France and Italy Itinerary Ideas for 1, 2, or 3 Week Trips
I’ve been traveling through France and Italy since I was a little kid, and they’re still two of my favorite places to revisit. My first trip had me feeding pigeons in Venice and pretending to like gelato (I’ve since gotten better at both). Since then, I’ve returned many times, and over the years, I’ve learned what makes for a fun, efficient, and not-too-rushed first-time itinerary through these iconic countries.
This guide will help you figure out how many cities to visit, how long to stay in each place, and how to put together a trip that won’t leave you exhausted by day four. I’ve also included sample itineraries that cover 7, 10, 14, and even 18-night trips, using the pacing I’ve found to be the sweet spot for most travelers.
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The advice in this article is designed for people who want to see the most famous sights in France and Italy while still having time to enjoy the local culture — not just rush from city to city. I’m a big believer that 3 nights in each major city is ideal, with occasional day trips to places like Pisa, Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast.
This article was most recently updated in August, 2025.
How Long Should You Stay in Each City?
Trying to see all of Italy and France in two weeks? That can easily turn into a blur of trains, hotel check-ins, and hurried sightseeing. In cities like Rome or Paris, even booking two nights leaves you with just one full day to explore—and that rarely cuts it.
Most travel experts, including myself, recommend minimum 3 nights per major city — ideally even more if you want to soak in the food, culture, and pace. This helps avoid burnout, lets you feel grounded, and gives you space to pivot if plans change.
>>>Going just to Italy?: Here are the best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to two weeks
Best Airports to Start and End Your Trip
If you’re planning to visit both France and Italy on the same trip, your best bet is to fly into one country and out of the other — known as an “open-jaw” ticket. These fares are surprisingly common and often cost the same as round-trip tickets into and out of a single airport.
The most popular airports for this kind of trip are Paris (CDG) and Rome (FCO). Both have nonstop flights to major cities around the world and are ideal starting points for first-time visitors.
The first thing to try is this:
- (your city) to Paris one-way
- Rome to (your city) one-way
Compare that to this:
- (your city) to Paris round-trip
- (your city) to Rome round-trip
Open-jaw tickets are especially useful if you only have 7 to 10 days — they save you from doubling back and give you more time to enjoy each destination. If you’re flying from North America, you’ll often find the best deals into Paris, but always check both directions before booking.
Getting Around Once You’re in Europe
The good news is that getting between cities in France and Italy is easy, fast, and surprisingly affordable — especially if you book in advance. High-speed trains are usually the best way to go, offering a comfortable, scenic ride right into the heart of each city. Unlike airports, train stations are central, so you avoid long transfers and security lines.
If you’re going from Paris to Italy, the overnight train from Paris to Venice used to be a favorite, but it’s no longer running. These days, most travelers take a quick flight — often cheaper than the train — or make a stop in Switzerland or the French Riviera to break up the journey.
Once you’re in Italy, trains are almost always the best option. Routes like Rome to Florence or Florence to Venice are high-speed, with frequent departures and short travel times. Booking early on Trenitalia or ItaloTreno can get you excellent fares — sometimes as low as €20 for first class.
There’s really no need to rent a car for a trip like this unless you’re venturing deep into the countryside. For city-to-city travel, stick with trains — they’re faster, easier, and far less stressful.
Best Cities in France for First-Time Visitors
Paris (minimum 3 nights but even that is rushing it)
Paris is the perfect gateway to a France and Italy trip, and it easily deserves at least 3 nights — honestly, even that feels rushed. I’ve been to Paris many times over the years, and I still discover something new each visit. The city is endlessly walkable, full of hidden cafés, elegant parks, and world-class museums that never disappoint.
My personal favorites include an evening Seine river cruise (timing it for sunset feels magical), wandering through the narrow streets of Le Marais, and spending a lazy morning in a neighborhood café with nothing but a croissant and a bit of people-watching. The Eiffel Tower is iconic, of course, but I think the real magic of Paris comes from the smaller moments — finding your own favorite corner of the city.
If you plan on seeing several of the major sights, the Paris Pass is worth looking into. It includes entry to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and even a Seine cruise, often saving you both money and time in ticket lines. I’ve used it myself and found that it’s a stress-free way to hit the highlights without constantly pulling out your wallet.
For first-timers, I recommend spending 3 or 4 nights in Paris before flying or taking a train south toward Italy. This gives you enough time to see the big landmarks without missing the slower, more romantic side of the city.
Provence region (optional 2 or 3 nights)
If you’re heading from Paris to the south of France, the most efficient route is typically to go straight to Nice and the French Riviera. But if beach towns aren’t your thing — or if you’re traveling from November through March, when the coast is quiet — the Provence region offers a completely different and equally memorable detour.
This area is where Van Gogh lived and painted, and it’s home to the Papal Palace in Avignon, where seven popes resided in the 1300s. Arles is the historic heart of the region and a good base for exploring, though Avignon might be even better for first-time visitors — it’s charming, compact, and very tourist-friendly.
