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Does the thought of walking along the canals in Venice, strolling through the streets of Florence, and eating gelato in Rome make you want to hop on a plane immediately?
Same.
During my 10 days in Italy, I ate my weight in pizza, pasta, cannolis, caprese, and – of course – gelato.
Italy has a way of pulling you in with its beauty, history, and incredible food culture. Before you even finish your trip, you’ll probably find yourself planning the next one.
If you’re planning your own adventure, this 10 Day Italy Itinerary: Best of Venice, Florence & Rome is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Italy’s most iconic cities in one unforgettable trip.
This 10 day Italy itinerary is fast-paced, exciting, and packed with iconic experiences – from gondola rides in Venice, to wine tasting in Tuscany, and exploring ancient ruins in Rome.
Planning a trip to Italy can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting. With so many incredible cities to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. This Venice, Florence, and Rome itinerary covers Italy’s most iconic destinations while still leaving room for unforgettable day trips.
10 Day Italy Itinerary Overview
In Italy, you’ll base yourself in three major cities:
- Days 1–2: Venice
- Days 3–6: Florence
- Days 7–10: Rome
This itinerary balances:
- Pace: Fast-paced with day trips
- Trip length: 10 days
- Cities: Venice, Florence, Rome
- Best time to visit: April–June or September–October
- Transportation: High-speed trains
If you’re planning 10 days in Italy, this itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Venice, Florence, and Rome in one trip.
Table of Contents
Is 10 Days Enough for Italy?
I am a full believer that a trip is always worth it regardless the length of it. So to answer, yes! 10 days is absolutely enough time to experience Italy, especially if it’s your first visit. While you won’t be able to see every region, a well-planned 10 day Italy itinerary covering Venice, Florence, and Rome allows you to explore some of the country’s most iconic destinations.
In that timeframe, you can wander through historic city centers, visit world-famous landmarks, take a few memorable day trips, and still leave time to enjoy Italy’s incredible food and culture. If you’re strategic about transportation, like using high-speed trains, you can maximize your time without feeling rushed. While you’ll probably leave wishing you had more time (Italy tends to have that effect),
10 days is the perfect introduction to the country and a great way to discover where you want to return next.
Days 1–2: Venice (Start Your 10 Day Italy Itinerary)
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world and the perfect place to start a 10 Day Italy Itinerary through Venice, Florence, and Rome. Built on over 100 small islands connected by canals and bridges, the entire city feels like stepping into a postcard. I didn’t know what to expect when visiting Venice, but with summer like weather in September, it felt amazing wandering along the canals.
Where to stay in Venice:
- Budget: Luxury Venetian Rooms – Venice is a little trickier to be on a budget but this room does feel luxury at under $150 a night!
- Hostel: Venice Hostel – Staying in Venice for under $50 a night is unheard of!
- Mid-range: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental – I stayed here when I visited Venice and the breakfast spot right on the water is the perfect way to start your day.
- Splurge: Hotel Bisanzio – The rooms, the view, even the lobby is incredible!
Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Italy
Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport. From here, you can take a bus, taxi, or water taxi into the city.
I recommend starting your trip in Venice for a few reasons – mainly because the start of any trip is when you’re the most excited and ready to take it all in. Venice deserves that kind of energy.
The winding streets and bridges intertwined with gondolas drifting through canals feel almost surreal the first time you see them. It’s the kind of city where you can spend hours wandering without a plan.
Grab a gelato and get completely lost in the maze of narrow alleyways. Somehow you always seem to end up somewhere beautiful.
Other highlights of Venice before the evening:
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica tickets
- Piazza San Marco – the heart of Venice
- Sip coffee at Caffè Florian: Experience Italy’s oldest café in St. Mark’s
- Watch the sunset from the Accademia Bridge
You can’t leave Venice without going on an iconic Gondola ride. Luckily, there are different priced options of this experience:
- 2 hour ride with commentary tickets
- Off the beaten path Gondola tickets
- 45 minute Gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs
Dinner advice: Restaurants often charge a sitting fee, and places along the Grand Canal are usually more expensive. Wander a few streets away from the water and you’ll find quieter spots with amazing food.
