Italy in 5 Days: 4 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Italy
- Ella Catterall
- From England
- Ella Catterall
- From England
- Emily Plimmer
- From England
- Maddie
- From Australia
Italy 5-Day Itinerary Options
A 5-day trip to Italy provides a fantastic chance to experience its iconic landmarks and charming cities. For a well-rounded adventure, check out our recommended Italy 5 days itinerary options, crafted to help you make the most of your time and discover both must-see sights and delightful local gems.
Itinerary #1: A Taste of Sicily
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Start your trip in Palermo and enjoy a free day exploring the city. | Arrival | Palermo |
| Day 2 | Visit Monreale Cathedral and Cloister, explore Palermo, and visit a local bakery. | City sightseeing | Palermo |
| Day 3 | Visit Cefalù and its Norman Cathedral before traveling to Catania and exploring famous sites en route. | Sightseeing | Catania |
| Day 4 | Visit a historic fishmonger, tour Etna, visit a beekeeping farm, and explore Taormina. | Historic exploration | Taormina |
| Day 5 | End your tour in Catania (optional private transfer to the airport) |
Embark on a five-day culinary journey from Palermo to Catania, discovering the heart of Sicily through its vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage. Explore Monreale's Arab-Norman Cathedral and Palermo's historic treasures, including the Palatine Chapel. Delight in local bakery treats that showcase Sicily's flavors. Journey to picturesque Cefalù, with its Norman Cathedral, before arriving in Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for baroque architecture. Explore its old town and bustling fish market, savoring a traditional granita with brioche. Visit Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. Discover a local beekeeping farm and taste homemade honey and other Sicilian delights. Conclude your journey in Taormina, renowned for its Greco-Roman theater and stunning coastal vistas. Check out our tours to Sicily.
Itinerary #3: Italian Adventure Through History and Beauty
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Start your Italy tour in Rome, savoring its magic | Arrival | Rome |
| Day 2 | Tour of Imperial Fora, Trastevere, and Vatican City | Exploration | Rome |
| Day 3 | Travel from Rome to Florence, visit iconic sites en route. | Sightseeing | Florence |
| Day 4 | Discover Venice's wonders like St. Mark's Square, Canal Grande, Murano Glass Factory. | City sightseeing | Venice |
| Day 5 | Conclude your tour in Venice. | Departure |
Experience the enchanting cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice on this 5-day Italy tour. Start your trip in Rome with a guided tour of the Imperial Forums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican. Enjoy an evening in the vibrant Trastevere district. Travel north to Florence, stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views. A local guide will show you the Plaza della Signoria, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. Cross the Apennine Mountains to Venice, where you'll visit St. Mark’s Square and the Murano Glass Factory. Enjoy free time to explore Venice before ending your Italy tour. Check out our 5-day tours to Italy.
Itinerary #3: HIGHLIGHTS OF MATERA AND APULIA
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Start your trip in Matera and in the evening explore Matera's Sassi. | Arrival | Matera |
| Day 2 | Go on a guided tour of Matera's Sassi, go on a panoramic Belvedere walk, and enjoy Matera bread tasting session | Walking tour | Matera |
| Day 3 | Visit Alberobello's Trulli, explore Castellana Caves, and go wine tasting at a historic winery | Wine tasting | Matera |
| Day 4 | Take a tour of Bari's historic center, take a boat tour of Polignano a Mare, and explore sea caves | Cave exploration | Bari |
| Day 5 | (Optional tour of Monopoli's historic sites) transfer to the airport. | Departure |
Begin your journey at Matera's UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a guided tour of the ancient Sassi neighborhoods awaits. Stroll through the Belvedere, savoring the renowned Matera bread paired with rich local olive oil. Venture into Apulia to explore the charming village of Alberobello, famed for its unique Trulli houses. Delve into the mystique of the Castellana Caves, followed by a delightful wine tasting at a traditional family-owned winery. Embrace the coastal allure of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, indulging in regional treats like "sgagliozze" and "panzerotti." Conclude your Italy trip with a scenic boat tour of Polignano's stunning sea caves, capping your experience with a taste of Caffè Speciale or artisanal gelato.
Itinerary #4: MAJESTIC COASTS—SORRENTO TO AMALFI DISCOVERY
| Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
| Day 1 | Scenic drive from Rome to Naples, take in the panoramic views from Vomero Hill, and take a tour of Pompeii. | Arrival | Pompeii |
| Day 2 | Enjoy a free day in Sorrento, explore local culture and historical sites, or take a cooking class. | Exploration | Sorrento |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Amalfi, check in to your hotel, and enjoy your free time exploring Amalfi. | Exploration | Amalfi |
| Day 4 | Go on a full-day self-guided tour of Amalfi, and relax by the Gulf of Salerno. | Relaxation | Amalfi |
| Day 5 | Go on a morning sightseeing tour of Amalfi, depart for Pompeii and return to Rome by evening | Departure |
Embark on a scenic journey from Rome along the picturesque Sun Highway, winding past medieval villages to reach the vibrant city of Naples. Savor panoramic views from Vomero Hill, where you'll capture breathtaking scenes of Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. Dive into history at the Unesco-listed ruins of Pompeii, exploring its ancient streets and structures preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Continue along the stunning Sorrentine Coast to Sorrento, where you can wander at your leisure or opt for side trips to the charming towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. Discover Amalfi's historic treasures, unwind by the Gulf of Salerno, and indulge in locally-made limoncello before concluding your adventure back in Rome.
Need help in Planning a 5-day itinerary to Italy?
Pasta, pizza, and eternal beauty will accompany your discovery of Italy's hottest spots, all packed into unforgettable four- to six-day itineraries. And if 5 days in Italy seem too short and you want to extend your stay in the country.
If you are looking for Italy 5 days itinerary suggestions tailored to your interests, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Italy. For ideas on what to do on your trip to Italy, check out our guide on things to do in Italy. Our article on places to visit in Italy and how many days to spend in Italy will also come in handy. For more information, check our guides on 6 days in Italy and one week in Italy. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Italy.
More information:
One week in Italy
10 days in Italy
14 days in Italy
