3-Day Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaItaly travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Northern Italy, incl. Milan and Lake Como

  Milan's historic center opens this 3-day adventure, followed by Como's lakeside promenade, Bellagio's elegant streets, and Varenna's authentic fishing village. Gothic Duomo visits, Navigli aperitivo, and scenic Lake Como ferries create lasting memories.

  

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  • Day 1

    Milan Orientation

    Meet at your accommodation at 3:00 PM after arriving on your morning flight and getting settled. Take advantage of the afternoon timing to visit the historic center when crowds are thinner especially around the Duomo. "The tour has lots of walking but it was enjoyable to see Milan's highlights." Start with an orientation walk through the city center. Visit the stunning Duomo cathedral and walk through the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Finish your evening in the lively Navigli district to experience Milan's popular aperitivo tradition. Get to the canal-side bars by 6:30 PM before they fill up at 7 PM. You'll find great spots for people-watching while enjoying included appetizers with your drinks.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Como Day Trip

    Take a morning train from Milan to Como. The 1.5-hour journey starts as early as 6 AM with frequent departures. You'll see beautiful views as you approach the lakes region. Spend some free time exploring Como before taking the ferry to Bellagio. Pack light since you'll be walking on cobblestone streets and taking several boats. Take a scenic cruise across Lake Como to visit Bellagio and then stop in the charming town of Varenna. A recent visitor said: "Lake Como was gorgeous scenery, perfect weather, and we had enough time for a nice meal in Bellagio and a drink in Varenna." Take the 4:30 PM train back to Milan instead of later trains which often get overcrowded.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning in Milan

    Check out by 10 AM and store your bags at your accommodation. Head to the Duomo rooftop right when it opens at 9 AM to avoid crowds and get the best morning light for photos of the Gothic spires and city views. After your hour-long rooftop visit spend your remaining time shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district. If you have an early evening flight leave central Milan at least 3 hours before departure. Traffic to Malpensa Airport can be unpredictable. Consider taking the Malpensa Express train from Milano Centrale which is usually more reliable than taxis during rush hour.

    

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• 3 Day Southern Italy Itinerary, incl. Rome and Sorrento

  Four remarkable destinations - Rome, Pompeii's UNESCO ruins, Sorrento's Grand Hotel Vesuvio, and Capri's Blue Grotto - create an unforgettable 3-day adventure. Two nights' accommodation, meals, and expert-guided tours cost approx. $300 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Rome to Sorrento

    Your day starts early with 6:30 AM hotel pickup for the 7:30 AM departure. The coach ride south takes about 4 hours including breaks. "The hotel in Sorrento had a lovely pool - perfect after the long drive down from Rome." Stay at a central Rome hotel to make the morning pickup easier. In Sorrento you'll have the afternoon free to explore. Visit Via San Cesareo to browse limoncello shops and watch local woodworkers craft their pieces.

    
  • Day 2

    Capri Day Trip (April-October only)

    The Capri trip depends on good weather for boat travel. One visitor noted: "Know that seeing the Blue Grotto isn't guaranteed - sea conditions often prevent access. The coastal boat ride is still wonderful though." Take the minibus up to Anacapri at 918 feet for incredible views over the Bay of Naples. Bring motion sickness medicine if you get queasy on boats. In winter (November-March) you get a free day in Sorrento instead.

    
  • Day 3

    Sorrento to Pompeii to Rome

    Spend your morning in Sorrento before leaving at 1:15 PM for Pompeii. Bring water and sun protection as the archaeological site gets very hot. You'll get skip-the-line entry and radio headsets. A recent visitor shared: "The archaeology professor who guided us through Pompeii was truly outstanding!" The drive back to Rome takes about 3 hours with a 9 PM arrival. Book a Rome hotel since you'll get in late.

    

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• 3 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary, incl. Capri and Positano

  Sailing adventures await across 6 destinations from Marina di Stabia. Capri's Blue Grotto, Positano's vertical town, and Amalfi's cathedral create lasting memories. Professional crew guides visits to Faraglioni Rocks, Li Galli islands, and Nerano Bay.

  

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  • Day 1

    Sorrento & Capri

    Leave Marina di Stabia early to avoid boat traffic. After an hour of sailing along the Sorrento Coast, explore Sorrento's historic center before 10 AM, when most tourists arrive. A previous visitor shared: "The boat was nice and clean, and the itinerary was well planned so we weren't rushing between spots or spending too long in one place." In the afternoon, sail to Capri as day tourists start leaving. Stop by the Faraglioni rocks for swimming and drinks. Take a quick bus ride up to Capri town and walk to Punta Tragara for incredible views. Remember to bring good walking shoes since Capri's steep cobblestone streets can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Day 2

    Blue Grotto & Amalfi

    Get to the Blue Grotto early before tour boats fill the area. Morning light creates the most vivid blue colors inside the cave. You'll need to lie flat in small rowboats to enter through the narrow entrance. Next, stop at Nerano Bay for lunch and swimming. The surrounding mountains block afternoon winds, making it a perfect spot to relax. Head to Amalfi in mid-afternoon after most day visitors leave. The town's small streets are more pleasant to explore in the cooler evening. Visit the impressive Duomo but save the 62-step climb for morning when it's cooler.

    
  • Day 3

    Positano

    Spend your last day in Positano, where pastel buildings seem to spill down the cliffside. Take photos in the morning light before the sun gets too bright. Stop at Li Galli islands for a final swim and snorkel in their crystal-clear waters. Keep your camera ready while sailing between stops to catch the many caves and hidden spots along the coast. As one sailor noted: "Be prepared for some engine use if the winds aren't favorable – it's more about the coastal views than pure sailing."

    

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