Day 2: Day trip to Verona from Venice
It may seem ambitious to add a day trip when you only have two days in Venice, but Verona is absolutely worth it. Verona is one of the best day trips from Venice and easy to reach by train. Verona, located in Italy’s Veneto region, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as the romantic “city of love.” You may recognize Verona as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
There is a direct train to Verona from Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. The ride is about an hour, which makes it a perfect half-day trip.
Once you arrive, you can visit Juliet’s House, inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Even if you’re not a huge literature fan, the balcony is fun to see. There are a few other places to check out during your time in Verona:
- Stop by the Verona Arena, a stunning Roman amphitheater that still hosts concerts and opera performances today.
- Take a walk across Castelvecchio Bridge, which looks like something straight out of the medieval era.
I didn’t book my return train in advance because trains back to Venice run frequently. It allowed us to explore at our own pace without watching the clock.
Once back in Venice, freshen up and head to your Pasta making class to finish the fun in Venice!
Days 3-6: Florence
Florence is easily one of my favorite cities in the world. I even had my bachelorette party here – that’s how much I love it.
Where to stay in Florence:
- Budget: Hotel La Scaletta al Ponte Vecchio – This is actually a steal. From location to amenities, this is a strong contender to where I’d stay next.
- Mid-range: Hotel Duomo Firenze – A hotel with air conditioning is a rare find. The Duomo couldn’t be any closer!
- Splurge: Hotel Number Nine – Developed over the years by the Moretti family, the eclectic and elegant Florentine house today includes spacious rooms with personal touches.
- Personal Note: Hotel Bodini – I’ve stayed here solo and with friends. The rooms are standard but what makes this hotel great is location and the rooftop views where they serve breakfast. This is the ultimate budget friendly stay!
Day 3: Train to Florence, Italy
Whether you’re exploring museums, enjoying a sunset overlooking the city, or sipping wine from nearby vineyards in Tuscany, Florence never disappoints. I love Florence because it has a small-town charm that makes you want to stay longer than planned. It’s packed with art, history, incredible food, and some of the best views in Italy.
Book your train ticket from Venice to Florence at least a day or two in advance so you can guarantee seats. The train ride from Venice to Florence takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, so I recommend leaving Venice around 9 AM at the latest so you still have most of the day in Florence to explore.
Drop your bags and begin exploring. Grab lunch at Pino’s Sandwiches before walking along the water. If you want a souvenir to bring home, Florence has great leather options. Check out Massimo for wallets, jackets, bags, and more.
Other things to do in Florence on day one:
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Ponte Vecchio
- Gelato at Vivoli (one of the oldest gelaterias in town)
An absolute must is taking a pasta class in Florence. I love taking cooking class abroad and this class was one of my favorites because not only was the pasta delicious, but the class was so much fun. Book tickets in advance!
The nightlife is also surprisingly fun:
- Sing Karaoke at Red Garter!
- Check out the dive bar “Dublin Pub.”
Day 4: Day trip to Pisa
Pisa, Italy is a historic Tuscan city known for the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pisa also has the UNESCO heritage site Piazza del Duomo, which includes the Leaning Tower.
You can buy this train ticket once you arrive at the Florence station.
The train from Florence to Pisa runs frequently and takes just about an hour. From the station, it’s a short walk to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Pisa is small, easy to navigate, and perfect for a half-day trip from Florence. Grab lunch at a nearby café, take the classic “holding up the tower” photo, and wander the square before heading back to Florence.
Day 5: Full day in Florence
Spend this day soaking up everything Florence has to offer.
Start the morning climbing to the top of the Florence Cathedral for one of the best views in Italy. The climb is a workout, but the panoramic view of the terracotta rooftops is absolutely worth it. After, your ticket includes entrance to the Duomo (Santa Maria Del Fiore), the Duomo Museum, the Santa Reparata Crypt, and Baptistery.
