3 Weeks In Italy: 3 Itineraries

Italy is a destination all kinds of travellers could enjoy. Regardless if you only have a few days, a week, or even about a month. If you are looking for a beach holiday, hiking trip, food getaway, or cultural trip – Italy should be on your list. If it’s your first tsime here, I highly recommend you check out these fantastic books about Italy.

Italy is only one of the few places on Earth where you can experience so many things in a short period of time. Due to its location, wherever you are coming from, you know there’s always a fast way to reach Italy.

In this article, I will show you three different 3 weeks in Italy itineraries. One for the northern part, second for the southern region, and third for the all-over Italy trip. Some of the places and attractions might be repeated.

ALSO READ: Europe in 3 weeks on a budget or 20 days in Southern Europe itinerary

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO ITALY

It’s pretty easy to travel to Italy. But to make things easier for you, I list quick travel tips for your visit to Italy. Below is information to help you plan your trip, including when to go, cost, visa, and more:

Best time to go to Italy

Depending on what you want to do, basically, all year round is an excellent time to visit Italy. The busiest time for hiking and summer activities is from June until August. For winter activities like skiing, visiting northern Italy from December until February is best.

If you want to avoid the crowd, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September-November) are great times to explore Italy. During this time, the prices are also reasonable compared to during summer where accommodations and flights are more expensive.

Are 3 weeks enough for Italy

Yes. The country is relatively small with a decent transportation network, but still offers a unique experience in each city. so much so that you might feel like 20 days in not enough.

3 weeks in Italy is perfect whether it’s your first time here or you’re exploring less-known areas. The country has pretty okay public transportation, but the high-speed train really makes a difference.

You can even rent a car and drive on your own, although it will take a little more time. If you travel by bus, it could take more time to get from one place to another. While trains and planes can be faster options.

Getting around Italy

The best way to travel around Italy is by using the trains or trams to cities, planes, driving, then buses. Almost all towns are connected by trains. Big cities to big cities (Rome to Florence for example) take only 3 hours by train.

Italy, in general, has a fantastic train system. Although some people may argue about its punctuality, it is reliable and affordable. However, this is more true in the northern part. Getting from Naples or Rome to Sicily, it’s best to take a plane.

On the other hand, if you prefer the freedom of movement – rent a car. Just remember, most cars are in manual transmission. IDP (International Driver’s Permit) are valid in Italy. You might also want to consider spending 3 weeks on a cruise, a great way to explore and get around Italy.

You can always take a domestic flight if you want to go faster. Most major cities are flights to all other major cities within the country.

Lastly, you can use buses. Most young people will use the buses for affordability. However, the price difference between bus and train is not much. At least on trains, you can walk around and stretch.

I once had a 6-hour layover in Rome and didn’t want to spend all those hours at the airport. So, I tossed my luggage at the airport luggage storage, took the train to the city, had a nice local lunch, walked on Spanish steps, and, of course, my favourite, a couple of spoons of gelato.

Visa

Italy is part of Schengen, which is a policy under the EU. This means that the Italian immigration office follows the same visa rules as other Schengen State members when it comes to allowing tourists to enter and travel in the country.

Travellers with passports from most Americas, most of Europe, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and some Middle East can enter and travel to Italy for 90 days (EU/Schengen Members have freedom of movement).

The rest of the nationalities not on the list must apply for a Schengen visa.

3 weeks in Italy budget

This can vary a lot depending on your style of travelling and preference. If you don’t mind staying in a shared dorm room, a backpacker budget of $1,500 will be doable. You can mix up eating street food, dining at the restaurant, and checking some food at the grocery stores.

If you can spend a little bit more, $2,500 will be more ideal. You get your own private room and try out local restaurants.

A $5,000 budget for three weeks in Italy will be very comfortable for those seeking luxury. An option to spend a few nights in a luxury hotel and dine out most of the time. All these prices exclude the cost of your flight to and from Italy.

But remember, Italy in the summer months are a lot more expensive, especially for accommodation and transportation. These numbers also don’t include your main flight to Italy and travel insurance.

Package tours

You can skip all the planning and book a package tour covering accommodation, tours, transportation, and even food. This is ideal for people who want to pack their luggage, arrive in Italy, and start the adventure. Some of these tours are only 2 weeks though. That means you can still have some days for the places that are not featured.

