10 Days in Italy, 3 Itineraries for First Time Visitors

Every Italian city is a world apart: each place has its own history, customs, food, and stories to tell so you would need a very long time to explore the entire country and to get to know it thoroughly. Anyway, if you just have 10 days for your trip to Italy, you won’t be deceived: thanks to the quick transport and the relative closeness of the main tourist attractions, you’ll live a wonderful Italian experience.

Let’s see how you can organize your next trip to Italy!

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10 days in Italy: 3 itineraries

Italy itinerary #1: Rome – Florence – Tuscany – Cinque Terre – Venice

Spending ten days in Italy is a great way to get a gist of what the country can offer – from Rome to Florence to Venice. This Italy itinerary starts and ends in Rome, but you’ll get enough time to explore the country in ten days. Here’s an itinerary to help you plan your trip and see all the main attractions that Italy has to offer.

Best time to go: September and October to enjoy the atmosphere of Autumn, especially in Venice, which will also be less crowded.  

Day 1 Arrive in Rome

How to get from and to the airport in Rome

Rome has two airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino.

To find the cheapest flight options from your city, you can use the search form below

From/to Fiumicino airport:

Fiumicino airport is only 26 km away from Rome.

Train: The Leonardo Express is a direct train that connects Fiumicino airport and Termini Station in Rome in 30 minutes. Tickets cost 14 euros each way. Remember to validate your ticket in the machine before entering the train. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes.

Regional FL1 Train connects the airport with other stations in Rome (not Termini) like Tiburtina. From there you can take the metro to the city center. The tickets cost 8 euros. You will need another ticket for the metro (1,50 euros) Remember to validate your ticket in the machine before entering the train. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes.

Shuttle Bus: The cheapest way to travel between Fiumicino airport and Rome’s city center is by a shuttle bus that makes 2 stops in the center (Termini Station and Piazza Cavour near the Vatican). Journey time 55 minutes depending on traffic.

Tickets cost 6 € one way and you can buy them online.

Book your shuttle bus from and to Fiumicino airport here.

Taxi: You will find taxi stands outside all the airport terminals. Always use the official taxi services and do not take offers from drivers inside the terminal. There is a fixed price of 48 € each way.

Private Airport Transfer with Welcome Pick Ups

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to the city center is by a private transfer service like Welcome Pick Ups. It costs exactly the same as a regular taxi, only now you will have already prepaid for it, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it, a bottle of water and a city map. You will not have to worry at all about the language as all drivers speak English. There is a fixed price of 48 € each way.

Click here for more information and to book your trip.

From/to Ciampino airport:

Shuttle Bus:

The cheapest way to travel between Ciampino airport and Rome’s city center is by a shuttle bus that makes a stop at Termini Station. Journey time is 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Tickets cost 5 € one way and you can buy them online.

Book your shuttle bus from and to Ciampino airport here.

Private Airport Transfer with Welcome Pick Ups

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to the city center is by a private transfer service like Welcome Pick Ups. It costs exactly the same as a regular taxi, only now you will have already prepaid for it, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it, a bottle of water and a city map. You will not have to worry at all about the language as all drivers speak English. There is a fixed price of 46 € each way.

Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.

Your first day will be your arrival in Rome and I recommend settling down in the hotel, unpacking, and relaxing a little bit before you embark on your mission of exploration around Italy. Settle in your hotel, and then spend a little bit of time exploring the neighborhood…After all, nothing is better than getting lost in a quintessential Italian neighborhood!

Where to stay in Rome

Royal Rooms – Via Del Corso: You could stay at Royal Rooms which is about 201m away from Via Margutta and enjoys all types of amenities – from shopping, nearby plazas, cafes, and things to do, along with amenities like a bidet, shower, hairdresser and much more. – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

Palazzo Medusa: Located just outside Palazzo Medusa, this property is one of the best in Rome and is a lot of people’s top pick there. Not only do you get a large TV, bathroom, hairdryer, and more, but you also get to enjoy a wonderful gastronomic experience, bike rental, and super comfy beds! – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

Navona Colors Hotel The thing about Navona is that it sells well and it sells fast. It’s an incredible choice for travelers – there is the food, the city walks around, and bike rental. But there’s also the unbeatable location of being 192 m from Piazza Navona. You’ll thoroughly enjoy the Baroque architecture of the hotel.- Check here for the latest prices and more details.

Piazza Del Gesu Luxury Suites This is where comfort and slide go hand in hand, and the hotel itself has a hard to competing with the location. Located directly on the Piazza Navona, this hotel is a 5-minute walk away from history – the Pantheon… You’ll also enjoy free city views, free WI-FI, furnishings, and everything you need.- Check here for the latest prices and more details.

You might be interested in: Where to stay in Rome by a local.

