The Perfect Two Week Italy Itinerary By Train

Planning a trip to Italy can be overwhelming with so many incredible destinations to choose from, however I’ve created the perfect two week Italy itinerary by train to help you experience the best of what this beautiful country has to offer with ease.

From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance splendour of Florence, the coastal charm of Cinque Terre, the romantic allure of Verona, as well as the enchanting canals of Venice, this two week itinerary covers it all. 

Travelling through Italy by train is hands down the best way to see the country, with quick journey times, spacious seating and postcard-worthy views which you can enjoy with an Aperol spritz from the onboard bar – talk about living the dolce vita!

To make your journey around Italy even smoother, I recommend downloading the Trainline app before your trip. This app is your ultimate travel companion, allowing you to easily book affordable train tickets and navigate Italy’s efficient rail network with ease.

Start your Italian adventure in Rome. Fly into Fiumicino Airport. This airport has the best options for international flights, though keep in mind from here you’ll be exploring the rest of the country by train.

Note: You can easily do this itinerary in reverse and fly into Venice first and end your trip in Rome.

Four days in the eternal city will give you plenty of time to experience all the amazing historical sites and landmarks that Rome has to offer.

Tick off bucket list landmarks like the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled, walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, and marvel at the architectural brilliance of the Pantheon.

If you decide to spend less time in Rome, I highly recommend booking this Vespa Tour where you can experience Rome like a local by whizzing through its historic streets on a classic Vespa. I did a 3-hour tour and we saw all the main landmarks (Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & so much more!). 

For a touch of the divine, visit the Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you can witness Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes.

While no trip to Rome is complete without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, there’s so much more to discover in this city.

Spend an afternoon strolling through the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere, this popular spot with local Romans is filled with trendy bars and trattorias. I recommend having lunch at Da Enzo al 29 where I had the best carbonara of my life.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to foodie spots in Rome, might I suggest a self-guided tiramisu tour? Make a stop at Pompi, Mr. 100 Tiramisu and Two Sizes for their insanely delicious pistachio tiramisu.

Head to Oro Bistrot for their stunning rooftop bar and skyline views or check out The Court for aperitivo hour and a front row view of the Colosseum. 

For more recommendations on the best activities and places to visit in Rome, check out my Rome Travel Guide.  

Rome > Florence

From Rome’s main station (Roma Termini), you can catch a train directly to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella).

It’s a 1.5 hour journey and you can easily buy your train tickets in advance for the best price on the Trainline website.

One of my favourite things about train travel is that you’ll always arrive in the city centre, making it easy to start exploring a destination immediately without the hassle of long commutes from airports.

On the second stop of your Italy trip, you will be immersed in the wonders of the Renaissance in a city renowned for its artistic heritage and architectural masterpieces.

I recommend spending at least two days in Florence, giving you enough time to explore the best bits of this historic city.

It’s worth noting that Florence is a lot smaller than Rome, and it’s also mostly flat, meaning you can walk to most of the main attractions with ease. In fact, the Florence Duomo is only a 10-minute walk from Florence’s main train station.

Begin your visit in Florence at the Duomo, formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi dominates the Florence skyline. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city.

From the Duomo, walk 7 minutes south to the Uffizi Gallery which houses an unparalleled collection of Renaissance art (including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus) or walk 7 minutes north to Accademia Gallery which is home to Michelangelo’s Statue of David – a must-see while in Florence!

Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, and make your way to the south of the Arno River. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in Tuscany.

For lunch, I recommend either 4 Leoni (order their famous pear-stuffed pasta!) or Babae where you will also find one of the iconic Florence wine windows, “Buchetta del vino”.

There are dozens of these wine windows dotted around the city that date back to the 17th century, simply knock on the small wooden doors and someone will come to take your drink order. 

For a more affordable lunch option, you can’t go wrong with a panini! These delicious sandwiches are very popular in Florence, averaging around 4€ each. The best paninis are found at I Fratellini, All’Antico Vinaio & Pino’s Sandwiches.

Also, the best gelato I’ve had in Italy was in Florence too. I recommend Sbrino or Gelateria dei Neri for an authentic Italian dessert.

End your first day in Florence watching the sunset from either Piazzale Michelangelo or View On Art Rooftop Bar. 

From Florence, you can even do a quick half-day trip to Pisa by train. It’s only 1 hour away and you can find tickets that are less than £10 each way when you book your journey through Trainline in advance.

Admittedly there isn’t much to see in Pisa other than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, of course. So if you’d prefer to spend more time in Florence, be sure to check out Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.

I wouldn’t normally recommend visiting a perfume shop during your travels, however this shop is actually the world’s oldest pharmacy. Originating in the 12th century, it used to be run by monks and nowadays is a must-visit for its historic significance and jaw-dropping frescoed ceilings.

Florence is one of my favourite cities in the world, so be sure to check out my Florence Travel Guide for more of my top recommendations.

Florence > Cinque Terre

After soaking in the beauty and culture of Florence, it’s time to venture to your next destination: the Italian Riviera.

From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, you will need to get a train to La Spezia Centrale. At La Spezia, change and catch a 2nd train to Monterosso, this journey is around 2-3 hours and will take you to the heart of Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre is a coastal area in Liguria, consisting of 5 small villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza & Monterosso – each one more beautiful than the last.

You’ve no doubt seen Cinque Terre all over social media or perhaps in Disney Pixar’s movie, Luca, where the fictional town of Portorosso looks almost identical to the village of Vernazza, which was the inspiration for the film.

Please note: this is the only part of your two week Italy trip where you’ll have access to beaches and plenty of water sports – so give yourself at least 3 days here to enjoy some R&R by the seaside.

The best (and really only) way to get around Cinque Terre is by train. The Cinque Terre Express train runs between each village, the journey time is usually no more than 10 minutes, with trains running every 15 minutes in the summer months. 

The best beach in Cinque Terre is Monterosso al Mare, it’s the only beach in this region with actual sand (rather than pebbles), so make sure to arrive here early in the morning to grab a sun lounger for the day so you can drop and flop.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can do this epic Kayak & Snorkeling Tour along the coast, departing from this beach.

Cinque Terre also has lots of popular hiking trails between each village or you can get your heart rate up by climbing the 366 steps to the top of Belforte Tower in Vernazza.

For a leisurely lunch with breathtaking sea views, I recommend La Regina di Manarola in Manarola or Torre Aurora in Monterosso.

Make sure to try the Cinque Terre’s local speciality: trofie al pesto, a Ligurian hand-rolled pasta served with a healthy dollop of green pesto.

For a cheap eat, grab one of Cinque Terre’s famous fried seafood cones from either Tutti Fritti or Il Pescato Cucinato in Riomaggiore.

While Cinque Terre might be lacking in museums and art galleries, there are plenty of activities available in this region, such as a Vineyard & Wine Tasting Tour, Pesto Making Class and a popular Sunset Boat Tour – because the best views of Cinque Terre are from the sea looking back at the postcard-perfect colourful fishing villages. 

I also recommend doing a day trip to Portofino, it’s a 1.5 hour journey from Cinque Terre by public transport. Head to my Portofino Travel Guide for more information about the journey and all the incredible things you can do in this stunning town.

For more recommendations on things to do in Cinque Terre, check out my Cinque Terre Travel Guide.

Cinque Terre > Verona

From Cinque Terre you’ll be departing from Monterosso station, heading towards Verona. There are a few routes available to get to Verona, with a few changes in either Milan or Bologna, the trip takes around four to five hours.

My advice is to plan your journey in the Trainline app so you can select the quickest transit time available for your day of travel.

One of the most underrated destinations in Italy is Verona. I promise after spending two days here you will fall head over heels in love with this charming city.

Known for its Shakespearean connections and well-preserved Roman architecture, Verona offers a mix of cultural experiences, picturesque streets, and delectable Italian cuisine.

Verona will be the smallest city you visit on this trip, both in size and crowds. When you arrive at Verona Porta Nuova train station, you’re only a short stroll to the city centre and all the main attractions are conveniently within walking distance from each other.

Start at the most popular site: the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheatre that dates back to the first century. This impressive structure is not only a historical marvel but also hosts operas and concerts during the summer months. 

Next, visit Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) where you can see the famous balcony that inspired Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers. Although the connection to Juliet is fictional, the house itself is a beautiful example of medieval architecture.

Then make your way to Piazza delle Erbe, the historic town plaza which is filled with bustling market stalls on most days of the year.

In this square, I recommend having lunch at either La Prosciutteria for their delicious Italian charcuterie boards or Berberè Pizzeria for a banging sourdough pizza.

For the best views across the city, go across the Adige River towards Castel San Pietro. There is a cable car that takes you to the top of the castle if you want to avoid the steep climb – either way, the views are spectacular.

While on this side of the river, add a visit to Giusti Gardens, a beautifully landscaped Renaissance garden featuring manicured hedges, statues, and a small maze.

You can easily fit in most of these activities within one day in Verona, so I recommend booking a day trip guided tour to either Lake Garda or to the Dolomites. Both of these tours include return transfers from Verona.

For more restaurant, activity and hotel recommendations, check out my Verona Travel Guide.

Cinque Terre > Verona

As your time in the city of love comes to an end, you’ll be making your way to the final destination on your two week trip in Italy: Venice.

From Verona Porta Nuova station, catch a direct train (a quick 1.5-hour journey) to Venezia Santa Lucia.

Venice is a must-visit on any trip to Italy and the perfect place to end your two week holiday. Venice, the city of hundreds of tiny islands sewn together with bridges, is often referred to as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I recommend spending at least three days here to fully immerse yourself in the unique beauty and romantic ambience of this floating city.

Start your Venetian adventure in Piazza San Marco, the city’s heart, where you can marvel at the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica with its ornate façade and glittering mosaics.

While in this square, stop for coffee at Caffè Florian – the oldest coffee house in the world. While yes, the coffee here is incredibly overpriced, it’s well worth the cost to experience a slice of history… and a slice of tiramisu too! 

Take a leisurely stroll through the labyrinthine streets and alleyways, crossing picturesque bridges like the iconic Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. Check out my guide to discover more locations for amazing photo spots in Venice.

As you explore the winding streets, take a stop to visit Libreria Acqua Alta – the most beautiful bookshop in the world where you’ll find a staircase made out of books, as well as Gelatoteca SuSo where you can get the best gelato in Venice.

While the rest of Italy may be famous for its pizza and pasta, Venice is known for its cicchetti (Venetian tapas).

Dotted across the city you will find countless Bàcaro – wine bars where you can grab a few plates of cicchetti for around €1.50 each. My favourite bàcaro in Venice is Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi. 

And lastly, the most quintessential Venetian experience you simply can’t miss out on is a gondola ride through the canals. Glide along the Grand Canal, past elegant palazzos and charming houses while making core memories on your Italy trip.

Private gondola rides can cost upwards of £120+, however if you book this shared gondola ride in advance you’ll save a lot of money at only £29 per person.

If you have time, take a half-day trip to Burano, a colourful island famous for its colourful houses and lace-making – or Murano, famous for glass making. Both are easily accessed with this half-day boat tour where you’ll visit both Burano and Murano.

For more recommendations on the best things to do in Venice, check out my Venice Travel Guide.

After an unforgettable two weeks exploring Italy by train, you will have experienced some of the world’s most renowned artistic masterpieces, wandered through ancient Roman ruins and stunning architecture, and savoured the rich flavours of authentic Italian cuisine.

I hope this itinerary is helpful for planning your dream trip to Italy. Make sure to check out all of my Italy Travel Guides for more recommendations.

If you’re able to spend more time in Italy, I suggest extending your trip by exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast and spending a few days in Positano.