Other basic travel tips

Here is a list of sites I use for travel services, such as accommodations, tour sites, car rentals, and even travel insurance. I prefer booking some things in advance, such as hotels and flights. Most hotels allow free cancellation at the last minute; the same goes for some tours.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN ITALY

Click the logo on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: Map Data: Google

3 WEEKS IN ITALY ITINERARIES

From the eyes of an outsider, I’d say the north of Italy is so different from the south. It has this older European vibe, and everything feels more intimate. I love exploring this region because the train lines here are just great.

Going from city to city is no trouble (well, the train schedule is an extra challenge). It’s definitely the area I recommend for people who hate spending time at train/bus stations or even the airport.

I also love that while it can be humid during summer, the greenery keeps the temperature cool and walking around isn’t too bad. Now, let’s discuss the best itinerary for 3 weeks in Italy or you can also read our 3 weeks in Italy, Spain, and France itinerary.

Itinerary #1: Northern Italy – Milan, Venice, Florence

This itinerary will take you to the northern part of Italy, where art is rich, wine is tasty, and fashion is part of the daily grind. The good thing about this itinerary is you can quickly get from one place to another.

If you land in Milan, you can train to Venice and Florence. From Florence, you can take a flight home. If you feel one week for each city is too long, add Bologna to your 3 weeks in Italy itinerary. It’s in the middle of these three great cities.

This itinerary is suitable for those who love food, history, architecture, and fashion. I didn’t mention it here, but if you have time, stop by Bologna – the food capital of Italy.

Day-to-day overview

• Day 1: Arrive in Milan and relax. You can take a flixbus from the airport to the city centre or board a train. You can also arrange a private transfer. There’s a bus from Malpensa airport and Bergamo airport. If you plan to drive a car rental, you can pick it up from the airport.

• Day 2 to 3: Get yourself a 48-hour pass to use for museums and transportation. Explore historical sites such as Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Pinacoteca di Brerait, Sforzesco Castle, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and take a lunch or snack break at All’Antico Vinaio

• Day 4: Day trip to Lake Como – check this tour
• Day 5: Day trip to Serravalle Designer Outline – book a bus transfer
• Day 6: Day trip to Saint Moritz and Bernina in Switzerland by a scenic train ride
• Day 7: Travel from Milan to Venice by bus or train

• Day 8: Get settled in Venice and stroll around San Marco Basilica. Perhaps book a dinner either at Da Cherubino or Osteria Da Carla. If you’re feeling fancy, Ristorante La Piazza and Ristorante Venezua Gourmet are highly rated and might require reservations.

• Day 7 to 9: Visir prominent sites, including Doge’s Palace, Museo di Palazzo Grimani, Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, of course, book a Grand Canal Gondola ride.

• Day 10: Spend half a day at Burano and Murano boat tour with glass blowing factory visit
• Day 11: Join a food tour and do some souvenir shopping
• Day 12: Travel from Venice to Florence via a bus or booking a train
• Day 13: Get a Florence bus pass to ease going around the city

• Day 14 to 15: Explore the city centre of Florence, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Basilica di San Miniato, Piazzale Michelangelo, Giardino delle Rose, Villa Bardini, and Pitti Palace to name a few.

• Day 16: Day trip to Cinque Terre – check the tour cost
• Day 17: Day trip to Pisa including Siena and San Gimignano
• Day 18: Day trip to Tuscany with Chianti winery – read tour reviews
• Day 19: Enjoy your last day in Italy
• Day 20: Transfer from Florence city centre to the airport by bus, tram, or a private transfer

Week 1 – Milan and surrounding areas

Milan is also known as a literature city. Even though Milan is now a modern city, you won’t get lost in the middle of skyscrapers. The city has managed to keep their historic buildings and charming streets while ensuring they offer convenience to the locals and tourists.

Visit Milan for a blend of high-end fashion, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and offers unparalleled shopping with designer boutiques lining the Quadrilatero della Moda.

Don’t miss the iconic Cathedral of Milan (Duomo) and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Round off the day with an aperitivo in the trendy Navigli district, where canals and vibrant nightlife offer a unique Milanese experience.

