – open from 9 AM- 7 PM – get a skip-the-line ticket
• Sforzesco Castle /Sforza Castle – open between 7 AM – 7.30 PM
• Pinacoteca di Brera
• Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
• Santa Maria delle Grazie – Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour
• Arco Della Pace
• Lake Como with Bellagio tour from Milan
• Aero Gravity – open from 10 AM – 10.30 PM
• All’Antico Vinaio – a great sandwich shop for a quick bite or join a Milan food tour
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Corso Garibaldi – streets for many dining options
• Best to use Milan 48-hour pass – free entrance to museums, discounts on restaurants, and transportation perks
• Day trip to Switzerland – Saint Moritz and Bernina by train
• Milan hop-on hop-off bus tour
• St Mark’s Basilica is open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm – buy a skip-the-line tour with terrace access
• Doge’s Palace is open between 10 am to 6 pm
• San Marco Campanile is open from 9:45 am to 7 pm
• San Giorgio Maggiore is open from 9 am to 7 pm from April to October and 8:30 am to 6 pm from November to March
• Venice’s Grand Canal Gondola tour
• Gallerie dell’ Accademia is a museum that hosts various pre-19th-century artworks by famous artists such as Canaletto, Titian, and Bellini. It is open from 8:15 am to 7:15 pm
• Day trip to Burano and Murano boat tour with glass factory visit or only the Venetian Islands tour
• Don’t miss a Venice street food tour
• Uffizi Gallery – buy an affordable skip-the-line tour in advance
• Ponte Vecchio
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Pallazo Vecchio
• David of Michaelangelo
• Pitti Palace
• Basilica of Santa Croce
• Accademia Gallery and Brunelleschi Dome
• Piazzale Michaelangelo
• Chianti Wineries – vineyard and wine tasting tour
• Cinque Terre hike from Florence
• Join a handmade pasta and dessert cooking class
• Forteza da Basso
• Travel from Florence to Pisa for the day including a stop at Siena and San Gimignano with lunch
• Day trip to Tuscany with Chianti Winery
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – buy a combo ticket
• Vatican City, Vatican Museums (open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm) and Sistine Chapel are open 24 hours – get yourself a skip-the-line ticket
• St. Peter’s Basilica is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm but from April through September, it is open until 7 pm – join a St. Peter’s Basilica to Underground Grotto tour
• Castle Saint Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Rome food tour
• Vatican and Rome City Pass with free use of transportation
• Naples hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Naples National Archaeological Museum
• Climbing Mount Vesuvius , famously caused the burial of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The hike towards the crater will only take 20-30 minutes. It opens at 9 am, but the closing hours vary, depending on the month.
• Veiled Christ – located in Sansevero Chapel Museum
• Ruins of Pompeii – visit the sites, including the Casa del Fauno, the Temple of Apollo, the Amphitheater, and the Temple of Jupiter – book a combo tour
• Visit Catacombe di San Gennaro – open from 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Herculaneum – Some interesting sights include the House of Argus and the Villa of Papyri. It is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, but the last admission is at 6 pm.
• Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi full-day tour
• Castel dell Ovo is a sea-bound castle that is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Boat Tour of Capri and Naples coastline or Capri and Blue Grotto
• Naples Underground tour
• Piazza del Plebiscito
• Bourbon Tunnel tour
• Castel Sant’Elmo
• Naples food tour or an authentic pizza-making workshop
• Mount Etna is considered a UNESCO heritage site. It is accessible from 9 am to 4:15 pm during summer and from 9 am to 3:45 pm during winter
• Mount Etna buggy tour
• Zingaro Natural Reserve is open from 7 am to 7:30 pm
• Taormina – Greco Teatro, Castelmola, and Isola Bela
• Selinunte Archaeological Park is the largest in Europe. Tours last from 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the inclusions of the tour package you chose. It is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm
• No Mafia walking tour
• Cala Gadir is perfect for divers as the sea is always evident. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm
• Palermo food tour
• Catania City tour

TOP DISHES FROM ITALY TO TRY

It’s no secret that Italian food is tasty and world-class. From pizza, pasta, and gelato to wine and desserts – there’s something for everyone’s taste. You might have your favourite pizza joint near your home, but you can’t pass up on authentic and affordable pizza during your 3 weeks in Italy. Here are a few dishes to try:

• Pizza Margherita : Originating from Naples, this pizza features simple, fresh ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil on a thin crust.
• Lasagna : Layered pasta dish made with rich meat sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection.
• Risotto alla Milanese : Creamy rice dish cooked with saffron, giving it a golden colour and distinct flavour, often garnished with Parmesan.
• Osso Buco : A Milanese speciality, it’s braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
• Carbonara : Roman pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale, and black pepper.
• Gnocchi : Soft potato dumplings that are usually served with various sauces, such as tomato or Gorgonzola.
• Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa : A Puglian dish, consisting of “little ear” pasta with turnip greens.
• Caprese Salad : Simple salad from Capri made with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil.
• Tiramisu : Layered dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa, and a hint of liqueur.
• Cannoli : Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often sprinkled with pistachios or chocolate chips.
• Panna Cotta : Silky, creamy dessert that’s set using gelatin and often paired with berries or caramel.
• Espresso : Strong coffee made by forcing steam through finely-ground coffee beans.
• Limoncello : Sweet lemon liqueur primarily produced in Southern Italy, especially around the Amalfi Coast.
• Chianti Wine : Renowned red wine from the Tuscany region, known for its robust flavor and aroma.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN ITALY (per city)

To finish off this 3 weeks in Italy guide, here’s a list of places to stay in each city. You have multiple options depending on your budget.

• Affordable: Lion Hostel or Matteo Guest House
• Mid-range: Starhotel Business Palace or Cesena3 Plus
• Luxury: Palazzo Cornalia or Hotel Manin
• Mid-range: Al Portico Guest House or Hotel Principe
• Luxury: Carnival Palace or Hotel Dell’Opera
• Mid-range: hu Firenze Camping in Town or B&B Home
• Luxury: Hotel De La Ville or Hotel della Signoria
• Affordable: Residenza Laterano or Affittacamere de Barby
• Mid-range: Villa Paganini or Walker Guest House
• Luxury: Dimora ai Fori or Tree Charme Parliament Boutique
• Affordable: Los Mochileros Hostel or Naples Experience Hostel
• Mid-range: B&B Vesu or Raggio di Sole 2
• Luxury: Macchiato Suites or Relais della Porta
• Affordable: Appartamento Aretusa or B&B Great Sicily
• Mid-range: San Giorgio Palace or Villa Giardinata
• Luxury: Casa Nostra Boutique or Domia Boutique

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN ITALY

Italy is such a great destination to spend your 3-week holida y. Italy can offer everything if you love being outdoors, dining in, or visiting museums. The fact that they also have such an excellent train system and many domestic flights, makes travelling here so much easier even if you don’t speak the language.

I hope that you found this article about -weeks in Italy helpful in creating your own travel itinerary during your vacation. Enjoy your time there, and don’t forget to enjoy gelato!

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Italy, Spain and Greece: 10-Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors

© 2004 YaninaTravels

I was determined to see Rome, Florence, Venice, Barcelona, Athens, Myconos and Santorini. All of them! In 10 days. It took me a few months to plan this trip, since it was involving so many combinations and matching in between various kinds of transportation (flights, rails, water buses, regular buses, ferry rides, etc.)

WHAT TO BRING

Read my other post Traveling with Less: Travel Gear Guide

Flight from USA to Rome, Italy. Get a taxi or a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Hotel in Rome: Holiday Inn Express Rome – San Giovanni (2 nights)

Explore Rome. Take a walk and enjoy the vibrant energy of the city.  I loved the Trevi Fountain, the massive Colosseum, the narrow streets with romantic little restaurants and outside tables, decorated with fresh flowers and the smell of delicious food around!

Take a rail from Rome to Florence. Book your one-way ticket online at Rail Europe . Take any of the city sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses to explore Florence on the same day. Hotel in Florence: Hotel Olimpia (1 night)

Take a rail from Florence to ‘Venice – Santa Lucia’ (this is the central train station to Venice). Book your one-way ticket online at Rail Europe . Take a water bus to the hotel with Vaporetti, which are public water buses. They run 24 hours a day, however, less frequently after midnight. Different lines travel different parts of the city at various speeds. You can buy ticket on the boat from the boat attendant. Contact the hotel where you decide to stay and ask them what boat number you should take and where to get off. Hotel in Venice: Hotel Villa Tiziana (1 night)

Take a water taxi to go back to the train station Mestre-Venezia, from where you can get on a train or bus to the airport Treviso, in order to get on a plane with Ryan Air to Girona Airport (Barcelona, Spain). Purchase in advance your round trip air ticket (Treviso-Barcelona) from Ryan Air . Get on a bus from Girona Airport to Barcelona to your hotel. Hotel in Barcelona: Barcelo Hotel Sants (2 nights)

Take any of the city sightseeing buses in Barcelona to explore the city in a day.

Take a bus back to Girona Airport (Barcelona) to get on the flight back to Treviso Airport (Venice). Get on ATVO bus from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma to the port where you get on Minoan Line’s bus-shuttle (grey Brusutti bus) and they will drive you to the sea port for your ferry to Greece. Get at the sea port and take off to Greece with Minoan Lines Ferry to Korfu-Igumenitsa-Patras. You will spend one night on the ferry and will get off the next day at the last stop – Patras. Buy your tickets online and in advance.

Arrive in Patras and get on a bus to Athens. Hotel in Athens: Acropolis View Hotel (1 night)

Explore Acropolis in Athens in the morning. In the early afternoon, get on a taxi from the hotel in Acropolis to the port in Piraeus. It is about 20 min drive and costs no more than 15 Euro. From the port of Piraeus, get on Paleologos Travel high speed ferry to Myconos, which brings you there in about 4 hours. Hotel in Myconos: The Myconian K Hotels (1 night in Myconos). This hotel provides transportation on arrival and departure from/to the port/hotel, free of charge. Ask them for arrangements.

Get on a ferry to Paros and from there on ferry to Santorini Hotel:  El Greco Hotel Apartments (2 nights)

After Santorini, my trip continued with a flight back to Athens, Greece and then another flight to my native Varna, Bulgaria for a 13-day stay. Later on, I got on a flight from Varna to Paris, where I had a chance to spend a night, go for a night walk and get on the Eiffel Tower. In the morning I took another short walk and had coffee and pastry at one of the Paris’ charming little coffee shops. Lastly, I got on my flight back to the US!

5 thoughts on “Italy, Spain and Greece: 10-Day Itinerary for First Time Visitors”

Would you do anything differently? Most folks say not to do it All . Did you like your hotels and recommend? Rec ferry to Greece w so little time?

Hi Sheryl, I apologize for missing your message! The only thing I would do differently – I would entirely skip visiting Barcelona, Spain, which would give an extra day in Italy or Greece, which were my favorite. Did you do that trip?

What did you use for your research about where you wanted to go and the different methods of transportation? Also, how much did the whole trip cost you?

Internet 🙂 About $2,000 for accommodation and transportation, without food included and without the air ticket from USA to Europe and back. Keep in mind that I took this trip in 2004, which is 16 years ago! Nowadays you can find better deals on accommodations with AirBnb, as well as air tickets deal.

This is very helpful

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10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes for a First Trip

Last Updated on January 3, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re visiting this Southern European nation for the first time, planning out the perfect 10-day Italy itinerary can seem like a completely overwhelming prospect. How on Earth do you cram in all there is to see in just a short amount of time?

Italy is an incredibly dynamic destination that has a lot to offer visitors and if it’s your first time to this beautiful country, you’re going to want to ensure you see all of the highlights. However, it’s essential that you don’t bite off more than you can chew and pack far too much into your itinerary, as well.

