If you have not been to Italy, you should try to visit it at the earliest. The country has it all – from ancient Roman ruins, architectural marvels, timeless music, & iconic artworks to stunning landscapes, gorgeous coastlines, sprawling vineyards, & mouthwatering cuisine. You are going to have an amazing time in this incredible country. Italy is best enjoyed at a slower and relaxed pace, so don’t pack too much in your itinerary. 10 days are definitely not enough to see Italy as it has so much to offer, but it is sufficient time to be introduced to this magical country. You won’t be able to explore all the highlights in a few days, but you are surely going to come back. So, don’t stress and enjoy your visit.

If you are a first-time visitor, it makes sense to follow the classic itinerary and visit the ‘must-sees’. However, if you are re-visiting, you should visit the other areas of Italy like the Dolomites, Milan, Bologna, Pompeii, Lake Como, and Naples. Or maybe you could explore the Tuscany region or South of Italy at leisure. Remember, whichever way you may go, you cannot go wrong in Italy.

Classic Italy Route

If this is your first trip to Italy, you cannot skip Rome, Florence, and Venice – the three iconic cities of Italy. In between, we have added a few exciting stops to make the most of your trip. These popular cities also have excellent train connections and you can explore the country without hiring a car. The itinerary is easily adjustable and you can skip or add a town depending on what you like. For example, if you want to spend more time in Florence, you can skip the day tour to Tuscany or Cinque Terre. Or if you can spare more days, including a few other day trips, or just slow down to soak in the beauty of your surroundings. The itinerary starts from Rome and ends in Venice/Milan and so you have to book an open-jaw ticket, which is easily manageable in most cases.

10-day Suggested Itinerary for Italy

Day 1 & 2: Rome
Day 3: Take a day trip to Amalfi Coast from Rome
Day 4 & 5: Florence
Day 6: Take a day trip to Tuscany from Florence
Day 7: Take a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence
Day 8 & 9: Venice
Day 10: Bid Adieu to Italy

Italy Itinerary for 10 Days

Italy Itinerary Day 1 & 2: Rome

Your itinerary starts in Rome as it is well-connected to all parts of the world via two airports – Fiumicino Airport & Ciampino Airport. The capital city has lots to explore and you have less than two days, so don’t waste any time. The city is full of art, culture, and history and you are likely to stumble on ancient structures and statues as you wander around the historical city. Most of the main attractions are located within 1.5 square kilometers, so you would be able to visit them within a short span of time. However, a visit to Vatican City can be a bit overwhelming and would take up nearly a full day. You will be walking a lot, so don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes. The food is delicious and you should spend the evening in Trastevere enjoying the many restaurants and bars that spill out in the streets when it gets crowded.

Must-Visit in Rome

• Trevi Fountain: The baroque-style fountain spills out about 2,824,800 cubic feet of water daily. It is the place where wishes are supposed to come true, so throw a stone over your shoulder and make a wish.
• Colosseum: The largest amphitheater was built in 70 ADS during the Roman Empire. It could accommodate 50,000 people who came to watch gladiator fights, exotic animal hunts, and live prisoner executions in those days.
• Roman Forum: The Forum is now in ruins but was the hub of political, religious, and social activities in ancient Rome
• Piazza Navona: The 15th-century public square is brimming with cafes, eateries, and shops.
• Spanish Steps: The famous landmark has 135 steps with Trinita dei Monti church at the top.
• The Pantheon: One of the best-preserved structures from ancient Rome, the Pantheon is a Roman temple that was built between AD 118 and 125 by Emperor Hadrian
• Vatican City: It is the smallest country in the world and home to the spiritual leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter’s Basilica, Apostolic Palace, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel are must-sees during your visit to the Vatican City. It’s closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month.

Italy Itinerary Day 3: Take a day trip to Amalfi Coast from Rome

The best way to go to Amalfi Coast from Rome is to take the first train to Naples (the fastest is 1hr 10mts). From there take a private car/taxi/tour as parking can be a big hassle in the Amalfi region. Amalfi Coast is definitely one of the most gorgeous stretches of coastlines in the world with many picturesque towns dotting the winding, narrow lanes. You will be spellbound by the breathtaking beauty of the jagged cliffs, stunning gorges, vivid turquoise sea, bobbling yachts, and pebbly beaches. Make a stop at Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello (or just Positano) for out-of-the-world experiences. Delicious food, amazing shopping, and relaxed vibes will elevate your experience to another level. Be sure to catch the last train back to Rome and spend the night there.

