Take The Trains In Italy To See More Of Il Bel Paese
Italy never fails to excite the senses, and trains make it convenient and relaxing to roam around and see more of the country in one unforgettable two-week Italy itinerary.
With more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country and a landscape that stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean shores of Sicily, the beautiful country (Il Bel Paese) rewards unhurried travel.
High-speed rail services can propel a thrilling two-week Italy itinerary to the nation’s most exciting cities. Regional services transport explorers deeper, from hilltop villages to beaches to castles, from Roman ruins to characterful towns exuding la dolce vita. An immersive journey through art and history rendered in technicolor.
Many absorbing cities and world-famous destinations are separated by a few hours on a well-planned rail odyssey. With two high-speed rail companies – Trenitalia, the national operator, and Italo – options abound for a rail trip tailored to your travel whims and desires.
Picture yourself kicking back with a few Italian delicacies to snack on as you drink in the views. Then imagine arriving in the beating heart of cities refreshed, replenished, and ready to explore moments after dropping your bags at a conveniently located hotel.
If you already know what you want to see, speak to our rail travel experts to craft a vacation that makes the most of Italian trains and finds the premium hotels you need for a stress-free rail escape.
If you’re seeking inspiration, read on as we look at some stirring two-week Italy itineraries by train.
A Grand Two Week Italy Itinerary by Train From Venetian Canals To Sicilian Shores
Borrowing ideas from our Italian rail tours to create a sublime two-week Italy itinerary, this expansive journey heads down the boot of Italy via its most thrilling cities and off the toe to Sicily for a vacation of startling contrasts.
Best of Italy: Venice To Rome Via Milan And Florence
Our Best of Italy rail tour lasts seven nights for a compelling start to an incredibly layered two-week Italy itinerary.
This four-city voyage on Italian trains begins in Venice and heads to Rome via Florence and Milan, conveying travelers on an absorbing journey through Italy’s most exciting cities.
Venice: Start With A Serenade Around The Queen Of The Adriatic
The magic of Venice has enticed tourists since the Grand Tour of the 17th century. The wow factor has never faded. The romance of this floating city built on canals and crammed with architectural gems is timeless.
A stroll around Venice is a journey through centuries of art and history, across the emblematic Rialto Bridge, through St Marks Square, and around more than 100 islands in the Adriatic lagoon.
Take in the magnificent art collection at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, marvel at the gothic Basilica San Marco and the grand designs of the Doge’s Palace, or take that once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs and along the Grand Canal.
Between Venetian escapades, you might find time to dine on seafood fresh from the Adriatic and soak up the unique Venetian vibes. On the subject of time, you might want to arrange your calendar to join the masked revelers at the flamboyant Venice Carnival (ends on Martedì Grasso, aka Mardi Gras) or join film buffs at the Venice Biennale film festival, the world’s oldest and one of it’s most important (late August-early September).
A couple of nights is enough to experience the best of Venice. Milan is our next stop on this two-week Italy itinerary, a city that could not be more different.
Next Stop, Cosmopolitan Milan
Italy’s second-largest city is an economic powerhouse and a European fashion capital. Cosmopolitan and modern, there are noted landmarks and world-class restaurants, all served with a side of history.
Milan is around 2 ½ hours from Venice on direct high-speed trains. With extensive high-speed rail connections, the northern city is a hub for rail tours across Italy and through European borders. If that excites your travel bug, check out our Swiss Train Tour that ends in Milan after a spellbinding journey through the Alps on the Glacier Express Bernina Express.
Milan is not hyped like Florence and Rome, the next stops on this two-week Italy itinerary, yet delivers plenty for travelers who appreciate worldly cities and want to experience different sides of the country.
The first must-see is the imposing Duomo, nearly six centuries in the making and finally completed in 1965. A trip to the roof terrace affords soaring views over Milan. Equally unmissable is Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent.
Unmissable sights seen, travelers can refresh their wardrobe shopping under the glass canopy of the immense Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, sate an appetite for Milanese cuisine around the lively canalside streets of I Navigli, or hear sopranos lifting the ornate roof at the acclaimed Teatro Alla Scala.
After a few Milanese escapades, this two-week Italy itinerary boards high-speed trains for a sub-two-hour direct train to Florence, a city with a remarkable artistic pedigree.
Before waving arrivederci to Milan, allow a few minutes to explore the architecturally arresting Milano Centrale station. Then sink into a first-class seat to savor views as you glide through the epicurean heartland of Emilia-Romagna.
Florence: Art And History In The Cradle Of The Renaissance
A cultural capital of medieval Europe, Florence is infused with history. And as the birthplace of the Renaissance that sparked an artistic and philosophical revolution across Europe, Florence has a peerless artistic heritage. You can feel it on the city’s atmospheric streets and amongst the architectural wonders of its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
More than that, you can see it in the museums and churches that contain perhaps the world’s greatest concentration of art treasures.
