How to See Italy in Just 5 Days, According to Someone Who Plans Trips to the Country for a Living

Italy is a large country that could take weeks to explore, but many travelers just don’t have that much time. Although five days isn’t long enough to experience Italy, it’s still possible to tour the country and see top destinations. I’ve been planning trips to Italy for decades, and this is the perfect itinerary for busy travelers, plus some extra tips to make your trip as smooth—and speedy—as possible.

Days 1 & 2: Rome

Start your journey in Rome. Wander the city to see its ancient ruins, historic architecture, and many other attractions. Rome is known as an open-air museum for a reason! You can walk from Piazza Navona to the Pantheon (you may need to book a ticket in advance), then the Trevi Fountain, and finally, and the Spanish Steps.

At the foot of the Spanish Steps, you’ll find a shopping district, Via dei Condotti, full of high-end Italian brands like Prada and Missoni. Later that day, tour the Colosseum and the Forum with a private guide. For dinner, make sure to try classic Roman plates like puntarelle or carciofi, or, for a good night’s sleep, have some carbonara paired with a glass of Bardolino, a light-bodied Italian red.

On the morning of day two, rent bicycles to ride the Appian Way, an ancient empire route turned tourist attraction, or the Parco degli Acquedotti, a large public park just outside the city. In the afternoon, cool off with gelato from Giolitti, then visit the Capitoline Museums to learn about ancient Roman art and architecture. For a sunset rooftop aperitivo, stop at the Bvlgari Hotel or the newly reopened Orient Express La Minerva’s Gigi Rigolatto Roma. For dinner, walk up the Via di Ripetta and stop at Dal Bolognese or La Buca di Ripetta—reservations required.

Where to Stay

Palazzo Ripetta is a five-star hotel in the heart of the city with 78 rooms and suites plus multiple dining options, including a rooftop bar.

Day 3: Florence

Take the train from Rome’s Termini station to Firenze. In as little as three hours, you’ll be touring the city. Seeing the original statue of David never gets old (and neither does he). But be sure to get advance tickets to the Accademia Gallery. Later, go window shopping at the high-end boutiques along Via de’ Tornabuoni. Renowned bar Procacci 1885 awaits you for aperitivo hour, and you can end your day with a Tuscan dinner at Ristorante Frescobaldi Firenze.  

Where to Stay

Casa G. Firenze is a stylish boutique property just steps from the train station, while Helvetia & Bristol is a luxury hotel with a full-service spa and exceptional in-house Italian gastronomy by Cibrèo Ristorante.

Days 4 & 5: The Amalfi Coast

Take the early train to Napoli Centrale station, then take a private car or taxi to the famous Amalfi Coast. For a historic stop, take a tour of nearby Pompeii, or simply spend the afternoon lounging at a beach club and soaking in the sun. Partygoers may prefer to stay in Positano or Capri, while towns like Ravello offer tranquility and striking views. If staying in Ravello, head to the nearby village of Scala to dine on the terrace of Trattoria da Lorenzo for fresh seafood and thoughtful wine pairings.

Before flying out of Naples, your fifth and final day is yours to spend, and the options are endless: take a private boat along the coast; hike Sentiero degli Dei, or “Path of the Gods;” or ferry to Capri for its renowned shopping scene. In Italy, there are no wrong choices.

Where to Stay

Ravello Art Hotel Marmorata, which offers panoramic views and a private beach, is a cliffside boutique hotel housed in a former paper mill.

More Tips

• Pack lightly. Only having a carry-on will make moving between trains and hotels quick and easy.
• Fly to regional airports to save time. They’re smaller and generally have shorter immigration lines. There are new nonstop flights from the U.S. to cities like Naples and Catania.
• Plan ahead. Schedule tours and make reservations before departure so your trip goes smoothly.
• Go during the shoulder or off-seasons. To avoid long lines and huge crowds, travel between November and March.
• Travel by high-speed train. With Trenitalia Eurostar and Italo, you can hop between cities at 179 kilometers per hour. To save even more time, purchase your tickets online beforehand.

Joyce Falcone is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Italy trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Falcone by contacting her at [email protected].