So if it’s your first trip to Italy and you don’t know where to start, the routes below are a great jumping-off point to planning out the route of your dreams.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Italy?

When planning your first trip to the country, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Italy at all. That is a bit of a tricky thing to answer because, being such a large and diverse country with so much to offer, travellers could have a year or more here and still not check everything off of their boxes.

However, if you are visiting Italy for the first time and want to see the highlights, plan on planning out at least a 10-day itinerary. If you spend 10 days in Italy, you’re not going to be able to visit absolutely everywhere, but it will give you time to visit a number of different places, get to know a few iconic cities and go on a few day trips.

Obviously, if you have longer to spend, you will have more time to dig deeper and explore more. However, for a first Italy itinerary, planning 10 days is really the sweet spot to be able to cover a lot of ground without feeling too overwhelmed.

Getting To & Around Italy

As one of the largest countries in Europe, it’s not difficult to get to Italy. There are airports in most major cities that connect the country to the rest of the continent and the bigger cities have large airports that serve countless international destinations.

The two largest airports in Italy are in Rome and Milan respectively, which is where the routes outlined below all originate. Arriving into Rome or Milan is straightforward from all across the globe and even from elsewhere in Italy.

Once in the country, you may be wondering how to get around. The 10-day itineraries outlined below can all be done via public transport and the train network in Italy is quite easy to navigate. Italy is blessed with an excellent train network that connects most of the country relatively effortlessly.

All the destinations in all of the routes are accessible using the train, bus or ferry. Keep in mind that once you have your route and time in Italy ironed out, it can be worth it to book transport in advance to get the best prices. You can book trains and buses here.

Though it isn’t necessary for any of the itineraries listed below, it can give you more flexibility to rent a car for your trip to Italy and treat these routes as a road trip. While you won’t need a car when exploring the cities, it can allow you to stop in places along the way in between destinations and give you more freedom when it comes to exploring.

If you decide you want to hire a car and plan an Italy road trip, then we suggest browsing Rentalcars.com to find great deals across many different car hire companies.

10 Days in Italy Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

The routes outlined below are ideal for a first-time trip to Italy and are great if you want to get a good feel for the country and see some of the iconic highlights. Obviously, Italy has so much more to offer than Venice, Florence and Rome and each region is unique in its own right.

If you’re on the hunt for something a bit more specific when visiting Italy, we have lots of regional itineraries that will certainly check the boxes. The regions of Italy are destinations in their own right and can be very fulfilling to explore.

Our Northern Italy itinerary has two different routes to guide you through the north of the country and include stops like Cinque Terre and Genoa that aren’t covered in any of the below routes. And if you want to visit the area around Florence and spend more time in Central Italy, check out our Tuscany itinerary .

If you want to spend more time on the seaside south of Venice, our Amalfi Coast itinerary should be helpful to you and if you really want to get off the beaten path, then make sure to check out our Puglia itinerary .

Finally, we have a great Sicily itinerary that outlines how to spend 10 days on the Mediterranean’s largest island.

Rome-Florence-Venice Itinerary

This Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary is arguably the most classic and one of the best routes for those who want to see Italy and the top highlights for the first time. With ten days to explore all three cities, you will have enough time to really do them justice while also being able to go on a day trip or two.

Leaving for your trip soon? Check out our guide to the best SIM card for Italy travel!

Day 1 – Rome

Begin your 10 days in Italy in the Eternal City of Rome. Though this iconic metropolis hardly needs an introduction, this is a complex city that has many layers and is incredibly multifaceted.

This itinerary will have you spending a full 4 days in Rome . On the final day, you could either opt to explore more of the city or go on day trip to somewhere nearby.

Spend your first day exploring some of the highlights of the Italian capital in the historical centre. Take in sites like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon.

Then, spend an afternoon exploring the dynamic Trastevere neighbourhood and taking in the sites here or enjoying a food tour. End your day by watching the Giardini Degli Aranci on Aventine Hill – one of the 7 hills that Rome was built upon.

Where to Stay in Rome

Domus Palatina – This mid-range hotel is a great place to base yourself in the Eternal City. Perfectly located to explore all Rome has to offer, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and breakfast is included each morning.

Barberini Dream   – Those looking for an upmarket stay in Rome will love this swish hotel located near the Trevi fountain. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer and countless amenities to ensure you have a fantastic time in the Italian capital.

Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel – If you’d like to experience Rome like a local and have your own flat, then this aparthotel is a good choice. Well-located close to the Vatican, there are a range of apartments to choose from and breakfast is available daily.

The RomeHello Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this highly-rated hostel in the Italian capital. They have both dorms and private rooms available, an excellent location and a good atmosphere for those looking to meet others on their trip.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Rome!

Day 2 – Rome

Your second day in Rome is still dedicated to taking in some of the most iconic spots in the city – and, likely, the most notable landmark in the city.

Start your day at the Colosseum – a visit here obviously cannot be missed when travelling to Italy for the first time.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the Colosseum before heading over to the Roman Forum and learning all about this historic place, as well. Tickets can be  purchased online in advance  or you can  book a guided tour .

Then end your day by exploring the nearby Monti neighbourhood. There are lots of great restaurants and bars here for you to relax and enjoy a delicious aperitif .

Day 3 – Rome

Day 3 in Rome is dedicated to exploring the Vatican and the sites that lie within here. Of course, everyone knows St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. You can  book tickets in advance online here  or  organise a guided tour  if you prefer.

Keep in mind that visiting these places, along with the Vatican Museums, will take you most of the day considering just how much there is to take in.

So after spending the majority of the day in the Vatican and admiring all of the incredible history, antiquities and artwork, take the time to spend your evening wandering around the Testaccio neighbourhood. There are some great restaurants to eat at and some cool markets to explore, as well.

Day 4 – Rome

On your final day in Rome, you have a couple of options. If you want to get a bit off the typical tourist trail that gets you away from the typical sites of the historical centre, the Colosseum and the Vatican that you’ve already seen, then spend your day visiting the Villa Borghese and the Appian Way.

This will give you a lovely, relaxing day in Rome while also being able to still take in a bit of history and culture of this incredible city.

The other option would be to go on a day trip. There are many options, but one of the best choices would be to head to the hill town of Orvieto .

Located in the Umbria region, this is a great place to escape to if you want to get out of the city and see a bit more of Italy while on this Rome-Florence-Venice route.

Day 5 – Florence

After spending four days exploring the capital of Italy, it’s time to hop on the train and head north to the capital Tuscany – beautiful Florence . As one of the most iconic cities in Italy, Florence has a lot to offer visitors – especially if you’re interested in art, museums and the Renaissance.

Spend your first day in Florence taking in the highlights of the city. Start your day by exploring the Santa Maria del Fiore – Florence’s cathedral often referred to simply as the Duomo. This iconic red dome is a pervasive part of the city’s skyline. It is possible to  organise a guided tour here.

Spend your afternoon exploring some other Florence highlights, including the San Lorenzo Market and, of course, the Uffizi Gallery – home to some of the world’s most well-known works of art. You can buy tickets here or book a guided tour here.

Where to Stay in Florence

Hotel Bellavista – This mid-range hotel makes the perfect base in Florence. Located within easy reach of the city’s top attractions, they have several great rooms to choose from and an excellent breakfast available each morning.

25hours Hotel – Travellers with a bit more money to spend will love this luxury hotel in the Tuscan capital. They have lovely rooms on offer, perfect for couples after a romantic getaway. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar and breakfast is available in the mornings.

Ostello Bello Firenze – This is a great option for those looking for the savings and social atmosphere of a hostel. They have many dorms and private rooms on offer and a great location for exploring all Florence has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Florence

Day 6 – Florence

Day 2 in Florence inevitably has you exploring some more museums and taking in some more incredible Rennaissance art. Start your day at the San Marco Museum where you can spend some time admiring the beautiful frescoes in this former monastery.

Next, make your way to the Accademia Gallery – home to Michaelangelo’s David . This is undoubtedly a popular spot to visit so make sure to book your tickets well in advance of your trip to ensure you get a time to see it. You can also book a guided tour.

Finish your day in Florence at Palazzo Medici and the lovely Basilica di Santa Croce.

Day 7 – Pisa, Siena or Lucca

Your third day should be dedicated to exploring a town in the surrounding Tuscany region on a day trip from Florence.

There are a seemingly infinite number of places to choose from, however, the most popular would likely be to the town of Pisa . Famous for its iconic leaning tower, Pisa is easy to reach from the Tuscan capital and makes for a perfect day trip. You can book an organised tour here.

Alternatively, you could opt to spend a day in the beautiful hill town of Lucca , which is located within easy reach (just hop on a train!) from Florence. Take the time to wander around the picturesque Old Town, walk along the city walls and relax in the city’s many gardens. This organised tour includes both Lucca and Pisa.

Or you could visit the stunning city of Siena . Reachable from Florence in just over an hour, this city is very much worth visiting if you want to explore a bit of Tuscany beyond the capital. There are lots of things to see and do here and it makes for an excellent day trip should you choose it. This full-day tour  includes both Siena and Pisa.

Day 8 – Venice

The final destination on this classic 10-day itinerary is the iconic city of Venice . Known for its canals and piazzas, Venice is the perfect place to visit on your first trip to this beautiful country.

Your first day should be spent taking in all of the highlights of this city.

Start your day at the Rialto Bridge and gaze over the canals – watching the boats come by. Then, make your way over to the Piazza San Marco — St Mark’s Square — and take it this iconic place.

Here you can visit the San Marco Basilica, the Doge Palace and the Museo Correr – you can book tickets here.

Where to Stay in Venice

Ca’ Angeli – Located in the San Polo neighbourhood, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a great place to stay while visiting Venice. They have a range of lovely rooms on offer, an unbeatable location and a great breakfast available daily.

Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel – Situated just off the iconic Rialto Bridge, this is an excellent choice for those who want some luxury while visiting Venice. They have several chic, romantic rooms available, an on-site bar and breakfast on offer in the mornings.

Combo Venezia – If you’re travelling on a tight budget or solo, you’ll love this small, locally-run hostel in the Cannaregio neighbourhood. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they also have good self-catering facilities and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Venice hotels!

Day 9 – Venice

On your second day in Venice, take the time to explore deeper and maybe head to some other neighbourhoods of the city away from the crowds surrounding Piazza San Marco.

Spend your morning wandering around the lovely San Polo neighbourhood and getting a more local feel for the city. Next, head over to the cool Dorsoduro neighbourhood that has several cool museums to visit filled with beautiful and historic artwork.

End your day in the Cannaregio neighbourhood and enjoy some of the cool bars and restaurants that are well off the beaten tourist path. In a city that is as visited and struggling with overtourism as Venice, it can be important to spread your patronage outside of the historic centre.

Day 10 – Verona, Lake Garda, Prosecco or Burano

Spend the final day of this 10-day Italy itinerary on a day trip from Venice to explore a bit more of the gorgeous Veneto region. If you don’t want to venture too far, consider heading to the island of Burano just off the coast of Venice proper. There are many island tours available in Venice.

Alternatively, you could visit lovely Verona . Famed for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet , there is also an impressive Roman theatre to see here, as well. It is also possible to  book a guided day tour.

Not far from Verona lies beautiful Lake Garda . Italy’s largest lake makes for a great day trip destination – or you could spend a couple of days exploring here! This organised tour goes to both Verona and Garda.

Finally, if you’re a wine fan, head to the Prosecco region to sample some of Veneto’s famous sparkling wine. This makes for a fantastic stop if you’re after a romantic day trip. You can book an organised trip here.

Rome-Naples-Amalfi Coast Itinerary

If you’re not fussed with Venice or Florence and want your trip to be filled with sunshine, warm weather and the seaside, then this Rome-Naples-Amalfi Coast itinerary is the perfect route for you.