From Milan, you can plan a day trip to Lake Como or Turin, and both can be reached by train. Genoa is also an option, but the train connects to Turin. If you’re renting a car, you can pick it up at the airport or downtown Mila.

Week 2 – Venice and surrounding areas

3 weeks in Italy is incomplete without visiting the famous Venice, a trendy romantic destination in Italy. However, it’s more than a beautiful gondola ride.

Venice holds historical sites and is pretty much the most popular floating city. Venice can be reached through a quick plane ride from Milan or a 3.5-hour train ride.

It is a small island city, so you can easily just walk around, remember there are many steps and small alleys. It’s so easy to spend 2 days in Venice or even a week. There are so many things to do and food to eat.

From Venice, you can take a break from the busy tourist trail and head to Vicenza or Padua, which you can reach by train. Or go all the way to Bologna since it’s the road towards Florence anyway (your next destination).

You can get to Venice from Milan in different ways: by bus, train, or plane. The bus is the cheapest, which will take around 3 hours.

Taking the train to Venice will be more comfortable and can be faster. Taking a flight might not be the fastest since you’ll need to go through a connection. The driving time is around 3 hours for those who plan to rent a car for this trip.

Week 3 – Florence and Pisa

Florence is probably known for Renaissance Art, architecture, and monuments. It is also the home of the most popular galleries. For art and history fans, this is a city you won’t want to miss. Spending time in Florence is an immersion in Renaissance art and architecture.

With the iconic Duomo as its centrepiece, Florence is a treasure trove of masterpieces. Visit the Uffizi Gallery to behold works by da Vinci and Botticelli. Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, explore charming streets, and savour Tuscan cuisine with a glass of Chianti.

You can fly from Venice to Florence or enjoy a scenic 3-hour train ride. A bus is also an option, which is more affordable, but it’s a slower way to travel.

If you have too much time in Florence, get on a day trip to Pisa or Bologna. From Venice to Florence is only a 2 hr and 30 min train ride. The bus can take longer, and the flight requires a connection, making the trip even longer. Driving is just a bit over 3 hours.

Itinerary #2: South – Rome, Naples, Sicily

The South of Italy offers stunning beaches and must-visit historical sites. There are also dozens of wineries to explore, castles to discover, and mountains to hike. This is an ideal itinerary for those who want to learn about Italian culture and history, enjoy the beaches, and do some outdoor activities.

This 3 weeks in Italy itinerary will start in the capital city of Rome, followed by the famous metropolitan city of Naples, and then to Italy’s biggest island in the south- Sicily.

The south of Italy is rich in history, outdoor activities, and enjoying the scenic Mediterranean Sea. Again, if you have too much time, you can add Bari or hike the two best National Parks in this region – Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park and Pollino National Park.

If you plan to rent a car (pick up from Rome), you might have to drop it off in Naples because getting from Naples to Sicily will take 18-20 hours. Unless you plan to stop in another town in between, it’s best to take a flight from there.

Day-to-day overview

• Day 1: Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. If you’re arriving at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO), you can take a bus, train, private transfer, or pick up your rental car. Ciampino Airport (CIA) also has bus and train services plus private transfer or rental car pick-up locations.

• Day 2 to 4: Get a hop-on, hop-off Rome bus pass. Spend a few days sightseeing the main attractions in Rome such as Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Palatine Hill. Don’t forget to toss a coin at Trevi Fountain and walk down Spanish Steps. Don’t forget to join a cooking class.

• Day 5: Travel from Rome to Naples by bus, train, or a private transfer
• Day 6: Full-day tour of Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Coast
• Day 7: Full-day tour of Pompeii Ruins Archaeological Sites, which can be combined with Mount Vesuvius.

• Day 8: Take a break and enjoy a low-activity day, perhaps book a nice restaurant such as Mimi alla Ferrovia or Zero Zero Grano or a more affordable place like Trattoria da Nennella or Mangi & Bevi.

• Day 9: Book a food tour of Naples or a cooking class and Naples Underground tour
• Day 10: Full-day boat tour on the Gulf of Naples and Capri or Capri with Blue Grotto
• Day 11: Do a day hike at Vesuvio National Park
• Day 12: Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in Lido California or Isola Verde Acqua Park if you’re travelling with kids.