From Avignon, you can explore the Côtes du Rhône wine road, a scenic trail linking hilltop villages, vineyards, and wineries. Provence also has a distinct cuisine — lighter and more Mediterranean — and even by French standards, the food is excellent.
This isn’t necessarily essential on your first trip unless you have a longer itinerary or specific interest in food, wine, or rural France, but it’s a beautiful and rewarding region to explore if time allows.
Paris to Avignon by train: About 3.5 hours
Avignon to Nice by train: About 3 hours
Nice, France (minimum 2 nights)
NiceNice is the ideal base for exploring the French Riviera, and it works in almost any season. While it’s best known as a summer destination, Nice stays active year-round, with locals out enjoying the seafront promenade even in the cooler months.
First-time visitors often underestimate how different this region feels compared to Paris. The Mediterranean vibe is strong — slower pace, brighter colors, and a coastline dotted with glamorous spots like Monaco, Cannes, and Èze, all of which are easy day trips by train or bus.
Nice itself has a charming old town, great views from Castle Hill, and some solid museums if the weather turns. I’ve stayed there in both winter and spring, and the combination of scenery and ease of access makes it one of the best intro stops in France. And since it has an international airport, you can often fly home from Nice rather than backtrack to Paris — a major plus.
Avignon to Nice by train: About 3 hours
Nice to Rome by air: About 1.5 hours (direct flights are common)
Best Cities in Italy for First-Time Visitors
Milan (1 night or just skip it)
Milan might be Italy’s fashion capital and a major business hub, but for most first-time visitors, it’s not a must-see. If you’re flying into Milan, it’s worth spending a night to visit the magnificent Duomo di Milano and take a stroll through the upscale Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. If you’re into art, you can try to snag tickets for The Last Supper, but those tend to sell out months in advance.
Personally, I’ve always found Milan a bit cold and formal compared to the rest of Italy. It’s very modern and efficient, which might be refreshing after Paris, but it lacks the charm and walkable beauty of cities like Rome or Florence. That said, if your flight lands here or departs from here, a short stay can make sense.
Nice to Milan by train: About 5 hours
Milan to Florence by train: About 1 hour 55 minutes
Venice (1 night minimum, 2 nights maximum)
Venice is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world — and also one of the most touristy. Everyone should see it at least once, and even though it’s often crowded and expensive, the experience of wandering through its maze of canals and bridges is worth it. Just don’t overstay. The novelty fades quickly, especially when you realize how limited the dining options are near the major sights.
If you arrive in the afternoon, spend your first evening wandering, soaking in the twilight views, and maybe taking a sunset vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal. Then wake up early to explore St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
From experience, I’ve found that 1 or 2 nights is ideal. That gives you plenty of time to see the best of Venice without getting overwhelmed — or overcharged. And if you’re visiting in summer, bring patience: the narrow alleys and packed squares can feel claustrophobic by midday.
Florence to Venice by train: About 2 hours
Venice to Rome by train: About 3 hours 45 minutes
Florence (2 nights minimum, plus side trips)
Florence is the heart of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance — and for many travelers, it ends up being their favorite stop in Italy. It’s compact, beautiful, and packed with world-class art and architecture, yet it also feels more relaxed than Rome or Venice. Two nights is the minimum, but if you’re planning side trips (which you absolutely should), it’s worth staying longer.
Climbing to the top of the Duomo is a highlight, as is seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. But what makes Florence even better is that it’s the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. A half-day to Pisa, a full day in the Cinque Terre, or a countryside wine tour through Chianti are all easy from here. You can even zip down to Rome in under 2 hours if needed.
For hotels, staying near the train station (Santa Maria Novella) is ideal for easy arrivals and day trips, while areas closer to the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio put you right in the center of the action.
Venice to Florence by train: About 2 hours
Florence to Rome by train: About 1.5 hours
Pisa (a few hours on a day trip at most)
Let’s be honest — you come to Pisa for the Leaning Tower, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The tower itself is iconic and surprisingly impressive in person, especially when you realize it’s just one piece of a gorgeous complex that includes a cathedral and baptistery all on the same square.
Fortunately, Pisa is an easy and worthwhile day trip from Florence, taking just about an hour by train. You can walk from the train station to the tower in 20 minutes, or grab a quick taxi. Plan on a few hours total unless you want to climb the tower (you’ll need advance tickets), and then head back to Florence in time for aperitivo.
The rest of Pisa is a typical small Tuscan city with some charm, but most visitors don’t feel the need to stay overnight. That said, if you’re collecting classic photo ops on your trip, the Leaning Tower is a must.
Florence to Pisa by train: About 1 hour
Cinque Terre (1 night, optional)
The Cinque Terre — a string of five cliffside villages along Italy’s Ligurian coast — has gone from hidden gem to international favorite, and it’s easy to see why. With pastel-colored buildings clinging to rocky hillsides, turquoise water below, and scenic hiking trails connecting the towns, it’s one of the most visually striking places in all of Europe.
That said, it’s not for everyone, especially if you’re short on time or visiting outside the warmer months. In cooler seasons, many restaurants and small hotels close, and the towns can feel a bit too quiet. In summer, they can be packed to the point of frustration. But in April, May, or September? Pure magic.