Spending 10 days winding around Rome and Southern Italy is the perfect way to spend your first time to this incredible country.

Day 1 to 4 – Rome

All roads lead to Rome and this 10-day Italy trip is no different. Begin your trip with 4 days in the Italian capital as few first-timers to Italy want to skip this iconic destination. Follow the outline in the Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary above to figure out how to spend your four days in Rome.

Day 5 – Naples

From Rome, on your fifth day, it’s time to head south to the beautiful, chaotic city of Naples as no Rome to Amalfi Coast itinerary is complete without giving this city a visit. Home to the classic Neopolitan pizza, Naples has a lot to offer visitors even if it comes with a bit of a gritty reputation.

Spend your first day in Naples getting to know this interesting city (and maybe eating a bit of delicious pizza!). Wander around Piazza del Plebescito, visit the Castel Dell’Ovo and explore the beautiful Naples Harbour area.

There’s a lot to take in here and Naples is such an exciting city, so make sure you’ve packed the right shoes for a day of sightseeing!

Where to Stay in Naples

Hotel Il Convento – This hotel is a great option for mid-rang visitors in Naples. Situated in the historic Spanish Quarter, it has the perfect location for exploring all this dynamic city has to offer. There are a range of rooms available and breakfast is on offer each morning.

Relais Della Porta – If you’re after luxury while in Naples, then this hotel is an excellent choice. Located within easy reach of all the city’s top attractions, there are many rooms on offer and plenty of amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Duomo Platinum Apartments – These apartments are an excellent choice if you’d like to have your own space while in Naples. There are different flats to choose from and they are well-located for exploring all of the city’s top highlights.

Tric Trac Hostel – Situated in the Piazza Santa Maria la Nova in Naples’ historic centre, this hostel is perfect for those travelling solo or on a budget. They have both dorm and private rooms available and fantastic common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Naples hotels!

Day 6 – Naples

On your second day in Naples, you have a couple of options open to you. First off, you could spend the day seeing some of the sites you didn’t make it to the previous day and getting to know the city a little bit more.

You could enjoy a day wandering the famous Spaccanapoli street or exploring the Spanish Quarter.

Alternatively, you could opt to take a day trip from the city and explore some iconic, historic areas. The archaeological site of Pompeii is a very popular day trip from the city and within easy reach of Naples.

Another great option is to visit Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that looms over Naples and is still active today. You can book this full-day tour to visit both Pompeii & Vesuvius.

Day 7 – Sorrento

After spending two days in Naples, it’s time to head just a bit further south to the incredible and beautiful Amalfi Coast, where you’ll be spending the final days of your itinerary. The first stop in this area should be the lovely city of Sorrento.

Though not technically a part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s still very much worth exploring this lovely town as it is the gateway to the region. Home to iconic dishes like gnocchi alla sorrentina and limoncello, Sorrento is an incredibly beautiful and romantic place to explore while visiting this area.

When visiting this coastal region, it can be hard to know where to stay on the Amalfi Coast , but towns like Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi all make good bases depending on what you’re after.

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

Hotel Leone – Located in Sorrento, this mid-range hotel is a great option for those looking for a great base on the Amalfi Coast. They have many rooms available and there is even a delightful swimming pool and bar on site.

Albergo Miramare – Those looking for a luxury stay will love this plush hotel located in Positano . They have luxe rooms with incredible sea views, a perfect location and countless amenities to ensure you have the perfect stay.

Amalfitano Apartments – If you’d like to have your own space on the Amalfi coast, these apartments located in the town of Amalfi are a great option. There are different flats to choose from (including some with a sea view!) that can suit however large a party you’re travelling with.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Amalfi Coast hotels!

Day 8 – Positano

Spend your second day on the Amalfi Coast exploring the town of Positano. This is one of the most famous towns in the region and it is for good reason — it’s absolutely beautiful. Filled with charming winding streets, incredible views and lovely beaches, you’re sure to love spending time here.

You can spend your day in Positano simply lounging on the beach and taking in the lovely scenery of this charming town or you could opt to go on the Path of the Gods hike.

The latter option is a 7km hike and boasts incredible views over the area and is truly breathtaking if you’re feeling like getting active.

Day 9 – Capri

On your second-to-last day in Italy, it’s time to leave the mainland and take a day trip to the island of Capri .

Easy to reach from either Sorrento or Positano, Capri has a lot to offer visitors and makes for the perfect day trip when exploring the Amalfi Coast. This full-day boat tour  is a good option if you want to go with a guide.

When visiting Capri , you cannot miss a trip to the beautiful Blue Grotto, accessible only by tour boat. Known for its enticing blue water, it’s absolutely gorgeous and one of the most popular places to visit on Capri.

Of course, you should also make sure that you take the time to explore the towns of Capri and Anacapri along with the lovely sites on Marina Piccola Bay. The latter spot is the mythical location where Odysseus was taken in by the songs of the sirens in Homer’s Odyssey .

Day 10 – Amalfi

End these 10 days in Italy in the beautiful town of Amalfi. The eponymous town of this iconic coast, Amalfi is a lovely place to round out your time in Italy.

Like the other lovely towns in the region, take the time to simply get lost in the small, winding streets and soak up the sunshine on the beach.

There are plenty of fun things to see and do in Amalfi and it is the perfect place to have a relaxing final day in Italy.

Milan-Florence-Bologna-Venice Itinerary

If you’re interested in exploring Northern Italy and Tuscany and would like to leave Rome for another time, then this route through Milan, Florence, Bologna and Venice is an excellent choice for your first trip to Italy.

Day 1 – Milan

Begin these 10 days in Italy in the country’s northern metropolis, Milan . Begin your time in this city by exploring perhaps its most iconic landmark – the Duomo di Milano or the Milan Cathedral.

This incredible building is multifaceted and it can take a couple of hours to experience it to its full extent. You can pre-book tickets here .

After spending time at the Duomo, wander over to the nearby Royal Palace and take in the history Afterwards, visit other sites like the Museo de Novecento, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the noteworthy Teatro la Scala and plenty more.

Milan may be a big city, but the top sites are within easy reach of each other and it makes it easy to cover a lot of ground in only a few days.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel  – This mid-range hotel makes the perfect base for exploring all Milan has to offer. Centrally located within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, they have a range of great rooms to choose from and breakfast included for guests each morning. 

Castello Guest House Milano   – Travellers looking for luxury will love this swanky guesthouse in the centre of the city. Well-located for exploring the highlights of Milan within a stone’s throw, they have countless lovely rooms on offer and plenty of other amenities to enjoy, as well. 

Queen Hostel  – Budget and solo travellers will love this centrally-located hostel. Well situated for exploring the best Milan has to offer, it is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and they offer both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Milan hotels!

Day 2 – Milan

The second day of this Milan-Florence-Venice itinerary will still be spent in Milan itself as there is a lot more to see and do in this incredible city!

Start your day learning about the history (and maybe the crypts) of the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. After that, head over the Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie. This church is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s famed Last Supper painting and is something not to be missed when visiting Milan.

Spend the rest of your day taking in all of the sites you may have missed already and truly enjoying the atmosphere of this bustling Northern Italian city.

Day 3 – Lake Como

Day three sees you taking a Lake Como day trip from Milan . It only takes about an hour to get to the town of Varenna from central Milan and you will be transported to a completely different world. You can book a full-day tour here.  

Though you could spend a few days in Lake Como , a day trip here is best-concentrated hopping between the towns of Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio.

All three are very well-connected via frequent ferries (and it only takes about 10 minutes to hop between them) meaning that having your own vehicle isn’t altogether necessary, either.

You could also opt to visit one of the lake’s many villas – generally, these opulent homes are full of exquisite art collections and vast gardens that can make a great tourist attraction.

Day 4 to 6 – Florence

From Milan, it’s time to hop on a train south and visit Florence. The capital of Tuscany has a lot to offer and make sure to spend two full days exploring the highlights.

Then, on the final day, consider going on day trip to somewhere like Pisa, Lucca or Siena to get to know some smaller Tuscan cities a little bit better.

Day 7 – Bologna

From Florence, it’s time to head a bit further north again to the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – Bologna . This city is known for being the gastronomic heart of Italy and the region itself is famous for all kinds of well-known culinary exports – such as ragu bolognese, prosciutto di parma, balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano to name just a few.

Though it is a decently-sized city, you can see the highlights of Bologna in just one day . Spend your time wandering around Piazza Maggiore, see the Two Towers of Bologna (and even climb one for a view if you’re up for it) and stroll down Via Rizzoli.

If you want to try some of the city’s culinary specialities, Bologna is an excellent place to go on a food tour, as well, where you can learn all about the gastronomic culture of the city and the Emilia-Romagna region, in general.

Where to Stay in Bologna

B&B Chez Moi Lame 57  – This cute boutique B&B is perfect for those after a romantic escape to Bologna. They offer a handful of chic, quaint, clean and comfortable rooms on offer and there is a breakfast voucher given to guests daily to dine in a nearby local cafe.

Hotel Metropolitan – If it’s luxury you’re after in Emilia-Romagna’s capital, then this plush hotel is the perfect option. They have an excellent location in the heart of Bologna, myriad chic rooms on offer and countless luxe amenities to ensure your stay is fantastic.

Dopa Hostel – Budget and solo travellers will love this hip hostel located in the centre of Bologna. They have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms on offer, breakfast is included each morning and it’s a great place to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bologna hotels!

Day 8-10 – Venice

Finally, end this Milan-Florence-Venice itinerary in the iconic city of Venice. Like in the Rome-Florence-Venice route above, plan to spend at least two full days exploring the highlights and sites within the city of Venice itself.

Then, plan to spend your final day on a day trip in the Veneto region – somewhere like Burano, Verona, Lake Garda or to go Prosecco tasting in the region where it is made!

Planning your first trip to Italy can seem completely overwhelming when you factor in just how much there is to see and do in this beautiful country. Once you come to terms that there is no way you can cram everything into a 10-day trip, mapping out the ideal route isn’t a difficult task at all.

Are you planning a 10 day itinerary? Have any questions about these routes? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Lake Como Itinerary

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Milan Itinerary

The Essential Guide to Visiting Milan in Winter

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

I would like to visit Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and possibly Florence. Is this trip feasible and how many days should we allow?

This trip it feasible, however, I would make sure you allow for adequate time. Plan at least 3 days each (at minimum) in Venice, Florence and Rome and roughly a week in the Amalfi. Ensure you also account for travel times between destinations.

How difficult is it to navigate the train system in Italy? I would prefer to not rent a car.

The train system is, in my opinion, quite easy to navigate and it is generally doable to visit the country without a car and only relying on trains 🙂

Good day. Great information. Any suggestions on a 3 week itinerary that starts and ends in Rome. Want to include Tuscany Region, Sicily and Amalfi Coast.

Thank you in advance.

Hi Tony, I think trying to spend time in Rome along with Tuscany, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast in just 3 weeks is going to be incredibly rushed. However, we do have dedicated itineraries for all 3 regions. You can find out Tuscany itinerary here ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tuscany-itinerary/ ), our Amalfi Coast itinerary here ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/amalfi-coast-itinerary/ ) and our Sicily itinerary here ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/sicily-itinerary/ ). Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks

Europe is going to be very busy in the summer of 2024 as the world is back to normal and travel demand is higher than ever. One other key factor is that most European currencies are still hovering at lower levels historically compared to the US dollar, which means that Europe will feel somewhat cheap again this year. In fact, according to our World Backpacker Index , European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich are about 30% cheaper to visit than Boston, Chicago, and New York City. In other words, flying to Europe might seem expensive, but most things will be cheaper once you get there compared to the costs of visiting a large US city.

Below you’ll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. In other words, it’s kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if you’ve not yet been to France or Italy. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you don’t like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days.

