15 Days in Italy - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast, & Rome

This comprehensive trip plan is a grand tour of Italy: you'll see Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, with boat tours and winery visits along the way. 

Begin the trip in Rome, catching a quick train to Venice on the first day — you'll be back in the capital at the end of the itinerary. Spend a day exploring 'La Serenissima,' riding a gondola down the Grand Canal and strolling through Piazza San Marco. You'll take a boat tour to Murano and other notable islands near Venice and have a free day for shopping and getting lost in the city's labyrinth of streets before taking the train to Florence for sightseeing and a walking food tour. You'll try local specialties including truffle panini and chocolate focaccia before the next day's side trip to the wine region of Chianti, including stops in the historic cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Then detour to Pisa to visit the iconic Leaning Tower.

On the second week, transfer to the Amalfi Coast and watch the sunset during a cruise around Positano. You'll travel by boat to the island of Capri and enjoy a free day for sunbathing and relaxing on the beach before zipping back up to Rome for several days of sightseeing, eating, and drinking. Go on guided tours of the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Vatican. On your last full day, explore the elegant Galleria Borghese in the morning, then have a leisurely outdoor lunch and spend the afternoon walking, gelato in hand, through one of the world's great cities. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore Tuscany

Take your time discovering Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca on this relaxed itinerary through the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany.

The adventure begins in Florence, where you'll visit the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, step inside the massive Duomo cathedral, wander down pedestrian-friendly streets, and see Michelangelo's 'David.' Learn about truffle hunting the next day on a dedicated tour in the countryside, then head to Pisa for the obligatory photo op at the Leaning Tower. You'll go on a Vespa tour through the Tuscan hills on say six, then head to Siena the following day to get acquainted with the UNESCO-honored Gothic cathedral and historic center. 

Midway through the trip, visit the twin Etruscan-era cities of Montepulciano and Pienza. Taste local varietals at Brunello di Montalcino Winery and relax during a free day in Siena before traveling to Lucca for a city tour and a pasta-making class. At the end of the trip, you'll leave Tuscany for the neighboring region of Liguria and the five coastal villages—all connected by hiking trail and train—of the Cinque Terre. After so much fresh air and exercise, enjoy one more day in Lucca at your own pace, renting a bike or going horseback riding along the Serchio River and raising a glass (or two) to the good life, Italian-style. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Milan & Italy's Lakes Region

On this tour of Italy's north, you'll have time to explore fashionable Milan, scale the heights of the Dolomite Mountains, and see the Lakes Region by boat.

Touch down in Milan, capital of Italy's fashion scene. Spend a full day getting to know the city: highlights include visiting the towering Duomo cathedral (make sure you get up to the rooftop for panoramic views) and seeing Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. You'll have a free day for shopping, sightseeing, and sitting in outdoor cafés before continuing onto Lake Como. Tour the country's most famous lake by boat, taking breaks for a walking tour of Bellagio and a pasta-making class in Como. Rent a kayak to paddle out on the water, or just relax on the shore and enjoy the views. 

Midway through the trip, you'll go to Lake Maggiore and hop on a boat to see a few of the lake's eleven islands, then visit the pretty resort town of Stresa. Spend the last few days of the trip on Lake Garda, a jumping-off point for a day trip up into the Dolomite Mountains and a side journey to the romantic town of Verona, thought to have inspired the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Enjoy leisurely wine tastings during another day trip to Valpolicella: the word, a mix of ancient Latin and Greek, translates to "valley of many cellars," and the place lives up to its name. Take it easy on the shores of Lake Garda on the last day. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Best of Sicily

Get to know Sicily at a laid-back pace, including historic cities, quiet beaches, and the largest active volcano in Europe, on this itinerary around the island.

The capital of Sicily welcomes you at the start of the trip. Go on a guided evening tour of Palermo, then get some rest before the next day's Segway tour through medieval streets and a cooking class where you'll learn to make traditional Sicilian dishes. Explore the Palermo Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral on day four before continuing on to Syracuse. Take an afternoon tour of Ortygia—the old town of Syracuse, located on Ortygia Island—then relax on Arenella Beach during a free day midway through the trip.

Transfer to Taormina, with striking views of the Ionian Sea and nearby Mount Etna. You'll spend the next day getting close to Etna's summit on foot (and via Jeep and cable car) during a full-day tour of Europe's largest active volcano. Take a break on day nine with a tour of three local wineries, then have another day in Taormina to stroll and sightsee at your own pace. The last few days of the trip take you to Catania for a walking food tour, a visit to key historic sights like the 13th-century Ursino Castle, and a guided tour of the hilltop locations used during the filming of The Godfather trilogy. Spend the last afternoon sunbathing on the black volcanic sand on the beach of San Giovanni Li Cuti. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Family Adventure in Italy

On this family trip around Italy, see Venice, Florence, and Rome from a kid-friendly perspective.

Riding on high-speed trains is part of the fun on this family-friendly trip. Arrive in Rome, then board the train to Venice for a kid-oriented walking tour of the Floating City followed by a scavenger hunt and a Carnevale-style mask-making class. Children love the next day's adventure by boat to the island of Murano, where the family will learn about the ancient art of glass-making. On day five, you'll climb aboard bicycles for a tour of Lido and an afternoon exploring the outdoor garden maze at Villa Pisani. Then it's time for another train ride to Florence for a walking food tour—gelato and chocolate focaccia are always a hit with kids—and a treasure hunt around the city.

Day-trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, then return to Florence for pizza-making classes and a marbled paper workshop that's educational for all ages. You'll tour the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Vatican—all on tours geared to children—before kids attend Gladiator School, complete with costumes and a full tournament at the end of the course. Zoom around the Eternal City on a golf cart tour, learn to make pizzas with the pros, and check out the kid-friendly attractions at the Capitoline Museum. The last day is free: take the time to go back to your favorite gelato shops or to rent bicycles in Villa Borghese. Learn more

More Great 15-Day Italy Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Italy trip? Check out these other 15-day Italy itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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