How many days do you need in Italy?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Italy, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Italy?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Italy. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Shoestring Budget Nature & Foodie Train Trip Across Italy

Day 1: Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your day with a delicious pastry and cappuccino at Pavé, a popular café known for its fresh baked goods.

EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore the historic Sforza Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.

EUR5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy some authentic Risotto alla Milanese at Trattoria Milanese, a family-run eatery.

EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll Through Parco Sempione

Relax and take a leisurely walk through Parco Sempione, located just behind the castle.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning architecture of Milan's famous cathedral.

EUR15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria dell'Acquacheta

Savor a hearty pasta dish while mingling with locals.

EUR15, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Milan

Day 2: Day Trip to Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.

EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Varenna

Enjoy a scenic train ride to Varenna on Lake Como.

EUR6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Varenna and Villa Monastero

Stroll through Varenna and visit Villa Monastero with its exquisite gardens.

EUR8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Il Cavatappi

Feast on fresh lake fish at this cozy, lakeside restaurant.

EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ferry to Bellagio

Enjoy a picturesque ferry ride to Bellagio, often referred to as the 'pearl of the lake.'

EUR4, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Stroll Through Bellagio

Wander through charming streets and enjoy the local shops.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Varenna

Catch the ferry back to Varenna for your return trip.

EUR4, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Il Caminetto

Enjoy pizza from a well-loved local place before heading back to Milan.

EUR10, 1 hour

7:30PM

Train back to Milan

Relax and reflect on your day by the lake as you travel back.

EUR6, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Lake Como

Day 3: Cinque Terre Adventure

Cinque Terre, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at La Bioesseria

Enjoy an organic breakfast before you head to Cinque Terre.

EUR10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to La Spezia

Catch an early train to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.

EUR10, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Monterosso Al Mare

Relax on the beach or hike along the trails in Monterosso.

EUR3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ely

Savor some local seafood risotto at this beachfront spot.

EUR15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Vernazza

Take the train to Vernazza, where you can enjoy coastal views and colorful houses.

EUR3, 1 hour

4:00PM

Hike to Corniglia

Embark on a scenic hike from Vernazza to Corniglia for stunning vistas.

Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Al Ristoro di Montenero

Enjoy homemade focaccia and local wine overlooking the vineyards in Corniglia.

EUR15, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Train to La Spezia

Head back to La Spezia for your night’s stay.

EUR2, 30 minutes

Find Hotels in Cinque Terre

Day 4: Historic Pisa

Pisa, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Salza

Start your day with a local pastry and coffee.

EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Pisa

Travel to Pisa and head to the iconic Leaning Tower.

EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb up the Leaning Tower for breathtaking views of the city.

EUR18, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Piazza dei Miracoli

Wander around the beautiful square housing the tower, cathedral, and baptistery.

Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Buca

Indulge in Tuscan specialities such as pici cacio e pepe.

EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Discover art and historical artifacts from the cathedral complex.

EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Florence

Head back to Florence for the evening.

EUR8, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy a hearty Florentine steak at this popular locals’ spot.

EUR20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Pisa

Day 5: Florence Highlights

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Vespe

Start your day with a classic Italian breakfast of a cornetto and cappuccino.

EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore masterpieces of the Renaissance at the famous Uffizi Gallery.

EUR20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Ponte Vecchio

Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio and browse the shops.

Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria dei 13 Gobbi

Enjoy traditional Tuscan fare at this local gem.

EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Florence Cathedral

Admire the stunning dome and architectural features of Duomo di Firenze.

EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Boboli Gardens

Relax and take in the beautiful gardens and views of Florence.

EUR10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor traditional pasta dishes brilliantly prepared here.

EUR18, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Florence

Day 6: Cultural Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Grab a freshly baked pastry and coffee from this lively bakery.

EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the ancient Colosseum and learn about its history.

EUR16, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum right next door.

EUR12, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Indulge in some of the best pizza in Rome at this bustling pizzeria.

EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Vatican City

Explore the spiritual heart of Catholicism with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Trastevere

Wander the picturesque streets of Trastevere, soaking in its bohemian vibe.

Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo

Enjoy a traditional Roman meal, including cacio e pepe, in this cozy trattoria.

EUR15, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Rome

Day 7: Naples and Pompeii

Naples, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Start your day where the locals gather, enjoying Neapolitan coffee and pastries.

EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Pompeii

Travel to Pompeii, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.

EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Pompeii

Walk through the ancient ruins and marvel at the preserved city.

EUR18, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Da Michele

Taste the famed Neapolitan pizza at this legendary spot.

EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk along Spaccanapoli

Stroll along the narrow street filled with shops and street food.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Napoli National Archaeological Museum

See a vast collection of Roman artifacts and art from Pompeii.

EUR15, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Nennella

End your trip with a memorable meal in a vibrant local eatery.

EUR15, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Naples

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Shoestring Budget Nature & Foodie Train Trip Across Italy

Day 1: Milan Exploration

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Day Trip to Lake Como

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

7:30PM

Day 3: Cinque Terre Adventure

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Historic Pisa

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Florence Highlights

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Cultural Rome

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Naples and Pompeii

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

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