Italy, a land of captivating history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for many. However, for first-time visitors, understanding the sheer diversity of this relatively young nation can be overwhelming. Unified only in 1861, Italy is a tapestry woven from distinct regions, each boasting unique traditions, culinary specialties, and historical narratives.
Forget the notion of a monolithic “Italy.” Imagine instead a collection of city-states and independent republics, each fiercely proud of its identity and contributing to the rich mosaic that is modern Italy. From political structures to cultural quirks, and especially when it comes to the delectable world of Italian food and drink, regional variations are the heart and soul of the Italian experience.
With just 10 days to explore this incredible country, careful planning is crucial. This itinerary is designed to provide a taste of Italy’s regional diversity, hitting the iconic landmarks while also venturing to some beloved, less-trodden gems like Bologna. We believe that Italy is not just a place to see, but to experience deeply.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of your 10 days in Italy, you’ve come to the right place. This guide, born from our extensive travels across Italy – including a six-month immersion in Rome, a six-week exploration a few years ago, and a more recent three-week journey in 2022, plus a spring 2024 trip to Rome – is crafted to help you structure an unforgettable adventure.
Let’s dive into crafting your perfect 10-day Italy itinerary, covering:
- Strategic planning: How to structure your 10-day trip, including essential stops, optimal routes, and key logistical considerations.
- City guides: Detailed insights into what to see, where to stay, and how to navigate each destination on your itinerary.
- Flexibility: Adaptable options for shorter or longer stays in Italy, ensuring you maximize your time regardless of your trip length.
Throughout this guide, we’ll share our personal recommendations and cherished experiences from our numerous Italian journeys. Ready to embark on your Italian adventure? Let’s begin!
Delicious pasta dish at Trattoria da Garibardi in Florence
Maximizing Your 10 Days in Italy: What’s Possible?
First things first, let’s set realistic expectations for your 10-day Italian journey. Italy is geographically expansive and brimming with attractions. Ten days provides a fantastic introduction, but it’s merely a starting point. Even with extensive travel experience in Italy, including multiple trips totaling over two months, there are still countless corners left to explore.
Resist the urge to cram too many destinations into your itinerary. The temptation to see everything is understandable, but a whirlwind tour of constant city-hopping can leave you feeling rushed and overwhelmed. We’ve learned from experience that savoring fewer places for a longer duration creates a far more enriching and memorable trip.
Ten days is ample time to experience some of Italy’s major highlights, such as Rome and Venice. You can immerse yourself in local life, connect with the culture on a deeper level, indulge in exquisite cuisine and wines, and truly grasp what makes Italy so special. It’s also an opportunity to discover underrated cities like Bologna and Verona, which we highly recommend.
Structuring Your 10-Day Italy Itinerary: Finding the Rhythm
Over years of travel, we’ve developed a strong philosophy for structuring trips, especially those lasting 10 days or more. A key principle is to allocate at least 2-3 days to each major Italian city like Rome, Venice, Florence, or Milan. Attempting to see these cities in a single day is a recipe for exhaustion and superficial experiences.
Multiple days allow you to strategically pace yourself and fully appreciate key attractions. Consider Rome: its must-see sights, the Colosseum and the Vatican, are incredibly demanding individually. Trying to tackle both in one day will leave you drained and unable to truly engage with the second. Always prioritize splitting up major attractions over separate days.
We also advocate for establishing home bases for longer periods and taking day trips, rather than constantly moving between cities. For a 10-day itinerary, we suggest selecting a maximum of three cities as your main hubs, distributing your time relatively evenly among them.
For a first-time 10-day trip to Italy, we recommend Rome, Florence, and Venice as ideal home bases. These cities are not only culturally, historically, and gastronomically rich, but they are also well-connected by Italy’s efficient high-speed train network. Florence, in particular, serves as an excellent central location for exploring other Tuscan gems through day excursions.
