Italy for First-Timers: How to Plan the Ideal 1, 2, or 3-Week Itinerary
Planning your first trip to Italy can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many beautiful cities, famous landmarks, and mouthwatering meals waiting—but how do you decide what to actually include?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Italy many times over the years, and my love for the country started early: my first visit was with my family when I was just four years old. Since then, I’ve explored everything from the big three (Rome, Florence, Venice) to quieter towns and countryside spots that most tourists overlook. This guide brings together everything I’ve learned to help you make smart choices—whether you’ve got 3 days or 3 weeks.
If you’re still deciding between countries, you might want to check out my Best First-Time Itineraries for Europe article, or the popular Italy and France combo itinerary guide for those trying to split their time between two classics.
Let’s dive into how to make your first Italian adventure unforgettable.
⚠️ Don’t Try to See All of Italy in One Trip
Italy is packed with amazing places, but trying to squeeze too many into one visit is the fastest way to turn your dream trip into a stressful blur. Long travel days, rushed meals, and one-night hotel stays will leave you exhausted instead of enchanted.
Instead, pick just a couple of regions and really enjoy them. You’ll eat better, spend less time on trains, and have way more memorable experiences. It’s better to wish you had more time in a place than to realize you didn’t experience any of it properly.
🇮🇹 Only 3 Days in Italy? Make Them Count in Rome
If you somehow only have three days for Italy, Rome is by far your best option. It’s the heart of ancient and modern Italy, packed with iconic sights, unforgettable food, and lively neighborhoods. With just a few days, you’ll still be able to see the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and maybe even catch a sunset from a rooftop bar.
To help make the most of a short trip, here’s a sample plan that covers the highlights:
- Full day: Colosseum, Ancient Rome, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain
- Full day: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, sightseeing bus tour or guided walking tour
Rome: Ancient wonders, epic food, and Italy’s most iconic sights
Rome is a must on any first-time Italy itinerary, especially if you only have a few days. It’s chaotic, historic, and completely unforgettable. You’ll walk in the footsteps of emperors at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, marvel at the Pantheon, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and admire the art and architecture of Vatican City.
Even though the city is huge, most of the top sights are in the central area and easy to link together on foot — or with a ride on the sightseeing bus or metro. Just be prepared for crowds and a bit of sensory overload. It’s Rome, after all.
Where to stay in Rome
For a short trip, you’ll want to stay in or near the historic center to cut down on travel time. The Pantheon/Trevi area is ideal for first-time visitors, with classic Roman atmosphere and most major sights within walking distance. The Trastevere neighborhood offers a more local vibe and great dining, while staying near Termini Station can save you money and make airport/train travel easier — just pick a hotel with good reviews.
🇮🇹 With 4 or 5 Nights, Add Florence or Venice
If you’ve got 4 or 5 nights total for Italy, you still want to start in Rome — but now you’ve got time to add one more iconic city. The choice depends on your interests.
Florence is the art and architecture capital, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and a great home base for exploring Tuscany. It’s compact, walkable, and full of charm — perfect if you love history, museums, and stunning views.
Venice, on the other hand, is one of the most unique cities in the world. It’s best for romantic vibes, canals, and dreamy scenery, even if it’s a bit more touristy and not quite as packed with major sights.
How to choose?
If you’re flying in or out of Rome, Florence is easier logistically. If Venice is a must-see for you, plan to fly out of Venice or stop there on your way back to Rome — just know it’s a long journey. Either way, try to spend at least 2 full nights in whichever city you add.
Need a third option? Some travelers also consider Milan or Naples, but neither is ideal on such a short trip unless you have very specific interests.
🚄 6 or 7 Nights in Italy: Fastest Recommended Trip to Rome, Florence and Venice
If you’ve got 6 or 7 nights, you can finally pull off the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice — without needing a vacation from your vacation afterward. It’s still a fast-paced itinerary, but it works if you keep it efficient.
Here’s the typical breakdown:
- 3 nights in Rome – Start in the busiest and most overwhelming city while your energy is high.
- 2 nights in Florence – Enjoy a bit of a breather in this walkable Renaissance gem.
- 1 or 2 nights in Venice – End your trip somewhere beautiful and calm (just don’t expect the food to be a highlight).
Trains between cities are fast, affordable, and far easier than driving. Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours, and Florence to Venice takes just over 2 hours — both on high-speed trains with gorgeous scenery.