You can visit on a day trip from Florence or even Pisa if you get an early start, but staying one night lets you enjoy the villages after the day-trippers have left. The town of Monterosso has the best beaches, Vernazza is the most photogenic, and Riomaggiore is a common base for budget travelers.
Florence to La Spezia (gateway to Cinque Terre): About 2.5 hours by train
Rome (minimum 3 nights)
Rome is overwhelming in all the best ways. It’s packed with history, buzzing with life, and constantly serving up postcard views at every turn. The Eternal City is a must for first-timers, and three nights is the sweet spot to soak in the highlights without feeling rushed.
The main attractions are clustered fairly close together, so you can cover a lot on foot. One full day is enough to explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and nearby sites like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Another full day can be devoted to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and maybe a guided walking tour or open-top bus ride to tie it all together.
My advice: Stay in or near the Centro Storico, or slightly east in the Monti neighborhood if you prefer a quieter local feel. Monti is still walkable to the Colosseum but offers a more authentic vibe with better restaurants and cafés.
Rome can be chaotic, but that’s part of its charm. After many visits, I still find new corners and surprising moments every time I go. The key is not to overschedule — leave time to wander, grab gelato, and watch the city unfold.
Florence to Rome by train: About 1.5 hours
Rome to Paris by air: About 2 hours
Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento/Amalfi Coast (optional up to 4 nights)
The “big 3” in Italy are Rome, Florence, and Venice, and if you have time for only 3 cities those are the obvious ones to choose. But if you want to dig deeper into Italy and you have enough time, your next best choice will be to base yourself in Sorrento and use it to explore Naples, the ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri.
Naples has a reputation — some deserved, some exaggerated — but it’s definitely a city that leaves an impression. It’s fast-paced, gritty, and chaotic, yet packed with history, character, and what many call the best pizza in the world. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with narrow alleys, bustling markets, and centuries-old churches.
That said, Naples isn’t for everyone. The lack of green spaces, constant traffic, and overall energy can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not staying long. For most first-time visitors, it works best as a day trip to explore the historic center and grab an authentic pizza lunch before heading back to a more relaxing base.
If you’re planning to visit Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, staying in Sorrento is usually a smarter and more enjoyable choice.
Rome to Naples by train: About 1 hour
Naples to Sorrento by local train: About 1 hour
Stay in Sorrento
Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring this entire region. It’s a charming and relaxed town perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, with a historic center filled with narrow lanes, outdoor cafés, and shops selling local limoncello. Compared to Naples, Sorrento feels calm, clean, and welcoming — making it a far better place to stay, especially for first-time visitors.
From Sorrento, it’s easy to take day trips to Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Ferries and buses run regularly, and for some routes, splitting a taxi fare with fellow travelers can be surprisingly affordable and scenic.
I’ve always found Sorrento to be one of Italy’s most pleasant small cities. It has the charm of a coastal village but with enough restaurants and conveniences to feel comfortable for a multi-night stay. Plus, the views from the cliffs and marinas are reason enough to linger here for a few days.
Amalfi Coast and the Island of Capri
The Amalfi Coast is famous for a reason — its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and winding seaside roads make it one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. Positano and Amalfi are the main towns you’ll want to visit, both reachable by bus, ferry, or taxi from Sorrento. Just be aware that the roads are narrow and can get extremely congested during peak season, which is why the ferry is often the most relaxing (and scenic) way to go.
The Island of Capri is another iconic destination, known for its upscale vibe, natural beauty, and the famous Blue Grotto. It’s an easy ferry ride from Sorrento, making it a perfect day trip. Even if you skip the expensive boat tours, just walking through the main town and visiting the viewpoints is worth the journey.
If you’re deciding between the two, the Amalfi Coast offers more variety and local charm, while Capri is more polished and feels a bit like stepping into a glamorous postcard. Both are worthwhile, but Sorrento remains the best home base to explore them without the hassle of moving hotels.
Bologna is the best addition for foodies
If you’re looking to add a destination that’s a little off the typical tourist trail — but still very easy to reach — Bologna is a fantastic choice. Known as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna offers some of the best traditional food in the country, including tagliatelle al ragù (what many people mistakenly call spaghetti Bolognese), tortellini, mortadella, and more.
The city itself has a lively, youthful vibe thanks to its university — the oldest in Europe — and a beautiful historic center filled with portico-covered streets. It’s also less touristy than Florence or Venice, so prices are a bit lower and the experience feels more authentic.
If you’re passionate about Italian cuisine, Bologna is absolutely worth a 1- or 2-night detour. It’s located on the main train line between Florence and Venice, so it’s an easy stop without adding much travel time. Plus, it’s an excellent place to take a food tour or cooking class if you want to dive deeper into the culinary scene.
Florence to Bologna by train: About 40 minutes
Bologna to Venice by train: About 1.5 hours
Cinque Terre photo by World Walk About on Flickr
Sample Itineraries for France and Italy Trips
You can mix and match cities depending on how much time you have, but here are a few sample itineraries that balance sightseeing with a realistic travel pace. Remember, three nights per major city is the sweet spot for not feeling rushed.
