Travel experts and tourists alike have long agreed that Italy is a magical place. In fact, the country has become a bucket list destination for just about everyone. From its incredible food, historical sites, famous art, quaint small towns, and rolling countryside, it’s clear that what Italy has to offer is unmatched. With so much to see and limited vacation time, tourists are presented with a unique problem: How to choose where to go when you’re in Italy?

To help you get started, I’ve selected my top picks for where to go based on how much time you have in Italy. Whether you’re there for two days or two weeks, here are my suggested priorities for your Italian getaway.

If you have 3 days: stay in rome

Rome is impressive and overwhelming at the same time. It has become an expected stop on most Italy itineraries, and it’s not hard to see why. Here you’ll find ancient ruins like the Colosseum, works by Michelangelo, Vatican City, and other must-see tourist attractions. Spend your time strolling through medieval streets and Roman ruins interspersed in a modern and lively city. Even if you’ve been to Rome once or twice before, the city has endless sites, activities, and restaurants to offer.

If you have 5 days, add florence

Florence entices travelers from all over with old-world streets and romantic piazzas. Enjoy the same streets walked by Michaelangelo and da Vinci while savoring Italy’s best gelato in the birthplace of the Renaissance. If you have some time to spare, you can take a day trip to the Chianti wine region to bask in the sun and rolling hills of Tuscany.

If you have 7 days, add venice

As Rick Steves said, the beauty of Venice is Venice itself. There are few destinations in the world that are quite like it. You’ll want to tour St. Mark’s Basilica and stroll along the Rialto Bridge, and don’t be surprised by the bustle of locals and tourists alike. Sit at a restaurant and enjoy watching over the canals that run through this city like roads, filled with water taxis and gondolas.

if you have 8 days, add the cinque terre

The Cinque Terre are five traffic-free villages along a mountainous stretch of the Italian Riviera. These are Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. Take in the scenes of the picture-perfect homes and scenic vineyards along the coast. Just sun, sea, and wine - Italy to its core.

If you have 10 days, add the amalfi coast and naples

With this bundle of towns just south of Rome, you can hit three or four of them in a couple of days. Try the pizza of Naples, visit the ruins of Pompeii, hike around Mount Vesuvius, and stop in Postitano on the Amalfi Coast. Oh, and don’t forget the dramamine!

If you have 14 days, add milan

Milan is Italy’s fashion and industry capital, and its second-largest city. Walk down Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for high-end fashion and finish your evening at the world-renowned La Scala Opera House. While you’re there, book your visit to see Da Vinci’s iconic *Last Supper*.

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Whether you’re a Tuscan vineyard regular or have yet to experience the magic of la dolce vita, all it takes is about 20 minutes in Italy to realize that your vacation - 2 days or 2 months - won’t nearly be long enough. Even so, if two days in Rome is all you have, that is enough time to see the must-see sights and fall in love with one of the richest cultures in Europe. You’ll no doubt want to return to discover the infinite hidden gems and unexpected delights the country offers.

Are you wondering how many days in Italy you should plan for to fully experience the country your way? Contact me for 1:1 travel consulting or a custom itinerary tailored to your specific interests and style. I can design a full Italian itinerary that encompasses not only Rome but also Florence, Venice, and beyond – turning your dream Italy vacation into an exciting reality!

How To Spend Two Weeks In Italy