What do you think of when you hear Italy? Do you imagine picturesque villages perched on hillsides, rolling vineyards, and azure seas? If so, then you’re not alone. Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for a reason: it has everything. From the ancient ruins of Rome and Pompeii to the trendy cafes of Florence and Naples, there’s something for everyone in Italy. From Rome to Florence, we will outline a perfect 10-day Italy itinerary that will allow first-time visitors to experience all the best that Italy has to offer!
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The Best Italy 10 Day Itinerary
So you are planning an Italy trip? Whether you are looking to plan a trip to Italy for 10 days or less, well, you have come to the right place. Italy is one of the most coveted places for travelers all over the world to visit. There are a lot of things you can see during this 10-day Italy itinerary.
Italy was actually one of the first countries that I wanted to cross off my bucket list and I was so happy to do it. What makes Italy great is that it is the perfect country for a first-time traveler and for your first time in Europe. Furthermore, most people love Italian food making it a great place to enjoy delicious eats, culture, and beauty all in one. This was my Italian trip and detailed 10-day Italian itinerary.
Are you planning a honeymoon in Italy? Read about this detailed Italy Honeymoon Itinerary.
TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
how to decide where to go in Italy
Well, this truly depends on you, you can research a ton of cities or you can follow this can-do Itinerary that I have actually done. It depends on the type of traveler you are. I like to see as many things as possible during the time I am allowed to. I work full time, so making the time to travel sometimes is difficult. This is the best way to tour Italy in 10 days and visits all of the top tourist destinations within Italy making it easy for you. However, these 10 days in Italy can be adjusted to your own schedule and if you want to add or subtract some things.
If you are looking for less-traveled destinations, be sure to read this guide on hidden gems in Europe.
How to get around Italy in 10 Days
Italy is a great country to travel to by car. In fact, I would highly recommend renting a car during your stay. This is the best way to see all of Italy as you can stop and explore wherever and whenever you want. Italy has an excellent highway system that makes it easy to get from city to city.
If you are not comfortable driving in Italy, don’t worry, there are also many other options for getting around Italy including trains, buses, and planes. Taking the train can be the easiest way to get around and the public transportation in Italy is one of the best.
Many of the major cities have buses, taxis, subways, and trains. The trains are more for long distances between the major cities, you can read more about how to save money with this travel by train guide.
However, if you travel to areas from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, your best bet would be to rent a car, hire a driver, or take a bus. In some places renting a car around Italy is the only option including a road trip to Puglia. This will be the best way to not waste time on your Italy 10-Day Itinerary.
Nevertheless, waiting for the bus will waste some of your time because of how slow it is. During the peak season for traveling, you may need to wait for several buses because the buses will fill up quickly. You can also do a Hop on and off bus tour as well, which is a great way to save money.
Major Cities in Italy
- Rome
- Milan
- Naples
- Florence
- Turin
- Palermo
- Genoa
- Bologna
- Bari
- Catalina
Tours within Italy
Taking tours in Italy is a great way to see all the top tourist destinations in a short amount of time. Italy has a wealth of history and culture, and by taking tours, you will be able to experience all that the country has to offer. Tours are also a great way to meet new people and make friends. If you are traveling solo, I highly recommend taking some tours during your trip. You will not regret it!
Here are some of the ones I recommend and suggest you try:
Where you will visit in 10 Days in Italy
- DAY 1: ROME
- DAY 2: ROME
- DAY 3: ROME TO NAPLES
- DAY 4: AMALFI COAST AND POSITANO
- DAY 5: NAPLES TO PISA TO FLORENCE
- DAY 6: FLORENCE
- DAY 7: CINQUE TERRE
- DAY 8: VENICE
- DAY 9: LIDO BEACH
- DAY 10: MILAN
Be sure to check out this guide on the best places to visit in Italy.
Places to visit for 10 days in Italy
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 1 | Rome
You’ll more than likely arrive in Rome a day before this. Rome is one of Italy’s most iconic and renowned cities. It is rich in history and culture, making it a must-see destination for any traveler. The city is full of ancient ruins and historical landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Rome is also home to some of Italy’s best food and wine, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal. 2 days in Rome is sufficient enough and if you want, you can add an extra day.
Rome was probably one of my favorite locations to be in. I loved seeing all the history on every street you walked on. When visiting Rome for the first time, there are definitely some sights that you don’t want to miss. On your first day in the city, be sure to check out the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and the Roman Forum.
