2 weeks in Italy: the essential stops from North to South

You’ve booked your trip to Italy, and you’re already dreaming of sailing down the Grand Canal in a gondola, strolling through the streets of Florence, and gazing with awe and respect at the Colosseum. But planning an itinerary of 2 weeks in Italy is no easy task. 

There are so many cities to visit and experiences to have: immersing ourselves in the timeless elegance of the Bel Paese is as essential as the sunset aperitif! That’s why we’ve decided to create this 14-day itinerary in true Italian style, in collaboration with McArthurGlen, a leader in luxury outlets where you can find the best Italian fashion brands at great prices.

We’ll guide you on a journey from North to South, from the picturesque canals of Venice to the stunning landscapes of Naples, discovering the secrets of iconic attractions, hidden gems, and unmissable boutiques where you can seize the opportunity to bring home a piece of authentic Made in Italy.

What’s the best way to organize an unforgettable tour of 14 days in Italy?

Of course, there is no universal answer, as Italy is a mosaic of emotions, and the perfect trip is the one that fits your pace, tastes, the season you’ve chosen—and most importantly, what you feel like experiencing.

That’s why, in this true guide, we want to accompany you on an itinerary that brings together the many souls of the Bel Paese: from the timeless art of Venice to the cosmopolitan energy of Milan, from the fairytale landscapes of the Cinque Terre to the Renaissance charm of Florence, to the majesty of Rome and the vibrant character of Naples.

A journey through centuries of history, featuring timeless masterpieces, traditional recipes, and expert-level shopping at the most elegant outlets across the Peninsula. Because Italy isn’t just something to talk about: it’s something to live, taste, and carry in your heart. And this is just the beginning.

Here we are in Venice, the city that, with its shimmering lagoon and elegant Gothic palaces, makes millions and millions of tourists dream each year.

Why start our itinerary of 2 weeks in Italy right from the Serenissima? Because Venice isn’t just a stop, but a true rite of passage into Italy. Here, amidst the labyrinthine streets and bridges suspended over the water, lies the most authentic essence of the Bel Paese: the harmony between history and nature, the pride of a glorious past, and the ability to transform every corner into a unique place.

That’s why, on this first day, we suggest you start exploring the city freely and map out in your mind its iconic landmarks in your mind: the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, San Marco.

And the best is yet to come, as you’ll quickly realize that Venice isn’t just a postcard: it’s a living museum, to be discovered by walking through its narrow streets and squares, savoring a cicchetto standing at the counter of a bacaro, to uncover the true secret of the Italian art of living – one made of small rituals, casual beauty, and slowness. And that’s exactly how Italy should be savored.

Once you've enjoyed breakfast (cornetto or cappuccino, perhaps on the terrace of a hotel overlooking the canals), it's time to hit the road for the second day of our itinerary of 2 weeks in Italy.

We certainly suggest that you take advantage of a guided tour of the city. During the walk, you’ll learn about the history of the wonderful Venice, and visit some of its most important places. You’ll learn so much about the local culture that the hours of sightseeing will seem so short!

In the afternoon, you can immerse yourself in the most iconic experiences of the Serenissima, such as a charming gondola ride or an excursion to the islands of the lagoon.

If, on the other hand, you want to take home a great memory of your stay here, you could head to Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet and treat yourself to an intense afternoon of shopping among the best-known brands of Made in Italy and beyond.

It's already evening. One last moonlit walk (don't miss it!), a romantic dinner by the canal and we are ready to bid farewell to the magical and unforgettable Venice to continue our 14 day tour.

After breakfast, it's time to depart. Depending on your interests, you can decide whether to leave immediately for Milan, approximately 3 hours by car and 2.5 hours by train, and dedicate the day to explore it in a day; or make a quick stop along the way, for example, in the charming Verona, losing yourself in the streets of the city of Romeo and Juliet, exploring the spectacular Arena, the majestic Castelvecchio, and the streets and squares of the beautiful old town.

Once you have arrived in Milan, you’ll find a city that has transformed into a thriving metropolis in recent years, full of cultural attractions, events and exhibitions: the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and the Teatro alla Scala are among the most elegant places you'll see during your 14 days in Italy.

Moreover, if you love shopping, in Milan you’ll find an offer of high-fashion brands that is nothing short of endless.

But the surprises certainly don't end there: experiencing Milan's nightlife is another adventure that alone makes a trip to the city worthwhile, especially when exploring the venues in the charming Navigli district.

Today we leave early because the day will be really busy. Destination: Cinque Terre, a wonderful (and to say wonderful is an understatement) natural park lapped by the waters of the Ligurian Sea.

