How to See Italy and Austria in 2 Weeks Solo
- Gwen
- December 27, 2019
- No Comments
Revised 4/30/20
I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of my “2 Week Vacation” with How to Spend 2 Weeks in Italy, but you want to cover more than one country in your two week vacation? No problem. Here’s how to see the best of Italy and Austria in 2 Weeks.
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Intro
Some notes to get started… You will notice I advocate for using public transportation and walking, as well as promoting sustainable travel practices.
Renting a vehicle, not to mention the cost of petrol, can be pricey. Plus, driving does not always guarantee you will get to another location quicker.
I love trains and the train service in Europe is extensive. When you’re driving and trying to follow directions, you could miss out on some of the lovely scenery. Trains provide a time to relax, take a nap, or bone up on some ideas for the next town.
I’ve never had to rent a car to have a great time in Europe. If you have any questions on what I have suggested, please do not hesitate to post it below, and I will get back to you.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. My preference is to provide links to companies other than Amazon whenever possible. I recognize many people like Amazon, not to mention there are eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable brands out there who use Amazon. I want to support them. So, just know you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission at NO additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.
Why Go to Italy and Austria?
My question is, “Why not?!” However, if you’re not inspired already, please check out my Italy travel guide and Austria travel guide. They provide interesting facts the on history and culture of each country, photographs, and general, budget, eco and solo travel tips.
To supplement this itinerary, look for specific city posts like Salzburg, Austria on a Budget where you can learn how to spend time in each desirable destination in this itinerary – even on a budget. Most of this itinerary’s city blog posts show how each city can be done budget-friendly for around 100 Euros a day, including accommodations!
Speaking of, if you’d like to get a jump on budget accommodation research, see my Guide to Budget European Accommodations.
I have provided below some suggested travel resources for your convenience that may help with your planning. Please also visit CORR travel resources if you need additional resource suggestions, like using Babbel to brush up on a little Italian and German before you go. Even a few words and phrases of the local language can really enhance your travel experience.
Last, if you’re new to international travel, please feel free to take a look at my Tourism 101 tips.
Italy & Austria Resources for a Successful Trip
2 Weeks in Italy & Austria
Milan / Lake Como: Days 1 – 3
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 for about 8€.
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 hotel. The Milan Metro is inexpensive and easy to navigate. If your hotel has airport shuttle service included in your hotel cost, then all the better.
Lake Como
Two days lend for a nice visit in Milan providing time leisurely time to see the major sites. After spending your first two days getting acclimated to time and a new city, I 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 for 100 Euros a day, or less, including accommodations? Check out my ultimate Milan on a Budget 2 Day Itinerary sure to please any traveler.
Verona / Padua: Days 4 – 5
- Depart Milano Centrale train station, Milan
- Time on train – 1h 40m
- Arrive Verona Porta Nuova railway station
- Book/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. Some hotel check-in’s can start at 2pm or at least hold your luggage for you should you arrive early.
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 Piazza dei Signori 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 for 100 Euros a day, or less, including accommodations? Check out my amazing Best of Verona on a Budget 2 Day Itinerary sure to please any traveler.
Innsbruck: Day 6
- Depart Verona Porta Nuova railway station, Verona
- Time on train – 3h 30m – 4 hr
- Arrive Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof
- Book/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. Some hotel check-in’s can start at 2pm or at least hold your luggage for you should you arrive early.
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 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 for 100 Euros a day, or less, including accommodations? Check out my ultimate Innsbruck in 1 Day Itinerary sure to please any traveler.
Salzburg / Hallstatt: Days 7 – 8
- Depart Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof
- Time on train – 1h 45m / time on bus – 1h 50m
- Arrive Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
- Book/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. Some hotel check-in’s can start at 2pm or at least hold your luggage for you should you arrive early.
Salzburg, Austria
Near the German border, Salzburg is the 4thlargest city in Austria and dates back to late 7thcentury. Salzburg was the birthplace Mozart, isrenowned 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, 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 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 for 100 Euros a day, or less, including accommodations? Check out my ultimate Salzburg in 2 Days Itinerary sure to please any traveler.
Vienna: Days 9 – 12
- Depart Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
- Time on train – 2h 30m
- Arrive Wien (Vienna) Hauptbahnhof
- Book/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 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 wine tasting in the Wachau Valley. 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 for 100 Euros a day, or less, including accommodations? Check out my ultimate Vienna in 4 Days itinerary sure to please any traveler.
Venice: Days 13 – 14
- Depart Wien Hauptbahnhof
- Time on train – 11h 7m
- Arrive Venezia San Lucia railway station
- Book/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 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? Even on a budget for 100 Euros a day, or less, including accommodations? Check out my amazing Venice in 2 Days Itinerary sure to please any traveler.
Venice / Milan: Day 14
If you booked a round-trip ticket 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.
Let Me Hear From You
I would love to hear if this post was helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comment section below. Thank you!
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Gwen
Gwen is the Founder of CORR Travel and a global traveler and photographer with over 25 years of solo travel experience. She is also the Founder of the www.CORRConcepts.com sustainability blog. Travel is her passion and environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection is her "religion".
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