UPDATED 9/23/23

Here’s how you can see the best of Italy and Austria in 2 weeks without a car. It’s the perfect, eco-friendly and budget friendly Europe travel itinerary for a 2 week vacation.

As you’ll notice from the tips throughout, this Italy 2 Week itinerary is intentionally written for the first time, solo traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been traveling solo FOREVER). Yet, anyone can use this travel Italy itinerary it to plan and book 2 Weeks in Italy.

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Here are all of the best booking sites you need to successfully book these 2 weeks in Italy and Austria.

I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your Italy and Austria itinerary and get the best travel deals in Europe.

Cheap Flights to Milan Malpensa

Milan Malpensa Airport Transfer

Milan City Center Accommodations

Verona City Center Accommodations

Innsbruck City Center Accommodations

Salzburg City Center Accommodations

Vienna City Center Accommodations

Venice City Center Accommodations

Cheap Italy and Austria Train Tickets

Cheap Italy and Austria Bus Tickets

Don’t forget to use the Ultimate Italy Solo Travel Guide and Ultimate Austria Solo Travel Guide to plan your 2 weeks in Europe. They are the ultimate one-stop-shop guides for all you need to know to plan Italy and Austria solo travel with:

Speaking of budget travel, use the Guide to Budget European Accommodations for planning Europe budget travel.

If you’re new to international travel, Tourism 101 will also help.

Here some travel essentials ideal to making your solo travel in Austria and Italy easier, if not more eco-friendly.

At CORR Travel, I advocate for eco-travel and sustainable travel practices, such as using public transportation, biking, walking, etc. in lieu of renting a car when possible. 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.

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 Austria and Italy are very safe for solo travel. 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.

Why have to choose between Italy vs Austria, or spend 2 weeks in Italy alone, when you can see both Italy and Austria in 2 weeks? Well, you’re in the right place. Let’s get you to seeing the best of both countries and without a car.

To complete this solo trip in Europe, don’t forget to use the city itineraries, like Milan in 2 Days, Each city itinerary fits this 2 week itinerary and gives you all you need to know on how to spend the best time in each desirable destination, even on a budget.

This Italy and Austria itinerary gives you equal time in both countries: 7 days in Italy and 7 days in Austria.

Now, let’s get you started on going to Italy and Austria with an itinerary that starts and ends in Milan with an 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 city center hotel.  The Milan Metro is inexpensive and easy to navigate. If your Milan city center 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 Europe solo travel because this Austria and Italy 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 Lake Como boat rides are worth the day trip.

Milan 2 Day Itinerary & Guide

To know how to see the best of Milan in 2 days on this itinerary, including how to get around Milan, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Milan 2 Day Itinerary and Guide 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 mid-morning.
• Time on train – 1h 40m
• Arrive Verona Porta Nuova railway station
• Getting your Milan to Verona train ticket in advance helps ensure this 2 week itinerary.

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 and wine 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 & Guide

To know how to see the best of Verona in 2 days (with optional Padua) on this itinerary, including how to get around Verona, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Best of Verona 2 Day Itinerary and Guide for optimal solo travel in Verona.

Day 5: Innsbruck

Day 5: Verona to Innsbruck Travel Schedule

• Depart Verona Porta Nuova railway station, Verona in the morning.
• Time on train – 3h 30m – 4 hr
• Arrive Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof
• Getting your Italy to Austria train ticket in advance helps ensure this 2 week itinerary.

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 1 Day Itinerary & Guide

To know how to see the best of Innsbruck in one day on this itinerary, including how to get around Innsbruck, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – download the ultimate Innsbruck 1 Day Itinerary PDF 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 mid-morning.
• Time on train – 1h 45m / time on bus – 1h 50m
• Arrive Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
• Getting your Innsbruck to Salzburg train ticket or bus ticket in advance helps ensure this 2 week itinerary.

Salzburg, Austria

Near the German border, Salzburg is the 4^th largest city in Austria and dates back to late 7^th 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 by yourself or by walking tour. Cruise the River Salzach for more Salzburg sightseeing.

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!” Well, it inspired me. The Austrian views are that beautiful.

Hallstatt, Austria

Wish to see more of the Austrian countryside?  Enjoy a day trip to Hallstatt tour, or self-guided by train, a quaint Austrian village located on Lake Hallstatt between Salzburg and Graz. 

Also a UNESCO heritage site, stroll through Hallstatt’s 16^th 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 & Guide

To know how to see the best of Salzburg in 2 days on this itinerary, including how to get around Salzburg, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Salzburg 2 Day Itinerary to plan your solo travel in Salzburg and Hallstatt.

Days 8 – 11: Vienna

Day 8: Salzburg to Vienna Travel Schedule

• Depart Salzburg Hauptbahnhof in the morning.
• Time on train – 2h 30m
• Arrive Wien (Vienna) Hauptbahnhof
• Getting your Salzburg to Vienna train ticket in advance helps ensure this 2 week itinerary.

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 wine region 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 UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley with Melk Abbey visit. A must. 

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 & Guide

To know how to see the best of Vienna in 4 days (with Wachau Valley wine tasting) on this itinerary, including how to get around Vienna, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Vienna 4 Days itinerary as a single traveler in Vienna.

Days 12 – 13: Venice

Day 12: Vienna to Venice Travel Schedule

• Depart Wien Hauptbahnhof in the evening on the once-daily Nightjet train from Vienna direct to Venice (sleeper cabin with breakfast included).
• Time on train – 11h 7m
• Arrive Venezia San Lucia railway station
• Getting your direct Austria to Italy train sleeper cabin ticket, or regular ticket, in advance helps ensure this 2 week itinerary.

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, where one cannot help but take a gondola ride. 

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 & Guide

To know how to see the best of Venice in 2 days on this itinerary, including how to get around Venice, where to stay, what to see and do, and where to eat – even on a budget – use the ultimate Venice 2 Day Itinerary sure to please in Venice.

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 Marco Polo 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 my ideas on how to see Italy and Austria in 2 weeks were helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comment section below. Thank you!

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