Best of Italy: 15 Day Itinerary – From Rome to Venice
Things Not To Miss
Italy is one of those countries that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. It’s full of history, culture, food, fashion and art. It’s hard to plan a trip to Italy for only 15 days. It’s packed with so many things to do! Every city has its own little charm and uniqueness. Planning a trip can be stressful so here is my 15 day itinerary to hit all the highlights to help you get the most out of your trip.
Italy is also perfect for solo traveling as there is so much to do and see. You’ll be busy, but have time for some adventures as well. I loved Italy and it ranks on my top 3 for favorite countries to visit.
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Days 1–3: Rome
Start your journey in Rome, with so much to do you need at least 2 or 3 days here to get the most out of the city. Explore ruins, eat your weight in pasta, and get into that dolce far niente rhythm.
Top Sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Pantheon, Spanish Steps
The Colosseum is the biggest attraction in Rome and it is a can’t miss. Inside and out. You can’t get a feel for it unless you go inside. It’s the largest amphitheater ever built and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world. It’s pretty impressive. An estimated 400,000 people died during the 400 years the Colosseum was used for real gladiator games. It can hold between 50,000 and 80,000 people.
Don’t forget to take a tour through the underground tunnels onto the arena floor. It’s hard to imagine what happened throughout history in this building. The Colosseum gets busy so make sure you purchase your tickets early or online. Morning is the best time to go to avoid some of the crowds. Also, pass by the Colosseum at night and see it light up.
You can’t go to the Colosseum and not visit the Roman Forum. They are close in proximity and you are able to walk through the ruins. You can explore the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, the House of Vestal Virgins and the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine and much more. It contains a lot of Roman history and is quite interesting. I would recommend a tour with a guide to soak in all the history.
Next stop, Vatican City to see the St Peter’s Basilica. It was built in 1506 and was completed in 1626. It took over 100 years to finish and is the largest church in the world by interior measure. It’s regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. You have to stop inside to see the famous dome painted by Michelangelo. It’s unique and I’ve never seen another church quite like it. Don’t forget to stop at St. Peter’s Square and Garden after your visit to the basilica to really take in the full view of the Vatican. There is also the Vatican Museum, which could take a few hours to get through but you can relax and soak up the art.
The Roman Pantheon is another must see in Rome. It houses several tombs and chapels. The most famous tombs are the artist Raphael and Victor Emmanuel, who was the first king of Italy when it became fully unified. The architecture of the Pantheon contains marble floors and towering columns and is stunning. Many of the chapels are dedicated to saints, such as Saint Joseph and the Madonna of Clemency. The dome of the Pantheon is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
Ending our time in Rome is the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome and one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. It’s usually crowded, so it’s hard to get photos, but you have to have a photo next to the fountain. In the center underneath the arch is a statue of the nautical god Neptune, being pulled to the sea on his shell-shaped chariot pulled by two winged horses and tritons. It symbolizes the changing of the tides of the sea.
The Spanish steps connect the Pincio hill and the Piazza di Spagna. They were built in 1723 and are a central location in the city. It’s a good spot to grab lunch or dinner as many people hang out there.
One last thing before you leave Rome, don’t forget the view from Gianicolo Hill. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and see an overview of the city. Rome was my first introduction to real Italian gelato and it was amazing. I literally ate gelato every day. Each city seems to have different flavors, so I have to try them all, right? Sweets are my downfall. I try local sweets in all the countries I visit.
Day 4: Naples and Pompeii
Explore Naples and start tasting pizza if you haven’t done so already. Naples is the perfect place to enjoy authentic pizza in Italy. Then take a day trip to Pompeii for a glimpse at the ancient ruins.
Top Sights: Pompeii ruins, Mount Vesuvius, Naples
Starting in Naples there are a few things you want to make sure you see and do, besides eating pizza. You can visit the Archaeological Museum. It holds the most significant collections of Roman remains and some things that have been uncovered during the Pompeii digs. On your way stop by the Piazza del Plebiscito, which is the historic square in Naples, make your way to the Royal Palace of Naples. The palace was built in 1600 and the architecture is beautiful. It was worth going in, even if it was only a couple hours.
Take a day trip or half day trip to Pompeii and see the ruins. In 79 AD the Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It’s a UNSECO World Heritage Site and it’s the only archaeological site in the world that gives a complete picture of an ancient Roman city. It’s one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Then if you have time and are up for it, you can take a hike up Mount Vesuvius. The hike is all uphill, but worth the views on the top of the mountain. There are lots of day tours you can take that do both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day.
Days 5–6: Amalfi Coast
Two full days to enjoy Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. The coast specifically runs from Sorrento to Salerno with all the cities in between. You can ferry between towns or relax on a pebbly beach with a limoncello in hand.
Top Sights: Cathedral di Sant’Andrea, Villa Cimbrone, Path of the Gods Hike
Begin with the main square of Amalfi, it’s called Piazza Duomo. Next to the square is the Cathedral. You can’t miss the building as it takes up most of the square. The cathedral is made up of two basilicas, a crypt, the world-wide famous stairs and a cloister (a walkway surrounding a court yard or garden). The ancient basilica was once sacred to the Virgin Assunta, the patron of the city. It seems to have been in a continuous state of restructuring but, it’s beautiful on the inside so it’s a must see. The square is always lively and it’s nice to people watch in the center.
One of the best things about the coast is the little towns and villages along the way. It’s convenient to take a car, but be prepared for some traffic because the roads are small and narrow. So, relax and enjoy the ride. If you have time for a hike, one of the best city views is the Path of the Gods hike. It has amazing views of the coastline, rocks and ruins. Otherwise I recommend a boat tour to see the city. It’s a great way to see the entire coastline.
You can always change the itinerary to two days in Naples and one in Amalfi Coast, depending on your preferences. I chose to spend two days on the Amalfi Coast. I like to be close to the water and enjoy that beach relaxing vibe. Eating gelato and sitting in the sand.
Days 7–8: Florence
Getting there: Train from Naples (2.5–3.5 hrs)
Time to dive into art and architecture. Florence is small but packed with treasures.
Top sights: The Duomo and Brunelleschi’s dome, Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi Gallery
Florence is a diverse city with a lot to see. For me, two days is the perfect amount of time. It’s a unique city, I loved it and I would visit again.
The Duomo and Bruenelleschi’s dome is a great place to start exploring. It was built in 1420 and is still the largest masonry vault in the world. The outside of the building is stunning as well. It’s a symbol of Florence and not to be missed.
You can also climb to the top of the dome, but it has no elevator. It’s a 463 step climb, but the view of Florence is worth it if you can manage the climb. If you are unable to do the climb, you can watch the sunset from the Bardini Gardens, this was perfect for me and I saw the most beautiful sunset next to the gardens. It’s a small hill to climb, but easier than the dome.
If you love art, the Uffizi Gallery has a great collection of sculptures and paintings from some well known artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. The Primavera is the most famous painting in the gallery. The famous sculpture, Michelangelo’s David, is actually at another gallery in Florence, the Accademia Gallery of Florence. It was created in 1460 and is a depiction of David before the battle with Goliath. It’s known for the symbolic representation of human potential and historical significance.
Don’t forget before you leave the charming city of Florence to go see the Porcellino fountain in the Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. The legend is if you rub the boar’s snout you receive good luck and ensure your return to Florence.
Day 9: Tuscany Day Trip
The countryside has breathtaking views and stunning scenery. It might be best to take a tour or rent a car. Since I don’t drink wine, I decided to skip this part, you could easily do the same and spend another day in another area in the post, Amalfi coast, for example. One of my favorite areas in Italy.
Top sights: Siena, San Gimignano, Hot springs
Tuscany is one of the top choices for a wine tour and I would highly recommend doing it during your stay in Italy. You will have some of the best wine in the world while overlooking amazing scenery. Many companies have wine tours leaving from Florence, making it easy to plan without having to drive yourself.
Before or after your wine tour, I you could stop in San Gimignano. It’s a walled medieval hill town known as the “Town of the Fine Towers” because of its well preserved tower houses. The Torre Grossa which is the highest tower in the city has the best panoramic views of the countryside.
Siena, a city that is known for its medieval brick buildings. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fan-shaped main central square, the Piazza del Campo. It’s said to be one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. You can learn about the famous Palio horse race while hanging out in the city and if you’re lucky enough, be there while it takes place. It’s held twice a year, July 2nd and August 16th. The race has been held since 1482 and is a big part of their history and culture.
You could also visit the Siena Cathedral, a medieval church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It is a great example of Italian Gothic architecture. Built in 1215, it’s uniquely black and white in color and inside you can admire the beautiful stained glass windows. Those are always one of my favorite parts of cathedrals. The stained glass for me is one of the best parts of churches.
Tuscany is also well known for its hot springs. This is something on my bucket list. The most well-known hot springs in Tuscany are in Saturnia, the Cascate del Mulino. It’s something I need to do on my next visit to Italy.
Days 10–11: Cinque Terre
Getting there: 2.5–3 hours from Florence by train
Take your time exploring the villages. Hike a trail, grab dinner and watch the sunset by the sea.
Top Sights: Hiking trails and the five colorful villages
There are five villages in Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. These colorful houses sit on top of beautiful cliffs and all have amazing views of the water. Cinque Terre is a UNESCO heritage site and the area around it is a national park. Most of the villages are car-free so you can walk or hike along the roads and trails with leisure.