Italy Itinerary Day 4 & 5: Florence

Leave for Florence early in the morning by train (1.5hrs), so that you can spend most of the day in Florence. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a laid-back town that is known for its iconic artwork and architecture. There are around 70 museums in Florence, but we are going to focus on the best of the lot. The quaint town is walkable and compact and you should be able to see the hotspots in 2 days.

Must-Visit in Florence:

• Ponte Vecchio: The ancient bridge is built over the Arno River and is an ideal place spot to catch the sunset and browse through the countless jewelry shops.
• Duomo: The 13th-century Catholic cathedral is the centerpiece of Florence and towers over the town. It features the world’s largest brick dome that is painted beautifully depicting a scene of heaven and hell. The view from the top is phenomenal but you need to climb more than 450 narrow, steep stairs to enjoy it.
• Palazzo Pitti: The former Renaissance residence houses several museums displaying classic paintings, sculptures, and other artworks.
• Boboli Gardens: The 16th century Renaissance park is situated on a steep hill, directly behind the Pitti Palace. Its vintage location offers perfect views for your pictures. The open-air museum hosts Italian sculptures, graceful fountains, blooming flowers & centuries-old oak trees.
• Galleria dell’ Accademia: This is a must if you want to see the legendary 17-foot sculpture – Michelangelo’s David statue.
• Uffizi Gallery: An architectural wonder that houses thousands of masterpieces made by renowned artists like da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Michelangelo.
• Piazza Della Signoria: The city’s town hall that is placed right beside the Uffizi Gallery

Italy Itinerary Day 6: Take a day trip to Tuscany from Florence

Rent a car or book a taxi/tour to visit Tuscany. It is recommended to book a full-day tour so that you are able to enjoy your limited time fully without worrying about logistics. Tuscany wine tours last a full day and stop in different towns throughout Tuscany. You can choose from the available options. The region is dotted with olive groves, quaint villages, cypress trees, rolling vineyards, hot springs, and farmhouses. Siena is only half an hour from Florence and boasts of some of the most beautiful churches in Europe. The main square, medieval back streets, museums, and tiny cafes are the added attractions. San Gimignano is a hill town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You need to stop here to savor gelato at the famous Gelateria Dondoli before exploring the pretty lanes, scenic vistas, and stunning architecture. Chianti wine region is one of the most favored wine regions in the world. Engage in some wine-tasting activities with a gourmet lunch.

Italy Itinerary Day 7: Take a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence

Today we are going to take a day trip to Cinque Terre. There are frequent trains from Florence SMN Train Station to Le Spezia (2hrs). Once you reach Le Spezia, use the local 5 Terre Express to travel between the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The villages are perched on cascading hilltops that spill down into the Mediterranean Sea. All the fishing villages are equally captivating and would mesmerize you with their colorfully-painted houses, tiny bistros, and gorgeous vineyards. With over 120kms of hiking trails available, you have the option to hike the hillsides around the 5 towns. If you are not into hiking, use the local train that runs every 15 minutes. You can also spend the day at the beautiful Monterosso Beach, swim in the turquoise water of Italian Rivera, or just soak up the panoramic views. Take the train back to Florence and spend the night there.

Italy Itinerary Day 8 & 9: Venice

The best and quickest option to reach Venice from Florence is by train. There are some high-speed direct trains running the route and would take you to Venice in around 2hrs. You will have to take a water bus or water taxi from Santa Lucia Train Station to Venice city center. There are no places on earth like Venice. It is considered to be one of the most romantic cities in the world and when you visit it, you will see why. Instead of trying to tick things off your list, just wander through the cobbled alleys and soak in the beauty of the secluded corners, Venetian houses, charming under bridges, and small canals. However, cliché it may be, you cannot leave Venice without riding a gondola through the maze of waterways & canals of the “Floating City”. Use the 9th day to explore the other gems of the Venetian Lagoon. Take a tour of Murano (known for hand-blown Murano glass) and/or Burano (famous for its handcrafted lace & rows of vibrant, colored houses). Venice is truly magical and a perfect stop to end your trip. Stay for two nights in Venice.

