3 Weeks Italy Itinerary
Italy is one of the world's most popular travel destinations with over 49.8 million international tourists visiting annually.
I was there in November 2022 and it left such an impression that I’m going again in a few months!
From fresh, handmade pastas to immaculately preserved historical sites, there's an infinite amount to see, learn, and experience.
The Italian Rail connects nearly every city and English is fairly commonly spoken, so it’s an easy pick for first-time solo female travelers.
And with its recently launched nomad visa, remote workers can now stay for up to one year; making it the perfect slow travel destination.
So from the idyllic island of Capri to the cultural center that is Rome, here's the ultimate guide to spending 3 weeks in Italy as a first time visitor.
Overview Of How To Spend 3 Weeks In Italy
3 Days In Naples
Start your journey off in Naples, Italy.
Known as the birthplace of pizza and conveniently located between major tourist hubs like Rome and the Amalfi Coast, Napoli is a great way to get acquainted with authentic Italian culture.
How To Spend Three Days In Naples:
Grab an Italian coffee and a sfogliatella and enjoy people watching at the Piazza del Plebiscito
Wander the streets of Spaccanapoli and the Spanish Quarter
Take a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum (even better, go with an archeologist)
Hike up Mount Vesuvius
Go museum hopping at Palazzo Reale, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, and Museo di Capodimonte
Explore underground Naples with the Galleria Borbonica and Catacombs of San Gennaro
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2 Days In Capri
On your last day, take ferry from the Port of Naples to Capri, small resort island on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Known for its beaches, five-star luxury resorts, artisanal shops, and mountaintop scenery, this little island is the perfect place to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the city.
How To Spend Two Days In Capri:
Go shopping for handmade genuine Italian leather sandals and wind down with a drink the Piazzetta of Capri
Meander through the Gardens of Augustus and the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo
Take a boat tour around the island and marvel at the Blue Grotto
Climb up Mount Solaro and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island
Spend your day sunbathing at Marina Grande Beach or Marina Piccola Beach
1 Day In Sorrento
Sorrento is an underrated and intermediary stop between Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
This sleepy little town is widely know for its ceramics, lacework, and woodwork shops. With old churches thoughtfully built every few blocks catering to an older demographic of locals, it gives you a genuine taste of slow living on the coast.
How To Spend One Day In Sorrento:
Stroll through the lovely streets of Historic Old Town
Grab a freshly squeezed orange juice and enjoy creamy lemon pasta while watching the ships pull in at Marina Grande
Learn about how limoncello is made and try samples at Limonoro
Go for a refreshing swim at Bagni della Regina Giovanna
Catch the sunset over the ocean at Bellevue Syrene
3 Days On The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 13 small towns.
Visualize colorful buildings precariously perched atop steep limestone cliffs, enchanting bays scattered along the coastline, lush terraced gardens dotted with ripe citrus fruits, and artesian crafts that are hard to find anywhere else.
Take a bus through the winding mountain roads and spend 3 days hopping from town to town to enjoy the best that this region has to offer.
How To Spend Three Days On The Amalfi Coast:
Grab a sun bed and vibe out at Spiaggia Grande
Spend a day wandering the aesthetic (and steep) streets of Positano
Take a day trip to the mountaintop town of Ravello
Take a boat tour of Amalfi
Visit the the Emerald Grotto and Fiordo di Furore
3 Days In Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and trust me when I say that 3 days is definitely not enough time. But alas, we have to keep things moving, so that's all that we can afford.
From the ancient remnants of the Roman empire like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon to modern day culture and events, Rome has it all.
I fell in love with this city and hope that you do as well.
How To Spend Three Days In Rome:
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and people-watch from the square
Learn more about the history of the city and the Roman Empire with a tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and marvel at the works of Michelangelo and Bernini at the Sistine Chapel
Explore the different neighborhoods of this city (begin with Trastevere, Monti, and Pigneto)
Stroll through the historic center and join in on local festivities
3 Days In Cinque Terre
Hands-down my favorite destination in all of Italy.
Cinque Terre consists of five quaint and photogenic fishing villages built into the mountains of Italy's northwest coast. It's home to some of the country's best hiking trails and is a dream destination for nature lovers.
