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. 

10 days in Italy overview

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

Is 10 days enough for Italy?

Ten days gives you a bit more breathing room. You can travel between three regions at a steady pace. One classic route is Venice, Florence, and Rome, with a countryside stop in between. Or head south to explore Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and a few small towns. You’ll have time for both big sights and slower days, whether that’s a long lunch or a day trip into the hills. Here’s how your Italy trip might look, based on your travel time:

*Indicative price per person for a fully arranged tailor-made trip.

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…

Things to do in Rome

There are plenty of things you could do in Rome during your Italy itinerary, but here's a quick selection: 

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 marvelous illuminated at night.

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.

Where to stay in Rome

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.

• Centro Storico: The heart of Rome, home to landmarks like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori. Perfect if you want to be surrounded by history and walk to most major sights.
• Trastevere: A charming, bohemian district across the river with cobbled streets, trattorias, and bars. Ideal for those who want a lively, authentic Roman atmosphere.
• Monti: A trendy neighborhood near the Colosseum, known for its vintage shops, cafés, and relaxed vibe. Great for travelers who want central access without the crowds.
• Prati: Close to the Vatican, this elegant area has wide boulevards, boutique hotels, and local restaurants. Perfect for a quieter, more refined stay.

Day 2: 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 focused 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. 

Looking for a travel plan you can rely on? Our local travel experts create itineraries around your style.

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. 

Things to do in Florence

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 of Florence, which we heartily recommend you do.

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.

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. 

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. 

Where to stay in Florence

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

• Duomo: The most central area, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be near Florence’s main landmarks like the cathedral, Piazza della Repubblica, and top museums.
• Santa Croce: A lively neighborhood known for its artisan workshops, local trattorias, and nightlife. Great for those who want culture and character in equal measure.
• Oltrarno: Across the Arno River, this creative district feels more local and relaxed, filled with craft studios, hidden courtyards, and authentic eateries.
• Santa Maria Novella: Convenient for train travelers, this area has a mix of mid-range and upscale hotels, plus easy access to both the city center and day trips beyond.

Day 4: Florence

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

Things to do in Florence on your second day

You could stay in Florence for weeks and never get to see all of the museums alone!  If you fancy spending a little longer in this ravishingly romantic Renaissance city, here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Florence.

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.

Or take a day trip

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

Travel time: 2.5 hours

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.

Things to do in Cinque Terre on your first day

All five of the villages are close (you could even walk!) but we recommend you linger in a few each day and take the area in slowly.

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 a 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 6: 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.

Things to do in Cinque Terre on your second day

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 as the prettiest of the Cinque Terre, Vernazza boasts a beautiful natural harbor and small sandy beach, with its Castello Doria offering breathtaking views over town, the sea and neighboring Monterosso and Corniglia.

It’s also the starting 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.

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

Things to do in Verona

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.

Where to stay in Verona

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.

• Città Antica: The historic center of Verona, home to the Arena, Juliet’s House, and picturesque piazzas. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the city’s main sights.
• San Zeno: A quieter, residential area west of the center known for its beautiful basilica and authentic local feel. Ideal for travelers seeking a calmer base within walking distance of the sights.
• Veronetta: Across the Adige River, this youthful, artsy district has a bohemian energy with affordable stays, street art, and plenty of cafés and bars. Great for a more laid-back experience.

Day 8: 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 in Verona on your second day

There is plenty to do in Verona, and it's worth spending another day here.

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

Travel time: just over an hour

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. 

Things to do in Venice

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. 

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.

Where to stay in Venice

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. Read more on where to stay in Venice.

• San Marco: The most central area, home to St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and Venice’s top landmarks. Ideal if you’re visiting for a short time and want everything within walking distance.
• Dorsoduro: Artistic and relaxed, with galleries like the Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection nearby. Great for travelers who want culture and a quieter atmosphere.
• Cannaregio: A more local, residential district with canalside restaurants and easy access to the train station. Perfect if you want authenticity and convenience.
• Castello: East of San Marco, this area combines calm, open spaces with proximity to major sights. A good choice for a balanced, less touristy stay.

Day 10: Venice

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

Things to do in Venice on your second day

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. 

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 sunsetat 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 a spare budget — consider taking an evening gondola ride. The crowds won’t be nearly as crazy as they are earlier in the day.

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