How to Plan an 8-Day Itinerary in Italy: Find Out 5 Ideas

Spending 8 days in Italy is good for exploring the essence of Italy or one particular region in-depth.

Here are the top five itineraries for an 8-day trip in Italy.

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1. 8-Day Venice, Florence, and Rome Itinerary (Essence of Italy)

This itinerary is recommended for first-timers. By exploring these three essential cities, you could learn about Italy's top highlights during the 8 days.

• Days 1–2: Venice
• Days 3–5: Florence
• Days 6–7: Rome
• Day 8: Departure

Embark on your Italy trip from Venice. Explore the city's landmarks, such as the Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Take a quintessential gondola ride to discover the charm of Venice's water.

In order to better understand the culture and characteristics of Venice in a more interesting and lively way, we could arrange an aperitif tour for you. Visit the Cannaregio district, one of the city's primary residential areas, with comparatively fewer tourists, thus offering a more authentic and traditional Venetian lifestyle experience. You could stroll along the canals and explore different aperitivo spots, indulging in delicious food and fine wines.

Next, go to Florence. There, visit museums and galleries to witness the great works of the Renaissance. Embark on a walking tour to explore the city's squares, old bridges, palaces, etc. to further feel the atmosphere of the city. Head to the nearby towns, such as Chianti and San Gimignano, to have a wine tour and explore some old towers.

At your last stop, Rome, start a tour to find the remains of the ancient Roman civilization by visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Arch of Constantine. If you have time, go to the Vatican and immerse yourself in the artistic masterpieces of the Vatican Museums.

The itinerary could also start from Rome and end in Venice. All of our tours can be customized or adjusted based on your requirements. Feel free to contact us.

7-Day Essential Italy TourA Journey Through Italy's Past, Present, and Future!

2. 8 Days in Rome and Venice (a Family Route)

This itinerary is recommended for families with children. Spend the 8 days focusing on two important cities for a more relaxing travel pace.

• Days 1–3: Rome
• Days 5–7: Venice
• Day 8: Departure

If you want your children to be immersed in Roman history and culture during your trip to Italy, Rome is highly recommended. In Rome, spend a day exploring its magnificent historical landmarks. The Vatican is also well worth a visit. With the company and guidance of a local guide, you and your children would gain a deeper understanding of historical stories.

Additionally, you could spend another day experiencing the everyday life scenes of Rome, taking a leisurely stroll in the squares, passing by the Trevi Fountain, and exploring the local markets and the Jewish Quarter.

In Venice, take a family boat ride along the Grand Canal and walk around the city to explore Venice's highlights and some hidden gems, including Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Fortuny. Go island-hopping to engage in some interesting experiences, such as watching the process of glassblowing.

7-Day Flash Family Adventure in Rome and VeniceUnleash Your Family's Inner Explorer in Italy

3. Tuscany for 8 Days

If you want an in-depth exploration of Italy's towns and countryside with some wine tasting, you could consider this itinerary. This itinerary could also be a good option for couples.

• Days 1–3: Florence
• Day 4: Chianti and San Gimignano
• Days 5–6: Siena
• Day 7: Lucca and Pisa
• Day 8: Back to Florence

During this 8-day itinerary, you would not only have the opportunity to visit the art galleries, architecture, and squares in Florence and Siena but also to spend more time exploring the charming towns surrounding them.

These towns are filled with the unique charm of Tuscany. Take a stroll in San Gimignano and explore its medieval towers. Visit a family-run winery and enjoy good wine and food.

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa to delve into the reasons behind its unique construction and capture some interesting and creative shots with this iconic landmark. In Lucca, walk or bike along the well-preserved Renaissance walls that encircle the city. Visit some old buildings, such as Lucca Cathedral and the medieval tower (Torre Guinigi).

If you want to travel between these towns, you would need to rent a car or arrange private transport. There is not much public transport running between them.

If you are interested in this itinerary, you could contact us. Our private tour would be a hassle-free way to travel. With a private driver and guide, you would have more flexibility and knowledgeable accompaniment.

4. 8-Day Southern Italy Itinerary

If you want to learn more about southern Italy's cities, towns, and islands, check out this itinerary.

• Days 1–2: Naples
• Day 3: Pompeii
• Days 4–6: Amalfi Coast
• Day 7: Capri
• Day 8: Departure

In this 8-day itinerary, start your trip in Naples. Wander through the narrow streets of the historied center (Centro Storico) and discover history-filled churches, vibrant markets, and local shops.

As the birthplace of pizza, you could try an authentic Neapolitan pizza at a local pizzeria or you could take a pizza cooking class.

Take a day trip to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Next, you would head to the Amalfi Coast to explore some stunning seaside towns, such as Sorrento, Positano, and Ravello. There, you could take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas, visit some majestic cathedrals and mansions, and taste some local street food.

Finally, you would go to Capri Island. Enjoy a boat ride, visit some of the island's iconic buildings, such as the clock tower, and wander along the streets and beaches.

5. Sicily in 8 Days

This itinerary would be a good option if you are looking for an island vacation in Italy or if you're intrigued by the portrayal of Sicily in The Godfather.

• Day 1: Rome
• Days 2–4: Palermo
• Days 5–7: Taormina
• Day 8: Departure

After a short break in Rome, head to the main destination of the trip — Sicily, Italy's largest island.

In Sicily, you would visit two of its popular towns. One is Palermo, which was where The Godfather was filmed. You could spend 2 days there to explore its historical gems, such as the Norman Palace and Monreale's UNESCO-listed Duomo. You could also go on a food tour to explore an open-air market and taste some street food.

The other town is Taormina — the heart of Sicily. There, you could discover its active volcano Mount Etna and explore volcanic caves. From the volcano, you could overlook the vast Mediterranean Sea and the rolling mountains, and have a panoramic view of Italy's mainland in the distance.

During the remaining time in Taormina, you could explore the town's boutiques, cafés, bookstores, parks, and more at your own pace.

7-Day Essence of Sicily Tour One-week Sicilian Serenade: Palermo to Taormina

Need Any Help?

If you need any help in planning your Italy itinerary or if you are interested an above itinerary, we would modify it according to your requirements. Simply contact us. We are ready to customize the ideal itinerary for you.