An afternoon stroll to Piazza Navona – Head over to the Piazza Navona, a gorgeous piazza peppered with Baroque palaces, shops, cafes, and lavish fountains. The piazza has an unmistakable 17th-century vibe and you can check out the Egyptian obelisk, and the different fountains!

Head over to Piazza di Spagna – Piazza di Spagna is known for its charming vibe that takes over you with its drenched-in-golden-hues buildings, romantic steps, and iconic fountains. Add to this an unstoppable bustling vibe and you’ve got yourself an enchanting place to be in.

Fontana di Trevi – Whether you have 10 days in Italy or two, the Fontana di Trevi is one of Italy’s iconic symbols. Despite the fact that you will be elbowing your way through hoards of tourists, the view of the magical fountains with their Baroque art, sculptures, and figures is enough to make you fall in love.

Piazza del Popolo – Eccentric, harmonious, and quite enchanting – the Piazza del Popolo is an effortless blend of Egyptian, Spanish and Italian architecture all mixed together. You’ll find orientalist influences throughout the piazza juxtaposed with the remains of a Roman church.

Day 2 Rome – Florence

On your second day out of the ten-day Italy itinerary, you’ll be heading to Florence, one of the most quintessentially beautiful European cities. Head over to Rome’s Termini Station so you can take the train to Florence. Of course, the earlier you book your ticket, the better the price is going to end up being!

Take the fast train from Roma Termini to Firenze S M Novella which takes an hour and 30 minutes. For more information check here.

Where to stay in Florence

Tourist House Battistero This 15th-century structure now serves as a beautiful hotel located near the Ponte Vecchio and the famous Scudieri café. The rooms give you a wonderful view of the city’s iconic buildings – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

C-Hotels Ambasciatori

This 4-star hotel is located near many local popular attractions. It’s a very modern and chic hotel in the midst of all the history surrounding it  – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi

This elegant 4-star hotel was built in 1860 and is located near the Arno River. This hotel gives you a fantastic view of the city. – Check there for the latest prices and more details.

C-Hotels Joy

Located near the Santa Maria Novella, this hotel mixes both modern and traditional elements together. It’s also located near the train station which can help make traveling around the city easier. – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

After you arrive in Florence, take an hour to settle in the hotel, maybe have something to eat and then get ready to explore the city with unparalleled charm and beauty.

Here are the most popular tours and excursions for you in Florence:

Duomo Complex – The Duomo complex soars magnificently over the city with its Renaissance dome dominating the skyline, ready to allure you in every way. It is one of the biggest churches in the world and the mixture of Renaissance and Gothic architecture along with the intricate marble spires and statues is enough to keep you amused for a while!

Tip: There is a dress code to enter the church. Women must wear clothes covering their knees and their elbows. Men must wear long trousers.

Tip: The queues to enter the Duomo and to climb the Cupola are long and you might have to wait for hours to enter. A great way to skip the lines is by taking a guided tour or if you are using the Firenze Card (The Firenze Card works like a three-day fast pass to your favorite attractions. This is a great option for visitors trying to pack as much sightseeing into a Florence vacation as it lets them skip the long queue lines at most of the most popular sites. It is a great buy if you are staying in Firenze for 3 days).

Here are some recommended tours of the Duomo:

Duomo Guided Tour & Reserved Cupola Access

Guided Tour of the Duomo Including the Rooftop and View of the Terraces

Piazza del Republica – Head over to what was the ancient forum of the original Roman settlement. You’ll find reflections of the old Roman military encampment, you’ll get to revel in the neoclassical pieces, relish some delicious coffee by outdoor cafes or explore the different basilicas.

Fontana del Porcellino – This square is famous mostly for one thing – its Wild Boar statue. If you have 10 days in Italy, you definitely have time to the bronze boar and take pictures! Legend has it that the boar enjoys magic powers…

Piazza della Signoria – If you have an hour in Florence, then spend it in Piazza della Signoria. A striking square that dominates Florence, this square is peppered with gorgeous statues that hold mythical legends, and tourists flock to see the Neptune Fountain, the Uffizi Gallery, and copies of Michelangelo statues.

Ponte Vecchio – What is Italy without its picturesque, postcard-worthy bridges? Florence itself is a painting that has come to life, but the Ponte Vecchio is exactly what you’d expect to see in a postcard. A charming, simple bridge that holds thousands of years of history, the bridge remains unchanged since the Roman crossing.

Basilica di Santa Croce – Marble intertwined with a neo-Gothic façade and Franciscan architecture – the Basilica is quite simply a work of art. The church is mostly known for the tombs of Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, and Ghiberti along with some incredible frescoes by Giotto! The Basilica was recently closed because of an accident.

Day 3 Explore Florence

Your journey to Florence in the 10-day Italy itinerary is still not over. On the third day, you’ll get to explore the art and cultural side of Florence.

Galleria dell’Accademia –An unparalleled collection of Florentine paintings that span from the 13th until the 18th century, this gallery contains frescoes that were supposed to have decorated Michelangelo’s tomb, along with breath-taking statues, frescoes, and sculptures.

Tip: There are usually long queues for the Accademia. To save time you can either buy a timed entrance ticket beforehand or book a guided tour.

Here are some suggestions:

Timed Entrance Ticket to the Accademia

Skip the Long Queue with a Guided Tour of the Accademia

Uffizi– Uffizi’s collection is incredibly vast, rich, and diverse, so you might need to free yourself for a few hours so you can fully enjoy the grandeur of the gallery. There are over 45 halls with artwork spread amongst them, so a visit to this prominent museum would include Renaissance art, paintings by Michelangelo, controversial pieces, and more.

Tip: The queues for the Uffizi are long. To save time you can either buy a timed entrance ticket beforehand or book a guided tour.

Here are some great options:

Timed Entrance Ticket to the Uffizi

Skip the long queue with a guided tour of the Uffizi

If you are planning to visit both the Uffizi and the Accademia you might be interested in this:

See the Uffizi and Accademia with a skip the line guided tour

Palazzo Pitti – The Palazzo Pitti is the largest museum in Florence, and despite the fact that you’ll be visiting it right after Uffizi, you’ll still want to explore all that it has to offer. This is where you’ll get to explore the most exclusive forms of Renaissance art.

Watch the sunset from Piazza Michelangelo – The Piazzale Michelangelo is world-renowned for the stunning vistas it offers of Florence and the surroundings. In the morning, you get to see the major attractions and at night you get to see the flickering lights of Florence. The best view if of course, the sunset view where you even have the chance of seeing monks sing and chant right before the sunset.

You might be interested in: How to spend 2 days in Florence. 

Day 4 Tuscany Villages or Cinque Terre

One of my favorite things about Italy is how compact the entire country is, and taking day trips from one city to another is as easy as taking the metro from one attraction to the other. On your fourth day out of your ten days in Italy, I recommend that you take a day trip to either San Gimignano, Siena, and  Chianti visiting some interesting World Heritage Sites in Tuscany or to Lucca and Pisa.

By going to San Gimignano, Siena Chianti you get to experience the true meaning of medieval towns, relish in vast wine regions and rolling hills and immerse yourself in quaint little Italian towns. By heading over to Lucca and Pisa, you get to see the stunning symbols of Italy and revel in the major touristic vibe of the cities.

Alternatively, you can make a day trip from Florence to the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre. You can reach the villages by train from Florence, learn more about it on my one day guide to Cinque Terre, or by joining a guided tour. There are tςο options one that includes Pisa and the villages of the Cinque Terre and one that includes only the villages of Cinque Terre. The choice is yours.

You might be interested in: One day in Pisa. and 45 things to do in Tuscany

Day 5  Florence to Venice

After going back to Florence, it’s time to head to the magical city of Venice – one of the most delightful cities in Europe and definitely one of the most unique. I recommend that you take the train from Santa Maria Novela station in Florence to Venezia Santa Lucia and that you most definitely book early.

By booking early you get to enjoy lower prices and better rates. The whole journey will take about 2 hours and 5 minutes. For more information click here. 

Where to stay in Venice

Hotel Al Codega This hotel has been rated as one of the best over and over again and it’s a great choice if you want to immerse yourself in a little bit of art and culture. This hotel has one of the best locations in Venice and also offers normal amenities – heaters, flat-screen TV, and much more. – Check here for the latest prices and more detail.

Hotel Rio Hotel Rio is right in the center of Venice, so of course, you’re in extreme proximity to attractions like the Rialto Bridge and Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station. This is a perfect place to stay in if you’re in Venice to shop and the hotel has a satellite TV, WiFi, toiletries, and a hairdryer. – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

B&B Bloom Settimo Cielo Romantically beautiful and architecturally impressive, this hotel is dubbed as one of the top picks of Venice. The hotel enjoys some of the best hotel architecture in Venice and you also get all the amenities you might need at a hotel. As for the local location, the hotel is on Campiello Santo Stefano. – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

Hotel Ai Reali – Small Luxury Hotels of the World Enjoying incredible Baroque and neoclassical architecture and adorned with marbles, this hotel is also another pick for Venice. Apart from the restaurant on-site, the hotel is a 3-minute walk away from St. Mark’s Basilica and all rooms come with every amenity you may need. – Check here for the latest prices and more details.

After you settle in the hotel, it’s time to get completely enamored by the city of Venice.

Piazza San Marco – Start your visit to Venice by visiting its bustling heart and one of Italy’s most well-known and iconic plazas. You’ll be in a plaza that dates hundreds of years ago with a typical Venetian atmosphere, brick towers, gorgeous buildings, and beautiful bridges.

