This 10 days in Italy itinerary will help you plan your perfect first visit to this gorgeous country. Italy has A LOT to see. Therefore, it is impossible to see all that this incredible country has to offer in one trip or even two. Which is why this itinerary focuses on the iconic cities and quintessential attractions so you get a good flavour of Italy and long to come back again. It is a detailed guide with a day-by-day breakdown of what to do, where to stay, and how to get around, so you can have your itinerary ready before the trip and focus on having a fabulous time while you’re in Italy!

Overview of this 10-day Italy itinerary

1. We have covered parts of Central and North Italy. South Italy has been completely left out because there are a lot of places to see there—Puglia, Amalfi, Capri, Sicily, and Saridina—that deserve a second trip altogether instead of being combined with this one. However, if you’re very keen, you can skip Cinque Terre and add another region like Amalfi OR Puglia (after Rome and before Florence)
2. The itinerary can be done in the opposite direction from Venice to Rome as well.
3. The route above is the most efficient in terms of train routes. However, since Milan has an excellent international airport as well, you can choose to interchange between Venice and Milan, visiting Venice after Cinque Terre and flying out of Milan.

What is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy for the first time is in Late April, May, June, September, and October. These months are in between the summer (peak season) and winter months, so you’ll have relatively pleasant weather without the searing heat and maddening crowds of summer and without the cold of winter.

How to get around Italy?

The best way to get around Italy is by using the train system. The trains are efficient, on-time, and very fast! Tickets can be booked via Trenitalia (the official train travel website of Italy) or at the station itself through automated kiosks.

However, we usually use Trainline to pre-book train tickets (when needed), as we can book train tickets across Europe through this website. It doesn’t throw up errors while making reservations or payments and all our tickets stay in one place. So it is very helpful for a first-time traveller to Italy or even Europe.

Within the cities themselves, you can use the tram, metro, bus, train, water taxi, and taxi. You do not need a car except for regions where renting a car is essential, e.g., in the Tuscan countryside and the Dolomites. In this 10 days in Italy itinerary, we aren’t covering either of these locations, so you will not need a car at all!

10 Days in Italy Itinerary

In this itinerary, you will be visiting the most iconic cities of Italy:

1. Rome for its awe-inspiring history
2. Florence for its jaw-dropping art
3. Cinque Terre for mediterranean vibes
4. Milan for the incredible duomo
5. Venice for the romantic canals

Map of this 10-day Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Rome

The eternal city of Rome is all about the history and grandeur of one of the greatest empire’s in the world: the Roman Empire. It is a city where the past and the present exist together in perfect harmony; where each alleyway holds a secret.

How to get to Rome city centre from the airport?

You will probably arrive at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome. It is located more than 34 km from the city centre. To get to the city, the cheapest option is to take a shuttle bus to Termini train station or a train to Trastevere, Tuscolana, Ostiense, or Tiburtina stations (buy a ticket at the station itself) depending on where your hotel is.

From these stations, you can take a bus or metro to get closer to your hotel and walk the rest of the way.

If you don’t want to use public transport, then you can take a taxi which cost significantly more than public transport but might be more convenient.

Where to Stay in Rome

The two areas I recommend the most are:
1. Centro Storico near iconic sites like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain to be close to everything. Some options are: Domer Trevi, Navona Jacuzzi Rooms, Incentrum, and Feronia Guest House
2. Trastevere for a more bohemian vibe with excellent eateries and nightlife. Option: B&B Suites Tastrevere

However, if accommodation at these places is way above your budget, then consider CasaValentina in Aventino, Rome. This is where we stayed. It was only a bit away from the main sights but super close to public transport, so we could go everywhere easily.

What to Do on Day 1

For the sake of this 10 days in Italy itinerary, I’m assuming you reach Rome after a long red-eye flight, take time to figure out public transport (like we did), and will only start exploring in the afternoon.

You can choose to do any one of the following:

1. Visit Borghese Gallery: This is a 17th-century villa constructed by a well-known noble family in Rome. It houses a treasure trove of art, including works by celebrated artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. The gallery is small but astounding. Book your ticket here. The gallery is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which you can enjoy after your museum visit.
2. Take a street food tour or join a cooking class. Italy is all about food, so getting oriented to its food with the guidance of a local is a superb activity to do on your first day in Italy. Join this Roman street food tour or this Fetuccine and Tiramisu cooking class.
3. Giardino Degli Aranci (free to enter): If you start exploring really late in the evening, then go watch a gorgeous sunset from this garden with bitter orange trees that offers a breathtaking perspective of Rome, particularly St. Peter’s Basilica.

Sleep early because you’ve got two long days ahead of you with lots to see.

Day 2: Rome

Start day two at opening time (8:30 AM) for your first attraction, the Colosseum. This will ensure that you have enough time to see everything on this list in the order given below. The itinerary below is made with a lot of care to minimise the time taken to go from one attraction to another.

