Super Sales
Up to 65%off

Italy in 8 Days: 4 Recommended 8-day Itineraries to Italy

A tourist girl raising hands near Santa Maria del Flore Church in Florence during her 8 days in Italy.
Girl hood 🫶
  • Ella Catterall
  • From England
Rhy was amazing on the trip and made everyone feel super comfortable straight away. S...” Read More

Italy 8-day Itinerary Options

Our recommended 8-day itinerary offers a fantastic blend of experiences for those considering how long to spend in Italy, ensuring you soak in the country's captivating history, art, and culinary delights. From the iconic sights of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice and the charming villages of the Amalfi Coast, this journey highlights Italy's must-see attractions and its enchanting lesser-known treasures. Check out our Italy 8-day itinerary ideas for inspiration on how to make the most of your trip.

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Italy

St.Mark's Sqaure on a clear day in Venice, Italy.
Did you know? St. Mark's Square in Venice is home to the world’s first-ever coffee house, Caffè Florian, opened in 1720!
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Start your trip in Venice. Arrival Venice
Day 2 Morning orientation walk of the city and free afternoon to explore Venice at your own pace. City sightseeing Venice
Day 3 Transfer to La Spezia. Transfer La Spezia
Day 4 Visit Cinque Terre by foot and train. Exploration Cinque Terre
Day 5 Transfer to Florence and local visit. Transfer Florence
Day 6 An extra day to visit the unique art and architecture of Florence. Exploration Florence
Day 7 Transfer to Rome and local visit. Transfer and sightseeing Rome
Day 8 Bid goodbye to Italy. Departure  

This 8-day Italy trip gives you a chance to see the gondolas placidly carrying people from one side of Venice to the other, enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea across one of the main walking paths in the colorful sea towns of Cinque Terre, and explore the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence. Marvel at the beauty of San Marco Square in Venice and see the work of the most famous Italian artists, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello, and Michelangelo, to conclude your Italy trip in Rome. Savor a gelato while sitting on the majestic Spanish Steps, enjoy the view of the world-renowned Trevi Fountain, and learn everything about ancient Rome while visiting the Pantheon and Colosseum.

Itinerary #2: A Journey Through Matera, Lecce, and Beyond

Matera is located in Basilicata and lies on a small canyon of Gravina river
Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is a stunning town that is perched on top of a rocky cliff.
Roman Amphitheatre in Lecce on a clear day in Southern Italy.
Step back in time at the Roman Amphitheatre in Lecce, where ancient grandeur and history await your discovery in the heart of Italy's Baroque gem.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Start your Italy tour in Matera. Arrival Matera
Day 2 Tour Matera and its Sassi district. Exploration Matera
Day 3 Visit the seaside town of Polignano a Mare and head to Alberobello. Exploration Alberobello
Day 4 Free day (optional to choose between a visit to Monopoli or Castellana Caves). Leisure day Alberobello
Day 5 Oil tasting experience and pasta-making demonstration in Ostuni. Food toue Ostuni
Day 6 Visit Otranto before heading to Lecce. Exploration and transfer Lecce
Day 7 Free morning followed by a guided tour of Baroque Lecce. Sightseeing Lecce
Day 8 Farewell to Italy. Departure  

This 8-day tour in Southern Italy is designed to immerse you in the culture and natural beauty of this unique region. It includes visiting the Baroque city of Lecce, renowned for its majestic churches, such as the Basilica di Santa Croce, and its ancient Roman amphitheater. You will also get the chance to admire the beauty of the Mediterranean coast with visits to beautiful seaside towns such as Ostuni, where you will join an olive oil tasting experience. Also, see the beautiful trulli, traditional dry stone huts with a corbelled roof in Alberobello, and visit Polignano a Mare, located on the edge of a craggy ravine and renowned for its picturesque streets. The tour ends with a visit to the enchanted city of Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture renowned for its ancient houses carved into bare limestone. See all Italy tours.