Starting and Ending Your Italian Adventure: Airport Logistics
When planning your flights, consider flying into one city and departing from another – an “open jaw” or multi-city flight. This strategy minimizes backtracking and wasted travel time.
Following our suggested itinerary, you’ll ideally fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and depart from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Both are major international airports, though connections may be necessary depending on your origin, often through hubs like London, Amsterdam, Paris, or Frankfurt.
Milan also offers excellent international airport options, with both Malapensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN) serving major airlines.
Navigating Italy: Transportation within the Country
Once you arrive, efficient transportation within Italy is key. For this itinerary, renting a car is absolutely unnecessary and actually discouraged. In major cities, a car becomes more of a burden than a convenience, especially as you’ll primarily be exploring city centers and taking day trips from urban bases.
Italy boasts a superb train network, which is the recommended mode of transport between cities. While domestic flights are an option, train travel is generally more enjoyable, scenic, and often more efficient.
High-speed train travel in Italy is a fantastic experience. Here’s what you need to know:
- Two Main Train Types: Italy operates both high-speed and regional trains, with distinct characteristics.
- High-Speed Trains: More expensive, significantly faster, and less flexible. For intercity travel on a tight schedule, high-speed trains are essential. Book in advance for potential cost savings, but be aware that tickets are less flexible.
- Regional Trains: Slower, more affordable, and more flexible. Ideal for shorter distances, connecting smaller towns, and spontaneous travel. Tickets can be purchased at stations, offering greater flexibility but require validation before boarding.
For this 10-day itinerary, utilize high-speed trains for travel between Rome and Florence, and Florence and Venice. Regional trains are suitable for day trips from Florence.
Trenitalia (https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html) is the national rail operator’s website and app, reasonably user-friendly for direct bookings. Note that station names need to be entered in Italian (e.g., “Venezia” instead of “Venice”).
For a more streamlined, English-language booking experience, Omio (https://omio.sjv.io/4PyVoL) is a user-friendly platform for booking trains across Europe.
Your Incredible 10-Day Italy Itinerary: A City-by-City Breakdown
Here’s a detailed day-by-day breakdown of our recommended 10-day Italy itinerary:
- Day 0: Arrival in Rome
- Days 1-3: Rome Exploration
- Day 4: Train to Florence, Florence City Exploration
- Days 5-6: Florence Immersive Days
- Day 7: Day Trip to Bologna
- Day 8: Day Trip to Siena
- Day 9: Morning Train to Venice
- Day 10: Venice Exploration & Departure
Remember, this is a flexible framework. Adjust it based on your flight schedules and preferences. This itinerary assumes 10 full days in Italy, excluding arrival and departure days.
This classic Italy itinerary is designed to showcase the country’s main highlights within a 10-day timeframe, based on our extensive personal experiences exploring Italy. Of course, Italy offers endless possibilities, and this itinerary can be customized to suit various interests.
Consider a Southern Italy focus on Naples and the Amalfi Coast after Rome, or a Northern Italy adventure encompassing the Dolomites, Lake Como, and Milan. Your ideal itinerary depends on your travel style and interests. Explore the “More Time in Italy” section later for customization ideas.
Days 1-3: Rome – Ancient Wonders and Modern Charms
Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome at dusk
Welcome to Rome, or Roma! Collectively, we’ve spent significant time in this captivating city. From multiple visits to Alysha’s six-month residency, Rome holds a special place in our hearts.
While some visitors describe Rome as “dirty” or “chaotic,” often with negative connotations, we see these qualities as part of its vibrant character. Rome possesses an unmatched energy, reminiscent of New York City, yet less overwhelming.
Rome is a living museum of history, offering insights into the Roman Empire and the modern Italian state. It’s a city where layers of history intertwine, from ancient ruins to Baroque masterpieces. Don’t miss exploring the nuances of modern Italy, a country unified relatively recently after centuries of diverse independent states.