These are some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and are a must-see for any traveler. The Colosseum is an ancient Roman amphitheater that is now a popular tourist attraction. Piazza Navona is a beautiful square in Rome that is home to some of the city’s most famous architecture, such as the Baroque Fountain of Neptune. The Roman Forum is an archaeological site that once served as the center of Roman life. It is now a popular tourist attraction for its ancient ruins. Book your tickets in advance for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Public transportation in Rome is excellent and easy to use. I recommend getting a Roma Pass, which allows you unlimited access to the city’s public transportation system, as well as free admission to some of Rome’s most popular attractions. If you don’t like the typical tourist spots, be sure to check out the non-touristy parts of Rome.
Additionally, Italy is also known for its coffee. Be sure to enjoy some cappuccinos, and lattes and learn more about how to order coffee in Italy.
Rome PRO TIP #1: You’ll want to stay in the city center to maximize the time you have to travel here. Staying in the city center will ensure that you can see most of the sites within this fast-paced travel itinerary.
RELATED: Trastevere Food Guide
Recommended things to do in Rome
- Colosseum (I recommend getting the audio tour or download Rick Steve’s Audio Tour)
- Roma Forum and Palatine Hill
- Mouth of Truth
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps (We ended up going the next day)
- Dinner/Gelato/Roam Around and Take in the Beautiful City
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 2 | Vatican City & Rome
The Vatican City is a small independent state located within Rome. It is the smallest country in the world, with a population of fewer than 1,000 people. The Vatican City is home to the Catholic Church and some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican City is a popular tourist destination for its religious and historical significance.
The Vatican City was established as an independent state in 1929 by Italy’s Lateran Treaty. The treaty recognized Vatican City as an independent state and granted it sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction over the tiny city-state. The Vatican City is home to the Catholic Church and is the spiritual center of the church. The Vatican City is also home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Bramante’s St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican City is a popular tourist destination for its religious and historical significance.
The Vatican museums should be added to your Italy Bucket List. There is so much to see and it feels like a whirlwind even though it takes up a good chunk of the day. Visiting the Vatican can be overwhelming so I suggest taking a guided tour of the Vatican museums. They are essential to get through and avoid the lines. Be sure to show up to your guided tour on time or you’ll possibly miss out and be forced to wait in a long line. I also suggest you get your guided tour early in the morning.
If you still have time, I suggest you take a cooking class in Rome, you can read more about the 10 best cooking classes in Rome to decide which is best for you!
Recommended things to do in Rome
- The Vatican City Tour
- Spanish Steps
- Drink a Cappuccino (FYI the Cappuccino was invented in Italy)
- Shopping
- Pizza Della Repubblica
READ: 3 Days Rome Itinerary
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 3 | Naples
Naples is a city in Italy that is known for its pizza. Naples is thought to be the birthplace of pizza and the city is home to some of the world’s best pizza restaurants. The pizza in Naples is known for its thin crust and Margherita sauce, which is made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
The first pizzeria in Naples was opened in 1734 by Antonio Starita. Starita’s pizzeria was located near the port of Naples and was popular with sailors and fishermen. The pizzeria served pizza made with a simple dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. In 1889, Raffaele Esposito, an Italian chef, created the now-famous Margherita pizza for Queen Margherita of Italy. The Margherita pizza is made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese and is named after the queen because of its colors (red, white, and green), which are the colors of the Italian flag.
Today, Naples is home to some of the world’s best pizza restaurants. Some of the most famous pizzerias in Naples include Da Michele, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Pizzeria Brandi, and La Notizia. These pizzerias are all located in Naples’ historic center and are popular with locals and tourists alike. Be sure to try a Neapolitan-style pizza while you’re in Naples! Whether you plan on 10 days in Italy Itinerary or 7 days in Italy Itinerary, I recommend visiting if you travel for food.
To get to Naples from Rome, you’ll take the train. Book your train tickets here.
