The best 10-day Italy itinerary

Frequently topping polls of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is a diverse destination that deserves repeat visits. That said, it’s perfectly possible to pack plenty of unforgettable experiences into a single trip, as revealed in this best 10-day Italy itinerary. 

Ultimate Italy itinerary for 10 days

Before going into day-by-day detail, here’s an overview of how I spent my ten-day trip to Italy. 

In short, it’s the best 10-day Italy itinerary if you’re looking to cover top attractions in some seriously iconic Italian cites, along with the charms of scenic coastal villages.

• Day 1: Arrive in Rome.
• Day 2: Explore Rome.
• Day 3: Travel from Rome to Florence.
• Day 4: Explore Florence.
• Day 5: Day trip to Pisa or Siena.
• Day 6: Travel from Florence to Cinque Terre.
• Day 7: Travel from Cinque Terre to Verona.
• Day 8: Explore Verona.
• Day 9: Travel from Verona to Venice.
• Day 10: Explore Venice.

Editor’s tip: as you plan your own trip, read our run-down of the best things to do in Italy, and take inspiration from our customizable Italy itineraries.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

With any luck, you’ll arrive in Rome early enough to have time to start exploring as soon as you arrive.

That’s why choosing where to stay is very important, not least when you just have a couple of days in the Eternal City…

Editor’s tip: if you like the idea of spending longer in Rome, run our Rome itinerary for three days.

Where to stay

If you’re not on a tight budget, and like the sound of staying in the Centro Storico, browse places to stay near the Spanish Steps.

You’ll be close to stacks of attractions, and have your pick of lively places to eat, drink and shop. 

While prices here are on the higher side, if you take your time on research, you could bag yourself a mid-price gem in the centre of town.

If you need to stick to a tighter budget, you’ll generally find less expensive places to stay in Termini and Esquilino.

Following advice from a Roman friend, I went for accommodation in Trastevere, and totally fell for the district. It’s lively, loaded with restaurants and bars, and had a lovely local vibe.

Read more on where to stay in Rome.

Day 2: Explore Rome

The saying goes that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t expect to see everything in a day, either. 

So, here I’ve highlighted a few of the best things to do in Rome.

Things to do

Given the limited time, these suggestions are focussed on Rome’s most iconic sights.

If you prefer doing things differently read up on the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome before deciding what you most want to do.

Kick things off at the Colosseum and Forum

I started my day with a visit to Rome’s most iconic symbol — the Colosseum. 

Get there early (think 8.30 am) to beat the crowds. I also strongly suggest booking tickets in advance — the last thing you want is to spend half your morning waiting, not when you’ll want to leave ample time to explore the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Dating back to the 7th century BC, the ruins here today — the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, and House of the Vestal Virgins — were once the center of Roman public life. When I visited, the Forum turned out to be a highlight of my whole trip to Italy, which is really saying something. 

Walk to the Pantheon

After forcing myself to leave the leafy Forum, I strolled to the Pantheon, stopping off for coffee on the way. Without a stop, the walk will take around 20 minutes.

At almost 2000 years old, this is, of course, another Roman icon. So, don’t just marvel at it from the outside — step inside to gaze up at the sun streaming through its perfectly round domed roof.

Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

As with the Colosseum, book your entry in advance to avoid the long, long lines at both these tourist hotspots 

While most folks just end up checking out Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, be patient and take time to explore the labyrinth of art and artifacts in the museum complex.

Cross St. Peter’s Square and pop into St Peter’s Basilica

Since you’re already at the Vatican, it would be amiss to not see St Peter’s Basilica — a free-to-enter attraction that houses yet more masterpieces, among them Bernini’s bronze canopy and Michelangelo’s Pietà.

If you have the energy, climb to the top of the dome for mind-blowing views of Rome.

See sunset at the Spanish Steps and stop at the Trevi Fountain

Yes, both the steps and fountain will be packed, but that somehow that doesn’t detract from their magic.

Find your spot on the steps ready to see the sun set over Rome before strolling to the Trevi Fountain — it looks rather marvellous illuminated at night.

Editor’s tip: traveling as a family? Discover the best things to do in Rome with kids. 

Gladiatorial adventures aside, I especially recommend taking little ones to Villa Borghese. This beautiful park is perfect for little ones to let off steam in, plus it has playground areas and a boating lake.

Day 3: Travel from Rome to Florence

Rise early on day three to transfer to Florence pronto — you'll want to max out your time in this splendid Renaissance city of art. 