For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe , which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. It helps show that if you choose some of the cheaper cities, you can treat yourself to some luxury that you can’t afford in most other places.

This article was last updated in March, 2024.

There are 11 starter itineraries described in detail below

• Classic London and Paris
• England and Scotland
• Paris and Italy
• Mediterranean cruise
• France, Belgium, and Netherlands
• Paris and elsewhere in France
• Switzerland
• Best of cheap eastern Europe

For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities.

Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2024

Building the best itinerary for your first trip to Europe

Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. If you’ve only got a week then choose one of them and assume you’ll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. If you’ve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one.

Start in the most famous cities

Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. I recommend that you  focus on these 5 great cities  before you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places.

Keep your travel days to a minimum

Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city

So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why  3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities , even if you want to see as much as possible.

3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip

Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. It’s really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. If you spend too long in one city you’ll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there.

Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other

For your first trip it’s best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart.

Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights

To build on the point above, finding cheap flights within Europe is easy, but train travel is about a million times more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train.

Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time

If you only have 7 days then you’ll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you.

Best 1-week itineraries for the first time in Europe

Itinerary 1: classic london and paris.

• London  (3 or 4 nights)
• Paris  (3 or 4 nights)

Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them

London highlights

• Big Ben and Parliament
• Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs
• Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, it’s easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe .

Paris highlights

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum and Museum de Orsay
• Arc de Triomphe and other monuments
• Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Coeur Cathedral
• Probably the world’s best affordable restaurants and wine

Best add-ons to London and Paris

• Edinburgh  (2 or 3 nights, from London)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights, from Paris)
• Bruges  and  Brussels  (2 nights, from Paris)

>>> Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail >>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Paris hotel deals

Itinerary 2: England and Scotland

• York (1 night)
• Edinburgh, Scotland  (2 or 3 nights)
• Inverness, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)

York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it’s easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh.

If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. Bath is another of England’s top destinations and it’s a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. It’s also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You can also easily get to Cornwall in England’s southwest corner from Bath, and that’s a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north).

If you’ve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. It’s a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but it’s an interesting and charming place on its own. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Between you and me, it’s better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because it’s not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax.

Travel times between the recommended places

• London to York by train: 2 hours
• York to Edinburgh by train: 2.5 hours
• London to Edinburgh by train: 4 hours
• Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours
• London to Bath by train: 85 minutes

Best add-ons to England and Scotland

• Paris  (3 or 4 nights from London)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights from Paris)

If you think you want to spend your whole trip in Britain you should have a look at our article on the  best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales .

>>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Edinburgh hotel deals

Itinerary 3: Paris and Italy

• Paris (3 or 4 nights)
• Venice (1 night)
• Florence (2 or 3 nights)
• Rome (3 nights)

From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and it’s possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours.

Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but it’s also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. You’ll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and you’ll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. Seriously, it’s worth a visit.

Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes

You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable.

Best add-ons to Paris and Italy

• Nice/Cannes/Monaco  (2 or 3 nights)
• Avignon (2 nights)
• Bourges (2 nights)
• Bordeaux (2 nights)
• Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
• Reims (2 nights)
• Dijon/Burgundy (2 nights)
• Milan  (1 or 2 nights)
• Lake Como (2 nights)
• Siena (2 nights)
• Cinque Terre (1 night)
• Naples / Sorrento /Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri (3 to 5 nights)
• Sicily (3 to 4 nights)

>>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries >>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Rome hotel deals

Itinerary 4: Mediterranean cruise

In spite of the reputation of cruises to be floating buffets, they can actually be an excellent way to visit a great number of amazing European cities in a short time. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation.

Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. They also can provide excellent value, especially compared to the price of taking trains or flights and finding new hotels in every destination.

Most popular Mediterranean departure ports

Barcelona, Spain – It’s an easy port to reach. Ships generally go from Barcelona with stops in France and then Italy.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – The port isn’t very close to Rome, but it’s easy to get back and forth. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece.

Venice, Italy – The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but it’s easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece.

Athens, Greece – The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey.

>>> Check for deals on Mediterranean cruises

Alternative to consider: a river cruise

Amsterdam ,  Budapest , and  Prague  are some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers don’t miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants.

>>> Check for Europe and river cruise deals

Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Paris  (3 nights)
• Brussels  and  Bruges  (1 or 2 nights)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights)

Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Bruges to Amsterdam: 2 hours 45 minutes Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes

Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else you’ve got a couple options in between. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Brussels isn’t a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so it’s a better option for most people. Whatever you choose out of this group, you can be back in Paris on another high-speed train for your flight home.

Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Luxembourg City  (1 or 2 nights)
• Cologne, Germany (1 or 2 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Bruges hotel deals >>> Check Amsterdam hotel deals

Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France

And a choice of:

• Normandy (2 nights)

While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time.

Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and it’s also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe.

Best add-ons to Paris and elsewhere

• More France, of course

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Nice hotel deals

Itinerary 7: Italy

• Rome  (3 nights)
• Florence  (2 or 3 nights)
• Venice  (1 or 2 nights)

Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes

Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and it’s so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. It’s better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where you’ll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few.

Going to Italy? Here are the  best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks  (in much greater detail)

Best add-ons to Italy

>>> Check Rome hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals

Itinerary 8: Spain

• Madrid  (4 nights) (including day trip to Toledo)
• Barcelona  (3 nights)

Madrid to Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes

A huge part of Spain’s tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). For most people it’s best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities.

Best add-ons to Spain

• Valencia  (2 nights)
• Seville  (2 or 3 nights)
• Granada  (2 or 3 nights)
• Lisbon  (3 nights)

By popular demand, I’ve added a full article on where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks .

>>> Check Madrid hotel deals >>> Check Barcelona hotel deals >>> Check Lisbon hotel deals

Itinerary 9: Germany

• Berlin  (3 nights)
• Munich  (2 or 3 nights)
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 night)
• Füssen (1 night)

Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Munich to Füssen: 2 hours 4 minutes

Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that you’ve got a wide variety of choices. I cover most of the popular choices in my article on  where to go in Germany , which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights.

Best add-ons to Germany

• Cologne (1 or 2 nights)
• Hamburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights)
• Prague  (3 nights)
• Salzburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Vienna  (3 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (3 nights)
• Lucerne, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Berlin hotel deals >>> Check Munich hotel deals

Itinerary 10: Switzerland

• Interlaken  (3 nights)
• Bern (1 night)
• Lucerne  (3 nights)

Zurich Airport to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes

Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something you’ll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Read more about  where to go in Switzerland  for even more ideas.

Best add-ons to Switzerland

• Munich  (3 nights)
• Italy (as long as you’ve got)

>>> Check Interlaken hotel deals >>> Check Lucerne hotel deals

Itinerary 11: Eastern Europe’s best cheap cities

• Budapest  (3 nights) and/or
• Krakow  (3 nights)

Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article.

Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better)

Best add-ons to cheap Eastern Europe

• Cesky Krumlov, Czechia  (2 nights)
• Ljubljana, Slovenia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Split, Croatia  (3 nights)
• Belgrade, Serbia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sofia, Bulgaria  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Prague hotel deals >>> Check Budapest hotel deals >>> Check Krakow hotel deals

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Hi Roger, was reading your article and reply to various questions and its actually too good and kind from you. if you pls,help me out a route plan for 15days. but my catch is, i have to start from Stockholm.i like to end in rome to head back home. in between what should be my plan?thanks

I’m happy to help. Stockholm to Rome could be done in 15 days, but it would require skipping quite a few great places along the way. My recommendation would be to choose 5 or maybe 6 cities total and spend 3 days in each. If Stockholm is one of your cities you’d only have 12 days left but even if Stockholm didn’t count on the 15 days I think it’s probably best to fly from Stockholm to a city closer to Italy and then do the rest of it on shorter train rides. You could do Stockholm to Copenhagen by train, but those are pretty long train rides and honestly those two cities are pretty similar to each other.

So maybe Stockholm and then a flight to Paris and then trains to Venice, Florence and Rome? That sort of thing. Stockholm is just so remote that it would require at least 3 or 4 longer train journeys but if you flew from Stockholm to Paris (or Berlin or Prague or Budapest or wherever) the remaining train rides would be relatively short. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the article and itineraries; they are very helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4-month trip around the EU (Western Europe). Before I delve into the specifics of our itinerary, I am wondering if the same 3 to 5-day in each-city principle applies for cases where travellers will spend more time travelling around?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Raf

Wow. That sounds amazing! Even when traveling for longer periods like that I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in almost any place you go. The main reason is your travel days tend to be kind of long when you factor in everything from checking out of one hotel to getting to the train station and waiting and then the journey time and then getting to your next hotel and getting situated. All of that usually takes 4 to 6 hours even when the train journey is only an hour or two, so you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those days. So if you only stay 2 nights in each city it means every other day is a travel day and that just takes up too much time.

That said, I think 3 or 4 days is enough time in most places as well. If you really want to get to know Paris, for example, you might stay a week there. But for most cities there are diminishing marginal returns starting on day 3 or 4. In other words, you’ll be able to see the 10 things that most interest you in 3 days or so, and at that point you might be ready to see the Top 10 things in the next city instead of the #11 through #20 things in the first city.

Another thing that is important with longer trips like that is to plan some down time at least every few weeks. If you try to do sightseeing 7 days per week for weeks at a time it starts to feel like a job. What I like to do is every two or three weeks find a smaller town or cheaper place where I can rent a little apartment or some place larger and more comfortable than a typical small European hotel room. And I like to stop in places without many sights otherwise it’s too tempting to keep sightseeing every day.

I’ve actually done quite a few long trips like this and I’m happy to help with any other advice if you like. -Roger

Comment*We are planning on Athens to Amsterdam from June 4, 2024 to Amsterdam June 24th.

We are thinking trains to major cities inbetween Athens and Amsterdam. We are open to anything and everything.

Priorities: Parthenon in Athens, Art Museums in Amsterdam (3-5 days in Amsterdam) Can you help us?

That is a tricky one. Both Athens and Amsterdam are great and very worthwhile, but once you go north of Athens to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, the train service is spotty and very slow all the way until you reach Budapest. Strangely enough, buses tend to be faster and much more frequent in those “eastern” countries like Bulgaria and Romania. Also, being perfectly honest, most of those in-between cities such as Sofia and Belgrade are kind of dull by European standards, although they are quite cheap.

If you really want to visit Athens I’d definitely start there and then after a few days fly to Budapest or some other city in that area that interests you and then carry on from there by train. In fact, Athens to Budapest and then trains to Prague then Berlin and then Amsterdam could be perfect. You could even add in a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov near Prague if you want to include a gorgeous smaller town among the big cities.

Those are all first-class cities and several of them are quite affordable as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, my wife and I would like to visit Rome, Florence, Italy, Venice, Prague, Berlin and maybe Switzerland. This will be the first time travelling to Europe and I would appreciate your help in planning where to start, where to stay, how to get there and where to go. We will be coming from Trinidad and Tobago for 2 weeks. If possible, i would like a day-to-day plan.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to do a day-by-day plan for you, but I can help get you started. If you’ve got 14 nights I would keep the list to 5 total cities. If you tried to include Switzerland on this trip it would mean spending only 1 or 2 days in some cities and that means spending every other day on trains.