7 Nights – Classic First-Time Combo
- Paris (3 nights)
- Fly or take the train to Rome (4 nights)
This is the most efficient trip if you’re short on time. You’ll see the two most iconic cities in Europe with enough time to enjoy the highlights without burning out.
10 Nights – Balanced France & Italy
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights, with a half-day trip to Pisa or wine country)
- Rome (4 nights)
This is a great pace for a first trip, allowing you to explore France’s capital, soak up the best of Tuscany, and finish with enough time in Rome to see the big sights and relax.
12–14 Nights – Add the Riviera or Venice
Option A:
- Paris (3 nights)
- Nice (2 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Rome (4 nights)
Option B:
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Venice (1–2 nights)
- Rome (4 nights)
Adding the French Riviera or Venice gives the trip more variety. Nice is a great option in warmer months, while Venice is iconic but best with just a short stay.
15–18 Nights – Expand to Sorrento or Bologna
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Rome (4 nights)
- Sorrento (3 nights for Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri)
or
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Bologna (1–2 nights between Florence and Venice)
- Venice (1–2 nights)
- Rome (3–4 nights)
If you’ve got more than two weeks, slowing down is smarter than adding more cities. Sorrento offers a relaxing coastal base with easy day trips, while Bologna is perfect for food lovers looking for something a bit different.
Hi Roger!
Thank you so much for your detailed guide, this is by far the most helpful site we’ve come across as we plan our elopement and honeymoon in Europe this spring (Apr 23 – May 10). We will be traveling from the US to Italy for 12 nights – getting married in Ravello – and then ending our trip in Paris for 4 nights. We are thinking about bringing our dog with us as we very much want him to be a part of our wedding. He is a well-trained 2 y/o 18lb, westie.
This is our preliminary itinerary:
Fly into Naples…
Sorrento – 1 night
Ravello/day trips to Positano, Amalfi Coast – 5 nights
Rome – 3 nights
Florence/day trip to Siena – 3 nights
Paris – 4 nights
What do you think of this itinerary for our first trip to Europe? What are your thoughts on traveling with our dog? Is it quite easy to travel with a dog via train/plane in Europe? He travels with us from NY to LA domestically all the time. Are restaurants and public tourist spots pet-friendly?
Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated! We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks very much!
Janet+Gary
Janet & Gary,
I’m very happy to hear that this information has been useful. I think your itinerary looks very good, and starting in Sorrento will make your first day somewhat stress-free because so many people speak English there. I wouldn’t recommend spending so much time on the Amalfi Coast to a normal visitor, but if that’s where the wedding house and main group will be then I’m sure it will be a wonderful 5 days.
Three nights in Rome is ideal because it’s long enough to see the main things and short enough that you won’t get too frustrated by then. Three nights in Florence is also ideal, especially with a day trip. The city of Siena is much nicer and more interesting than Pisa (the other easy day trip from Florence), but the Leaning Tower is still the more spectacular sight. Speaking of Pisa, you may want to fly from Florence to Paris because the train trip is quite long and fairly expensive. The airport in Pisa has the lowest fares in that area. And of course 4 nights in Paris is perfect for a first visit, and amazing for a honeymoon couple.
It’s hard for me to comment on the dog situation because I’ve never traveled with one myself. If I were you I’d google things like ‘traveling with dogs in Europe’ or Italy, and see what people are saying. My guess is that you should be fine, although you might have to choose hotels and some restaurants carefully because I don’t think they all allow them. In general I’ve noticed that Europe is quite pet friendly, but you don’t see too many dogs on the streets of the larger cities. For example, when I visit small towns I sometimes see that half of the people in the pub have their dog at their feet, but I don’t see many dogs in bars or restaurants in big cities. I’m sure there are pet owning travelers who have written extensively about this. Best of luck with all of it, and congrats in advance. -Roger
Hi Roger, what a wealth of information you are! Planning a trip from Barcelona to french riviera (Nice etc) along to Genoa and down to Amalfi Coast (Sorrento as you recommend as our base). We would like to do this trip in around 2 to 3 weeks but not sure the best way to do it. Would a cruise be any good along here? Or do you think eurorail or hiring a car. Want to stop at Nice, Monte Carlo, Genoa, La Spezia and down to Amalfi Coast. We are hoping do go around June/July 2016. Regards, Jennifer
Jennifer,
I’m always happy to hear that this information helps. A cruise through this area would certainly be nice, but if the region really interests you then I’d do it by land for sure. As you probably know, a cruise only allows you about 8 to 10 hours in each stop, which is about enough time for a quick tour and lunch at a restaurant large enough to handle groups. In other words, it’s far better than NOT visiting, but not a good substitute for a land visit.
As for trains versus a rental car, the trains will provide a much better experience and will probably be cheaper unless you are going with 4 or 5 people. Even then, driving from city to city in Europe is stressful and challenging. Parking is expensive and difficult, so most drivers end up staying in hotels with parking lots at the edges of cities.