Fastest travel time: 1.5 hours

You have a few options when it comes to getting from Rome to Florence.

By plane

While it takes just an hour to fly between Rome and Florence, when you factor in the time it’ll take to get to and from airports — and the cost — taking the train comes out as a wiser option.

By high-speed train (Frecciarossa)

Trains between Rome’s Termini Station and Firenze Santa Maria Novella take 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the route. 

So, do what I did and check the schedule beforehand so you get to Florence in under a couple of hours. 

By rental car

It’ll take you 3-4 hours to drive to Florence along the A1 (Autostrada del Sole).

By bus

On a budget? Taking a bus (3.5-4.5 hours) is the cheapest way to travel between Rome and Florence.

Where to stay

If you’re a first-timer — and short on time — check out places to stay in the Duomo area. 

This is Florence’s historic heart, and has a range of accommodation types for pretty much every budget, though slightly weighted to higher-end options.

Accommodation in the Uffizi area is also ideal for art and culture lovers.

Find out more about the best areas to stay in Florence.

Day 4: Explore Florence

Day four of our best 10-day Italy itinerary is devoted to uncovering Florence. 

Things to do

Here’s a run-down of the attractions I decided to focus on in Florence. We suggest making the effort to get up early to bypass the biggest crowds, especially if you plan to visit its best museums, which we heartily recommend you do.

Start your day at the Duomo

Officially called Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s cathedral is the city’s defining landmark, partly thanks to the fact that its huge red dome can be seen from pretty much anywhere in town. 

For a view that'll make you forget the effort it took to access, climb the 463 steps to the top of the iconic dome.

Editor’s tip: if you find yourself short on time, skip the climb and instead soak up the cathedral’s stunning marble facade from the piazza — it’s pretty special from every angle.

Be dazzled by Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery

Another of Florence’s icons awaits on the next stop of the day — Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David.

Over thirteen-foot-tall — with a gaze that really does feel alive — David lives up to his remarkable reputation.

On a practical note, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the Duomo to Accademia, and you’ll want to book tickets in advance to avoid the long line. 

Uncover Renaissance art in the incomparable Uffizi

More incredible art is in store at the Uffizi Gallery, where Florence’s art legacy shines at its brightest.

The Uffizi is enormous, so it's best to pace yourself. Besides seeing masterpieces by Botticelli, da Vinci and Raphael, you won’t want to miss the chance to see lesser-known treasures. 

As before, be sure to book ahead — the Uffizi is always packed.

Explore Oltrarno

After exiting the Uffizi, you’re just steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge. 

Cross over to explore the Oltrarno neighborhood and find someplace pretty for lunch among its tangle of narrow streets, artisan workshops and cozy cafés. 

Head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a sublime sunset

End your day with a hike (or cab ride, if your legs are beginning to tire) up to Piazzale Michelangelo — a pretty hilltop square that offers a sweeping panoramic view of the city.

The sunset here is magic as the city turns golden before shifting to shades of pink and purple with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Arno River laid out below.

Yes, it’s touristy, but worth every second of your time.

Editor’s tip: if you fancying spend a little longer in this ravishingly romantic Renaissance city, here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Florence.

Day trips to Pisa or Siena

An alternate way to spend day four is to take a day trip from Florence.

Given that it’s very easy to get from Florence to Pisa — just an hour by train — many folks opt to take this trip to see its iconic leaning tower.

On arrival in Pisa, beyond seeing said tower, art lovers will want to visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, which houses sculptures and art from the cathedral complex.

Meanwhile, scenic Siena — one of my personal favorite places in Italy — is 1.5 hours away by train.

While Siena Cathedral showcases medieval majesty, it’s also easy to see why Piazza del Campo is oft hailed one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

Day 5: Travel from Florence to Cinque Terre

Day five will see you switch scenery to the captivating UNESCO-designated charms of the Cinque Terre — a clutch of five enchanting towns on the Italian Riviera.

Spoiler alert: taking the train is the most convenient way to get from Florence to the Cinque Terre.

Travel time: 2.5 hours

By car

It’ll take around 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to La Spezia, the main gateway to Cinque Terre. 

From La Spezia, you can either park and take the train into Cinque Terre or drive directly to one of the villages, though parking is extremely limited in the entire area.

By train 

Taking the train is hands-down the best way to reach Cinque Terre from Florence. It’ll take 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on connections and the village you're bound for.

Trains are frequent, and it only takes only 5-15 minutes to travel between each village.

By bus 

There are no direct buses between Florence and Cinque Terre. 

Instead, you could take a bus from Florence to La Spezia (about 2.5 hours) and then switch to the local Cinque Terre train line. 

Where to stay

Taken together, the five towns of the Cinque Terre ‑— Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore — present a stunning scene of cute harbors backed by candy-hued clifftop houses and medieval piazzas. 

But, given that the villages also have their own distinctive character, where you decide to stay in Cinque Terre will depend on other factors, like whether you want more of a vibrant fishing village vibe, or out-and-out remoteness.

For example, being the biggest and most developed of the villages, you’ll find a wider range of places to stay in Monterosso.

Looking for something more remote and romantic? Be sure to browse accommodation in Corniglia. 

Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of driving, staying in Riomaggiore offers the easiest road access.

Day 6: Explore the villages of Cinque Terre

Given that it only takes only 5-15 minutes to travel between each village by train, with planning, it's possible to see all five in a short visit.

Best villages to visit

Here’s an overview of what to expect of each village. Also note you can hike between them via a network of incredibly scenic trails. 

Monterosso

Located in a bay on the east of the Punta Mesco headland, Monterosso is the largest, most developed Cinque Terre village.

If you’ve come to hike, the scenic trail from Monterosso to Vernazza starts at the end of the promenade. 

Vernazza

Often hailed the prettiest Cinque Terre, Vernazza boasts a beautiful natural harbor and small sandy beach, with its Castello Doria offering breath-taking views over town, the sea and neighboring Monterosso and Corniglia.

It’s also the start-point for hikes along the Cinque Terre’s Blue Trail to Monterosso and Corniglia.

Corniglia 

Lying in the middle of the chain, Corniglia is the smallest and most remote of the five towns, and the starting point for a few fabulous hikes, including the steep forested route from Corniglia to Manarola.

It’s also a little trickier to reach, with access to the sea and station coming courtesy of the 382-step Lardarina staircase.

Manarola 

While there’s no beach here, the fishing village of Manarola is a wonderful place to swim, thanks to the natural pools along its coastline.

It’s also great place to take ferries to the other villages, and book boat excursions that stop off at grottos and scenic snorkeling spots.

Riomaggiore

As a result of its road link, Riomaggiore attracts the Cinque Terre’s biggest crowds.

Founded in the 8th century, here you can meander narrow walkways beneath the gaze of a grand 13th-century castle. 

Day 7: Travel from Cinque Terre to Verona

More romance awaits on day seven when you’ll transfer from the Cinque Terre to Verona. Here’s a breakdown of how to do exactly that.

Travel time: 4-5 hours

By train

Though traveling by train has a couple of stages, it’s very convenient, with a total travel time of 4-5 hours, depending on which Cinque Terre village you’re starting out from, and the route and connections you take.

First, take a local train from your Cinque Terre village to La Spezia Centrale. This will take 10–20 minutes, depending on the village you're coming from. 

From La Spezia Centrale, take a train to Verona Porta Nuova — the main station in Verona — via a transfer in Milan or Bologna.

Milan tends to be the fastest route, as high-speed trains run from here to Verona. 

Br car

While driving is likely to have a shorter journey time (3.5 hours) than traveling by train, parking is very limited in Verona.

On balance, unless you need your own wheels for a bigger trip around Italy, it's not worth renting a car for this journey.

By bus

While there isn’t a direct bus route between Cinque Terre and Verona, you could take a bus from La Spezia to Milan or Bologna, then transfer to a bus to Verona. 

Your travel time is likely to be over five hours, and involve at least one transfer.

Where to stay

When it comes to accommodation in Verona, most visitors head to Centro Storico. 

Definitely the best option for first-time visitors, it’s also ideal if you’re short on time and would benefit from being close to the main attractions and action.

That said, Verona is compact so, for something quieter, with family-friendly charm, see places to stay in San Zeno.

Day 8: Explore Verona

Famed for being the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is as rich in history as it is in romantic charm, as I was delighted to discover during my time in the city. 

In fact, I hadn’t expected to fall for Verona quite as hard as I did.

Things to do

Being compact, it was easy to cover a lot of ground in Verona in just one day, including seeing remarkable Roman ruins, majestic medieval architecture and Renaissance art. 

Visit the Verona Arena in Piazza Bra

A great place to start is in the city’s heart. Namely Piazza Bra, which is home to the Verona Arena, a huge Roman amphitheater that's one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in the world, and still in use today.

