10 Days in Italy: Classic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Do you have just 10 days in Italy and are wondering where to go and what to see? This is where I can help you.
To make your planning easier, I’m sharing my classic 10-day Italy itinerary that covers the must-see cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. It’s perfect if you are a first-time visitor.
Ten days is just enough time to experience the best of Italy at a comfortable pace, and my itinerary intentionally focuses on a select few cities and regions. Italy is meant to be savoured, not rushed through like a checklist of sights.
Plus, since you’ll be travelling through Italy by train, there’s no need to worry about renting a car or dealing with parking—unless you choose to.
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How I Created This 10-Day Italy Itinerary
This itinerary is deeply rooted in my own travel experiences. I’ve journeyed extensively across Italy on multiple occasions, visiting each of these destinations, some many times over.
These travels have allowed me to craft an itinerary that maximises your time in each location without leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Since I rely on public transport for all my travels in Italy, I have first-hand knowledge of the best ways to get from A to B.
I’m a big advocate of the hub-and-spoke approach to travel. Changing hotels every night or two is stressful and eats into your valuable vacation time.
Instead, I’ve selected well-connected hubs that are well-placed for exploring the surrounding regions. For instance, Florence is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany by train, while Venice offers easy day trips to Verona and Padua.
This point-to-point itinerary takes you from Venice to Rome. Both cities have major international airports, making travel convenient. Of course, you can easily reverse the direction if that suits you better.
Above all, this is a realistic itinerary. You can’t fully “do” Florence, Rome, or Venice in just a few days—nor should you try. I always plan with the expectation that I’ll return, and usually do.
With that in mind, I’ve ensured that each stop allows enough time to experience the highlights, though there will always be a museum or landmark left to explore next time.
Tips for Using This Itinerary
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A Suggested Itinerary for 10 Days in Italy
This 10-day itinerary includes Italy’s most iconic cities—Venice, Florence, and Rome—and is the perfect trip for first-time visitors.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN VENICE
Venice’s Marco Polo Airport is located six miles north of the city. The most budget-friendly way to reach the historic centre is on the fast and frequent airport bus to Piazzale Roma, conveniently near Venezia Santa Lucia train station.
There are also the Alilaguna airport boats, land taxis with fixed fares to Piazzale Roma, and water taxis, although these tend to be pricier.
DAY 2 & 3: VENICE
Although you can hit the highlights of Venice in a busy day, I recommend taking it slower, exploring the city’s back canals and maybe taking a vaporetto to Burano or Murano. To give you a head start, I’ve written this two-day Venice itinerary and shared my top Venice tips.
But if you are itching to experience another city, some of Italy’s finest are within an easy train journey.
The Best of Venice
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) – Once called ‘Europe’s finest drawing room’ by Napoleon, St. Mark’s Square is now filled with tourists and pigeons, and lined by elegant cafés serving notoriously overpriced cappuccini.
Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica) – The sacred heart of the Venetian Republic is a stunning riot of intricate domes, columns and statues. Inside, the basilica dazzles with gold mosaics and shimmering coloured marble.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) – Built as a testament to the power of the Venetian Republic, this architectural masterpiece was the political heart of Europe for over 400 years.
A gondola ride – This iconic Italian experience has inspired countless poems and sayings about Venice. Official fares are set, and as of December 2025, a 30-minute gondola ride costs 90 euros (110 euros after 7 p.m.).
A vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal – Save your travel budget and cruise the Grand Canal on a vaporetto. Passing piazzas, palaces, bridges and churches, Vaporetto #1 is one of the most scenic boat rides in the world.
Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) – One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, the Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prison cells.
Galleria dell’Accademia – The Accademia is a treasure trove of art, featuring masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, Canaletto and Veronese.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) – Completed in 1591, the iconic Rialto Bridge marks the geographical centre of Venice.
Cannaregio District – The weathered yet charming Cannaregio siestere is one of my favourite parts of the city, offering a peaceful escape from Venice’s busier tourist spots.
