The ULTIMATE One Month in Italy Itinerary

How did we spend one month in Italy?

We flew into Turin, and from there we went to Milan, where we had a jam-packed 3 days of shopping and sightseeing. From Milan, we were within touching distance of stunning Lake Como, so we spent 3 nights there.

We then moved on to Verona before spending a memorable 3 nights in Venice. Next, we spent 3 nights in Bologna (sometimes known as the foodie capital of Italy) before hitting up the beaches of Rimini. After Rimini, we spent 3 nights in Florence (our favorite city in Italy) and then, we moved on to gorgeous Cinque Terre (the place where we would later get married!)

Our longest travel day took us from the Cinque Terre to Rome, and after that, we ventured to the Amalfi Coast and finally, Naples! We flew home from Naples Airport.

Getting around Italy:

If you’re all about speed and ease, hop on a train to get between cities. This is what we did: we used the train service to get between pretty much all of the places I’ve listed below. The train service is reasonable and efficient, and the services are operated by Trenitalia or Italo. You can grab tickets online or at the station, but booking ahead can save you some cash.

Buses are a budget-friendly way to check out the more remote or lesser-known spots, with companies like FlixBus and local services covering tons of routes. We took the bus along the Amalfi Coast as there are no trains here.

If you love a scenic drive, why not rent a car? It’s perfect for cruising through the beautiful countryside or along the coast, just be ready for narrow roads and tricky parking in the old towns. When we travel, we book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.

Our One Month in Italy Itinerary:

Turin (2 nights)

Turin, a classy city in the North of Italy, was our first stop for our month-long adventure through Italy. We were lucky to nab cheap flights to here from London Gatwick, which is why we decided to start in the North and work our way down to Naples in the South.

Turin is the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region, and it’s a fantastic spot to visit for anyone who likes culture, history, and food. With its fancy architecture and amazing eats, this city is like a hidden gem for those who want a real Italian vibe without hitting the usual hotspots like Rome or Florence.

While here, you can check out the stunning Royal Palace, admire the Egyptian Museum’s massive collection, or just wander the cute streets, which are lined with eye-catching baroque-style buildings.

Turin’s also big on chocolate and coffee, so trying a Bicerin – a local coffee and chocolate mix – is a no-brainer. The best spot to try this delicacy is Caffe Al Bicerin.

With the Alps in the background and a lively arts scene, including the awesome National Museum of Cinema, Turin’s got the perfect mix of old-school charm and modern buzz, and we really loved our time here.

🛏️ Where to stay in Turin:

We stayed at Hotel Roma e Rocca Cavour, a 3-star hotel in the historic center. Set within an elegant 18th-century building, our room here was spacious and had a balcony overlooking a park. Breakfast was included in our rate, which was under 100 euros per night.

Milan (3 nights)

Known as one of (if not THE) most fashionable cities in the world, of course, Milan’s got some awesome shopping areas, like the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is where luxury brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton have their flagship stores.

But it’s not all about fashion; the city’s also packed with art and history.

During your 3 days in Milan, we recommend checking out Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie – but you NEED to book your tickets to see this masterpiece months in advance. Booking a guided tour is a great way to not only learn all about the history of The Last Supper, but also it means you can skip-the-line!

Then, soak in the stunning Gothic vibes of the Milan Cathedral, where you can get amazing views of the city from the roof. In fact, the Duomo di Milano, as it’s also known, is the main reason most people come to Milan. It is iconic!

Plus, the food scene here is top-notch, from cozy trattorias to fancy Michelin-starred spots. We really rated our meal at Gloria Osteria Milano on Via Tivoli.

Oh and definitely spend an evening in the Navigli district, it’s so lively and the bars and restaurants line the Naviglio River here. It’s got a great buzz after dark.

🛏️ Where to stay in Milan:

We spent 3 nights at Hotel da Vinci, an upscale and cool hotel near Parco Nord (and around 5 miles from the city center). It’s a 4-star property that boasts some seriously cool art throughout and the staff were really helpful.

Lake Como (2 nights)

Lago di Como (Lake Como) is one of our favorite places in Italy, if not the whole of Europe. Located a short train ride from Milan – Lake Como was an obvious choice for our next stop.

I’m sure the very mention of the place will conjure up images of lakefront towns filled with candy-colored buildings and cobblestoned streets. And the glistening lake is at the very center of it all. Yep, Italy’s third-biggest lake is home to over 30 of these pretty towns.

