“How many days do we need?” is one of the first questions our clients ask. Italy is a country you could explore for a lifetime, and the most common mistake is trying to see too much in too little time. Here is our honest advice, with realistic itineraries for 7, 10 and 14 days.
The golden rule: fewer places, more time
We recommend at least three nights in each place. Every change of hotel takes half a day of packing, transfers and checking in, so a trip with fewer bases feels far more relaxing and lets you enjoy each destination properly. Italy’s high-speed trains make it easy to move between cities, with Rome to Florence in about an hour and a half, and Florence to Venice in about two hours.
7 days: one or two destinations
With a week, focus on one region or two well-connected destinations. Some of our favourite combinations:
- Rome and Florence: four nights in Rome and three in Florence, with a day trip to Tuscany’s countryside.
- Lake Como and Venice: four nights on the lake and three in Venice, ideal for a romantic first trip.
- The Amalfi Coast: a full week based in Positano or Sorrento, with Capri, Ravello and Pompeii.
10 days: the classic Italy
Ten days is the sweet spot for many first-time visitors. Our most popular route is Rome, Florence and Venice, with three nights in each city, private guides and transfers door to door. Other wonderful options include Lake Como, Venice and Florence, or Rome followed by the Amalfi Coast.
14 days: the grand tour
With two weeks, you can combine cities, countryside and coast at a relaxed pace. For example:
- North to south: Lake Como, Venice, Florence and Tuscany, then Rome.
- Classic and coast: Rome, Florence, a few nights in the Tuscan countryside and the Amalfi Coast.
- Lakes and mountains: Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, the Dolomites and Venice.
How to choose the right pace
- First trip to Italy: stick to the classics and keep a relaxed rhythm.
- Travelling with children: fewer bases, shorter travel days and hands-on experiences.
- Food and wine lovers: add the countryside of Tuscany, Piedmont or Emilia-Romagna.
- Returning visitors: explore lesser-known regions such as Puglia, Umbria or Sicily.
Every journey we design starts from scratch around your dates, interests and pace. For inspiration, see our sample journeys and our destinations.
Planning a trip to Italy? Tell us about your journey for a free, tailor-made proposal, or book a free 30-minute call with our team.