Welcome to Italy, where La vita is always dolce, and every corner holds a new adventure. If you have 10 days to spare, get ready to wander through charming streets, savor incredible food, and immerse yourself in rich history and culture.
Whether you’re sipping a leisurely espresso in a sunny piazza or exploring ancient ruins, this 10-day itinerary is set up to help you enjoy the best of Italy in a relaxed and fun way.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Rome, Italy
Day 1-3: Rome, the Eternal City
Day 1: arrival and Colosseum
- Arrive in Rome and check into your hotel. Hint: Stay in the city center near Roma Termini station for easy access. For some inspiration, take a look at the best areas to stay in Rome.
- Spend your afternoon visiting the Colosseum, a symbol of ancient Rome. Did you know it could hold between 50,000 and 87,000 spectators?
- Walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can imagine the grandeur of ancient Roman life.
- Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner in the Trastevere district. Try some cacio e pepe (a traditional Lazio pasta dish with cheese and pepper) and raise a glass of Italian wine!
Day 2: Vatican City
- Visit Vatican City: explore St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Read on to find out the top things to do in Vatican City, the micro-city located within Rome.
- In the afternoon, stroll through Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Fun fact: The Pantheon’s dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world!
- Savor gelato while people-watching at the Spanish Steps. Pro tip: Don’t just stick to pistachio—treat yourself to the best gelato in Rome and explore all the flavors your sweet tooth can handle!
Day 3: historical Rome
- Start your day at the Trevi Fountain. They say if you toss a coin into it, you’re guaranteed to come back someday. Who knew spare change could double as a round-trip ticket?
- Head to the Capitoline Museums for a dive into Rome’s history.
- Visit the Borghese Gallery and Gardens, a perfect blend of art and nature.
- Wrap up your stay in Rome with dinner near Piazza Navona.
Related: 20 of the best things to do in Rome from top attractions to hidden gems.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: Florence, Italy
Train from Rome to Florence:
Take a high-speed train from Rome to Florence (from 1h 19m, from $11.23). Trains run frequently, so book a time that suits you.
Day 4-5: Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance
Day 4: travel to Florence and the Uffizi Gallery
- Take a morning train from Rome to Florence. Tip: Book a window seat for stunning Tuscan views. Use the guide to Florence train station, if needed.
- Check into your hotel and have lunch at a local trattoria. You can’t go wrong with a classic ribollita soup.
- Spend the afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery, admiring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and more. Did you know the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited art museums in the world?
- Dinner at a traditional Florentine steakhouse. Bistecca alla fiorentina, anyone? Here’s a list of the most authentic restaurants in Florence for you.
Day 5: exploring Florence
- Start your day with a visit to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb the 463 steps to the top for panoramic views. If you fancy, join a tour of the best churches in Florence.
- Explore the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Fun fact: David was carved from a single block of marble.
- Wander through the Boboli Gardens, a green oasis in the heart of the city.
- Evening walk across the Ponte Vecchio and dinner in the Oltrarno district, known for its bohemian vibe. Oltrarno is also home to Piazzale Michelangelo, the best viewpoint for admiring Florentine sunsets.
Image Credit: Getty Images, mammuth. Image Location: Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Day 6-7: Tuscany day trips: Siena and Pisa
Day 6: Siena
- Take a day trip to Siena, known for its medieval cityscape. Trains from Florence to Siena are as quick as 1h 21m, with tickets from $11.62.
- Visit the Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and the Torre del Mangia. The tower offers spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch with Tuscan wine. Siena is known for its delicious hand-rolled pici pasta.
- Return to Florence in the evening.
Day 7: Pisa
- Take a morning train from Florence to Pisa (from 46m, from $10.56).
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Pro tip: Pre-book tickets to climb the tower and avoid long lines.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint streets of Pisa. Don’t miss the beautiful Camposanto Monumentale, Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural, and other local gems in Pisa.
- Return to Florence and prepare for your next destination.
Train from Florence to Venice:
Take a high-speed train from Florence to Venice (approx. 2h, from $11.29). Enjoy the scenic journey through the Italian countryside.
Read also: the best day trips from Florence
Image Credit: Getty Images, Karl Hendon. Image Location: Venice, Italy
Day 8-10: Venice, the floating city
Day 8: travel to Venice
- Take a train from Florence to Venice. Tip: Venice Santa Lucia station is right on the Grand Canal, giving you a picturesque arrival.
- Check into your hotel and hop on a gondola for a ride through the canals. Sure, it’s touristy, but totally worth it for the experience.
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, known for its opulent design and gold mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace.
- Dinner along the Grand Canal. Enjoy some fresh seafood risotto.
Day 9: Venice exploration
- Start your day with a visit to the Rialto Market. It’s the perfect spot to see locals in action and pick up fresh produce.
- Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for a dose of modern art.
- Take a vaporetto (water bus) to Murano and Burano islands. Murano is famous for glassmaking, while Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace. Here are some more ideas for the best day trips from Venice.
- Enjoy Venetian cuisine for dinner. Try the local favorite, sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).
Day 10: departure
- Spend your final morning in Venice shopping for souvenirs and enjoying a last stroll through the picturesque streets. Don’t forget to grab some Venetian masks or Murano glass as keepsakes.
- Head to the airport for your departure.
This 10-day itinerary gives you a well-balanced mix of Italy’s most famous cities and sights. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the Renaissance art in Florence and the enchanted beauty of Venice, you’ll make a ton of amazing memories and probably find yourself planning your next trip with the Trainline app before this one even ends.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Istvan Kadar Photography. Image Location: Venice, Italy
