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Italy Trip Plans 2026

Posted by (Texas) on

Hi all,

I’m thinking of going to Italy for the first time and am planning a 2-week trip to Italy in June 2026 and would love input from those who know these areas well. I am thinking of flying into Venice to start in the Dolomites regions and fly out of a major airport in Southern Italy after Amalfi

Here’s a rough idea i have been working on and looking into:

  • Dolomites (7-8 days)

    • I really want to try out a hut to hut trek (which this in and of itself has been a rabbit hole i have had fun going down I am learning lol)
    • Doing hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena like: Lago di Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina, Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, etc.
    • I'm hoping to be relying on buses and cable cars – no car rental

  • Tuscany (2-3 days)

    • Base in Montepulciano to explore hill towns and wineries
    • Will rent a car for this portion

  • Amalfi Coast (2-3 days)

    • Staying in Sorrento or Positano
    • Plan to relax and explore Amalfi, Ravello, and possibly take a ferry to Capri

My questions for the forum:

1. Dolomites: Is 7-8 days enough for a first trip if we want a mix of hut trekking + day hikes? Or does it make better sense to linger here?

2. Tuscany/Amalfi balance: Does splitting the remaining time between Tuscany and Amalfi Coast seem reasonable? Or would you cut one to avoid being rushed?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Posted by
5212 posts

It really depends on your priorities and what you want to see and do on the Amalfi Coast. We spent 2 weeks in Sorrento in 2023 and loved it. Transportation in the region is slow and cumbersome so you need time just to deal with that every day. I think 2-3 days on the AC would be rushed and you'd be losing a good chunk of the first day just getting there, AND you want to be in Naples or Rome the night before your flight and not on the coast.

Posted by
8222 posts

Seems a shame to land in Venice and not visit this most unique city but...

I agree with Allan as well. AC area needs more time- it is a hassle to get there and chaotic getting around. Give it at least 4 nights.
There are dozens of posts here that address those issues- do domeo Searches and read thru the info.

You must be in your departure city the night before your flight whether that is Naples or Rome- so that is one night less for other places.

Posted by
984 posts

Step 1 consult Gillian Price's hiking guides to the Dolomites to map out a plan there. The Cortina Express bus takes about 2 hours to go to Cortina from Venice's Marco Polo Airport. It's bus station used to be in a parking lot 10 minutes walk from the terminal. Another Cortina Express bus goes over the Passo Falzaregio to Corvara. Then there a re lots of local bus routes.

Check out for accommodations and "getting around" advice among many other things.
https://www.suedtirol.info/en/en

Hiking can/will take as long as you let it. I have never trekked there, but day hikes are breeze with all of the gondolas around. Your hotel should give you a free Mobicard for the duration of your stay which is a local bus pass so you can go up one gondola, hike, go down another, and take a bus home.

As for post-Dolomites travel it really depends on what your interests are.... I think two 3 night stays (giving only 2 full days in a location) separated by half day train rides may be ambitious after 7-8 days of hiking. June this year was VERY hot too. . Note: Visiting wineries may require a car, but doing wine tasting and then driving is definitely not recommended. It will be a great trip but cutting back to relax more and taste wine more on a first trip to Italy would suit me too. Have fun.

Posted by
8637 posts

For a first trip, I think a sampling of some regions is nice to see what interests you for subsequent trips.

First, is it possible to make this a 2 1/2 week trip or are two weeks the limit? That will change some of our answers.

You need to be in the city of your departure flight the night before your flight. So, be in Naples or Rome at least one night. Too many chances for something to go wrong with transportation otherwise.

For a quick look at Tuscany, I would recommend staying in Siena and taking a minivan wine tour to see sites & wine tasting. That would simplify your plans, plus you can enjoy the wine. I do love Montepulciano but agree your time cuts it tight if you can’t spare an extra day.

Amalfi is beautiful! Not sure if it is considered relaxing anymore. It’s become very popular. Embrace the crowds and have a great time!

Personally, I would cut a day from the Dolomites to see all three areas. Yes, the Dolomites are stunning!

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