Day trips from Venice
While you could easily spend a few days exploring Venice, Padua and Verona are my top recommendations for day trips by train.
Padua is one of the most rewarding day trips from Venice. In just one day, you can admire UNESCO-listed Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, walk in the footsteps of Dante and Galileo, enjoy an Aperol Spritz under a shaded portico or unwind in the tranquil botanical garden.
Or take a day trip to Verona. Famous for its Roman ruins, including the Arena di Verona, it is also a beacon for hopeless romantics who beat a path to Verona’s Romeo and Juliet sites.
Here are a few more ideas. If you are a foodie, consider visiting Bologna or spend a day in Ferrara if you are a history buff. UNESCO-listed Vicenza, with its outstanding Palladian buildings, is one for architecture fans.
DAY 4: TO FLORENCE
The high-speed train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you make an early start, the rest of the day in Florence is yours.
DAY 5 & 6: FLORENCE
You will need at least one full day to see Florence’s top attractions. If you are an art fangirl or fanboy, give yourself two days.
The Best of Florence
See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia – Carved from gleaming white Carrara marble, Michelangelo’s biblical hero never fails to impress.
Duomo Complex – This is the heart of the Italian Renaissance and comprises the Duomo itself, the Duomo Museum, Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery.
Uffizi Galleries – Home to the world’s finest collection of Italian art, featuring masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and many more.
Piazza della Signoria – The city’s political and social hub since the Renaissance, Piazza della Signoria is home to some of Florence’s most celebrated sculptures, including Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women.
Palazzo Vecchio – Dominating Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio was Florence’s town hall until Cosimo I de Medici (1519–1574) transformed it into his grand personal palace.
Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River—The elegant Ponte Vecchio is the best-known of Florence’s Arno bridges.
Piazzale Michelangelo – For a postcard-perfect view of Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo on the Oltrarno side of the Arno River. Whilst this offers one of the best views of Florence, I favour the serene Rose Garden next door or San Miniato al Monte, just five minutes further uphill.
Day Trips from Florence
Florence is an ideal base for day trips by train to Tuscany.
Siena – Once Florence’s arch-rival, a day trip to Siena gets my vote, if only for the magnificent Siena Cathedral.
Arezzo – A picturesque gem, Arezzo captures the essence of Italy with its medieval streets, charming squares, and churches filled with artistic treasures.
Lucca – Spend a day in Lucca, renowned for its impressive city walls and beautiful churches.
For another day-trip option, consider wine tasting in the legendary Tuscan countryside, a highly-rated experience by fellow travellers.
If you’re eager to visit the Cinque Terre, it is possible to do so as a day trip from Florence, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Unless you’re willing to take the faster, direct early-morning train (1 hour 45 minutes), the journey is long and deserves more than just a rushed visit.
A better alternative, though still a long day, is joining an organized day trip from Florence if you don’t want to miss out on this experience.
DAY 7: TO ROME
Frequent high-speed trains between Firenze Santa Maria Novella and Roma Termini make the journey in about 90 minutes. If you catch a morning train, you can drop off your bags at your accommodation and get to work exploring Italy’s capital city.
DAYS 8 & 9: ROME
In two days, you’ll be able to see a lot of Rome’s highlights. These include the Colosseum and Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Borghese Gallery and the Vatican.
The Best of Rome
Colosseum – Make the most of your time at this UNESCO-listed landmark by joining one of the excellent Colosseum tours, or consider visiting the Colosseum at night for a unique perspective.
Roman Forum (Foro Romano) – Once the heart of civic and political life in the Roman Empire, this evocative site is filled with ancient ruins of temples, government buildings and monuments.
Pantheon – Originally a Roman temple and now a church, the Pantheon is the final resting place of the artist Raphael and kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.
Trevi Fountain – Toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return trip to Rome—or so the legend says.
Spanish Steps – Connecting Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti, these iconic steps are a must-see attraction in Rome.