Recommended things to do in Naples
- Eat Pizza
- Eat Gelato
- Hike Mount Vesuvius
- Visit Gaiola Island
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 4 | Amalfi Coast and Positano
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline on the southern coast of Italy that is known for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages, and stunning sea views. The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of towns and villages, including Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. The Amalfi Coast was first developed as a tourist destination in the 1950s and is now one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Amalfi Coast is known for its dramatic cliffs, which rise up to 1,000 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. The cliffs are comprised of limestone and are popular with hikers and climbers. The cliffs are also home to a number of villages, including Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. These villages are known for their picturesque architecture and stunning sea views. The Amalfi Coast is also known for its crystal-clear water and beaches, which are popular with sunbathers and swimmers. There are so many cute little Amalfi coast towns and villages you should visit.
The Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination for its picturesque villages, stunning sea views, and crystal-clear water. Be sure to add the Amalfi Coast to your Italy Bucket List! It can easily be added as a day trip from Naples either by bus or renting a driver for the day or if you are brave enough, consider doing an Italian road trip.
If you want to extend your trip to Amalfi, be sure to read this Amalfi 4 Day Itinerary.
READ: Things to do in Amalfi Coast
If you have more time to spend in Italy, I highly suggest you go down further south to Sicily. Be sure to read more about things to see and do in Catania, Sicily.
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 5 | Naples to Pisa to Florence
Pisa is a city in Italy that is known for its leaning tower. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a tower that is part of the Pisa Cathedral and is known for its tilt. The tower began to lean during construction in 1173 due to a weak foundation and has since become a popular tourist destination.
Pisa was first settled in the 10th century BC and was later conquered by the Romans in 220 BC. The city rose to prominence in the 12th century as a maritime power and was home to a number of notable artists and thinkers, including Galileo Galilei. The Leaning Tower of Pisa began construction in 1173 and was completed in 1372. The tower was originally built as part of the Pisa Cathedral but has since become a popular tourist destination and most people take a day trip to see the leaning tower of Pisa.
PRO TIP #1: When you leave the train station, do your best to grab a taxi because the line for the bus there and back can be quite long and difficult to get. You can easily use Uber that way you can save on time and just see the important sites in the area.
PRO TIP #2: Be sure to pack some locks on your trip so that you can lock up your luggage when traveling in between. There are a lot of pickpocketers in and around Pisa so be sure to have all your bags on you locked up including your purse.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations and is known for its tilt. You’ll essentially will take a day trip to Pisa since this is one of the main attractions and a short stop in between. Be sure to add Pisa to your Italy itinerary if you’re looking for a unique stop on your trip!
To get to Pisa, you’ll head to the train station and take the train to Pisa. Once you arrive take a taxi or bus to the leaning tower of Pisa during your 10 day Italy itinerary.
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 6 | Florence
Florence is a city in Italy that is known for its Renaissance architecture and art. The city was first settled in 59 BC by the Romans and was later taken over by the Florentines in the late Middle Ages. The city rose to prominence in the 15th century as a center of art and culture and was home to a number of notable artists and thinkers, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
Florence is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the Florence Cathedral, which is known for its dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the Palazzo Vecchio, which is known for its tower. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Uffizi Gallery, which is one of Italy’s most famous art museums.
Florence is known for its Renaissance architecture and art and is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the Florence Cathedral and Palazzo Vecchio. Be sure to add Florence to your Italy itinerary if you’re looking for a city with rich history and culture!
If you are traveling with kids, be sure to read this detailed guide to 3 days in Florence with kids.
Furthermore, this city is a great location to get souvenirs and art. If you love skincare, this is also one of the best places to get skincare and perfumes at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It is known to be the oldest perfume shop and the architecture of the building is also very beautiful.
If you are planning to choose between Florence and Venice, I recommend Florence over Venice, but don’t worry this itinerary includes both Florence and Venice.
To get to Florence, you’ll take the train from Pisa to Florence.
RELATED: 75 Things to do in Florence
Recommended things to do in Florence
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 7 | Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a region of Italy that is known for its five villages, which are located along the coast. The villages are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The Cinque Terre was first settled in the 10th century and was later taken over by the Genovese in the 12th century. The villages rose to prominence in the 16th century as a maritime power and were home to a number of notable artists and thinkers, including Giovanni da Verrazzano.
The Cinque Terre is a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque villages and stunning coastal views. The villages are also known for their wine and Ligurian cuisine, which is characterized by its use of fresh seafood and herbs. This can be overwhelming to do in one day, so I would suggest you pick one or two areas you would like to explore when visiting for your Italy 10 day Itinerary.
