How To Spend The Perfect 14 Days In Italy: 2 Week Italy Itinerary

Need help planning your 2 week Italy itinerary? Then you’re in the right place. This 2 week Italy itinerary covers everything you need to plan a successful summer vacation in Italy, from places to visit, restaurants to eat at, insider tips, and much more!

My husband always wanted to visit Italy, as his family comes from Bari, a city in the south of Italy. Last summer, we realized that if we didn’t go now, we probably wouldn’t do so later on. So, I started planning my husband’s dream Italy vacation. With Italy being one of the most famous destinations for a summer vacation, we felt overwhelmed by the overload of information. One simple search gave us thousands of results for cities to visit, places to go, things to do, restaurants, etc. Even after reading a lot of blogs, narrowing our search seemed impossible. This is the reason why I wanted to share my curated 2-week Italy itinerary with you.

Cities included in this Italy itinerary

This comprehensive 14-day Italy travel plan includes all the essentials for crafting a fantastic summer getaway in Italy, featuring must-see destinations, recommended dining spots, insider advice, and plenty more!

• Rome: 3 nights
• Florence: 4 nights
• Cinque Terre: 2 nights
• Milan: 2 nights – day trips to Lake Como and Verona
• Venice: 3 nights

Day 1: Rome’s main attractions

I visited Rome almost 10 years ago, and I remember loving the city. That feeling hasn’t changed – I love Rome. This city not only has a rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine, but it is the main hub to travel anywhere in Italy.

You should start your trip in Rome, not only because it is the capital, but because it is the easiest city to fly into and you can go anywhere in Italy from Rome.

Places to visit

• Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Navona
• Campo de’ Fiori

You only need 4 days in Rome, and it is always a good idea to visit the main tourist attractions on the first day. It is always recommended to plan your flight strategically so you arrive in the morning. This allows you to go to the hotel, leave your bags, and explore for the rest of the day.

I always think that the first day in a new brand city, strolling around is the way to go. As this was my husband’s first time in Rome, we strolled around the city for a few hours checking out the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps for a breathtaking view of the city.

Your first stop should be the Pantheon – an ancient Roman temple that was turned into a church. It is truly breathtaking. And it is also free, which can cause long lines to form, so we advise you to go first thing in the morning.

Within a few minutes of walking, you’ll come across the Trevi Fountain. This fountain is simply breathtaking and it is believed that if you throw a coin into the fountain you will return to Rome. So, of course, we had to throw a couple!

While we strolled around, we stopped for a quick bite of pizza. Thereafter, we headed to Piazza Navona, a charming square adorned with elegant fountains and bustling with street performers.

As the day unfolded, we decided to have an aperitivo, which is a pre-meal drink with free snacks. We headed to Campo de’ Fiori market, a vibrant spot offering an array of fresh produce, flowers, and local goods and food a cute spot. We just sat there with our spritzers and people-watched, trying to immerse ourselves in Rome.

For dinner, we recommend you make a reservation at Taverna Trilussa, a cozy restaurant serving up traditional Roman cuisine. This is where we had dinner and I have to say the food was delicious. To make a reservation, we sent a direct message via Instagram. There is no other way to make a reservation, it is fairly simple, as you can use Google Translate. I loved Amatriciana, a traditional Italian pasta with cured pork cheek, and pecorino romano cheese.

Day 2: Vatican City

Places to visit

• Vatican City
• Monti neighborhood

In Vatican City, there are three big sites to visit: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. You have to see all of them.

We read multiple blog posts regarding the multitude of people at the Vatican and how hard is to enjoy it and take pictures. This is why, we booked the tickets that included an early breakfast to avoid the crowds. The breakfast started at 7:45 am. It was a typical American breakfast with fresh orange juice.

We realized we had made the right choice when we saw very few people in the tour group. We were able to take in the Vatican by ourselves and take amazing pictures! If you go later in the day, it is packed, and taking pictures becomes challenging. Waking up early was the right choice!

If your hotel isn’t close to Vatican City and you don’t want to walk for 30 minutes to get there, take the metro. It is very simple and it worked for us! Here’s a simple guide to taking public transportation in Rome.

