Use This 10 Day Itinerary in Italy for a Spectacular Vacation

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March 29, 2025

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Are you planning a 10 day Itinerary in Italy? There are so many beautiful cities to explore in this bucket list country. The culture, food, and great weather make it the perfect spot for all kinds of adventures!

rome, italy, statues, city view — Source: Unsplash, Carlos Ibanez

Truthfully, you cannot possibly see everything in Italy in just 10 days – the sights to see are endless. Since the average person’s vacation time is limited this is a realistic travel guide to help you see the most quintessential spots on your Italy getaway. Use this 10 day Italy itinerary to explore at least 4 amazing cities (plus my recommendations beyond that).

Tips for Travel to Italy

Here are things to know before your 10-day trip to Italy

Language: Italian (but plenty of English in tourist areas)
Currency: Euro
Transportation: Bus, train, rental car

I found travel in Italy to be fairly easy, as long I stuck to the larger, popular cities. There are plenty of buses and trains to get between them if one doesn’t want to drive. For smaller towns, however, I found it best to either rent a car or hire a tour for the day (like when in Tuscany and want to visit smaller towns beyond Florence.)

10 Day Itinerary in Italy

How to spend 10 days in Italy seeing its top highlights.

Most people explore Italy’s highlights via one of two directions (north–>south or south–> north). This guide explores the South to North order with the assumption that you fly into Rome (but it can easily be reversed.)

Rome (3 Days)

Source: Unsplash, Clay Banks

If you’re flying to Italy from the United States, the easiest and cheapest airport to fly into is often Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Rome is Italy’s capital city, and there is so much to see, so it’s a great starting point for your 10-day Italy itinerary.

Rome is a large city but three days will at least allow you to scratch the surface and enjoy some of the most famous landmarks and experiences that Rome has to offer.

What To See In Rome:

Rome is a city full of historical sites, culture, and adventure. If you are not into public transport and walking, explore the city from a Hop-on, Hop-off Bus and see the sights at your own pace. Tours like these take you right by major tourist attractions like the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and more.

Just remember that major attractions, like the Vatican (which is its own country!), often have big wait times if you aren’t on an organized tour. You’ll want to plan ahead and get reservations in advance.

Other major tourist spots include:

Pantheon
Vatican Gardens
Trevi Fountain
Basilica of St. John Lateran (oldest church in Europe) and Scala Sancta (Holy Steps)
Walk around Centro Storico & The Spanish Steps
Piazza Navona
Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum
Catacombs of Domitilla
Baths of Caracalla
Take a day trip to Pompeii (if you have extra time and want to add on a day to Rome)

What To Eat in Rome:

When in Rome, there are so many beautiful foods to dig into. Take a Roman food tour to get a little taste of it all or head to a gourmet eatery for free flowing wine and specialty dishes. You can even be a chef for a day and learn how to cook some signature Italian food for your friends back home.

And don’t forget to try Roman pizza! An authentic Roman pizza is thinner and crispier than others because Roman bakers add olive oil to the dough, which allows it to stretch out thinner. The texture and flavor of Roman pizza is next-level!

Where To Stay In Rome:

Rome is a big city with accommodation options for all budgets and comfort levels. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in city center, check out Baglioni Hotel Regina. It’s only a 5 minute walk from the pantheon and has beautiful views, a gym, spa, restaurant and more.

For a more mid-range pricing option, Hotel St. Martin offers a modern atmosphere in a central location right next to the metro and many delicious dining options.

Looking to do Rome on a budget? Try Maison Coquette, only a 15 minute walk from the Spanish Steps. Here you will find all the basic hotel luxuries, beautifully lit rooms and on-site laundry facilities.

For a deeper dive on visiting Rome, here is my guide from when I spent 4 days in Rome (which can be adjusted according to your timing).

