2 Week Italy Itinerary
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2 Week Italy Itinerary For Solo Female Travelers:
Lucky, lucky. You have two weeks in Italy and you want to know where to go and how to spend your time. Here is my recommended 2 week Italy itinerary but feel free to add or subtract destinations to better suit your travel speed. I’ve got advice on how much to budget, what to pack and when to visit Italy. Enjoy!
What To Spend
Daily Budget:
60 USD/ 80 AUD/ 80 CAD/ 50 EUR/ 40 GBP
*Assuming you’re on a backpacker’s budget. Making use of public transportation, staying in hostels or other budget accommodations and eating out about once a day.*
When To Go
June – August (High Season)
Daytime Temps: 74F-88F (23C-31C)
Nighttime Temps: 52F-65F (11C-18C)
What To Pack
The Europe Solo Female Traveler’s packing list has the full list of everything you’ll need for a two week solo vacation in Italy. If you’re traveling in the high season then pack with the warm weather in mind and make sure your shoes, and feet, can handle exploring these amazing cities for hours on end.
Day 1: Venice
Your first stop is Venice for yummy gelato, gondola rides and overly friendly pigeons. Spend your day in Venice getting lost in the twisty cobblestone streets, strolling through Mark’s Square, indulging in artistic beauty in the Gallerie dell’Accademia and stepping back in time while exploring the Doge’s Palace.
Book your accommodations outside of Venice because it’s very pricey to stay in the city itself. For a more detailed Venice Guide and specific tips and advice on how to get around, what to do and how to stay safe, check out the Venice Solo Female Travel Guide.
Day 2: Day Trip to Verona
Verona is only a 1hr and 10-minute train ride from Venice and since you’re so close it would just be a crime not to visit this magnificent city. You’ll have the chance to visit one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in Italy or you can visit the home of Juliet Capulet from the well-known tale of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, she’s a fictional character but it was still a cute, fun way to spend the day.
For more info on how to get to Verona from Venice and what to do when you’re there, read Escaping Venice next.
Day 3: Travel to Florence
A train from Venice to Florence takes about two hours, while a bus can take over four hours. Travel to Florence, check into your hotel or hostel, get some Italian food in that belly and make a plan for how you’re going to tackle the city.
Day 4: Florence
You can spend more than one day in Florence of course but if you do opt for one day then spend it climbing to the top of the Duomo, museum-hopping and laying eyes on Michelangelo’s David.
Florence is a very walkable city and for a full guide on what to do while you’re tramping through the streets then read the Florence Travel Guide next.
Day 5: Day Trip to Siena
In about an hour and a half, you can find yourself in the ancient city of Siena. Stroll around the Piazza, visit the Cripta del Duomo and climb to the top of the Panorama dal Facciatone for the most amazing view of the city.
Read Escaping Florence: Day Trip to Siena for your guide on how to get there from Florence and how to spend the day.
Day 6: Day Trip to Barberino
For another hour and a half of your time, you can travel from Florence to Barberino Val d’Elsa. This is the place to get the full Tuscan countryside experience. While you’re here I suggest a wine tour. There are many wineries in the area and plenty are willing to give tours and samples of the region’s finest.
Day 7: Travel To Rome
The fast train will get you from Florence to Rome in 1 hour and 17 minutes. When you get there check in to your accommodations and relax for a bit. You have three days of exploring to gear up for.
Day 8: Rome
Visit the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. There is a lot to see and do in these venues so be sure to buy a ticket for all three at the entrance to Palatine Hill. You’ll be able to skip the line at the Colosseum and trust me, you’ll be glad of that.
Day 9: Rome
Today the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel await you. Solo Female Traveler’s Tip: Make sure your shoulders are covered and you’re dressed modestly when you visit the Sistine Chapel. They like guests to adhere to a dress code.
Day 10: Rome
Now it’s time for Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Prepare yourself for some long lines but know that it’s all worth the wait.
For the full three days in Rome Solo Travel Guide, check out this post.
Day 11: Travel to Cinque Terre
The slow trains will get you from Rome to Cinque Terre in 5 and a half hours but the fast trains will check you there in 3 and a half. Pick whichever one fits your budget and travel schedule.
Day 12: Cinque Terre
Take your first day slow. Visit all the towns and see the particular charms of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Maybe go for a swim, grab some lunch in Monterosso, and rest up for the big hike.
Day 13: Cinque Terre
Today is the day. The Cinque Terre National Park is the big attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year. The trails connect all five towns and it will take you about six hours to trek the whole thing. Decide on how much of the trail you actually want to traverse and the difficulty you can handle.
For more information on the Cinque Terre Trail and on Cinque Terre itself, read my Solo Travel Cinque Terre Guide.
Day 14: Rest
It’s your last day and you’re coming off a six-hour hike. Now’s a good time in the 2 week Italy itinerary to relax a little bit, pack your bags to go home or to get ready for your adventure in another destination.
Italy Travel Safety Tips
Read Solo Travel Safety Tips and Solo Travel Safety Items for how to protect yourself and your things while you’re on your solo adventure through Italy. I hope my 2 Week Italy Itinerary helps you make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
Happy Travels!