Cinque Terre is probably one of the most Instagrammable places in Italy and is highly recommended to visit. If you want to know how to spend one day in Cinque Terre or things to do in Cinque Terre, be sure you check out Cinque Terre, Italy – All you need to know before visiting.
If you want to skip the Cinque Terre, you can easily go from Florence to Venice by train. I would recommend spending more than one day here, but if you are limited on time, choose one of the cities in Cinque Terre – I recommend checking out the Vernazza and reading more about the best Tips for traveling to Cinque Terre. Be sure to start your day early in the morning to get the most of traveling around this beautiful part of Italy.
If you are only looking for an Italy Itinerary 7 Days, you can stop your trip here and head to Venice or Milan to leave back home or continue the 10 days in Italy.
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 8 & 9 | Venice & Burano or Lido Island
Venice is a city in Italy that is known for its canals and bridges. The city was founded in the 5th century and rose to prominence in the 8th century as a center of trade. Venice is also known for its art and architecture and is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the Basilica di San Marco, which is known for its gold mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, which is known for its gilded ceilings.
Venice is also a popular tourist destination because of its canals and bridges. You can easily get lost in Venice. The city is often referred to as the “City of Water” because of its canals and there are a number of bridges that cross them, including the Rialto Bridge. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is known for its modern art.
Venice is known for its art and architecture and is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace.
Venice PRO TIP #1: The water bus gets extremely crowded during the high travel season. During your 10-day itinerary for Italy, I suggest you do more walking rather than taking the quicker routes as taking the taxis and buses can become expensive.
Venice PRO TIP #2: This area has tons of small walkways and bridges that run over the rivers which can get flooded during the fall to winter months.
Venice PRO TIP #3: Save money by skipping the Gondola rides. They are very overpriced and only cater to tourists.
Additionally, if you do plan a visit and are looking to spend one day in Venice I suggest you read 24-hours in Venice.
Recommended things to do in Venice
RELATED: Evenings in Venice
If you are looking for an alternative to Venice, I would recommend visiting Burano. The island is much smaller and less crowded than Venice and is known for its lace-making tradition and brightly colored houses. Additionally, there are a number of restaurants and shops on the island that sell traditional Venetian lace and other souvenirs.
Burano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy, known for its lace-making industry. The lace-making tradition first started on the island in the 16th century and continues to this day. The island is also known for its brightly colored houses, which are a contrast to the dark colors of most of the other buildings in Venice.
Burano is a popular tourist destination because of its lace-making tradition and brightly colored houses. The island is also home to a number of restaurants and shops, which sell traditional Venetian lace and other souvenirs.
Recommended things to do in Burano
- See the brightly colored houses
- Learn about the island’s lace-making tradition
- Eat at a local restaurant
- Shop for Venetian souvenirs
Italy 10 Day Itinerary Day 10 | Milan
Milan is a city in Italy that is known for its fashion and design. The city is home to a number of fashion houses, including Versace, Armani, and Prada, and is often referred to as the “fashion capital of the world.” Milan is also home to a number of museums, including the Pinacoteca di Brera, which is known for its art, and the Museo del Duomo, which is known for its cathedral.
Milan is known for its fashion and design and is home to a number of fashion houses, including Versace, Armani, and Prada. It’s a great location to end on a shopping spree or to just head off the airport and fly back home.
RELATED: Hiking in Northern Italy
Recommended things to do in Milan
- Milan Cathedral
- Sforza Castle
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Royal Palace of Milan
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Shopping
Looking to extend your trip? Take a trip to Val di Non.
Want to extend your trip in Italy? Add these Italy bucket list locations
- Lake Como
- Dolomites
- Siena
- Tuscany
- Pompeii
- Rimini
- Puglia
- Lucca
- Chianti
- Sardinia
- Lake Maggiore
RELATED: Northern Italy Itinerary
10 Days in Italy FAQs
How Many Days Do I Need To See Italy?
You will need at least 10 days to see Italy. However, if you want to visit more than one city, I suggest allocating two or three days per city. This will give you enough time to explore and see the major attractions. 10 Days in Italy gives you enough time to see most of the popular sites as a first-timer.
Is 10 days enough in Italy?
10 days in Italy is plenty of time, however, if you throw your coin into the Trevi fountain, myth has it you will return to Italy. 10 Days gives you plenty of time to see all the major sites, but this is truly up to you and how you want to spend your vacation.