Best things to do and see in Lake Como:

Funicular from Como to Brunate:

One of my favorite things to do here in Lake Como was to ride the funicular up to the quaint mountaintop village of Brunate.

It has been in operation since 1894, and as you can imagine, the ride up provides breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The journey takes about seven minutes. And at the top, you will be rewarded with stunning 180-degree views of the lake.

Explore the town of Belaggio:

Belaggio – one of the prettiest and most popular towns on the lake. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como,” this picturesque village literally looks like it has sprung from the pages of a travel brochure. It’s all candy-hued buildings and steep, narrow cobbled streets.

One of the must-see attractions here is Villa Melzi, a stunning neoclassical villa surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that boast breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps. The San Giacomo Church is another noteworthy stop in Belaggio with its Romanesque architecture and intricate frescoes – it truly is very photogenic.

Wander around Varenna:

Varenna is a cute, romantic town that’s filled with charming, narrow streets. While here, visit the historic Villa Monastero, a stunning estate with beautiful gardens and a museum housed in a former monastery. Next door is Villa Cipressi, which boasts glorious terrace gardens. 

Sunset Boat Tour:

This sunset boat tour including prosecco takes place on a Venetian taxi boat. It leaves from Belaggio and is one of the most popular tours in Lake Como. It costs from €110 per person.

🛏️ Where to stay in Lake Como:

We reckon Belaggio is the prettiest town in Lake Como, and so we recommend basing yourself here (if you can get a room). Hotel Bellagio is a brilliant, budget-friendly choice here. This small, two-star hotel boasts views over the lake, and the rooms, although small, are lovely. Many rooms come with a view of the lake, too. A room here starts from €125 per night, and that includes breakfast.

Verona (3 nights)

Verona, a charming city in Northern Italy, is often referred to as the “city of Romeo & Juliet” – that’s because Shakespeare’s iconic play was set in the city, and on a visit here you can visit such spots as Juliet’s Balcony, Romeo’s House and Juliet’s Tomb.

Best things to see in Verona:

Verona Arena:

This impressive Roman Amphitheater dates back to 30 AD and it was originally built to host gladiator contests and other types of public entertainment. Today, the Verona Arena is famous for its summer opera season, attracting music lovers from around the world to experience world-class performances under the open sky. It’s a remarkably preserved building and the outstanding acoustics make it such a unique venue.

Juliet’s Balcony:

This is probably the number one tourist attraction in Verona, especially for hopeless romantics like me. As you can guess from its name, this 14th-century building with its charming stone balcony is said to be where Juliet was born. And this balcony is believed to be the inspiration for the famous balcony scene in “Romeo and Juliet”.

Piazzale Castel San Pietro:

This is what locals say is the best sunset spot in Verona, as from here you can see the Adige River, the Torre dei Lamberti, and pretty much all the iconic sights in the city.

🛏️ Where to stay in Verona:

We stayed at Lady Verona Residence, a stunning, historic 4-star hotel that’s just 400 meters from Piazza Bra. Our room was very spacious and styled in a typically Italian way – high-beam ceilings and white linens.

Venice (3 nights)

Ah, Venice, this unique city is easily the pièce de résistance of Italy’s tourism crown. Venice, aka the ‘city of canals’, really is like a floating work of art.

This one-of-a-kind city is built over canals and offers magical gondola rides, where you can drift under the Rialto Bridge and past beautiful old buildings. A gondola ride will set you back around 80 euros, but you can opt to share the experience with others (like we did) if you’re on a budget. The ride typically lasts for 30 minutes.

At the heart of Venice is St. Mark’s Square, bustling with cafes, shops, and lively street performers. It’s the city’s main square, and it’s here you’ll find iconic buildings like Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Doge’s Palace is a must-see during your time here. This pink and white Palace was once home to the rulers of Venice, and it’s filled with exquisite artwork. Interestingly, the Palace is connected to a prison next door via the Bridge of Sighs; it is here that prisoners would sigh as they took one last glance at Venice before heading to their prison cell.

You could also join a day trip to the small, colorful islands of Murano and Burano.

Murano is famous for its glass-making traditions, and you’ll get to watch a glassblower in action. You’ll also get to see Burano, home to the now-famous brightly-painted houses all huddled tightly together along streets and canals.