• Day 13: Travel from Naples to Sicily by plane. Choose between staying near Palermo or Catania, both are around an hour’s flight and costs $60 to $80 per person. You can do the ferry or on land, but it takes more than 9 hours.

• Day 14: If you enjoy having a rental vehicle, you can pick it up at the Palermo airport or Catania airport. You can get a bus pass if you’re not renting a car.

• Day 15: Half-day trip to Mount Etna for sunrise or sunset, which can also include a buggy tour and wine tasting
• Day 16: Explore the island of Sicily to visit the Valley of the Temples, Turkish Steps, and The Godfather filming locations.

• Day 17: Full-day boat tour covering Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli
• Day 18: Book a night street food tour, wine-tasting tour, and/or do a market tour
• Day 19: Enjoy the beaches of Sicily and do some souvenir shopping
• Day 20: Head to the airport and drop off your rental car or a minivan transfer

Week 1 – Rome

Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning 2,500 years. It has been a centre of politics, culture, power, and development. Vatican City, now an independent state, can be visited during your trip to Rome.

Travelling in Rome is like stepping back in time. Walk among ancient ruins at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and marvel at Vatican City’s treasures. Meander through charming streets, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and indulge in delectable Italian cuisine.

Whether it’s witnessing grand architecture, exploring the rich history, or sipping espresso at a quaint café, Rome’s blend of antiquity and vibrant modern life captures the heart of every traveller.

7 days in Rome might sounds like a lot of time, but it’s honestly just enough. You’ll have pleny of time to see evertyhing including the Vatican City.

Note that many of these places in Rome have a long wait line. Either get a skip-the-line ticket or start your day early.

Week 2 – Naples and surrounding areas

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It is full of squares, churches, historical buildings, modern amenities, nightlife, and adventurous activities.

This is an amazing destination because you can visit historical sites such as ruins, but also appreciate Italy’s natural beauty such as hiking trails and beaches.

From Naples, top sites you might also want to cover are Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri, and Salerno.

To get from Rome to Naples, you have 3 options; bus, train, fly or drive. If you’re driving, it’s a 2-hour and 30 min trip. If you’re taking the train to Naples, that’s about 1 hr and 15 mins, while it’s a 2 hr and 30 mins by bus.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Rome, scheduled to drop it off in Naples. Unless you want to drive from Naples to Sicily for 8+ hours.

Week 3 – Sicily

Sicily is the biggest Italian island that’s why the places to visit here almost seem endless. It has numerous beaches, archaeological sites, islets, and archipelagos. It is also tourist-friendly all year round as it has a great climate, nothing too extreme.

A trip to Sicily offers a blend of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and delectable cuisine. Explore the historic sites of Palermo, walk the narrow medieval streets of Erice, and marvel at the well-preserved Greek temples of Agrigento.

Don’t miss a hike on Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Savour authentic Sicilian dishes like arancini and cannoli, and taste the local Nero d’Avola wine. Relax on beautiful beaches in Taormina and take a boat trip to the captivating Aeolian Islands. Sicily combines natural beauty with rich culture for a memorable vacation.

Flying from Naples to Sicily is the best option. You can fly to Palermo or Catania, which is only an hour’s flight. Without further ado, here are some of the places you could visit while staying in Sicily:

Itinerary #3 All around Italy: Venice, Rome, Sicily

This next itinerary for 3 weeks in Italy is perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll get to see and enjoy all Italy’s top attractions. From food, culture, history, outdoors, and architecture – it’s perfect!

Just remember that since you’re visiting cities a bit far from one another, car rental might not be an option. A mixture of trains, buses, and flying will be required to get around from one place to another. The schedule is tight, so make sure to book your skip-the-line tickets and accommodation as soon as you have the dates.

There are tons of modes of transportation when travelling across Italy. For long distances, you can either ride trains or planes. You could reach your destination faster by plane, but it is more expensive.

So, if you have ample time and prefer to sightsee while travelling, then you could choose to ride a train instead.

