Visit Italy in 3 weeks
You are planning a 3-week vacation and want to know Italy by heart? You chose the perfect itinerary!
From Milan to Naples, from North to South, discover Italy’s must-sees. You won’t be disappointed!
Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in 3-week road trip in Italy:
- See Milan from the rooftop of the Duomo
- Eat delicious ice creams in Genoa
- Hike on the beautiful trails linking the Cinque Terre villages
- Take a cooking class in a Tuscan farm in Florence
- Live fully the farniente lifestyle in Piombino
- Visit the renown Colosseum and Vatican in Rome
- Discover Naples in a different angle, and get inside its underground passages
- Learn about limoncello and cheese making in Sorrento
- Explore the Blue Grotto in kayak when in Capri
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3-week road trip in Italy
Milan > Genoa > Cinque Terre National Park > Florence > Piombino > Rome > Naples > Sorrento > Capri > Naples
Some practical information before your trip to Italy
For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.
You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!
Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!
The best period for this 3-week road trip in Italy is from April to October. This country is worth a visit year-round, but during these months, it is when the weather is at its best. Except from July and August, it’s also a time period where there are not too many tourists. See more details here.
Italian food is known to be one of the best in the world, and you surely approve! This cuisine has spread all over the world, and most people have already tried it, pasta, ice cream, pizza, risotto… it keeps getting better! Instead, we would recommend for you to try out arancini, fontina, which is a great cheese, speck ham, focaccia, and taste a traditional and authentic tiramisu!
Contents: 3-week itinerary in Italy
1- Milan – Stop 1 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
2- Genoa – Stop 2 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
3- Cinque Terre National Park – Stop 3 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
4- Florence – Stop 4 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
5- Piombino – Stop 5 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
6- Rome – Stop 6 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
7- Naples – Stop 7 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
8- Sorrento – Stop 8 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
9- Capri – Stop 9 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
10- Naples – Stop 10 of the 3-week itinerary in Italy
3-week road trip in Italy : step by step
Stop 1: Milan
What to do in Milan?
World famous for its soccer team, the Milan AC but also for being the world’s capital of fashion and design, you will surely fall for Milan. It is a great start to this 3-week road trip in Italy!
- Discover one of Leonardo Da Vinci‘s masterpieces : L’Ultima Cena in Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- History lovers, go explore the Navigli neighborhood, you will discover a 1950s wash-house where Milanese women used to come and clean their clothes.
- Be sure to visit Milan’s Cathedral called the Duomo. We recommend buying a ticket with access to the rooftop to enjoy a beautiful view over the city.
- Go explore the Sforza Castle and its beautiful gardens.
- You love mozzarella? Authentic Italian mozzarella? Then go to the mozzarella bar called Obika. You will get to eat some traditional Italian mozzarella with some local cold cuts.
- Stroll around the Brera neighborhood and get to experience the true Milanese life. Stop at the Pinacoteca de Breara, the most famous art gallery in Milan.
- Get your evening started with the Aperitivo! It’s what the Italians call the Happy Hour, during which you can get cheaper drinks and locals snacks to eat with.
- Taste the Cotoletta alla Milanese and don’t worry if you have a big appetite, you will get enough!
- If you prefer to cook, then don’t wait any longer and experience Italy at 100% by taking a cooking class.
- Enjoy the sunset in the canal neighborhood of Navigli.
- Less than 2 hour away, go to Lake Como, a must-see!
Where to sleep in Milan?
- Mid-range: Stay at the 43 Station Hotel and enjoy this modern, cosy and super clean establishment. You will be just a few steps from the station and the metro, so you can get to the centre quickly and start your journey with peace of mind.
- High-end: Enjoy a luxury suite in the beautiful Park Hyatt Milano, located in the centre of Milan. The solution to turn your stay in Milan into an extraordinary moment! What we like: the spa, the gym and the breakfast. Some rooms have a private terrace with a view of the rooftops… We love it!
Stop 2: Genoa
What to do in Genoa?
An underrated Italian city. Tourists often forget about Genoa and that’s a shame! Genoa is built like an amphitheatre and it is fascinating.
- Roam through the old city’s streets and get a feel of the authentic Italian atmosphere.
- Admire the Piazza de Ferrari, famous square where the Palazzio Ducale stands.
- Walk on the docks of the Old Port.
- Discover San Lorenzo Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, a must-see during this 3-week road trip in Italy. It’s located right next to the Via Garibaldi, famous for being the city’s most beautiful street.
- To know the city and all its history, we strongly recommend you to take a guided tour.
- Eat an ice cream at La Cremeria celle Erbe, one of the best ice cream shops in the old part of Genoa.
- Go to the top of Genoa‘s symbol : the Lanterna.
Where to sleep in Genoa?
- Mid-range: For this stop, we propose a modern and welcoming flat at the Casa di Ravecca, with a superb view of the city centre. The advantage: you can make your own food (we advise you to go and get some “fresh homemade pasta” from a caterer in your neighbourhood, a few slices of cured ham and a mozzarella di buffala on top… Delicious!)
