If you have been dreaming of a vacation in Italy and you really want to cover as much ground as possible and tick as many things as you can off your bucket list, then you might be wondering about how best to fit it all in. We usually suggest picking one destination, finding a dream villa in Italy to suit you, and really soaking up your surroundings but, for many, they might only get to Italy once in a lifetime. If this is the case then, of course, you will want to make the most of it. Here’s how we think you should plan a perfect itinerary and holiday in Italy.
How long can you travel for?
If you can only vacation in Italy for a week, then trying to see it all will be pretty futile but if you can travel for ten days, two weeks, or more, then you’ll obviously be able to see and do more. In the case where you can travel for several weeks, then you can pick two or three destinations that will allow you to simultaneously access nearby cities, towns, and regions, really ensuring that you can see and do as much as possible in one trip.
For those with only a week, however, we do suggest picking a singular base and location but doing so strategically. For example, you could choose Tuscany as a base and still see several major attractions in one trip…
Tuscany as a base
For many, Tuscany is going to be a key destination no matter what. It’s where you’ll find Florence, with many of the most famous artworks, museums, and architectural gems in Italy, singular tourist attractions that can’t be missed such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, wine areas with some of Italy’s most famous and beloved wines, amazing dishes, and beyond picturesque towns and cities – to mention only some of her most appealing traits. So, we think that it makes a perfect base for exploring much of the country as it has plenty within the region that you’ll likely already have plugged into your itinerary.
Then, depending on where else you want to go and what else you want to see, it is also possible to plan day-trips from the region to other key cities, destinations, and attractions that most tourists will want to take in while in Italy. Due to its location, right in the centre of the country, it is possible for those on holiday in Tuscany, for example, to plan a day-trip to Rome or Pompeii if you get up early and plan to be out all day and if you’re not too far north. If you are further north, meanwhile, you could head to Bologna, the coast of Liguria and the famously pretty towns of the Cinque Terre, and even Venice if, again, you were willing to make a long day of it.
What are some other destinations that pair well?
Northern Italy – Lakes & Cities
Base yourself in Lombardy and you can plan a day-trip to Milan to enjoy shopping in famous fashion houses, admire the culture of design, sip cocktails in chic bars and dine in great restaurants, and visit Da Vinci’s Last Supper. From here you can also head to Lake Como where you can visit gorgeous historic villas, enjoy outdoor pursuits and the scenery of the mountains, and take scenic boat rides. Lake Maggiore offers another tranquil lake escape while Turin, also not too far away in Piedmont, is an elegant city with famous museums, incredible chocolate, and much more besides.
Why it works: If you find a vacation rental in Milan and make the city your anchor, you can enjoy one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and all of its delights while the famous lake district of Italy and all of its key destinations will remain within 1.5 hours' drive. Base yourself elsewhere in a holiday rental in Lombardy and day-trips to both Milan and the lakes and beyond are all possible.
Southern Italy – Amalfi Coast + Naples Area
Find a villa in Campania, meanwhile, or a vacation rental on the Amalfi Coast, in particular, and you will have some of Italy’s prettiest seaside destinations at your fingertips for sun and fun. Visit Naples to sample some of the best pizza in the world, enjoy buzzy nightlife, and dive into the rich history and fascinating archaeological wonders of the area. In Sorrento and all along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find the beyond picturesque and famous cliff-side towns of the area, along with astounding views, places where you should spend lazy days by the water with a nice drink, exploring the winding streets, and maybe hiking along the clifftops to make the most of those remarkable vistas. Day-trips to Pompeii and to Capri are also a must, allowing you to really combine history, natural beauty, and a real taste of the good life in magical surroundings.
Why it works: With everything being within 1–2 hours by car or ferry, this trip and itinerary will really allow you to get to grips with the famous coastlines, ruins, and volcanic drama of Italy.
Are you going to drive?
Those who drive a lot for work, have long commutes, are nervous of driving in another country, or who simply don’t want to have to worry about driving and finding parking while on holidays ,may not wish to rent a car while on vacation in Italy. However, if you really want to make the most of your time in Italy, renting a car will help you cover a lot more ground.
Public transportation is certainly available and really useful for travelling within and between cities. There are also some famously lovely train lines in Italy, such as those that pass through the Alps and along stretches of the coastline, that are almost tourist attractions in their own right, worth seeing even if you didn’t want to go anywhere at all. Similarly, boat trips and ferries to Elba, Capri, and other island destinations in Italy offer a whole day out in addition to basic transportation. Tour companies, meanwhile, offer day-trips to major attractions such as Pompeii from different cities. All of these things can and should be enjoyed by those who want to savour the experience of being on holiday in Italy.
For the sake of efficiency, however, and to really be able to cover as much ground as possible, renting a car can make a big difference. It means you can base yourself in more remote and less well-connected spots, choosing pretty freely among our villas in Italy and still be able to access buses and train stations, should you wish, or to drive directly to attractions, towns, villages, and more that are time-consuming and difficult (if not impossible) to reach using public transportation. Certainly, if you are trying to make the most of your time and have a limited period in a destination, being able to travel freely and according to your own schedule will allow you to see and do more. So, if you want to really maximise your time in Italy, consider renting a car.
With all of this in mind, if you’re still trying to plan a dream vacation and need helping finding the right villas in Italy, figuring out where you should go and how much you can see, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us. Our team of villa experts will be more than happy to help you find the right fit for your tastes, budget, and bucket list!