Ten days is a great amount of time for a first trip to Italy. It's enough to see Rome's ancient wonders, the Renaissance treasures of Florence, the Tuscan countryside, the colorful Cinque Terre, and the canals of Venice, all linked by fast, comfortable trains. Here's our 10-day Italy itinerary, with tips on budgeting, getting around, and what to book ahead.
Planning Your 10 Days in Italy
- Route: Fly into Rome and out of Milan or Venice to avoid backtracking.
- Getting around: Use high-speed trains between cities. Rome to Florence takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and Florence to Venice about 2 hours 15 minutes. Book on Trenitalia or Italo.
- When to go: April to June and September to October. See the best time to visit Italy.
- Budget: Mid-range travelers should allow around €150 to €250 per person per day, including accommodation, food, transport, and sights. Venice and the Amalfi Coast cost more.
- Book ahead: The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Accademia, the Uffizi, and The Last Supper.
Days 1 to 3: Rome
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Arrive and take the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino to Roma Termini. Start with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill on a timed ticket, ideally with a guide. In the evening, walk to Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill for sunset views over the Forum.
Day 2: The Vatican
Spend the morning at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, then visit St. Peter's Basilica and climb the dome, 551 steps, or 320 if you take the lift partway, for a view over the city. If you'd like to see the Pope, free tickets are available for the general audience, usually held on Wednesday mornings. In the afternoon, cross the river to Castel Sant'Angelo.
Day 3: The historic center
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, see the Pantheon, people-watch in Piazza Navona, and climb the Spanish Steps. In the afternoon, visit the Galleria Borghese (booking essential), then have dinner in Trastevere. See more ideas in our guide to the best things to do in Rome.
Days 4 to 6: Florence and Tuscany
Day 4: Florence
Take the train to Florence. See Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia, grab lunch at the Mercato Centrale, then visit the Duomo complex and climb Brunelleschi's dome (book ahead). End the day with gelato on the Ponte Vecchio and sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 5: The Uffizi and the Oltrarno
See Botticelli's Birth of Venus and other Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi, admire the statues of Piazza della Signoria, then cross the river to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Spend the evening among the artisan workshops and wine bars of the Oltrarno.
Day 6: Tuscany or Pisa
Take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside. Join a wine tour in Chianti, visit Siena and San Gimignano, or take a guided bike ride through the hills. Alternatively, take the train to Pisa (about an hour) to see the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli, then continue to Lucca to cycle its city walls. See more day trips from Florence.
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Take the train to La Spezia and on to the Cinque Terre. Hop between the five villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, by train or ferry, and hike a section of the coastal path if it's open. Eat focaccia and fresh pesto, and stay overnight for a peaceful evening by the sea.
Days 8 and 9: Venice
Day 8: Classic Venice
Take the train to Venice (about 4 hours from the Cinque Terre, via Florence or Milan). Ride vaporetto line 1 down the Grand Canal, then see St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace, crossing the Bridge of Sighs inside. In the evening, try cicchetti, Venetian bar snacks, with a glass of wine at a local bacaro.
Day 9: The islands
Take the vaporetto to Murano to see glassblowers at work, and to Burano for its brightly painted houses and lace. Back in Venice, wander the quieter Cannaregio and Castello districts, and take a gondola ride at sunset. See how many days you need in Venice.
Day 10: Verona or Milan
On your last day, stop in Verona, about 1 hour 10 minutes from Venice, to see its Roman Arena, Juliet's balcony, and the views from the Torre dei Lamberti. Or continue to Milan to see the Duomo and its rooftop terraces, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper (book weeks ahead), then enjoy an aperitivo along the Navigli canals before your flight home.
Tips for 10 Days in Italy
- Travel light. You'll be on and off trains, and cobbled streets aren't kind to big suitcases.
- Use luggage storage at stations or hotels on travel days.
- Pay the Venice access fee if you visit on a designated day and aren't staying overnight. Hotel guests are exempt but must register.
- Dress modestly for churches, covering shoulders and knees.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Italy eSIM keeps your e-tickets and maps working everywhere. See our Italy eSIM guide, and check the best train trips in Europe if you're traveling further.
For more inspiration, read our Italy travel guide.
FAQs: 10 Days in Italy
Is 10 days enough for Italy?
Yes. Ten days is enough to see Rome, Florence, Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, and Venice at a comfortable pace.
What is the best route for 10 days in Italy?
Fly into Rome, travel north by train through Florence, Tuscany, and the Cinque Terre, and finish in Venice or Milan.
Should I take the train or drive in Italy?
Take the train between cities. Driving is only worth it for rural areas such as the Tuscan countryside.
How much does a 10-day trip to Italy cost?
Mid-range travelers should budget around €150 to €250 per person per day, plus flights.