If you only have 6 nights, cut Venice to just one night. If you’ve got 7, two nights in Venice feels more relaxed and gives you time to wander the canals without a plan — which is the best way to enjoy it.
This is probably the most popular first-time itinerary in Italy, and for good reason: you get three legendary cities, three very different vibes, and memories for life.
Florence: Renaissance charm, world-famous art, and day-trip options
Florence is compact, walkable, and filled with stunning architecture — making it an ideal next stop after Rome. It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance, so it packs a punch when it comes to world-class art and iconic sights. And since it’s only 90 minutes from Rome by train, adding a night or two here is easy.
You’ll want to visit the Uffizi Gallery (for Botticelli’s Birth of Venus), Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, and the Duomo, which you can climb for views over the city’s red-tile rooftops. Even just wandering the narrow alleys and crossing the Ponte Vecchio is a highlight in itself. Florence also makes a great base for day trips — Pisa is just an hour away and easy to visit in a half-day.
Where to stay in Florence
Look for a hotel in the historic center near the Duomo, or just across the river in the quieter Oltrarno district, which has a more local vibe. Hotels here are smaller and often charming, but book early — good options go fast.
>>>Florence prices and travel tips
Venice: A one-of-a-kind city that’s best in small doses
There’s nowhere else on earth like Venice — a floating city of canals, stone bridges, and historic buildings that feels like a movie set. It’s beautiful, romantic, and absolutely worth visiting…but ideally for just a day or two.
Most of the top sights, like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge, are packed into a walkable core, so it’s easy to see the highlights in a short time. The vaporetto (water bus) offers a fun and scenic way to get around, and a gondola ride — while expensive — is a bucket list moment for many.
The downside? Venice is crowded, expensive, and the food is often subpar compared to the rest of Italy. Many restaurants cater almost exclusively to tourists, and quality can be hit or miss.
Where to stay in Venice
If you want the full experience, stay on the island itself, ideally in the San Marco or Cannaregio districts. If you’re on a tighter budget, look for hotels in Mestre on the mainland — it’s a short train or bus ride away and much cheaper.
Places to add if you've got 8 or more days in Italy
Needless to say, if you’ve got 8 or more days on your first Italy trip you’ve got the option of staying even longer in Rome, Florence, and/or Venice. But in my experience most people want to move quickly and see more things so I’ll discuss the best options for those who want to see more.
Day trips from Florence (1 to 4 additional days)
Florence is perfectly located for exploring central Italy, and if you’ve got a few extra days to play with, it’s the ideal base for side trips. I’ve stayed here for weeks at a time, and honestly, it’s hard to run out of amazing things to do within a short train ride. You’ll find a mix of big-name sights like Pisa and Siena, plus charming hill towns and even famous coastal villages—though not all of them live up to the hype. Below are some of my top picks, along with some honest advice you might not hear elsewhere.
Pisa (half day)
Let’s be honest—aside from the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa doesn’t offer much for visitors. But that one sight, along with the lovely cathedral and baptistery beside it in the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), is absolutely worth the short trip from Florence.
Trains run frequently and take about an hour. Most people walk the 30 minutes from the main station to the tower, but there’s also a smaller station – Pisa San Rossore—just a 10-minute walk away if you’re short on time.
Cinque Terre (1 to 2 days)
The Cinque Terre – meaning “Five Lands” – are five colorful fishing villages perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian coast. Until the 1990s, they were relatively unknown outside of Italy. Then came the travel writers (especially Rick Steves), and now the area is packed most of the year.
Vernazza is the most photographed and arguably the most charming of the five. You can easily visit one or two towns on a day trip from Florence by train, or stay overnight if you want to explore more leisurely. The hiking trail that links the villages can be gorgeous, but some sections are steep and occasionally closed due to weather or maintenance, so check before you go.
Crowds are heaviest from June through September, and winter tends to be cold and dreary. For the best balance of weather and breathing room, aim for March, April, October, or early November.
Siena (1 day)
Just 80 minutes from Florence by train, Siena offers a quieter, less touristy taste of Tuscany. It’s a medieval gem with winding alleys, beautiful brick architecture, and a huge central square called Piazza del Campo, where locals gather—and where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice each summer.
The large brick town square is one of the top attractions and a lovely place to eat or relax – except on July 2 and August 16, when the Palio transforms it into a roaring stadium packed with enthusiastic locals and spectators. Siena’s Gothic cathedral is also one of Italy’s most striking, with black-and-white marble stripes and vivid interiors. It’s compact and easy to explore in a day, and a refreshing contrast to the tourist crowds in Florence.