- High-end: Put your bags down at the Meliá Genova, located 10 minutes from the city’s main shopping street, to enjoy maximum comfort. The indoor swimming pool, gym, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi will offer you a well-deserved moment of self-care.
Stop 3: Cinque Terre National Park
What to do in Cinque Terre National Park?
Hikers, runners, athletes … This stop in Cinque Terre National Park is a must during this 3-week road trip in Italy. Others, you will also enjoy the beauty of this park. It is accessible to any hiker : from beginner to experienced. And here’s an interesting fact, the Cinque Terre is made of 5 villages : Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.
- Stroll through these villages.
- Admire the incredible Italian vineyards.
- Explore the region by foot and feel the heat of this authentic place.
- Discover panoramic views over creeks and cliffs and explore caves!
- Hike on the many different trails.
- The Cinque Terre can be explored in many different ways: by foot, by train, by boat or by car, it’s up to you to choose the option that suits you best!
Our activities recommendations in Cinque Terre:
- Discover Monterosso from a different angle by taking a canoe tour.
- Leave from La Spezia (the nearest big city to the national park) for a guided hike or a boat tour.
- Enjoy this incredible setting to taste the wine from Manarola’s vineyards!
Where to sleep in Cinque Terre?
- Mid-range: Discover the Ca’ D’Andrean in the heart of Manarola, “the place to be” to discover the Cinque Terre National Park in comfort. The Italian breakfast served with love is top notch!
- High-end: For more luxury, stay at the Grand Hotel Portovenere with its superb sea view terrace. The location is ideal, the food is good, nothing better. In short, 8.9 rating on Booking… PS : little piece of advice, choose a room with sea view!
Stop 4: Florence
What to do in Florence?
Florence is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. An open-air museum, you will be charmed.
- Visit the two main museums: the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia. The first one has famous artworks you won’t find anywhere else. In the second one, you will find the famous Michelangelo’s David.
- Discover the famous Piazza San Marco near the Galleria dell’Accademia.
- Art lovers, make sure to go to the Palazzo del Bargello where you will find many Renaissance sculptures.
- Cross the Arno river on the Ponte Vecchio («Old Bridge» in Italian). You can’t come to Florence during this 3-week road trip in Italy without seeing it!
- Stroll around the gorgeous gardens of Boboli.
- You can not miss the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, also called the Duomo.
- Go check the San Lorenzo Market out, your mouth will be watering with all the typical Italian products.
- Don’t hesitate to take a guided tour, it’s the best way to discover the city and its secrets!
- Taste Florence’s speciality: tripe.
- Admire the sunset from the Piazzale Michelangelo where you can get a panoramic view of the city.
- Treat yourself to a cooking class on a Tuscan farm. A unique experience that will surely become one of your best travel memories!
Where to sleep in Florence?
- Mid-range: Book one of the spacious rooms at Hotel Delle Nazioni and enjoy a hearty breakfast every morning. The hotel’s central location is ideal for visiting the city of Florence.
- High-end: Choose the Baglioni Relais Santa Croce and enjoy a night in a classically decorated 5-star hotel (frescoed ceilings, etc.). We love the rooms decorated with high quality period furniture. It is ideal to sublimate your stay in Florence.
Stop 5: Piombino
What to do in Piombino?
Across from the Elba Island, Piombino is a seaside city on the Southern coast of Tuscany. It’s the perfect stop to relax and live the farniente lifestyle during this 3-week road trip in Italy.
- Explore the Archeological park of Baratti and Populonia : 80 ha, caves, and antiquity ruins will be waiting for you.
- Walk around Piazza Bovio, put your feet in the sand, and enjoy the view.
- Take a dip in Bagno la Capannina.
- Do not hesitate to taste the local seafood and fish. Your stomach will thank you!
Where to sleep in Piombino?
- Mid-range: Located about 20 minutes from Piombino and 3 km from the beaches of San Vincenzo, the Podere San Giuseppe apartment-hotel with its large swimming pool is ideal if you are looking for great value for money! What we like: the fully equipped apartments for cooking and the children’s playground (older children will love a game of table tennis)!
- High-end: We don’t have any upscale hotels to recommend in this area!
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Stop 6: Rome
What to do in Rome?
The City of the Seven Hills, Rome is the most popular city in Italy and you’ll quickly understand why. It blends past and present in a magnificent way. It truly is a must-see in this 3-week road trip in Italy.
- Has anyone ever gone to Rome without going to the Colosseum? No! It’s THE iconic building of the city, just imagine when there used to be gladiators fighting, the crowd cheering …
- Eat a pizza in Rome’s historic district.
- Be sure to check out the Palatine Hill and get a beautiful view from the top.
- Discover the Pantheon and its beautifully decorated interior, as well as its special way to get the light in.
- When visiting Rome, you have to go to the Vatican. Artistic masterpiece, be sure to check the Sistine Chapel out.
- Go see the Pope telling the mass in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Don’t hesitate to take a guided tour to discover the city, that’s how you’ll learn the little details of history.
- Enjoy a cannoli at the Valzani pastry shop in Trastevere district. If you want to taste other specialities, we advise you to take part in a food tour, another way to discover the city!
Where to sleep in Rome?
- Mid-range: Just 600 metres from the Trevi Fountain and a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, the central location of the Quirinale Luxury Rooms is perfect. In addition, the service is good, the rooms are modern and the breakfast is great!
- High-end: In the heart of Rome, enjoy Italian luxury at the Singer Palace Hotel, which has a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Roman city. This hotel is elegant, refined and will help make your stay in Rome unforgettable!
Stop 7: Naples
What to do in Naples?
Naples is a calm city that can be explosive, just like its volcano, the Vesuvius. Don’t worry if you don’t find the time to do everything you want, you will come back to this great city at the end of your 3-week road trip in Italy.
- Go to Porto Nolana’s market and taste traditional Italian dishes at a very affordable price.
- Walk along the sea from Castel Nuovo to Castel Dell’Ovo. You could also visit these two monuments if you have time.
- Eat the best pizzas of your life in Naples at Pizzeria Da Michelle for only 5€.
- Go meet the Vesuvius and learn about Pompeii‘s history.
- Stroll around the small streets of the old city.
- History lovers, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Napoli and get to see ancient mosaics and sculptures.
- Naples is a city that also extends underground, so don’t hesitate to visit the catacombs of San Gennaro or take a guided tour of the city’s underground passages! A good way to discover the city in an unusual way, and we love it!
Where to sleep in Naples?
- Mid-range: In the centre of Naples, discover the Hotel Napolit’amo which offers quality rooms and service. No hesitation to have… Sober and efficient! The little extras: the breakfast, the staff and the location.
- High-end: Pamper yourself at the Romeo hotel and enjoy its swimming pool on the terrace with a superb view of the Naples’ port. There’s even a spa to relax after a day of sightseeing and walking.
Stop 8: Sorrento
What to do in Sorrento?
Sorrento, in the Bay of Napoli will leave you with amazing memories of this 3-week road trip in Italy. Starting with the elevator you need to get on to get to the city!
- Explore the Museum Correale, get to know about the city’s culture and enjoy its gorgeous gardens.
- Discover stunning the landscapes of the Amalfi Coast.
- Go on a tour in the local cheese factories and learn about the different ways to make Italian cheese.
- Visit a limencello factory.
- Have a fresh orange juice on the patio of a bar, facing the sea.
Where to sleep in Sorrento?
- Mid-range: Hotel Rivage welcomes you to an idyllic setting overlooking the Vesuvius and Naples’ Gulf. The location and swimming pool are a big value.
- High-end: Discover the dream rooms overlooking the sea at Bellevue Syrene and enjoy maximum comfort during your stay. The view is breathtaking and the overall style is really different from the previous hotels! We particularly like the relaxing moment on the small private beach below!
Stop 9 : Capri
What to do in Capri?
The island of Capri is very famous for its natural beauty and pleasant weather. It will surely become one of your favourite stop of this 3-week road trip in Italy.
- Get on the cable car and go to the top of the island, on Mount Solaro. Don’t forget to take pictures!
- Visit the Blue Grotto, the reflection of water make it look blue. Stunning! For a change from the popular boat tours, we recommend going on a kayak tour, a more sportive experience but definitely worth it!
- Get a glimpse of blue lizards on the Faraglioni di Capri.
- Admire the Arco Naturale, geologic phenomenons carved this limestone arche.
- Get to live the Dolce Vita while enjoying the calm beaches around the island.
Where to sleep in Capri?
- Mid-range: Let yourself be welcomed Italian-style at the Hotel Victoria Place! If you are looking for a human-sized accommodation, you are at the right address!
- High-end: Discover the great luxury of the Hotel Punta Tragara and enjoy an unforgettable stay. Whether it is the view of the bay, the 2 swimming pools or the comfort of the rooms, everything is there to make the most of your penultimate stop in Italy!
Stop 10: Naples
What to do in Naples?
Back in Naples for the end of your 3-week road trip in Italy. Time to get souvenirs !
- Go to Porto Nolana’s market and taste traditional Italian dishes at a very affordable price.
- Walk along the sea from Castel Nuovo to Castel Dell’Ovo. You could also visit these two monuments if you have time.
- Eat the best pizzas of your life in Naples at Pizzeria Da Michelle for only 5€.
- Go meet the Vesuvius and learn about Pompeii‘s history.
- Stroll around the small streets of the old city.
- History lovers, head to the National Archaeological Museum of Napoli and get to see ancient mosaics and sculptures.
- Naples is a city that also extends underground, so don’t hesitate to visit the catacombs of San Gennaro or take a guided tour of the city’s underground passages! A good way to discover the city in an unusual way, and we love it!
Where to sleep in Naples?
- Mid-range: In the centre of Naples, discover the Hotel Napolit’amo which offers quality rooms and service. No hesitation to have… Sober and efficient! The little extras: the breakfast, the staff and the location.
- High-end: Pamper yourself at the Romeo hotel and enjoy its swimming pool on the terrace with a superb view of the Naples’ port. There’s even a spa to relax after a day of sightseeing and walking.
Learn more about your road trip in Italy…
- You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
- Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
- Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
- You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-week itinerary in Italy? We recommend this one!
Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
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