If you take trains you go from city center to city center and there is virtually no stress. The train stations are mostly near the main city squares, so you’ll have a great choice of hotels within a reasonable walk of all the train stations. It’s really a wonderful feeling to walk off a train and then 10 minutes later be checked into a room at a nice hotel in the center of town, ready for sightseeing.
Fortunately, the train fares in Italy are quite cheap, and even cheaper if you buy online in advance from the official site. The fares in Spain and France are a bit more expensive, although still pretty cheap if you buy at least a couple weeks in advance. I hope this helps, and feel free to ask more questions if you have them. -Roger
Hi Roger,
All the information on this site is amazing, thank you!!! My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe in May/June 16.
We are planning on visiting Germany, Italy and France.
We are trying to plan a trip that is not too rushed and we would like to try and limit the travelling time between each city (if that makes sense).
We have 3 to 4 weeks to play with so we are thinking:
Berlin 3 nights
Munich 4 nights (inc Rothenburg ob der Tauber/Roma tic Rd & visiting Neuschwanstein in Fussen)
Paris 4 nights
Nice 3 nights (inc 1 day to Monaco & Cannes)
Milan 1 night
Verona 1 night
Venice 3 nights (inc 1 day to visit Murano-Burano)
Florence 4 nights (inc 1 day trip to Pisa & Tuscany Countryside/Chanti)
Rome 4 nights
Do you think the amount of evenings in each city is enough?
Also we are not sure where we should go first and what would be the best way to travel between these cities?
Should we change anything?
We we also thinking of stopping off in Prague and Innsbruck to begin with but we are not sure if this would work?
Would love to hear your thoughts!!
Thanking you in advance! 🙂
Kind Regards,
Miri
Miri,
I’m always glad to hear that this stuff helps. I think your itinerary looks nearly perfect. Three nights in Venice is a pretty long stay for such a small and crowded place, but it’s a magical city, especially in the early mornings and evenings, so you won’t get bored.
I think the number of nights you have allocated is ideal all the way through. You could enjoy Florence and/or Rome in 3 nights, so giving them each 4 nights will allow you to do side trips and go at a leisurely pace. Consider a side trip from Rome to Naples and Pompeii if those interest you.
You are definitely want to do all of these journeys by train. There are no Eurail Passes that would be good value for you on this trip, so you are going to want to buy the tickets online as far in advance (up to 3 months) as you can for the best fares. If you book that early you’ll be surprised at how cheap those tickets will be, but if you were to buy the tickets as you went you’d be shocked at how expensive they are. Once you get to Italy the fares are cheaper and buying way in advance isn’t as critical. Tickets for day trips to Pisa and such will also be cheap, even if you buy them on travel day.
If you have time to wedge Prague in between Berlin and Munich, I’d do it. Prague is a gorgeous and interesting city that is very different from all the others on your list.
Innsbruck is mainly a skiing and snowboarding town and there isn’t much to see for a summer tourist. However, Salzburg is wonderful and highly recommended if you can squeeze two nights in there.
I’m sure this is going to be a great trip and I can see that you’ve planned well. Let me know if you have any other questions as your trip approaches. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my queries and for your suggestions, really appreciate it! 🙂
Thanks again!!
Kind Regards,
Miri 🙂
Hi Roger,
I love your article! I am planning my honeymoon with my fiancé and we based our itinerary on your suggestions. I love Paris, so I booked a couple of extra days there. My fiancé has never been there and I want to show him all of my favourite places.
I think I am getting to the end of ironing out the schedule so that we can start booking some hotels, but I am stuck with one little quandary. Let me start by laying out what I’ve got:
Paris (5 nights) – must get in all the sights and spend one full day at Versailles. The first day will be a half day only due to travel.
Venice (2 nights) – going to take a plane in from Paris to save some time, as you mentioned, you can see everything in 24 hours.
Florence (4 nights) – train from Venice. I heard we’ll want to do a couple day trips to some hill towns? Any suggestions here? How should we fill our days?
Sorrento (3 nights) – We want to go to Pompeii, spend a little time in Naples, head to the Amalfi coast. But we know we could also trek to Mount Vesuvius and go to Capri if we have more time. Where should we prioritize?
Rome (4 nights, and one morning before leaving) – I know this city will keep us busy.
So my question is about Florence, Sorrento and Rome. I think Rome deserves 4 days, the first will be taken up by travelling in from Sorrento, and the last (5th) day will be taken in part with leaving for back home.
Between Florence and Sorrento, we are splitting 7 days. Which deserves a bit more time? It seems that Sorrento has more to offer in its immediate surrounding, but I may be ignorant as to what Florence has to offer. Which should get 4 days versus 3? Florence, or Sorrento? Do you have some suggestions for activities in Florence and surrounding area?
I am excited to hear your advice!
Cheers,
Katherine
Katherine,
Thank you. I’ll try to answer your questions in the order they came up.
