3 Weeks in Italy: North to South

Three weeks allows a complete Italy circuit — from the fashion capital and alpine lakes of the north, through the art cities of the centre, to the ancient ruins, coastline, and islands of the south. This itinerary runs north to south, starting in Milan and ending in Sicily, using trains for the mainland and a ferry or flight for the final stretch.

Route overview

Days	Destination	Nights
1–2	Milan	2
3–4	Lake Como	2
5–7	Venice	3
8	Bologna	1
9–11	Florence + Tuscany	3
12–13	Cinque Terre	2
14–16	Rome	3
17–19	Amalfi Coast + Naples	3
20–21	Sicily	2

Fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP). Fly out of Catania (CTA) or Palermo (PMO).

Key transport connections

Route	Method	Duration	Cost
Milan → Varenna (Lake Como)	Regionale train	1h	EUR 7.60
Varenna → Milan → Venice	Train via Milan	3h 30min total	From EUR 30
Venice → Bologna	Frecciarossa	1h 15min	From EUR 15
Bologna → Florence	Frecciarossa	37min	From EUR 12
Florence → La Spezia	Regionale	2h 30min	EUR 14–18
La Spezia → Rome	Frecciarossa via Pisa	3h 30min	From EUR 29
Rome → Naples	Frecciarossa	1h 10min	From EUR 19
Naples → Palermo	Overnight ferry	10h	From EUR 45 (deck)
Naples → Catania	Flight	1h 15min	From EUR 40

Days 1–2: Milan

Where to stay

Budget: Ostello Bello Grande — Via Roberto Lepetit, near Centrale station. Doubles from approximately EUR 80/night as of 2026. Mid-range: NYX Hotel Milan — Via Fabio Filzi. From approximately EUR 130/night. Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Milan — Via Andegari. From approximately EUR 550/night.

Day 1 — Duomo and the Last Supper

Arrive at Milan Malpensa. Malpensa Express to Cadorna station (EUR 13, 50 minutes).

Afternoon: Milan Duomo — cathedral entry free, rooftop terraces approximately EUR 14 by lift / EUR 10 by stairs (open 9:00–19:00 as of 2026). 135 spires and the Madonnina golden statue at the summit.

Evening: The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie (approximately EUR 15 entry, strictly timed 15-minute visits, book months ahead on cenacolovinciano.org). If you cannot get tickets, the church itself is free and worth visiting.

Dinner: Trattoria Milanese (Via Santa Marta 11) — risotto alla milanese and cotoletta. Operating since 1933. Mains from approximately EUR 14–20.

Day 2 — Brera and Navigli

Morning: Pinacoteca di Brera (approximately EUR 15, open 8:30–19:15, closed Mondays). Mantegna’s Dead Christ, Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin.

Lunch: Luini Panzerotti (Via Santa Radegonda 16, near Duomo) — fried panzerotti from approximately EUR 3. A Milan institution.

Afternoon: Walk through the Quadrilatero della Moda (fashion district). Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — the ornate 19th-century shopping arcade.

Evening: Head to the Navigli canal district for aperitivo. Milan invented aperitivo culture — expect a drink plus a generous buffet for approximately EUR 10–12 at bars along the Naviglio Grande. Try Rita or Mag Café.

Days 3–4: Lake Como

Where to stay

Budget: Albergo Milano — Varenna. From approximately EUR 90/night as of 2026. Mid-range: Hotel Royal Victoria — Varenna, lakefront. From approximately EUR 160/night. Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo — Tremezzo. From approximately EUR 500/night. Floating pool on the lake.

Day 3 — Varenna

Take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino-Perledo (1 hour, EUR 7.60). Varenna is quieter than Bellagio and equally beautiful.

Afternoon: Visit Villa Monastero (approximately EUR 10 entry, open 9:30–19:00 March–October) — lakeside gardens stretching 2 km. Walk to Castello di Vezio above the town (approximately EUR 5, views across the entire central lake).

Dinner: Il Cavatappi (Via XX Settembre 1, Varenna) — lake fish and pasta, mains from approximately EUR 14–20. Tiny terrace with lake views. Reserve ahead.

Day 4 — Bellagio

Take the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio (15 minutes, approximately EUR 4.60). Visit Villa Melzi Gardens (approximately EUR 8 entry, open March–October). Walk the waterfront promenade and explore the stepped lanes. Take the ferry to Tremezzo for Villa Carlotta (approximately EUR 12 entry, open 9:30–18:30) — botanical gardens and Canova sculptures.

Lunch: Ristorante Bilacus (Salita Serbelloni 32, Bellagio) — perch and lake fish, mains from approximately EUR 15–22.

Return to Varenna by evening ferry. Next morning, train back to Milan, then onward to Venice.

Days 5–7: Venice

Where to stay

Budget: Generator Venice — Giudecca. From approximately EUR 110/night. Mid-range: Hotel Al Ponte Antico — Cannaregio. From approximately EUR 200/night. Luxury: The Gritti Palace — Grand Canal. From approximately EUR 700/night.

Day 5 — Grand Canal and Rialto

Arrive from Milan (2 hours 30 minutes by Frecciarossa, from EUR 19). Buy a 72-hour vaporetto pass (EUR 45 as of 2026).

Take Vaporetto Line 1 down the Grand Canal. Explore the Rialto Bridge and Rialto Fish Market (mornings, closed Sundays/Mondays).

Dinner: Cantina Do Spade (San Polo 860) — cicchetti from approximately EUR 2–4 each.

Day 6 — San Marco and Dorsoduro

Morning: Doge’s Palace (approximately EUR 30, open 9:00–18:00). St Mark’s Basilica (free, skip-the-line EUR 6).

Afternoon: Gallerie dell’Accademia (approximately EUR 12). Walk the Zattere waterfront in Dorsoduro.

Dinner: Osteria alle Testiere (Castello) — seafood, from approximately EUR 50–60. Reserve weeks ahead.

Day 7 — Islands

Morning: Vaporetto to Murano (Museo del Vetro approximately EUR 10) and Burano (lace museum approximately EUR 5, coloured houses).

Lunch: Trattoria Da Romano on Burano — mains from approximately EUR 15–22.

Afternoon: Visit Torcello — the cathedral’s Byzantine mosaics (approximately EUR 5). The island is nearly deserted and atmospheric.

Day 8: Bologna

Take the Frecciarossa from Venice to Bologna (1 hour 15 minutes, from EUR 15).

Where to stay

Mid-range: Hotel Commercianti — Via de’ Pignattari 11, beside San Petronio. From approximately EUR 120/night as of 2026.

Morning/Afternoon: Drop bags and walk to Piazza Maggiore. Climb the Asinelli Tower (498 steps, approximately EUR 5, open 9:30–19:00) for panoramic views. Visit San Petronio Basilica (free) — one of the world’s largest churches.

Walk under Bologna’s famous porticoes (UNESCO-listed since 2021). Browse the food stalls at Mercato di Mezzo on Via Clavature — mortadella, fresh pasta, Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Lunch: Trattoria Anna Maria (Via delle Belle Arti 17a) — legendary tagliatelle al ragù, the dish Bologna invented. Mains from approximately EUR 12–16.

Dinner: Osteria dell’Orsa (Via Mentana 1) — casual, popular with students, generous portions. Mains from approximately EUR 9–14.

Days 9–11: Florence and Tuscany

Where to stay

Budget: Hotel Perseo — from approximately EUR 85/night. Mid-range: Hotel Davanzati — from approximately EUR 160/night. Luxury: Hotel Lungarno — from approximately EUR 380/night.

Day 9 — Duomo and Accademia

Take the Frecciarossa from Bologna (37 minutes, from EUR 12).

Afternoon: Duomo (combined ticket approximately EUR 30). Galleria dell’Accademia (approximately EUR 16, closed Mondays) — Michelangelo’s David.

Dinner: Buca Mario (Piazza degli Ottaviani 16) — mains from EUR 15–20.

Day 10 — Uffizi and Oltrarno

Morning: Uffizi Gallery (approximately EUR 25 peak, closed Mondays). 3 hours minimum.

Afternoon: Palazzo Pitti (approximately EUR 16), Boboli Gardens (approximately EUR 10). Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.

Dinner: Il Latini (Via dei Palchetti 6) — Florentine institution, mains from approximately EUR 14–20.

Day 11 — Tuscan day trip

Rent a car (from approximately EUR 40–50/day). Drive to San Gimignano (1 hour) — medieval towers, Vernaccia wine at Fattoria Poggio Alloro (approximately EUR 15/tasting). Continue to Siena (30 minutes) — Piazza del Campo, Duomo (approximately EUR 15 combined), Torre del Mangia (approximately EUR 10, 400 steps).

Lunch in Siena: Osteria Le Logge (Via del Porrione 33) — mains from approximately EUR 16–22.

Return car in Florence.

Days 12–13: Cinque Terre

Where to stay

Budget: Ostello Corniglia — doubles from approximately EUR 80/night. Mid-range: Hotel Porto Roca — Monterosso. From approximately EUR 170/night.

Day 12 — Arrival and villages

Train from Florence to La Spezia (2 hours 30 minutes, EUR 14–18). Cinque Terre Card (approximately EUR 16/day for trains + trails).

Explore Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza by train and walking.

Dinner: Ristorante Belforte (Vernazza) — seafood in a medieval tower. Mains from approximately EUR 16–24.