Roman cuisine is another highlight. Contrary to expectations of ancient Roman opulence, modern Roman food is rooted in humble ingredients. Indulge in the “four Roman pastas” – Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, and Alla Gricia – along with fried artichokes, supplì (fried rice balls), and pizza al taglio, all staples of Roman street food and trattorias.
Airport Transfer: Reaching Rome from the Airport
Most likely, you’ll arrive at Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Italy’s busiest airport. The Leonardo Express train is the most convenient way to reach central Rome. This direct, air-conditioned train runs between the airport and Termini Station, Rome’s central train hub.
The Leonardo Express offers a comfortable, efficient, and traffic-free journey into the city. The only potential drawback is that you might need a taxi or bus from Termini Station to your final accommodation, depending on its location.
If you’re arriving from within Europe, particularly on budget airlines, you might land at Ciampino Airport (CIA). The Ciampino Airlink offers a comparable journey time to central Rome, connecting the airport to Termini Station via train and bus.
Must-See Attractions in Rome
Here are essential Roman experiences for your itinerary:
A crucial tip: avoid scheduling multiple major attractions (like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Borghese Gallery) on the same day. This leads to sightseeing fatigue. Spreading them out over your 2-3 days in Rome ensures a more enjoyable and immersive experience.
Rome is a vast city with layers of history and culture to uncover. For deeper exploration, refer to our detailed 4-day Rome itinerary and our guide to the best things to do in Rome for first-timers, which are packed with our favorite Roman experiences, culinary delights, and hidden gems.
The Colosseum illuminated at dusk in Rome
The Colosseum & Roman Forum: Stepping Back in Time
The Colosseum and Roman Forum are iconic symbols of ancient Rome and unmissable attractions.
For stunning panoramic views of the Colosseum, visit Giardinetto del Monte Oppio garden in the early morning or late evening. For an elevated perspective of the Roman Forum, head to this viewpoint.
Consider a guided tour for a richer experience. Navigating the ruins and understanding their historical significance is greatly enhanced with expert commentary. We recommend this guided tour for a comprehensive exploration of Roman history or this nighttime VIP tour for a unique, less crowded experience that includes access beneath the Colosseum floor (note: the nighttime tour does not include the Forum). Both are offered by Walks of Italy, our preferred tour operator in Italy. Read about our experience on the Colosseum tour which challenged our preconceptions.
Vatican City: Art, History, and Spirituality
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are unparalleled repositories of art and history. Even after multiple visits, there’s always more to discover.
The Vatican Museums house an astounding collection of art amassed by the Catholic Church over centuries. This includes the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. St. Peter’s Basilica, a magnificent church, is equally awe-inspiring.
Allocate the majority of a day to explore both the Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, as they are extensive and require significant time. Arrive as early as possible to avoid overwhelming crowds. Book tickets online in advance, selecting the earliest entry time.
For a premium experience, consider this early morning tour with Walks of Italy for prioritized access. For an exclusive, crowd-free Sistine Chapel experience, this tour offers entry before general opening hours.
Centro Storico: Exploring Rome’s Heart (Early Morning is Best!)
Trevi Fountain in Rome in the early morning light
The Centro Storico, Rome’s historic center, is a treasure trove of famous landmarks, predominantly from the Baroque period. Here you’ll find Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon, and the iconic Trevi Fountain.
Explore the Centro Storico in the early morning to avoid throngs of tourists. From 7 am to 8 am, you’ll experience a much more tranquil atmosphere.
Follow this recommended walking route which includes key sites and starts at Terrazza del Pincio for stunning city views.
Along the way, stop for an authentic Italian coffee experience at either Tazza d’Oro or Sant’ Eustachio. Order a caffè or cappuccino at the bar and savor the efficiency and artistry of Italian baristas.
Trastevere: Evening Charm and Roman Flavors
Evening scene in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome
Trastevere is our favorite Roman neighborhood. Its labyrinthine cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and lively atmosphere are best enjoyed in the evening. Trastevere buzzes with locals and visitors alike, enjoying al fresco dining and socializing in its many squares.
