Read our ambitious but totally doable two-week rail travel itinerary, designed to immerse you in the historical and gastronomic culture of Italy.
Embarking on a journey through Italy offers an unparalleled blend of cultural treasures, scenic landscapes, and, notably, a culinary odyssey that tantalises the palate with some of the world’s most exquisite seafood delicacies. This article presents an ambitious yet entirely feasible 2 weeks travel itinerary by train, designed to immerse you in Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage, historical wonders, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the northern lakes to the southern coasts, this journey promises an unforgettable exploration of Italy’s diverse regions, all accessible via the convenient and comfortable services offered by Italo train.
- Embarking from Milan
- Days 1-3: Exploring Milan
- Days 4-5: Venice – The Floating City
- Days 6-7: The Renaissance Hub – Florence
- Days 8-9: The Heart of Italy – Rome
- Days 10-11: The Amalfi Coast
- Days 12-13: The Charm of Bologna and Verona
- Day 14: Return to Milan
Embarking from Milan: Setting the Stage for a Two-Week Train Journey Through Italy
| Days | Location/City | Travel Time from Previous Location | Accommodation in |
| 1 – 2 | Milan | N/A | Milan |
| 3 | Lake Como | 1hr (train from Milan to Como) | Milan |
| 4 – 5 | Venice | 2hrs 25mins (Train from Milan to Venice) | Venice |
| 6 – 7 | Florence | 2hrs 15mins (From Venice to Florence) | Florence |
| 8 – 9 | Rome | 1hr 30mins (From Florence to Rome) | Rome |
| 10 | Sorrento (via Naples) | 1hr (train from Rome to Naples) + bus transfer | Sorrento |
| 11 | Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi) | Day trip | Sorrento |
| 12 | Bologna | 2hrs (From Napoli to Bologna) | Bologna |
| 13 | Verona | 50mins (train from Bologna to Verona) | Verona |
| 14 | Milan | 1hr 23mins (train from Verona to Milan) | N/A |
Days 1-3: Exploring Milan
Day 1: Milan’s Highlights: The Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle
Begin your Italian adventure in Milan, the country’s fashion and design capital. The iconic Duomo, with its intricate Gothic facade, offers the first taste of Italy’s rich architectural heritage. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, boasts a selection of luxury brands under its magnificent glass dome. End your day with a visit to the Sforza Castle, a fortress that houses several of the city’s museums and art collections.
Day 2: Art and Culture in Milan: Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ and Brera Art Gallery
On your second day, delve into Milan’s art scene. No visit is complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper,’ housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Advance booking is essential for this masterpiece of the Renaissance. Later, explore the Brera Art Gallery, which showcases a vast collection of Italian masterpieces.
Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Como: Scenic Train Ride to Como and Lake Exploration
Escape to Lake Como for a day, easily reached by train from Milan. This scenic journey offers panoramic views of the Italian countryside. Once in Como, take a boat tour to appreciate the lake’s serene beauty, surrounded by picturesque villages and luxurious villas.
Days 4-5: Venice – The Floating City
Day 4: Journey to Venice: Arriving in Venice and Evening Gondola Ride
Next, the train journey takes you to Venice, a city of unparalleled charm. An evening gondola ride provides a magical introduction to the city, gliding through its famous canals under the twilight sky.
Day 5: Discovering Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Exploring Canals
Dedicate your day to exploring Venice’s historical landmarks. St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace offer insights into Venice’s glorious past, while a leisurely stroll through the maze of canals reveals hidden gems at every turn.
Days 6-7: The Renaissance Hub – Florence
Day 6: Train to Florence: First Impressions and Evening Walk
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, awaits with its art-laden churches and picturesque bridges. An evening walk offers a gentle introduction to this enchanting city, with the Ponte Vecchio providing a stunning backdrop.
Day 7: The Wonders of Florence: Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo
A full day in Florence allows you to visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to a treasure trove of Renaissance art. The nearby Ponte Vecchio, with its jewellers, and the magnificent Duomo, are also must-visit landmarks.
Days 8-9: The Heart of Italy – Rome
Day 8: Heading to Rome: Evening at the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
The journey continues to Rome, the Eternal City. An evening visit to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain introduces the city’s romantic allure. For your night out in Rome, we suggest our guide to Rome’s night scene.
Day 9: Ancient Rome and Vatican City: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums
Immerse yourself in history with visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, followed by the Vatican Museums. These iconic sites encapsulate the essence of Rome’s imperial and religious significance.
Days 10-11: Naples and The Amalfi Coast
Day 10: Travel to Naples and Sorrento: Train to Naples, then to Sorrento
Transition to the enchanting southern coast by train to Naples, followed by a short journey to Sorrento. This charming town serves as the perfect base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
Day 11: Exploring the Amalfi Coast: Day Trip to Positano and Amalfi
A day trip to Positano and Amalfi reveals the stunning beauty of the coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, vibrant buildings, and crystal-clear waters.
Days 12-13: The Charm of Bologna and Verona
Day 12: Bologna’s Gastronomic Delights: Morning Train to Bologna, Food Markets and Medieval Architecture
Bologna, renowned for its culinary heritage, offers a feast for the senses. Explore its food markets and admire the mediaeval architecture that gives the city its distinctive character.
Day 13: A Day in Verona: Morning Train to Verona, Juliet’s Balcony, and Roman Arena
Your penultimate day brings you to Verona, a city immortalised by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Visit Juliet’s Balcony and the ancient Roman Arena, which still hosts operatic performances.
Day 14: Return to Milan
Day 14: Reflecting and Returning: Train Back to Milan, Last-Minute Shopping, and Departure
Your journey concludes with a return to Milan. Use this day for last-minute shopping, savouring one final espresso, or simply reflecting on the memories made during this two-week Italian odyssey.
