Italy in 11 Days: 4 Recommended 11-day Itineraries to Italy

- Meg Parry
- From England
- Meg Parry
- From England
- Leah Cliff
- From England
- Sorcha McCay
- From England
Italy 11-day Itinerary Options
For those wondering how long to spend in Italy, our recommended 11-day itinerary offers a well-rounded experience, ensuring you fully immerse yourself in the country's rich history, art, and cuisine. From the historic streets of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, this journey covers the country's iconic landmarks and its charming, lesser-known spots during your trip to Italy. Check out our Italy 11-day itinerary suggestions below.
Itinerary #1: A Taste of Italy


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Rome. | Arrival | Rome |
Day 2 | Head to Assisi, explore at your leisure, continue to Siena, and end the day in Florence. | Exploration | Florence |
Day 3 | Visit Florence’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower, Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, and Palazzo Vecchio. | Sightseeing | Florence |
Day 4 | Head to Bologna to explore its elegant porticos and majestic basilicas, then continue to Padua and Venice. | City sightseeing | Venice |
Day 5 | Discover Venice’s wonders, from St. Mark’s Square to the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, then enjoy a Venetian spritz or prosecco with Cicchetti. | Sightseeing | Venice |
Day 6 | Depart for Tuscany to visit Montepulciano for its “Nobile” wine and jazz festival, and then continue to Rome. | Wine tasting | Rome |
Day 7 | Visit the Vatican Museums, the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica for the whole day. | Sightseeing | Rome |
Day 8 | Head to Campania, savor Neapolitan pizzas in Pompeii, drive along the Sorrentine Coast, and dinner in Sorrento. | Food tour | Sorrento |
Day 9 | Embark on an exciting excursion to the island of Capri, including a visit to the Grotta Azzurra. | Island hopping | Sorrento |
Day 10 | Spend a free day exploring the Amalfi Coast, and return to Rome in the afternoon. | Relaxation | Rome |
Day 11 | Say goodbye to Italy. | Departure |
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day trip to Italy, starting and ending in the eternal city of Rome. Explore the rich history and architectural masterpieces of the country’s renowned città d’arte, from Assisi to Siena and Florence to Bologna, passing by Padua and Venice. Delight in Tuscany’s famous wines and revel in the timeless charm of Montepulciano: Discover Capri’s exclusive allure and the captivating ruins of Pompeii. Experience the rustic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, including Naples and Sorrento, savoring authentic Neapolitan pizza and delicious gelato along the way. This tour uniquely combines cultural treasures, culinary delights, and scenic wonders, offering a genuine taste of la dolce vita!
Itineraries #2: Iconic Cities and Scenic Wonders

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Welcome to Rome. | Arrival | Rome |
Day 2 | Explore the Vatican marvels at ancient Rome's iconic sites. | Sightseeing | Rome |
Day 3 | Take a trip to Pompeii and relax on the stunning Sorrento Peninsula. | Relaxation | Sorrento |
Day 4 | Savor Sorrento charm and the Isle of Capri during dusk. | Exploration | Sorrento |
Day 5 | Tuscan journey through art and elegance | Exploration | Florence |
Day 6 | Head to Florence and discover its craftsmanship and savor Tuscan delights. | Sightseeing | Florence |
Day 7 | Explore the Italian Riveria and the Cinque Terre, and then unwind in Portofino's seaside elegance. | Coastal exploration | Portofino |
Day 8 | Unwind in the Italian Lake District at Lake Maggiore with alpine scenery. | Relaxation | Lake Maggiore |
Day 9 | Savor sparkling wines in Franciacorta then head to Venice. | Wine tasting | Venice |
Day 10 | Take a city sightseeing tour in Venice. | City sightseeing | Venice |
Day 11 | Depart from Venice. | Departure |
If you’re dreaming of a 10-day Italian escape that blends history, charm, and breathtaking scenery, this itinerary is for you. Begin your adventure in Rome, where ancient wonders and Vatican marvels await. Travel to Pompeii, then unwind on the stunning Sorrento Peninsula before experiencing the enchanting Isle of Capri at dusk. Journey through Tuscany's artistic landscapes and savor its delights in Florence. Explore the vibrant Cinque Terre and relax in Portofino's seaside elegance. Discover the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District, sip sparkling wines in Franciacorta, and cap off your adventure with a tour of Venice's iconic canals and landmarks before departing from this unforgettable journey.
Itinerary #3: Rome, Tuscany, Venice, and the Cinque Terre Adventure