Thereafter we headed to the St. Peter’s Basilica. There was a long line that was moving slowly. We didn’t want to wait in line so we thought we could get a private tour to avoid the line. Oh boy – we were so wrong. We got the tickets for the private tour and still had to wait in the long line with the tour guide. Lesson learned. However, we did learn a lot. And it was worth it regardless of the long wait.

By the time we were done with St. Peter’s Basilica, we were starving. We walked back to the Monti neighborhood and strolled around until we found a small restaurant where there were no tourists. The name of the restaurant was Le Tavernelle. The food was good and the prices were really affordable!

Trastevere is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood, known for its bars and restaurants. And it is very close to Vatican City. There are plenty of trattorias to choose from, along with fresh food markets, and bars. Make sure to stop by after your Vatican City tour.

Day 3: Ancient Rome

Places to visit

• Roman Forum and Colosseum
• Basilica de Santa Maria

We started the day with a tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum at 10:00 am. Make sure to book your tickets beforehand as the line can be extremely long.

The highlight of the tour was the underground level, an area off-limits to visitors with normal tickets. The underground level is where the gladiators prepared and waited until it was their turn to go out onto the main floor and they were raised by a platform. It offers more insight into the story of Ancient Rome. We were awestruck. I would definitely do the same tour again!

There are plenty of guided tours to choose from and most of the Colosseum Underground tours include skip-the-line passes.

By the time the tour was over, we were starving. We wanted to have lunch at a restaurant with a view of the Colosseum. So, we ended up at Ristoro della Salute. The food was delicious, and the view was to die for!

After, we walked to the Basilica de Santa Maria, one of the largest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. Entrance is free, but there are guided tours for purchase right at the entrance.

Rome has so many beautiful things and it is just magical to get lost in its streets. So, we walked around the city until it was time for dinner. We went to Vecchio Street where there are lots of restaurants to choose from. We originally wanted to dine at Cantine e Cucina, but the line was too long. So, we settled for Mimi & Coco.

Day 4: Last day in Rome

Places to visit

• Palazzo Colonna
• La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro (oldest coffee shop in Rome)
• Lunch at All’antico Vinaio

For our last day in Rome, we went to the Palazzo Colonna, which is one the greatest places in Rome. The Galleria Colonna includes paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the 14th to the 18^th.

Thereafter, we went to La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro, which is the oldest coffee shop in Rome, and, thereafter, sandwiches from All’antico Vinaio. We came across All’antico Vinaio because they went viral on social media and we were glad to find out the sandwiches are worth the hype. Because of its popularity, there are long lines, so we recommend going in for an early dinner, or late breakfast. You want to go there at times when people are not usually eating so you won’t have to wait so long!

Rome has something to offer everyone. So, grab your walking shoes and your appetite, and get ready to be enchanted by the eternal city. Buon viaggio!

We went back to the hotel, grabbed our stuff, and walked to the train station – Roma Termini – to catch our train to Florence. The train tickets were booked in Trenitalia and the QR code was saved in my phone just in case they asked for it. It is fairly simple to book train tickets in Italy, however, we do recommend booking them at least a few weeks in advance because the closer the date, the higher the prices.

Arrival in Florence

Picture this: cobbled streets, thousands of years of history surrounding you, Renaissance masterpieces peeking around every corner, and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia in the air. Welcome to Florence, where every step feels like a stroll through a living museum!

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is a breathtaking city and it’s the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence was the playground for geniuses like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. And let’s not forget the food! Indulge in mouthwatering Tuscan cuisine, sip on world-class wines, and savor a year’s worth of gelato.

The easiest way to get to Florence is by train. The Firenze Santa Maria Novella station is the closest to the city center.

We chose to stay at Il Salviatino. This hotel, built in the 15th century, was originally a villa for an aristocratic. The hotel is located outside the city center, a 15-minute car ride. There is a complimentary shuttle service included with the stay to and from the heart of Florence running from the morning to afternoon.

We were willing to sacrifice distance for amazing views of Florence – and it didn’t disappoint! I cannot recommend this hotel enough if you wish to have that villa fairytale experience in Italy.