Campanile di San Marco – This tall brick bell tower soars over the Piazza majestically and the view from up there is even better as you get to enjoy gorgeous panoramas of the piazza.

St Mark’s Cathedral – The basilica dates back hundreds of years ago and still stands in its magnificent glory. The façade is incredibly detailed with intricate designs and sumptuous designs and the interior is an ode to art with golden altars, mosaics, a treasury, and a lot more.

Tip: To avoid the long queues book a skip-the-line guided tour to St Mark’s Cathedral.

Doge’s Palace– After you’re done exploring the basilica, head over to the extravagant palace of Doge. A byzantine-style façade is complimented with thousands of paintings inside, lacy patterns, art sculptures, and Venetian architecture. You’ll walk over the Bridge of Sighs and get lost in the Hall of the Great Council!

Tip: Another place with long queues in Venice. To avoid them you can either buy a priority admission ticket or book a skip-the-line guided tour to the palace.

If you are planning to visit both St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Doge’s Palace this skip-the-line 2-hour walking tour will save you both time and money.

Rialto Bridge – The Rialto Bridge is definitely the iconic symbol of the city of Venice, with gorgeous canals that juxtapose the architecture of the bridge. Colorful stalls pepper the bridge, and attractions surround the entire area. It’s a place where you get to revel in the romanticism surrounding you.

Day 6 Explore Venice

Accademia Galleries – The thing about Italy is that it’s teeming with all types of art and Venice is no exception. Head over to the Accademia Galleries for incredible collections of Venetian art that date back to the fourteenth century and span all types of different artists and influences.

Take a tour around the Venetian Lagoon– The Venetian lagoon boasts incredible scenery and history and it’s worth spending some time exploring the lagoon. Take a cruise between the Venetian islands where you’ll get to really take in the scenery, the simplicity of life, the traditions and the history, and a lot more.

Find here more information and book a cruise to Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands.

After you’re done with the tour, it’s worth exploring and getting lost in the quintessential winding alleys of Venice. Cobblestone streets, bridges, canals, and unique architecture will keep you wanting to go back for more.

Gondola Ride – Of course, your Venice experience would not be complete without the renowned canals that you can explore. Take a gondola ride to experience the true authenticity of Venetian life, and float around Venice’s facades reflected unto the waters.

Find here more information and book a 30-minute gondola ride.

You might be interested in: 2 days in Venice.

Day 7 Venice to Rome

Take the fast train from Venice to Rome, which will take you about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Make sure you book in advance for better rates!

After you arrive again in Rome, it’s time for you to enjoy the rest of what this vast and diverse city has to offer. First, settle in your hotel and then continue your journey through Rome.

Colosseum – This is most definitely one of the most attractions in all of Italy – the epitome of grand and the actual reflection of just how important and influential Rome was back then. Walking around the Colosseum to me was an incredible experience due to the fact that I was surrounded by over 2000 years of history.

Opening hours: Every day: 8:30 am until one hour before sunset, 25 December and 1 January: closed

Tickets:

Combined ticket to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine:
Adults: 12€
European Union members (18 – 24): 7.50€
Children (ages less than 17) and seniors (over 65) members of the EU: free entrance

The Roman Forum – To really understand how powerful and influential Rome was back then, I visited the Roman Forum. It was the most important sight in all of Europe back then and you can see the faint reflection of temples, palaces, stalls, and the signs that this was a bustling heart of the city.

Opening hours: Every day: 8:30 am until one hour before sunset, 25 December and 1 January: closed

Tickets:

Combined ticket to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine:
Adults: 12€
European Union members (18 – 24): 7.50€
Children (ages less than 17) and seniors (over 65) members of the EU: free entrance

Tip: The Roman Forum and the Colosseum were incredible places to visit, and the most important monuments in Rome, so needless to say, the lines were massive. Luckily, we bought skip-the-line tickets that helped make our tour so much easier and more convenient.

Find here more information about the skip the line tour to the Colosseum and Ancient Rome

The Pantheon – Needless to say, Rome is simply teeming with historical attractions and the best preserved out of all of them is the Pantheon. The walls date back to 125 A.D, the oculus inside is incredibly impressive that even Da Vinci himself studied it and the dome with its designs stands out incredibly.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 9 am – 6.30 pm and Sun: 9 am –1 pm.

Piazza Navona – After checking out the historical monuments, I headed over to the piazza for a cup of coffee and some food. It’s an outstanding experience to be sitting by a sidewalk café as the sensory overload of Rome takes over you as you sit there.

Day 8 Explore Rome

Vatican City was and still continues to be one of the most impressive experiences I’ve had in my travels. You get to revel in an unparalleled sense of spirituality and transcended as you get lost in the churches, the galleries, the gardens, and the paintings and it is a must on your Italy itinerary.