Day 13 — Hiking and beach

Morning: Hike Monterosso to Vernazza (2 hours, moderate). The most scenic trail section.

Afternoon: Beach at Monterosso (sun lounger approximately EUR 25–30/day) or explore hilltop Corniglia (382 steps from station).

Dinner: L’Ancora della Tortuga (Monterosso) — mains from approximately EUR 18–26.

Days 14–16: Rome

Where to stay

Budget: Hotel Lancelot — from approximately EUR 90/night. Mid-range: Hotel Raphael — from approximately EUR 180/night. Luxury: Hotel de Russie — from approximately EUR 450/night.

Day 14 — Colosseum and Forum

Train from La Spezia to Rome (3 hours 30 minutes via Pisa, from EUR 29).

Afternoon: Colosseum + Forum + Palatine (approximately EUR 18, open 9:00–19:15 summer).

Dinner: Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio) — mains from approximately EUR 12–16.

Day 15 — Vatican

Morning: Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel (approximately EUR 17). St Peter’s Basilica (free, dome EUR 8).

Afternoon: Pantheon (approximately EUR 5). Piazza Navona.

Dinner: Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere) — mains from approximately EUR 10–14.

Day 16 — Borghese and centre

Morning: Borghese Gallery (approximately EUR 15).

Afternoon: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. Shopping on Via dei Condotti.

Dinner: Nonna Betta (Jewish Ghetto) — mains from approximately EUR 13–18.

Days 17–19: Amalfi Coast and Naples

Day 17 — Naples

Frecciarossa to Naples (1 hour 10 minutes). Visit Pompeii via Circumvesuviana (EUR 3.60, entry approximately EUR 18).

Dinner: Sorbillo (Via dei Tribunali 32) — pizza from approximately EUR 5–7.

Day 18 — Amalfi Coast

Bus or ferry to Positano and Amalfi. Visit Ravello — Villa Rufolo (approximately EUR 10), Villa Cimbrone (approximately EUR 8).

Stay: Hotel Marina Riviera (Amalfi) from approximately EUR 200/night; or Hotel Lidomare from approximately EUR 100.

Dinner: Trattoria Da Gemma (Amalfi) — mains from approximately EUR 16–24.

Day 19 — Coast day and departure

Morning swim at Amalfi or Positano beach. Take the afternoon ferry or bus to Salerno, then bus/train to Naples for the overnight ferry to Sicily.

Overnight ferry: GNV or Tirrenia from Naples to Palermo, approximately EUR 45 deck / EUR 80 cabin, 10 hours. Departs around 20:00, arrives 06:00.

Days 20–21: Sicily

Where to stay

Taormina: Hotel Villa Belvedere — from approximately EUR 120/night as of 2026. Sea-view terrace. Palermo: Hotel Palazzo Sitano — Via Vittorio Emanuele. From approximately EUR 90/night.

Day 20 — Taormina and Catania

From Palermo, take the train to Taormina (3 hours, approximately EUR 14) or fly Naples to Catania and drive to Taormina (1 hour).

Afternoon: Teatro Antico di Taormina (approximately EUR 10, open 9:00–19:00) — Greek theatre with Etna views. Walk down to Isola Bella beach.

Dinner: Ristorante Vicolo Stretto (Via Vicolo Stretto 6, Taormina) — Sicilian seafood, mains from approximately EUR 16–24.

Day 21 — Palermo

Train or drive to Palermo (3 hours by train, 2 hours 30 minutes by car).

Morning: Palazzo dei Normanni and the Cappella Palatina (approximately EUR 14, open 8:30–17:00 Monday–Saturday). The Byzantine mosaics are extraordinary. Walk through Ballarò Market — Palermo’s oldest street market, operating since the 10th century.

Lunch: Antica Focacceria San Francesco (Via A. Paternostro 58) — Palermo street food institution since 1834. Panelle (chickpea fritters), arancine, sfincione. Dishes from approximately EUR 4–8.

Afternoon: Visit the Catacombe dei Cappuccini (approximately EUR 3, open 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00) — 8,000 mummified remains. Walk to the Cathedral (free, royal tombs approximately EUR 7). Depart from Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport.

Budget summary for 3 weeks in Italy

Category	Budget	Mid-range	Luxury
Accommodation (20 nights)	EUR 1,700–2,200	EUR 3,200–4,400	EUR 9,000+
Meals (21 days)	EUR 630–840	EUR 1,050–1,470	EUR 2,500+
Trains + ferries + car rental	EUR 250–350	EUR 350–500	EUR 600–900
Entry fees	EUR 250–300	EUR 250–300	EUR 250–300
Internal flights (if Sicily)	EUR 0–80	EUR 40–100	EUR 80–200
Total per person	EUR 2,830–3,770	EUR 4,890–6,770	EUR 12,430+

All prices approximate as of 2026.