Italy is a country where every city feels like a living museum, every meal is a celebration, and every region tells its own story. This two-week itinerary takes you through some of the most historical and deliciously rewarding destinations in northern and central Italy. From the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence to the culinary resources of Bologna, Parma and Modena. End your trip with the coastal charm of Genoa and the iconic architecture of Pisa.

This 2 weeks in Italy itinerary is designed for travellers who want to combine art, history, food and scenic day trips. This route balances big-city highlights with smaller, character-filled stops. Whether you’re wandering medieval streets, sampling aged balsamic vinegar, or watching the sun set over the Ligurian Sea, this itinerary will help you experience Italy at its most authentic and unforgettable.

Day 1–5: Florence: Renaissance art & architecture

Florence (4 nights)

Highlights

• Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio
• Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
• Sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo

Optional day trip: Visit Fiesole or Chianti wine region

Begin your Italian adventure in Florence. This city is the birthplace of the Renaissance and a famous centre of art, architecture, and culture. Spend four nights taking in the city’s beauty. Start with the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli and da Vinci, and admire at the grandeur of the Duomo with its red-tiled dome. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge lined with jewellery shops, and explore the opulent Palazzo Pitti and serene Boboli Gardens. In the evening, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping sunset views of the city skyline. For a change of pace, consider a day trip to Fiesole, a charming hill town with Etruscan roots. Or head into the Chianti wine region for tastings among the vineyards.

Day 5–8: Bologna: Food capital of Italy

Bologna (3 nights)

Highlights

• Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views
• Explore Piazza Maggiore & Basilica San Petronio
• Sample tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, tortellini

Optional day trip: Visit Dozza (medieval village with murals)

Travel to Bologna, the gastronomic heart of Italy. Stay here for three nights. Explore the medieval streets and Piazza Maggiore, and don’t miss the Basilica di San Petronio. It is one of the largest churches in the world. This city is all about food so indulge in iconic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce), tortellini in brodo, and mortadella. If you’re up for a cultural excursion, take a short trip to Dozza, a tiny village known for its colourful murals and local wine.

Day 8-9: Modena: Fast cars & Balsamic vinegar

Bologna or Parma (short train ride), or overnight in Modena

Highlights:

• Ferrari Museum (optional)
• Traditional balsamic vinegar tasting
• Piazza Grande & Ghirlandina Tower

On day eight, take a short train ride to Modena, a city that perfectly balances culinary tradition and motor excellence. You can choose to stay overnight or make it a day trip from Bologna or Parma. Explore Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb the Ghirlandina Tower for views over the historic centre. Visit an acetaia to sample traditional balsamic vinegar, aged for years in wooden barrels. For car enthusiasts, the Ferrari Museum is a high-powered sight into Italy’s legendary auto heritage.

Day 9-10: Parma: Cheese, ham & art

Modena (morning train) or overnight in Parma

Highlights:

• Cathedral & Baptistery
• Parmesan cheese and prosciutto tasting tours
• Visit Teatro Regio

Continue to Parma, where art and gastronomy go hand in hand. Spend one night in this elegant city or visit as a day trip starting with a visit to the impressive Cathedral and Baptistery. It shows the Romanesque architecture and frescoes by Correggio. Parma is world-renowned for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. Tasting tours at local farms or producers are highly recommended. Wrap up your visit with a performance or tour of the Teatro Regio, a historic opera house and cultural landmark.

Day 10–13: Genoa: History & coast

Genoa (3 nights)

Highlights:

• Explore the historic old town & Via Garibaldi
• Visit the Aquarium of Genoa
• Day trips to: Cinque Terre, Camogli, or Portofino
• Try Genovese pesto and fresh seafood

Head west to Genoa, a bustling port city with a long maritime history and a unique mix of old-world charm and gritty authenticity. Settle in for three nights and explore the historic old town. Admire the palatial Via Giuseppe Garibaldi that is surrounded by Renaissance mansions. Genoa is also the perfect base for scenic day trips to the Cinque Terre or the pastel fishing village of Camogli, or upscale Portofino. Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood and the city’s most famous invention: pesto alla Genovese.

Day 13-14: Pisa: The Leaning tower

Genoa (morning train) or overnight in Pisa

Highlights:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa & Piazza dei Miracoli
• Walk along the Arno River
• Enjoy local Tuscan cuisine

Wrap up your journey with an overnight stay in Pisa, just a short train ride from Genoa. Although small, Pisa leaves a big impression with its iconic Leaning Tower, the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli, and the detailed marble facade of the Cathedral. Take a stroll along the Arno River and enjoy a relaxed evening in the city’s less touristy neighbourhoods. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy Tuscan cuisine one last time before heading home.

Highlights in Italy

Italy has many monumental cities that are worth a visit. Trento is a city of Renaissance charm and Alpine heritage. The city has many monumental highlights to visit such as the cathedral and the Castello del Buonconsiglio. Verona is famous for the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and beautiful medieval streets.

The city of Venice is world famous for its canals, magnificent palaces, and the iconic Piazza San Marco. But Venice has more to offer. The nearby lagoons of Venice are perfect to visit on a day trip. Bologna is known as the food capital of Italy. The city comes with medieval towers, beautiful arcades, and historical landmarks like the Basilica di San Petronio.

Also Padova is well worth a visit with its stunning medieval squares and Scrovegni Chapel. If you are travelling towards Slovenia, don’t forget to visit Trieste. This beautiful city is located at the Adriatic Sea and combines history, architecture and culture with a maritime feel. Other destinations to keep in mind are Florence, Udine and Torino. Or visit the maritime city of Genova. Are you spending a few days in Milan and would like to spend a day outdoors? Visit the beautiful Lake Como and go for a refreshing swim in the lake. Or visit the historic centre of Bergamo.

Reading tip: Beginners travel guide to Italy