• Colosseum: One of the seven wonders of the world, the Colosseum cannot be missed on a trip to Rome. Buy the tickets beforehand. However, the official website does not work in certain countries. In that case, try using a VPN or booking through this website.

• Have brunch at a restaurant close to the Colosseum, like the Royal Art Cafe.

• The Roman Forum: Visit the social, economic, political, and religious centre of ancient Rome. The ticket is the same as the one for the Colosseum, so hold on to it.

• Capitoline Hill: Climb the hill for an epic view of the Roman Forum. You can also visit the Capitoline Museum here, which is the oldest museum in the world, or just see the stunning statues in the piazza outside. The piazza was designed by none other than Michelangelo.

• Monument to Victor Emmanuel II: This monument honours the first king of a united Italy and was finished in 1935. It is gorgeous. There is no need to go inside; just admire the striking building from the outside.

• Largo di Torre Argentina: This is where Julius Caeser died. You can see the ruins from the road itself so there is no need to go inside unless you are specifically interested.

• Ponte Sisto and Trastevere: See the sunset from the pedestrian bridge, Ponte Sisto. Then walk towards the bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and authentic eateries. Don’t forget to eat at the famous Tonarello (expect a long queue)!

Day 3: Rome

Wake up early in the morning to visit another country, which is located right here in Rome—Vatican City.

• St. Peter’s Square: I’d recommend getting to St. Peter’s Square by 7–7:15 a.m. so you can admire the square and the exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica without many people around.

• St. Peter’s Basilica: Then line up to be one of the first people to enter the largest church in the world at opening time, which is 8 a.m. It is absolutely free to enter. You can wander around by yourself or use the ‘Rick Steves Audio Europe app’ to learn more about the basilica. Either way, do not forget to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pieta!

• Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museum is the second oldest museum in the world; it houses the art collected by popes over the years. But the biggest draw of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece by Michelangelo. Buy your ticket beforehand for independent sightseeing. For easy navigation and to manage your time better, opt for this tour.

• After you visit, have lunch near the Vatican Museums. We really enjoyed the food at Ristorante dei Musei.

• Explore Rome’s historic centre with its winding cobblestone lanes and stunning sights. Hit the following spots in the order given below or vice versa:
  • Two Sizes: for the best Tiramisu ever!
  • Piazza Navona: Our favourite piazza in Rome—it is so grand!
  • Pantheon: Ancient Rome’s best-preserved temple and an engineering masterpiece. Entry is until 6:30 PM, and you will need to book tickets beforehand. Purchase your ticket beforehand to avoid standing in a queue.
  • Piazza Colonna: The obelisk here has beautiful, intricate carvings.
  • Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
  • Spanish Steps: Nothing much to see, according to me but it’s a popular sight in Rome.

For complete details on Rome and tips on each attraction, read our complete guide and itinerary for Rome. The itinerary given in the linked post is exactly what you’ll be following here, except that the day 3 options can be seen on day 1, depending on how much time you have

Day 4: Florence

Florence, also called Firenze, was home to famous artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance—the city of art!

While Florence’s city centre is not very large, there are plenty of must-see sights. If you reach Florence early enough in the day by 10 AM, it is completely possible to cover all the sights mentioned below!

How to reach Florence and get around?

To get here, take a train from Rome (Roma Termini) to Florence (Santa Maria Novella Train Station). This station is right in the heart of the city. So you can walk anywhere you like. You also have the option of taking a bus, tram, or cab to get around.

Where do I stay in Florence?

Stay close to the attractions in Centro Storico. This will cost a bit more, but it will ensure that you do not have to take public transportation at all. You’ll be able to see all the sights on this itinerary by foot, which in turn will help you save some money. Options include: Hotel Boccaccio, Sant Antonino First Floor Relais, Loft in the heart of Florence next to the market.

We stayed at Allogio Home 7. It isn’t very well-rated, but we loved the location, and the apartment was quite alright.

What to do in Florence on this day

After you reach Florence, I would recommend dropping your luggage either at the hotel (ask them beforehand if they can store your luggage until check-in time or if early check-in is possible). If they can’t store your luggage, then keep it at the luggage counter on the station itself or use the website Radical Storage to find a suitable location to store it close to your hotel. They have plenty of options at and near the train station.

Now, that you’re free of your luggage, follow this itinerary in order to maximise your time.

• Academia Gallery: First, head to the Accademia Gallery to see the awe-inspiring sculpture by Michelangelo, David. It is a small museum so it will not take up much of your time. Buy your ticket here.

• Lunch at Mercato Centrale: This is a bustling culinary haven with two floors. The lower floor is a market with fresh produce and a few eateries, while the upper floor is a full-fledged food court with all sorts of Italian delights!

• Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: This is one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, originating in 1221. You can now find a variety of skincare products and perfumes whose recipes have been handed down through generations. It is also a mini-museum and has an immersive art display. It is completely free to enter!