Start at the endlessly photogenic Piazza del Duomo beneath the domed roof of the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral.
Art fans will want to see Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia and the world-beating art collection at the Uffizi Galleries. History enthusiasts need only walk around the streets to see historic architecture, from the ancient Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River to the elegant and distinguished Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of eminent Florentines like Michelangelo and Galileo.
That’s just the tip of an astonishing cultural heritage that makes Florence an essential stop on a nuanced two-week Italy itinerary.
Rome: Archeological Wonders At The Heart Of Italian History
If any city can outshine Florence, it’s Rome. The Italian capital is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and cultural activities that have dazzled visitors for millennia.
Rome hosts Italy’s busiest airport (Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport) and train station (Roma Termini) and is an essential port of call for any two-week Italy itinerary by train. It’s under two hours on direct high-speed trains from Florence.
Even without the vital transport links, Rome is a must. Gladiator tales in the Colosseum, tracing the footsteps of emperors in the Roman Forum, gazing through the oculus of the Pantheon, the jaw-dropping magnificence of St Peter’s Basilica, and Michelangelo’s masterwork in the Sistine Chapel; the historical sights alone can fill your time in Rome.
In between, you might find time to launch a coin into the gorgeous Trevi Fountain, sample authentic Roman pizza in the bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, or soak up the flavors and ambiance of the colorful Testaccio Market. The Eternal City is eternally compelling and the ultimate midpoint in this two-week Italy itinerary.
Extend This Culturally Enriching Two-week Italy Itinerary To Sicily
Sicily is a wonderfully compelling destination for a rail tour. The Mediterranean’s largest island is varied and picturesque, a part of Italy that has absorbed countless influences from several continents through the ages.
Traveling from Rome to Sicily by train is an adventure of its own, winding down the boot of Italy and taking Europe’s only train ferry as it crosses the Straits of Messina.
Rail travelers can embark on a 12-13-hour journey on Intercity trains. Or experience the romance of a European sleeper train, which follows the same route but departs Rome in the evening and drops passengers off at stations across Sicily as the sun rises. Inquire now, and our team of European rail travel experts can customize a seamless rail tour around the peninsula and onto Sicily.
Best of Sicily: Palermo to Catania
Taking a leaf from our Best of Sicily rail tour, part II of this two-week Italy itinerary ranges across the island from Palermo to Catania at the foot of Mount Etna. As the entry point for rail travelers arriving in Sicily and an intriguing, off-the-tourist path city, we also visit Messina.
Palermo – Art-nouveau Escapades In Sicily’s Capital
From the architectural brilliance of Palermo Cathedral, built by Norman colonizers in the 12th century, to its art nouveau mansions, Palermo has plenty of camera-friendly sights.
But Palermo is more than its noteworthy buildings. The Mediterranean spirit courses through this charismatic city, bringing color to its markets and a tantalizing street food scene. The must-try food is cream-filled cannoli, a Sicilian creation perfected by pasticcerie across Palermo; one is never enough.
Two hours by train from Palermo lies the UNESCO-designated Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The ruins of seven Doric temples overlooking the sea are among the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture and an utterly absorbing day trip.
If you’re planning to dip your toe in the Med, take your swimming gear to the turquoise waters of Mondello Beach. Or skip the suburban vibes and hop on a train to Cefalú, where bucketloads of old-world charm and golden sands await and another striking Norman cathedral (one of three, including Palermo and Monrelale, recognized by UNESCO).
Messina – Gaze Across The Med To Italy From Sicily’s Gateway
Messina’s harbor and laidback character will appeal looking for views and tranquil moments. Messina is under three hours from Palermo with Trenitalia. Although high-speed trains have yet to reach Sicily, it’s a scenic cruise along the picturesque coastline. Bring a few cannoli to tuck into while you savor the island‘s beauty.
Messina’s showpiece is the Cathedral Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock. But Messina is also an agreeable city to weigh anchor under the Mediterranean sun. Somewhere to stroll along the harbor, gaze across the sea to the toe of Italy from elevated viewpoints like the one at Christ the King Temple, or take a lip-smacking dive into Sicilian gastronomy.
Storing calories can ready you for the hiking and outdoor activities available in Catania, our final stop on this epic two-week Italy itinerary by train.
Catania – Volcanic Hikes And Fun Nights Wrap Up This Two-week Italy Itinerary
Our two-week Italy itinerary finally disembarks in Catania beneath Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. It’s under 1 ½ hours from Messina to Catania.
Defined by its baroque architecture and vibrant Sicilian personality, the island’s contrasts can be enjoyed in one city.
One side of Catania is all about the stunning vistas of Mount Etna and hitting the hiking trails to invigorate the mind, body, and soul. The other is all about good food and a nightlife where you can let loose after a day of outdoor fun.