I think the best thing to do would be to fly into Berlin or Prague and then spend 3 days there and then take a train to the other one and spend 3 days there and then fly to Venice. Spend 1 or 2 days in Venice and then take a short train ride to Florence for 2 days or so and then a train ride down to Rome for your final 3 days and then a flight home or back to your starting city if that is cheaper. I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. My wife and I (56 and 63) want to do our first trip to Europe from Canada and would like to start by visiting Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada y Sevilla with day trips to close small cities in between). What it would be your suggestion for: 1. Stay in each city for a 15/17 days trip? 2. any additions/modifications? 3. Train over flights internally? 4. If we travel with one suitcase of 50 Lbs would it work to take public transit when required? 5. Instead of this plan, would it be better to visit 1/2 famous city in different countries? Would appreciate your inputs. Than you Roger

If you’ve only got about 16 days I’d recommend choosing 5 or maybe 6 cities in total. I strongly believe that 3 nights is the best amount of time to stay in each city so you have two full sightseeing days in each one, although some smaller cities can be done a bit quicker. I go over the reasons in detail on this other article about how long to stay in each European city , but the main point is that if you stay only two nights it means literally spending every other day on trains or in airports and such and you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those travel days with all of the packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels.

I’d definitely include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. You could add a 2-day visit to Porto and 2 or 3 days each in Sevilla and Granada. I’d save Valencia for a future trip. It’s nice, but aside from the new buildings clustered in one area, it’s more generic than any of the others on your list.

The only train between Portugal and Madrid goes over night and I’m not a fan of those so I’d fly on that leg. But from there I’d definitely take the high-speed trains, which are fast and comfortable. Buy your tickets at least a couple months in advance for the best fares.

There will be room for a 50 lb suitcase on the flights (of course) and on the trains as well. On older trains they have you put them on racks above the seats, but on most of the more modern ones (like the high-speed trains) they also have room for larger bags at each end of the carriage. If you can lift them, there will definitely be room for them.

I think your plan sounds really good and those are all great cities. That said, for most first-time visitors to Europe I’d recommend Paris and Italy as those are really more dramatic and interesting, although also more crowded and somewhat more expensive as well. I think once you do the Iberia trip you’ll be hooked and you’ll start planning a trip to France and Italy for the coming years. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. Thank you for your comments and recommendations and also for your prompt response. I have modified my plan as I have now 22 days. My Itinerary is Porto(3), Lisbon(3), Seville(2), Malaga(2), Madrid(3),Barcelona(3), Zaragoza(2) and Bilbao(3). What do you think? is this a good plan? Any suggestions? I am still debating between Malaga and Granada though. I included Bilbao to visit friends. The question on the luggage was more related to the comfort to pull a large back in public transit than the allowance in the planes or trains. I will appreciate your inputs. Thank you again, Roger

Those six more days will help a lot. I think your new plan looks really good. You can probably enjoy Porto in 2 days and add an extra day somewhere else, but you might also be dealing with jet-lag so 3 days might be better. Your itinerary looks efficient and logical.

I really like Granada and Malaga, but I think if I were to choose between the two I would go with Granada. Malaga is (in my opinion) an underrated city that is close to some extremely popular beach towns and it’s got a lot going for it, but if you aren’t also going to be staying by the beach I think I’d save it for another trip. Granada has got the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and those are unlike anything else in Spain or the world for that matter. Granada is small enough to enjoy in two days and I think seeing the Alhambra will be more memorable than anything in Malaga.

Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best times and fares, and the flight for Lisbon to Seville (or you could take a bus).

And again, your 50 lb suitcase will fit on city to city trains (although not as well on buses or trams within a city), but still (as the saying goes) no one ever went on a trip around Europe like this and swore they would pack more stuff the next time. In other words, 40 lbs is much easier than 50 lbs and getting laundry done cheaply in a country like Spain is quite easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Comment*Hi travelling first time to europe next year we are 55 years age group any suggestions for 10-12 days itenary with guided tour would be nice if any suggestion are there also april or may better time to visit there anil

Actually, all of my best suggestions for first-time visits to Europe are in the article above. If you specifically want a guided tour you’ll obviously just be choosing from the ones that are available from the companies you look it, although many of those should resemble the itineraries in my article. Planning your own trip to Europe is actually quite easy, and especially if you are going to the classic and most popular cities. I’ve got lots of articles that could help you.

I’m not sure how many guided tours you’ve done, but one thing to consider is that they always move at the speed of the slowest person in the group. If YOU are the slowest person in the group then it’s fine, but if you are 55 then you should be much faster than most other people on a guided tour. For example, if you have a coach/bus tour for a day with 5 or 6 stops, you always have to wait for the slowest people to get on an off the bus. I’ve done countless day tours this way and it can be frustrating waiting 10 extra minutes many times each day as slow people are trying their best.

I think my top two best suggestions are London and maybe another stop or two in England and then Paris and other stop or two in France, OR, Paris then another stop in France and then Venice, Florence, and Rome. It obviously depends whether England or Italy sounds more interesting. Let me know if I can be of any other help. -Roger

Planning a family trip with a adult and nearly adult children. Hoping to be able to do 18 to 20 days. Must sees are Paris, Venice, England, and Prague but would adore seeing more! What route would you suggest and should we rent a car, fly, train, river cruise? There are so many options and I’m completely overwhelmed! A suggested itinerary would be amazing!! Thank you!

That sounds like a great start to a plan. As far as “England” is concerned it’s probably best to just think of it as 3 or probably 4 nights in London. With 4 nights you’d have enough time for a good day trip to Bath/Stonehenge and Windsor or to Oxford or even York, but London is big enough to keep you busy and it’s probably best to just stay there and then take the Eurostar train to Paris for 3 or 4 nights.

Prague is a bit out of the way, but you can fly there cheaply enough if you want and then after 3 nights fly to Venice. After 2 nights in Venice I’d take a train down to Florence for 2 nights and then another train to Rome for 3 nights. That would be just about a perfect 18 to 20 day trip including Prague. I definitely wouldn’t rent a car as they tend to be counter productive when visiting a string of large cities that have bad traffic and expensive parking. Your itinerary doesn’t really work with a river cruise at all, but hopefully you can plan one in the future.

It would probably be cheapest to fly from Rome back to London for your flight home (being careful of which of London’s 5 airports you fly into because your flight home will almost certainly go out of Heathrow), but if you can get a flight home straight from Rome for a good price, that would be even better. Getting around by train in Europe is by far the best way wherever it’s close and fast enough, so I’d focus on trains in the places I mentioned. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Yes, I meant London. Thank you for picking up on that. After reading though your site and many, many of these informative comments, I think I have figured out a basic itinerary and would love your feedback and suggestions!

-Fly into London London(3 days) -Eurostar Train to Paris Paris (3 days) -Train to Switzerland – unsure which train company Switzerland (3 days) -Train to Venice?? Venice (2 days) -Train to Florence – which train company? Is there a pass? Florence (2 days) -Train to Rome Rome (2 days) -Fly to Prague Prague (3 days) -Fly home out of Prague

Very interested to hear your feedback. I know you suggest 3 nights but I am ok with missing out on some things in Rome/Florence if needed. Would love train suggestions and if passes are best. NO idea on how the trains operate in Europe.

Thank you so much for your time!

This itinerary looks amazing. My only real suggestion would be to spend only one day in Venice and three days in Rome, or at least a day and a half in Venice rather than two, but you’ll enjoy it no matter what. The thing is that Venice is about the size of a theme park like Disneyland and from 9 AM until 5 PM it feels even more crowded than Disneyland. It’s absolutely amazing, but also easy to get tired of the crowds and you’ll do your best sightseeing in the mornings before the day-trippers come and in the evenings after they’ve left. And Rome is huge with a long list of really cool sights so with only one full sightseeing day you’ll miss quite a few of them. But again, you’ll enjoy it no matter how you divide your time.

In most of Europe including between France and Switzerland and Italy, there is just one rail company per country so just book whatever comes up. From Paris to Basel, Switzerland you’ll take the France national service and then change trains to a Swiss train for your ride to Interlaken or Lucern. Then from Switzerland you’ll take (probably) a Swiss train to Spiez or Brig and then change there for an Italian train to Venice. You’ll buy it just as one ticket and it’ll include all the legs required to get from one city to your final city, and usually come with seat reservations as well (except in Switzerland).

My favorite site for checking schedules all over Europe is the Trainline . But you can also check the official rail sites of each country involved and I’d definitely check those prices before booking anything. My article on buying European train tickets in advance is still pretty much up to date and it has links to the various national train companies.

It will be cheapest if you lock in your dates and buy all of your train tickets as early as possible, which will be around 3 months out in most cases. The tickets start off really cheap and go up in price as more seats are sold on each train, so earlier is always better. There are no rail passes that would be helpful on a trip like this, but that’s mostly because the tickets will be pretty cheap already, especially the ones within Italy.

Trains in Europe are really fun and shockingly easy once you get started. All the important signs will be in English as well as a local language. For most of them you can literally walk aboard just before it leaves and you are fine as long as you have a reserved seat, but the Eurostar works more like a flight with security and such so you have to be checked in at least 30 minutes in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I won’t have time to update that other older article about trains vs planes vs buses, partly because these days there is a clear choice depending on which two cities you are going between. There are places in eastern Europe where there are advantages to each mode, but for the cities you’ll be doing the train is going to be the fastest, by far the most enjoyable, and probably the cheapest as well, at least once you factor in airport transportation costs. It’s going to be a great trip! -Roger

Thank you SO much for all of your help. Your in-depth website is an amazing resource! I get so lost in it and spend hours scouring your resources and links – it has everything anyone could need! And, the fact that you are also personally answering comments and offering personalized advice is mind blowing! Thank you for all that you do to inform us!

If you could suggest on a 14-15 day iterinary covering Athens, rome Milan paris London and Finland from New Delhi / Mumbai.

If you have 14 to 15 days I’d suggest choosing about 5 cities in total to visit. So your list should work out fairly well, although it depends on how much of Finland you’d hope to see. I’m guessing you must have a specific reason for wanting to go there? Finland normally isn’t very popular and honestly there isn’t much to see. Helsinki is, in my opinion, the least interesting of the Nordic capitals, although it’s pleasant enough and the country has some nice forests. If you are visiting relatives or something, that requires different planning of course.

It might be easiest to fly from Mumbai to London and then use that as a base. You could spend a few nights there and then fly to Helsinki and back after that or Helsinki to Paris for a few days. After Paris you could fly to Milan or Rome and then take a train to the other and then fly to Athens to finish your trip.

Milan actually isn’t a popular tourist city. It’s the home of most of Italy’s big banks and fashion brands, but neither of those are accessible to most tourists. Italy has amazing fashion shopping in Rome as well as Florence. Venice is also more popular. I hope this helps and I’m happy to help more if you have questions. -Roger

Comment* Planning first trip to Europe Want to do tour of England, Scotland, Wales and then to Paris for sites and Monet Gardens. Might take train to Brussels and Bruge. Then to Switzerland and home. Any suggestions what tour group to contact. Want slower pace trip…at least 3 weeks. Thank you.

I enjoy helping people plan independent trips, and I honestly don’t know much about booking all-inclusive tours like you are after. I’d imagine you’d have to do at least a few different tours to cover all the places you have in mind. The one outfit that I am familiar with is Rick Steves, who I am a huge fan of for his Europe travel guides and I know he has a big tour organization. I’d start with them and see if they have anything that fits what you are looking for. Best of luck. -Roger

How to Spend 15 Unbelievable Days in Italy: Where to go, What to do & Much More

After spending 15 days in Italy it’s clear to me why so many people return time and time again. This country is truly magical! We barely scratched the surface on amazing places to go during our recent trip. I’m definitely scheming about where to go next time. Because there definitely will be a next time! Our days were filled with museum & cathedral visits, amazing food & wine and the most stunning Italian cities. I cannot recommend a trip to Italy enough! Italy has earned a firm “to return” status due to the research I’ve done! I’m sure you will love Italy just as much. So lets get into some more specific details on when you should go and what we did during our trip to Italy for 15 days.

Table of Contents

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer  here .

When to go to Italy

Italy like many European countries is typically the busiest in the summer months (June-August) so if you can avoid those months I would. Shoulder seasons in my opinion are always the best! You will still enjoy great weather, but the crowds will be a little thinner. So, April to May or September to October.