After leaving your luggage in the hotel, we recommend visiting Galleria Della’ Accademia, the art museum that houses Michelangelo’s sculpture David. As with most of Italy’s museums and attractions, we recommend buying the tickets in advance. They cost 16 euros per person, and are free for those under 18. If you want a seamless experience and don’t want to waste time waiting in line, then you should get the skip-the-line tickets, which are only 35 euros.

The tickets are provided with a time, however, it appears that they are not strict about it as we were there 10 minutes late and we got in. It took us less than 2 hours to see everything, so we had one hour to kill before our dinner reservation at 8:30m. Once again, this meant aperitivo time.

We went to this cute cafe called La Ménagère and drank Hugo spritz.

For dinner, we went to Manzo Restaurant to try the Florentine Steak which is the typical dish in Florence. I gotta say that I was completely surprised when the dish came to the table. I didn’t do much research about this dish but only knew that it was famous in Florence. When we saw the raw steak, we were in complete shock. We asked the chef to cook the steak for a little longer and he did so but his face said it all. He was angry and said words in Italian that we didn’t understand. So, if you want to try the Florentine steak, do your research! 

While we had no time to visit other tourist attractions that day, if you do have some time, we recommend you visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Piazza della Signora. Both are within walking distance and must-see attractions.

Day 5: Wine Safari Tour

We started the day early because today was the wine safari tour day. We didn’t want to rent a car and drive in Tuscany because we wanted to be able to drink while on the wine tour. Therefore, we booked the Chianti Safari: Off-Road Tuscany Wine Tour with Walkabout Tours. I did a lot of research and probably looked at 15 different wine tours, this seemed to be the one that offered the most value for the price. It takes you to three different villas and includes lunch, and after taking it, we thought it was highly educational!

The tour started at 8:30 am until 6 pm. Buckle up for the last villa because the views are amazing! On the way back, most of the people were drunk! We were singing and enjoying the one-hour drive to Florence. 

Overall, we enjoyed this tour so much that we recommended it to my sister and mom and they also took it while they were in Italy.

Upon your arrival in Florence, you’ll be hungry. We made the mistake of not making a reservation beforehand and most restaurants were busy that day, so make sure to plan.

Day 6: Second wine tour + other attractions

My naïve self thought that booking a tour of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore at 8:10 am after a day of drinking wine was smart. So, we had to get up at 6:30 am because the hotel was not in the city center. Our hotel called us a taxi and we got to the Cathedral just in time. Once you get there, there are more than 400 steps you have to climb to reach the top. It was worth every second of it – just look at the views! Tickets for the Brunelleschi’s Dome are below $50 and include skip-the-line benefits so you don’t have to stand under the sun and waste time while waiting.

I have always dreamed of spending the summer in Italy, so of course we had to book a second wine tour. This time we booked the wine tasting at Marchesi Antinori for 12 pm. The tour name is Antinori nel Chianti Classico, the CRU tour which costs 180 euros per person, including lunch. 

The vineyard is located a little bit far from the city center, approximately 40 minutes. We took a taxi to get there, and it was around 45 euros one-way. The tour goes into detail on Antinori and their wine-making history, including a tour of the facility. Then, a tasting of four wines in the Bottaia room surrounded by the wine barrels. Afterward, it is lunchtime with a lot of wine. The waiters fill your glass to the top and leave the bottles half full. Needless to say, you will leave this place tipsy. On the way back, we found a bus that takes you to the city center and only costs 4 euros – while I do not remember exactly which bus it is, I do recommend you ask your tour guide as they’ll be more than happy to guide you.

If you can only do one wine tour, this is the one you should do! Because of how amazing it is, it is recommended you book it at least one month in advance.

Once back in the city center, we took an Uber to our hotel because we were moving to Mercure Hotel, located in the city center. 

We didn’t make any dinner reservations during our time in Florence, which we deeply regret. Thus, we had to stroll around until finding a restaurant that accepted walk-ins.

A few good, recommended restaurants are: Cammillo Tratoria, Buca Mario, and Cantinetta Antinori – make reservations ahead if you want to dine in any of those.