You can take the bus, rent a car or hire a private driver for short travel. If you chose the latter option, aside from having a private driver, they could also serve as a semi-tourist guide and recommend places to visit. This 3 weeks in Italy itinerary will give all the best of Italy – historical Rome, stunning Venice, and the beaches of Sicily.

Day-to-day overview

• Day 1: Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Either book the airport shuttle bus to get to Venice City or take the train, you can also pick up your rental vehicle at the airport
• Day 2: Explore Venice’s historical sites
• Day 3: Don’t forget to book the magical Grand Canal Gondola Ride

• Day 4: Travel from Venice to Florence either via bus, train, or driving
• Day 5: Roam around Florence and check out the top attractions
• Day 6: Day trip to Pisa and see the Leaning Tower
• Day 7: Hike the Cinque Terre

• Day 8: Travel from Florence to Rome. You can book a bus or board a train, or drive for 1.5 hours
• Day 9: Take the day slow and don’t plan any tour, enjoy Rome and its food
• Day 10: Explore Rome’s famous sites such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and the Vatican City sites

• Day 11: Travel to Naples from Rome via a bus, train or take the 1-hour drive
• Day 12: Hike Mount Vesuvius and visit some historical sites
• Day 13: Day trip to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Coast
• Day 14: Do a food and bourbon tour
• Day 15: Take a day off and enjoy the beach and food in Naples
• Day 16: Travel from Naples to Sicily, must take the 1-hour flight, and drop off your car rental at Naples Airport if you have one, you can pick up another vehicle at Palermo Airport or Catania Airport

• Day 17: Hike Mount Etna either sunrise or sunset, you can sign up for a buggy tour as well and do a wine tasting after
• Day 18: Book a No Mafia tour and/or visit The Godfather filming locations
• Day 19: Enjoy the Sicilian beaches and do some souvenir shopping
• Day 20: Head to the airport to drop off your car and catch your flight home

Week 1 – Venice and Florence

Even though it’s not one of the largest cities in Italy, Venice is among the most popular cities for tourism in the world. Some of their tourist spots draw millions of tourists per year. However, Venice is small enough that a few days can be enough.

At the same time, Florence offers a unique experience, such as architecture, food, and history. If you have extra time, you can even plan a day trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This means you can cover Venice and Florence in a week. Luckily, Florence is south of Venice, on the way to Rome. This will save you a lot of time while maximising your 3 weeks in Italy. Both locations are rich in history, beautiful architecture, and must-see sites.

Week 2 – Rome and Naples

Rome is the most visited city in Italy and the 16th most visited city worldwide. You can easily spend a week in Rome exploring various sites and trying out local restaurants.

You can take a day trip or two if you have extra time. Head to Naples (Sorrento, Amalfi) or Pescara, which has fewer tourists.

In Rome, stand in awe of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain. Indulge in authentic pasta and gelato as you wander through ancient streets. Then, take a high-speed train to Naples, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

Discover Naples’ bustling streets, historic sites, and savour the world-famous Neapolitan pizza. Don’t miss a day trip to the nearby Pompeii ruins or a picturesque boat ride along the Amalfi Coast for a complete Italian experience.

To get from Florence to Rome, you can either book a bus seat or board a train. Driving will take 1.5 hours. You can reach Naples from Rome via bus, train, or drive a bit over an hour trip.

Week 3 – Sicily

Sicily is a fascinating place. Aside from being the biggest island in Italy, they also have a language recognized by UNESCO. Aside from that, Sicily has around nine dialects. Besides their rich culture, there are also tons of places to visit in Sicily. It’s the island where you’ll find Catania, Palermo, and Mount Etna.

A vacation in Sicily promises a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Meander through ancient Greek temples in Agrigento and relish the bustling markets in Palermo.

Savour delectable Sicilian cuisine with Arabic and Mediterranean influences, and don’t miss trying the famous cannoli.

Relax on stunning beaches like Scala dei Turchi or take a thrilling cable car ride up Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. Wander through charming Taormina and catch a puppet theatre show, a traditional Sicilian art form.

The travel time over land from Rome to Sicily is long. Although you can indeed take a train, taking a short flight is much better for saving time. There are direct flights to Palermo and Catania.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ITALY (per city)

Now that you have an idea of how you want to split your 3 weeks in Italy, it’s time to show you the must-see sites in each city. I also include a list of recommended tours that you can book, whether it’s an activity, food tour, or a cooking class.

