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,
I find your feedback and advice for travelling through Europe very informative and practical. We are a family of four.2 Adults and 2 children who are 12 and 8 years old.I have made a rough itinerary for 3 weeks.Your thoughts please?
17th June Singapore to Rome
Rome for 2-3 nights
Train to Florence for 3 nights
Train to Venice for 2 nights
Overnight train Venice to Zurich
Stay Zurich for 2-3 nights
Train Zurich to Lucerne 1-2 nights
Interlaken 2-3 nights
Easier to get a flight Geneva to Paris so can then travel from Interlaken to Geneva by train.
Could stay in Geneva for one night before flight.
Fly Geneva to Paris staying 4-5 days.
Paris to Singapore.
Have I packed in too much? Given the age of my children I thought it may be doable.
Thanks
Romi
Romi,
It’s a busy itinerary, but you should be able to do this or something very much like it and enjoy it all. The only thing I’d recommend is that you limit Zurich to one night at most, or just a day trip. It’s very expensive and the sights are uninspiring. On the other hand, the area around Interlaken and Lucerne are among the most dramatic sights in Europe, so spend your extra time in those places.
Also, you can take a train from Geneva to Paris in 4 hours and 40 minutes, so it’ll be faster than flying when you include the airport transportation on both ends. If you buy the train ticket in advance it’ll probably be about the same price as a flight as well, and it’ll be a hundred times more scenic and pleasant. Actually, Geneva has a scenic location on a lake, but the city itself is a dud. I’d recommend staying in Bern for a night if you want to visit a Swiss city, or just take a train all the way from Lucerne or Interlaken to Paris. It’s a gorgeous and scenic train ride.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m sure it’ll be a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thank you so much for getting back to me on my queries!You have no idea what a great help you are doing to people fumbling with their travel plans 🙂 Thanks again.
I have re looked my itinerary and wish to spend more time in Rome and Paris. I have incorporated the changes you have mentioned about Zurich.Can we travel from Venice to Lucerne and make Lucerne as our base in Switzerland doing trip to Zurich? I could then skip Geneva and leave to Paris from Lucerne. My itinerary is
6 days in Rome
2 days in Florence
2 days in Venice
We would love to see Cinque Terre. Please suggest the best route to get there ? Was thinking of a day trip from Florence. Have you got a better idea?
3 days Lucerne, Zurich
2 days Jungfraujoch
We want to give Interlaken a skip as we would like more time in Paris. 4 days in Paris
Home sweet home!
Any advice for visiting Jungfrajoch? Also what are our chances to see snow clad mountains in June and July in Zurich and Lucerene?
Sorry I have loaded with too many questions.
Thanks again
Romi
HI Roger,
will be travelling to France/Italy this dec 11-dec30. Will be starting and ending the trip in Paris. Was hoping you can give suggestions for itinerary. Like which cities to visit first – Few days paris then train or fly to other cities and end up spending christmas in Rome.
Will be traveling with my 73yr old Mom so thats smething to consider in the planning 🙂
Thanks!
Che
Che,
With 19 days like that you can see quite a bit of both countries. I’d suggest spending at least the first 4 nights in Paris. One tricky thing about the rest of France is that it’s better suited to warmer weather. The Med coast around Nice is lovely, but much of it will be hibernating for those months. And the same is true of many wine regions and small towns. So I’d fly from Paris to Venice, and spend the rest of your time in Italy.
Spend maybe 2 nights in Venice and then take a train down to Florence for at least 3 nights. You could spend even more if you want to do a day trip to Pisa or the hill towns. I wouldn’t recommend the Cinque Terre that time of year either.
After Florence you can take a train to Rome and stay there until Christmas. Then on the 26th you can take a train down to Naples and then the local train down to Sorrento, and use Sorrento as a base to see the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii and a day trip to Naples itself. Sorrento is a lovely town that is easy to visit, so it makes for a great base. Then you can take the Circumvesuviana train back to Naples and fly to Paris from there, or take another train to Rome and fly from there if you get a better fare.