Other places you could visit

If you decide not to book a second wine tour like we did, consider incorporating a visit to Palazzo Medici Riccardi into your 2-week Italy Itinerary. It is located a couple of blocks away from the Duomo. If you didn’t know already, the Medici were a wealthy and powerful Italian banking family and political dynasty that ruled Florence and Tuscany back in the 15th century. The Palazzo Medici is a must-see attraction, it is full of history and it is just beautiful.

Next, you should head towards the Mercato Centrale for some authentic Italian cuisine. This market is frequented by locals as much as tourists. You’ll find vendors selling fruit, wine, cheese, meat, and a lot more on the ground level. On the second level, there is a food court where you can expect fresh pasta, burgers, pizza, gelato, and more.

Outside the Mercato Centrale, you will find a leather market. Florence is known for its leatherwork and it is the best place to shop for bags, shoes, and belts. Be ready to haggle and never pay for the first price the shop owners ask for. Also, make sure to bring cash as you will be offered additional discounts if you pay with cash.

Day 7: Strolling around Florence

I think you need to spend one day just strolling around the city and admiring all of its beauty. Today we dedicated the whole day to exploring Florence. Our first stop was Palace Vecchio, a stunning symbol of Renaissance power and beauty.

Next, you should head towards the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is a historic bridge known for being lined with shops. It’s one of the few bridges in the world built with buildings on it. Originally they were butcher shops, but today they are mostly jewelry stores and art galleries. Plus, you get amazing views of the Arno River.

Once you’re on the other side of the Arno River, walk towards the Palace Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. Tickets are found here. The Boboli Gardens are one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence that embraces another site of culture in Florence. Designed by the Medici family, they’re considered one of the first and most important examples of the Italian garden style, influencing many European gardens.

The Galleria degli Uffizi Mattina was the final stop for the day. The Uffizi Gallery is a world-renowned art museum in Florence, Italy. Housed in a grand 16th-century building, it’s famous for its collection of paintings and sculptures, spanning from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. You’ll find artwork made by iconic artists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli.

Where to stay in Florence

We recommend staying in Uffizi, Florence which is the center and close to all tourist places. We stayed at Il Salviatino, which is on the luxury end. We loved our experience there, the hotel is beyond beautiful. After a couple of nights, we switched to the Mercure Hotel, a 4-star hotel, because it is in the center of the city.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Residenza Della Signoria is a beautiful boutique hotel right in the center of the city. My sister stayed there during her time in Florence and she had only good things to say about it.

Best tours in Florence

These highly-rated tours are a must during your time in Florence.

Pizza and Gelato Class at a Tuscan Farmhouse — Learn how to make mouth-watering pizza and gelato with a professional Italian chef.

Arno River Cruise with a Live Concert — Enjoy the city scenery a with live concert by violin or other instruments, or a live singer.

Pisa Day Tour with Leaning Tower of Pisa — Staying one day too many in Florence? It’s the perfect opportunity to travel to the nearby city of Pisa.

Day 8: Hello Cinque Terre

Things to do

• Kayak Tours
• Rent a kayak and get in the water
• Vineyard & wine cellar tour with wine-tasting.

To make the most out of the day, it is recommended to leave for Cinque Terre early in the morning. We recommend you book your train tickets to and from the train station Firenze Santa Maria Novella, since it is the closest to the center. It is easy to get confused and accidentally arrive or depart from a different train station, so make sure to double-check before purchasing.

Cinque Terre consists of 5 villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. To get to any of the villages first is to get to La Spezia, a port city in Liguria. From there, there is a local smaller train that goes to the 5 villages. We decided to stay in Riomaggiore because I read it had a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants.

It was surprising to us that there are no hotels in any of the villages but in Monterosso. All of the places to stay are either bed and breakfasts or Airbnbs. Therefore, we booked a room on Airbnb in Riomaggiore, named La Ripa.

Riomaggiore is a postcard-perfect village perched on the rugged Ligurian coastline. Its colorful buildings cascade down the steep cliffs to meet the sparkling azure waters below. Visitors can wander through narrow alleys adorned with vibrant flowers, savor freshly caught seafood at local trattorias, and breathe in the salty sea air. As the sun sets, the village transforms into a mesmerizing display of lights, casting a golden glow over the sea. Riomaggiore’s timeless charm, friendly locals, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Italian coastal experience. Just look at these pictures!