Tuscan hill towns (1 or 2 days)
Tuscany is famous for its rolling landscapes, vineyards, and postcard-perfect towns perched on hilltops. Many of these towns date back to the Middle Ages or even earlier, and were built high above the valleys for defensive reasons. Visiting one or two of them is a fantastic way to slow down and enjoy a more authentic, small-town version of Italy.
Some of the most popular options include Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Gimignano, and Volterra. Each has its own character, but they all offer stunning views, excellent local wine, and hearty Tuscan cuisine. A few are reachable by train (at least to a nearby station), but renting a car gives you the most flexibility. While they can get busy on summer weekends, these towns are peaceful and atmospheric the rest of the year—perfect for a relaxing break between Italy’s bustling cities.
Milan (1 day, if that)
Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion capital, but it’s not a must-see for most first-time visitors. The city has a modern, businesslike vibe and feels very different from Italy’s more historic and charming destinations. That said, there are a couple of highlights worth noting.
The Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is one of the grandest and most intricate in all of Europe – and you can even climb to the rooftop for a unique view over the spires and the city. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade that feels like a luxury museum. Milan is also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, though tickets must be booked weeks or even months in advance. Unless you’ve got a specific reason to stop, Milan usually works best as a one-night layover between other destinations – especially if your train to Venice or Switzerland passes through anyway.
>>>Milan prices and travel tips
Lake Como (1 or 2 days)
Lake Como is a picturesque retreat surrounded by hills and dotted with charming small towns, long favored by Milanese locals looking for fresh air and peaceful views. It’s best visited during the warmer months when the lakeside cafes and ferry boats are buzzing—but if you’re here in spring or autumn, it’s still a relaxing and scenic place to unwind for a day or two.
The easiest base is Varenna, reachable by train from Milan in about an hour. From there, you can hop on frequent ferries to explore other famous towns like Bellagio and Menaggio. While the natural setting is beautiful, it’s not quite as jaw-dropping as the alpine scenery nearby in Italy or Switzerland—and from November through March, much of the area goes into hibernation, with many restaurants and shops closed. If you’re passing through Milan and looking for a peaceful overnight escape, Lake Como can still be a worthwhile detour, especially in shoulder season.
Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii (3 to 5 additional days)
If this is your first trip to Italy it’s probably best to focus on the places mentioned above, but you’ve got some interesting options a bit south of Rome as well. I’d recommend focusing your next Italy trip on the section below, and you might include a visit to Sicily as well.
Naples (Day trip from Rome or Sorrento)
Naples has long been known as Italy’s capital of petty crime and city corruption, and until recently, most tourists treated it as a cautious day trip. The historic center still has almost no parks or green spaces, which adds to the gritty feel – but as of 2025, the vibe is changing. The city feels safer and more welcoming, and a growing number of travelers are staying overnight to soak in the energy, history, and of course, the pizza. It’s still a chaotic city, but now it feels more like an adventure than a risk.
That said, unless you’re eager for the full Naples experience, it’s still a place most travelers enjoy as a half-day or full-day visit rather than a base.
>>>Naples prices and travel tips
Sorrento (1 to 4 days as a base to explore the whole area)
Just across the bay, Sorrento feels like a different world. It’s calm, charming, and has the kind of coastal atmosphere that instantly slows your pace. I love Sorrento – and not just for the beautiful views and peaceful vibe. It also makes a perfect base for day trips to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri, either by bus, taxi, or ferry. It’s also a great place to try limoncello, which is made from the enormous local lemons that seem to grow everywhere.
Bonus: Sorrento has more English speakers than almost anywhere else in Italy. After days of struggling to communicate in big cities, having more natural interactions with locals here can feel like a real treat.
>>>Sorrento prices and travel tips
Pompeii (Half to Full Day)
If you’re staying in Sorrento or Naples, Pompeii is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in all of Italy. Trains from either city take about 30 minutes and drop you just a short walk from the main entrance to the ruins. You really can’t grasp the scale of the site until you’re walking through its ancient streets – and it’s much bigger than most people expect. Give yourself at least three hours inside, and wear good shoes because the original Roman stone streets are rough and uneven. Guided tours are available, but many people do just fine with an audio guide or self-guided app.