Piazza Navona – Rome’s most beautiful Baroque square, Piazza Navona, is home to some of Bernini’s finest fountains.
St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) – Traditionally believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, this vast basilica is the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church, renowned for its awe-inspiring dome and art-filled interior.
Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) – The Vatican Museums offer a rich artistic feast, including Michelangelo’s Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel.
Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese) – If you are an art lover, don’t miss the Borghese Gallery, home to many of Rome’s finest sculptures.
Day trips from Rome
If the city crowds become overwhelming, hop on a train to visit Ostia Antica or Orvieto.
Ostia Antica is an easy day trip from Rome, just an hour’s ride on the Metro B/Metromare line (with a transfer at Piramide). This archaeological site offers an extraordinary glimpse into the daily lives of Ancient Romans.
Travelling from Rome to Orvieto takes about 75 minutes, and your reward is one of Italy’s most enchanting hilltop towns, steeped in Etruscan history. A visit to Orvieto Cathedral—followed by a glass of Orvieto Classico in its sun-soaked piazza—is well worth the journey.
How to Tweak This Itinerary
But perhaps you have visited some of these cities before or are looking for something more off the main tourist track? Here are some other ideas for how to see the best of Italy in ten days.
#1 Lakes and cities of Northern Italy – Start in Milan before moving to sensational Lake Como. End your trip in Verona with a day trip to Lake Garda.
#2 Rome and the Amalfi Coast – This is a good option if you have already visited Venice and Tuscany. Spend three days in Rome before catching the train to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
#3 Culture & Cuisine in Emilia-Romagna – This is one of the best regions of Italy for foodies, but it has something for every traveller. Base yourself in Bologna and Ravenna for day trips to places like Padua, Modena, Parma and Ferrara.
#4 Green Heart of Italy – Umbria is an art-filled wonderland of rolling hills crowned with medieval hilltop towns of pink-grey stone. I suggest spending most of your time in Perugia, taking day trips to Assisi, Isola Maggiore on Lake Trasimeno, Spoleto or flower-filled Spello, before moving on to Orvieto.
READ THIS NEXT: 10 Days in Italy by Train, 5 Dreamy Itineraries
If You Have Less Than Ten Days in Italy
Life isn’t always perfect, but don’t worry if you are short on vacation time.
If you have just a week in Italy, I recommend limiting your itinerary to a maximum of two base cities. You could even stay in just one city for your entire visit, using it as a hub for day trips.
READ THIS NEXT: One Week in Italy, 5 Fabulous Itineraries
Of course, you can cover more ground – or take things slower – if you have more time at your disposal. Here’s my classic 2-week Italy itinerary, for example.
Getting Around Italy by Train
Train travel in Italy is straightforward and generally affordable.
State-run Trenitalia is the country’s largest train operator, offering high-speed and regional services nationwide.
Its high-speed trains (Frecce) connect major cities and towns, with dynamic fares that fluctuate based on demand and booking time. Booking in advance can often save you money.
Regional trains are the backbone of Italy’s local rail network, serving smaller towns and cities. Since regional train prices are fixed, there’s no financial advantage to purchasing tickets ahead of time.
Remember to validate your regional train ticket before boarding. Failure to do so will result in a fine, as trains are regularly patrolled by guards.
To validate, use the green machines at the station for paper tickets, or the app for mobile tickets. Note that high-speed train tickets do not require validation.
Italo, a private operator, also runs high-speed trains between major cities, primarily in Northern Italy, with hubs in Milan and Bologna, though its routes extend south to Naples and Salerno via Rome.
I recommend using Omio to search for the best deals across both rail operators. While you’ll pay a small surcharge to book through Omio, the website is more user-friendly, especially compared to Trenitalia’s.
READ THIS NEXT: Beginner’s Guide to Train Travel in Italy
Where to Stay
VENICE
The Dorsoduro sestiere is a sound choice for first-time visitors. It’s a relaxed yet central neighbourhood with art galleries and museums. Take a look at Palazzo Veneziano and Palazzo Keller.
