Discover Italy: Your 3-Week Itinerary Guide

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Advisor - Michelle Malter
Curated By

Michelle Malter

  • Italy

  • Beaches

  • City Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Multi-City

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

View from the hiking trail from Monterosso to Vernazza in Cinque Terre Italy.
Curator’s statement

Italy holds a special place in my heart, stemming from my great-grandmother's birth there. Her cooking and culture deeply influenced me, igniting a lifelong love for Italy. From its stunning landscapes to its warm hospitality, Italy's allure never fails to captivate me. My connection to Italian culture only enhances my connection to this remarkable country.

Week 1: Rome and Northern Italy Exploration

Week 2: Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre

Week 3: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Departure

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Days 1-5 (5 days): Rome

Capitoline Museum is an art and archaeological museum on top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy.

Week 1: Rome and Northern Italy Exploration

Day 1–5 (5 days): Rome

Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Dive into the rich history and culture of Rome by visiting additional attractions such as:

  • Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel)

  • Piazza Navona

  • Castel Sant'Angelo

  • Piazza del Popolo

  • Villa Borghese Gardens

  • Campo de' Fiori

  • Piazza Venezia (Altare della Patria)

  • Capitoline Hill (Capitoline Museums)

  • Circus Maximus

  • Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

  • Roman Catacombs

  • Baths of Caracalla

Days 6-9 (4 days): The Dolomites

Instagram-worthy sightseeing at Pragser Wildsee.

Days 6–9 (4 days): The Dolomites

Explore the stunning alpine scenery and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Highlights include:

  • Pragser Wildsee (Lake Prags)

  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo

  • Seceda

  • Val Gardena

  • Alpe di Siusi

  • Lake Misurina

  • Sella Pass

  • Alta Badia

  • Cinque Torri

  • Lago di Braies

Days 10-12 (3 days): Lake Como

Boat ride at Lake Como.

Days 10-12 (3 days): Lake Como

Continue your journey to the picturesque Lake Como. Take boat rides across the lake and visit charming lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna.

Days 13-15 (3 days): Venice

The Doge's Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style.

Week 2: Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre

Days 13–15 (3 days): Venice

Explore the enchanting city of Venice and visit:

  • Canal Grande

  • Doge's Palace

  • Basilica di San Marco

  • Piazza San Marco

  • Campanile di San Marco

  • Ponte di Rialto

  • Murano glass factories

  • Dorsoduro

Days 16-19 (4 days): Florence and Day 20-22 (3 days): Cinque Terre

Arno River is known for its historic bridge and picturesque scenery in Tuscany, Florence.

Days 16–19 (4 days): Florence

Discover the cultural heart of Tuscany and visit:

  • Uffizi Gallery

  • Arno River

Days 20–22 (3 days): Cinque Terre

Explore the charming villages of Cinque Terre and enjoy:

  • Coastal trails

  • Fresh seafood in seaside trattorias

Days 23-25 (3 days): Pompeii, Days 26-28 (3 days): Amalfi Coast and Day 29: Departure

Breathtaking view of Amalfi Coast.

Week 3: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Departure

Days 23–25 (3 days): Pompeii

  • Journey to the archaeological site of Pompeii and explore:

  • Ancient ruins

Days 26–28 (3 days): Amalfi Coast

Relax on family-friendly beaches and explore:

  • Charming towns of Amalfi and Positano

  • Breathtaking views from coastal roads

Day 29: Departure

Bid farewell to Italy as you transfer to the airport for your journey home.

Need to know

Notes: Get ready for an amazing trip through Italy with this itinerary! It's best to go in spring or fall when the weather's nice and there are fewer crowds. Explore the historic sites in Rome, visit the charming villages in the Dolomites and unwind by the lakes in Como and the Amalfi Coast.

Restaurants:

Rome:

Budget-friendly ($$): Pizzeria da Baffetto (popular pizzeria near Campo de' Fiori).

Luxury ($$$$): Aroma Restaurant (Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Colosseum).

The Dolomites:

Budget-friendly ($$): Rifugio Friedrich August (mountain hut offering hearty meals with scenic views).

Luxury ($$$$): Rifugio Fanes (elegant mountain lodge serving gourmet Alpine cuisine).

Lake Como:

Budget-friendly ($$): Trattoria Baita Belvedere (cozy trattoria with affordable Italian dishes and lake views).

Luxury ($$$$): Il Gatto Nero (renowned restaurant in Cernobbio, offering upscale Italian cuisine).

Venice:

Budget-friendly ($$): Osteria Ai Do Pozzi (traditional Venetian trattoria with affordable seafood dishes).

Luxury ($$$$): Quadri Restaurant (historic Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking St. Mark's Square).

Florence:

Budget-friendly ($$): Trattoria ZaZa (popular trattoria offering affordable Tuscan specialties).

Luxury ($$$$): Enoteca Pinchiorri (three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine).

Cinque Terre:

Budget-friendly ($$): Trattoria dal Billy (charming family-run trattoria serving affordable Ligurian dishes).

Luxury ($$$$): Belforte Restaurant (elegant restaurant in Vernazza offering gourmet seafood).

Pompeii:

Budget-friendly ($$): Pompei Pizza & Fish (casual pizzeria and seafood restaurant near Pompeii ruins).

Luxury ($$$$): Villa dei Misteri (fine-dining restaurant offering upscale Mediterranean cuisine).

Amalfi Coast:

Budget-friendly ($$): Ristorante Lo Guarracino (seaside restaurant in Positano with affordable seafood dishes).

Luxury ($$$$): Il San Pietro di Positano (Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine).

Advisor - Michelle Malter

Travel Advisor

Michelle Malter

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.