Very little of that itinerary will be much of a challenge for a 73-year-old. Even Pompeii is mostly flat and easy to walk in an hour or so. Have a great time. -Roger
Hi Roger,
We are planning our Europe trip for August 2017 and here is our itinerary for 2 weeks:
Oakland to London: 8/11 then from Lindon I want to straight to Paris and start our vacation there.
Paris 8/11-8/14 then train to Milan for 1n, then Milan to Venice 1n, Venice to Florence 1n then to Rome for 3 nights then fly back to London and spend 3n there, what do you think of this itinerary? I want to also know what kind if train tickets I should purchase in advance. To see main attactions in each city where do I purchase it? Thank you so much
Maria,
Your plan could work, but I don’t think I’d recommend doing 3 one-nighters in a row like that. First off, Paris to Milan takes about 7 hours by train, so by the time you got to Milan you’d be pretty tired (weirdly enough) and you’d only have a couple hours to look around before dinner. And the following morning you’d check out and be off again. The trains to Venice and then to Florence are around 2 hours each, but still it’s exhausting when you are checking in and out of hotels every day, and hard to see much.
What I’d recommend would be to skip Milan, which isn’t nearly as interesting as the other cities anyway, and fly from Paris to Venice (or nearby Treviso). Venice is compact enough (and so crowded) that 24 hours is an ideal visit. Then take a train to Florence and spend 2 nights there, and then 3 nights in Rome. Then fly to London for those last 3 nights.
From London to Paris you’ll take the Eurostar train, and tickets are fairly cheap if you buy about 3 months in advance. That train ticket from Paris to Milan or Venice would actually be more expensive than a flight, so book a flight as early as possible for the lowest fare. Then those tickets within Italy are fairly cheap, and will be even cheaper if you book them on the official Italy rail site about 3 months in advance.
For sightseeing, you can obviously buy tickets for each sight when you get there, but if you want to see the most famous and popular attractions in a fairly short amount of time, you might consider buying a London Pass, Paris Pass, and/or Rome and Vatican Pass. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger thank you so much for your informative info we really appreciate it, I have another question. How far is Venice (VCE) Marco Polo to Venice surrounding area. I found a flight from there to London. Also I I to buy the train ticket from London to Paris Eurostar how long can I use that train ticket? I am also thinking of doing Air bnb for hotel where is the best area to stay in Paris. Rome? Beside leaning tower of Pisa what else to see in Florence? Thank you thank you!!
Maria,
Venice Airport is fairly close to Venice Island, and it takes about an hour there on a bus and then a ferry.
Eurostar tickets are like airline tickets in that you are paying for a specific seat on a specific departure. They sell them 6 months in advance, and if you buy shortly after they go on sale they will be fairly cheap.
My favorite neighborhood in Paris is Rue Cler, which is a wonderful little village sort of area next to the Eiffel Tower. But there aren’t many Airbnbs there, as I just discovered when I was there again a few weeks ago. There are more in another convenient neighborhood called Le Marais, which is just north of Notre Dame Cathedral. There are also more affordable airbnbs in the Montmartre neighborhood, which is a bit less central, but really fun and nice because it’s lively in the evenings.
In Rome there are many good accommodation neighborhoods. I have an article with recommended Rome hotels, and on that there is a map that shows the ones that are convenient and central.
Pisa is about an hour from Florence, so a day trip takes a half a day before you are back. Florence is loaded with its own attractions, so you may not want to take the time to see the tower in Pisa. I can’t give specific recommendations, but if you check any online guide or guidebook you’ll find many excellent things to see. Have a great trip. -Roger
Hi Roger just wondering do you a specific hotel in venice that is close by train and water taxi. thanks!
Hi Roger,
Thank you for all these wonderful tips. My mom and I are planning to go to Paris and Italy this coming November. I am trying to do my itinerary but we are going only for 11 days. I was planning to fly to Paris, spend 2 nights then fly to Italy but I am not sure if this is going to be expensive or should I take a train? Which one? I would like to go to Florence, Venice, Milan and Rome. Then from Rome fly back to US. What are your thoughts? I would like to visit Nice but I think the weather is not going to be good to visit Nice maybe next time. Thanks.