It took us around 3 to 4 hours to get to Romaggiore and we were exhausted, so we decided to take it easy. We walked around the village and picked a cute spot for dinner. We had to rest before tomorrow’s hike. Cinque Terre is well known for pesto – so you must try it.

If you happen to arrive earlier, the best way to spend the afternoon is by renting a kayak and getting into the water. Cinque Terre Adventures offers kayak tours that depart from Romaggiore. If getting into the water isn’t your thing, then another way to relax is to go on a vineyard & wine cellar tour with wine tasting.

Day 9: Cinque Terre – Vernazza and Monterosso

Things to do

• Explore Monterosso and grab lunch there
• Go on a hike from Monterosso to Vernazza
• Explore Vernazza
• Private boat tour in Romaggiore

We woke up and took the train to Monterosso. We wanted to do the hike from Monterosso to Vernazza as we read that this hike was the best out of the four. For the train between the villages and the hike, you need to buy the Cinque Terre card, which includes access to both. You can buy it Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre website. We went hiking on our own but there are also multiple tours you can book, although we do recommend saving the money and splurging on something else as it is easy and you won’t get lost.

Before the hike, we recommend exploring Monterosso and seeing what it has to offer. Monterosso is the largest of the five towns in Cinque Terre. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, providing the perfect setting for soaking up the Mediterranean sun or taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. For those seeking adventure, the hiking trails that connect the five villages offer spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the rugged terrain.

For lunch, we chose La Cantina di Miky. Monterosso is well known for its anchovies and this restaurant is known for delicious anchovies. We are not fans of anchovies, so we ate seafood pasta and it was amazing!

Now, time to hike. The path was not as hard as we thought but tons of steps up. It took us less than two hours to get to Vernazza. Tip: if you are going to Cinque Terre in summer, please get mosquito repellent.

Vernazza is a captivating village that embodies the timeless allure of the Cinque Terre. With its cluster of pastel-hued buildings hugging the cliffside, this postcard-perfect destination enchants visitors with its old-world charm, vibrant harbor, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. Vernazza’s harbor is the heart of the village, where colorful fishing boats bob in the gentle waves and locals gather to share stories and laughter.

Once we arrived at Vernazza, we strolled around and picked a cute spot for drinks near the ocean admiring the view.

Thereafter, we headed back to Riomaggiore to go on a private boat tour around the villages. We hadn’t booked one so we just asked around and found one for $400. It was a bit pricey but we were the only ones on the boat so it was worth it. However, if we had booked one it would have been a sunset tour with appetizers and drinks, which is around $100 per person.

Day 10: Heading to Milan

Places to visit

• Duomo di Milano
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Santa Maria delle Grazie church
• QC Terme Milano Spa

We had to take the train from Riomaggiore to La Spezia, and then head to Milan. The train station you want to arrive at is Milano Centrale. It roughly takes 3h20min and before you know it, you are in Milan. This bustling city is a great addition to any 2 week Italy Itinerary.

We took the train and then walked about 5 minutes to our Airbnb. Thereafter, we went to explore Milan. In our experience, these are the main things to do in Milan: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper located inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent, and shopping.

The first stop was the Duomo, the city’s cathedral, which is next to the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. We decided to have a small lunch around the plaza, admiring the Doumo.

Thereafter, we went shopping. Milan is a great place for shopping in Italy. There are two main avenues where to shop: the Via Montenapoleone and the Corso Como. You can find Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Furla for lower prices than in the U.S. Just remember that there are no returns in exchange for a full refund. You can exchange it but you won’t get your full refund.

We love a good spa day so we decided to go to QC Terme Milano for a spa day. The tickets were roughly 70$ and the experience was worth it. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a serene ambiance, complete with thermal pools, saunas, relaxation areas, and a variety of spa treatments. The experience at QC Terme Milano typically lasts a few hours to a full day, depending on the package chosen. They provide you with a bathrobe and slippers and aperitivo time!

