These 5 itineraries will help you decide how to spend your 10 days in Italy. 

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Itinerary Ideas for your Trip to Italy

Italy is an amazing country that should be on anyone’s bucket list! Italy has given us so much: the Renaissance, famous artwork, timeless classical music, stunning architecture, pasta, pizza, gelato and more! Not only is Italy the birthplace of so many things, but it is also home to stunning natural beauty, from the mountains and lakes in the north to the gorgeous coastlines on both sides of the country.

Any trip to Italy will be amazing, but here are a few Italy itinerary options to choose from. They are all fantastic options, but everyone has different interests, and one might be a better fit for your needs and group.

If you want to learn more about Italy before planning your trip, be sure to read my complete Italy Travel Guide. 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Italy Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the red button below.

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How Many Days Do I Need to See Italy?

How long should you plan for your trip around Italy? How about indefinitely? Two weeks in Italy is really nice, but if that’s not an option for you, I think that 10 days in Italy is a nice amount of time for your first visit. It will allow you to see around three areas in the country without getting too tired, and it’s the average paid vacation time for most Americans.

A full 10 days in Italy gives you just enough time to visit several areas in the country and have some hands-on experiences without feeling too rushed. But if you only have one week in Italy, you can still have a great time. Just cut one location out of any of these itineraries and you’ll be ready to go! There are so many things to do in Italy and you’ll never be able to see them all, but you can see some of the best!

How to plan a 10 Day Trip to Italy?

If you’re stressing about how to plan a trip to Italy, take a deep breath. Anywhere you choose will be great! Once you’ve decided to spend 10 days in Italy, it’s time to get organizing your trip! This is the exciting part, but it can also be pretty stressful. Be sure to read all the information here, and once you pick which itinerary works best for you, do all the research you can!

Download our free Italy Travel Planner to help you stay organized:

What is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

The best time to travel to Italy can be a complex question! The best time to go to Italy will be different depending on what you want to see and experience.

If you want to see snowy mountains or go skiing, you’ll want to go in the winter. If you want to spend more time on the beach, you’ll want to go in the summer. Summer in Italy can be hot, humid, and crowded, so if you are planning to see the bigger cities, it’s best to go during what’s called “shoulder season”  between April and May or between September and October.

In my opinion, the best time of year to visit Italy is probably May or September. Keep your priorities in mind when choosing when to go to Italy. My recommendations for each itinerary are included below.

How to Get Around Italy

Getting around Italy can be easy and fun! In my opinion, traveling by train is the best way to travel around Italy and see the country. It allows you to sit back and relax between destinations, and with the cost of fuel and tolls in Italy, it’s actually the most affordable way to travel Italy.

Traveling around Italy by train can sound a little scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. Be sure to read my guide so that you feel confident before booking tickets and traveling by train.

Read My Guide to Train Travel in Italy Here

Some will recommend purchasing a Rail Pass for your trip to Italy. A Rail Pass allows you to ride many trains in Italy without booking reservations. This means you can hop onto almost any train in Italy.

You can read more about it in my Italy Train Guide. Depending on the length of your trip, how often you’ll be riding trains, which trains you’ll be taking, and how many countries you’re planning to visit in Europe, it can be a great deal…

But it can also be a waste of money. For these itineraries, I don’t recommend buying one. I’ve done the math on all of these itineraries and I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are veering from any of these Italy itineraries, you really need to do the math and decide if it’s right for your specific trip. This Italy Train Guide lays all of the information out for you.

There are some parts of Italy that I think it’s definitely worth renting a car! In the Lakes in the North, Dolomites, Tuscany, and Sardinia are all great places to drive in Italy. Driving can be a little terrifying in some areas. I  always say that once you drive in Italy you can drive anywhere!

What is the Cost of a Trip to Italy?

How much does a trip to Italy cost? Your trip to Italy cost might vary greatly from someone else’s costs. You’ll need a budget for your 10 days in Italy and that budget will depend a lot on what you can afford, how you choose to stay, and where you choose to go. Larger cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence will be quite a bit more expensive than traveling in the countryside.

Italy uses the Euro like most of Europe. The exchange rate is generally around .90 Euros to 1 USD. Food costs around the same as in the US, fuel is a lot more expensive, and accommodation will differy greatly.

Plan on spending around €100-300/night for accommodations, depending on your group size and level of comfort. If you’re a small group, Airbnbs can be very cheap! If you’re traveling Italy on a budget, I recommend using Airbnb instead of hotels.

