Planning a trip to Italy? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. With a country this rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, a little itinerary magic goes a long way. Think of it as your travel game plan—a way to organize your days, hit the major highlights, and still leave space for those dreamy moments you stumble into along the way (because those are often the best part, right?).
Italy is big, bold, and beautifully diverse. That means a little structure will help you soak it all in, whether you’re an art lover swooning over Renaissance masterpieces, a foodie chasing the perfect plate of pasta, or someone who just wants to stand in awe of ancient ruins and coastal cliffs. I’m so excited to share this 10-day Italy itinerary, designed to help you experience some of the country’s most iconic cities and give you time to breathe, explore, and fall in love with the slower Italian pace of life.
Whether your bucket list includes Rome, Florence, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary is your starting point for planning the ultimate Italian getaway.
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10-Day Italy Itinerary
In this post, I’m breaking down the perfect 10-day Italy itinerary for first-timers or anyone who wants a well-balanced intro to the magic of this country. You’ll explore famous cities, take in stunning scenery, and of course, eat incredible food every step of the way.
This itinerary blends iconic landmarks with more relaxed moments that let you experience la dolce vita in full. From the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City to sipping limoncello along the Amalfi Coast, this trip gives you a taste of Italy’s many flavors—cultural, scenic, and culinary.
Expect:
- Cultural deep dives (hello, Roman ruins and Renaissance art)
- Picture-perfect landscapes
- Local experiences
- Plenty of pasta and gelato
I’ll also sprinkle in helpful tips to help you travel efficiently and maximize your time, without sacrificing that dreamy Italian flow. Whether you want to follow this itinerary exactly or customize it for your own pace and style, it’s the perfect framework to start planning.
Is 10 Days Enough in Italy?
So, is 10 days in Italy enough time? Absolutely.
Sure, you could spend months here and still not see it all, but 10 days is a great sweet spot for first-time visitors or anyone looking to hit the major highlights without feeling overwhelmed. With a solid itinerary in hand, you can cover three of Italy’s most iconic cities (Rome, Florence, and Venice) and even squeeze in a side trip to the coast or countryside, like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.
Having a plan means you’ll waste less time figuring things out on the fly and more time tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, wandering ancient ruins, and ordering gelato in your best Italian accent. It also helps you find the right balance between sightseeing and soaking in the moment. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more relaxing than knowing exactly where you’re headed next (and how long you have to sip your Aperol Spritz before moving on).
Whether you’re here for the culture, the cuisine, or the coast, this 10-day itinerary will help you see the best of Italy without rushing through it.
How to Plan a 10 Day Trip to Italy
Planning a 10-day trip to Italy takes a little strategy, but trust me, it’s totally worth the effort. With so many amazing places to explore and only so much time, having a solid plan in place helps you make the most of every moment. Here are my top tips for crafting a 10-day Italy itinerary that feels exciting, not exhausting:
Create a Realistic Itinerary
Start by asking yourself what kind of Italy experience you want. Are you dreaming of Rome, Florence, and Venice? Want to spend time in the countryside or explore coastal villages? Italy has it all, but you can’t see everything in 10 days, and that’s okay.
Focus on a few key cities or regions that really match your vibe and build your days around those. The biggest mistake people make is overpacking their itinerary. Slowing down just a little gives you space to actually enjoy the view, have spontaneous moments, and not feel like you’re sprinting through the whole country.
Identify Your Interests
One of the best parts about Italy is how diverse it is. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or someone who’s happiest sipping wine with a view—Italy has something for you! Tailor your itinerary to fit what lights you up.
For example:
- Art lovers might want extra time in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery or at the Vatican Museums.
- Foodies will want to prioritize spots like Bologna or Rome.
- Nature lovers might lean toward the Dolomites, Lake Como, or the Amalfi Coast.
- First-time visitors will want to hit all the top spots like Rome Florence Venice
You’ll have a way better time when your trip reflects your interests instead of just checking boxes.
Related: Best Things to Do in Italy
Research Before You Go
The more you know before your plane touches down, the smoother things will go. Take time to read about Italian customs, how transportation works, what to expect at restaurants, and even how to say a few helpful Italian phrases (trust me, it goes a long way!).
Some helpful things to look into before your trip:
- How to use trains and public transport
- Opening hours (many shops close midday!)
- Tipping culture (it’s different from the U.S.)
- What to wear to churches or nicer dinners
- Regional food specialties
A little prep can help you feel way more confident and connected to the places you’re visiting.