Florence (3 Days)

Source: Unsplash, Ahmed Mansour

After you’ve visited Rome, make your way to Florence to enjoy its artsy relaxed vibes, vibrant culture, and gorgeous views. It’s only a 3-hour car ride or 1.5-hour train ride to get here from Rome. You can also fly between these two cities, but I recommend skipping the airport and enjoying the drive or train ride instead.

What To See In Florence:

Florence is not nearly as large as Rome, but there are still plenty of things to do and places to see. The city of Florence is full of history and has many exciting museums for the history and art buffs to explore.

Here are beautiful and historical sights you definitely will not want to miss out on while visiting Florence:

Santa Croce Church
Piazzale Michelangelo (area that offers a beautiful view over the city)
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence’s most famous landmark, also known as the “Duomo”)
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Ponte Vecchio (famous bridge)
Uffizi Gallery Art Museum
Piazza ella Signoria
Da Vinci Museum
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Pitti Museum
Museo Novecento/Museum

Exploring Florence is easy and you’ll have endless options for getting around. Take a walking tour, a boat tour or a hop on, hop off bus to see all of the most popular sites. And since you are in Tuscany, definitely make your way to find some authentic Chianti wines and see medevial villages like Sienna. Here is a more detailed Florence travel guide to follow.

What To Eat in Florence:

There are so many delicious experiences to have while in Italy. While you’re in Florence, take a Pizza and Gelato preparation class or take a Tuscan cooking class with a local. It is a fun (and popular) pastime to head to the Duomo at night and hang out eating gelato under the stars.

And don’t forget to try some bistecca alla Fiorentina (steak from Florence). It’s one of the staples in the area with it’s very strict butchering requirements making it unique to this location.

Where To Stay In Florence:

San Firenze Suites & Spa is a high-end hotel that offers a Turkish spa, complimentary breakfast, beautiful rooftop dining and more. If you’re wanting to take in Florence in style, this is the place for you.

UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze is a sleek, mid-range hotel just a 7-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio and an 18-minute drive from the airport. It’s located in the entertainment district and offers room service, a bar and restaurant, and business services.

For those looking to experience Florence on more of a budget, the ibis Firenze Prato Est is less than 8 miles from the city and within walking distance of Calenzano Station. Here you will find everything you need to make your trip comfortable, including free-wifi, on-site breakfast options and 24/7 reception.

Venice (2 Days)

The next stop on your itinerary for Italy is Venice! To get here from Florence, take the train north for about 4.5 hours. Costs vary depending on the season, but tickets can be as low as €24.

You won’t need long in Venice, so one to two days will be plenty. The views in Venice are phenomenal, but the crowds are thick. After walking around the shops, seeing the famous sights, and eating delicious (and pricey) meals, there isn’t that much to do so don’t invest too much time out of your itinerary here.

What To See In Venice:

Regardless of its small size, Venice is a must-see if you’re taking a trip to Italy. Here are the top things to see in Venice during your Italy trip.

St. Mark’s Square/ Piazzo San Marco
Rialto Bridge
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Visit Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Go up St. Mark’s Bell Tower
Grand Canal (largest canal in Venice)
Climb up the spiral staircase Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Go on a boat tour and visit a glass factory or attend a concert at Vivaldi Church. You can even take a hop on, hop off boat tour around the Lagoon Islands. Murano and Burano are beautiful day trips to explore colorful homes and glass-blown jewelry.

Although you will only have a day or two here, you’ll have endless options on how to explore the city and what to do.

What To Eat in Venice:

Venice was so pricey I didn’t eat out a lot, so would budget more for dining next time I’m there. That said, while you’re in Venice, grab a coffee or pastry at Caffe Florian.

Caffe Florian is the oldest café in all of Italy and it has been in business since 1720. The café is beautiful and can be found directly within the famous Piazzo San Marco. Keep in mind, this cafe isn’t cheap by any means, but the experience makes it well worth the splurge.