The Best Time To Visit Italy?
The best time to visit Italy is from April to June. These months are not considered hot and will have more manageable and comfortable weather to walk around in. These months will be less likely to be filled with tourists but filled with more locals making it a better time to take a tour of Italy. However, it does not mean that tourists will be completely obsolete, just less than their busier months from the middle of June through August.
What Should I Pack For Italy?
I suggest packing light, comfortable clothing, and good walking shoes. Italy can be quite warm in the summer, so pack accordingly. There are a lot of cobblestones in Italy, so you have to be prepared for the pain that may cause and the strength of your shoes. If you want to know what to pack for your trip to Italy, check out this comprehensive Italy packing list.
What’s The Cheapest Way To Get To Italy?
The cheapest way to get to Italy is by flying. The average price for a round-trip flight to Italy from the United States is around $550. However, prices can vary depending on the time of year and the airport you are departing from. These prices are always changing and could increase as the cost of fuel and tourism rises.
What tips do you have for first-timers traveling to Italy?
A tip I want to give you is to travel with an open mind. There will be travelers wherever you go in Europe and sometimes the overwhelming amount of people can make your head spin especially if you are an introvert like myself. Just go with the flow. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a break, and just enjoy some food, drink wine or water, and relax. Your Italy 10 Day Itinerary does not always have to be filled with something to do.
If you want tips for traveling as a couple, check out this guide to Italy for Couples.
What is the Language in Italy?
The language, of course, is Italian, but most people speak English unless you decide to go into less touristy areas or further into the country.
What is the Form of Currency in Italy?
Italy uses Euros as its form of currency.
How Do I Plan A 10 Day Trip To Italy?
To plan a 10-day trip to Italy, you’ll need to decide which cities you want to visit and map out each city’s attractions. Italy is a large country, so make sure you allow enough time to explore each city. You’ll also need to factor in travel time between cities.
You can book flights, hotels, and car rentals through online travel agencies like Expedia or Orbitz. I also suggest using TripAdvisor to read hotel reviews and find the best restaurants in each city.
Another great resource is Rick Steves’ Italy guidebook. He provides detailed information on each city and what attractions are worth visiting.
If you’re looking for a more guided tour of Italy, I suggest checking out Gate 1 Travel or Trafalgar Tours. They offer escorted tours with local experts who will show you the best of Italy.
Finally, don’t forget your passport and visa (if required) for your Italy 10 day Itinerary.
How Much Is A Trip To Italy Going To Cost?
A 10 day Italy Itinerary will typically cost around $1,500 per person depending on the types of things you want to do and the type of traveler you are. This price will cover your airfare, hotel accommodations, and some meals. However, the cost of your trip will vary depending on the time of year you travel and the type of accommodations you choose and things you want to see and do in Italy.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, I suggest staying in a hostel. You can also cook some of your own meals instead of eating out every night.
How to save money for an Italy itinerary 10 days
Italy is a popular tourist destination, and as a result, it can be expensive. However, there are ways to save money while traveling in Italy. Here are some tips:
- Stay in hostels or Airbnbs: This will be cheaper than staying in hotels for your Italy 10 day Itinerary
- Pack your own food: There are many markets where you can buy food to pack with you.
- Avoid eating at restaurants: Eating at restaurants can be expensive. Instead, try cooking your own food or eating at local cafes.
- Walk as much as possible: This will help you save on transportation costs.
- Bring your own water bottle and use the free water fountains that are very common, especially in Rome. Download the drinking fountain app and you will find areas all over Rome that will provide you with free water to refill your water bottle.
- For 10 days in Italy, find free things to do in Rome – Ex. If you visit Rome on the last Sunday of the month, the Colosseum, Roma Forum, and Palatine Hill, and the Mouth of Truth are free.
Where Are The Best Places To Visit In Italy?
There are many great places to visit in Italy, but some of the most popular cities include Rome, Florence, and Venice. These cities are all rich in history and culture and offer plenty of attractions and things to do. Other great places to visit in Italy include Naples, Perugia, Siena, and Cinque Terre.
That is the finale of my 10 day Italy Itinerary. How do you plan to spend 10 days in Italy?
If you liked my post on my Italy 10 Day Itinerary, check out my FREE Printable Guide to Rome!