Favorite Trastevere Spots:
- Fatamorgana: Exceptional gelato.
- Les Vignerons: Extensive beer and wine selection.
- Supplì Roma: Authentic Roman supplì.
- Enoteca Cuverie: Quiet wine bar in a peaceful corner of Trastevere.
Panoramic Rome: Seeking Out the Best Views
People enjoying panoramic views from Giardino degli Aranci in Rome
Rome’s skyline, dotted with domes, is best appreciated from elevated vantage points.
Our Favorite Viewpoints:
- Terrazza del Pincio: Offers sweeping city vistas.
- Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden): Tranquil garden with beautiful views.
- Castel Sant’Angelo rooftop: Combine history with panoramic views.
- Piazza Garibaldi: Located above Trastevere, accessible via a scenic walk, offering excellent city views. Follow this route to Piazza Garibaldi and discover other sites along the way.
People enjoying panoramic views from Giardino degli Aranci in Rome
Accommodation in Rome: Where to Stay
Based on our extensive experience in Rome, including Alysha’s long-term stay, we recommend two primary neighborhoods for accommodation.
For a comprehensive guide, see our detailed article on where to stay in Rome.
Recommended Neighborhoods:
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Centro Storico (Southwestern End): Especially the area between Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona. This is ideal for first-time visitors due to its central location, proximity to major attractions, charming streets, and excellent restaurants. However, expect higher prices and tourist crowds during peak hours. We recently stayed in these lovely apartments and highly recommend them for space and location.
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Trastevere: Our favorite neighborhood, offering a romantic atmosphere with cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, lively piazzas, and excellent nightlife. We enjoyed our stay at Horti 14 Borgo, a splurge-worthy hotel with exceptional service, breakfast, and a quiet location.
Evening scene in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome
Days 4-7: Florence & Tuscan Day Trips – Renaissance Art and Culinary Delights
Florence, the second stop on your itinerary, provides a compelling contrast to Rome. While both are Italian powerhouses, Florence offers a more compact, organized, and arguably more refined urban experience.
Florence is renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance. From the 15th and 16th centuries, it was a global center of wealth and artistic innovation. This legacy is evident in its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and overall artistic atmosphere.
The wealth of Florence fueled the Renaissance, attracting master artists and commissioning masterpieces that are now housed in museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia (home to Michelangelo’s David). Florence is the ideal place to witness the transformative impact of the Renaissance on art history.
While Florence is undeniably busy, its compact city center concentrates tourist activity, especially during peak hours. However, charming corners and quieter moments can be found, particularly in the Oltrarno district and during early mornings and late evenings.
Panoramic view from the top of the Duomo in Florence
Traveling from Rome to Florence by Train
The high-speed train journey from Rome to Florence is quick and convenient, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Depart from Rome’s Termini Station and arrive at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station. Numerous trains operate daily on this route.
Opt for Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed trains to minimize travel time. Regional trains take around 3 hours, while high-speed options complete the journey in about 1.5 hours. Choose based on your preferred schedule and price.
Essential Florence Experiences
Here are unmissable attractions and activities in Florence:
Uffizi Gallery: Renaissance Art Immersion
The Uffizi Gallery is a must-visit in Florence, especially for art enthusiasts. Its collection focuses on Renaissance art, presented chronologically to illustrate the movement’s evolution in Florence.
A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the masterpieces within. A knowledgeable guide will highlight intricate details and contextualize the art within the broader Renaissance narrative. This highly-rated tour provides an excellent overview and allows for further independent exploration afterward.
Galleria dell’Accademia: David and Michelangelo’s Genius
While a replica of Michelangelo’s David stands in Piazza della Signoria, seeing the original at the Galleria dell’Accademia is a different experience.