Where To Stay In Venice:

It’s not difficult to experience luxury (or luxury prices) in Venice. For a first-class stay, head to Canaletto Luxury Suites-San Marco Luxury only a 2-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. This bed and breakfast offers beautiful views, saunas, free breakfast and more.

Ca’ de la Fonte is a more mid-range option in Venice City Center. This hotel offers clean and modern design at a central location. Only a 12-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square, you are within walking distance to some of the main attractions and lots of dining options. They even offer a 24-hour airport shuttle.

To experience Venice on a budget, look into hostels in the area. There are also some hotels and guest houses a little farther out of city center, like Guest House Bella Onda. This guest house is a 17-minute walk from VCE-Marco Polo Airport and free parking, airport shuttles, and a beautiful garden and terrace. I personally stayed on Giudecca island, which was very residential and required a water taxi to get anywhere.

Milan (2 Days)

Finish up your 10 days in Italy with a visit to Milan. Milan is just west of Venice, and you can easily reach the city by taking a train or bus.

Similar to Venice, though, one to two days is sufficient for an overview exploration of Milan. Besides its few historical landmarks and museums, Milan also has a great shopping scene and vibrant nightlife, so if that is your scene you’ll definitely want to shift your schedule around.

What To See In Milan:

While Milan isn’t as packed with tourist hotspots as Rome or Venice, there are still many sights to see. Skip a traditional walking tour and explore the city with a segway tour. Don’t miss this locations as you’re riding around:

Milan Cathedral (Duomo of Milan)
Castello Sforzesco (castle from the 15^th century)
Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery
Milan Archaeology Museum
Sant Ambrogio (one of the oldest buildings in Milan)
Piazza dei Mercanti (famous square)
Basilica di San Lorenzo

What To Eat in Milan:

Try a traditional Milan dish while you’re in the city! Stop for a meal at Trattoria del Nuovo Macello and try their Cotoletta alla Milanese. It’s one of Milan’s most traditional dishes and this restaurant has rave reviews for their preparation of it.

Where To Stay In Milan:

For a classic luxury experience, book a room at The Westin Palace, Milan. This hotel offers beautiful spa experiences, an on-site gym, and a spacious rooms within walking distance of public transportation.

For a mid-range option, B&B Hotel Milano Central Station is near a tram stop and rail station. It’s surrounded by restaurants and sightseeing opportunities. They offer a daily breakfast buffet for EUR 9.50.

And for a budget friendly stay, check out NEO Hotel. They offer free wifi, an on-site restauraunt, parking, and the hotel is only 23 minutes from LIN-Linate airport.

I previously stayed in an Airbnb in Milan but probably wouldn’t again. I found most homes don’t have air conditioning and it was really uncomfortable in the summer.

Have you been to Italy? What was your favorite city?

I hope you found this 10 day itinerary in Italy helpful! After visiting these four beautiful Italian cities, you are sure to fall in love with Italy and its architecture, delicious food, and welcoming culture. If you still have questions about the trip, let me know! And here are some frequently asked questions from travelers planning a trip to Italy.

What is the best 7 Day Itinerary for Italy?

If 10 days is too long for your schedule and you need a 7 day Italy itinerary, first decide the type of trip this will be. If it is a romantic trip, you can shave down your Rome and Milan visits; Venice and Florence are most romantic. If it is for historic sites or religion, spend less time in Milan; Rome is your highlight. If it is for food and wine, concentrate on Tuscany (Florence) and Rome.
When is the cheapest month to visit italy?

Low and shoulder seasons will save you the most money at the cost of weather. That said, summers in Italy can get really hot so maybe thats not so bad. September travel thru May would be the cheapest time for shoulder and low season (not including holiday peak travel).
What should I pack for Italy?

Italians love to dress up so flowing, comfortable clothes that make you feel snazzy is nice. Note, however, comfortable shoes are a MUST. There will be lots of walking and cobblestone with uneven ground. For anyone planning on visiting churches, make sure you bring modest clothing. No shoulders, cleavage, or knees showing or you will not be allowed in.