Amalfi Coast (Half to Full Day)
One of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, the Amalfi Coast is breathtaking – but it’s not the easiest place to visit in a hurry. From Sorrento, you can take a tour, hire a taxi for the day, or catch one of the infrequent buses that wind along the cliffs between towns. Positano is the most famous and photogenic town, but Amalfi and Ravello are also worth a look. If you’re short on time, a half-day trip to Positano can give you the experience, but allow extra time if you want to explore multiple towns or avoid traffic stress.
Sicily (2 to 5 Days or More)
Italy’s largest island has a distinctly different feel from the mainland, with a unique mix of Mediterranean, North African, and ancient Greek influences. If you’ve already seen the big cities up north, this is a great add-on – especially in warmer months or even in winter, when the weather stays relatively mild in many coastal areas.
Palermo
Sicily’s chaotic and historic capital is full of surprises. It’s gritty and loud, but also packed with fascinating architecture, bustling markets, and one of Italy’s most exciting street food scenes. You’ll find a mix of Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences all in one walkable historic center. It’s not polished – but that’s part of the appeal.
Taormina
Perched dramatically above the sea on Sicily’s eastern coast, Taormina has long been popular with European travelers, but it’s become an even hotter destination recently thanks to The White Lotus season two, which was filmed here and shows the town in all its glory. (It also happens to be my favorite show.)
The ancient Greek amphitheater has stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea, and the whole town is bursting with boutique hotels, stylish cafés, and cliffside terraces. It’s touristy, yes – but for good reason.
Catania
Located at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city and a great gateway to the east coast. It’s grittier than Taormina but far more authentic, with fewer crowds and a real local vibe. Catania also has surprisingly lively nightlife and some of the best views of Europe’s most active volcano. If you rent a car, this is a great home base for day trips up to Mount Etna or to the nearby coast.
Options for food lovers and those looking for rural or farm visits
Since every traveler is different, let’s include two more options that should definitely appeal to quite a few first-time visitors to Italy.
Bologna: The Culinary Capital of Italy
If you’re serious about Italian food—or just want your meals to be consistently excellent—Bologna is a must. Located between Florence and Venice, it’s easy to add as a stop on a train journey, and well worth even a quick visit for lunch or dinner.
Bologna doesn’t get a lot of international tourism, which is exactly why its restaurant scene is so good. Locals expect high quality and won’t tolerate tourist-trap mediocrity. You’ll find iconic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (what we call Bolognese), plus handmade tortellini and other regional specialties. Many travelers stay a night to sample more meals and browse the charming markets—but even a few hours here can be a highlight.
Umbria: Rolling Hills, Rustic Charm, and Farm Stays
While Tuscany gets most of the attention, the neighboring region of Umbria offers a more relaxed and often more affordable version of the same dreamy countryside. Perugia, the hilltop capital, has a historic center worth exploring, and nearby Assisi draws religious pilgrims and history lovers alike.
Outside the cities, Umbria is all about rolling hills, pork-heavy cuisine, and a slower pace of life. This is also one of the best places in Italy for an agriturismo stay—a working farm that rents rooms and serves home-cooked meals. For foodies or travelers looking to unwind away from the tourist crowds, Umbria delivers an authentic, scenic experience that may end up being the most memorable part of your trip
Bari: Come for the Ferry, Stay for Assassin’s Spaghetti
Located on the Adriatic coast, Bari is a common jumping-off point for ferries to and from Croatia. But in 2024 it found unexpected fame for a local dish gone viral: Spaghetti all’Assassina (Assassin’s Spaghetti).
This spicy pasta is cooked directly in a wide pan without pre-boiling, then repeatedly hit with tomato sauce to create a smoky, caramelized crust. It’s crispy, fiery, and deeply flavorful—and it’s suddenly being served in restaurants all over town. I’ve visited cities for worse reasons than a unique plate of pasta, and if you’re passing through, this one’s worth trying.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your First Italy Trip
Italy is one of those countries that lives up to the hype – and then some. The biggest challenge for first-time visitors isn’t finding amazing places to go, it’s choosing just a few. Hopefully this guide has helped narrow things down and given you a realistic idea of how much you can see without burning out.
If this is your first visit, try not to overdo it. Pick a few cities or regions that really interest you, allow some time for leisurely meals and detours, and assume you’ll come back someday—because chances are, you will.
And if you’ve got questions or tips of your own, feel free to leave a comment. Buon viaggio!