On your way to the park, which is about a 3-hour drive from Milan, you can make a brief restorative stop at the Serravalle Designer Outlet: high-fashion stores and restaurants where you can enjoy also Italian delicacies will all be just a few steps away.

The Serravalle Designer Outlet is Europe's largest outlet center, with over 230 stores and more than 300 premium and luxury brands and a wide range of dining options for all needs and cultures. A true shopping paradise, a must-see landmark for all fashion lovers.

Now that the spirit is rejuvenated, it's time to finally arrive in paradisiacal Liguria.

You can visit the Cinque Terre by following the railroad route or by boat. Undoubtedly, the visit by boat is much more relaxing and you can admire the spectacular panorama of cliffs and green mountains plunging into the blue sea. An endless thrill, colored even more by the presence of the picturesque villages, among which we certainly mention Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare and Manarola. True gems nestled on the water.

The day was so busy that there is no room for anything else but a princely dinner at a restaurant with a view of the sea (and sunset) and a restful night. Tomorrow will be a new day of real excitement.

After breakfast (sweet or savory team, by the way?), it's time to pack up and head off to the spectacular city of Florence, which is just a couple of hours' drive away.

This could be a quiet day where you start exploring one of our country's most important cities, for example with an introductory guided bike tour!

You will see how much history and art literally ooze out of every building you encounter along the road, in this wonderful city that was the most important cultural reference in Europe during the Renaissance era.

An aperitif with some good wine (and what wine in Tuscany!) and then dinner. In Florence, you know, you'll really be spoiled for choice. Pici or Florentine steak? Cacciucco or soup? And why not taste everything, just to make sure you make the right choice?

End the evening with a stroll through the city, which is slowly emptying of all its visitors, and perhaps an after-dinner drink in one of the many clubs in the center.

Florence, like so many other Italian cities, holds more treasures than our eyes can grasp. Well, get a guide to start exploring them all.

Today, you have the chance to spend a full day in its stunning old town, where you can admire the magic of the Duomo and its Baptistery, wander through the streets that shaped the city's history, and uncover the secrets of great figures from the past, such as Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Medici family.

You might continue your day in Florence by visiting the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s renowned David, or the Uffizi Gallery (be sure to book well in advance), which houses invaluable artistic treasures.

In the afternoon, you can relax with a stroll through the greenery of the Boboli Gardens or enjoy shopping in the charming Oltrarno district.

Florence is indeed one of Italy's most famous cities for leather work, and here you will undoubtedly find exquisitely crafted garments at truly exceptional prices.

We are wondering if tonight the excitement of finally seeing the Eternal City will make you sleep! After all, even for us Italians,  coming to Rome is always moving and we always feel like we are visiting it for the first time.

Along the route from Florence to Rome, about a 3-hour drive, you could take a detour to visit San Gimignano, the city of beautiful towers. There are 72 of them and they contribute to the truly iconic skyline of this Tuscan town. Not to mention that the surrounding landscape of olive groves and vineyards is nothing short of poignant.

Indulge in a lunch of local produce in one of the most beautiful settings our country has to offer, and then head off to Rome.

If you’ve decided to go straight to Rome from Florence, maybe by taking the train that gets you there in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxed first glimpse of the Eternal City—with a stroll, a tram ride, or a laid-back aperitivo. Let the slow pace of Rome get into your veins before you start visiting!

It took a full eight stops of our journey of 2 weeks in Italy, but finally here we are. We are ready to visit the ancient Rome and its symbol, the Colosseum.

We don't want to anticipate here the emotions you will feel but we assure you that it will be a truly indelible moment of this trip. Since this guide is also meant to give you practical information for your 14 days in Italy, we give you two tips right away:

- Book your ticket in advance (you can no longer buy tickets locally);

- If possible, book your visit early in the morning or in the evening, times that tend to be quieter.

In addition to this colossal example of Roman architecture and engineering, your ticket will give you access to the entire Palatine and Imperial Forum area. We undoubtedly suggest that you take your time to visit this striking area and, if possible, join a guided tour. You will thank us later!

At the end of the tours, you could head to the Altar of the Fatherland and, from there, take Via del Corso, which takes you to the upscale Roman shopping area. Have you never heard of Via Condotti? That's it, this street, is right surrounded by some of Rome's landmarks, such as the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, just beyond.

Undoubtedly, today is a busy day of sightseeing. But perhaps not as busy as the following day....

Well, by now it should be clear where we are heading today: the Vatican City.

In order to experience this day, though, remember that you really need to book tickets to the Vatican Museums in advance. This is one of the most visited museums in the world and you may struggle to find tickets, especially if you spend your 14 days in Italy during peak season.

