A Relaxed 2 Week Italy By Train Itinerary: Venice, Florence, Rome, Amalfi

Planning a multi-city trip to Italy can feel overwhelming, especially if you want to visit iconic destinations without cookie cutter guided tours. Fortunately, Italy’s excellent train network makes it easy and efficient to travel independently between cities.

On several trips to Italy, we’ve found that traveling by train is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy this stunning country. Our two-week Italy by train itinerary begins in Venice, continues to Florence (with visits to Pisa and Siena), then on to Rome before finishing on the Amalfi Coast.

Below you’ll find a detailed day by day overview with suggested stops, travel times between cities, what to see and do, and tips for making the most of Italy’s train system.

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Overview of This Italy By Train Route

The map above shows the route for this 2-week Italy by train itinerary, which connects several of the country’s most iconic destinations using convenient rail travel.

Below is a quick overview of how your journey flows:

Why Traveling Italy by Train Is So Easy

One of the things we love most about traveling by train in Italy is how convenient it is. Train stations are usually located right in the heart of a city, so when you arrive you can often walk to your hotel or main sights without needing a taxi or long transfer.

Booking train tickets in Italy is also very simple. We purchased most of our inter-city tickets online in advance. The process only takes a few minutes, including reserving seats on high-speed trains.

For shorter local trips, we simply bought a local ticket at the station, like when we went from Naples to Sorrento. Seats are typically not reservable on these services.

Another advantage is that distances between major Italian cities are relatively short. When you factor in airport security and travel time to and from airports, trains are often a faster and far more relaxing way to travel between destinations.

Italy Train Travel Basics

This section helps you figure out how to find and reserve trains in Italy with links to sites we have found reliable and easy. You can just turn up and buy a ticket (and keep your fingers crossed) but I much prefer to plan ahead.

Train Companies

It’s easy to compare, buy tickets, reserve seats for fast and efficient journeys to and from the heart of each city.  Use Italia Rail or Trainline to find best options for intercity routes.

Trenitalia and Italo are the two main train operators, covering most of the high speed routes.

We used regional trains for day trips to Pisa from Florence, from Naples to Pompeii and had no issues at all. For our trip between Naples and Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana Railway, operated by Ente Autonomo Volturno, we bought tickets at the station.

Booking Train Tickets

Booking tickets online is simple. For example, when booking our train from Venice to Florence through Trenitalia, we were able to choose departure times and reserve seats in just a few minutes.

Here’s a screen shot of the website showing train options:

Speaking of booking seats, try and get window seats because the scenery through parts of Italy is amazing, and you will see so much more than flying, so don’t miss this bonus!

Here’s where you can book your seats – see the button on the bottom right of the page.

There are sometimes discounts available for students and travelers aged 60+, so it may be worth checking if you qualify.

For our two-week itinerary the savings were minimal, but it could make a difference for longer trips.

Luggage on Italian Trains

High-speed trains have decent luggage storage areas within each carriage.

Luggage is included in your ticket, although each train company has its own size guidelines, so it’s worth checking this when booking. Italo trains appear to have slightly stricter limits.

Regional trains can be busier and have less dedicated storage space. On our 60 minute train from Naples to Sorrento we kept our luggage with us, and ended up standing for part of the journey.

Wi-Fi & Services on Trains

High-speed trains typically offer Wi-Fi, food service via a trolley, and restroom facilities. Regional trains usually provide fewer services and may not have Wi-Fi.

Finally, it’s pretty easy to board your train. Have your tickets (on-line is fine) ready for a brief check and then just board. There may be a train guard checking as you board, but overall it’s a speedy process.

With your route, flights and train tickets covered, let’s move on. This Italy by train itinerary begins in ancient Venice, one of the most unique cities in Europe.

If you are flying into Marco Polo Airport, why not treat yourselves to a Boat Transfer – Marco Polo Airport to Venice City.