Vilma,
First off, I’d recommend at least 3 nights in Paris. It’s very large, beautiful, and packed with excellent sights. If you book early you can get cheap flights from there to Italy (save Nice for a future trip when it’s warmer). As you can see in the article above, Milan is sort of an optional stop, and many people skip it. So you could do 3 nights in Paris, then fly to Venice for 1 or 2 nights and then take a train to Florence for 3 nights and then 3 nights in Rome before you fly home. That would be a fantastic and well paced trip. You could include one night in Milan, and the historic center is interesting, but most of it is kind of a generic “big city” and far less charming than the others on your list. Let me know if you have any other questions and I’ll be happy to try to help. -Roger
Hi Roger, I posted earlier today but have re-thought our itinerary, as deciding between Paris OR Rome seemed too hard. Here’s my new plan:
Dublin
2 nights: Mon 03 Oct – Wed 05 Oct
Berlin
5 nights: Wed 05 Oct – Mon 10 Oct
Venice
2 nights: Mon 10 Oct – Wed 12 Oct
Rome
4 nights: Wed 12 Oct – Sun 16 Oct
Paris
5 nights: Sun 16 Oct – Fri 21 Oct
Dublin
2 nights: Fri 21 Oct – Sun 23 Oct
As I said before, we’ll be travelling with two five-year-old girls so don’t want to be in transit too much. I would love to do some train travel, which could double as down-days for the kids (to sit and watch movies all day). I think though, with this schedule, perhaps the only reasonable distance to travel by train would be between Venice and Rome? Any thoughts on the route/schedule would be much appreciated.
Thanks again!
DB,
Ah, I just saw this one. This looks much better. Honestly, you could do 4 nights in Paris, 3 nights in Rome, and 2 nights in Florence, and you’d see everything. The train rides in Italy are all fast and short, so you can still do plenty of sightseeing on travel days. If you want to skip Florence, that would be fine too, but it’s one of the “Big 3” in Italy for a reason. Also, Rome is an amazing place filled with amazing sights, but it’s also crowded and fairly stressful. My recommendation is 3 nights there, which is enough to see the highlights, without staying so long that it gets overwhelming. Feel free to write back if you have more questions. I’m sure this trip will be great. -Roger
Hi Roger, thanks for such helpful guides! I’m planning a trip to Europe in October this year with my partner and two five-year old twin girls. We’re flying from Australia to Dublin, travelling EU a bit, then exiting Dublin for Australia again (20 nights in total).
I’d love to see so much but we don’t want to cram too commuting in for the kids sake. I’ve always wanted to travel to Berlin, so that’s high on the list. The hard decision is tossing up where to go next. Considering: Rome vs Paris vs Venice (vs some other amazing sounding destinations friends have recommended including Bari, Polignano di Mare, Matera, Sintra).
I’m wondering what the weather will be like in France vs Italy in October and how that should inform our decision – we’d like to spend more time outdoors, walking around/picnicking in scenic places/parks/playgrounds etc. So if it’s likely to be cold/wet in Paris in October, perhaps Rome is the better option?
I’ll list my potential itinerary below, if you have any advice/feedback that would be much appreciated. We’re looking at AirBnBs for accommodation.
Arrive in Dublin 3 October
Dublin: 3-6 October
Berlin: 6-13 October
Venice: 13-15 October
Paris: 15-20 October
Dublin: 20-23 October
Depart Dublin for Melbourne 23 October
DB,
First off, it looks like you are spending 6 total nights in Dublin, which is a lot. To be honest, Dublin is a nice town that you can see in two days or so, but the rest of Ireland is amazing and gorgeous. Most others agree that the magic of Ireland is in the small towns and countryside and natural sights, and that Dublin is not a place to linger in.
Berlin is a large city, but I don’t think I’d stay a week there. In 4 days you will be able to see everything that interests you, and if you stay longer you’d be visiting sights that are low on your list.
The weather in October in both Italy and France will be great so you could choose either and really enjoy it. It’s only from December through March when it gets quite chilly and sometimes unpleasant. Italy is a bit warmer most of the year, but both will be very nice for sightseeing and outdoor things.
You have enough time to visit Rome for 3 days and Florence for 2 days if you spend less time in Berlin and Dublin. And still have 4 nights or so in Paris. I was just in Paris again yesterday morning, and you can see all the highlights in 4 days or even 3. Let me know if you have any other questions, and I’ll be happy to help. -Roger
Hey Roger,
My wife and I are landing in Paris on Oct 8 at 9 am.. Here’s the itinerary I came up with.. Let me know if you think this is too aggressive.
Oct 8- Land in Paris 9:40 am —
Oct 9 – Paris
Oct 10 – Paris
Oct 11 – Leave Paris – Arrive Interlaken Switzerland afternoon
Oct 12 – Switzerland – Interlaken
Oct 13 – Switzerland morning then train to Venice.. Arrive Venice at 2pm..
Oct 14 – Venice
Oct 15 – Venice – leave AM.. arrive – Florence
Oct 16 – Florence to Rome
Oct 17 – Rome TO Amalfi
Oct 18 – Amalfi area
Oct 19 – Amalfi area
Oct 20 – Amalfi area
Oct 21 – Amalfi area
Oct 22 – Amalfi area
Oct 23 – Fly home – Naples
We are still considering skipping either Florence or Rome, but not sure which to skip, if at all…
Thanks!!
Bill
Bill,
I think your itinerary looks quite good and not too aggressive, although it depends on your reasons for blasting through Florence and Rome so quickly. Rome in particular, and Florence to only a slightly smaller degree, are among the top tourist cities in the entire world. If you’ve already been there or you plan on going back there soon, then I think your plan looks great. However, if you haven’t visited them and might be doing the fastest possible visit because you are worried that they are too crowded or touristy, I’m not sure that is wise. But I’ll leave that up to you.
The Amalfi Coast is primarily a string of summer beach resort towns in a gorgeous setting, so by the time late October arrives the season is winding down and it will probably be too chilly to sunbathe most days. Still, all of the restaurants and hotels will be open, and there will be plenty of people there, just not so many sunbathing or swimming.
Either way, I’ll highly recommend Sorrento as your Amalfi base, for the reasons listed in the article above. It’s a wonderful town where most people speak English, and it’s the prime transit hub for the whole area. I really love it there.
If you were thinking of skipping Florence or Rome and adding the remaining day to the other, definitely save Florence for the future and do 2 days in Rome. Sights like the Vatican, Ancient Rome, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain are eye-popping and like no other place on earth. I’ll admit the Rome is crowded and hectic, but it’s also easily one of the world’s greatest cities to actually appreciate in person at least once. It’s also beautiful. As always, let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Thank you so much for all the advice! You make some great points about rushing through Rome / Florence. I think we will cut a day from Amalfi and add it to Rome. Do you think a day trip in Florence would be a total waste of time?
The chances of my wife and I getting back to Italy in the near future are slim..
Thanks again!
Bill,
If you are talking about doing Florence as a day trip from Rome, it would not be a waste at all and it would be easy to do. On one hand, Rome is so packed with top sights that you might not want to go to Florence. But if you do want to do it, the train journey is only 76 minutes each way, and tickets are quite cheap if you buy them well in advance.
Better still, all of Florence’s main attractions are within a fairly short walk of the train station. The famous cathedral is about a 10-minute walk or even less. You could plan on spending maybe 5 or 6 hours in Florence and you’d have time to see the main things, wander around town a bit, and even have a Tuscan lunch. Rome really takes 3 nights (2 full days) to see even the main highlights. If you have more than that, then a day in Florence would be great. -Roger
Hi! I am so grateful to have come across your site as i find it very informative especially for me who plans to have a first time 2-week visit to Europe. I hope you would find time to answer my queries.