Vatican Museum – The Vatican Museum is unparalleled when it comes to the collection it offers and simply how huge it is. There are over 1400 rooms there that you can explore with artwork dating back almost 4000 years old.

Sistine Chapel – This chapel offers great representations of most biblical scenes with Michelangelo’s frescoes dominating the entire interior.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm (Ticket office closes at 4 pm).
Sunday: Closed except the last Sunday of each month: 9 am – 2 pm. (Ticket office closes at midday, 12:30 pm).
1, 6 January, 11 February, 22 February, 19, 28 February, 29 June, 15 August, 1 November, 8, 26 December: closed

Tickets: Adults: 16€. Children (ages 6 – 18): 8€. Students (ages 19 – 26): 8€.
The entrance is free on the last Sunday of every month.

St Peter’s Basilica – One of the biggest churches in the world is an edifice that is blessed with a lavish decorations offering an unforgettable experience.

Opening hours: October – March: 7am – 6:30pm, April – September: 7am – 7pm

Free entrance

Tip: Visiting the Vatican is an essential Rome experience, and it will be quite overwhelming! Before anything, you should know that the queues are huge. No matter how much you think you can wait, you can’t. The queues go on for seemingly forever, so I recommend a skip a line tour.

Another way to enjoy the Vatican if you don’t have much time is by this Pristine Sistine, early entrance small group Vatican tour by the Walks of Italy. The reason I like this tour is that you get inside the Vatican one hour before it opens, the group is up to 14 people and you get to see the Vatican in under 4 hours.

Both times I’ve been there were with the skip-the-line guided tour, and it added to the overall comfort and convenience of my entire visit there.

If you’re not really into tours, you can wander on your own and skip the lines.

Climbing the Dome – After exploring the Basilica, you can reach the dome (either through an elevator or a 320-step climb), and get rewarded with the most breath-taking, gasp-deserving views in Rome. You’ll get panoramas of Rome, the buildings, the winding alleys, the plazas…This is when you realize the true grandeur you’re surrounded with.

Opening hours: The dome opens at 8 am and closes one hour before the Basilica.

Tickets: Lift to the terrace plus 320 steps: 8€. Climbing 551 steps by foot: 6€.

Castel San Angelo – You can also quickly check out the Castel San Angelo and take a look over the upper terrace with its beautiful views.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm

Tickets: Adults: 10,50€, EU citizens (aged 18 – 24): 7€

Click here to book your reserved ticket to Castel San Angelo.

Villa Borghese – The Villa Borghese includes one of the world’s largest private art collections and you’ll find all types of artwork. From ones made by giants like Bernini and Raphael to an entire Renaissance gallery.

There are long queues in the Villa Borghese and tickets are often sold out. . I totally recommend this 2-hour tour with skip-the-line tickets. 

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm, Monday: closed

Tickets: Adults: 11 €, EU citizens (ages 18 – 25): 6,50 €, Youth (less than 18) and Seniors ((over 65): 2 €

After exploring the gallery, I spent some time amongst beautiful flowerbeds, fountains, and temples in Rome’s largest park – Villa Borghese

Day 9 Pompeii

As if Rome itself was not enough, you can almost end your 10-day trip to Italy with a bang. Take a journey back in time to Mount Vesuvius where you can check out the lost city of Pompeii, breathtaking summit views, or the different hidden secrets of the place. Above all of this, you’re met with the Bay of Naples, the ruins, frescoes, winding streets, and a lot more.

Find here more information about the day trip to Pompeii

If you feel like your days have already been overwhelming enough, you can just get to explore the rest of Rome!

Day 10 Flight home

Sadly, your 10-day trip to Italy has come to an end but the 10-day itinerary can be mixed and matched however you like.

Italy itinerary #2: Rome, Naples, Pompei, Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Rome

Best time to go: the end of May – the beginning of June. This is the best period to enjoy warm and sunny weather and spend some time on the beach on the Amalfi Coast. It is also less hot and less crowded than in Summer.

Day 1 Rome

When planning your trip to Rome, it is best to choose a central accommodation, so that you can walk your way through the many points of interest in the city center.

On your first afternoon in Italy, you can enjoy a walking itinerary of about 1h30 to see some of the most iconic places of the Capital. Start from the Pantheon: you can reach it with the subway (Barberini stop on the A-line) and you’ll have the chance to admire this Greek-style temple dedicated to Roman gods.

After visiting its interior lit by the hole in the dome, you can have a 10minutes walk to reach the Trevi Fountain: you’ll probably have to be patient enough to be able to get close to the basin among a large crowd, but this beautiful Baroque fountain is worth the wait.

Walk for another 10 minutes and reach the Spanish Steps: after climbing the iconic stairs you’ll reach a belvedere for your pictures and you can also visit the nice church of Trinità dei Monti.