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Rome, and discover the wonders of the Eternal City. | Arrival | Rome |
Day 2 | Explore Tuscany's most beloved medieval towns, Assisi to Siena, and end the day in Florence. | Sightseeing | Florence |
Day 3 | Discover Florence's wonders like Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce. | City sightseeing | Florence |
Day 4 | Trip from Florence to Bologna, take a quick visit to its most iconic sites, and then on to Padua and Venice. | City sightseeing | Venice |
Day 5 | Explore Venice's St. Mark’s Square with a visit to the Doge’s Palace, marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, and savor a Venetian spritz or prosecco accompanied by traditional cicchetti. | Exploration | Venice |
Day 6 | Head to Tuscany’s wine region, stop in Montepulciano for lunch and continue to Rome. | Wine tasting | Rome |
Day 7 | Spend the morning visiting the Vatican Museums, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel, followed by a free afternoon in the city. | Relaxation | Rome |
Day 8 | Board a high-speed train to reach La Spezia. | Scenic drive | La Spezia |
Day 9 | Unleash the beauty of Cinque Terre by hiking or taking the bus from Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. | Hiking | Cinque Terre |
Day 10 | Return to Rome and take a sightseeing tour. | Sightseeing | Rome |
Day 11 | Bid goodbye to Italy. | Departure |
From the eternal city of Rome to the medieval charm of Siena, the artistic splendor of Florence, and the vibrant elegance of Bologna, Italy will take your breath away with treasures of inestimable historical, natural, and cultural value. Traverse the romantic canals of Venice and explore the iconic landmarks of Italy’s capital city on a trip to Rome, including the Vatican Museums, Raphael’s Rooms, and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Wander through the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre, immersing yourself in their idyllic beauty. Along the way, savor the finest wines and cuisine that Italy is renowned for, from Tuscan delicacies in Montepulciano to traditional cicchetti in Venice and fügassa in Ligury. This 11-day trip to Italy will cover all of this—and more!
Itinerary #4: Beautiful Puglia, Southern Italy and Sicily

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Tour the Adriatic gems of Termoli, Monte Sant'Angelo, and Trani, and end the day in Bari. | Sightseeing | Bari |
Day 2 | Spend the morning in Bari, continue to Lecce, also known as the "Florence of the South," and return to Brindisi for accommodation at the end of the day. | City sightseeing | Brindisi |
Day 3 | Explore the unique "trulli" houses of Alberobello and the ancient rock-carved dwellings of Matera, then journey through stunning Basilicata and Campania landscapes to Naples. | Sightseeing | Naples |
Day 4 | Enjoy some free time in Naples, and embark on a boat trip to Capri before heading to Sorrento and Salerno. | Boat tour | Salerno |
Day 5 | Journey through the scenic Cilento National Park, then cross to Sicily via Villa San Giovanni ferry to explore Messina and Taormina. | Scenic drive | Taormina |
Day 6 | Spend a day alone in Taormina, exploring its vibrant ancient city center and Greek theater. | Sightseeing | Taormina |
Day 7 | Head to Syracuse, continue to Noto and conclude with a coach tour of Agrigento's magnificent temple complex. | City sightseeing | Palermo |
Day 8 | Visit the Valley of the Temples with a local guide, followed by a picturesque walk in Erice and Marsala before continuing your trip to Palermo for the night. | Exploration | Palermo |
Day 9 | Admire the Baroque beauty of Monreale, then board an overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples. | Ferry ride | Naples |
Day 10 | Explore the ruins of Pompeii and the monumental Cassino Abbey before returning for the last night in Rome. | Sightseeing | Rome |
Day 11 | Fly out from Rome. | Departure |
Discover the treasures of southern Italy and Sicily, from the picturesque towns of Puglia, caressed by the sweet sound of the Adriatic Sea, to the majestic Mount. Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, towering over Catania. Experience unique cultural gems like Alberobello's trulli houses and Matera's ancient Sassi caves, and step back in history by strolling through the Valley of Temples in Agrigento and the Roman ruins of Pompeii. Marvel at the Baroque splendor of Lecce and Noto. Unwind and recharge on the beautiful beaches of Sorrento and Taormina before exploring iconic cities like Naples and Palermo, known all over the world not only for their stunning beauty but also for their unique culinary richness, with delicious dishes like pizza, arancini, cannoli, and babà.
Need help planning your 11-day itinerary to Italy?
With 11 days in Italy, you can comfortably explore a blend of the country’s iconic cities and scenic landscapes. Whether you're wandering through Rome's ancient ruins, admiring the art in Florence, or savoring the cuisine of Naples, Italy's extensive transport options make it easy to cover a range of experiences.
If you are looking for a more personalized Italy 11-day itinerary options tailored to your preferences, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Italy. If you are confused about deciding the number of days to spend in the country, check our guide on how many days to spend in Italy. Our articles on 10 days in Italy and 12 days in Italy will also help you decide on the time frame to spend in the country. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Italy.
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