• Check into your hotel. Since you’re close to the train station, it is the best time to pick up your luggage from storage and check into your hotel.

• Free walking tour: There is no better way to get to know the stories of a city than a walking tour. We chose ‘The Best Tour in Florence: Renaissance and Medici Tales‘ free walking tour. It’s the best free tour we’ve ever been on! Just remember that free tours aren’t actually free; the guides rely on tips and have to pay the booking platform a certain amount for each booking. So turn up if you’ve booked a slot and do tip!

• Ponte Vecchio: This is a bridge built in the 14th century across the Arno River that has an elevated passageway called the Vasari Corridor, which connects the Palazzo Vecchio (city hall) with the Pitti Palace (palace of the Medicis). You cannot access this passage. You can, however, visit the jewellery and art shops that line both sides of the bridge.

• Dinner: Have dinner across the Arno River at the famous Gusta Pizza.

Day 5: Florence

It’s time to start the day early and head to the first attraction of the day around opening time.

• Uffizi Gallery: The Uffizi Gallery is a treasure trove of Renaissance art that boasts works by iconic artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Definitely my favourite museum! Ensure you buy the ticket online well before they sell out! The Uffizi is massive, so doing a tour will help you see the most important works of art, get a background on them and make the most of your time.

• Foto Automatica: The cute vintage photo booth is a fun experience, and prints of 4 photos for Euro 2. But beware; it does not work sometimes, and the photo printing process can be really slow (4-5 minutes). Skip it if the queue is huge outside!

• Lunch at Gusto Leo: It is a rustic trattoria with Tuscan cuisine just opposite the photo booth.

• Gelato: Grab a gelato at Gelateria Edoardo il Gelato Biologico and eat it while admiring the stunning duomo.

• Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): It is finally time to enter the duomo. While the cathedral is quite plain on the inside, it is worth going into the church to admire the frescoes on the dome that depict the Last Judgement (by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari). If you’d like a closer look at the frescoes and see fantastic views of the city, then you can choose to buy the Brunelleschi Pass and climb to the top of the dome.

• View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar: Depending on how much time you have left before sunset, head to this rooftop bar to sip on Aperol Sprtiz with a brilliant view of the Duomo.

• Piazzale Michelangelo: Perched on a hillside overlooking Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is a terrace from which you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Watching a sunset here is a must-do in Florence. If it is crowded, you can also head up to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte for a similar view.

• Dinner: After sunset, head to Casa Toscana for dinner (make reservations beforehand), and then to Vivoli Gelaruia to have the famous affogato.

For complete details on Florence and tips on each attraction, read our complete guide and itinerary for Florence. It is a longer itinerary but we’re covering most of the attractions mentioned in this itinerary as well.

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” is a set of five picturesque fishing villages along the rugged Italian Riviera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Cinque Terre is known for its charming architecture with colourful houses, delicious seafood, and a stunning coastline with scenic hiking trails and terraced vineyards.

How to reach Cinque Terre?

When coming from Florence, first you will have to take the train to La Spezia (2 hours and 30 minutes) and then a regional train to the town where you’ll be staying or exploring.

I would suggest booking a direct train from Florence to La Spezia to save time and effort on changing platforms. However, the other option on this day is to visit Pisa on the way to La Spezia. You’ll find plenty of trains stopping at Pisa. At Pisa, store your luggage at the station or use Radical Storage to do so. Explore Pisa, and then take the train to La Spezia.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre?

This is the confusing part: deciding the town in which you’ll put up because there are 5 towns to choose from with their own characteristics. However, since accommodation in Cinque Terre is expensive, I’d recommend choosing any accommodation that suits you best and fits your budget, be it in the 5 villages of Cinque Terre or even La Spezia, which is not in Cinque Terre but close by and very accessible.

La Spezia: Affordable room close to train station
Riomaggiore: Hotel with an amazing view | Affordable apartment
Monterosso al Mare: Hotel near the beach| Apartment near Old Town Beach
Vernazza: Affordable room 1 | Apartment with sea view

How to get around Cinque Terre?

There are three ways to get around Cinque Terre: hiking, train, and ferry. Taking the train is by far the most convenient and fast way to get around. However, I would recommend hiking at least one section of the Blue Trail. You can choose to hike the route between Riomaggiore and Manarola, or vice versa, or Monterosso and Vernazza, depending on which is open.  Check updates here. 

What should I do on this day in Cinque Terre?

You do not need to reach Cinque Terre early. I’d recommend getting here around your hotel check-in time. After that, you can head out into the town that you’re staying in, grab a bite, and explore. Walk around and enjoy the vibe and views of Cinque Terre or take a dip!

If you’re keen on doing something particular, then consider the following sunset boat tours, depending on where you’re staying. All these tours start pretty late in the evening so you’ll definitely be able to make it on time!
1. Monterosso: Sunset Boat Tour | Kayaking Experience
2. Manarola: Sunset boat tour
3. La Spezia: Sunset boat tour
4. Riomaggiore: