Italy is famed for its prominent role in art, architecture, fashion, opera, literature, design, film and well FOOD of course. So it was an easy decision to add Italy to our three week journey across Europe. Despite the desire to spend all three weeks in Italy, we had four days to spend in two cities before heading off to Greece. To make the most out of little time and to experience both Northern and Southern Italy, we chose Florence and Naples. If you want to learn how to spend four days in Italy, keep reading!

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FLORENCE

Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, home to beautiful landscapes, Renaissance art, and gorgeous architecture. Two of its most iconic sights are the Duomo and Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral). The travel time by train from Florence to Naples is around three hours and costs about $60 on the ItaliaRail.

NAPLES

Located in Southern Italy, Naples is the third largest city after Rome and Milan. Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. We specifically chose Naples as our hub due its close-ish proximity to the Amalfi Coast. The drive is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours long but is insanely scenic so its no inconvenience. We chose to rent a car to ensure enough time and freedom to create content. You can also book a group trip by bus from Naples to Amalfi. If anything I recommend it due to the extreme lack of parking.

STAY

FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole

Location: Fiesole, Italy

Cost: Approx. $200/nt.

If you enjoy the thought of being nestled within the Tuscan countryside of Italy, then I recommend staying in Fiesole. This quaint Italian town is located on the hillside above Florence. The views are immaculate and the city sights are just a 10-minute taxi ride away (18 by bus). During our time here, we stayed at the FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole. A 4-star hotel with just 32 rooms for an intimate feel and stay.

Torre Mediterraneo a Posillipo

Location: Naples, Italy

Cost: Approx. $200/nt.

Raise your hand if you would you ever stay in a castle-like tower. Well that’s exactly where we spent our days in Southern Italy. To me, traveling to unique places around the world doesn’t only refer to destinations. Where you choose to stay can also be an exciting experience in itself. Introducing Torre Mediterraneo a Posillipo, a beautiful tower overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The prestigious residential area of Posillipo is set along a lush hillside and known for its seafood restaurants and elegant bars.

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DINE

Casa Del Vin Santo

Location: Florence, Italy

Casa Del Vin Santo was the first restaurant we visited in Italy, and a great place to start exploring Florence. Its tucked off from the main streets but close to all the sights. They offer a wide variety of wine and freshly made dishes including pizza (of course). You can even watch as your food is prepared and cooked in a wood burning stove. The entrees are delicious and certainly live up to the hype. I definitely recommend adding this hidden gem to how you spend four days in Italy.

Golden View Open Bar

Location: Florence, Italy

Aside from quality of food, one of the first things I look for when selecting a restaurant is a great atmosphere or view. I especially love dining by the water which is why I chose Golden View. This elegant restaurant is set along the south bank of the Arno river. It overlooks the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval arch bridge home to jewelry, art, and souvenir shops. We enjoyed yet another pizza and pasta dish (it really doesn’t get old) as we watched a man row his fine boat up and down the river.

Ristorante La Reggia Degli Etruschi

Location: Fiesole, Italy

After a day of exploring Florence we hailed a taxi back to our hotel in Fiesole. Later that night we chose to have dinner at a nearby restaurant called La Reggia Degli Etruschi. The distance was only about 13-minutes by foot so we chose to walk. Mind you, those Tuscany hills are no joke so prepare for a mini workout. Though with all the pasta and pizza you’ll be indulging in, that isn’t so bad.

Once you venture up a steep pathway you’ll be welcomed by gorgeous panoramic views of Florence. The restaurant has an upscale yet local vibe that makes you feel at home. We were seated in front of a wall of wine from which we selected a bottle of red to begin the evening. The food was delectable and we even saved room for a Mascarpone cream cheese dessert with coffee-flavored thin biscuits and chocolate.

Zass Restaurant

Location: Il San Pietro Hotel in Positano, Italy

We actually stumbled upon this insane gem simply because we couldn’t find parking and they offered valet if you were a hotel guest or dined with them. Little did we know this was the creme de la creme of hotels and dining experiences. Zass is a Michelin-starred restaurant with an immaculate sparkling sea view overlooking the coastal town of Praiano. The Il San Pietro hotel is the epitome of luxury and provides the privacy their celebrity guests desire.

The service alone was the best I have ever experienced. We had three servers and were treated like royalty. The cocktail I ordered came in a conch shell which is something I’ve never seen, and absolutely loved. The food presentation was beautiful and they pride themselves on using only fresh, local ingredients. Once you complete your meal, you have to venture out onto the terrace. The breathtaking ocean and mountain views are so worth the pretty penny you spend to dine. A 10 out of 10 experience I would enjoy again and again.

EXPLORE

Florence Cathedral

Location: Florence, Italy

Formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this medieval architecture is unbelievable. We went to the city of Florence twice during our stay and I visited the Cathedral complex both times. The complex is in the Piazza del Duomo and includes the Baptistery of Saint John and Giotto’s Campanile Bell Tower. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are major tourist attractions in not only Tuscany but the world. When planning how to spend four days in Italy, these sites are certainly worth visiting.

Uffizi Gallery

Location: Florence, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery is a distinguished art museum located in the Historic Center of Florence. It is known as one of the most important, visited, and largest Italian museums in the world. It holds a collection of priceless art pieces and sculptures from the Italian Renaissance period. Tickets range from about 12 to 16 dollars.

Amalfi Coast

Location: South Coast of Italy

When planning how to spend four days in Italy, the Amalfi Coast should be #1 on your list. It consists of so many amazing destinations and when pressed for time, can be generally explored in a day. Here are the top five places I recommend when planning your trip down the coast:

Sorrento

Traveling from Naples, Sorrento was the first stop on our Amalfi Coast itinerary due to its Northern location. It is a beautiful historic town with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples.

Positano

Considered to be one of the most picturesque cities on the coast, the pastel colored homes of Positano are such a sight to see. I definitely recommend viewing them from the Il San Pietro Hotel over lunch before heading into town.

Amalfi

If you are exploring the Amalfi Coast you should certainly visit the actual town of Amalfi. Two of the major attractions are the cathedral and Piazza del Duomo. Once you’ve taken in the culture, head over the promenade to shop and check out the beach.

Capri

Although we did not have the time to explore the coast by boat, I would have loved to visit the island of Capri. You can reach this popular island by ferry and if staying through the evening, there are plenty of bars and a vibrant nightlife.

Maiori

If you travel in an activity-packed way like I do, a bit of rest and relaxation is definitely needed. When I visited the beaches of Maiori in May, they were not the least bit crowded, making it the perfect spot.

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