Best of Italy in 2 Weeks Itinerary
UPDATED 1/20/23
Want to see the best of Italy in 2 weeks? Without a car? This Italy 2 week itinerary will remove all of the guesswork of what to see, how and when and reduce your travel budget because no rental car is required. Seriously.
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Italy Travel Planning Resources
Italy Travel Packing Essentials
Why You Don’t Need a Car in Italy
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. You might even 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 one for this incredible two week Italy itinerary.
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Why You Should Go To Italy
Where do I begin? Is it that Italy is my favorite country to travel to? Is the wine? The art? The kind people who know how to live? Perhaps it’s all of the above and more. The point is, if you have not been to Italy, it would behoove you to at least spend 2 weeks in Italy solo and check it out for yourself. What do you have to lose?
Italy is very doable as a solo traveler. I keep going back as a solo female traveler and have a wonderful time every time. I’m sure you will, too.
Italy in 2 Weeks Travel Itinerary
To supplement this itinerary, look for links to each city’s suggested itinerary, like Rome 3 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.
More Budget Travel Tips & Ideas
- How to Create a Solo Travel Budget
- How To Save Money for Solo Travel
- How to Travel Carry-On Only
- 10 Ways to Travel Without Traveling
If you’re new to international travel, my Tourism 101 tips will also help you.
That said, let’s get you to see some of the best of Italy in 2 weeks starting and ending in Rome with the option to end in Verona, if you wish.
Days 1 – 3: Rome
Why Go To Rome?
Rome is a perfect place to start your Italy in 2 weeks. Rome is the heart of the Roman Empire, dates back to the 8th century BC and is home to the smallest country in the world, Vatican City.
The capital of the Lazio region of Italy, Rome is bountiful in history, culture, art, architecture, and cuisine. Rome is a must see city in Italy.
Arriving in Rome
If you are flying into Rome, you will more than likely arrive at the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome–Fiumicino International Airport). If you are arriving Rome by train or bus, you should arrive directly into the Roma Termini railway station, which is centrally located in Rome.
It is ideal if your hotel provides free airport transfer. If not, there are Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center transfers available.
An easy way to get from the airport to the Roma Termini is the Leonardo Express train service. The Leonardo Express is a non-stop train service connecting Termini Station with Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino airport in only 32 minutes.
Trains depart every 15 to 30, depending on the time of day. The train shuttle service is guaranteed even in the event of strike (it may be substituted with bus service).
You also have the option to take a Rome Fiumicino Airport transfer.
Another option is to take the public Rome Airport Shuttle. The Airport Shuttle departs every 30 minutes. It could take around 40-50 minutes to your hotel, even longer during peak hours.
You can catch the Rome metro to your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Rome city center hotel from the Roma Termini if you book near a metro stop. If you really want to move around Rome quickly and give your feet a rest, you can buy a 48 or 72-Hour Roma Pass, which includes entry to attractions.
ECO TRAVEL PICKS FOR ITALY
More Eco-Travel Ideas
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Rome 3 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on Rome, including where to stay, getting around, what to see and do, and where to eat, even on a budget? Use my ultimate Rome travel guide and 3 day itinerary, with Vatican City, perfect for single travelers.
Days 4 – 5: Siena and Montalcino
Day 4: Rome to Siena Travel Schedule
- Tiburtina bus station, Rome
- Time on bus – 2h 39m to 3h 40m, depending on departure time
- Arrive Siena Piazza Gramsci station
- Buy your Siena bus ticket – The buses in Europe are amazing. They are very inexpensive, offers extensive routes, and can even get to certain locations as quickly as a car and quicker than a train. Some buses have WiFi. They are a comfy, economical and eco-friendly way to ride between towns.
- Suggested Rome departure: Enjoy your breakfast and a stroll in Rome before catching the 10:39am bus to Siena (direct), arriving at 1:09pm in time for an early ‘Travel Sustainable’ Siena city center hotel check in if you can arrange it in advance.
Siena and Montalcino
Siena, which some consider being in the “heart of Tuscany”, is known for the Palio, a bi-annual horse race, that has been held since the 17th century. It is also known for its medieval cityscape, art, museums, and cuisine.
If you have never been to Siena, its top attractions would a shame to miss. You can easily do most top sights in Siena in a day since it is fairly small. Two days lend for a nice visit, of course.
However, if you are a wine buff like me, I recommend doing a wine tasting day trip from Siena. Siena is only an hour away from Montalcino, considered one of the three towns comprising the “heart of Tuscany”. Ready to go Tuscan wine tasting from Siena?