Finally, we went to Risoelatte for dinner, a tiny restaurant recreating a grandma’s house set in time at 1960s Milan. The menu is traditional Italian comfort food, including the famous Milanese dish, Riso e Latte. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Day 11: Day trip to Lake Como 

Places to visit

• Palazzo Vecchio
• Ponte Vecchio
• Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
• Galleria degli Uffizi Mattina

We decided to take a day trip to Lake Como. The train from Milan to Lake Como takes 40 minutes. The train station at lake Como is Como S. Giovanni, which is a few steps from the town center and lake.

When visiting Lake Como, you have to indulge in a leisurely boat ride to admire the scenic views of the surrounding villages and villas. Book in advance because the places fill in fast. You can also visit the historic Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta, where you can immerse yourself in the opulent lifestyle of the past. Hike along the picturesque trails that hug the lake’s shores, or simply relax by the water’s edge and soak in the peaceful ambiance that has inspired poets, artists, and travelers for centuries. If you have more time, explore the nearby towns such as Bellagio and Varenna.

Once back to Milan, it was dinner time. We love Italian food, but our taste buds needed a different cuisine. We stumble across Hana Korean restaurant, which is one of the best Korean food I tried in Europe.

Day 12: Day trip to Verona 

Places to visit

• Last Supper guided tour
• Casa di Giulietta
• Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
• Galleria degli Uffizi Mattina

We had a 9 am guided tour to the Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. “The Last Supper,” is a renowned fresco painting located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. This iconic artwork depicts the emotional moment when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him during their last meal together.

It is recommended to book tickets in advance and join a guided tour. The viewing experience typically lasts around 15 minutes, allowing visitors to admire the details of the painting while learning about its fascinating history and significance.

After the tour, we decided to take a day trip to Verona, know for the Romeo and Juliet’s balcony. Beyond that, Verona boasts a rich history, evident in its Roman arena (holding world-famous operas!), medieval architecture, and Renaissance palaces.

There are plenty of trains departing from Milan to Verona and it takes around 1.5 hours to get there. There are also plenty of tours that include a day trip to Verona, but we personally like to go at our own pace.

Once we arrived in Verona, we went to the Casa di Giulietta. The courtyard is free to enter but you do have to purchase a ticket to either step out on the balcony or to get a guided tour of the house. PS. It is a tradition to place your hand in Juliet’s right breast for good luck in love.

We wanted to take it easy this day, so we grabbed some food and walked around the Piazza Bra.

If you have more time in Verona, here are some place you should visit: Torre dei Lamberti, Verona Arena, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare, Porta Nuova, Castellvecchio Museum, and Piazza delle Erbe.

Day 13: Arrival in Venice

Things to do and places to visit

• Gondola ride
• Visit St. Mark’s Square, the St. Mark’s Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale
• Itinerari Segreti at Palazzo Ducale

The train ride from Milan to Venice takes roughly 1.5 hours. Once arriving in Venice, there are three options to get to your hotel: taking a water bus, a water taxi, or walking. We decided to take the water taxi which left us 10 minutes walking from our hotel, Foscari Palace Hotel Venice. A water taxi is the easiest option, but walking to your hotel is totally doable even though it can be hard if you have a lot of luggage, since there are many bridges and stairs to climb and cross. My sister refused to pay for a water taxi when she was in Venice and walked 30 minutes to her hotel lugging her bags. She mentioned it was easy enough, but it was a total workout!

Related: 12 Useful Tips to Avoid Overpacking When Traveling

Venice is a mesmerizing destination that consists basically of narrow winding streets, iconic bridges, centuries-old architecture, charming piazzas, and hidden gems. The Grand Canal, lined with elegant palazzos, is best explored by a traditional gondola ride which costs 80 euros for 30 mins, but it is worth it.

We visited St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Palazzo Ducale. We booked the Itinerari Segreti at Palazzo Ducale, where you can explore the rooms and chambers of the people who used to hold power back in the day. It also covers the history of Giacomo Casanova and its prison escapes. 

I feel like Venice is a place where you go and immerse yourself in the labyrinthine streets of the city, the canals, bridges quaint cafes, artisan shops, and local markets.

Day 14: Farewell Venice

The train ride from Venice to Rome is over 5 hours but it goes smoothly. We walked around Rome saying bye to its beauty. It is easy to get to the airport via train. However, we were lazy and decided to take a cab ride. It was around 52 euros and eliminated the hassle of thinking about the stops and time.