Potter around Piazza delle Erbe

Next, a 5-minute walk from Piazza Bra will take you to Piazza delle Erbe.

The oldest square in Verona, this has played host to the city’s main market since Roman times, with the medieval Torre dei Lamberti overlooking the action in the centre of the square. 

While here, you could grab an espresso, or stop by a stall to pick up a snack.

Visit Juliet’s House

Just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza delle Erbe, Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) is supposedly the inspiration for Shakespeare’s famous heroine’s residence — a medieval building, replete with a balcony and statue of Juliet.

While the connection with the bard is more legend than fact — and it’s undeniably touristy — you kind-of just have to see it.

Lunch in Oltrarno before exploring Castelvecchio

Located across the river, with a relaxed, local vibe, Oltrarno is a lovely place to eat lunch before strolling along the Adige River to Castelvecchio.

This mighty medieval fortress now houses an excellent collection of medieval and Renaissance art.

Sun set at Piazzale Castel San Pietro and dining in Centro Storico

For unforgettable views of the city as the sun dips low, take the short climb up to Piazzale Castel San Pietro before heading back down to Verona’s Centro Storico for dinner. 

Editor’s tip: I especially loved my pandoro pudding — a Veronese sweet bread (rather like panettone) dusted with powdered sugar, and best served with a big dollop of mascarpone.

Day 9: Travel from Verona to Venice

In line with a theme of this feature, trains are easily the most convenient way to travel between Verona and Venice, though you could drive or take a bus. 

Travel time: just over an hour

By train 

Fast, comfortable high-speed trains can take you from the center of Verona to Santa Lucia station on Venice's Grand Canal in around one hour and ten minutes. 

If you find yourself on a slower local train, it will take 1.5-2 hours. 

By car

While driving is an option, and only takes around 1.5 hours, it’s less convenient than the train —  cars aren’t allowed in the center of Venice.

By bus

If you're on a tight budget, FlixBus operates affordable direct buses from Verona to Venice. 

The journey typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, and ticket prices start from around from €5.

Where to stay

If you want to be near tons of top attractions — including St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the grand Doge's Palace) — check out places to stay around Piazza San Marco.

Just be aware that accommodation in this area of Venice tends to be of the pricier variety.

I also really rate accommodation in Dorsoduro as a great option for art lovers — you’ll be close to the Accademia Gallery and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Editors tip: read more on where to stay in Venice.

Day 10: Explore Venice

With just one full day in Venice, you’ll want to plan your itinerary wisely, focussing on what you most want to see, following a route that will enable you to max out your time. 

Things to do

One of the joys of Venice is simply wandering its secret alleyways, criss-crossing charming bridges, and soaking up life on the canals. 

So, here’s a one-day itinerary that allows you to do exactly that, while also enabling you to see the city’s essential attractions. 

While it’s unlikely you’ll have time to pack in all the best things to do in Venice, you can certainly enjoy a rewarding range of unforgettable experiences. 

Start out in St Mark’s Square 

Begin your day in Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, which also happens to be home to the city’s most iconic landmarks.

St Mark’s Basilica is a good place to start. While it’s free to enter this Byzantine masterpiece of mosaics and golden domes, we suggest paying the small fee to access the museum and terrace, the latter of which offers splendid views over the square.

Right next door is the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) — a stunning Gothic palace that once housed Venice’s rulers. Today it's best visited after pre-booking skip-the-line tickets.

Editor’s tip: to snap an iconic shot of Venice, head up Campanile di San Marco. It’s just a short elevator ride to the top of the bell tower.

Meander Rialto Market

From St Mark’s Square, stroll to the Rialto Bridge — one of Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridges. 

Cross the bridge for a cool view of the Grand Canal before checking out the shops along the bridge and continuing to the lively Rialto Market to pick up lunch.

Take a vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal

After lunch, hop on a vaporetto (water bus) for a scenic ride along the Grand Canal. 

This is a cheaper alternative to a gondola ride, and still gives you a classic Venice-on-the-water experience.

Editor’s tip: Line 1 is a great option as it stops at multiple points along the canal, so you can get a full view of Venice’s beautiful palaces and bridges. Try to find a spot near the front for the best views.

Visit world-class art galleries

For a fine fix of modern art, head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in the Dorsoduro district.

Or, if you’re more interested in classical Italian art, visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

See the sun set at the Accademia Bridge 

For sensational views of Venice at sunset, make your way to the Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia) — one of the most photographed spots in Venice for very good reason.