Florence itself is loaded with interesting sights and museums, so 3 days there will be easy to fill with just the stuff you want to see. Beyond that you can take half a day for a trip to Pisa and back. It’s about an hour away by bus or train, and really only the Field of Miracles (where the Leaning Tower is) is worth focusing on. You could go see it yourself or book a bus tour from Florence. And you could even spend a day going to the Cinque Terre if you liked, and still easily be back in Florence for dinner. The city of Siena is also only about an hour away. It’s a really interesting place, but it’s a long walk from the train station to the center of town, so it’s hard to see in a hurry.
I’ve not visited any of those Tuscan hill towns myself, but I’ve seen them on travel shows and read about many of them. For something like this I really trust Rick Steves’ advice. Google his name and ‘Tuscany hill towns’ and you’ll find a really good article telling you about the best options.
It’s tough to prioritize in Sorrento because there are 4 solid days worth of nearby day trips (including the ones you mentioned) and the town of Sorrento itself is really pleasant, not to mention very visitor friendly. For sure see Pompeii and spend half a day in Naples. You can take the public bus (leaves in front of the train station) to Positano in a bit over an hour, and walking around there for a couple hours will give you a good look at the Amalfi Coast, so that can also be half a day. You’ll just have to choose the things that sound most interesting to you.
I think if you did 3 nights in Florence you’d be able to see the main sights and also do a quick trip to Pisa if you wanted. And if that would give you 4 nights in Sorrento, you’d still have to rush around a bit to see the things on your list in that area. So I vote for the extra day in Sorrento, especially if you want to do Vesuvius.
It looks like you’ve done a lot of research and I think your itinerary looks well balanced and not rushed. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Thanks so much Roger! I found an awesome place in Sorrento on airbnb that is right by the water, only a couple steps from the ferry. I am definitely going to follow your advice and do the fourth day in Sorrento. It sounds like it might be a bit like a relaxing tropical vacation in the middle of an otherwise “city-centric” holiday.
I read from one vacationer review that she got off the train in Naples form her previous destination, and instead of taking the train to Sorrento, she took a quick cab to the ferry in Naples to Sorrento. Apparently it was more relaxing than the train ride. Which method would you suggest a first time visitor to do? I heard the train wasn’t the safest, considering pickpockets.
I definitely have been researching a lot, and we’re only a couple weeks into the planning. It’s a blast! I really appreciate your input and advise.
Thank you again!
Cheers,
Katherine
Katherine,
Yes, you’ll find Sorrento to be wonderfully low key compared to all of your other stops, and it’s also a bit easier because most people you’ll meet speak some English.
When I was in Sorrento I took the Circumvesuvia train back and forth over and over and it looked generally safe to me, but I had also heard about possible pickpockets so I was always on guard, which can be a bit exhausting. And when I was there the ferries were on the off-season schedule so the train was much faster for me. Also, the ferry port in Naples isn’t all that close to the train station, so it isn’t a super cheap taxi ride. All of that said, at least the first time you get there with all of your luggage and such, I think the ferry is a wise idea and it should be very scenic.
When you go to Pompeii and Vesuvius you’ll be taking that Circumvesuvia train, and you’ll obviously leave most of your stuff in your room so it will be easier to keep safe. In general I think the warnings about Naples are a bit overstated and you really won’t feel unsafe while you are there. Still, I only spent time in Naples during the day, so maybe it’s a bit more frightening at night. Have a great trip and let me know if you have other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for all your suggestions. We cannot adjust our holiday leave that’s why we are on a tight schedule. Just wondering, if you are on a 9 days holiday, starting point in Paris – what would be the other placed that you will visit on a tight budget.
Many Thanks.
Gina
Hi Roger,
Glad that my husband found this site of yours which is very helpful for us first timers to travel in Europe.
My husband and I will be travelling to Paris on the 14th Sept from Doha. Will arrive in Paris on the 15th. Return flight on the 24th. 9 days to be exact. We wanted to stay in Paris for 4 days then to Interlaken, Venice and Rome. Could you please give us a good itinerary for our trip. Your uggestions is pretty needed for this trip. Many Thanks in advance for your help.
Gina G,
Nine days is pretty tight for what you have in mind, especially if you are only allowing 5 days for Interlaken, Venice, and Rome. I generally recommend a minimum stay of 3 nights in Rome because it’s a huge city that is packed with worthwhile sights (much like Paris). That said, you could pull it off if you don’t mind moving quickly for most of your trip. Here’s how you’d do it:
Arrive in Paris on 14 September for 4 nights
Depart Paris in the morning of 18 September for the 5-hour train ride to Interlaken.
Spend 2 nights in Interlaken. I highly recommend staying in Gimmelwald, which is explained with your other choices in this article about where to go in Switzerland.
Depart Interlaken early in the morning of 20 September for the 6.5-hour train ride to Venice. This is one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, by the way.
Spend about 22 hours in Venice, departing midday on 21 September. Venice is compact enough that you can see most of it in one day, and as I explain in the article above, the best times to explore are the evenings and early mornings before it gets really crowded again.
