Italy in 13 Days: 2 Recommended 13-day Itineraries to Italy

- SJ Headon
- From England
- SJ Headon
- From England
- Ella Catterall
- From England
- Emily Plimmer
- From England
Italy 13-day Itinerary Options
Our 13-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems for those considering how long to spend in Italy. From Rome’s ancient wonders to Venice’s romantic allure, this journey ensures you experience the country's renowned sights and delightful surprises on your trip to Italy. Here are some of Italy 13 days itinerary suggestions.
Itinerary #1: Southern Italy Adventure


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Rome. | Arrival | Rome |
Day 2 | Head south to Campania, hike Naples' Vomero hill and explore Pompeii's ruins. | Hiking | Naples |
Day 3 | Cruise to Capri, explore the Grotta Azzurra and then head back to Sorrento for your last dinner. | Exploration | Sorrento |
Day 4 | Explore Sorrento in the morning, board a ferry to Palermo in the afternoon, and spend the night on board. | Exploration | Sorrento |
Day 5 | Trip to Palermo. | Arrival | Palermo |
Day 6 | Visit Monreale, explore its iconic cathedral, and then return to Palermo. | City sightseeing | Palermo |
Day 7 | Visit medieval Erice, enjoy Marsala wine and local delicacies, then head to Agrigento's Valley of Temples. | Wine tasting | Agrigento |
Day 8 | Discover Ragusa’s Ibla, and explore landmarks like San Giorgio gate, Piazza Pola, and the Cathedral of San Giorgio. | Landmark exploration | Ragusa |
Day 9 | Admire Noto's Baroque architecture and San Nicolò Cathedral, visit Ortygia in Syracuse, then arrive in Taormina. | City sightseeing | Taormina |
Day 10 | Venture to the summit of Mount Etna and then return to Taormina. | Exploration | Taormina |
Day 11 | Explore the beaches of Taormina. | Beach relaxation | Taormina |
Day 12 | Return back to Rome and take a city sightseeing tour of Rome. | City sightseeing | Rome |
Day 13 | Farewell Italy! | Departure |
Live and breathe the essence of Southern Italy with this 13 days in Italy itinerary that begins and ends in the spectacular “città eterna,” Rome. This unique journey takes you through the heart of Lazio, Campania, and Sicily, offering the perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. In Campania, explore Naples with its stunning views from Vomero Hill and savor the rich flavors of authentic Neapolitan pizza. Venture to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and cruise to the enchanting island of Capri, where you’ll marvel at the breathtaking Grotta Azzurra. In Sicily, experience the grandeur of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, wander the medieval charm of Erice, and admire the Baroque elegance of Ragusa. Discover the architectural wonders of Noto and Syracuse, including the historic island of Ortygia, with its blend of lavish Baroque churches and medieval palaces. Relish the vibrant ambiance of Palermo, the region's capital city, then hike Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, and conclude your adventure in the picturesque coastal town of Taormina.
Itinerary #2: Italian Glory


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Baveno, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. | Arrival | Baveno |
Day 2 | Explore Milan’s Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and Galleria, then head to Como for a lakeside stroll. | City sightseeing | Como |
Day 3 | Head east to Verona, visit Romeo and Juliet’s homes, explore the Roman Arena, Piazza Bra, and Via Mazzini, then continue to Venice. | City sightseeing | Venice |
Day 4 | Sail Venice's canals, visit Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs (optional trip to Burano). | Exploration | Venice |
Day 5 | Travel from Venice to Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance”. | Arrival | Florence |
Day 6 | Explore Florence’s landmarks (optional visit to San Gimignano and dinner in Tuscan vineyards) | City sightseeing | Florence |
Day 7 | Venture to the charming coastal town of Maiori along the stunning Amalfi Coast. | Arrival | Maiori |
Day 8 | Explore Amalfi Coast, admire the striking Byzantine façade of the Sant'Andrea cathedral (optional trip to Positano). | Exploration | Maiori |
Day 9 | Spend a free day on the Amalfi Coast. | Relaxation | Maiori |
Day 10 | Take a walking tour of Pompeii, then journey to Rome via Cassino, where you can relax or opt for an experience showcasing its art and architecture. | Walking tour | Rome |
Day 11 | Tour Vatican City, then head to Ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus. | Exploration | Rome |
Day 12 | Free day in Rome (optional visit to Tivoli's Villa d'Este). | Sightseeing | Rome |
Day 13 | Departure from Rome. | Departure |
From the bustling “fashion capital” of Milan to the quiet, picturesque villages of the Amalfi Coast in Campania, spend 13 days in Italy visiting its top destinations and some precious hidden gems. Discover the Renaissance marvels of Florence, with its stunning architecture and art, and experience the romantic allure of Venice’s canals on a private gondola. Stroll through the charming streets of Verona, where Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers once roamed, and unwind in the serene beauty of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como’s picturesque settings. Venture to Pompeii to uncover its tragic past before ending your journey in Rome, where you’ll marvel at the grandeur of the Colosseum, the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, and the breathtaking beauty of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. And don’t forget to indulge in the rich local culinary traditions at every stop: taste the exquisite risotto and cotoletta in Milan, enjoy the local Chianti wines and Tuscan cuisine in Florence, and relish the fresh seafood and limoncello on the Amalfi Coast.
Need help in planning 13-day itinerary to Italy?
13 days in Italy is enough time to explore the country’s iconic hotspots in Rome, Florence and Milan, as well as lesser-known gems such as the Baroque Sicilian cities of Noto, Monreale and Ragusa. Art, history, culture, food, natural beauty—Italy has it all! Not done exploring Italy yet? For those seeking even more adventure, consider exploring additional Italy 13 days itinerary plans that delve deeper into the country’s breathtaking beauty and rich culture.
If you are looking for a more personalized travel experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Italy. Check out our guide on how many days to spend in Italy for ideas to spend in the country. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Italy.
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