Must-Visit in Venice:

• Piazza San Marco: The iconic square was built in the 12th century. Saint Mark’s Basilica is located in the bustling square. Feed birds, admire sea views and enjoy a gelato or coffee as you watch the crowd around you.
• Saint Mark’s Basilica: A majestic example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, the Basilica is the most important landmark in Venice. Also called ‘church of gold’, the interiors of Saint Mark’s Basilica are made up of gleaming golden mosaics and 5 magnificent domes. A sight to behold.
• San Marco Bell Tower: Climb the bell tower to get one of the best views in entire Venice
• Rialto Bridge: 16th century stone footbridge is a perfect place to take some pictures for your Instagram posts.
• Doge’s Palace: The ornate Gothic-Renaissance palace was the former residence of the rulers of Venice called the Doges. The sculptures, paintings, lacework exhibited in the museum & showroom are really impressive.
• Bridge of Sighs: It is fabled that the prisoners who crossed the bridge on their way to the prison cells sighed on catching their last glimpses of Venice through the tiny windows.
• Teatro La Fenice: Italy’s most famous opera house that hosts ballet, opera, and music concerts throughout the year.
• Galleria dell’ Accademia: The impressive museum has a large collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th-18th century.

Italy Itinerary Day 10: Bid Adieu to Italy

It’s time to go back. Depending upon your flight timings, spend some time checking the places you might have missed and then catch a flight back home from Venice Marco Polo airport. If you don’t find it convenient to leave from Venice, you can use the 10th day to travel by train to Milan (around 3hrs) or Rome (close to 4hrs) and take a flight from there to your next destination.

Getting Around in Italy

Italy has 77 international and domestic airports connecting far-off cities & towns. However, you really don’t need to take internal flights unless you flying long distances. High-speed trains are the best way to move around in Italy. Italy has an extensive train network and the trains are comfortable, economical, convenient, and efficient. If you want to rent a car, it can be a bit tricky. You will have to shell out pricey tolls and parking is an issue in many Italian cities. You need an International Driver’s License if you are coming from a non-Eu country. Hiring a private taxi is also an option if you can afford it. Traveling by car gives you flexibility in terms of timing and making additional spots along the way. Bus journeys take much more time than train journeys, though they are generally cheaper. Sometimes, it makes perfect sense to book a day tour to save time and effort and just enjoy the trip without any stress & planning.

Public transportation in Italy is excellent and affordable, even in smaller towns. So, traveling within the city should not be an issue. Mostly, you don’t need a car to move within the city as you can get around on foot, public transport or taxi.

Best Time to Visit Italy

To be honest, there is really no bad time to visit Italy. From skiing in the Dolomite mountains in winters to sunbathing in the pebbly beaches of the Amalfi coast in summers, there is something exciting to do all the year-round. For this 10-day Italy itinerary, you can choose any season except winters. The shoulder season of April-May and September-October are perfect. The weather is warm and sunny, temperatures are mild, there are fewer tourists, and everything is affordable. Summer is the peak season in Italy. But it can be hot, crowded, and quite expensive.

Things to know before you travel to Italy

• Euro is the official currency of Italy.
• The language is Italian, but most people speak English in touristy areas. It is advisable to learn a few basic Italian words before your trip and use them while you are there. People always appreciate it.
• Italians eat dinner late. Dinner is not served until 8 pm. Most restaurants close during the afternoon/early evening.
• Don’t forget to validate your train tickets at the train station
• The majority of museums are closed on Mondays
• Pickpocketing is an issue in Italy, especially in crowded places. Leave your valuables in the room locker, carry minimum cash, and take extra care of your belongings.
• Electricity is of the 220v standard and you have to use the 2 pins European style plug.
• It is safe to drink tap water in Italy. You will find drinking fountains in big cities, so carry your own bottle.
• Many attractions in Italy are religious places and you need to cover your knees and shoulders before you enter them. Always carry a scarf or wrap so that you are not caught unawares.
• You have to try the local cuisine. Pizzas, pasta, risotto, Tiramisu, sandwiches, Gelatos, salads, Italian coffee – everything is authentic, flavorful, and yum.
• If you are looking for some souvenirs, Venetian glass from Murano, hand-woven lace from Burano, vibrant ceramics from Amalfi Coast, Vatican masks from Venice, chocolates from Florence, and wine from Tuscany are good options. Italian spices, seasonings, and food products are undoubtedly the best souvenirs from Italy.
• Cappuccino and café latte is consumed with breakfast. After 11 am, Italians don’t drink milky coffee. You will still be able to find a cappuccino, but you will instantly be labeled a tourist.
• In a few places like Venice, you have to pay a surcharge to sit down in a café to drink coffee or anything else. You can stand at the bar and consume without paying anything extra.
• Tipping is not expected anywhere, especially if there is a service charge.
• Most of the time you have to pay a small charge to use the washrooms in public places in Italy
• Uber is available only in Rome and Milan, but you can only find Uber ‘premium’ options. That means the cost of using Uber in Rome and Milan is very high.