There is a hiking trail that connects Monterroso with Vernazza. Parts of the hike are a little difficult and should take around two hours, but the rewards are amazing cliff top views like no other.
The busiest village, Vernazza used to be the historic center of the village. It has a tiny little beach to hang out on or just relax and have some wine. You can check out the Church of Santa Margherita if you want to do some sightseeing in the village.
Riomaggiore is the oldest town in Cinque Terre and you can see the Castello di Riomaggiore, which is a clifftop castle overlooking the village. The terrace views are stunning.
Manarola is a short trip from Riomaggiore. You can stop and relax by the ocean and enjoy the sunset from the Manarola Overlook.
The easiest way to go from village to village is by train. They are well connected and the rides are short. If you have more time, you could definitely do the hike between Monterosso and Vernazza. You can always opt for a boat tour or rent a kayak to see the coastline from the water.
If you’re traveling between Florence and the coast, make a quick stop in Pisa to see one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city is very small and easy to explore in half a day.
Climb the tower’s winding staircase for sweeping views of the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you’ll also find the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery. Don’t forget the classic “holding up the tower” photo! It is very corny, but worth it if you’re stopping. As you can see by mine, it’s hard to get a photo without a background of people, but that’s travel life.
Days 12–13: Lake Como
Getting there: Train via Milan (4–5 hours total)
I was unable to fit in Lake Como, but here are some suggestions of highly rated things to do.
Time to slow it down. Take boat rides, visit gardens, and bask in the calm luxury of the lake.
Top Sights: Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, boat rides on the lake
All of the Lake Como area is known for the picturesque villages and towns with many shops, nature walks and relaxing by the beach. The Spina Verde Park and Sentee di Sort are said to be some good areas to be with nature.
Hollywood stars such as George Clooney, Sylvester Stallone and Richard Branson have homes on Lake Como, so you might see some star sightings while visiting.
The most well-known destinations in the Lake Como area are Bellagio, Varenna and Como, but there are other charming villages to check out along the way.
Villa Balbianello is one of the most visited villas on Lake Como and has been the backdrop for movie sets such as, Star Wars and Casino Royal. It has two buildings, a church, impressive gardens and a portico (known as Loggia Durini).
Located in Varenna, Villa Monastero is also a popular villa around Lake Como. It was once a women’s monastery and now having been renovated it has a museum and a botanical garden that is worth seeing.
Days 14–15: Venice
Getting there: 3–4 hours by train
Float into your final destination: Venice! Let yourself wander through mazes of canals, bridges, and secret piazzas.
Top Sights: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Exploring Murano and Burano islands, Rialto Bridge, gondola ride
End your trip with a couple magical days in Venice. Wander the winding streets and canal alleyways, it’s easy to get lost, but really does that matter? I would love to be lost in Italy so I had to stay a few more days. Not a bad option if you ask me.
Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, only canals and is lined with palaces, shops and houses. In the center square, Piazza San Marco you can see St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The top of the palace has a great view of the city. Doge’s Palace is one of the main landmarks in Venice and a must see. It’s next to the basilica so you can definitely see both in a short amount of time.
Next stop by the famous Rialto Bridge. It’s a beautiful stone arch bridge over the narrowest part of the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. A picture here is necessary. It has a great view of the canal and gives you a feel for the city. It’s a good place to watch the sunset as well.
A great option while staying in Venice is a day trip to the islands of Burano and Murano. You can easily do both in one day. Burano is a small fishing village with brightly colored buildings known for its handmade lace on the island. Murano is the more well-known island between the two and is home to many glass making shops.
Lastly, don’t forget to take your classic gondola ride on the canals. It’s a must do. Tickets can be expensive, but you can do a group gondola ride, which is a little cheaper. Your Gondolieri will tell you stories about Italy and Venice and if you’re lucky maybe sing for you as well.
This 15-day itinerary is the perfect balance of Italy’s best cities, scenic gems, and off-the-beaten-path charm. You’ll eat, wander, explore and fall in love with Italy a little more each day. Take your time. Savor everything.
If you have more time, a stop in Milan is recommended or a half day trip to Pisa, depending on the flexibility of your schedule. You could spend weeks in Italy there is so much to see. I’ve been there three times and when I leave I feel like there is still more to explore.
Bonus Tips
- Travel: High-speed trains are fast, comfy, and scenic.
- Packing: Stylish but comfy shoes, layers, and a light day bag
- Timing: Spring (April–June) or Fall (Sept–Oct) for perfect weather and fewer crowds
- Language: Learn a few phrases—locals appreciate it!
- Packing: Bring layers- Italy’s weather can very drastically by region