Suggestions for your First Trip to Italy

If you are planning a trip to Italy, you’ll want to follow my basic advice, especially if it is your first trip to Italy! You can also read Mistakes to Avoid on your First trip to Italy. 

• Learn a few basic words in Italian like grazie (thank you), ciao (hello/goodbye), and preggo (you’re welcome).
• Don’t forget to validate your train station tickets (avoid getting a €300 fine and read this!)
• Try local food and stay away from the main tourist sites to get it
• Be sure to pack an Italy-specific power adapter (there are 2 types of plugs). I use THIS ONE for Italy specific plugs. And THIS ONE for European plugs also found in Italy. 
• Be aware of pickpockets (you can learn about what happened to me here)
• Be aware of the Coperto charge. This is a charge to sit down and eat.
• Read my Tips for Visiting Europe

Where Are the Best Places to Visit in Italy?

Where to go in Italy? When you’re planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you. Italy is so large, it can be overwhelming.

After visiting Italy many times and living there for several months,  I think it’s best to focus on only one region of the country at a time if possible. I know that it’s so hard to visit Italy and not try to see it all, but you won’t want to spend your whole trip on a train, or in a car, or on a plane.

See this list of the best places to see in Italy

While it’s hard to say just which are the best places to visit in Italy, because, let’s be honest, all of Italy is so amazing, I do have some personal favorite Italy vacations. When I help my friends plan their trip to Italy, I like to give them a little taste of everything: city, history, nature, beach, culture, and, of course, food!

I love getting off the beaten path, but there are just some places that are a must see in Italy! There are literally hundreds of choices you can make for your first Italy itinerary, and they would all be amazing. Every person or group has different preferences and interests. That’s why I have created five different 10 day Italy itinerary ideas for you.

What to do in Italy

You’ll have tons of amazing things to do in Italy, and what you choose to do will largely depend on where you go and what time of year you go, but here are some of the top things to do in Italy:

• Take a cooking class
• Eat gelato at least twice a day
• Eat pasta
• Go to the beach
• Visit ancient ruins
• Ride on a Vespa

Download my FREE Italy Bucket List by clicking here.

What to Pack for Italy

Packing for Italy can be tricky depending on the time of year you’re visiting. Our family backpacked around Europe, spending an entire month in Italy. You can see our Italy Packing List here. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes. I love these sandals for warmer months and these boots for colder months.

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

The Best Way to See Italy in 10 Days
5 Itinerary Ideas

I’ve compiled 5 itineraries for your 10 day trip to Italy. Any of these will be a great choice, it just depends on your personal preferences and what you really want to prioritize during your time in Italy.

I’ve made some really classic itineraries and some more off-the-beaten-path itineraries! Each Italy trip itinerary has been tried and tested by myself and I can highly recommend any of them. These are my top 5 Italy vacation ideas.

Itinerary #1: Gotta See it All

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

This is one of the best Italy vacations for really energetic and active travelers. This itinerary is great for those visiting Italy for the first time, who think they may never have the opportunity to return again. Not everyone travels all the time, which is totally understandable.

Some can’t afford to travel often, and some don’t really want to. If you think you’ll only be in Italy once in your life, this is the itinerary for you. It’s definitely an aggressive itinerary that requires you to move through the country nearly every day and spend about one day in each city, but it can be done!

If you want to make your life easier, you can purchase this full itinerary, which includes interactive maps, an hour-by-hour guide, walking you through each moment of your amazing trip. This full itinerary provides you with specific tours and classes, and exact train schedules, as well as recommended accommodations. My interactive 40 page PDF contains everything you need to pull off this amazing itinerary! 

Days 1 & Day 2: Rome

Most affordable flights to Italy will take you to Rome. It’s where I’ve flown into every time I’ve visited Italy. But shop around and find the best deal because you can begin this Italy itinerary at any point.

You can start your Italy itinerary anywhere you wish, but I always recommend starting in Rome. Rome is the third most visited city in Europe, after Paris and London, with 7-10 million visitors per year, and for good reason.

Rome is full of art, history, culture, and amazing food. It is incredible to wander down a street and suddenly come upon an ancient structure or statue! Ancient history is everywhere in this large city.