Itinerary #3: Walking in Puglia & Matera

Ostuni city in sunset, South Italy.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Ostuni, Italy's dazzling 'White City,' where winding streets and whitewashed architecture await your discovery!
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Tour starts in Alberobello. Arrival Alberobello
Day 2 Enjoy a stroll over the Itria valley hills followed by a visit to the wine town of Locoronto. Town exploration Locoronto
Day 3 Morning visit to Ostuni followed by an afternoon walk through local groves and vineyards and a trip to Agnano Archeological Park. Exploration Locoronto
Day 4 Free day for a sightseeing tour. Sightseeing Locoronto
Day 5 Morning coastal walk and transfer to Matera. Transfer Matera
Day 6 Visit Matera’s Rock Churches Park, followed by a guided tour of the Sassi District and local wine and product tasting. City sightseeing Matera
Day 7 Enjoy a stroll on the Cammino Materano followed by a final visit to Matera. City sightseeing Matera
Day 8 Final farewells. Departure  

This itinerary takes you to the stunning hilltop city of Locorotondo, renowned for its delicious wine. Get lost in the vineyards of the Itria Valley and head to Alberobello to see the ancient trulli huts. During this 8-day Puglia itinerary, you will also visit the town of Ostuni, popular for its centuries-old churches and the beautiful Agnano Archaeological Park. Next, head to Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, and popular for its unique architecture with over 40 churches and palaces. End your 8-day Italy trip in Matera, a charming town renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, which have been inhabited since the Paleolithic age. See all walking holidays in Italy.

Itinerary #4: Wine, Walks, and the Renaissance

Wine arrangement in Chianti, Tuscany.
Savor the essence of Italy with a glass of wine in Chianti.
Oltrarno is a quarter part of Florence and holds many important sites.
Discover the artistic soul of Florence in Oltrarno, where cobblestone streets and artisan workshops reveal the city's authentic charm and creative spirit.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Tour starts in Pancole. Arrival Pancole
Day 2 Stroll on the famous Via Francigena followed by a local wine tasting. Wine tasting Pancole
Day 3 Walk in Radda in Chianti. Walking tour Chianti
Day 4 Visit Siena and join a learn everything about wines in a local wine school. Wine tasting Chianti
Day 5 Enjoy a free day and visit other Chianti villages or relax by the pool. Relaxation Chianti
Day 6 Visit the Italian Renaissance, Florence and take in the beauty of the city. Exploration Florence
Day 7 Walk to San Gimignano and afternoon wine tasting. Wine tasting Tuscany
Day 8 Farewell to Italy. Departure  

If you are a wine lover, this tour is for you. Begin your 8-day Italy itinerary, with a walking tour of the famous Via Francigena, an ancient path connecting the town of Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano, renowned for its ancient towers resembling modern skyscrapers. Travel to the medieval city of Siena and visit its many museums and the stunning Cathedral, before heading to a local wine school to learn about Tuscany wines and try a few different varieties. This tour will also take tourists to several local hilltop villages, such as San Gimignano and Radda in Chianti, home to the delicious red Chianti wine, and Florence, renowned worldwide for its Renaissance architecture. See all wine tasting vacations in Italy.

Need help planning a trip to Italy for 8 days?

While you can easily spend a lifetime visiting Italy without getting bored, with a well-designed itinerary, you can see the top attractions of Italy in just eight days. Whether you want to visit the lesser-known region of Puglia with its trulli and spectacular seaside towns, head to Tuscany to visit Medieval hilltop villages and try delicious wine, or see the popular cities in the country, our 8 days in Italy tours can make that possible.

If you are looking for more Italy 8-day itinerary options, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Italy. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit ItalyFor ideas, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Italy. 

Other related articles:
One week in Italy
9 days in Italy
10 days in Italy

Plan a trip to ItalyWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Italy.
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.