Ultimate 3-Week Italy Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the Best of Italy
Curated By
Gillian Spatz
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Italy
Arts & Culture
Road Trip Travel
Active Travel
Local Culture
Local Food
Entertainment
Curator’s statement
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our carefully curated three-week Italy itinerary, designed to take you through the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and culinary delights of this vibrant country. From the fashionable streets of Milan to the ancient ruins of Rome and the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, this guide promises a perfect blend of iconic tourist spots and hidden gems. Whether you're cruising through the canals of Venice, hiking in the Dolomites, or savoring traditional Italian cuisine, our itinerary ensures a deep dive into Italy's most cherished experiences, making every moment of your three-week adventure truly remarkable.
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Day 1: Milan
Week 1: Northern Italy - Exploration of History, Culture, and Scenery
Activity: Start your Italian journey with Milan, the fashion capital. Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano and take a stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some window shopping.
Meal Suggestion: Enjoy Risotto alla Milanese at a traditional trattoria.
Day 2: Lake Como
Activity: Rent a car and drive to Lake Como (about one and a half hours from Milan). Take a boat tour to appreciate the serene beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Meal Suggestion: Have lunch in Bellagio, known for its lovely terraces. Try the local freshwater fish, like perch, with polenta.
Day 3: Verona
Activity: Head to Verona (about two hours from Lake Como). Explore Juliet's House, the Roman Arena, and wander through the historic city center.
Meal Suggestion: Savor a plate of Tortellini at an osteria, accompanied by Valpolicella wine.
Day 4: Venice
Activity: Drive to Venice (about one and a half hours from Verona). Spend the day exploring the canals, the Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark's Basilica. Consider a gondola ride for an authentic experience.
Meal Suggestion: Try Squid ink pasta in a local Baccaro.
Day 5: Dolomites
Activity: Venture into the Dolomites (about two and a half hours from Venice). Enjoy a day of hiking or take a cable car for breathtaking views.
Meal Suggestion: Enjoy a hearty Tyrolean meal, such as canederli (bread dumplings) in a mountain hut.
Day 6: Bologna
Activity: Head to Bologna (about two hours from the Dolomites), renowned for its medieval architecture. Visit the Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers.
Meal Suggestion: Dine on Tagliatelle al Ragù, the original Bolognese pasta.
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Activity: Drive to the Cinque Terre (about two hours from Bologna). Spend the day exploring the five picturesque villages, either by train or by hiking the trails.
Meal Suggestion: Try seafood pasta while enjoying views of the Ligurian Sea.
Day 8: Florence
Week 2: Central Italy - Immersion in Renaissance Art and Rustic Landscapes
Activity: Head to Florence (about two and a half hours from Cinque Terre), the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Cathedral.
Meal Suggestion: Sample a Florentine steak in the historic center.
Day 9: Siena
Activity: Take a day trip to Siena (about one hour from Florence). Explore the medieval cityscape, including the Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral.
Meal Suggestion: Enjoy Pici pasta, a thick, hand-rolled pasta, with wild boar sauce.
Day 10: Pienza and Val d'Orcia
Activity: Venture into the Val d'Orcia (about one hour from Siena) and visit the town of Pienza, known for its Pecorino cheese.
Meal Suggestion: Have lunch in a local agriturismo, tasting Pecorino cheese with honey.
Day 11: Rome
Activity: Drive to Rome (about two hours from Val d'Orcia). Spend the day visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.
Meal Suggestion: Try Carbonara at a trattoria in Trastevere.
Day 12: Vatican City
Activity: Dedicate the day to exploring Vatican City, visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.
Meal Suggestion: Have pizza Bianca with mortadella for a quick lunch.
Day 13: Tivoli
Activity: Take a day trip to Tivoli (about one hour from Rome) to visit Villa d'Este and its beautiful gardens.
Meal Suggestion: Dine on local specialties like Porchetta in a Tivoli trattoria.
Day 14: Amalfi Coast
Activity: Drive to the Amalfi Coast (about three hours from Rome). Explore the town of Amalfi and visit the Amalfi Cathedral.
Meal Suggestion: Enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.
Day 15: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Week 3: Southern Italy and Sicily - Discovering the Heart of Mediterranean Culture
Activity: Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii (near Naples) and hike up Mount Vesuvius.
Meal Suggestion: Have a Neapolitan pizza in Naples.
Day 16: Matera
Activity: Drive to Matera (about three hours from Naples) to explore its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi.
Meal Suggestion: Try Matera bread with local cheese and salumi.
Day 17: Alberobello
Activity: Visit Alberobello (about one hour from Matera) to see the trulli, unique cone-shaped houses.
Meal Suggestion: Enjoy orecchiette pasta with turnip tops.
Day 18: Fly to Sicily
Activity: Fly to Palermo, Sicily. Explore the Palermo Cathedral and the markets.
Meal Suggestion: Sample arancini and caponata for lunch.
Day 19: Agrigento
Activity: Take a day trip to Agrigento to see the Valley of the Temples (about two hours from Palermo).
Meal Suggestion: Try the local specialty, Pasta alla Norma.
Day 20: Mount Etna and Taormina
Activity: Visit Mount Etna, and then explore the beautiful town of Taormina (about three hours from Agrigento).
Meal Suggestion: Savor a seafood platter in Taormina, with views of Mount Etna.
Day 21: Departure from Catania
Activity: Spend your last day in Catania, visiting the fish market and the Catania Cathedral.
Meal Suggestion: Farewell dinner with Sicilian cannoli as dessert.
Need to Know
Conclusion:
After venturing on this three-week Italy itinerary, you'll leave with not just memories, but a profound connection to the diverse landscapes, rich history, and unparalleled culinary heritage of Italy. This carefully designed journey ensures you've experienced the very essence of Italian culture, from the northern Alps to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, making your Italy 3-week itinerary an adventure of a lifetime.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.
Travel Advisor
Gillian Spatz
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