A country like Italy is packed with alluring destinations, historical sites, mesmerizing art, delicious food, and thrilling architecture. Every corner leaves the visitor in awe. But to visit every corner of this prime European destination, is it even possible?
Yes, it is, and all you need is 14 days in Italy!
Are 14 Days in Italy Enough?
A 2-week tour of Italy is more than enough to see the country and cover a lot of destinations. Time is all you need to soak up what Italy has to offer. Rushing through your itinerary will not allow you to see those amazing places and eat the delicious food.
Your 2 week Italy itinerary should include Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Milan, and Cinque Terre. So, yes, two weeks in Italy are enough to see most of the country and enjoy every part of it.
When should I go to Italy?
The best time to visit Italy depends on factors like weather, crowds, events, and budget.
Overall, the best time to visit Italy is April-June and September-October. In these months, the weather is pleasant, there are fewer tourists, and the scenery is beautiful. In these months, the 2 week Italy vacation packages include sightseeing, hiking, wine tasting, and photography.
Peak tourist season is July-August. Places like Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast are packed with tourists. If you're planning to visit the Basilica in Rome, get your St. Peter's Basilica tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. A 14 day Italy tour package might cost more because flight and accommodation prices have increased. Beach, festival, and nightlife lovers enjoy this season the most. The festivals also extend opening hours to most attractions.
Budget travelers and art lovers can visit Italy from November to March. Winter isn't a peak season in Italy. Flights are cheaper, museums and landmarks are quieter, and you get to enjoy Christmas markets and seasonal food. If you want to experience Christmas in Italy, then the
Day 3: Vatican City
On the third day of your 2 week Italy itinerary, explore Vatican City. Spend your day visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. A St. Peter's Basilica audio guide is the best way to explore the basilica and learn more about the place. In the afternoon, visit the Borghese gallery. It is one of the best art museums in the world.
Day 4: Rome to Florence
Travel to the heart of the Renaissance, Florence, by catching a high-speed train. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo. Spend your day exploring the Duomo and Giotto's Campanile, and end the day with a pretty sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 5: Florence's Art and Culture
Begin your fifth day with a classic Italian breakfast. Then visit the Uffizi Gallery or Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David in all its glory. Next, take a train and arrive in Pisa at noon. Walk around and explore the city's sites. Book a bike rental to spend the evening and cycle around the city.
Day 6: Day Trip to Tuscany
Visiting Tuscany is one of the most magical things you'll do in your 14 days in Italy. The landscapes and historic villages are a sight to behold. Chianti is the most iconic wine region in Tuscany. End the day watching the sunset over vineyard hills. A day trip to Tuscany is ideal for wine tasting and scenic drives through olive groves and vineyards.
Day 7: Florence to Venice
Venice is the city of canals. Ponte di Rialto is Venice's most iconic bridge. You should definitely include it in your itinerary. Other iconic places to visit in Venice are St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Square. For a quick luxury treat, you can visit Bar Longhi, which overlooks the Grand Canal and the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. End your day with a gondola ride at dusk.
Day 8: Venice's Islands
On your eighth day of your two weeks in Italy, you can visit the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its glass-making tradition, and Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. You can book a private boat tour of the two islands. Lastly, have dinner at restaurants with canal views. To explore the nightlife and enjoy live music, check out the Venice Jazz Club.
Day 9: Venice to Lake Como
Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy. To experience Italian elegance in its true essence, take a train to Lake Como from Milan. Then get off in Bellano and take ferries to Varenna and Bellagio. You can also book a guided tour to explore Lake Como. At the end of the day, enjoy a lakeside dinner.
Day 10: Exploring Lake Como
The best way to explore Lake Como is to combine ferries with walks and hikes to the surrounding towns and villages. Ferries are a major form of transport in this area because they connect major destinations like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. The seaside towns and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains are the ideal scenery for a relaxing walk.
Day 11: Lake Como to Milan
Take the train to travel back to Milan, the center of business, fashion, and finance. It is a city that finds the perfect balance between history and modernity. Visit the Duomo di Milano and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In the end, relax in the canal-side Navigli district. Since it is Italy's fashion capital, you can go on a shopping spree to spend the day.
Day 12: Milan to Cinque Terre
You can spend your twelfth day swimming, eating, and unwinding in Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre villages are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can travel by train to Cinque Terre from Milan. Explore Monterosso, Manarola, or Vernazza. The vibrant-colored houses, the surrounding landscapes, the rugged coastline, and the small restaurants make it an ideal place for coastal explorers.
Day 13: Hike the Cinque Terre Trail
The Cinque Terre Trail dates back to the Middle Ages. It was originally used for mule transportation. Hike the Sentiero Azzurro trail. It connects five villages. To hike the trail, you need to purchase a ticket. It takes about 5 hours to hike the entire distance, and longer if you explore each village.
Day 14: Departure Day
Head to your departure city. Plan your departure day the night before. Make sure you have time for train transfers, airport check-ins, and last-minute shopping.
Conclusion
Italy is the country of beauty, and everything it has to offer is pure pleasure. It's totally up to you to plan your 14 days in Italy. This two-week itinerary blends Italy's most iconic cities, lakes, and coastlines. If you're visiting for the first time, a little bit of everything will make it worth your time and money. Start planning your dream Italian escape, and Arrivederci!
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