A friend of mine asked me about my recommendations for their quick visit to Italy. Following were my notes based on my experience for: Italy Trip Planning.
Path
- Land at Roma (min. 3 days)
- A train to Pisa, tour the city for couple of hours
- A bus to Hotel de Carlos between Pisa and Lucca (you can skip but it’s very cozy one)
- Visit Lucca next day for few hours.
- A train to Venice (min. 2 days)
- Fly out of Italy from Venice
If you want to visit Florence, Sienna, or Cortona, you have to arrange it around Lucca (or, of course, Florence). For example, when done with Venice, take the train to Rome. Stop in Florence for few days to visit Sienna and Cortona. Then fly out of Italy from Rome. In this area, I download CSEM EMSC (lastquake) app for earthquakes notifications if any.
Rome
Recommended Hotels: Mecenate Palace Hotel (Santa Maria Maggiore), Santa Maria (Trastevere), Hotel Damaso (Campo de Fiori)
Must visit: Vatican, Santa Maria Maggiore, Campo de’ Fiori, Vatican, Colosseum, Trastevere Hill (and the Basilica di Santa Maria), Spanish Steps, and Fontana de Trevi. If cooking classes are open, don’t miss it. Villa Borghese is a must. d’Esti garden if you can (near Rome)
Florence
Recommended Hotels: Residenza Il Villino B&B (near Piazza della Repubblica), Hotel David (the nearby hill is amazing: Piazzale Michelangelo)
Must visit: Piazza della Repubblica & the near cafes in addition to the bridge shops.
Venice
Try to stay at hotel with view at the Grand Canal. I prefer near the train station of the island. There, you’ll easily find about what to see and what to do..
Milan, Naples
In all my trips to Italy, I repeat the above path. For Milan, it’s a modern city that its life/tourism might be different than the old or country side of Italy. However, Lake Como is wonderful. Amalfi coast and sea caves in Napoli are amazing too.
Our beloved Italian friend, Paola, named Matera, Alberobello, and Lecce as must-see places in the South too.
P.S., this isn’t a sponsored post; I have no affiliate with any mentioned name. It’s totally based on my experience and own taste.

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