Milan

• Duomo di Milano/Milan Cathedral – open from 9 AM- 7 PM – get a skip-the-line ticket
• Sforzesco Castle/Sforza Castle– open between 7 AM – 7.30 PM
• Pinacoteca di Brera
• Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
• Santa Maria delle Grazie – Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour
• Arco Della Pace
• Lake Como with Bellagio tour from Milan
• Aero Gravity – open from 10 AM – 10.30 PM
• All’Antico Vinaio – a great sandwich shop for a quick bite or join a Milan food tour
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Corso Garibaldi – streets for many dining options
• Best to use Milan 48-hour pass – free entrance to museums, discounts on restaurants, and transportation perks
• Day trip to Switzerland – Saint Moritz and Bernina by train
• Milan hop-on hop-off bus tour

Venice

• St Mark’s Basilica is open every day from 9 am to 5:30 pm – buy a skip-the-line tour with terrace access
• Doge’s Palace is open between 10 am to 6 pm
• San Marco Campanile is open from 9:45 am to 7 pm
• San Giorgio Maggiore is open from 9 am to 7 pm from April to October and 8:30 am to 6 pm from November to March
• Venice’s Grand Canal Gondola tour
• Gallerie dell’ Accademia is a museum that hosts various pre-19th-century artworks by famous artists such as Canaletto, Titian, and Bellini. It is open from 8:15 am to 7:15 pm
• Day trip to Burano and Murano boat tour with glass factory visit or only the Venetian Islands tour
• Don’t miss a Venice street food tour

Florence

• Uffizi Gallery – buy an affordable skip-the-line tour in advance
• Ponte Vecchio
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
• Pallazo Vecchio
• David of Michaelangelo
• Pitti Palace
• Basilica of Santa Croce
• Accademia Gallery and Brunelleschi Dome
• Piazzale Michaelangelo
• Chianti Wineries – vineyard and wine tasting tour
• Cinque Terre hike from Florence
• Join a handmade pasta and dessert cooking class
• Forteza da Basso
• Travel from Florence to Pisa for the day including a stop at Siena and San Gimignano with lunch
• Day trip to Tuscany with Chianti Winery

Rome

• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – buy a combo ticket
• Vatican City, Vatican Museums (open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm) and Sistine Chapel are open 24 hours – get yourself a skip-the-line ticket
• St. Peter’s Basilica is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm but from April through September, it is open until 7 pm – join a St. Peter’s Basilica to Underground Grotto tour
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Rome food tour
• Castle Saint Angelo or Mausoleum of Hadrian
• Vatican and Rome City Pass with free use of transportation

Naples

• Naples hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Naples National Archaeological Museum
• Climbing Mount Vesuvius, famously caused the burial of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The hike towards the crater will only take 20-30 minutes. It opens at 9 am, but the closing hours vary, depending on the month.
• Veiled Christ – located in Sansevero Chapel Museum
• Ruins of Pompeii – visit the sites, including the Casa del Fauno, the Temple of Apollo, the Amphitheater, and the Temple of Jupiter – book a combo tour
• Visit Catacombe di San Gennaro – open from 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Herculaneum – Some interesting sights include the House of Argus and the Villa of Papyri. It is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, but the last admission is at 6 pm.
• Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi full-day tour
• Castel dell Ovo is a sea-bound castle that is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Boat Tour of Capri and Naples coastline or Capri and Blue Grotto
• Naples Underground tour
• Piazza del Plebiscito
• Bourbon Tunnel tour
• Castel Sant’Elmo
• Naples food tour or an authentic pizza-making workshop

Sicily

• Mount Etna is considered a UNESCO heritage site. It is accessible from 9 am to 4:15 pm during summer and from 9 am to 3:45 pm during winter
• Mount Etna buggy tour
• Zingaro Natural Reserve is open from 7 am to 7:30 pm
• Taormina – Greco Teatro, Castelmola, and Isola Bela
• Selinunte Archaeological Park is the largest in Europe. Tours last from 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the inclusions of the tour package you chose. It is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm
• No Mafia walking tour
• Cala Gadir is perfect for divers as the sea is always evident. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm
• Palermo food tour
• Catania City tour