Next, visit the Uffizi Gallery if you love art. This museum houses masterpieces from artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Afterwards, grab lunch at Trattoria da Mario.
In the afternoon, I highly recommend checking out the wine windows. The Wine Windows were originally used in Florence in 16th century but were used less and less. COVID-19 brought this part of Florence back to life to allow safer way ways to make purchase. Some of the wine windows can be hard to find and I recommend a wine window walking tour.
If wine isn’t your vibe, a historic walking tour is also a great idea.
For dinner, not to be dramatic, but everything about Tratorria Za Za was great. The ambiance, the wine, the food – I will return here on my next trip to Florence, no doubt!
In the evening, walk across Ponte Vecchio and head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. Watching the sun go down over Florence is something you won’t forget.
Day 6: Day Trip to Tuscany
If you love wine, take a half-day trip to Tuscany, one of the most famous wine regions in Italy.
When you picture Tuscany, picture: rolling vineyards, olive groves, and tiny hilltop towns make this region feel like a postcard come to life. A Tuscany wine tour from Florence is one of the best experiences you can add to this itinerary.
There are so many different wine tours you can book to visit these wineries safely and with ease:
- Budget: Chianti Wineries Tour – two stops and tastings
- Midrange: Chianti Sunset Tour
- Full day: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa & Lunch at Winery
Wine, pasta, views… what more could you want?
Days 7-10: Rome, Italy
Rome: the eternal city. I have a confession. On my first visit to Rome, I had the worst time and thought I would never go back. Now I’ve been to Rome four times and would continue to go back! It’s a beautiful and historic city filled with incredible things to see and do.
Where to stay in Rome:
- Budget: Hotel Trastevere – Under $200 a night.
- Hostel: YellowSquare – My friends stayed here and we met up at the bar. It’s so fun here!
- Mid-range: Grand Hotel Gianicolo – Views of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Cathedral from its roof terrace AND there’s a pool.
- Splurge: Antico Albergo del Sole al Pantheon – Central location, and the building is from 1467. Former guests include Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir among its former guests!
- Trevi Fountain View: Hotel Fontana – We had the best room view in Rome and I loved the view so much I wrote a full guide to hotels with Trevi Fountain views you can read here.
Day 7: Ride to Rome
Buy your train ticket from Florence to Rome a day or two in advance to guarantee seats, especially if you’re traveling with a group. The train ride is under three hours and goes by quickly.
I think your first stop in Rome shouldn’t be the Colosseum, but the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece finished in the 18th century. Let me tell you… seeing the fountain stopped me in my tracks.
Sometimes while traveling, you have these moments where everything hits you at once and you feel overwhelming gratitude for where you are.
That moment happened at the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder. The fountain collects over 2,000 euros daily in tourist coins and it’s all donated to charity! There’s also the Lover’s Fountain if you’re visiting with a loved one.
Around the corner from the Trevi Fountain is some of the best gelato I’ve ever had at Giolitti. The place has huge green letters outside and more flavors than you can possibly choose from.
Other places to see on your first day of Rome:
- The Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Castel Sant’Angelo
End the night with dinner at Piccolo Arancio, Pinsitaly Trevi or Il Chianti Osteria Toscana dal 1960.
If you’re up for it, a walking tour of Rome at night is a must do!
Day 8: Ancient Rome & Museums
If you plan on booking tours or museum tickets, this is the day to do it.
Start early and visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Tickets can sell out fast, so book in advance! It’s under three hours but jam packed with information so you can understand the history and stories of this area.
After your tour, grab lunch at La Nuova Piazzetta. My husband and I still talk about the carbonara from here!
While you’re near the Colosseum, history lovers should check out Largo di Torre Argentina, which historians believe is the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated.
Whether you’re Catholic or not, seeing Vatican City is quite the site. Vatican City is its own city and headquarter of the Roman Catholic Church. As the smallest country in the world, it has more beauty than you can ever imagine.
