We have curated this section to provide you with thoughtfully designed 10-, 14- and 20-day itineraries, offering inspiration for exploring the best of Southern Italy.

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KINDLY NOTE:

Best Time to Visit: September is recommended over August for visiting Italy, as it offers fewer crowds and more pleasant weather outside the peak holiday period.

Train Travel Options: Please note there are two main railway operators in Italy: Italo and Trenitalia. It is recommended to check both websites when purchasing train tickets, as prices and availability may vary between the two.

Car Rentals: Rent a car for countryside and southern regions. Please note that only credit cards (not debit cards) are accepted for car rentals in Italy.

City Driving Restrictions: City-centre vehicle access is generally restricted, but paid parking (“parcheggio” or “garage”) is widely available. Registering your license plate allows access and avoids fines. Guests should also check with their accommodation, as some offer exemptions or on-site/partner parking.

Renting a car in one city and returning it in another: It is possible to rent a car in one Italian city and return it in another (a “one-way rental”). This option is widely available between major cities such as Bologna, Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. An additional fee usually applies, and higher charges may apply for islands such as Sicily or Sardinia. We recommend booking in advance, particularly during the summer season.

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10-Day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Bologna – Recover from wedding celebrations, enjoy local food and wine, play golf or padel and explore the city using the Do & Visit in Bologna / Where & What to Eat in Bologna sections. Wine tasting in a vineyard is strongly suggested

Day 2: Palazzo di Varignana in scenic Bologna hills – Spa, thermal pools, saunas, hammam and golf with panoramic views (30 mins from Bologna)

nb. Optional romantic detour: Hotel Reschio in Umbria, Cascata delle Marmore and Terme di Saturnia

Day 3–5: Rome – Explore history, art, food, and atmosphere. Take your time. Iconic Italian city

Day 6–10: Southern Italy Gems – Ponza, Ischia, Procida, Ventotene, Maratea, Matera. Skip Amalfi Coast (overcrowded)

14-Day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Bologna – Recover from wedding celebrations, enjoy local food and wine, play golf or padel and explore the city using the Do & Visit in Bologna / Where & What to Eat in Bologna sections. Wine tasting in a vineyard is strongly suggested

Day 2: Palazzo di Varignana in scenic Bologna hills – Spa, thermal pools, saunas, hammam and golf with panoramic views (30 mins from Bologna)

Day 3–5: Rome – History, art, food, and atmosphere. Spend more time exploring the capital

Day 6–9: Southern Italy Gems – Ponza, Ischia, Procida, Ventotene, Maratea, Matera. Skip Amalfi Coast (overcrowded)

Day 10–14: Puglia – Salento – Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Lecce, Gallipoli, Alberobello. Sun-drenched coastlines and baroque towns. Highly suggested to stay in one of the many traditional "Masseria"

20-Day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Bologna – Recover from wedding celebrations, enjoy local food and wine, play golf or padel and explore the city using the Do & Visit in Bologna / Where & What to Eat in Bologna sections. Wine tasting in a vineyard is strongly suggested

Day 2: Palazzo di Varignana in scenic Bologna hills – Spa, thermal pools, saunas, hammam and golf with panoramic views (30 mins from Bologna)

Day 3–5: Rome – History, art, food, and atmosphere. Spend more time exploring the capital

Day 6–9: Southern Italy Gems – Ponza, Ischia, Procida, Ventotene, Maratea, Matera. Skip Amalfi Coast (overcrowded)

Day 10–14: Puglia – Salento – Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Lecce, Gallipoli, Alberobello. Sun-drenched coastlines and baroque towns. Highly suggested to stay in one of the many traditional "Masseria"

* Option A – Sardinia (Days 17–20)

Day 17–20: Sardinia – Costa Smeralda, Alghero, La Maddalena, Cala Gonone, Villasimius. Crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and charming seaside villages

* Option B – Sicily (Days 17–20)

Day 17–20: Sicily – Taormina, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Mount Etna. Volcanoes, baroque towns and rich Sicilian cuisine