Venice is quite a small city, so you can actually explore most of it in just 3 days.

📍📍BOOK your tour of Murano and Burano from Venice here for 49 euros!

🛏️ Where to stay in Venice:

We spent 3 nights at the small Ca’ Dei Dogi Guest House, which is really close to St Mark’s Square. I must say it was one of our favorite hotels we stayed at during our month in Italy. Our room was stylish, and the owners were so helpful and friendly. They have a lovely rooftop terrace which has an awesome view.

Bologna (2 nights)

Bologna, often nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat One) because of its amazing food scene, is the place to visit if you’re craving some excellent meals mixed with history and culture.

Tucked away in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem. We found the city to be buzzing with life, and we loved wandering past its medieval towers, endless porticoes (a type of porch), and checking out the world’s oldest university (The University of Bologna, founded in 1088).

For your time here, we recommend strolling through the lively markets and digging into treats like tortellini, mortadella, and the famous ragù alla bolognese. The city’s got some pretty cool sights too, like the Two Towers and the Basilica di San Petronio, which give you a peek into its fascinating past. Art lovers will find plenty to explore in the city’s museums and galleries, and if you’re just looking to kick back, the lively piazzas and cafes are perfect.

With its friendly vibe and so much to see and do, Bologna really surprised us!

🛏️ Where to stay in Bologna:

The SavHotel Fiera Bologna is a good choice here, located in the Fiere district (around 2 km from downtown), this stylish 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms. And it’s been recently renovated.

Rimini (3 nights)

Rimini, a lively spot on Italy’s Adriatic coast, is the perfect place to chill out in. Famous for its gorgeous beaches, it’s the perfect place to catch some rays, take a dip, or try out some water sports. And our time here was exactly what the Doctor ordered after a jam-packed couple of days. We didn’t do a whole lot here – just relax on the beach, stroll around, and take a day trip to nearby San Marino.

But it’s not just about the beach – Rimini is packed with history and cool architecture, like the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge, both nods to its Roman roots. The charming old town is perfect for wandering around, with its narrow streets lined with cute shops, cafes, and traditional Italian restaurants.

Day trip to San Marino:

Known for being one of the world’s smallest and oldest republics, San Marino offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. We got the shuttle here from Rimini, which took around 40 minutes and cost us 6 euros each.

On a day trip here, you can explore the charming medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings.

The three towers – Guaita, Cesta, and Montale—perched atop Monte Titano, offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the country’s storied past. Besides sightseeing, you should also go shopping for duty-free goods, and if you’re visiting in July check out the cool Medieval Festival.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring your passport with you – you can get it stamped here!

📍📍If you prefer the stress-free nature of a guided tour, then this guided tour of all of San Marino’s highlights is a brilliant option. It costs 60 euros.

🛏️ Where to stay in Rimini:

We stayed at Hotel Baltic, a small, casual 3-star hotel in the Central Marina district. Our room had a balcony, and there was a nice terrace area, too. The breakfast was great, also.

Florence (3 nights)

Often considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to iconic landmarks such as Il Duomo, known for its impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.

And so, as you can imagine, Florence is a very popular tourist destination (5 million tourists visit here every year!) That’s an outstanding number of visitors, but actually, it’s appeal is obvious when you visit for yourself. And I’d go so far as to say Florence is one of our favorite cities in Europe.

Must-see in Florence:

Il Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore):

This is one of the most iconic sights in Florence, and you’ll likely instantly recognize its eye-catching dome (which was designed by none other than Filippo Brunelleschi, mind you!)

Try to get here for opening time, which is 8:15 am on Monday through Saturday (it opens later on Sundays, at 12:25 pm). We booked a fast-track entry ticket for here and it was worth every penny as it meant we could avoid the very long queues!

Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by magnificent frescoes painted by the talented Giorgio Vasari, adding to the cathedral’s grandeur. If you’re feeling adventurous, climbing to the top of the dome is a must! The view of Florence from up there is simply spectacular and gives you a whole new perspective of this beautiful city.

Statue of David:

Michelangelo’s David is an absolute must-see while in Florence. The world-famous 17-foot statue is located inside the Accademia Gallery of Florence (Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze).

What’s most interesting about this masterpiece is that Michelangelo carved it out of a piece of marble that was put to the side by other master sculptors because it was too hard to work with. But, Michelangelo said he always believed David was inside the marble, and he didn’t need to carve David; instead, he freed him from the marble.