Take a train on 21 September from Venice to Rome (3 hours 23 minutes) and stay there until 24 September. That will be long enough for you to see the main sights, but you’ll have to fly back to Paris for your flight back to Doha, unless you can book a flight from Rome directly to Doha instead.
Buy all of your train tickets as soon as possible for the best fares. For Interlaken you’ll want to go into the Interlaken Ost train station, unless you are content to just stay in Interlaken itself.
This should help you get things figured out. Let me know if you have any questions. -Roger
Many Thanks Roger for your prompt reply. It was very helpful and informative. Would be grateful if you can recommend any site where we can buy cheapest rail ticket in advance.
Thanks again.
Gina G,
Here’s an article that includes an explanation for how to buy train tickets in advance for the lowest prices on the official websites of each country. Have a great trip. -Roger
Thank you for the very informational article. My husband and I are going to travel around France and Italy. We are deciding between the spring and fall. We don’t want it to be too cold or rainy but also not too hot. I would like to be able to avoid the crowded months as much as possible too. What would you suggestion be for the best month to visit?
Thank you
Barbara,
For the France and Italy part of Europe, my favorite months to visit are May, June, September, and October. Before May it can be chilly, although mid April is usually okay. July and August are the hottest months and the most crowded by far in the beach areas, not to mention the most expensive months to visit. But starting again in September it cools off and the crowds thin out quickly. I even spent much of last November in Italy and it was still warm enough with only a few days of rain. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks so much for all the information posted on you website!
I’m hoping you can help me plan a very last minute trip to France and Italy. We’ll be arriving and departing from Paris. Total trip length is 14 nights and we’ll be travelling in August. It’s our first time in France but we’ve previously travelled to Italy, seeing Rome and Florence. We’d like to explore Paris for at least a few nights but would also like to
travel south to Nice and explore nearby St. Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Monaco. We’d
like to somehow incorporate some parts in Italy, but would like to minimize the travel time and make it worthwhile and not too expensive given we only have a couple of weeks. Can we include Venice into the itinerary without having to spend too much time on the train? We’ve considered Milan but as you’ve said on your website, it’s not much of a tourist spot. We’ve also considered Genoa but I doubt we’ll find somewhere nice to stay at this time of year. Should we limit to France and make it a sightseeing vacation but also somewhat relaxing? Or should we somehow incorporate Venice, and would it be worth it? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah,
I’m sure your trip will be great, but some of is going to be challenging during the month of August. The thing is, half the people in France have all of August off work, and huge numbers of them try to spend most of the month on a beach. It’s like going to Hawaii or the Caribbean over Christmas week. Every hotel will be full and room rates are close to double what they are in May or September.
So if I were you I’d check hotel prices and availability in the places you might be going to. It might be just fine and obviously it’s the best weather of the year in that area, but you might also discover that mediocre hotels are charging more than you think is worth it, so perhaps there are other places to consider.
Again, it’s mostly the beach towns that attract the local holiday crowd, so most of your non-beach sightseeing should be just fine. And both France and Italy are packed with non-beach destinations that are excellent, so you might want to mix more of those in.
For the French Riviera you’ll almost certainly want to just base yourself in Nice, which has by far the best tourist infrastructure in that area. It has hundreds of hotels in all price levels, including some good value places near the train station. From the Nice station it’s about 22 minutes to Cannes, 12 minutes to Antibes, and 20 minutes the other direction to Monaco. St. Tropez is maybe an hour away, and aside from the famous name I don’t know if it’s worth a visit. You’ll get an excellent look at the posh French resort life in those other closer towns.
Everyone loves Venice and you will too when you make it there. From Nice it takes about 7.5 hours to Venice by train, the first 5 hours of that is getting to Milan for a train change. Needless to say, it’s up to you whether that much time on the train is worth it. Venice is always crowded and in August it can be ridiculous. I don’t think Genoa would be a great choice that time of year. I’ve only passed through it and parts of it are a bit rough. I’ve heard that it can be interesting, although I’d say there are probably 10 to 15 places in Italy that are higher on that list.
So you’ll obviously want to spend time in Paris, I’d recommend 4 nights if you can spare them. And a few days in Nice will also be wonderful, even if it’s more crowded and expensive than other times of the year. Aside from those you might concentrate more on non-beach France. I haven’t explored enough of it since a childhood visit to confidently give advice, but I do know that France is packed with excellent vacation options including wine country to historic towns like Avignon to Mont Saint-Michel and much more. If you visited some of the wine regions and smaller towns you might be better off renting a car for that part of your trip (although not for Paris or Nice).
Hopefully this is helpful. I’ve been all over Europe yet my experience within France has been a bit limited so it’s on my list for next year. Until then, you’ll be able to find better information at Rick Steves site or wikitravel or elsewhere. Best of luck and bon voyage. -Roger
Hay Roger,
I’m planning two week in Italy and the information you have shared has really helped and set me on the right corse. My question is will visiting Italy the first two weeks of November be a not so good experience? I have read mixed reviews about the cold weather and the rain. What’s your suggestions? Thanks
Mark,
Always happy to hear that this information is helpful. As for November in Italy, I actually spent most of last November touring around the country and the weather was very pleasant. Actually, I spent two days in Lake Como and it rained for about one and a half of those days, but I think I only had one or two rainy days in the following 3 weeks. So even though November is one of the rainier months in Italy, it’s still fairly dry by most standards.