First of all, we come from the Philippines. My husband is a SG citizen and I am a Filipina – so what are our visa requirements? When would be the best time of the year for us to travel? could you help us out with the itinerary? WHat about accomodations and means of transportation from one city to the other? How much, roughly, would we spend for the two-week tour?
Thank you very much in advance as this would surely help us decide whether or not to push trough with the trip.
Ireena,
I’m happy to hear that this site has been helpful. Unfortunately I can’t help you with visa requirements, as I’m an American myself (currently living in London) and it’s different for every nationality. You should be able to find out by Googling it though, or on wikitravel.org for any country you want to visit.
In my opinion, the best months to travel to France or Italy are April, May, September, and October. In those months you get pleasant weather that isn’t scorching, and smaller crowds and lower hotel rates. In June through August it’s crowded, more expensive, and often hot. And in the winter months the weather isn’t very pleasant, although I still travel around Europe in the winter all the time. It’s just not ideal.
As for your itinerary, the article above is specifically meant to help people figure out where they want to go and how long to spend in each place. It is literally all my best advice on this topic in one place. Once you have your basic plan down I can help with some of the details if needed.
The train is the most pleasant (by far) way of getting from one city to another, though in some cases such as Paris to Rome, flying is better and cheaper. Once you have your general itinerary together, it should be easy to see where you’ll want to do the train. As for accommodation, if you click on the individual cities listed in the article above, you’ll find a link to “recommended hotels” in almost all of them. It’s hard for me to make specific recommendations without knowing your budget and tastes. So with the general recommendations, at least you can see the better neighborhoods and know how much the good places cost.
In France and Italy you can count on spending at least US$200 per night for two people. You can get okay hotels starting at around US$100 a night in most cities, though better ones are more expensive. Usually breakfast is included. For lunch and dinner you can count on US$10 per person per meal as a low average. You can get some cheaper lunches, but you’ll probably want to do some nicer and more expensive dinners. And of course, things like hop-on, hop-off bus tours can cost US$20 to US$30 each, so attractions and activities can add up as well. You can get a good idea how much each city will cost by looking at the page for the city on this site. That is why I created them, such as this one for Paris and this for Rome. Have a great trip and let me know if you have more questions as your plan is coming together. -Roger
Hi Roger – Headed to Europe for 10 days at end of August and returning Labor Day. We fly in to London and we have the end of the trip set for Dublin for 3 nights. The in-between is what I would like your thoughts on. I’m thinking Italy – Rome, Venice or actually somewhere in Italy out of way of the millions of tourists. Been to Paris, been to Barcelona, been to Florence – but not Rome or anywhere along Mediterranean. Thinking we would fly from London to Rome or SouthernItaly and then return fly to Dublin for our last 3 nights. I’m wide open for suggestions –
Carolyn,
This sounds like a great trip. Nearly all of my experience in Italy is in the popular tourist cities, so I’m not a great source for smaller non-tourist towns. I’ve heard that the Puglia area in the south is nice and doesn’t get much tourism, but I haven’t been there myself.
Of the places I have been I’ll highly recommend Sorrento and the area around it. You definitely have to spend about 3 days in Rome, but it’s quite chaotic so I wouldn’t stay longer than that. After that you can take the high-speed train down to Naples and then the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. It’s explained in the article above, but the highlights are that Sorrento is an ideal base for day trips to Naples and Pompeii, as well as the isle of Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento will be busy in August, but nothing like Florence or Venice. You could even stay a bit out of town and take the bus in, or the same train 1 or 2 stops into the center. Sorrento is probably my favorite city in Italy to relax in rather than sight-see. You can then fly from Naples to Dublin for a reasonable fare. I hope this helps. -Roger
Thanx Roger! Thanx for resolving the conflict. Will surely keep Spain for next trip with more duration in Spain:)
Continue with your good work!!
Best Rgds, Biri