Related: Italy Travel Tips
Factor in Travel Time
Italy may be compact compared to some countries, but getting from city to city still takes time. Thankfully, Italy has an amazing public transportation and high-speed train system that connects major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, but you’ll still want to build in some buffer time between check-ins, transfers, and exploring.
Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind:
- Use the train between cities when possible—the train station is easy to navigate and it’s scenic, reliable, and easy to book.
- Try to avoid more than 2–3 hotel changes during a 10-day trip if you want to feel settled.
- Plan your longer travel days in the morning so you can settle in and explore by afternoon.
Don’t forget to leave a little wiggle room. You’ll be glad you did when you find a wine bar you love or decide to spend an extra hour just wandering cobblestone streets.
Related: How To Plan A Trip To Europe, Packing List For Europe
What To Do in Italy for 10 Days
Now for the fun part—let’s get into the actual itinerary! This 10-Day Italy itinerary follows a south-to-north route, which is ideal for seeing the best of the country without wasting time backtracking. We followed this exact path on our last big Italy trip, and it was chef’s kiss perfect. I highly recommend flying into Naples and out of Venice to maximize your time. Of course, you can always tweak the order depending on your flights, but this route gives you a smooth flow through Italy’s most iconic destinations.
You could also do this exact itinerary in reverse if you prefer to end it relaxing on the beach, but since that was the area I was most excited to visit we started there.
Day 1: Arrival in Naples and Head to Positano on the Amalfi Coast
Activity: Travel from Naples to Positano
Touch down in Naples and head straight to the Amalfi Coast for that wow moment right off the bat. I suggest pre-booking a private transfer or hopping on a ferry to reach Positano—both are scenic, but the drive along the cliffs is an experience in itself. I personally used our favorite private transfer service and highly recommend that route if it’s in your budget. The whole trip to our hotel was very streamlined with minimal stairs to walk up, and we ended up having the whole afternoon to explore after checking in.
Activity: Settle Into Positano’s City Center
Once you arrive, check into your hotel in Positano’s walkable town center. It’s the best base for exploring the area. Take a deep breath, let that sea breeze hit you, and ease into Italian vacation mode. Grab your first plate of pasta by the water, do a little wandering, and toast to the trip with a glass of wine at golden hour.
Related: Where to Stay in Positano
Day 2: Explore Positano & Beach Day
Activity: Beach Day at Spiaggia Grande
After breakfast, head down to Spiaggia Grande first thing to get a good spot reserved before it gets crowded, Positano’s main beach, for a morning in the sun. Pack water shoes (the beaches here are pebbly), bring cash for chairs and drinks, and don’t miss trying a limoncello spritz or gelato right on the beach. It’s the kind of laid-back day you’ll dream about long after you’re home.
Activity: Wander Positano’s City Center
Once you’ve had enough of the sun, explore Positano’s winding cobblestone streets, lined with pastel buildings and blooming bougainvillea. Stop by the iconic Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, browse the local boutiques and art galleries, and don’t forget to pick up a lemon-scented souvenir.
Activity: Dinner with a View
Book a dinner spot with a view—you’ll find plenty of restaurants perched along the cliffs. Watching the sun dip into the Tyrrhenian Sea while twinkling lights come alive in town is truly magical.
Related: Things To Do In Positano, Best Restaurants in Positano
Day 3: Travel to Rome and Take in the Nightlife
Activity: Transfer from Positano to Rome
Time to trade the coast for the Eternal City. Head back to Naples via private transfer, then catch a high-speed train to Rome (just over an hour).
Activity: Settle Into Your Rome Hotel
You’ll likely arrive at Roma Termini. Pro tip: the taxi line there is chaotic, so either pre-book a transfer or use a rideshare to get to your hotel smoothly.
Related: Where To Stay In Rome
Activity: Dinner and Evening Walk Around Trastevere
For your first night, explore the Trastevere neighborhood. It’s lively, local, and packed with charm. Cobblestone streets, tucked-away wine bars, street musicians—it’s Rome’s fun and flirty side. Perfect for grabbing cocktails, enjoying dinner al fresco, or people-watching in one of its buzzing piazzas.
Related: Best Restaurants in Rome
Day 4: Ancient Rome
Activity: Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum
Start the day with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks—the Colosseum. A guided tour here is totally worth it for all the fascinating history. Then, walk over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for epic views and a real sense of the ancient world.
Related: How to Visit the Colosseum
Activity: Explore More Iconic Sights
In the afternoon, check off more of Rome’s must-sees: Trevi Fountain (don’t forget to toss a coin!), the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a Vespa tour for a unique, fast-paced way to zip around the city like a local. You could also visit these spots early in the morning (like 6 am early) to start the day if you’d prefer to see them with a slightly less busy crowd.