One reason I went last November was that the temperatures are still reasonably warm and there are very few other tourists. So as long as I was willing to buy a cheap umbrella and/or keep an eye on the weather forecast, it was close to perfect. January and February do get quite chilly in Italy so I prefer not to visit places like that in “deep winter.” I hope this helps and have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger,
What a great site here. Loved the way you have penned down everything. I would really appreciate if you could help me with my itinerary. In total we have 12 days. We are planning to go to Paris-Nice-Pisa-Florence. Now can you suggest on the following:
1. how many nights should we spend at each place?
2. What day trips to nearby places we can make?
3. Do you suggest adding some more places like venice/marseille etc etc.
4. How best we can make it most economical(any tips)?
Waiting for your response.
Thanks
Hs
Hs,
Thank you for the kind words. I’ll be happy to try to help.
1. In 12 days I’d spend 4 nights in Paris, 3 nights in Nice, 1 night in Venice, and the remaining 4 nights in Florence. Pisa is actually an easy day-trip from Florence and it takes about an hour each way. You can take a bus tour that takes you directly to the Field of Miracles (where the Leaning Tower is located), or you can take a train to the main Pisa train station or even the Pisa S. Rossore train station which is much closer to the Tower. It will be easy to choose and book that once you are in Florence. The rest of Pisa isn’t too interesting or tourist-friendly, so it’s better as a day trip.
2. In Paris there are obviously many good day trips, but the most popular one is to the Versailles Palace, which is about 45 minutes outside of town, and easy to reach by RER commuter train.
The best thing about Nice is that, in addition to being an interesting destination on its own, it’s only about 20 minutes by train from Cannes (to the west) and Monaco (to the east). If you stay near the train station (which is where many budget hotels are located) it will be easy to do both trips, even on the same day if you like. Of the two, Monaco is far more dramatic and interesting, and you can see most of it in only a few hours. Cannes is also nice and quite posh, but there aren’t any checklist sights there so it’s mostly about strolling through an upscale and traditional French beach-resort town.
3. Marseille is a big city without many notable attractions so most visitors skip it. Venice is amazing and absolutely worth a short stay, although it’s a bit out of the way. The train from Nice to Venice takes a bit over 7 hours (including a change of trains in Milan), so you’ll want to get an early start. Venice is also insanely crowded during the middle of the day so the trick is to do most of your sightseeing after about 5pm when the day-trippers get back on their tour buses, and the following morning before the new ones have arrived again. Venice is very quiet at night and in the morning, and it can feel magical. During the day it’s frustrating, so a one-night stop works well as long as you get there by 5pm or so. It’s also small enough that you can see most of it in only a few hours as well.
Other popular day trips from Florence are to Siena, which is about an hour away by train, or to various Tuscan hill towns in the greater Florence area.
By the way, the “Big 3” in Italy are Rome, Venice, and Florence, and Rome is definitely one of the world’s top cities for sightseeing and culture. If you were to add another stop I’d suggest 2 nights in Rome, unless you’ve been there already or plan on seeing it another time.
4. How to travel in Europe on a budget is a huge subject and I’d be happy to help you with any specific parts of it. But my first tip for you is to travel between cities by train, and buy all of your long-distance tickets online as early as possible (3 months if you can) for the lowest fares. That article explains how to do it with links to the official rail websites of each country.
If you have any other questions about any of this, feel free to follow up below. The other big spending categories are obviously hotels, food, and attractions, and advice on those things tends to be personal because we all have different budgets and preferences. Bon voyage. -Roger
Hey Roger,
Thankyou so much for your quick response.
I really liked your suggestions.
Could you please tell me how should we travel from nice to italy. I mean from nice do we first go to florence or venice. We are arriving to and departing from Paris. So it should be Paris-Nice-Venice-Florence-Paris or Paris-Nice-Florence-venice-Paris. Also what is the best and most economical way to travel between Nice and Venice/Florence.
Thanks,
Hs
Hs,
You’ll want to do almost all of your travel by train, except the last bit of getting back to Paris. So take a train from Paris to Nice to Venice to Florence and then fly back from Florence (or nearby Pisa, which usually has lower fares) to Paris. It would take about 10 or 11 hours by train from Florence or Venice to Paris and it would all be backtracking. The train would also almost certainly be more expensive than flying. You could actually go from Nice to Florence and then to Venice before flying back to Paris either from the Venice Airport or nearby Treviso, which usually has lower fares. In either case you’d go from Nice to Milan and then change trains to Florence or Venice, and that whole trip will take a bit over 7 hours whichever way you go. Most of that train ride is pretty scenic as well.
The trains between Venice and Florence take only about 2 hours and are fairly cheap. Again, the sooner you buy the train rides and the flight, the cheaper they will be. Check the info and links in the article I linked to before for details. Let me know if you have more questions and have a great trip. -Roger