Hi Roger
Im going through your articles and basically i want to go everywhere! (we are over 45) We are looking to go to europe from Australia next year we will have aprox 12-16 weeks. Do you think it is good to base in London and do flights from london (we have friends we can stay with in London or would you go direct to Rome? Our main destination that we want to visit is Italy, wouldn’t mind a visit to Paris, Monaco and croatia or sicily/sardinia in the mix maybe even Greece but we do want to relax and spend at least 4-5 nights on the amalfi coast and maybe another 4-5 nights somewhere – I don’t want to overload and pack too much in what would be your must do recommendations for destinations given the time frame?
Jacqui,
I know what you mean and I want to go back to all of these places as well! If you have friends you can stay with in London I would definitely try to use that resource as much as possible, although it might depend a bit on the time of year. You could even break your Italy adventures into 2 or 3 visits from London. The first thing would obviously be flights back and forth. As long as you book at least a month or two in advance, you can probably get cheap fares from one or more London airports to several different Italian cities. And once in Italy, the high-speed trains between the major cities are cheap if you book those well in advance as well.
I’ve lived in London before and I find it very easy to get around and enjoy a pleasant time. Rome, on the other hand, is quite chaotic, especially near the Termini train station and main tourist attractions, and it could be a bit stressful if you just wanted to hang around for a week between tourist trips. If, say, you got an Airbnb in a quiet neighborhood outside of the city center, it could be nice, but you’d also be in an area where very few people speak much English.
As for where specifically to go, I’ve put all of my best recommendations for both countries into the article above. I’ve yet to visit Sardinia myself and I’ve heard it’s not quite as tourist-friendly as the popular regions in Italy itself. I’d probably focus on the more famous places in Italy on a first trip. Again, once you get outside of the popular tourist cities, very few people will speak any English.
My recommendations would depend on the specific months you’d be there. For example, on the Amalfi Coast, the main beach towns are overflowing in July and August, very pleasant in June and September, and mostly closed down from January through March.
As for Greece, I’d recommend spending maybe 2 or 3 days in Athens and then take a flight or ferry to one of the islands. I’d avoid Santorini and Mykonos because people are saying that they are so insanely crowded these days (at least in summer) that they are hard to enjoy. Rhodes, for example, is larger and less crazy, although there are dozens of other options. Just try to pick an island that doesn’t also have cruise ships stopping there.
I’m happy to try to help more if you tell me when you are going and maybe a bit more about what you are looking for. -Roger
Hi Roger
My husband and I are going to middle & northern Italy in March 2023 for 4 weeks. We will be hiring a car in Rome and intend to visit Florence, Bologna, Rome, but I love the smaller towns like Brescia and Spoleto (actually my favourite place in the whole of Italy). I have one day left on my itinerary and not sure how to spend it. Would you say any extra time should be spent in Lucca, Parma or Brescia where I already have a couple of days in each. No Venice for me, too busy.
Thank you so much. Your website is a beaut.
Jackie
Australia
Jackie,
This sounds like an amazing trip and I wish I could help more. I must admit that I’ve yet to visit any of the three towns you mention, although I’ve heard good things about Lucca and Parma. My hunch is that you’ll be happy with whichever one you choose, especially since you already seem to know the area well.
The one thing I would be looking into is how well each of them is suited for cars. As you know, Italy’s largest cities are not really auto-friendly, and many of the smaller ones are not car-friendly as well. Since those are all mid-size towns I’d think finding parking would not be too difficult, but I’m not really sure. For example, the Siena city center is not a place I’d want to be driving around or parking.
I’ve also heard a lot of good things about Modena and the videos look beautiful. I’m going to try to visit there on my next Italy visit next year. Sorry I couldn’t be more help! -Roger
Hi Roger. If I have only six or seven days in Italy, is it possible to base myself in Rome the whole period and just take a one day trip to Florence and then another one day trip to Venice? I find it’s a hassle to hop from city to city and book an accommodation for just an overnight stay or two? What do you think? Thank you in advance for your advice.
Mae,
Visiting Florence on a day trip from Rome could be okay, especially if you are staying fairly close to the main Termini train station in Rome. The high-speed train takes a bit under 90 minutes and the best sights in Florence are all fairly close to the train station there. However, Rome to Venice on a day trip would be kind of a slog. The train takes almost four hours each way, and then getting from the Venice train station to St. Marks Square will probably take another 30 minutes. I’d highly recommend staying in Venice for at least one night if you want to visit.