The Accademia showcases Michelangelo’s artistic development, displaying works that lead up to the creation of David. For those interested in Michelangelo’s mastery of human anatomy and artistic progression, the Accademia is a worthwhile visit.
Book tickets well in advance through the official website to avoid long ticket lines. Consider this guided tour for skip-the-line access and insightful commentary on Michelangelo’s life and work.
Michelangelo's David statue in Florence
Duomo di Firenze: A Florentine Icon
The Duomo di Firenze (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) dominates Florence’s skyline. Construction spanned over 150 years, beginning in the late 13th century and consecrated in 1436, with the facade completed in the 19th century.
Brunelleschi’s Dome is the highlight. Climbing to the top offers breathtaking panoramic views of Florence and a unique perspective of the dome’s interior. The climb involves over 400 steep, narrow steps.
Purchase tickets here, selecting the “Brunelleschi Pass” for dome access. Choose early or late time slots for fewer crowds.
Piazzale Michelangelo & Oltrarno: Views and Local Flavors
View of Ponte Vecchio from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo offers arguably the best panoramic view of Florence, especially of Ponte Vecchio. Located across the Arno River in the Oltrarno district, this area is less tourist-saturated and worth exploring.
Combine a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo with an exploration of Oltrarno. Walk up to the piazza and descend through Oltrarno, stopping at local favorites: Le Volpi e l’Uva for wine, Gelateria Della Passera for gelato, and Ditta Artiginale for coffee. Follow this walking route on Google Maps for our recommended path and stops.
View of Ponte Vecchio from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
Day Trip to Bologna: Italy’s Food Capital (Day Trip #1)
Cityscape of Bologna, Italy, with its characteristic red rooftops
Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, is our favorite city in Italy. Renowned for its culinary excellence, Bologna is home to Bolognese sauce, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar of Modena, parmesan-reggiano, and mortadella.
Beyond food, Bologna is a vibrant university city with youthful energy and fewer tourists compared to other major Italian cities.
For a detailed day trip plan, see our guide to one amazing day in Bologna, which includes transportation, attractions, and culinary recommendations.
Day Trip to Siena: Tuscan Hilltop Charm (Day Trip #2)
Tuscany is famed for its hilltop towns, and Siena is a quintessential example, easily accessible from Florence by train or bus.
In Siena, don’t miss the Duomo di Siena (especially its inlaid marble floor, if visible), the climb to the Facciatone for cathedral views, and this walking tour for an overview of Siena’s history and significance as a medieval city-state.
For deeper exploration of Florence and its surroundings, consult our 3-day Florence itinerary and our guide to the best things to do in Florence for first-timers.
Florence Accommodation: Finding Your Base
Florence’s compact city center makes location less critical, as most attractions are within a 15-minute walk. For a detailed guide, see our article on where to stay in Florence.
Recommended Neighborhoods:
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Santa Croce (Sant’Ambrogio): East of the historic center, offering a balance of central location and local atmosphere. Leonardo da Vinci grew up in this area. It’s quieter than the heart of the city, with excellent dining and drinking options. Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments are highly recommended for spacious rooms and a peaceful courtyard setting. For a more traditional hotel, consider Eurostars Hotel.
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Oltrarno: Across the Arno River, offering a more authentic Florentine experience. This neighborhood is known for artisan workshops, local life, and excellent views, including Piazzale Michelangelo. Hotel options are fewer in Oltrarno.
Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, a prominent landmark in the Santa Croce neighborhood
Days 8-10: Venice & Verona Day Trip – Canals, Bridges, and Venetian Splendor
Venice evokes mixed feelings due to overtourism. Its unique canal-based infrastructure struggles to accommodate the massive influx of visitors, especially when cruise ships arrive.
However, Venice remains a city worth experiencing, particularly with 2-3 days to appreciate its quieter moments – early mornings and evenings – when the crowds thin out and a tranquil atmosphere returns.