We took the above private airport boat transfer and it was worth every penny. Sailing through the lagoon and along the famous Grand Canal was amazing, especially at night with city lights all around us!

Days 1-2: Venice

Venice Highlights

Built on a network of canals rather than roads, Venice is a perfectly sized city to discover simply by walking around. Here’s our top 3 experiences for a first visit:

Spend your first couple of hours strolling around, criss-crossing bridges and getting lost in narrow street arteries that strike off in all directions – it’s fun.

Maybe find a local coffee shop, and like the locals do, stand as you enjoy a freshly brewed espresso and sweet pistachio canola – this always re-energizes me for a few hours 🙂

If you prefer a guided walking tour, consider this Northern Venice Free Walking Tour. We took this on our most recent visit as saw interesting places a bit off the beaten track, and these were mostly uncrowded.

Another highlight of visiting Venice is it’s island and if you are confident using local water taxis, it’s a cheap way to visit Murano (Famous for glass) and neighbouring Burano, quieter and a lovely spot for lunch.

Although touristy, a gondola ride is a unique Venetian experience. Expect lines at peak times but we found it is better to turn up and wait vs. pre-book because they often run late and you’r hanging around anyway.

Our 3 Day Venice Itinerary goes into more details day by day, but here’s a much have tip for restaurants. We always eat at local osterias (Wine bar/restaurants) or go to the local market and cook in our rental.

Osterias are better value than restaurants hotel and more relaxed. But this doesn’t mean any lesser standard of food – the quality here and across Italy is fantastic – fresh, simple, tasty dishes.

After a couple of days exploring Venice, the journey continues by high-speed train to Florence in the heart of Tuscany.

Transfer to Venice Train Station (Venezia Santa Lucia)

If you’re staying in Central Venice it is not a long walk (it took us 15 mins) to the Venezia SL rail station, a fairly small and easy to navigate station. There are some stairs to climb at the station so bear this in mind.

Alternatively grab a taxi to the station to depart for Florence (or Firenze as the Italians call it).

At the station, you will find, cafes, ATMs, Free Wifi and ticket offices if you need to check your specific reservation.

Days 3-6: Florence, Pisa and Siena

Similar to Venice, we rented a centrally located apartment in Florence making it easy to explore the city on foot without needing public transport.

This time, on our arrival in Florence, it was pouring with rain, giving us an excuse to head to a local cafe for a delicious pizza and glass of red wine. Don’t worry, rains typically don’t last for long but maybe pack a light rain jacket or small umbrella for this trip just in case.

Florence Highlights

Florence is also wonderfully walkable and many of the most famous sights are located close together in the historic centre. Some of the highlights include the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery and the iconic Ponte Vecchio.

If you arrive in the early afternoon, a walking tour or pasta making class is a great way to spend your first evening.

We’ve visited Florence in both May and September and found that popular activities often sell out, so booking ahead is a good idea.

If you’re still full of energy after dinner, a stroll along the Arno River is a lovely way to end the evening as the city lights reflect across the water. Or as we did, walk early in the early morning.

You can either spend the next day exploring more of Florence, or jump on a local train and climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa – we did!

Day Trip to Pisa

Pisa is an easy day trip from Florence and takes about an hour by regional train from Santa Maria Novella station. We suggest leaving around 8am so you can arrive before the crowds.

The main attraction is the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa located in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli alongside the cathedral and baptistery. It is well sign posted from the train station, and the route is full of cafes and gift shops.

Tickets for climbing the tower should be booked online in advance as entry times are limited. When you arrive you’ll need to store backpacks in the lockers before climbing the winding staircase.

It’s a strange feeling walking up the leaning tower, but the views from the top are worth it. Just be prepared when the bells ring – they are loud!

After returning to Florence, enjoy a relaxed dinner. If you enjoy steak, this is the perfect place to try the famous Florentine T-bone steak. As a vegetarian I’m never short of options either, with great pasta, salads and of course excellent pizza.