Another thing to consider is that Venice small and it can be insanely crowded during the middle of the day, so you’d get the worst of that. Tens of thousands of people visit Venice on day trips on bus excursions and cruises and so forth, so the city is packed from 10 AM through about 4 PM each day. Before or after that it’s much more pleasant and far less crowded. If you pack light (a good idea anyway) then changing hotels shouldn’t be too challenging compared to the rewards. I hope that helps. -Roger
Comment*I’m so happy I found your post. We’re booked for NY to Milan 9/29-10/10 following your advice we need to move around Italy. What should be our itinerary? Should we do a day trip to Switzerland or Lake Comp or both?
Mimi,
I’m glad you found it as well. Honestly, I put all of my best advice for Italy itineraries into the article. Don’t plan on spending any or much time in Milan. And if you have a couple of days I’d highly recommend Switzerland over Lake Como. Head to the Interlaken area for the best experience. I have several articles about it on this site. I hope that helps. -Roger
Comment* planning a trip for June wanting to go to Paris Amalfi coast and Sicily… Thoughts on all of it would be appreciated
Leslie,
I’m happy to help if you narrow the question a bit. I’d plan on at least 9 days, with 3 days in each place at a minimum. Getting between these three isn’t too easy. You could fly from Paris to Naples and then take a train to Sorrento as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast. The trains between Naples and Sicily are quite slow and it would take a whole day, so it’s better to fly from Naples to Palermo and explore from there.
Let me know any specific questions and I’ll be happy to answer. -Roger
Thank you very much for this, Roger!
We really wanted to join a group tour to Positano and Amalfi for our extra day in Rome. But i find it very expensive. 🙁
Or do you think it’s worth it?
Choosing between Naples Pompeii or Positano Alamfi for our extra day. Which would you recommend?
Thanks!
Elaine
Hi Roger! Flying to Italy early next month! Thank you so much for answering all my questions. you have been a big part in my Euro Trip planning 🙂
We will be staying in rome for 4 nights. Was planning to do a day trip somewhere. What can you recommend?
And also. Do you recommend i stay longer in Madrid or Barcelona?
Because i read that there are much more things to see and do in Barcelona than Madrid.
Is the day trip to Toledo worth it? Can i do it on my own? or you suggest i join a tour group?
Thanks!!
Elaine
Elaine,
I’m happy to have helped. You can reach quite a few great places as day trips from Rome. If you are already covering Florence and Venice as full stops I’d go south of Rome on a day trip. You can reach Naples in about 90 minutes on a high-speed train and that is a great day trip to visit the home of pizza and see the famous archeological museum. From Naples you can take the Circumvesuviana train about 30 minutes south to reach the Pompeii ruins, which are also amazing. If you start early from Rome you can spend a few hours in Pompeii and also spend a few hours in Naples and still make it back to Rome for dinner if you like.
Barcelona has become a booming tourist destination in the last 10 years or so, but Madrid is still the capital and it’s loaded with great sights as well. My recommendation is three nights in each city. If you have one more night then Barcelona could be a good choice, but using it for the Toledo day trip from Madrid might even be better. You don’t need to go on a group tour of Toledo unless you prefer it. The train from Madrid to Toledo leaves at 50 minutes past every hour and only takes 33 minutes to reach Toledo. From the train station there it’s a pretty short walk to the historic town center and all of the sights are close together. You can also take the hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Toledo, which I enjoyed a lot. It stops at the train station, and that saves you the uphill walk into town. You can see all of the main sights from the bus as well as great views of the town from different angles, and then walk to various sights on your own from the closest bus stops. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi,
How do you book train tickets with the interrailpass in Italy? I have been looking everywhere on the website and cannot figure out how to do it.
Celine,
It is definitely confusing at first. Actually, the Interrail Pass covers your “train ticket” so all you need to do is book a seat reservation if you want to travel on one of the lines where they are necessary. In Italy the high-speed trains between the larger cities all require a seat reservation. They tend to be about €10 each, but they often include a drink (including beer or wine). It looks like you can make seat reservations through Interrail using their reservation service.
But you should be able to make seat reservations from the official Italy rail website. It might ask you to verify that you have a Eurail or Interrail Pass to be sure you are getting the right thing. And you can also make seat reservations in person at train stations, but of course by that time it’s possible that the seats will be sold out, so it’s best to do it at least a day or two in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger