Italy Itinerary 10 Days Starting in Rome – Ultimate Guide For Travelers

Start dreaming about your next trip to Italy. Want to go for Italy itinerary 10 days starting in Rome? If yes, you have come the right place.

Italy has unique political structures, food & drink specialties and cultural quirks. Once you decided to travel to Italy, next you may think is how many days to spend in Italy.

The more time you spend in Italy, you can make lasting memories that last a lifetime. To explore Italy in depth, 10 days are quite enough to make your experience memorable.

Let me walk you through the ultimate guide on how to plan 10 day Italy itinerary Rome, Florence, Venice Amalfi Coast. Do not skip out on reading!

Italy Itinerary 10 days Starting in Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy which features a ton of history waiting to be explored. It’s not only a great place to learn about ancient Roman history but also Italy’s modern state. Ancient Rome opulence, modern Roman cuisines and seven hills makes Rome a hub spot for tourists.

Day 1-3 in Rome

From visiting the famous attractions to enjoying delicious food and outdoor fun, 1-to-3-day itinerary is perfect for tourists.

But we think it’s still less for exploring Rome to the fullest so in this way, it is recommended to stay for at least 3 days in Rome to enjoy experience that’s hard to forget.

Day 1 will be spent landing your flight so take it easy and relax on the first day so you can easily enjoy other 2 days with full peace of mind.

Things to Do on Day 1

Check-in at Your Accommodation

Your first day in the Italy is the day when you arrive on the Rome airport. You can travel from airport via train, bus or private taxi. It is recommended to book your accommodations in advance so you won’t face any issues when you are leaving Rome’s airport.

Here are some of the best Rome hotels where you can stay:

• Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
• The Inn at the Roman Forum
• Fendi Private Suites

1. Piazza Navona

A public open space in Italy where ancient romans went to watch “Agones”. Piazza Navona is also known as “Circus Agonalis”. It is famous for its amazing appearance & other nearby famous attractions like cafes, restaurants, churches, fountains and palaces.

Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

2. Pantheon

Pantheon is one of the Italy’s famous Roman temple and Catholic church. The most amazing part of Pantheon is giant dome with famous hole in the top. On every first Sunday of the month, there is free access for visitors as they don’t need to pay any entrance fees.

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

3. Trevi Fountain

For Italy itinerary 10 days with family, Trevi fountain should be on your top priority when you are in Rome. This fountain is filled with coins and famous for having coins’ tradition. Vicus Caprarius is the secret place behind the Trevi fountain that you must explore.

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Things to Do on Day 2

You can spend your day 2 in Rome by exploring the ancient Rome’s tradition & cultures. The following are things that you can do on your day 2 even when you are on Italy itinerary 7 days.

1. Colosseum

Colosseum is the largest ancient Amphitheatre located in the center of the Rome city.  This famous Amphitheatre hosts mock naval battles, gladiator fights and animal hunts. Also, musical concerts& performances are happened that you can attend for memorable evening.

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

2. Palatine Hill

Palatine hill is the first nucleus of the Roman Empire that relates to famous seven hills. Palatine Hill was the birthplace of first Roman empire named as “Augustus”. It’s one of the most famous ancient parts of the Rome that attract visitors from all over the world.

Address: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

3. Evening at the Spanish Steps

Make you evening memorable by going to Spanish Steps in Rome. Spanish steps is not only a worth visiting place but also monumental stairway of 135 steps allow you to capture stunning photos. It’s totally safe to visit at night and inviting for a walk at dusk.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Things to Do on Day 3

Day 3 in Rome is all about exploring Vatican City. It’s totally free to enter Vatican City without paying anything. In this city, you can do these things to make your trip memorable.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica

When you enter into Vatican City, you can directly walk into St. Peter’s Basilica Street. If you want to make your tour comfortable, it is recommended to go for a guided tour. During peak hours, you can get into St. Peter’s Basilica Street in 2 to 3 hours.

Secret Tip: To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit during early morning or late afternoon.

2. Explore Vatican Gardens

The gardens of Vatican City are private urban parks located in the west of territory. You can visit Vatican Gardens with guided group tour as private tours are not allowed. Try to spend a long time with bus tour as you may get tired by exploring park on your feet. Book your official tour in advance.

Address: Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

3. Vatican Area

End your Rome itinerary by enjoying a dinner at Vatican Area. There are several places to travel and eat, drink and enjoy local cuisines within Vatican area. In addition, you can make your Italy itinerary 14 days more memorable by exploring Vatican area in the night time.

Top Places to Eat

• Trattoria Vaticano Giggi
• Bonci Pizzarium
• Pompi tiramisu

Day 4-5 in Florence

Florence is a walkable city which is famous for art and leather handbags. Also, the art architecture and Renaissance of Florence is loved by tourists. There are so many things that you can easily do in Florence in just two days. Let’s get into details what you can do in Florence in 2-day itinerary.

Day 4

Travel to Florence

From Rome, you can get into Florence via train. You can travel on a direct train from Roma Termini train station to Firenze S. M. Novella. Depending on which train you want to travel, it normally takes 1.5 hours to 3 hours to get into Florence from Rome.

1. Enjoy Lunch at Trattoria da Franco

Trattoria da Franco serves local wineries, delicious cuisines, clam soup and freshly baked fish. The meaning of Trattoria is a small Italian restaurant. Not only it is famous for restaurant & dining options but also the entertainment which includes Flamenco Night, Opera Night and weekend events.

Address: 305 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314

2. Visit the Duomo

Duomo in Florence is one of the greatest masterpieces of gothic art importance & also first Italian Renaissance. The cathedral church is itself free to explore but if you want to climb the dome for panoramic views, you need to buy ticket. For a detailed visit, you need to spare 1-2 hours so you easily explore.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

3. Explore Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi is an Italian word means “offices”. A prominent art museum & history center located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Uffizi Galleries is famous for showcasing prominent sculptures and ancient paintings. Every room and corner of this gallery is precious, filled with history and worth-seeing. You can take photos inside the gallery without any restriction.

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Day 5

Tuscan Day Trip

You can take a Tuscan day trip from Florence to experience the culture of different regions like Siena, Chianti and San Gimignano. To travel from Florence to other parts of the Tuscany, you can use bus, private taxi or rent a car.

Visit Pisa

We already know that 10-day itinerary is so jampacked but it’s difficult for us to skip any of the famous places. There’s nothing more beautiful than the leaning tower of Pisa and your Pisa itinerary is incomplete without go to leaning tower.

Here are some of the top-rated things that you can do in Pisa during Italy itinerary 14 days.

1. Climb the Leaning Tower

Climb the leaning tower of Pisa is one of the amazing experiences that you must try here. It only costs 18 euros to climb up the tower. To avoid crowds, try to choose less-crowded time slots when there are lesser crowds. Make your visit memorable by visiting their website earlier for timings & other things.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy

2. Visit Baptistery

The Florence Baptistery or baptistery of Saint John is an important religious building of Florence. This place has been a focus of religious, science and artistic life since the established date. It remains open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm so you can easily visit during these hours without any break.

Address: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

3. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

A small church located within Pisa and it’s literally a super beautiful church to go and explore. It is quite easy to walk by it using Ponte Solferino bridge on the way back to train from the leaning tower. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is well-deserved place to visit during Christmas celebrations.

Address: Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre means “five lands” of Italy and these five lands are the famous Italian villages named as:

Monterosso al Mare

• Vernazza
• Corniglia
• Manarola
• Riomaggiore

Among all, the village you want to choose based on personal interests or preferences. You can easily explore Cinque Terre in one day as its smaller with family-run guesthouses and backpacker hotels. Cinque Terre would best option if you stuck between Italy itinerary 10 days Amalfi Coast & Cinque Terre.

Things to Do in Cinque Terre on First Half of Day

When you arrived, you have to explore the above-mentioned villages one by one without wasting any time. Let us briefly explain how these villages will let you enjoy your Italy itinerary:

1. Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso is one of the largest Italian villages that is divided in two parts. The special thing about this village is that is it located on the hills cultivated with olives, lemons and wines. Also, the coastal beaches, blue crystal-clear waters and beautiful reefs make it worth visiting.

2. Vernazza

Vernazza has a long history of a unique fishing village, elegant cupola and colorful houses with surrounding small marina. Undeniably, it is ranked among one of the top tourist attractions that you should visit once in a lifetime.

3. Corniglia

Corniglia is a commune town located on 100 meters above the sea level. If you are willing to make a climb to the above, you will be amazed with wonderful views, crystal clear waters and deserted beaches/streets. To reach Corniglia, you have to take 383 steps, otherwise follow a vehicular road.

4. Manarola

Looking for romantic escape in Cinque Terre? Manarola is the charming and romantic Italian town built on a high rock 70 meters above sea level. From breathtaking views to restaurants and local wineries, Manarola has something for couples as well as other visitors.

5. Riomaggiore

Cinque Terre’s southern village which is situated just a few minutes away from Manarola via train. If you are looking for lively atmosphere with friendly locals, count Riomaggiore in. From summer to June, you can visit this village just because of laid-back atmosphere, stunning beauty and Italian vibes.

Day 7-8: Venice

Venice is more than just a place to explore gondola rides. Honestly, it is so beautiful and unreal place as you may not believe especially when exploring for the first time. During summer months, it is over-crowded with tourists. But there’s no need to worry, you still explore Venice during off-peak times.

Day 7

Travel to Venice

You can travel to Venice from Cinque Terre via bus, car and other modes of transportation. But it is recommended to travel train as it’s one of the feasible ways to commute between Cinque Terre and Venice.

Via train, you can easily complete your journey within 5 hours and it costs only $30 – $120. But if you prefer bus, you can catch a bus via Bologna in which you can complete your journey in 7 hours but it costs less.

1. St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

In Venice city, the St. Mark’s Square and Basilica is one of the famous religious temples. Ornate arches, stunning buildings and murky canals leave tourists awe-inspiring. Inside the temple, you have to follow adequate dressing as sleeveless shirts, shorts and skirts are not allowed inside the church.

Address: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice

2. Gondola Ride through the Canals

As a part of Venice’s history and tradition, Gondola ride is one of the famous experiences that must try in Venice. Before taking a Gondola ride, keep in mind that Gondoliers do not accept other modes of payment except cash. 5-10% tip is appreciated when taking a Gondola ride in Venice.

How much does it cost?

• US$ 89.50

How long is it?

• 30 minutes long

3. Explore Cannaregio District

Cannaregio District is quite and large district that is totally safe to explore anytime. Strada Nuova is one of the Cannaregio District streets with various activities. You can visit and explore this street in evening and nighttime when crowds are larger and evening activities continues till late night.

Day 8: Murano and Burano

Stop 1: Burano

Welcome to Burano. This is one of the most beautiful and colorful islands in the entire world. Burano is known for its lace. This place seems unreal for the first time but when you explore it, you could believe that it’s real.

How to Get to Burano from Venice?

In Venice, the public transport that are commonly used named as”vaporettos”. These are water buses. The only water bus that goes to Burano is route 12 which departs from Ft. Nove. This stop is located on the northern part of Venice and just a 20-minute away from St. Mark’s Square.

One-way Ticket Cost

• €9.50

Valid for

• 75 minutes only

Roaming Around Burano Colorful Streets

Burano is a very small island and you can discover colored houses at every corner. Also, it’s a walkable island where every point can be reached within 10 minutes from the main waterbus station. So, it’s quite easy for you to explore Burano in shortest walking distance.

Stop 2: Murano

Burano and Murano are almost the same name but in real, both are different from each other. Now let’s discuss what to explore in Murano. Murano is known for its old glass-making tradition.

How to Get to Murano from Venice?

If you go to Burano first, take route 12 again to Venice. Murano Faro is the stop where you need to wait for 25 minutes for bus. But in case if you travel to Murano from Venice, then you have to take route 12 bus from Ft. Nove that would drop you to Murano Faro within 10 minutes.

What to See in Murano?

• The Art of Murano Glass
• Canale Grande
• Bones of a slain dragon

Day 9-10: Milan

Milan is known as the fashion capital of the Italy and perfect spot for fashion tourists. Milan is home to world-famous painting and the iconic Duomo. You can easily explore Milan within two days as it’s not only a walkable city but also in 2 days, you could easily enjoy Italy itinerary 10 days starting in Milan.

Things to Do in Milan

1. Enjoy Famous Painting at the Last Supper

To see the famous paintings at the Last Supper, you can go with different ways:

• Go for a guide tour.
• Book your tickets in advance.
• Enjoy free tickets on every month’s first Sunday.

Ticket Cost

• €15 plus €2 online fee.

2. Duomo Rooftop

Experience the unique perspective of Milan’s panoramic views from Duomo top. This is Milan’s Cathedral church to visit. Some think that it’s free to explore amazing views of the city but in real, you have to purchase ticket in advance for better experience. Duomo Rooftop includes nearly 256 stairs.

Ticket Cost

• 10€

3. Navigli Lombardi

Navigli Lombardi is the place where you would make your evenings extra special by strolling around. Also, you can enjoy delicious dinner with your friendly and family. Other than this, Navigli Lombardi is famous for charming canals, restaurants, bars, boutiques and narrow alleys.

Address: Via Ippolito Rosellini, 17, 20124 Milano MI, Italy

Final Thoughts!

Our detailed guide to Italy itinerary 10 days starting in Rome ends here. Hope this blog post has helped you plan your Italy itinerary with full preparation. Remember when you are in Italy, do not rush or confuse your mind to do uncommon things.

Whatever is your wish to make Italy itinerary starting from Rome memorable, must do the things that are mentioned-above. We hope that your upcoming Italy journey will be memorable & exciting as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions