UPDATED 2/13/22
Would you like to cover more than one European country in a short, 2 week vacation? No problem. Here’s how you can see top cities in Italy and Austria in 2 weeks without a car.
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2022 Italy Pandemic Travel Tips from My 2021 Italy Travel
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Why You Don’t Need a Car
At CORR Travel, I advocate for eco-travel and sustainable travel practices, such as using public transportation and walking. This goes for travel within a city as well as between cities and countries. Why not try to reduce your carbon footprint while you travel?
Renting a vehicle, not to mention the cost of petrol, can be pricey, and gas-powered cars are not-so-hot for the environment. Plus, driving does not always guarantee you will get to another location quicker. When you’re driving and trying to follow directions, you could miss out on some of the lovely scenery.
I love trains, and the train service in Europe is extensive. Buses in Europe are also extensive and inexpensive. Trains and buses provide a time to relax, take a nap, or bone up on some ideas for the next town. Plus, you might meet a traveling companion on your solo travel.
You don’t have to get a rental car in Europe in order to have a great time in Europe. You definitely don’t need a car to have a good time for two weeks in Italy and Austria.
More Europe 2 Week Itineraries
Why Go to Italy and Austria?
My question is, “Why not?” Italy and Austria are full of culture and history. Italy is also home to 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Austria has 12.
Italy and Austria have one-of a kind activities, culinary delights and, of course, phenomenal natural and architectural beauty, and culinary delights that make indoor and outdoor activity options endless for different travel styles.
Plus, both countries are very doable as a solo traveler. I have traveled to these locations multiple times myself as a solo female traveler, and had a wonderful time, and always can’t wait to go back. I’m sure you will, too.
2 Weeks in Italy and Austria Itinerary
To supplement this solo trip itinerary, look for links to each city’s suggested itinerary, like Milan 2 Day Itinerary, where you can learn how to spend time in each desirable destination in this itinerary – even on a budget.
If you need budget planning help, don’t be afraid to review my Guide to Budget European Accommodations for helpful accommodation-planning.
If you’re new to international travel, my Tourism 101 tips will also help you.
Now, let’s get you started on planning your 2 weeks in Austria and Italy and Austria starting and ending in Milan, with the option to end in Venice, if you wish. Either way, you get to see Austria in one week and Italy in one week. Not bad, huh?
Days 1 – 2: Milan and Lake Como
Milan, in Italy’s northern region, is known for its mixture of the modern, high-end shopping, restaurants, fashion and design, with the classical of the Duomo di Milano and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” mural housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. The Milan Opera House is also historic.
Arriving in Milan
If you are arriving by air, you will more than likely arrive at the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) 51 km northwest of the city of Milan, or arriving at Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, Bergamo (Orio al Serio Airport – BGY).
The cheapest and easiest way to get from the Milan Malpensa Airport to the Milano Centrale is the XP1 or R28 line, which will take about 55 minutes and cost a fraction of what a taxi would. Each line departs every 10 minutes.
You also have the option to take a Malpensa Airport transfer or a Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport transfer.
Arriving by train or bus you should arrive directly into the Milano Centrale station as it is centrally placed in Milan.
From the Milano Centrale, either walk or catch the Milan Metro to your ‘Travel Sustainable’ city center hotel. The Milan Metro is inexpensive and easy to navigate. If your Milan hotel has airport shuttle service included in your hotel cost, then all the better.
For the sake of this itinerary, your arrival day will not count. This way Day 2 marks the beginning of your Austria and Italy 14 day itinerary so you have time to rest and get the most out of your over 50 single travel. This Austria and Italy in 2 weeks itinerary will keep you moving.
However, if you arrive in Milan early and want to hit the ground running, then you have an extra day.
Lake Como
Two days lend for a nice visit in Milan providing time leisurely time to see the major sites. After spending your first day (or two) day in Milan and wish to get out of the city, I highly recommend doing a day trip to Lake Como, which is just an hour’s train ride north of Milan. Lake Como is stunning and the small towns and boat rides are worth the day trip.
Milan 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on getting around Milan, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat, even on a budget? Don’t miss my Milan on a Budget 2 Day Itinerary for the best solo travel in Milan and Lake Como.
ECO TRAVEL PICKS
Days 3 – 4: Verona and Padua
Day 3: Milan to Verona Travel Schedule
- Depart Milano Centrale train station, Milan
- Time on train – 1h 40m
- Arrive Verona Porta Nuova railway station
- Purchase your Italy train ticket.
- Suggested departure: Feel free to be leisurely with your time and catch a train around 9-10am to noon from Milan to arrive in Verona before noon in time for lunch. If your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Verona city center hotel won’t allow check-in until the afternoon, they should be able to at least hold your luggage on your early arrival.
Verona, Italy
Verona is a lovely little city with a medieval old town built along the Adige River. Verona is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, where you can see a balcony at “Juliet’s House”, the Verona Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Torre dei Lamberti, which offers sweeping views of the red-tiled roof city. Don’t forget grappa tasting.
Padua, Italy
A short train ride from Verona, Padua holds the famous Giotto frescos in the Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovegni Chapel), the Pauda Cathedral, Basilica di Sant’Antonio, and other multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Piazza dei Signori is Padua’s signature location for outdoor shopping and dining.
Verona 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on getting around Verona, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – that could include Padua? Check out my Best of Verona on a Budget 2 Day Itinerary for optimal solo travel in Verona.
Day 5: Innsbruck
Day 5: Verona to Innsbruck Travel Schedule
- Depart Verona Porta Nuova railway station, Verona
- Time on train – 3h 30m – 4 hr
- Arrive Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof
- Purchase your Innsbruck train ticket.
- Suggested departure: Feel free to be leisurely and catch a train by 9am to arrive in Innsbruck around lunch time. If your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Innsbruck city center hotel won’t allow check-in until the afternoon, they should be able to at least hold your luggage on your early arrival.
Innsbruck, Austria
In the center of the Tyrol region, Innsbruck is one of the many Alpine cities that offer downhill skiing and other winter sporting opportunities, centuries of Imperial history, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, and the Schloss Ambras, a Renaissance castle and palace located just on the hills overlooking Innsbruck.
Tasty beer, schnitzel and apple strudel are the local “comfort food” sure to keep you warmed up.
Innsbruck in a Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on getting around Innsbruck, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget? Check out my ultimate Innsbruck in 1 Day Itinerary to help you plan your solo travel in Innsbruck.
Days 6 – 7: Salzburg and Hallstatt
Day 6: Innsbruck to Salzburg Travel Schedule
- Depart Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof
- Time on train – 1h 45m / time on bus – 1h 50m
- Arrive Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
- Purchase your Salzburg train ticket or bus ticket.
- Suggested departure: Enjoy your breakfast and any missed attraction from the day before, or a just a leisurely stroll around town, before catching an 11am train to arrive in Salzburg around lunch time. If your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Salzburg city center hotel won’t allow check-in until the afternoon, confirm they can hold your luggage on your early arrival.
Salzburg, Austria
Near the German border, Salzburg is the 4th largest city in Austria and dates back to late 7th century. Salzburg was the birthplace Mozart, is renowned for its Baroque architecture, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Divided by the Salzach River with the “Old City” (Altstadt) on the left bank and the “New City” (Neustadt) on the right bank, Salzburg is easily accessible by foot to take in its historical and natural wonders.
Once you take in the views of the Eastern Alps from the Fortress Hohensalzburg, you may be inspired to sing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music!”
Hallstatt, Austria
Wish to see more of the Austrian countryside? Enjoy a day trip to Hallstatt by train, a quaint Austrian village located on Lake Hallstatt between Salzburg and Graz.
Also a UNESCO heritage site, stroll through Hallstatt’s 16th century homes and shops. Dine and walk the Welterbeblick (Skywalk Hallstatt) for scenic views, all of which can be enjoyed in a leisurely afternoon.
Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on getting around Salzburg, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget? Don’t miss my ultimate Salzburg in 2 Days Itinerary to plan your over 50 solo travel in Salzburg and Hallstatt.
Days 8 – 11: Vienna
Day 8: Salzburg to Vienna Travel Schedule
- Depart Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
- Time on train – 2h 30m
- Arrive Wien (Vienna) Hauptbahnhof
- Purchase your Vienna train ticket
- Suggested departure: After breakfast, catch a 9-10am departure train arrive in Vienna around noon for early baggage drop off at your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Vienna city center hotel and lunch before seeing the sights in this amazing city.
Vienna, Austria
The capital of Austria, Vienna rests on the Danube River, which runs for 1770 miles and through 10 countries. Vienna is famous for its opera and the Vienna Opera House, stunning baroque architecture, music, and tasty strudel and coffee.
Stroll leisurely along the streets taking in the Schmetterlinghaus (butterfly house), art museums, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and a ride on the Ringstrasse Tram before absorbing the city’s skyline at the top of the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater district.
The opulent Hapsburg palaces continue in Vienna with the Schloss Schönbrunn Palace, which, with its grounds and Viennese coffee in Cafe Glordiette, could absorb an afternoon.
If you’re into wine (like me), the Heurigen area within the Vienna city limits and its more than 1,700 acres of vineyards is bound to get your attention, or get out of the city altogether for a Wachau Valley wine tasting tour.
Unwind from it all in an outdoor café people watching on a lazy afternoon. Vienna is bound to prove to you why it has been ranked the top city in the world to live ten years in a row.
Vienna 4 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on getting around Vienna, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget? You’re not going to want to miss my ultimate Vienna in 4 Days itinerary as a single traveler in Vienna.
Days 12 – 13: Venice
Day 12: Vienna to Venice Travel Schedule
- Depart Wien Hauptbahnhof
- Time on train – 11h 7m
- Arrive Venezia San Lucia railway station
- Purchase your ÖBB Nightjet sleeper cabin train ticket
- Suggested departure: Instead of wasting the day traveling, catch the once-daily Nightjet train from Vienna around 7pm direct to Venice and pay a little extra for a sleeper cabin with breakfast included. You’ll have saved on one night’s Venice city center hotel expenses and arrive in Venice in the early morning refreshed and ready to set upon your Venetian activities.
Venice, Italy
The capital of Italy’s Veneto region, Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon separated only by canals, including the Grand Canal thoroughfare, and linked by more than 400 bridges.
At the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, this “City of Bridges” is considered to have been the first real international financial center of the world and still houses historic Renaissance and Gothic structures like San Marco Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile bell tower – all around the central Piazza San Marco, famous for its pigeons and outdoor lounging.
Venice 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on getting around Venice, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat? Check out my amazing Venice in 2 Days Itinerary sure to please you as a solo traveler, even on a budget.
Day 14: Venice or Milan
If you booked a round-trip ticket to fly home from Milan, it is only a 2.5 hour train ride from Venice allowing most of your last day in Venice. If you booked a one-way ticket from separate cities, then you will just have more time in Venice.
Ensure to arrive at the airport pre-checked in and at least two hours before your flight departs. If you are like me, that sinking feeling may start to settle on you while you as you are in the airport knowing you are leaving Europe.
Be glad, though. You just had a wonderful two weeks in Italy and Austria, and you can always go back.
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