Day 5: Vatican City + More Rome
Activity: Morning Visit to the Vatican Museums
Get an early start for the Vatican Museums and stop by St Peter s Basilica. You’ll want to pre-book tickets to avoid the insane lines. See the Sistine Chapel and marvel at Michelangelo’s work before heading into St. Peter’s Basilica. (Remember to dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered!)
Related: Visiting the Vatican
Activity: More Rome Exploring
Use your afternoon to revisit any spots you missed or fell in love with. Maybe stop into that charming shop you passed or return to your favorite gelateria. This is your time to soak in the city at your own pace.
Day 6: Train to Florence
Activity: Early Train Ride to Florence
Hop on a morning high-speed train to Florence and check into your hotel near the Duomo—staying central makes it easy to explore on foot.
Activity: Explore Florence
Spend the day immersed in Renaissance magic:
- Marvel at the Duomo and climb to the top if you’re up for it
- Admire Botticelli and Michelangelo at the Uffizi Gallery
- See the original David at Galleria dell’Accademia
- Walk across the Ponte Vecchio
- Grab an aperitivo on a rooftop like B-Roof for epic city views
Pro tip: Book museum and gallery tickets in advance to avoid long wait times.
Day 7: Tuscany Wine Tasting
Activity: Wine Tour in Tuscany
After breakfast, head out into the Tuscan countryside. You can rent a car at the Florence airport for a self-guided adventure or join a small-group wine tour from Florence with round-trip transportation and tastings included.
– From Florence: Chianti Half-Day Afternoon Tour
– From Florence: Tuscany & San Gimignano Tour with 2 Tastings
Visit a vineyard for a Chianti tasting and long lunch under the sun—you’ll be dreaming about it for weeks. You’ll find peaceful views, amazing food, and warm hospitality no matter where you go.
Related: Best Vineyards in Tuscany
Day 8: Morning in Florence + Evening in Venice
Activity: Final Morning in Florence
Use your last morning to revisit any sights you didn’t get to on Day 6 or just enjoy a slow morning with a cappuccino and people-watching in a piazza.
Activity: Train to Venice
Take the afternoon train to Venice. Once you arrive at Santa Lucia Station, grab a water taxi or roll your suitcase through the charming alleys to your Venice hotel (I’d recommend splurging for the water taxi). I highly recommend staying on the main island so you’re close to all the action, Venice is a walking city if there ever was one.
Activity: Settle In + Dinner in Venice
After checking in, head out for a romantic dinner by a canal—Venice is even more magical at night.
Day 9: Explore Venice
Activity: Full Day in Venice
Your last full day is all about soaking in Venice’s charm. Wander the tiny alleyways, shop for Murano glass, and snack on cicchetti (Venetian tapas). Be sure to visit:
- Piazza San Marco + St. Mark’s Basilica
- The Rialto Bridge + Market
- A gondola ride on the Grand Canal (yes, it’s touristy—yes, it’s so worth it)
- Doge s Palace
Don’t overplan. Venice is one of those places where the best moments come from getting lost.
Day 10: Departure from Venice
It’s time to say arrivederci! Venice’s airport is a little outside the city, so give yourself plenty of time for transport, especially if you’re catching a morning flight. You’ll leave with a full heart, full camera roll, and probably a full suitcase, too.
Best 10 Day Italy Itinerary
To make your trip even easier, I’ve created a downloadable version of this Best 10-Day Italy Itinerary that you can save to your phone or print out for on-the-go reference. It includes daily highlights, can’t-miss landmarks, and handy travel tips to help you stay organized as you explore Italy. You can even share it with friends or travel buddies to start planning your dream Italian escape together!
Download the full 10-Day Italy Itinerary
From the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica to the sparkling shores of Positano, this itinerary is filled with the iconic sights and unforgettable moments that make Italy so magical. Whether you’re wandering the halls of the Vatican Museums, sipping wine under the Tuscan sun, or floating down the Grand Canal in Venice, this 10-day journey offers a little bit of everything—art, history, food, and that dolce vita charm that makes Italy unlike anywhere else.
Looking for more Italy inspiration? Be sure to check out some of my other travel guides like How to Pack for a Trip to Rome to help you pack smart and stylish for your trip. If you’re more of a visual planner, you can always follow along with my adventures and travel tips over on Instagram @sierrainthecity.
Ciao for now, and happy travels!
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