When you first arrive in Rome, jetlag will probably get the best of you. Give yourself a day to recover and take in all the beauty (and gelato) that this ancient city has to offer. You’re going to get here and never want to leave.

There is so much to see and do in Rome, it could literally take you a lifetime. Don’t be discouraged by not being able to do it all. There is still so much that you can see just in a day and a half! Be sure to read my guide to Rome in One Day before you go.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Rome:

• Wake up early to beat the crowds
• Take an early morning Tour of the Vatican
• See St. Peter’s Basilica BOOK HERE
• Vespa Tour of Rome (more info here Seriously one of the best things to do in Italy)
• Tour the Colosseum BOOK HERE
• Wander the Trastevere neighborhood

Read More: What to do in Rome for a Day

Day 3: Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline that you could honestly spend weeks in, lazing away on the picturesque beaches and soaking up the sun. But if you’re on a mission to see it all, take an entire day to relax and enjoy the sites. There are many small towns dotting the winding coastline. I recommend picking one and spending a few hours at the beach.

I personally love the beach at Atrani because you don’t have to walk down a thousand stairs like Positano, but you still get that beautiful and classic look of Amalfi! You can rent 2 beach chairs and an umbrella on the beach for €20 cash.

Here are the things you cannot miss on the Amalfi Coast

• Spend at least one day on the beach
• Drive along the coast
• Learn how to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
• Take a day trip to Capri BOOK HERE
• Discover more things to do on the Amalfi Coast here

Day 4: Florence

Florence is a beautiful city that is home to much of Italy’s Renaissance art. Home to Michaelangelo, da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Buonarroti, and Botticelli just to name a few, Florence is overflowing with ancient art and architecture! Spend a day and a half exploring museums, walking along the Ponte Vecchio, and eating gelato in this renowned city of culture. Tours and tickets MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE! Especially if you are going during the busy season.

Here are things you should not miss in Florence:

• See Michaelangelo’s David BOOK HERE
• Walk up the Duomo BOOK HERE
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery BOOK HERE
• Visit the Boboli Gardens

Day 5: Florence/Pisa

Head to Pisa to see the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa! Yes, it’s touristy, but worth seeing, especially if this will be your only time in Italy. Going up to the top is really awesome. Kids must be 6 or older and you can book your tickets here.

Day 6: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of my very favorite places in Italy! It was one of my best trips to Italy and it’s what I picture parts of Italy must have looked 100 years ago! Cinque Terre, translated, means Five Lands, and is the area consisting of five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

They are all equally stunning, and whichever one you choose will be amazing. They all have their own special charm, and they also all have their own pros and cons. Read my complete guide to Cinque Terre to help you decide which town to stay in.

The beautiful towns built on cliffs are honestly one of the best things to see in Italy. Be sure to spend some time in the ocean during your time in Cinque Terre. Monterosso has a beautiful white sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas. I recommend that you spend at least two nights in Cinque Terre so that you have a full day and a half to explore all the towns. There is a train that goes between each town so that the area is very easy to navigate.

Here are things you should not miss in Cinque Terre:

• Visit all of the five towns by train
• Take the ferry at least once so you can see Cinque Terre from the water
• Eat gelato in every town

Day 7: Milan & Lake Como

Stop into Milan for a quick trip to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Last Supper, which must be booked in advance! Now you’re on your way to  Lake Como!

Day 8: Lake Como

Welcome to one of my favorite places on earth. With gorgeous lakeside villas and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy. I recommend you spend your time boating around the lake and checking out all the magnificent houses, wandering the streets of Bellagio, and renting a scooter to explore.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Lake Como:

• Rent a boat
• Visit George Clooney
• Villa del Balbianello (from Star Wars)

Day 9 & 10: Venice

You’ll be spending the last two days of your Italy trip in the lovely Venice. There’s no place on earth like it! Spend your last moments in Italy floating down the canals, getting lost in the winding alleyways, and eating gelato! Read all about what to do in Venice before going.

Things not to miss in Venice:

• Gondola ride BOOK HERE
• Boat tour Ride to Colorful Burano BOOK HERE
• Murano Glass tour BOOK HERE
• Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs BOOK HERE

If this itinerary feels right for your 10 days in Italy, you can get the complete itinerary here. Let me do all the work for you! 

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Italy Itinerary 10 Days #2: Classic Italy

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

This is the best Italy itinerary for someone who wants a really classic experience. It covers the most important sites and major cities in Italy that most visitors will want to see on their first trip to Italy. This Italy itinerary allows you to spend a few days in each location, so you can get to know each city a little better. You can do this itinerary in any order, but most people choose to start in Rome.

