Italy is a must-visit country and is one of the most-traveled destinations in Europe. I feel in love with Italy and I am hoping this guide can help you plan your adventure to Italy!

The Best Time to Visit

There is no bad time to visit Italy and all seasons have something special and unique. In general, the best time to visit Italy is from April to October. That’s when the weather is at its best and everything is open.

However, it can get really hot in the summer months. So if you are visiting in June, July, or August, be prepared for it to be hot! I suggest going May, early June or September because the weather will still be pleasant and you’ll avoid peak tourist season so there will be fewer crowds.

How to get around

You do not need a car to get around Italy, especially if you are visiting the popular cities included in the itinerary.

Italy has great public transportation system including a high speed train that connects between the major cities.

I used Rail Ninja to book train tickets between the cities. The train is faster and cheaper than booking a car and driving from city to city. The train was super easy to navigate, very clean with plenty of space for large suitcases.

• https://rail.ninja/

Recommended cities to visit for your first trip

Italy has so many amazing cities to offer so it is very hard to pick the top places you should visit for your trip.

Cities to visit:

• Venice
• Florence
• Tuscany
• Rome
• Amalfi Coast

If you have more than 2 weeks:

• Milan
• Lake Como
• Portofino

2 weeks in Italy with top things to do:

Venice

Spend 3 days in Venice: The Floating City

– Wander through Piazza San Marco and admire St. Mark’s Basilica

– Take a gondola ride near Rialto Bridge 

– Grab dinner along the canal followed by gelato from Suso 

– Explore the colorful island of Burano

Florence

Spend 3 days in Florence: History, Art & Architecture

– Admire the Duomo and stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 

– Grab a sandwich from the iconic All’antico Vinaioandwalk along the Ponte Vecchio bridge 

– Stroll to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset  

– Take a day trip to the countryside of Tuscany for wine tasting 

Rome

Spend 4 days in Rome: Ancient ruins, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture

– Take a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum 

– Visit other iconic landmarks: Pantheon, Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, and Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

– Take a pasta and tiramisu making class 

– Visit Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

Positano

Spend 4 days in Positano: Postcard Worthy

– Stroll around the picturesque town and check out all the local ceramic shops (be prepared for lots of stairs!) 

– Book a private boat to coast along the Amalfi Coast 

– Relax at the main beach Spiaggia Grande or for a more expensive option book beach chairs at Arienzo beach club

– Hike the Path of the Gods if you are feeling adventurous 

– Take a boat tour to the island of Capri & visit the Blue Grotto