This being Sicily, there are historic sights to take in that reveal more about the island’s rousing history. Ancient Rome and Greece are represented by a crumbling amphitheater; the Normans by the 11th century Saint Agatha cathedral, rebuilt several times after volcanic eruptions and devastating earthquakes.
Loaded with historic character and architecturally significant buildings, Catania is one of eight towns comprising the UNESCO World Heritage site Val di Noto. All eight towns were rebuilt in the prevalent late baroque style following the destructive 1693 Sicily earthquake.
Catania is an enchanting conclusion to a two-week Italy itinerary that began in the canals of Venice and then weaved its way through some of Italy’s compelling cities and across Mediterranean waters to land beneath Mount Etna.
See Another Side of Sicily – Ideas to Mix Up A Two-week Italy Itinerary
Our Catania & Beyond Sicily rail tour underscores the potential of exploring Sicily by train. Pair this with our rail tour from Venice to Rome or our best of Sicily tour for a spellbinding two-week Italy itinerary.
This rail tour stays in the southwest corner of Sicily to see more of Catania and the baroque towns in the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage – namely Modica and Ragusa – before stopping amid ancient ruins and vibrant streets in Syracuse.
Easy-on-the-eye train journeys link these destinations in two to three hours, depending on the direction of travel.
A Train Voyage Around A Historic Corner Of Sicily
The baroque architecture and charmingly laidback yet evocative streets of Modica perfectly complement a visit to Catania. Same for Ragusa, a hilltop town whose labyrinthine streets and photogenic Duomo di San Giorgio add more retro Sicilian charm to this two-week Italy itinerary.
A regional star is the coastal city of Syracuse. Over 2,700 years old and brimming with ancient Greek and Roman archeological sites, this former island capital reveals layer upon layer of Sicily’s past. But it’s also a city where you can lay your hat to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean’s bountiful charms.
After exploring the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to an evocative ancient Greek theatre and the dramatic Ear of Dionysius cave, you will want to find time to cool off in the Med. Bathe in lidos and marine parks or trek inland for a dip in the natural pools of Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve. It is a fittingly beautiful climax to a leisurely two-week Italy itinerary that took the trains to see more.
Two Week Italy Itinerary by Train: Amsterdam to Rome
As advocates of exploring Italy by train, we have many fresh ideas for two-week vacations that maximize the potential of Italian trains.
But we know many visitors want to see more of Europe in one trip. Transcontinental trains from Milan and other northern Italian cities cross borders into France, Switzerland, and Germany. From there, western and central Europe is easily accessible, opening up countless possibilities for a pan-European rail odyssey that ends (or begins) in Italy.
A European Rail Tour Through Three Countries To the Eternal City
If you want to fill a two-week vacation with art and romance, our five-city tour that sweeps through the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy is one example of what is possible.
It’s a tour starting amid the narrow houses and narrow boats of Amsterdam before heading to Frankfurt, the modern financial center of Germany. A journey of four to five hours on sleek ICE trains.
After sampling sausages and other Frankfurter specialties and walking it off in wonderful local parks and on riverside walks, Deutsche Bahn ICE trains head to the beer halls and famous glockenspiel clock of Munich, a three to four-hour train ride away.
After exploring Munich’s old town, picnicking in the English Garden, and goggling at gilded Bavarian royal palaces, you’ll probably want to hang around Munich a little longer. After all, day trips from Munich can take you to the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle. And there are many museums to visit. You’ll also want time for a stein of the local brew that fuels evenings in the beer halls and Munich’s most famous export, Oktoberfest.
From Munich, direct ÖBB Railjet trains take a scenic route across the German-Italian border to reach Venice in under seven hours. Other one-change services combine ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn services with Italian trains, adding less than an hour to the journey time.
After Venice, the last stop could be Rome. The ultimate destination to use up any remaining vacation time. We could sing all about the wonders of Venice and Rome. But it brings us full circle to the first part of our guide to creating a wonderful two-week Italy itinerary by train. Suffice it to say, they are hugely appealing cities to include in a European rail escape.
Ready to Embark on Your Italian Rail Adventure?
We could keep creating fresh ideas for the ultimate two-week Italy itinerary. Aside from the historic cities and Sicilian idylls we explored in this post, there is much more to see up and down the Italian peninsula.
Traveling by train around Italy is a rewarding and stress-free way to experience the country. What could beat dropping into your first-class seat, pouring a glass of prosecco or a San Pelligrino, and watching the pastoral delights of the Italian countryside flash by?
It helps that there are many high-speed routes with comfortable modern carriages, making it convenient and practical to craft a two-week Italy itinerary by train.
We’ve highlighted a few journeys that could linger long in the memory. But the possibilities for a viaggio straordinario are limitless. Talk to our experts, and we’ll plan your perfect two-week Italy itinerary, booking the best rail connections and conveniently located premium hotels so you can see the parts of Italy at your own pace.
Fai buon viaggi!