Originally my husband and I planned to visit Italy in April of 2020 but we all know what happened (insert the panny here). We ended up having to reschedule our trip a few times (hey! we were a little overly optimistic or as I liked to say “cautiously optimistic”.) Our trip finally happened in September of 2021 and it was well worth the wait! The weather was still really warm and everything was open on the Amalfi coast. (Some destinations in Italy such as the Amalfi coast are somewhat seasonal but most are open through September.)

Where to go in Italy

You really can’t go wrong traveling anywhere in Italy! The people are so warm and welcoming and there is dramatic and beautiful scenery whether on the coast, the rolling hills of tuscany or in the eternal city of Rome. This itinerary highlights many of the more popular spots within Italy to visit for your first trip to this amazing country. Because, I’m almost certain you’ll be exactly like me and be longing to book a return trip as soon as you get back. (Italy really is that amazing!)

Venice is so romantic and truly the destination dreams are made of. It’s so interesting how different the way of life is here for the Venetians. Watching how the trash is collected and dodging through so many tourists on all of the bridges around this island. The farther from St. Marks Square you are, the more you will experience the “real Venice”. But, definitely see the sights that are more touristy but immerse yourself in more local Venetian culture too. Visiting in September of 2021, the crowds were really light so we were really lucky to experience the city with less people.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre (in Italian this means 5 lands) is comprised of 5 different small fishing villages set along the rugged Italian Riviera seaside. The five fishing villages are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola & where we stayed in Riomaggiore.

Yes, we ventured to the city known for it’s leaning tower! We were only there as a quick enroute stop and it was worth it to see all of the tourists trying to get their famous “holding up the tower” photos. And I may or may not have been one of them. (Hey! when in Rome, or Pisa I guess?)

Florence is the largest city in Italy’s tuscany region although not a large city at all. The epicenter of Renaissance art and architecture it is brimming with history and culture. If you love museums, Florence definitely needs to be on your Italy itinerary! The Duomo located in Florence is a beautiful terra cotta domed cathedral that is a must see.

Amalfi Coast: Positano

The Amalfi coast is comprised of several different cities. It’s technically an area in Italy of 34 miles within the Campania region. Within the Amalfi coast there are 13 cities. (Positano is one of the most posh and well known as it’s absolutely gorgeous.) You’ve likely seen photographs of Positano. This area of Italy is known for growing lemons & producing limoncello. How fitting that I had an amazing limoncello spritz here! (Definitely try one of those, especially if you aren’t a fan of Aperol!)

Similar to Cinque Terre, Amalfi coast is known for dramatic seaside cliffs. But many Italians and foreigners alike flock to this area for the beaches and a relaxing get away. The Amalfi Coast is special due to the fact that it’s considered a UNESCO world heritage site .

Rome, the eternal city. Before visiting Rome, I was expecting to not love it just because it’s a larger city. Sometimes larger cities (even in Europe) don’t always have as much character or charm. Well, I love being proven wrong because I absolutely loved Rome! Sadly we didn’t dedicate as much time to Rome as we should have. We still managed to pack in a lot of great things in a short amount of time! More about that in the 15 days in Italy itinerary below.

15 Days in Italy: The Itinerary

Realistically our trip was 16 1/2 days that we were gone. But it included 14 full days and a few half days of activities and things that we did within Italy. So here are the details of our 15 days in Italy.

Arriving in Venice

Arriving in Venice, we waited awhile to get a vaporetto (water bus) from the airport to the hotel. Just follow the signs at the aiport for the “Transporti via acqua/Water Transport”. The vaporetto is a floating bus with many other people so we had to wait for the next available boat. One bit of advice, make sure you know which stop to get off at that’s closest to your accommodation. This will eliminate you dragging your luggage over more than necessary bridges! (You can thank me later.) Your hotel should easily advise you of the nearest stop prior to our arrival.

Day 1 of 15 days in Italy: Venice

What to do in venice: day 1.

Our first full day in Venice consisted of a lot of the classic Venice sites: St. Marks Basilica & St. Marks Square as the first stops. ( Tip for the ladies : be sure your knees & shoulders are covered for the basilica visit!) Afterward, we walked along the promenade Riva Degli Schiavoni that includes the Bridge of Sighs attached to Doge’s Palace.

There were some additional things we wanted to see in Venice including: the famous bookstore with photo ops in the back: Libreria acqua alta . It was really cute and I loved the fact that it was so packed full of books and there were literal gondola’s in the store full of books. But, because of the fact that many people have hyped it up on social media the the store was really packed. Be prepared that the photo opportunities had a line. It wasn’t super long to wait though, but we also were really lucky to be in Venice when the crowds weren’t out of control.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a beautiful palazzo that you can tour. We ended up just seeing it from the outside as I wanted to go to the San Giorgio Magiore church more. So that was the last thing sight seeing thing we did of the day. We took the vaporetto to San Giorgio Magiore church to marvel at the view of the city of Venice from the bell tower with a birds eye view. I would definitely recommend this! While you’re strolling throughout Venice, it’s easy for it to feel like a maze of bridges that never ends but it actually is somewhat of a small (but beautiful) city.

Cicheti & beer

After returning back to the main part of Venice via vaporetto we set out on a mini cicheti tour. We went to a few different beer bars that had cicheti offerings as well. More about the specific beer locations in my Italian Beer Guide .

Cicheti is something that is unique to Venice. It honestly was one of my favorite things! I’m sure a Venetian would scoff at my explanation of it, but it’s kind of like tapas. Small plates/small bites are done in Venetian fashion. Many of the offerings have fish or seafood so if you have an allergy or aversion I would be cognizant of that when selecting your cicheti. Many times this is served with a smaller glass of wine white (or red) and it is referred to as an ombra.

Day 2 of 15 days in Italy: Venice

What to do venice: day 2.

Our second full day in Italy, we headed to Doge’s Palace for a tour. I really wanted to do the secret itineraries tour, but because traveling was changing so rapidly due to the pandemic I waited longer that I usually do to book tours and there weren’t any English ones left for the day. But, the main self guided tour was great! The thing I really wanted to do was walk across the Bridge of Sighs which everyone can do. I thought it was only a part of the secret itineraries tour, but that’s definitely not true.

Head out of Venice: Murano & Burano

After spending the morning at Doge’s Palace, via the vaparetto we ventured to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is located about a mile north of Venice proper and is most well known for their local artisans and glass blowing. While Burano is a super cute and colorful fishing town with canals and bridges similar to Venice. Burano is well known for their handmade lace and their delicious Bussola cookies. The bakery we bought them from had many tasty flavors to choose from.

I would definitely recommend going to these outer islands from Venice. There was an added layer of travel stress/blunder for us because of the fact that there were regatta races in Venice in the Grand Canal so some of the vaporetto lines were discontinued for awhile and getting back to Venice we waited in line for a long time. But, these are the type of things you can’t always plan for and it makes for memories about your trip that you’ll always remember.

Of course we went back to enjoy more cicchetti and actually went to what I thought was a beer bar but it actually ended up being a wine bar. The Cicchetti and wine was delightful though! We decided to just grab some quick pizza and beer and eat in the hotel before turning in for the night.

Day 3 of 15 days in Italy: Venice & Prosecco Region

Day 3 in venice: head to the prosecco region.

When originally planning to visit the prosecco region from Venice, I wasn’t sure whether to look at a tour or do it independently. I stumbled upon The Sparkling Vinos while doing my research. We ended up booking a tour with Oriana Balliana . From Venice we took the train to Susegana where Oriana picked us up.

The prosecco wineries we visited were all private tastings and locally family owned. She took us to Marchiori , Gregoletto & RivaGranda . All of the prosecco was absolutely amazing! The real stunner was the last place we had our tasting at was literally in the middle of the vineyard with a 360 gorgeous view of the prosecco hills. That paired with amazing prosecco, meats and cheeses it was a phenomenal day with the sun shining and gorgeous weather.

We returned to Venice via train then set out for a few additional cichetti locations. Capped off the day with some yummy bites, delicious wine then ate gelato as we strolled back to our hotel. This is what Italian (er Venice) dreams are made of! It was a perfect ending to our time in Venice for this trip and 15 day Italy itinerary.

Day 4 of 15 days in Italy: Venice to Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore)

This day was mostly a travel day. I find sometimes being on the trains with a little reading & decompression time is a nice break from walking all over. It breaks it up a little bit. We arrived in Riomaggiore in the late afternoon with enough time to check into our hotel accommodation, grab some beers at a beer bar literally outside our doorstep, then relax on our patio overlooking the ocean with some additional beers. It was the perfect travel and buffer day!

We stayed at Meb in Riomaggiore and I would definitely stay there again! It was so close to the ocean but also close to the train station as well which made it easy to explore the other cities along the Cinque Terre.

Day 5 of 15 days in Italy: Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore)

The Cinque Terre truly is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been! These cities are dotted with fishing boats with vineyards along the cliffs. It’s truly unreal! This area is also a National Park and trekking (or hiking) along the coast is really common. Don’t underestimate the effort though! Read more about that here .

Hiking & Getting Around the Cinque Terre

I definitely would have spent more time in this region. It’s beautiful and breaking up the hike along all of the cities would have been a good idea. A lot of the hiking is not for the faint of heart and you will have significant elevation gain.

We tried to hike from Riomaggiore to Monterosso in one day via via the Blue trail. While it’s doable (if all parts of the trail are open) there were several spots that weren’t and the trail that was open added a lot more elevation as well as difficulty. After making it from Riomaggiore to Vernazza. At that point we hopped back on the train to Riomaggiore. We were tired, dirty and hungry. So we took a break and showered, rested and got some food then set out to explore some of the other cities via train.

If you purchase the Cinque Terre card , it includes unlimited use of the hiking paths and the trains between all of the cities. It depends what your plans are if it’s worthwhile to buy this or not. We chose to buy the one day trekking + unlimited train rides pass.

Time in the Cinque Terre

I would have stayed at least one day longer on the Cinque Terre. Then, we could have broken up hiking into smaller chunks and hiked a little bit each day and spend the afternoons either by renting a boat or just exploring more of the towns. After attempting to hike the Blue Trail in one day we both were really sore and exhausted.

Day 6 of 15 days in Italy: Cinque Terre to Pisa to Florence

Leaving Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre coast via train toward Pisa. At the train station in Pisa, you can pay to store your luggage which is really convenient! So, we made our way to Pisa, stored our luggage then set out to explore Pisa for the day/afternoon.

Pisa is extremely touristy and the area surrounding the tower was scattered with people taking the perfect picture “holding up the tower”. If you know, you know! We snapped a few then explored the area including the Cathedral and had a leisurely lunch. The cathedral was free to visit, you just had to have a timed entry slot. You can also choose to climb the tower. If that’s something you’d like to do, I’d highly recommend buying tickets in advance as each day there are only a limited number of tickets available. It was a really nice chill day for us amidst the travel time.

From Pisa we then traveled by train to Florence which is within Tuscany . We made it to our accommodations and then went and checked out some craft beer bars before we had a quintessential tuscan bistecca for dinner at Il Latini . As we were trying to find the restaurant we nearly missed it and had to double back! Once we found it the dinner was well worth it. It was definitely a splurge but so tasty! You have to try a florentine steak while in Florence.

Day 7 of 15 days in Italy: Florence (Tuscany)

We pre-booked a full day wine tasting tour in tuscany with lunch. They picked us up from our hotel and dropped us off at the end of the day. We were able to visit four different wineries and even had a delicious homemade meal mid day. It really was an absolutely amazing day. I would definitely do a similar tour in Italy again in a heartbeat. Here’s a round up of 10 of the Best Tuscany wine tours from Florence !

