15-Day Nature Itinerary in Italy

  • Day 1: Rome
    0 minutes (0 miles) from previous

    Start your trip in Rome, the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum and learn about the history of gladiatorial contests. Explore the Roman Forum, the centre of politics and trade in Ancient Rome. Wander through the picturesque alleys of Trastevere, one of the oldest districts in the city, and end your day with a stunning view from the Janiculum Terrace.

  • Day 2: The Amalfi Coast
    3 hours (142 miles) from previous

    Discover the stunning Amalfi Coast. Visit the towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, all famous for their beautiful landscapes and picturesque alleys. Take a boat tour and enjoy the view of the coastline from a different angle. End the day with a taste of the local cuisine, including seafood dishes such as linguine with clams or fried anchovies.

  • Day 3: Pompeii
    1 hour 30 minutes (31 miles) from previous

    Visit the archaeological site of Pompeii, a city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Discover the ancient Roman lifestyle by walking the streets and entering the houses and shops that have been preserved for centuries. End the day with a visit to Mount Vesuvius and enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the volcano.

  • Day 4: Matera
    4 hours 30 minutes (262 miles) from previous

    Explore the town of Matera, famous for its Sassi, the ancient cave dwellings carved into the mountainside. Walk through the alleys and discover the history of the town that dates back to the Paleolithic era. Visit the Casa Grotta, a traditional cave-dwelling that has been turned into a museum.

  • Day 5: The Dolomites
    5 hours 30 minutes (398 miles) from previous

    Discover the stunning landscape of the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy. Go on a hike and enjoy the breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys. Visit Lake Braies, also known as the "pearl of the Dolomites", and take a boat tour to explore the crystal-clear waters.

  • Day 6: Venice
    2 hours 40 minutes (123 miles) from previous

    Visit Venice, the city of canals. Take a gondola ride and discover the charm of the narrow alleys and bridges. Visit the iconic St. Mark's Basilica and marvel at its stunning Byzantine architecture. End the day with a taste of the local cuisine, including risotto with seafood or squid ink.

  • Day 7: Lake Garda
    1 hour 50 minutes (93 miles) from previous

    Visit Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, and enjoy its stunning landscape. Go on a boat tour and discover the picturesque villages that surround the lake. Visit the town of Sirmione and explore its ancient Roman ruins, including the Grotte di Catullo.

  • Day 8: Tuscany
    2 hours 20 minutes (135 miles) from previous

    Explore the stunning landscape of Tuscany, famous for its rolling hills and medieval towns. Visit Siena and discover its stunning Duomo and Piazza del Campo. Visit the town of San Gimignano and marvel at its towers, which were built by powerful families in the 14th and 15th centuries. End the day with a taste of the local cuisine, including Florentine steak and Chianti wine.

  • Day 9: Cinque Terre
    2 hours 10 minutes (130 miles) from previous

    Visit the picturesque towns of Cinque Terre, located on the Ligurian coast. Discover the stunning landscapes and colourful houses that line the cliffs. Go on a hike and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Day 10: Umbria
    2 hours 30 minutes (126 miles) from previous

    Explore the region of Umbria, known as the "Green Heart of Italy". Visit the town of Assisi and discover the stunning Basilica di San Francesco, which houses frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Visit the town of Perugia and discover its Etruscan and Roman heritage.

  • Day 11: The Sassi di Matera
    3 hours 30 minutes (222 miles) from previous

    Return to the town of Matera and explore the Sassi in more detail. Visit the Caveoso district and discover the ancient churches and palaces that are carved into the rock. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the town and its ancient cave dwellings.

  • Day 12: The Tuscan Archipelago
    7 hours 30 minutes (301 miles) from previous

    Discover the stunning islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Visit Elba, the third largest island in Italy, and explore its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visit the historic town of Portoferraio and discover the ancient fortresses that dominate the landscape.

  • Day 13: The Gran Paradiso National Park
    7 hours (312 miles) from previous

    Explore the Gran Paradiso National Park, located in the Valle d'Aosta region. Go on a hike and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gran Paradiso glacier. Visit the town of Cogne and discover its ancient traditions, including the art of wood carving.

  • Day 14: Lake Como
    2 hours 40 minutes (143 miles) from previous

    Visit Lake Como, the third largest lake in Italy, and enjoy its stunning landscape. Go on a boat tour and discover the picturesque villages that surround the lake. Visit the town of Como and discover its stunning Duomo and Piazza del Duomo.

  • Day 15: Milan
    1 hour 10 minutes (43 miles) from previous

    End your trip in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. Visit the iconic Duomo and its impressive rooftop terrace. Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. End your day with a taste of the local cuisine, including risotto alla Milanese and panettone.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Colosseum (2 hours, €16)
  • Amalfi Coast boat tour (4 hours, €100)
  • Pompeii (5 hours, €16)
  • Matera Caveoso district (1 hour, €10)
  • Dolomites hike (6 hours, free)
  • Venice gondola ride (1 hour, €80)
  • Lake Garda boat tour (3 hours, €35)
  • Tuscany wine tour (4 hours, €40)
  • Cinque Terre hike (5 hours, €7.50)
  • Assisi Basilica (1 hour, €10)
  • Elba boat tour (6 hours, €75)
  • Gran Paradiso Park hike (5 hours, free)
  • Lake Como boat tour (3 hours, €35)
  • Milan Duomo rooftop (1 hour, €10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €375.50

Transportation

Consider renting a car to visit all the locations, but be aware that some towns have restricted driving zones. Public transportation is also available and can be a convenient option, especially for destinations such as Venice or Milan. The estimated travel cost is around €350 for gasoline and highway tolls.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the region of Puglia, famous for its stunning beaches and charming towns. If you have less time, consider skipping Lake Como and the Tuscan Archipelago, as they require more travel time.

Airports

The main international airports in Italy are Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan. Both airports are located around 30 minutes from the city centre by public transportation.

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