Make time and go inside the Vatican and see the Sistine Chapel. These tickets can sell out fast too – book in advance!
If shopping is more your thing, head to the Spanish Steps where luxury stores line the surrounding streets. Grab dinner nearby at Alla Rampa for classic Italian dishes.
As the sun begins to set, walk toward the Colosseum and the Altare della Patria. Seeing these landmarks illuminated at night is unforgettable.
If nightlife is something you’re interested in experience, going out in the Ttrastevere neighborhood is so much fun!
Day 9: Day Trip to The Coast
If you’re craving some ocean views after days of city exploring, take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast or Capri.
From Rome, you can take a train to Naples and continue toward coastal towns like Positano or Sorrento. If you’d rather not stress about travel logistics, book a tour through Get Your Guide. Many tours combine Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, which is a great option if you’re short on time.
Different type of day tours:
- Positano, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento – tickets under $100
- Capri Island tour
- Pompeii and Naples tour
When you head to the coast, think colorful cliffside buildings, sparkling blue water, and seafood pasta that will ruin all other pasta for you forever.
Naples is the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza and a must try when you’re there.
Day 10: There’s no place like Rome
Your final full day in Rome. Let that sink in!
Use this day to slow down and revisit your favorite spots.Maybe you want to toss another coin into the Trevi Fountain, sit in a café at Piazza Navona, or grab one last scoop from Giolitti.
Sometimes the best travel memories happen when you stop trying to see everything and just enjoy where you are.
If you’re feeling eager to see more of Rome, then a full day of fun is the best way to finish your time in Rome.
Ideas on how to spend your last day in Rome:
- Take a bike tour along the Appian Way – one of the oldest surviving roads in the world.
- Rowing boat ride at Villa Borghese.
- Walking tour through the Jewish Ghetto and trying the tasty cherry-ricotta cakes.
- Rome food tour with wine – don’t leave Rome without trying the best of the best!
Regardless of how you spend your last day, I recommend ending your time in Italy with a cooking class.
What to know before you visit Italy
Transportation in Italy
Italy’s train system is one of the easiest ways to travel between cities. High-speed trains connect major destinations like Venice, Florence, and Rome, making it simple to move around the country without renting a car.
I recommend booking train tickets a day or two in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Apps like Trainline make it easy to check schedules and purchase tickets.
If you’re flying into Italy, use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for deals.
Cash vs. Card
While credit cards are widely accepted in Italy, some smaller restaurants, cafés, and markets still prefer cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some euros with you just in case.
ATMs are easy to find throughout cities, but try not to keep all of your cash in one place while traveling.
Restaurant Cover Charges
Many restaurants in Italy charge a small coperto, which is a cover charge for bread and table service. This usually costs a few euros per person and will appear on your bill.
Tipping in Italy is also different from the United States. Service is typically included, so leaving a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated but not required.
Pickpocket Awareness
Like many major tourist destinations, pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas and on public transportation. Popular spots such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum can get very busy.
Keep your belongings close, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and consider using a crossbody bag or money belt for extra security. I know it’s getting popular right now, but please don’t use a canvas bag that you can’t zip to walk around.
Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
Italian cities are incredibly walkable, but the streets are often made of cobblestones. Whether you’re exploring the canals of Venice or climbing viewpoints in Florence, comfortable walking shoes will make a huge difference during your trip!
Knowing these simple travel tips ahead of time will help you make the most of your time in Italy and focus on enjoying the incredible food, culture, and history the country is known for.
Final Thoughts
I feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve visited Italy multiple times – and even had my wedding there. With that said, 10 days in Italy is better than not going at all! This 10 Day Italy Itinerary: Best of Venice, Florence & Rome is the perfect introduction to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
However you decide to spend your time in Italy, it’s hard not to enjoy your time. Italy is a magical and fun country; full of history, life, culture, and cuisine. I hope you make this trip a reality soon!