Editor’s tip: if you have spare time — and spare budget — consider taking an evening gondola ride. The crowds won’t be nearly as crazy as they are earlier in the day.

How to visit Italy in 10 days

Read on for detail on a few practical matters that’ll help you enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Italy.

When to visit Italy

In our experience, the best time to visit Italy is in spring or early autumn i.e. just before the peak period summer period (July and August), or just after it.

During the summer high season, the weather is intensely hot in pretty much every area of Italy, with huge visitor numbers adding to that intensity.

Conversely, visiting in the shoulder-season spring months of April and May means the weather will generally be warm and sunny — ideal for exploring cities, walking on the wilder side in the countryside, and early beach breaks — before the over-congestion of summer strikes.

I also personally rate visiting Italy in early October — the colors are gloriously golden, and the attractions are gloriously less crowded!

How to get around Italy

Here's an overview of how to get around Italy.

By train

Italy’s extensive train network is often the most convenient way to travel between cities and towns, with high-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo connecting major cities in just a few hours, and regional trains covering smaller towns. 

By bus

Offering affordable travel across Italy — and reaching smaller towns and villages that aren’t served by the train network — long-distance bus routes run by FlixBus and Itabus will be of interest to travelers on a tight budget.

By car 

While renting a car certainly offers flexibility — important if you’re looking to cover a lot of ground on a longer trip, or plan to explore rural areas — bear in mind that traffic in cities can be challenging, and parking can be limited. 

By plane

Alitalia and budget airlines like Ryanair operate speedy routes that connect cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Palermo. 

While you’ll save time on longer flight routes (such as flying from Rome to Sicily), as airports tend to be outside city centers, when you factor in traveling to and from airports — and checking-in — the train might work out better.

Cost of a 10-day trip

While the cost of a 10-day trip to Italy will very much depend on your travel style, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for a mid-range experience.

• Accommodation: expect to pay $100–$150 night to stay in mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
• Food: it’ll set you back around $15–$30 per meal to dine in decent local restaurants. 
• Activities: across your ten-day trip, allow $150–$200 to cover entrance fees and a couple of tours.
• Transport: if you’re traveling within a city using local buses and the metro, expect to pay $50–$100 across your 10-day trip. High-speed train tickets between cities like Rome, Florence and Venice will set you back $30–$50 each way. 

Bearing all that in mind, you could be looking at a budget of $1700-$3000.

Do you need a visa?

Good news — if you’re staying in Italy for less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa. Just check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

You may also be asked to show proof of return or onward travel.

Is 10 days enough?

As revealed by this itinerary, having ten days in Italy can enable you to see tons of iconic sights. In this case, from Rome to Venice via Florence, the Cinque Terre and Verona.

Whether you feel it's enough time is likely to depend on how deep the country gets under your skin.

As you plan your trip, it’s a question of deciding how much ground you want to cover versus the joys of spending longer in each of your chosen destinations. 

While some of us long to see as many different places as possible in a given timeframe, others prefer to travel slower, and more immersively. If that sounds like you, try to extend your stay to 14 days. 

Conversely, if you’re really short on time, we’ve also devised a rewarding 7-day Italy itinerary.

Italy in 7 days

If you have seven days in Italy, you could, of course, decide to devote your entire week to one location, maybe taking a few day trips from your base.

For example, Tivoli, Ostia and the Tuscan Hills are among the best day trips from Rome, while Pisa, Verona, Siena and Bologna can all be easily visited from Florence.

Alternatively, follow our unforgettable one-week itinerary in Italy for first-timers to discover Rome, Florence, Venice (and more) during a single vacation.

Italy in 14 days

Having 14 days in Italy makes matters easier and trickier at the same time i.e. while having more time means opportunities for more experiences, you might be hard pressed to decide how to focus your trip.

My personal choice would be to start in Rome and then head south to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Naples is a wonderful base for visiting Vesuvius, Pompeii and scenic Sorrento, and to take trips to idyllic islands — Ischia was my favorite, closely followed by Capri.

You’ll also have time to experience Naples’ more unusual side, and to eat very well in the city that claims to have invented pizza.

Putting my Naples bias aside, another great option is to focus your 14 days on a Grand Tour of northern Italy that covers Venice, the Cinque Terre, Milan and Florence.

For more itinerary ideas — and to be freed from the hassle of planning and booking — browse our customizable Italy itineraries.