If you are looking for the best travel guide to Italy, this post is for you! You might be thinking that Italy is a huge country and you do not know where to visit during that 15 day vacation. This post will break down what to see in each city. You are going to learn about sites to see, restaurants, and figure out which cities are perfect for you. After reading this post you will be ready to start planning that trip to Italy.
This post is all about the best Italy travel guide.
Best Italy Travel Guide For The Perfect 15 Days
The itinerary below will take you from Northern Italy to Southern.
1. Milan – Days 1-3
First up is Milan. This adorable town is only a bus ride away. Highly recommend checking out a day pool pass at Garden Ravello Restaurant & Hotel. The view is worth the pool pass alone. It overlooks the water and mountains. Honestly, it is indescribable and something you have to see for yourself. Ravello is a small quiet town and if you are looking for a lowkey day or even half day adventure, this is definitely worth it!
For a detailed itinerary on Milan, check out this related post: 3 Day Milan Itinerary | For the Perfect 3 Days
2. Venice – Days 3-6
Second is the gorgeous Venice. Consider adding this into your itinerary. Venice is known for those gondola rides that we all see in the movies. Yes, Venice is as gorgeous and romantic in person as it is in movies. Whether you are religious or not, the churches are worth visiting. They have a lot of history and are beautiful inside and out. Many times you could look around in a church easily while you are on your way to your destination.
Must try restaurants in Venice:
- Antica Trattoria – Pizzeria: AMAZING Bolognese and red sauce.
- Agli Archi: If you are looking to eat on the water with a gorgeous view this is the spot. The Bolognese and pesto is to die for.
- Bar Sport Piazza Ferretto 48: Fun atmosphere as the restaurant sits right by where the city gets lively at night. The pizza is delicious there and some nights there is live music.
- Oriental Caffe: Excellent expresso and pastries. Cute spot to relax in the morning or while you are out and about.
3. Florence – Days 6-9
For most that have explored Italy, Florence is one of their favorite cities. Florence is popular due to the fact that it has something for everyone. If you want to explore and love history, Florence has that. You are into the nightlife and want a city that never sleeps, Florence has that. Florence has the Arno River that connects the city for a beautiful water view. If you stay around that area it is right in the middle of the city. A lot of restaurants on both sides of the River. In addition, if you are a foodie, the food is amazing! Then again, food is amazing all over Italy. You will not be disappointed when you take your very first bite of pizza or pasta.
- Restaurants:
- Osteria Paradiso: Amazing amazing pasta (especially the red sauce) and the tortellini is the best. The house wine is delicious too. This is a casual, family/local feel type restaurant. Great service.
- Gusta: This restaurant has a great view of the town if you sit outside. The pasta and salad was so fresh and light. You will not be disappointed.
- Trattori Anna: Very affordable option for lunch and dinner. The appetizers and pasta dishes are delicious. I tend to get red sauce in Italy and it was amazing there.
- Gelato: Gelateri Santa Trinita- This place tends to be extremely crowded so ensure you have enough time if you are planning to go there. The gelato is perfection so it makes sense it is always so crowded.
- Museums: Uffizi Gallery is a must see. This art museum walks you through the Italian history. There are various artists masterpieces on display such as Paolo, Da Vinci, and many more. Even if you are not into art or history, this museum will not disappoint.
4. Rome – Days 9-11 or 12
Next on the list is Rome! Rome is huge and honestly you might want to consider spending more time here if it allows. A benefit for traveling to Rome is it is a central location for traveling between Europe. The main train station in Rome could take you all over Italy and Europe. There are many express trains and it could also take you to and from the airport. There are many direct flights around the world to and from Rome. Therefore, is it an awesome idea to squeeze Rome into your travels even if it is your first stop to get to your destination.
Related posts if you need help with travel organization and packing for this amazing trip 😀 : The Ultimate Travel Essentials Kit List | 25+ Must Have Travel Items
Must sees:
- Vatican: The Vatican is something you need to experience yourself as pictures and words do not do justice. Again, if you are not a religious person, the history and art is still very interesting. The Vatican is huge especially if you choose to see the Sistine Chapel with it. It would likely take a full day or half a day depending on how long you want to stay inside. It takes hours to see everything in the Vatican.
- Trevi Fountain: The wishing fountain 😀 This is something you could do along your travels for the day. It is not very big so pass by as you are out and about. A great place to snap pictures as you make that wish.
- Colosseum: A lot of fun history walking around the Colosseum. This is likely a half day in your travels unless you do a guided tour or want to really take your time. There is a lot to see as you walk around and be sure to take lots of social media worthy pictures. It is unlike anything you will ever see as everything has been preserved so well.
- Spanish Steps: Another site to see as you are out and about exploring this gorgeous city. The Spanish Steps are great for pictures and something that is open to everyone. Grab a gelato and take a seat on these famous steps.
Restaurants:
- For some great pasta: Caffe e Pasticceria U Guiliani, La Casina Azzurra & Don Chisciotte
- Amazing Gelato: Don Nino
5. Days 12-15 – Amalfi Coast
First on the list to consider when going to Italy is the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is gaining popularity for a reason. If you are a seafood lover, you will get the freshest seafood here. It is right on the coast and you could easily get around by a bus or ferry. Keep in mind ferry could be easier and a must for some destinations. However, the bus ride is typically the most cost effective.
Options of places to see in Amalfi Coast:
Positano
For those perfect social media pictures, Positano is perfect! It tends to be less crowded than other Islands such as Capri and Amalfi. The views alone will have you sold on this destination. This could be a great day trip if you are staying nearby.
Sorrento
Sorrento has a more relaxing atmosphere than the other Islands and is further away. Depending on where you are staying the ferry ride could be a couple hours each way so plan according. It is somewhere you do not want to miss! It is more city looking than the other sites surrounding Amalfi Coast.
Capri
Capri has increasingly become one of the more popular places for a reason. The views are breathtaking and there are many places to eat with a view. Keep in mind Capri tends to be a more pricey island. If you are looking to shop designer clothes and items, this is your place. You will notice the change in vibes and people the minute you step off the ferry or whatever transportation you choose. A boat ride from Capri to see the Blue Grotto is the perfect excursion to plan in Capri. The Blue Grotto is a sea cave that has a gorgeous shade of blue around the cave. If you are swimmer, sometimes they allow you to swim around that area depending on the tide.
Additional cities worth adding (if time allows):
Lucca (Florence)
Next is Lucca which is one of the best cities in Italy. It is a quiet town with the sweetest people you will ever meet. Some of the most authentic Italian food is in this area as you will likely find mainly locals. While Lucca has been gaining popularity, it is not nearly as well known as it’s surrounding cities. If you are looking for a lowkey day to walk around, do some shopping and find some great local restaurants, Lucca is for you.
San Gimignano (Florence)
This town truly is one of a kind. The architecture and buildings is something that you have never seen. Think medieval times when you think of this town. If this is your vibe, this is a must must see. This could be a day trip if you are staying by the Florence area. There are gorgeous churches with a lot of history to explore. Go get Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli. You will not be disappointed. Keep in mind there will likely be long lines as this Gelato place has gained popularity over the years.
Pisa (Florence)
Pisa could be a day or even half a day trip if you are staying by Florence area. It is a quiet town outside of the leaning tower area. A lot smaller of a town than you would imagine so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary. The leaning tower is obviously the must see! There are many social media worth pictures to be taken in that area.
Restaurant for Pizza: Pizzeria da Manuel Pisa is delicious if you are looking for a restaurant in the area and in the mood for pizza.
Italy is known for their breathtaking views and amazing cuisine. There is a lot to see and this Italy travel guide broke down different cities and sites to see. Enjoy your time in Italy!
Happy and safe travels xx
This post was all about the best Italy travel guide.
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