Once we were back in Florence, we hung out at the hotel and freshened up. We had made reservations for the popular Trattoria Za Za . We made a reservation for later in the evening, however when we arrived you had to get in a line to show your vaccine card, then verify your reservation and essentially just wait until you were called.

Our reservation was honored a lot later than the time we reserved which was somewhat frustrating. In comparison to a lot of other places we dined in Italy I liked the food & ambiance, however, I felt Za Za was a little hyped up. We had a lot better meals elsewhere. I’m glad we went but I don’t think I’d return and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a place you can’t miss.

Day 8 of 15 days in Italy: Florence

We visited the iconic Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore. There are several different Duomo experiences. We booked tickets including the terraces which was awesome to see the vantage point out over the city of Florence. Florence is so gorgeous! I will say, it wasn’t super clear which line to go to for our tour and the main line can take awhile so be sure to check where you should go if you prebook an experience.

After the duomo, we saw the iconic statue of David at the Galleria del accademia. I’ll be completely honest, I’m not a huge museum person (especially art museums.) But, seeing the statue of David in person was a fantastic experience. I would definitely recommend it. If you can purchase skip the line tickets, it’s so worth it!

Piazalle Michelangelo has a spectacular view out over Florence. It’s definitely something to not miss when you’re in Florence! See the photos below:

After the museum, grabbing lunch and going to the Piazale Michelangelo, we strolled across the Ponte Vecchio . The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge in Florence with shops across it. The area was really congested but I just love the use of space including shop fronts and apartments above across the whole bridge. After walking through the area I got into the habit of checking out every gelato shop we passed. If any flavors sounded good I’d definitely get a scoop or two to enjoy as we walked along. (I kept a list of all of the flavors I tried and denoted my favorite flavors- some were so unique!)

As we were walking about, we made way to the Florence leather market. The only thing I don’t like about these type of shopping scenarios is the bartering. I did end up purchasing a small bracelet but I felt like the shop owners were pretty ruthless so we didn’t spend a lot of time perusing.

Day 9 of 15 days in Italy: Florence to Naples to Amalfi Coast (Positano )

We set out to make our way to Positano, but spent a partial day in Naples at the Archaeological museum. If ancient history & civilizations such as Pompeii interest you, you will really enjoy seeing all of the artifacts and details on display here. The exhibit on the Roman gladiators was my favorite!

This was quite the travel day from Florence to Positano! Part of why it was so long was the bus situation once we reached Sorrento. It was a Sunday and we didn’t take into account the fact that buses don’t run as frequent from the Sorrento train station to Positano. We waited quite some time! Read more about this in my Italy tips .

Finally on the bus to Positano, it’s important to understand where you’re staying and where the closest bus stop is in proximity to the accommodation. By the time we were on the bus it was dark out and we weren’t familiar with the bus stops and there really wasn’t an indication or announcement of each bus stop. It was definitely a stressful experience!

Arriving later at night we were relieved to find out that since we weren’t really in “downtown” area of Positano many of the local restaurants will provide a free shuttle for dinner. On a return trip to the Amalfi coast area, I’d stay in Sorrento vs. Positano due to the connectivity of trains and you can still get to Positano and other areas as day trips.

Day 10 of 15 days in Italy: The Amalfi Coast (Positano)

The next day was one of the most relaxing days during our time in Italy. We didn’t have any solid plans and just walked into Positano and shopped, took in the beautiful sea views, had a leisurely lunch, got gelato and soaked in the Amalfi coast culture.

We had considered taking a ferry to Capri for the day. That’s definitely something that I have archived in my things to do on a return trip file. It looked really easy to do. There were several stands coordinating trips to Capri down by the beach area in Positano.

One of the highlights was visiting Franco’s bar for happy hour. A gorgeous al fresco bar with an amazing sea view. The craft cocktails were delicious and it was a relaxed atmosphere as we chatted with a newlywed couple sitting adjacent to us. It seemed like we kept running into many young couples on their honeymoon during our time in Italy. We honeymooned in Ireland, but as our time in Italy went on it was easy to see why so many couples choose Italy as a honeymoon destination.

Day 11 of 15 days in Italy: Positano (Pompeii)

While we were staying in Positano we traveled to the Pompeii ruins. From Positano you can navigate to Sorrento via bus or taxi/private transfer. Once at Sorrento’s train station you can take the Circumvesuviana train right to Pompeii. It takes just over a half hour and you want to exit the train at the Pompeii Scavi then is a very short walk from the train station to the entrance of the Ruins.

If you’re visiting independently, there is very little signage or context at the ruins. We booked a two hour tour that gave us a lot more context and background surrounding the things we were seeing. From there we explored a few additional hours ourselves. I was truly in awe by Pompeii and would recommend visiting if you have the time or it makes sense within your time in Italy. It was one of my absolute favorite things we did in Italy. Read more about the specifics of visiting Pompeii here .

Day 12 of 15 days in Italy: Positano to Rome

Our last day in Positano we rose early and set out to our last location during our time in Italy, Rome. Due to frustrations with transportation getting to Positano, we scheduled a taxi transfer directly from our hotel to the Sorrento train station. From Sorrento the train to Rome you travel from Sorrento then switch trains at Naples to continue on to Rome.

Once we arrived in Rome and checked into our hotel we checked out a few beer bars & had dinner. Trevi fountain & Spanish steps all lit up at night.

Day 13 of 15 days in Italy: Rome

Our first full day in Rome, we stayed really close to the Campo de Fiori (market) so we walked through here first thing in the morning.

Next stop, Vatican City to meet our tour guide. Enroute to Vatican City we walked across the Pont Sant’ Angelo and viewed Castel Sant’ Angelo from the outside. We met our tour group just outside the Vatican for our tour through the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel . You really could spend days in Vatican City but with the time we spent on our tour, we got to see a lot of the highlights and it was definitely a great investment to get great context in regard to what we were seeing. After our tour was over we independently visited St. Peters Basilica .

We had lunch somewhat nearby at a place that was recommended to me by another blogger . They were so hospitable and the food was great! It was a pizza shop that was close to the Vatican (but not too close!) I’m always leery of bars and restaurants that are too close to tourist destinations. Especially if they have pictures on menus plastered outside and someone trying to lure you into the restaurant. Literally run as far as you can away from these places!

Day 14 of 15 days in Italy: Rome

Our last day really went out with a bang, we started early and had a late night before turning in and heading to the airport the next day to close out over two weeks in Italy that went by in a flash.

Trevi Fountain

We woke up really early as we wanted to see the Trevi Fountain with minimal others. In fact, we had it to ourselves for about 20 minutes before a few other couples came and had the same idea. It was so worth it! From there we traipsed to the Pantheon where it was nearly empty.

It was somewhat of a dreary morning and it ended up starting to rain. We had some time to kill before meeting our tour guide so we made way toward the Coliseum and had a very Italian breakfast of a coffee & croissant while we waited out the rain.

Coliseum & Roman Forum

At 10 am we met Elena for a Coliseum & Roman Forum private tour . She answered all of our crazy questions and it really was a highlight of the trip. Seeing the Coliseum from many different vantage points was beyond jaw dropping. Especially where the gladiators would rise from below to ground level was very eery exploring this part of the historic structure. You can only get access to this part of the Coliseum with a tour guide and there are limited number of spots each day. Contact Elena & Assunta to add it to your itinerary.

One bit of advice , while at the Coliseum it can get very dusty so if you suffer from seasonal allergies be sure to take some allergy medication in advance!

Get your fill of pasta & wine

After the tour, we strolled along to find (unknowingly) a restaurant I had on my list for a dinner that we ended up having a late lunch at. It was absolutely delicious! (The Trastevere area of Rome is where a lot of locals hang out to eat and drink.)

Wine pairing dinner

To cap the day off, we had a wine pairing/tasting dinner booked at Rimesa Roscioli . It was a really fun experience meeting some other couples from around the world. Particularly we chatted with a couple from Norway and we ended up staying after the tasting and having a few more glasses of wine because we were having such a good time. It’s so interesting to chat to ask silly questions about life in their country and gain a whole different perspective about how others around the globe live.

Day 15 of 15 days in Italy: Rome & Home

Our last day, we really didn’t have much time other than packing up, grabbing breakfast then heading to the airport. We did have to take a COVID test at a pharmacy the day before and were really happy to find the process of showing our tests, passports and checking in at the airport in Rome to arrive back to the United States was really quite seamless.

15 full days in Italy wasn’t nearly enough. But, we were really fortunate to pack in and see all that we did. Fair warning, if you’re more of a leisurely style traveler you’ll want to cut down the amount of places you visit because we were constantly on the go trying to see and do it all. But, that’s just how we travel to maximize our time and see the most we possibly can. However, not everyone is like that!

Italy is one of those really special places. When you’re there you’re truly in awe at the amazingness….how can the scenery be beautiful, the wine and food be delicious and the people be so warm and welcoming? It’s really true. We left Italy longing to return again soon.

More Italy Travel :

Italy travel tips, guide to italian craft beer, things to do before you travel to italy, 10 best wine tours to tuscany from florence.

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According to AAA booking data, o verall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year , while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins. To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time. “ Trip Canvas  is a great free resource for travelers in the planning phase,” Twidale said. “You can find free things to do in  Denver  or the best museums in  New York City .”  

Travelers taking road trips should expect to pay less for gas compared to last year. The national average over Labor Day weekend in 2023 was $3.81. In recent weeks, gas prices have remained steady, hovering around $3.50. Despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking. Hurricanes hitting the Gulf and affecting regional refineries could cause gas prices to go up as the peak of the season approaches in September. For drivers taking road trips in their electric vehicles, AAA now offers information on the cost of Level 2 commercial EV charging and updates that data  weekly .   

International travel over Labor Day weekend is  down 4%   compared to last year, per AAA booking numbers , while the cost to travel internationally is up 11%.  Most of those travelers are heading to Europe. Eight out of the top ten international destinations booked through AAA are European cities. Travelers renting a car abroad should consider getting an  International Driving Permit  (IDP), which translates their driver’s license information into 10 languages. Some countries – including Italy and Spain – require it. AAA is the only entity in the U.S. authorized by the State Department to issue an IDP.   

  Top Labor Day Destinations  

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says car travelers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, as those times will be the most congested. Drivers should hit the road in the morning unless they’re leaving on Saturday when the best time to travel by car is in the afternoon. Travelers returning on Sunday and on Labor Day should leave as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon.    

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Source: INRIX  

*Labor Day Weekend AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 29 through Monday, September 2, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2023.   

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A residential cruise ship that's supposed to sail the world for 3 years has been stuck in Northern Ireland for 3 months

• Villa Vie Odyssey was supposed to set sail on a global cruise from Belfast in May.
• Problems with the ship mean it's been docked there for the past three months.
• Some passengers are staying positive and using the delay to take trips elsewhere.

A residential cruise ship that was supposed to travel around the world has been stuck in Northern Ireland for the past three months.

Business Insider previously reported that the  Villa Vie Odyssey  was initially set to sail from Belfast in May. The ship has been docked there because it needed updating, as it's more than 30 years old. It was previously called the Braemar and operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Villa Vie has said issues such as the aging ship's rudder stocks and recertification have delayed its departure by three months.

The 509 cabins cost at least $100,000 each. The Odyssey is due to sail around the world every 3 ½ years , visiting 147 countries and 425 destinations en route.

While the ship is stuck in Belfast, passengers can go on board during the day but not stay on it overnight.

The cruise line's CEO, Mikael Petterson, told BI in an email on Thursday that Villa Vie had provided residents with hotels, other cruises, shore excursions, and trips to the likes of Spain, Liverpool, and Amsterdam.

It's also welcoming residents on board, "where they can get their rooms ready and connect with crew and fellow residents," he added. "It is great to see the relationships building and the community bonding as we are looking forward to the next 15 years of discovery."