Another pleasant 15minutes walk will lead you to Piazza Navona. This large Baroque square was once the Stadium of Diocleziano, where the chariot races took place during the Imperial era. The most important feature of the square is the Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini.

Day 2 Naples

Catch a Frecciarossa high-speed train from Termini station to reach Naples in 1h10. This way you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the third largest Italian city (after Rome and Milan). A good idea is to buy Naples Pass, which is a prepaid card allowing you to enjoy many discounts on special attractions and/or cafés/restaurants/tours. There is also a version including public transport. More info here.

You can start your day by visiting the National Archeological Museum: it is the most important archeological museum in Italy and the richest in the world as regards Roman remains. There are three collections: Farnese (mainly about the Roman period), Pompeian and Egyptian.

After a quick lunch, you can enjoy the guided tour called Underground Naples: the visit takes 1h30 and you’ll discover the underground of the city with its many remains spanning from the Greek period to World War II.  At the end of your first day in Naples, have a walk in via San Gregorio Armeno, also called “the street of the nativity scenes”: here you can see many craftsman’s shops producing the characters of the famous Neapolitan crib all year around.

If you want to discover what local nightlife looks like, go to the Chiaia district, which is a nice neighborhood near the waterfront and full of wine bars, pubs, and cafés.

Day 3 Pompei

The fastest way to reach Pompei from Naples is by bus: Sita Sud Company offers frequent rides taking less than 45 minutes. It is always best to arrive at the entrance of the archeological park before the opening at 9 a.m. in order to avoid long lines and to enjoy a couple of hours of peace!

How to visit Pompei?

Option 1: have a quick guided tour and go back to Naples in the afternoon. This one takes just 2 hours 

Option 2: have a longer tour leading you to discover Ercolano too. 

Option 3: have a longer tour leading you to the top of the Vesuvio volcano. 

Option 4: make your own itinerary in advance.

Day 4 Naples

Start your day with a guided tour of the famous San Carlo Theater the visit takes 45 minutes and lets you discover the second most important Italian Theater after La Scala in Milan. Its ballet company is also very prestigious and renown.

After that, walk along the so-called Spaccanapoli, which is the streets going through the entire old town. You’ll go through many different districts telling you the story of the city and letting you immerse yourself in its many contradictions. A guided tour like this is a great choice to explore the Old Town.

Taste local Neapolitan pizza for lunch and choose a restaurant near the waterfront to enjoy some sea breeze. A walk along the Lungomare Caracciolo will lead you to Castel dell’ Ovo, located on the small island of Megaride. Don’t miss the view from its tallest tower!

Later in the afternoon, you can walk till Piazza del Plebiscito: with its 25.000 square meters, it is one of the largest Italian squares.

If you still have some time for your visits, don’t miss the Royal Palace: its main points of interest are its monumental staircase and its roof garden.

Day 5  Amalfi Coast

How to visit it?

Option 1: to make the best out of your day, choose a guided tour like this one taking you to the main resorts of the coast with a dedicated guide in English.

Option 2: you can rent a car in Naples and drive around all day by stopping in your favorite places. What you cannot miss: Fornillo Beach in Positano, Queen Giovanna’s baths in Sorrento, the Cathedral of Amalfi and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

Option 3: spend a day on the beach in one of the beautiful seaside resorts along the coast. One of the best options is Positano with its famous beaches (Laurito, Arienzo, Fornillo and Marina Grande).

Check out the best places to stay on the Amalfi coast and the most beautiful towns on the Amalfi Coast.

Day 6 Naples and Florence

On your last morning in Naples, you can visit Trinità Maggiore (also called Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo): this original Baroque building was the former residence of the Sanseverino family, then it was donated to the Jesuits and it became a church.

You’ll see the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara just across the square: it dates back to the XIV century and it was made of two convents (one of the Clarisse nuns and one for the Franciscan friars).

In the afternoon, you can catch a Frecciarossa high-speed train that will take you to Florence in 3 hours.

Day 7  Florence

Start your visit from Piazza del Duomo. Here you can buy an all-inclusive ticket allowing you to visit Santa Maria del Fiore (the Cathedral), the Brunelleschi Dome, the Baptistery, the Giotto Tower and the Museum of the Cathedral.

Take some time to simply wander around in the Old Town to immerse yourself in its Renaissance atmosphere and taste some typical products like lampredotto, Fiorentina steak or schiacciata for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Piazza della Signoria, which is the political center of the city life, and enter Palazzo Vecchio to learn more about the history of Florence throughout the centuries.

At the end of your first day in Florence, you can walk till Michelangelo Square and enjoy an amazing view. You can also keep this visit for later in the evening to see the lit city and enjoy a more romantic scenery.

Day 8  Florence

Spend a few hours visiting two of the most important museums in Italy: Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia. They are huge and crowded, so the best option is to take a guided tour of both of them, like this one.