How To Spend Three Days In Cinque Terre:
Hike the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) from Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia for sweeping views of the Italian coast
Enjoy local specialties like the Cinque Terre DOC (a dry white wine), pesto genovese, and anchovy dishes
Catch the sunset at Nessun Dorma in Riomaggiore
Take a kayak tour and explore the villages from the sea
Go sunbathing and swimming at Monterosso Beach
2 Days In Florence
I will say that Florence was not my favorite place in Italy, but it was worth it for the art.
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the capital city of Tuscany. It's a central hub for academia and culture, and offers an abundance of churches, museums, and galleries.
How To Spend Two Days In Florence:
Tour The Uffizi and admire famous artworks like Botticelli's “The Birth of Venus”
Stop by the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo's David in real life
Watch the sunset from the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Enjoy a Florentine steak and eat your way through Mercato Centrale
Take a stroll along the Arno River and snap photos of Ponte Vecchio
2 Days In Venice
The iconic city of canals needs no introduction.
Despite Venice being terribly expensive and tourist-oriented, I still think its beautiful bridges and gondolas are worth experiencing.
Save some money by cooking for yourself and buying souvenirs from the smaller towns of Murano and Burano instead.
How To Spend Two Days In Venice:
Take a day trip to explore the colorful buildings of Burano and admire handcrafted glass pieces in Murano
Enjoy canal views, snack on cicchetti, and enjoy an aperitivo at any of city's multiple bars
Skip the gondola ride and take rowing lessons from a local guide instead
Visit Doge's Palace and take artsy photos of the Bridge of Sighs
Watch the sunset over the Grand Canal
2 Days In Milan
End your trip in Italy’s second largest city.
Milan is known as one of the world's four fashion capitals is headquarters for several luxury fashion brands like Prada, Versace, Valentino, and Moschino.
It's a modern city in the north of the country and offers a smooth transition back to your everyday life.
How To Spend Two Days In Milan:
Visit the Duomo and grab last-minute gifts from the surrounding outdoor market
Marvel at "The Last Supper" by Da Vinci
Take a day trip to Lake Como
Go thrift shopping at any of the city's secondhand shops or buy luxury goods at the golden quadrangle
Rest and restore at the QC Terme Spa before your long flight home
Frequently Asked Questions When Planning Your Trip To Italy
Is Three Weeks Enough In Italy?
Italy is a large country but because the train system is so well built, getting around is a breeze. Three weeks is plenty of time to visit all the must-see destinations.
If you have the time and funds, I'd recommend extending the trip to one month. That way, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel. Some additional destinations to consider adding include Lake Como, the Dolomites, Bologna, and Sicily.
How Much Should I Budget For Three Weeks In Italy?
It’s hard to say because Italy accommodates all types of travelers and each city varies quite a bit in cost of living.
In tourist destinations like Venice or Amalfi, you can easily spend up to $300/day. For more low-key towns like Sorrento, you can probably get by with $50/day.
On average, I’d say budget traveler can get by on $50/day, totaling to $1740 for three weeks (not including flights). For a mid-range traveler, you can estimate $190/day or just under $4000 for three weeks.
I will say that the cost of food, drinks, and transport are all fairly reasonable. You will spend most of your money on tours, tickets, and accommodations.
Things are also naturally more expensive during high season, so if you’re trying to visit Italy on a budget, I’d recommend going during the spring or autumn. Just remember that certain attractions and restaurants may be closed.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Italy?
As I mentioned at the very beginning of the article, I visited in November. While that was great for avoiding tourists and getter cheaper accommodation, there were several recommended attractions and restaurants that were closed for the season.
The best time to visit Italy is just before or after the summer travel season (re: April-June, September & October). Visiting during these months ensures that you get to experience the best that Italy has to offer while avoiding crowds and exorbitant prices.
What Is The Best Way To See Italy?
I got around mostly by train. The Italian Rail connects most major cities and tourist destinations. If you want to visit small villages or mountainside towns though, you’ll probably have to rent a car or a motorcycle. Remember that most cars in Europe are manual, so make sure that you feel comfortable driving stick before renting!
Italy is a bucket-list destination that offers attractions for travelers from all walks of life. From ethical travelers hoping to find peace among the rivers and lakes in the Tuscan mountains, to families looking to inspire their little ones with an immersion in history and culture, Italy has everything you could ever ask for.
Get started on planning your trip to Italy by packing your two week travel capsule wardrobe, looking into the best solo female travel groups and tours, and booking "travel sustainable" accommodations!
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