One couple on the ship, Johan Bodin and Lanette Canen, previously told BI they'd traveled elsewhere during the delay, to the likes of Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

The couple said Villa Vie had also sent them on various excursions, including a trip to the Canary Islands and a cruise to the Norwegian fjords.

"We understand there are hiccups," Bodin told BI. "They're schmoozing us a bit to keep us happy. They're almost being too serviced-minded — I don't need to be pampered all the time."

Related stories

Holly Hennessey, from Florida, told BBC News: "We can have all of our meals, and they even have movies and trivia entertainment, almost like cruising except we're at the dock."

Angela and Stephen Theriac told the outlet they'd spent the delay traveling around Spain by train, visiting Greenland, and taking weekend trips to England.

"We keep teasing we will apply for residency here in Belfast," Angela Theriac told the BBC.

"We have eaten in every restaurant and had a Guinness in every pub," her husband added. "It is just all part of our adventure."

Angela Theriac previously told BI she and her husband had started decorating their floating condo with "personal touches," adding: "Our room is our bedroom, and the ship is our home."

Petterson, Villa Vie's CEO and founder, told BI, "We are going through the last few surveys and expect to launch within the next week."

He added that sea trials were scheduled for Monday.

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Practice Flights and Calm Spaces: Making Room for Neurodivergent Travelers

Airlines, hotels, theme parks and others are working to ease the challenges of travel for people with autism, A.D.H.D and other “invisible disabilities.”

By Derek M. Norman Christine Chung and Christopher Kuo

After decades of caring for his autistic son, Ryan, Adam Murphy, a 51-year-old father of three from Gloucestershire, England, noticed that Ryan, 27, was becoming a bit more open to trying new things. His son, Mr. Murphy realized, might be able to take his first airplane ride.

But traveling would not be without difficulties.

“Going to our local supermarket could be a challenge,” said Mr. Murphy. “So how do you do that?”

Travel, by nature, brings with it changes in routine and environment, unpredictable situations, and oftentimes, sensory overload — all of which can be overwhelming to neurodivergent children and adults, which can include those diagnosed with disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and autism.

Some 78 percent of families with autistic members, as well as people who are themselves autistic, said they were hesitant to travel in a 2022 survey by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards , an organization that trains and certifies travel professionals to assist families and individuals with special needs. But 94 percent of those surveyed said they would travel more if they had access to options that are certified to recognize and understand the needs of people with autism.

Those options are increasing. In recent years, the travel industry has worked to become more inclusive of neurodivergent travelers, with airports offering sensory rooms and trained staff, hotels and resorts changing booking processes and accommodating those with special needs, and destinations becoming certified, by autism specialists specifically, to serve autistic visitors.

But travelers and families still need to choose itineraries that fit their needs, factoring in details like flights, hotel menus and floor plans, noise and crowds, and proximity to activities.

Mr. Murphy prepared for about 12 months, starting with the choice of destination: Torremolinos, a resort town in southern Spain where English is widely spoken and familiar brands of products can be found on store shelves. Torremolinos was also accessible by a direct flight from a nearby airport.

“We basically were us, but in a different country,” Mr. Murphy said of their vacation experience, “which may sound kind of dull and boring to a lot of people, but that’s exactly what we needed.”

Here is a sampling of the changes that various sectors of the industry are making to welcome neurodivergent travelers and their families.

airlines and airports

Flight rehearsals, sunflower lanyards and new specialists

For anyone, flying can be an intense experience. At the airport, there are crowds, blaring noises and few easily accessible spaces to find calm. Flights can be delayed or canceled. On the plane, there is the unpredictability of a flight — turbulence and other flight disruptions — and the tensions that can arise in a cabin packed with dozens of strangers. All of these sensory stressors are magnified for neurodivergent travelers .

For years, airlines, airports and nonprofit organizations have hosted practice events for travelers and their families to familiarize themselves with flying, including hosting mock flights in real airplanes.

For Mr. Murphy, a vital aspect of his travel preparation was to familiarize Ryan with the trip and its intricacies beforehand. Mr. Murphy contacted his local airport in Gloucestershire and Fly2Help , a charity program based at that airport, to bring Ryan there and familiarize him with an airplane. Mr. Murphy looked up videos of plane sounds on YouTube, including a plane toilet flushing, for Ryan to hear.

Mr. Murphy also requested a sunflower-decorated lanyard, from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program , for Ryan to wear while flying. These cheerful lanyards, recognized at more than 240 airports worldwide, discreetly signal to staff that these travelers might need extra help and time in the airport.

At airports in the United States, the Transportation Security Administration provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or medical conditions during the security screening process, and officers with specialized training to assist and communicate with these travelers. Sensory rooms, or calm spaces designed to thwart overstimulation, have proliferated. Rooms have recently opened at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A.

But for some travelers, improvements could be as simple as better signage.

Aneisha Velazquez, a 33-year-old from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who works in bookkeeping, was diagnosed with autism and A.D.H.D. in 2021. She feels that airport signage is inconsistent, which makes getting through the buildings, particularly security, confusing and stressful.

“I usually just err on the side of taking out all electronics,” she said, as she often doesn’t know which devices need to be scanned separately. “It’d be easier if there was a sign with pictures as a reminder.”

Airlines are creating visual guides to consult before flying. One, from British Airways , describes the requirements of international air travel, from going through security to collecting bags. Emirates also has a planning guide, tailored to trips through Dubai International Airport , and in recent years the airline has trained thousands of its employees to recognize and aid neurodivergent travelers.

Jackie Dilworth, a spokeswoman for the Arc , a national organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasized that air travel accessibility still varies widely, depending on airlines, airports and staff.

Hotels and resorts

Certifications, inclusivity and ‘autism concierges’

Is the hotel in a busy part of town? What do the room designs look like? Which rooms at the hotel are quietest, and where on the property are they? What kinds of food do they serve and at what times? Does the hotel staff have anybody who can help with specific questions or requests?

These are the kinds of questions that someone traveling with neurodivergent family members may ask when searching for lodging.

In Spain, Mr. Murphy booked a family-friendly hotel — one that was part of the Meliá brand and had a few properties in the vicinity that they were free to explore. It had a pool, a nearby beach and plenty of activities that Ryan could choose from. Ahead of visiting, he called the hotel, let staff members know he would be traveling with his autistic son and asked for an up-to-date menu so Ryan could know what he’d be eating that week and at what time each meal would be served.

Once in Torremolinos, Ryan loved frequenting the hotel buffet and trying all the different food. The hotel offered a kids’ club, and Mr. Murphy would sit at a table and watch Ryan “just happily joining in with everybody else, wanting to give high fives to the mascots and grinning and laughing away.”

Other hotels are also catering to neurodivergent guests.

Beaches , an international chain of all-inclusive family-friendly resorts under the Sandals brand, has had I.B.C.C.E.S. specialists train its staff in sensory awareness, communication and program development for guests. Beaches also offers autism-friendly experiences and sensory guides, as well as restaurants that cater to those with special dietary needs.

Staff members at Karisma Hotels , which includes brands like the Nickelodeon, Margaritaville and Azul resorts, were trained and certified by Autism Double-Checked , another organization that focuses on autism awareness and education in the travel industry. Karisma offers an “ autism concierge ” to aid families traveling with guests who have autism, as well as to help support them as they plan their vacation. The company also allows guests to fill out an “ autism passport ” that details individual needs, such as their sensory sensitivities, emotional triggers and calming strategies.

Larger hotel chains are also responding. Nearly 40 properties under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts umbrella across Europe and the United States participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, and the company is actively adding more throughout the year.

Last April, Hyatt Hotels worked with New York University and KultureCity , a nonprofit that trains businesses in sensory accessibility, to identify ways its properties could better accommodate neurodivergent guests.

Among the changes their research proposed: providing visuals of a property’s floor plan in advance, so guests can familiarize themselves with the layout; amenities — like weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones — that help with sensory overload; and contact-free check-in and checkout.

Mark Vondrasek, Hyatt’s chief commercial officer, said the company was working to apply these new practices across its properties.

“It makes great business sense,” Kaushik Vardharajan, an associate professor at the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, said of the industry becoming more inclusive. “If you can now suddenly provide solutions and cater to that segment, then you become the most popular brand, or become the most popular hotel, to those customers.”

People with “invisible disabilities” like autism often don’t know what kinds of accommodations are available to them, and how to go about asking for them, said Rose Ernst, a 46-year-old writer and consultant from Alaska. Ms. Ernst was diagnosed with autism in 2022.

“Making this more obvious would be a great first step,” Ms. Ernst said. “The second is to understand a basic principle of disability justice: The ‘accommodations’ made for disabled people often make everyone’s lives better.”

theme parks, and state and national parks

Special access, special rooms and an autistic muppet

Many theme parks in the United States now offer a range of services to reduce the stress of visiting for neurodivergent travelers and their families.

Before visiting Universal Orlando Resort, guests can download a guide that describes what to expect at each park ride, including whether there will be strobe effects or loud noises, and lists the quiet areas where neurodivergent visitors can rest. If parents are worried about how their children will handle the long lines for rides, they can request an Attractions Assistance Pass , which allows guests to return at a specific time for a ride instead of waiting in line. To receive the pass, guests need an Individual Accessibility Card issued by the I.B.C.C.E.S. within 30 days of their visit.

Six Flags parks also provide sensory guides and sensory-friendly spaces, and Sesame Place Philadelphia offers noise-canceling headphones, a ride accessibility program, an accessibility guide and low-sensory dining options. At the park, Sesame Place guests can also meet Julia, a 4-year-old autistic Muppet from Sesame Street. At SeaWorld Orlando, Sesame Street Land is a Certified Autism Center, staffed by specially trained employees, and guests can take advantage of the park’s quiet rooms and the Ride Accessibility Program , which allows guests to request a boarding time rather than wait in line for certain rides.

At Walt Disney World and Disneyland , neurodivergent visitors can get around long lines by registering for the Disability Access Service , Disney’s equivalent of the Universal Attractions Assistance Pass. Revamped this year, the pass is only for those with a “developmental disability like autism or a similar disorder,” and eligibility must be determined by a Disney worker before enjoying the rides. Disney World and Disneyland also offer guides that list locations where guests can rest and offer tips for neurodivergent tourists.

State and national parks are making moves as well, opening new trails and providing special access passes.

One of the most accessible spots for neurodivergent tourists is the Autism Nature Trail , which opened in 2021 at Letchworth State Park in western New York and was designed with guidance from the autism researcher Temple Grandin . Beginning and ending in the same place, the flat, mile-long trail evokes a sense of calming predictability. Along the path are eight interactive nature stations , including a “Celebration Station” with chalkboards for recording impressions or feelings, and a “Music Circle” with three nature-inspired instruments.

For entry to all national parks, neurodivergent visitors can apply for a free lifetime Interagency Access Pass . Some parks provide more. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky equips neurodivergent visitors for the dark and sometimes crowded cave tours by offering detailed descriptions of what to expect while underground. Similarly, visitors can plan ahead for a trip to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park in California by viewing its accessibility film series , featuring in-depth tours of park locations. And at Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas, families receive Velcro task boards to plan how they will explore the park’s forests, bogs and bayous.

When touring Death Valley National Park , visitors can obtain sensory kits from the visitor center, which include communication cards, noise-canceling headphones, backpacks and other items. Jeremy Buzzell, branch chief for the National Park Service’s accessibility management program , said some staff members have undergone a seven-part training series to learn how to better accommodate neurodivergent guests.

“We want to make sure that we can welcome all visitors,” Mr. Buzzell said. “We’ve got to be ready to accommodate whatever needs a person has.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Derek M. Norman is a senior news assistant for the International section of The Times. More about Derek M. Norman

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

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Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.