Go to the Central Market for lunch: discover the main products of the Tuscany Region and have fun wandering through the stalls on the ground floor.

In the afternoon, you can walk till Ponte Vecchio and cross the Arno River to get to the Boboli Gardens and relax in a beautiful Renaissance park offering you the perfect views for your pictures.

Day 9 Rome

Catch a Frecciarossa high-speed train early in the morning to reach Rome in about 1h20 and enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Capital.

Start your visit from Piazza del Popolo, which is the neoclassical square leading you to the Pincio belvedere.

Spend a few hours wandering around the Villa Borghese park. Don’t miss the temple of Aesculapius, the Water Clock, and the Casina dell Orologio.

If you still have some time, visit also the Borghese Gallery with its precious collections of works of art by famous artists like Bernini or Canova. Otherwise, you can simply enjoy a picnic in the park.

To squeeze a visit to the Vatican State in a few hours, it is best to join a guided tour: this one takes 3 hours and it will let you see the most important attractions including Sistine Chapel. 

Day 10  Rome

On your last morning in Rome visit the Colosseum. If you want a more complete visit of the ancient ruins of the Imperial era, take this tour leading you to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatino hill.

Italy Itinerary #3: Rome, Milan, Como Lake, Verona, and Venice

Best time to go: lakes give the best of themselves in Spring, so March, April, and May are the best months for this tour. Just avoid Easter week and the closest weekend to April 25^th (national holiday).

Day 1 Rome

After arriving at your hotel, you’ll probably have an entire afternoon to go sightseeing, so why not spend it on a tour of the Vatican State? Try this one for example, in just 2h30 you’ll have the chance to see its most important points of interest and to admire its most amazing works of art.

Day 2 Rome

Head to the Colosseum early in the morning, so that you can find a shorter line and visit it in a quieter atmosphere.  To make the best out of your morning, have a guided tour including also the Roman Forum and the Palatino Hill, like this one. Remember to bring your food and water with you, since there are no bars nearby!

Spend your afternoon walking through the streets of Rome and enjoy an itinerary starting from Piazza Venezia. Here you can admire the Altar of the Fatherland (also called Vittoriano): it was inaugurated in 1911 on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the unification of Italy. It is an important patriotic place reminding of the Risorgimento, the Unity of the Country and the Italian soldiers who died during World War I and II.

After a 10minutes walk, you’ll reach Largo di Torre Argentina: this archeological park is where Giulio Cesare was murdered back in 44 A.C. Other than an important historic place, it is today a feline colony full of nice cats available for adoption.

The Pantheon is just a couple of blocks away, so take some time to visit this evocative place too!

From there, have a walk in Via del Corso and enjoy its beautiful buildings and shops before reaching Piazza del Popolo.

Don’t miss the Pincio’s belvedere and the quiet park of Villa Borghese, where you can relax, rent a bike or even a small boat to have a tour of the lake near the Temple of Aesculapius.

Spend a special night out with a dinner cruise on the Tevere River. 

Day 3  Rome and Milan

Spend your last few hours in Rome exploring the streets surrounding Piazza Navona and visit the nice church of San Luigi dei Francesi, that is the church of the local French community housing beautiful paintings by Caravaggio.

The Trevi Foutain is just 10minutes away, so you can also try to see it, if there are not too many tourists (the earlier the better!).

If you still have at least 30 minutes, walk until the Spanish Steps and visit the nice church of Trinità dei Monti.

After lunch, head to Termini Station and catch a Frecciarossa high-speed train that will take you to Milan in 3 hours.

Day 4  Milan

The most iconic place in Milan is Piazza del Duomo so that you should absolutely visit it at first. Before entering the Cathedral (Duomo), which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, take some time to admire its gothic façade made of white marble rich in decorations and statues. Once inside, don’t miss the brass band on the floor with the zodiac signs: once the sun enters a specific sign, a ray of light will lighten exactly the correspondent tile! Another thing you should do inside the Cathedral is climbing to the top of its spire to enjoy a 360° view of Milan and the Alps. If you also want to visit the Museum and the archeological area, take this tour 

After that, enjoy some shopping in the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery: it is the symbol of local luxury and it is full of shops and malls in a rich and extremely decorated setting.

Spend your afternoon visiting the Sforza Castle: it dates back to the XV century and it was the residence of Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.  It is worth a long and thorough visit and a guided tour is the best option.

To discover local nightlife, head to Navigli: it is a district on the banks of the former irrigation channels that reminds of the Rive Gauche in Paris. This is the place where young people gather every weekend and the perfect place to enjoy one of the most typical Italian (and especially Milanese) customs: the “aperitivo” (happy hour)!

Day 5 Milan

Start your second day in Milan with a visit to the most important Italian theater: La Scala. It is the place where the main opera shows take place and you can enjoy a guided tour like this one to learn more about the history of classical music in Italy.