Siena 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on Siena, including where to stay, getting around, what to see and do, and where to eat, even on a budget? Use my ultimate Siena budget travel guide with a recommended 2 day Siena itinerary, with Montalcino, sure to please any solo traveler.
Days 6 – 9: Florence
Day 6: Siena to Florence Travel Schedule
- Siena Piazza Gramsci station
- Italia Rail Regional train to Florence Santa Maria Novena train station
- Time on Train – 1h 30m
- Arrive Florence 1:09pm
- Buy your Florence train ticket.
- Suggested departure: I suggest catching the 9:18am train so you can arrive in Florence by 10:50am. Many accommodations may not let you check in until 3-4pm, but if available, have them store your luggage until your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Florence city center hotel room is ready so you can get out and enjoy Florence.
Florence and Greve
Ah, Florence… Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and home to historic architecture and art such as the Florence Cathedral and Duomo, the Campanile Bell Tower, the Uffizi Gallery, which holds da Vinci’s “Annunciation”, and the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture.
If you have never been to Florence, go and see as many Florence attractions possible. You can easily do 3 to 4 Florence attractions in a day without being too tired, but I suggest you pace it out to enjoy the leisure time in Florence as a solo traveler.
Florence 4 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on Florence, including where to stay, getting around, what to see and do, and where to eat, even on a budget? Use my ultimate Florence budget travel guide with a recommended 4 day Florence itinerary great for solo travel.
Days 10 – 11: Milan and Lake Como
Day 6: Florence to Milan Travel Schedule
- Santa Maria Novella train station, Florence
- Time on train – 1h 50m
- Arrive Milano Centrale station
- Buy your Milan train ticket
- Suggested departure: I suggest catching the 8am train direct to Milan, arriving at 9:50 am so you can put your luggage in storage and head straight to Lake Como. Make sure you’ve confirmed a late check-in at your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Milan city center hotel – you’re going to need it.
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” painting housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. The Teatro Alla Scalla (Milan Opera House) is also historic.
Two days lend for a nice visit in Milan providing time leisurely time to see the major sites. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, 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 day trips.
Milan 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on Milan, including where to stay, getting around, what to see and do, and where to eat, even on a budget? Use my ultimate Milan budget travel guide with a recommended 2 day Milan itinerary with Lake Como ideal for single travelers.
Days 12 – 13: Verona and Padua
Let me note here that if you really want to see Venice, Italy, then I would bypass Verona at this point in the itinerary and go to Venice from Milan. The train to Venice is only an hour and ten minutes longer.
Personally, I prefer Verona. That’s just me, so I am providing Verona in this suggested itinerary. You can see Venice with my Italy and Austria 2-Week Itinerary.
Day 12: Milan to Verona Travel Schedule
- Milano Centrale train station, Milan
- Time on train – 1h 40m
- Arrive Verona Porta Nuova railway station
- Buy your Verona train ticket.
- Suggested departure: I suggest seeing the Milan Duomo first thing to start your Day 12. You can be done by 10am in time to check out of your hotel and catch an 11:25 am train from Milan to arrive in Verona by 1:15pm for an early check-in (or checking your bags) at your ‘Travel Sustainable’ Verona city center hotel.
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”, however, it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Thankfully, it’s free.
The Verona Arena, a large, 1st century Roman amphitheater, is in the historic city center that holds concerts and large-scale opera performances. When in Verona, try not only the wine, but the grappa made from wine stems, skins and seeds.
Verona 2 Day Itinerary and Travel Guide
Want information on Verona, including where to stay, getting around, what to see and do, and where to eat, even on a budget? Use my ultimate Verona budget travel guide with a recommended 2 day Verona itinerary, with Padua, sure to please any solo traveler.
Day 14: Verona to Rome
If you booked a round-trip airline ticket from Rome, heading back from Verona is your last day of your two weeks in Italy. If you booked a one-way ticket from separate cities, then you have an extra day to spend in Verona.
If you need to fly home from Rome, there are multiple trains and flights leaving from Verona. Verona trains to Roma Termini takes just less than three hours. You can store your luggage in the Roma Termini and enjoy some extra time in Rome or you can catch the Leonardo Express back to the Rome Fiumicino International Airport.
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 Italy.
Be glad, though. You got to see some of the best of Italy in 2 weeks, and you can always go back.
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Let Me Hear From You
I would love to hear if my Italy in 2 weeks solo itinerary was helpful in planning your solo travel over 50. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!
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Great Blog! This blog is very helpful for me.
Thank you for sharing this blog. This blog is very helpful for me. Great blog!!
My pleasure! Italy is the bomb. – Gwen
Thank you for your kind comment!!
Nice blog. Thank you for sharing this blog. Great blog!
Glad you found it helpful! -Gwen