Entry to the Accademia costs €16. Or you could book a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery to get a fascinating insight into the history of the statue from a local guide. This tour ticket (which costs €48) also lets you skip the line so, you won’t have to queue to get in! Which is worth the extra money, in my opinion, as the queues can be horrendous!

Ponte Vecchio:

Built over the Arno River, it’s remarkable to think that this bridge has been around since the year 1345 – and has survived wars and countless floods.

As you’ll see this evening, the Ponte Vecchio isn’t just any old bridge; it’s lined on either side with a myriad of quaint jewelry shops, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.

Piazzale Michelangelo:

Perched on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, this famous square provides stunning vistas of Florence’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the sprawling expanse of the city itself.

Day trip to Pisa:

This city, just 50 minutes by train from Florence, is best known for the famous Leaning Tower. This cool structure, called the Torre Pendente di Pisa, is part of the Piazza dei Miracoli, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site also features the beautiful Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale.

But there’s more to Pisa than just the Piazza! The city is packed with history and culture, with places like the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and the National Museum of San Matteo showcasing amazing art and artifacts. A walk along the Arno River offers stunning views and a chance to wander through charming streets with local shops and cafes.

📍📍 This half-day tour to Pisa from Florence is a best-seller and it costs from 39 euros, which is great value!

🛏️ Where to stay in Florence:

We’ve stayed at the NH Collection Porta Rossa recently and tt was seriously ah-mazing. We’ve also stayed at ArtHotel on Campo di Marte and loved our stay. It’s a small, quirky, art-filled hotel and our room was really comfortable and spacious.

Cinque Terre (3 nights)

The Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. Renowned for its pastel-colored villages, which are built upon steep cliffs. It’s certain to capture the imagination of everyone who visits. 

There are five villages in the Cinque Terre region – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and finally, Monterosso al Mare. Each village has its pros and cons, and it’s super-easy to get between each village thanks to the train that connects all 5 villages. This is how most tourists travel between the 5 villages of the Cinque Terre. And it’s how we recommend you tick off the villages today.

You can buy a train day pass, which you can use as many times as you want in 24 hours, from €19.50.

My must-do list for Cinque Terre:

• Lunch at Nessun Dorma in Manarola.
• Hike the Cinque Terre Trail, my favorite section is the Via dell’Amore, which connects Riomaggiore and Manarola.
• A sunset cruise to see the best of the region from the water. It’s 3 hours long and apertifs and prosecco are served on-board and you can also do some snorkeling.
• Have a seafood feast at Billy’s Restaurant in Manarola.

🛏️ Where to stay in Cinque Terre:

We based ourselves in Monterosso recently, and we highly recommend Hotel Villa Adriana (one of the largest hotels in the Cinque Terre, and it has an outdoor pool). It is located in the new town of Monterosso.

And we’ve also stayed at  La Torretta in Manarola in the past and all rooms come with sea views and a hot tub.

Rome (3 nights)

Rome, fondly known as the “Eternal City,” is a goldmine for tourists, packed with history, culture, and amazing architecture. It’s a huge city, so you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking to see all of its sights.

The most famous spots in the city include the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought. It’s incredibly popular, as you can imagine, so I HIGHLY recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket for it. And try to visit in the morning for smaller crowds. The Roman Forum is another favorite spot of mine in the city, and the forum was the hub of ancient Rome’s public life.

📍📍 YOU CAN BOOK your skip-the-line ticket for the Colosseum HERE!

The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps (which are close to one another) are my other two not-to-be-missed in the city center.

Away from the city center, the Vatican City, a tiny independent city-state that’s home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (featuring Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceilings), is worth spending a full day in.

Wandering the quaint cobblestone streets, you’ll stumble upon hidden piazzas and fountains, each with its own story to tell.

Whether you’re admiring the Pantheon’s architectural genius or tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain for luck, Rome offers an unforgettable experience.

🛏️ Where to stay in Rome:

Hotel Cristoforo Colombo is a great choice in Rome; this 4-star hotel is located in the Torrino neighborhood (around 9 km from downtown). But you can walk to the bus stop close by that connects to line B of Rome’s metro to take you downtown. The hotel has a large outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and the rooms are stylish and spacious. You’re looking at around 120 euros per night here.