From there, you can easily reach the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore: it might seem a common and simple church, but once inside you’ll see some frescos by Luini that owed it the surname of “Milanese Sistine Chapel”.

Walk for another 10 minutes and reach the Cenacolo Vinciano: here you can admire the famous “Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting is still in its original location, that is the dining room of the Santa Maria delle Grazie Convent. The painting is really huge: it is 4m high and 8m wide and many tourists and art lovers from all around the world come here to see it every day.

Click here to book a guided tour to Leonardo’s Last Supper.

To spend a pleasant afternoon, have a bike tour like this one, you’ll see many interesting places and discover real-life habits while doing some exercise!

Day 6 Como Lake

Como Lake is less than 50 Km away from Milan, so it’s the typical one-day trip or weekend destination for locals. The most important town on the lake is Como, but there are many picturesque villages that are worth a visit too.

How to organize your one-day trip from Milan?

Option 1: have a guided tour like this one to also visit the charming villages of Bellagio and Varenna.

Option 2: rent a car in Milan and stop at your favorite places.

What you cannot miss:

-Villa Melzi in Bellagio

-Villa Monastero in Varenna

-Villa del Balbianello in Tremezzo

Option 3: catch a train to reach Como (1h from Milan) and explore the town.

What to see:

-Cathedral

-Villa Olmo

-St. Abbondio Basilica

-San Fedele Basilica

-Old Town

Day 7  Venice

Catch a high-speed train (Frecciarossa, Eurocity or Italo) and head to Venice. You can reach it in about 2h30 from Milan. The best districts where to find accommodation are Cannaregio, San Polo, and Santa Croce.

When you get out of the train station, you’ll cross the Ponte degli Scalzi and you’ll find yourself in one of the most particular cities in the world. Its main canal is Canal Grande, which is crossed by 4 bridges (degli Scalzi, Rialto, Accademia, and Costituzione). One of the main points of interest you can find close to the station is the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which is the most important church in Venice after San Marco Basilica. Take some time to admire its gothic facade and the paintings by Tiziano you’ll find inside.

Have a pleasant 10minutes’ walk through the picturesque streets of Venice and reach Roma Square, where you can catch a Vaporetto (steamboat) and have a tour (schedule here) of the Canal Grande. Vaporetti are common public transports for locals, just like buses or tramways!

If you prefer to enjoy a romantic experience, try a gondola tour like this one.

Spend your first afternoon in Venice in Dorsoduro district. What to see:

–Campo Santa Margherita, one of the favorite areas of young people

–Fondamenta delle Zattere, for a great view of the Giudecca Canal

–Church of Santa Maria della Salute

– Peggy Guggenheim collection

To spend an interesting evening, go to see a show in one of the most famous theaters in Venice, like La Fenice or Carlo Goldoni.

Day 8 Venice

Start your day in San Marco Square, that is the heart of the city. Visit Palazzo Ducale, (the residence of the “doge”, that was the leader of Venice), San Marco Basilica (with its Byzantine mosaics), San Marco Tower (with its beautiful view) and the iconic Clock Tower.

Tip: To avoid the long queues book a skip the line guided tour to St Mark’s Cathedral.

Cross the famous Ponte dei Sospiri, then walk along the streets to cross Rialto Bridge.

If you want to combine sightseeing and food, this 4hours tour is for you.

Spend your afternoon in Murano: it is a small island in Venice’s lagoon and it is famous for its glass processing laboratories. They are still open to the public and they offer interesting demonstrations and tours. Visit also the Cathedral and the Glass Museum. If you want to learn more about glass processing, you can also enjoy this demonstrative workshop.

Day 9 Verona

Verona is close to Venice and it will take you less than 1h30 to get there by train.

How to organize your day-trip?

Option 1: have a guided tour with a local to discover the secrets of the city and make new friends

Option 2: have a quick tour like this one in the morning, then reach Garda Lake (the nearest towns you can reach by train are Lazise, Peschiera and Garda).

Option 3: plan your own itinerary and visit the city at your own pace. What you cannot miss:

-Arena

-House of Juliet

-Piazza delle Erbe

-Old Town

-Bra Square

-St. Peter’s Castle Square

-San Zeno Basilica

-Scaligero Bridge

– Castelvecchio Museum

-Cathedral

Day 10 Venice

Spend your last few hours in Venice wandering around Cannaregio District. What to see:

–The Jewish Ghetto with its interesting Jewish Museum

-Ca’ D’Oro Palace, housing the prestigious Giorgio Franchetti collection with its masterpiece by Andrea Mantegna.

-Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli with its Renaissance façade and decorations.

Spending 10 days in Italy barely scratches the surface of what Italy has to offer but it’s a great way to get an introduction to what the country is like. You get to see buzzing Rome, enchanting Venice and beautiful Florence, all while exploring cities nearby.

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