At any rate, in the halls you will see over the course of your visit, be prepared for the awe and wonder, second only to the emotion, this time silent, that you will feel when you cross the threshold of the Apostolic Palace and enter the Sistine Chapel. You will have little time and will not be able to take photos, so be sure to live each moment intensely and treasure every moment. They will be the most precious souvenirs you will take home from this trip.

The visit to the museums may be so intense that there is no room for anything else, but once you have finished, we definitely suggest you walk towards Trastevere.

Here, in fact, beats the heart of the most authentic Rome, and you could experience a truly unforgettable evening. Restaurants, places for aperitifs, small craft stores and ateliers: you cannot leave Rome without seeing this extraordinary neighborhood.

And don't forget to taste a good Amatriciana or Carbonara: more than a suggestion, it is a moral imperative!

How many things are left to do and visit in this city? So many indeed, so you need to choose according to your preferences.

It could be a visit to the park and museum of Villa Borghese with the extraordinary works of Bernini, or a visit to the Baths of Caracalla, one of the most poignant places in the city. And again, you could devote time in the area of so-called Baroque Rome and spend time at the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and go inside the Pantheon.

Or, you could leave a little room for improvisation and devote time to strolling around the neighborhoods you haven't seen yet, such as the eccentric Coppedè District or do some shopping.

We've already mentioned the luxury street, but you could also explore the boutiques and artisanal stores scattered around the city. An aperitif and dinner (remember to try the Roman pizza, because it is completely different from the one in Naples) to end this day of your tour of 2 weeks in Italy on a high note.

Pack your bags because you're off to Naples, one of the most fascinating and picturesque cities you'll find in Italy.

Before arriving at your destination, however, we certainly suggest you make a stop in the Castelli Romani area, immediately south of the capital. This is a hilly region of resounding beauty in which you can discover medieval villages overlooking splendid views. This is also a great area to try the local gastronomy and do some great shopping.

The Castel Romano Designer Outlet, for example, is certainly one of the places to consider for your branded purchases.

And now, we are ready to get to Naples: the drive can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic, while the train ride takes just over an hour. Once you arrive, we certainly suggest letting your senses guide you (especially your sense of smell!) to start getting to know this extraordinary city.

Here we are at last in the City of the Sun at the foot of Vesuvius.

The city center is really vast so if you really want to get to know it, we suggest a guided tour. You can explore Spaccanapoli and Via dei Tribunali with its endless little craft stores and places selling all kinds of gastronomic delights from the early hours of the morning: pizza a portafoglio, cuoppo, taralli, pizza fritta, not to mention desserts, such as babas and sfogliatelle.

Then, continue your visit by heading down to the sea area, and discover Quartieri Spagnoli, Piazza del Plebiscito, and Castel dell'Ovo. Your walk could really go on forever, because behind every street and every palace there are new treasures and gems to discover.

Time for an aperitif, dinner (because in Naples you really can't stop eating!), and a lively evening amidst the crowds along Lungomare Caracciolo.

To set the stage for the grand finale of your 14-day Italian journey, why not indulge in a truly regal experience?

We certainly suggest you visit the extraordinary Royal Palace of Caserta, known to be the largest royal palace in the world (yes, even larger than Versailles!).

47 thousand square meters in which are located the magnificent 18th-century palace and gardens so extensive that they cannot be seen simply on foot, but you will have to board special shuttles provided by the palace.

Caserta, moreover, is a city known for its excellent gastronomy, very different from that of Naples, and for the possibility of quality shopping. In that regard, La Reggia Designer Outlet could really be the solution for you!

The final day could be dedicated to a spectacular day trip to the beautiful surroundings of Naples. For example, you might explore the fabulous Vesuvius Park or the incredible archaeological site of Pompeii.

The Gulf of Naples area is home to many places well worth a visit. The Amalfi Coast, too, is an extraordinary destination that would be worth the trip on its own; but perhaps, in that case, you would need to add an extra night to your itinerary of 2 weeks in Italy.

Alternatively, you could always enjoy a relaxing stroll through the streets of Naples and let yourself be seduced by the many opportunities offered by this incredible city: the Archaeological Museum, the Catacombs, the Sansevero Chapel.

Which idea will you choose?

As you may have discovered, if this is your first time exploring our country, you will need at least two weeks to discover all its highlights.

Also, surely as you read this article, numerous questions may have surfaced in your mind. How do you get around? Where do you sleep or where do you eat?

You will discover on our site a series of guides dedicated to individual cities and which we have specially created to answer all these questions.

And if you'd like a few more shopping tips, on the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets website, you'll find more information about outlets in the area, brands and discounts. Yes, discounts of up to 70 percent on brands you already know and love.

Visit McArthurGlen Designer Outlets' website!