Day 5 – Travel From Florence to Siena

Siena Highlights

Siena is stunning, set on three hills. Arriving here felt like going back in time but in a good way – I was enchanted by the living history all around me.

Medieval architecture, like Piazza del Campo dates from the 1300s. A couple of times a year, the Il Palio horse races take place – an annual ritual that has been happening here since the 16th century.

Having a coffee in this piazza area is a perfect start to the day.

Day 6 – A Tuscan Wine Tour

In our humble opinion, it’s not a tour of Italy without a Tuscan Wine Trip. Siena makes a great base for exploring the Tuscan wine region.

Book via Grape Tours from Siena or the Pienza and Montepulciano Small Group Tour.

My personal favourite stop was at the Brunello di Montalcino – delicious wines and a beautiful village to explore.

Honestly, we could have easily spent a week touring around, exploring this gorgeous landscape, delicious wines and farm fresh foods, so if you have the time, stay in Siena an extra night try a couple of these tours!

The cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena are all close together and make a fantastic 3–4 day trip. If you’d like a more detailed plan, our Florence, Pisa and Siena itinerary has everything you need to design the perfect Tuscan adventure

Days 7-9: Rome

After exploring Tuscany, the journey continues to Rome. Italy’s capital is one of the most fascinating historic destinations in the world, often known as the Eternal City.

Our apartment was just two metro stops from Rome’s Termini Station and conveniently located close to the Colosseum, with top floor views I never imagined possible.

After settling in, we spent the afternoon wandering through central Rome, taking in some of the city’s most famous sights including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.

One of the best things to do in Rome is simply explore on foot. It’s easy to stumble across beautiful piazzas, historic churches and lively cafés.

We celebrated arriving in the City of Seven Hills with a refreshing glass of Prosecco at a small bar along the way.

Day 8 – Vatican City

Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, is an essential stop on any visit to Rome. We’ve visited more than once and always discover something new.

We took the metro from our apartment to Cipro, the closest station to the Vatican. Wanting to avoid the crowds, we booked ‘skip the line tickets, and arrived at dawn which was definitely worth it.

Watching the early morning activity in St Peter’s Square as the city slowly woke up was a memorable experience.

Although we had pre-booked tickets, there was still some administration to navigate including presenting our passports and clearing security before joining our guided tour. There was a line but it moved fairly quickly, so we got through it about 15 minutes.

The Vatican Museums contain an extraordinary collection of art and history, and having a guide with headphones helped us appreciate much more in a short time. The tour eventually ends in the spectacular Sistine Chapel and it is a spectacular finale.

Before leaving the Vatican City, be sure to visit St Peter’s Basilica with its incredible architecture and ornate interior.

That evening we crossed the river to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. Narrow cobbled streets are lined with small bars, authentic restaurants and beautiful old churches.

We even found a small bar called Chocolata Vino serving chocolate shots on Vicolo del Cinque near Piazza Santa Maria — a fun and unexpected stop!

Day 9 – Ancient Rome

A guided tour of Ancient Rome is one of the best ways to understand the city’s remarkable history. We joined a three-hour tour covering the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and surrounding historic sites.

Many of us learnt about the Romans at school, but seeing these places in person really brings the history to life.

Walking through the Roman Forum and imagining life during the days of the Roman Empire was unforgettable.

Don’t miss Circus Maximus, site of Ben Hur style races, the Roman forum, and the postcard perfect Colosseum. 

On our final evening in Rome we visited the Pantheon, sitting at a cafe that faces the ancient stone columned entrance.

Seeing it illuminated at night while enjoying dinner nearby was a perfect way to end our stay. Built in 126 AD, the engineering remains astonishing — the building’s height and diameter are both 43.5 metres.

Icons of Italian history are buried here, including the Renaissance artist Raphael.

After several busy days in Rome, the final part of this Italy by train itinerary takes you south to the stunning Amalfi Coast.

Days 10-13: Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi

Sorrento makes a great base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and nearby islands.