I’m a fan of the Castello district. It’s a little off the main tourist drag and has a more residential feel, yet within easy walking distance of San Marco. Check out the lagoon-view rooms at Hotel Bucintoro or Hotel Palazzo Priuli.
I love staying in the Cannaregio. It’s less touristy and kinder on the wallet than other Venice neighbourhoods and close to Venezia Santa Lucia train station. Check out Carnival Palace and Palazzo Nani.
ROME
I usually stay with friends in Rome, but here are a few hotels I have stayed in and am happy to recommend:
This elegant 4-star hotel is a five-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo and Flaminio Metro Station and is my usual base when I am not staying with friends. Top tip: give the “Economy Double” rooms a wide berth as they are tiny.
Hotel Canada, BW Premier Collection
I stayed in this comfortable 3-star hotel near Roma Termini Station on a recent visit. Although this is not Rome’s nicest area, it is close to the city’s main transport hub and is relatively cheap.
I loved my stay at this trendy 4-star hotel on a solo trip to Rome. It’s also near the main railway station and has a lovely rooftop terrace and shared laundry.
FLORENCE
I have written this guide on the best areas to stay in Florence and curated my favourite Florence holiday apartments and hotels in Florence with swimming pools. But to narrow down the large list of choices, here are a few places I can recommend:
I loved my stay at this friendly bed & breakfast close to Palazzo Pitti in the Oltarno area of Florence. It was relatively inexpensive (for Florence!), and the owners couldn’t have been more helpful.
Run by an English-Italian family, this 3-star guest house offers air-conditioned rooms in the heart of Florence’s historic centre. Upgrade to a room with a balcony for a sensational view of Brunelleschi’s dome.
If you’ve ever dreamt of having a Room with a View, splash out on an Arno-facing room in this 5-star hotel on the south side of the river.
When to Visit
Italy’s popular tourist destinations are busy year-round, but travel between April and June and September to October when the temperatures are ideal for sightseeing. During these months, everything should be open and accessible.
Visiting Italy in the height of summer is not a joy, trudging from one must-see attraction to the next when the mercury is nudging 90 degrees. The further south you travel, the steamier it gets.
August is when many Italians take their holidays, so expect high hotel prices at beach and mountain resorts, along with crowded restaurants.
Despite some drawbacks, I enjoy visiting Italy in winter. Although daylight hours are shorter and the weather can be unpredictable, the upside is the reduced crowds. Just avoid beach towns as they may not be fully open.
Typical Costs of an Italy Trip
Putting a figure on the typical cost of a two-week Italy trip is no mean feat. How much you pay is largely dictated by where you stay and when you travel.
Accommodation costs will make up the biggest chunk of your budget and are subject to the greatest variability. Prices are higher in the tourist honeypots of Rome, Florence and Venice in peak season.
These costs will drop if you travel off-season or stay in less touristy cities. Southern Italian destinations tend to be cheaper.
As a (very) ballpark figure, you are looking at around 2,000 USD per person for a 10-day Italy vacation on a mid-range budget, excluding international flights and travel insurance. As accommodation accounts for the biggest chunk of your budget, this figure will be inflated if you are a solo traveller paying for sole occupancy of a hotel room.
Ready for your 10-day Italy trip?
I hope these ideas inspire you to start planning your itinerary. But remember, it’s your journey, so let it reflect your interests and travel style. For more travel inspiration, check out my other tried-and-tested 10-day Italy itineraries.
I’ll say this again because it bears repeating: resist the urge to cram too much into your trip.
Sightseeing and moving from one destination to another can be tiring. Most importantly, you need to carve out time to relax with an Aperol Spritz in a charming piazza and discover your favourite gelato flavours.
Buon viaggio!
By Bridget
Bridget Coleman is an award-winning travel blogger who is an incurable Italy addict and has travelled its length & breadth on multiple occasions. Find out more here.
To get in touch, email her at hello@flashpackingitaly.com