TOP DISHES FROM ITALY TO TRY

It’s no secret that Italian food is tasty and world-class. From pizza, pasta, and gelato to wine and desserts – there’s something for everyone’s taste. You might have your favourite pizza joint near your home, but you can’t pass up on authentic and affordable pizza during your 3 weeks in Italy. Here are a few dishes to try:

• Pizza Margherita: Originating from Naples, this pizza features simple, fresh ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil on a thin crust.
• Lasagna: Layered pasta dish made with rich meat sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection.
• Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy rice dish cooked with saffron, giving it a golden colour and distinct flavour, often garnished with Parmesan.
• Osso Buco: A Milanese speciality, it’s braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
• Carbonara: Roman pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale, and black pepper.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that are usually served with various sauces, such as tomato or Gorgonzola.
• Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa: A Puglian dish, consisting of “little ear” pasta with turnip greens.
• Caprese Salad: Simple salad from Capri made with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil.

• Tiramisu: Layered dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa, and a hint of liqueur.
• Cannoli: Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often sprinkled with pistachios or chocolate chips.
• Panna Cotta: Silky, creamy dessert that’s set using gelatin and often paired with berries or caramel.

• Espresso: Strong coffee made by forcing steam through finely-ground coffee beans.
• Limoncello: Sweet lemon liqueur primarily produced in Southern Italy, especially around the Amalfi Coast.
• Chianti Wine: Renowned red wine from the Tuscany region, known for its robust flavor and aroma.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN ITALY (per city)

To finish off this 3 weeks in Italy guide, here’s a list of places to stay in each city. You have multiple options depending on your budget.

Milan

• Budget-friendly: Bovisa Urban Garden or Milano Ostello or B&B Best Hostel Milano or Milano Affittacamere
• Mid-priced: Citta Studi Suites or B&B Via Fontana or Madama Hostel & Bistrot
• Lavish: Hotel Vittoria or Moscova Luxury B&B or Bronzino House or Teodora B&B

Venice

• Budget-friendly: Hotel Alcyone or Foresteria Valdese Venezia or Residenza Ca’San Marco
• Mid-priced: Hotel S’Angalloi or Hotel al Graspo de Ua or Hotel Torino
• Lavish: Hotel Dona Palace or Hotel Saturnia & International or Hotel Rialto

Florence

• Budget-friendly: Hotel Archi Rossi or B&B Leopoldo or Locanda San Lorenzo or La Petite Maison
• Mid-priced: Hotel Bodoni or Guesthouse Bel Duomo or La Fonderia Firenze
• Lavish: The Moon Boutique Hotel & Spa or B&B Repubblica or Hotel Nizza or Hotel Emma Small Luxury Hotel

Rome

• Budget-friendly: Melting Pot Hostel or Roma Central Guest House or Opera Italian Suite or Hotel Sonya
• Mid-priced: Sweet Dream Roma or Excellent Trinity Rooms or Hotel Labelle
• Lavish: History Suite or Hotel Maximus or TB Place Roma

Naples

• Budget-friendly: B&B Belvedere or B&B Sleep & Zupp or B&B Napoli House
• Mid-priced: La Casa di Luna or B&B Relais Napolia Reale or Sant’Alfonso Bed and Breakfast Napoli
• Lavish: Artemisia Domus or La Casa Sul Nilo or Casa Pacifico Napoli or Duomo 152 Napoli

Sicily

• Budget-friendly: B&B Donna Teresa or B&B Oriental Palace or Panoramica dei Templi B&B
• Mid-priced: Palazzo del Verga or Maison Ortigia or B&B Locanda della Vittoria or Salamureci Camere
• Lavish: Palazzo del Poeta or Hotel L’Ariana or Il Leone Blu

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN ITALY

Italy is such a great destination to spend your 3-week holiday. Italy can offer everything you need if you love being outdoors, dining in, or visiting museums. The fact that they also have such an excellent train system and many domestic flights, makes travelling here so much easier even if you don’t speak the language.

I hope that you found this article about -weeks in Italy helpful in creating your own travel itinerary during your vacation. Enjoy your time there, and don’t forget to enjoy gelato!

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