Venice’s history is as compelling as Rome and Florence. As a powerful maritime republic for centuries, its wealth and influence are reflected in its unique architecture, iconic bridges, and the opulent St. Mark’s Basilica.
Venice is undeniably beautiful, with the Grand Canal and intricate architecture creating a magical cityscape. Careful planning helps navigate the crowds and discover its true charm.
Train Travel: Florence to Venice
The high-speed train from Florence to Venice takes just over 2 hours. Depart from Santa Maria Novella in Florence and arrive at Santa Lucia station in Venice.
Again, prioritize high-speed trains (Frecciarossa or Italo) for a faster journey compared to regional trains.
Unmissable Venice Experiences
Here are essential Venice attractions and activities:
Piazza San Marco & St. Mark’s Basilica: Venetian Grandeur
St. Mark’s Basilica stands out with its Byzantine-inspired mosaics, ornate facade, and lavish interior, distinct from other Italian churches.
Construction began in the 11th century, with Venice’s wealth leading to enhancements like marble facades in the 14th century. Venetian spoils from the Fourth Crusade further enriched the basilica.
Entry to the basilica is free, but reserve a ticket and timeslot online for €6 to skip potentially long lines. Consider climbing the bell tower for panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon (€12, advance booking recommended).
Doge’s Palace: Power and Venetian Gothic Architecture
The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was the residence and seat of power for the Doge of Venice, the city’s ruler. Today, it’s a museum showcasing Venetian Gothic architecture and opulent interiors.
Buy tickets in advance through the official website. Consider the Secret Itineraries guided tour for deeper insights into the palace’s history and the Doge’s role.
Vaporetti: Navigating Venice by Water
Vaporetti, Venice’s public ferries, are both practical transportation and a scenic attraction. They offer a cost-effective way to experience Venice from the water, unlike expensive gondola rides (which we recommend skipping).
Take vaporetto line #2 for a Grand Canal tour for around €7.
Murano and Burano: Islands of Glass and Color
Explore the islands of Murano and Burano, north of Venice, famous for glassmaking and colorful houses, respectively.
Reach them by vaporetto from this dock. Murano is about 30 minutes, Burano double that. Combine both into a half-day trip.
Murano showcases glassblowing traditions and shops. Burano is known for its brightly colored houses and lacemaking. Venture away from the immediate dock areas for quieter experiences.
Venetian Bridges: Rialto, Accademia, and Sighs
Venice’s bridges are essential and beautiful.
The Rialto Bridge is iconic. Visit around 7 am to avoid crowds.
Other notable bridges include Ponte dell’Accademia and Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs). View the Bridge of Sighs from this bridge to the south.
Verona Day Trip: Romance and Roman Ruins
View from Castel San Pietro overlooking Verona
Verona, another city we love, is less overrun than Venice or Rome. It’s an easy 90-minute regional train ride from Venice (Verona Porta Nuova station).
View from Castel San Pietro overlooking Verona
Must-sees in Verona include the Arena di Verona (check for concerts!) and the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano. For panoramic views, climb to Castel San Pietro. Follow this walking route for scenic alleyways.
Consult our guide to Verona for more details. Avoid Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House), a highly overrated tourist trap.
Venice Accommodation: Staying in the Heart of the City
Decide whether to stay in Venice’s historic center (canals) or the mainland (cheaper, requires train to Venice). We recommend staying in Venice itself to experience the city in the quieter evenings and mornings.
Consider neighborhoods like San Polo (central, between train station and Piazza San Marco) or San Marco (southern, near Piazza San Marco, lively).
Extending Your Italian Journey: More Time to Explore
If you have more than 10 days, consider these additions:
Bologna: Culinary Capital Immersion (+1-2 Days)
Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, a grand square in the city center
We’d prioritize more time in Bologna over Venice. Bologna is Italy’s food capital, located in Emilia-Romagna, the source of many iconic Italian ingredients.