 

There are taxis at the railway station, and it was about 10 minutes drive to the apartment, with an outdoor terrace. A little outdoor space makes all the difference in this sunny climate.

After arriving we spent the late afternoon strolling along Corso Italia and Via San Cesareo before stopping for an aperitif in Piazza Tasso.

Dinner in Sorrento’s historic centre is a wonderful way to end a first day, with many restaurants serving local seafood and regional dishes.

Day 11- Capri Island

Capri is one of the most popular day trips from Sorrento and ferries depart regularly from Marina Grande. We left on a morning ferry around 9am for the short journey (6km) across the Bay of Naples.

Our original ferry booking was unexpectedly cancelled, but we were transferred onto another boat within about 30 minutes.

Once on Capri, we joined a boat ride around the island which included views of the famous Blue Grotto. Instead of joining the long queues to enter the cave, we decided to head into Capri town.

One of the highlights was taking the Monte Solaro chair lift to the highest point on the island – 1932 feet. The views from the top are incredible and there’s even a small café where you can relax before heading back down.

Capri can become very busy during the day, so staying overnight could be a good option if you want to experience the island after the day-trippers leave.

We returned to Sorrento on a late afternoon ferry. Buying an open return ticket gives you a bit more flexibility with timings.

Day 12 – Amalfi Coast Tour

Exploring the Amalfi Coast is one of the highlights of any trip to southern Italy. We booked a private day tour from Sorrento which allowed us to stop at several of the most scenic viewpoints along the coast as and when we wanted.

The famous Amalfi Drive winds along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, passing through picturesque villages such as Praiano, Furore and Conca dei Marini. Lots of sharp turns – glad I wasn’t driving!

We followed the winding one-way road into the heart of beautiful Positano, a stunning town with colourful hillside houses, narrow streets and seaside cafés. Wandering down through the streets toward the beach was a real highlight.

The town of Amalfi is another wonderful stop. The main square, Piazza Duomo, is dominated by the impressive Cathedral of St Andrew, and the scent of lemons seems to fill the air throughout the town.

Day 13 – Sorrento to Rome

The final day of this Italy by train itinerary offers one last unforgettable stop before returning to Rome.

From Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train toward Naples and get off at the Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station. The journey takes about 35 minutes and makes Pompeii an easy half-day stop on the way north.

Visit to Pompeii

Pompeii is one of Italy’s most famous archaeological sites. In 79 AD the Roman town was buried under volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, preserving much of the city remarkably well.

Walking through the ruins today gives an incredible sense of daily life in ancient Roman times. Streets, homes, shops and public buildings can still be clearly seen throughout the site.

Since Pompeii is very exposed with little shade, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during the warmer months.

If you are short on time, you might consider visiting nearby Herculaneum instead. It is smaller but extremely well preserved and can give you a similar sense of the history of the area.

Return to Rome

After exploring Pompeii, continue your journey to Naples and then board a high-speed train to Rome Termini.

From Rome’s Termini station you can take the Leonardo Express airport train to Fiumicino Airport. This dedicated service runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes.

For early flights the next morning, staying near the airport can make things much easier. We spent our final night at Intorno al Fico Hotel in Fiumicino, which has a relaxing courtyard garden and offers a shuttle service to the airport.

Where to Stay On This Italy Train Itinerary

There are literally thousands of hotel options on this itinerary. Our picks are based on location both to train stations and city highlights, and overall value for money.

With so much of Italy being near the coast, it’s worth paying a little more for a coastal views from a roof top terrace if you can.

FAQs

Wrap Up: 2 Week Italy Train Itinerary

This 2 week Italy by train itinerary is a fantastic introduction to the culture and countryside, city life, food and wines.

But if you have time to squeeze in 5-7 more days in Italy, our guide to a 6 Day Trip to Sicily is worth reading. It’s a quick flight from Naples.

Using local trains to split time between the resort of Taormina and capital Palermo, another relaxing Italian train journey awaits.