If you’d prefer to stay in the city center, then I recommend Boutique Hotel Piedra Rome City Centre a 3-star, stylish hotel that’s just 600 meters from the Vatican. A room here averages 170 euros per night.

Amalfi Coast (3 nights)

The Amalfi Coast, a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, is a dream destination for many. And this area is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages.

It really is a tourist magnet – and it was incredibly busy when we visited in August.

You should spend at the very least a full day exploring the picturesque towns here, called Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, each offering its own unique allure. In Amalfi town, the historic Cathedral of St. Andrew stands as a testament to the region’s storied past, while Positano’s colorful cliffside houses provide a picture-perfect backdrop (see photo below!) Finally, Ravello, perched high above the sea, is famous for its stunning gardens and panoramic views.

Some of our favorite things we’ve done here include hiking the scenic Path of the Gods trail and doing a boat tour of the coast. The best way to see Amalfi is on the water because that way you get to see all of it and our tour was one of the best things we did here. This is the tour we booked, it’s very popular and costs 74 euro per person.

🛏️ Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast:

If you can afford it, Positano is a great spot to base yourself on the Amalfi Coast. Hotel Pupetto is a 3-star hotel located right opposite the beach, and it really is so photogenic. The rooms are what I call coastal Italian style with blue tiled floors and crisp white linens. A room here will cost you upwards of 300 euros per night, though.

Naples (3 nights)

Nestled on the stunning Bay of Naples, Naples is renowned for its historic landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed historic center, which is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with baroque churches, bustling markets, and charming piazzas.

While here, be sure to explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace or marvel at the art and archaeology housed in the Naples National Archaeological Museum. A short trip from the city are the ancient ruins of Pompeii, offering a fascinating glimpse into life during Roman times (more on that below, though!)

Fun fact: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so indulging in an authentic Neapolitan pizza is a must. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is probably the most famous pizza spot in the city.

Naples is a bit of a love/hate place, but we actually loved it – the city’s narrow streets are alive with energy, it’s really busy and loud. But, despite its chaotic charm, we loved the warm and friendly locals, vibrant culture, and the ever-present sense of history here.

All that coupled with the stunning views of Mount Vesuvius and the glistening Bay of Naples meant that Naples was a worthy last stop on our month in Italy itinerary.

Day trip to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius:

This is one of my favorite tours I’ve done in Italy – a day trip to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Naples. Although we like to DIY most things on our travels, we opted to do a guided tour here as it meant we could fully relax without having to worry about transport or pre-booking tickets.

Way back in the year 79 A.D., a huge volcanic eruption wiped out the city of Pompeii. The ash from the eruption preserved the city in an epic way. On your visit here, you will see bodies encased in ash stuck in positions to protect themselves from the eruption. Bodies rolled up in a ball, bodies with their hands outstretched as if to stop the oncoming lava. There are even dogs in these same positions. It’s astounding that 2,000 years later, we can witness Pompeii in almost pristine condition. It is honestly like a movie set.

Did you know – Pompeii is visited by over 2.5 million tourists annually! It’s one of the most-visited dark tourism sites in the world.

Afterwards, you will travel up the slopes of the volcano by 4×4 vehicle. You will have to hike some of the way as the vehicle can’t go completely to the time. Enjoy time to explore the crater of Mount Vesuvius before returning to Naples.

📍📍 BOOK this Skip-the-Line Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius Day Trip from Naples HERE!

🛏️ Where to stay in Naples:

Villa Elisio Hotel is a casual 3-star hotel set in a 1700s building. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the location is great, just a short walk to the National Archaelogical Museum. There’s a lovely courtyard in the center of the hotel, too.

Final thoughts on spending a month in Italy:

And there you have it, a detailed insight into our one-month in Italy itinerary. We spent a lot of time researching the best route for us, and you may choose to spend more or less time in the places I recommend above.

But, whatever route you choose for your one month in Italy, I am positive you will have a fantastic time. And I will add that we missed out on stunning spots like Puglia and the Dolomites because we didn’t have the time. But, believe me, we will be ticking these gems off soon.

Tell me – what did you think of our one-month in Italy itinerary? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below.

You may also enjoy reading –

Best Cities to Visit in Europe if You’re a Foodie

Best Activities in Cinque Terre (5 Unique Things to Do)

Why Cinque Terre is my Favourite Travel Destination (& Why You Should Visit)

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Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by snaphappytravel