Spend extra days in Bologna indulging in culinary experiences and exploring the youthful, vibrant city. Bologna is also a convenient base for exploring other parts of Italy via high-speed train.
See our guides for 2 days in Bologna and where to stay in Bologna.
Milan: Modernity and the Duomo (+1-3 Days)
Milan offers a contrast to Rome and Florence, feeling more modern and cosmopolitan. It’s Italy’s fashion and financial hub.
The Duomo di Milano is a must-see. Milan’s airports offer excellent international connections. Explore Milan’s diverse culinary scene.
1-2 days is sufficient for Milan, with an optional day trip to Lake Como or Torino. See our guides for a day in Milan, 2 days in Milan, and where to stay in Milan.
Tuscany: Rolling Hills and Wine (+2-7 Days)
Scenic viewpoint in Pienza, Tuscany, overlooking the rolling hills
Extend your stay in Tuscany beyond Florence. Explore the Val d’Orcia, Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra. Tuscany offers rolling hills, cypress trees, wine regions, and charming towns.
See our Tuscany itinerary guide for trip planning.
Sicily: History, Beaches, and Volcanoes (+7-14 Days)
Sicily, Italy’s largest island, offers diverse landscapes and rich history. Explore Greek, Roman, and Norman ruins, beautiful coastlines, and Mount Etna.
With a week, focus on southeastern Sicily (Catania, Siracusa, Taormina). With two weeks or more, explore the entire island. See our guides for a week in Sicily and a two-week Sicily itinerary.
Cinque Terre: Coastal Paradise (+2-4 Days)
Sunset view of Manarola, Cinque Terre, with colorful houses clinging to the cliffside
Cinque Terre, five picturesque coastal towns, offers dramatic scenery and coastal walks. It can be crowded, so visit for 2+ days to appreciate quieter moments.
See our guides for a Cinque Terre itinerary, things to do in Cinque Terre, and where to stay in Cinque Terre.
Shortening Your Trip: Italy in Less Than 10 Days
If you have less than 10 days:
- 8-9 Days: Cut day trips from Florence or Venice, focus on the cities themselves.
- 7 Days: Follow our 7-day Italy itinerary (Rome, Florence, Venice) or choose two cities as bases for day trips (e.g., Rome and Florence).
- 5-6 Days: Split time between Rome and Florence.
- Less than 5 Days: Focus on a single city (Rome or Bologna) and take day trips from there.
Planning Your Italy Trip? We’re Here to Help!
Explore our other Italy travel guides for more detailed information and inspiration for your Italian adventure.
Italy Itineraries:
- Two Week Italy Itinerary
- 10 Days in Italy Itinerary
- One Week in Italy Itinerary
City Guides:
Rome
- What to do in Rome (as a First Timer)
- How to Plan an Amazing 4 Day Rome Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Rome: A Complete Guide for First Timers
- 12 Things to Know Before You Visit Rome
- Gluten Free Rome: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Rome
Florence
- 3 Day Florence Itinerary
- Best things to do in Florence
- Where to Stay in Florence
- Gluten Free Florence: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Florence
Bologna
- One day in Bologna
- Two days in Bologna
- Where to Stay in Bologna
- Gluten Free Bologna: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Bologna
Cinque Terre
- Cinque Terre Itinerary
- Best things to do in Cinque Terre
- Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
- Gluten Free Cinque Terre: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Hiking in Cinque Terre: A Complete Guide
Milan
- What to do in Milan (as a First Timer)
- How to Plan an Amazing Milan Itinerary (2 Days)
- Where to Stay in Milan: A Complete Guide for First Timers
- Gluten Free Milan: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Milan (for Coffee Nerds)
The Rest of Italy
- One Day in Verona Itinerary: A Perfect Day Trip from Venice
- 7 Days in Sicily: The Perfect Sicily Itinerary
- Two Week Sicily Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect Sicily Road Trip
- Tuscany Itinerary: How to Plan a Tuscany Trip