Days 1-3: Rome

You’ll begin your classic tour of Italy in the capital of Italy. There is so much to see in Rome, you’ll be glad you have three days to see it!

Here are some ideas for your 3 days in Rome:

• I recommend getting up early in the mornings to see sites like the Pantheon and Spanish Steps before the rest of the tourists wake up. The city is so beautiful in the morning light.
• Your first day in Rome is a great day to take a guided tour of the city so that you can get a lay of the land and check the main sites off. I recommend taking a Vespa Tour! It’s so much fun and even kids can go. Knowledgeable tour guides drive you around the entire city, stopping to show you classic and little-known sites. They even stop for gelato. Read here for more Vespa Tour information.
• Eat dinner in Trastevere, where you’ll find many tiny little restaurants all serving delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.
• Try several gelato shops each day to find your favorite. Read this to find out the best gelato shops in Italy. My personal favorite is Gelato del Teatro!
• Take a cooking class. Rome is home to some of the best food in the world. Don’t skip out on learning how to make it yourself. This cooking class is amazing and I love this food tour.
• If you’re visiting Rome with Kids, there is so much to do! My kids love Rome, and not just for the gelato. Read my guide to Rome with kids.

Day 4-6: Florence

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must for your classic trip to Italy. You’ll have the opportunity to see celebrated artwork and architecture.

Some ideas for how to spend your next few days in Florence:

• Walk the Ponte Vecchio: This ancient bridge has been around forever and is one of the most iconic sites in Florence.
• Take pictures in the iconic Florence photobooth
• Walk up the Duomo. You’ll need to get tickets for this, but this massive, iconic building is just gorgeous.
• Tour the many museums of Florence. Don’t miss Michaelangelo’s David.

Day 7-10: Venice

Spend the last few days of your classic Italy itinerary in Venice. It’s one of the best cities in Italy and unlike anywhere else in the world. If you play it right, Venice can be a relaxing way to end your trip. I seriously recommend waking up with the sun and exploring Venice in the early hours while it’s quiet and not overcrowded. It is truly beautiful. When it starts to get too busy or hot, go back to the hotel and take a nap! Then go back out around dinner time and explore until dark. I’ve done this during several trips to Venice and it was perfect!

Be sure to take advantage of the Vaporetto (public water transportation in Venice) and visit the islands of Murano and Burano!

Here are some ideas of things to do during your time in Venice:

• Take a Mask Making Class BOOK HERE
• Take a Murano Glass Tour BOOK HERE
• Visit Burano BOOK HERE
• Take a Gondola Ride BOOK HERE
• Go on a Food Tour BOOK HERE

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Itinerary #3: Northern Lakes of Italy

When to go: Summer

This Lakes of Northern Italy itinerary is one of my favorites and not something that most people try. This is the best Italy itinerary if you’re interested in exploring the beautiful lakes of Northern Italy. It’s some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see in your life.

I love this itinerary for a family trip to Italy. I do recommend that if you choose this itinerary, you book a trip for late spring or early fall as the lakes do get crowded during the summer, and are very cold during the winter months.

Each lake has something unique to offer and it’s worth visiting all of them, but if this itinerary seems a little intense for your 10 days in Italy, I recommend cutting out one or two lakes and just sticking with two or three areas.

The great thing about this itinerary is that you’ll also be able to see Milan, so you’ll get a taste of a large Italian city while also enjoying the countryside and beach time.

For this Northern Italy itinerary, I highly recommend flying into Milan and The lakes and northern scenery can be best seen while taking leisurely winding drives around the lakes.

Day 1: Milan

On your first day of this 10 day Italy itinerary, you will fly into Milan. Here you can spend an entire day or half-day exploring the city. Be sure not to miss the imposing Duomo of Milan and The Last Supper if you are interested in art history.

Day 2-3: Lake Garda

Known for its crystal clear waters, Lake Garda is a beautiful destination for relaxation and fun. Be sure to visit the stunning Scaligero Castle for magnificent views. You can also visit Gardaland, a great family amusement park!

Day 4: Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo, known as Lago d’Iseo is a little-known lake between Garda and Como that is a hidden gem in Italy. You can spend your time here hiking, ferrying across the lake, or visiting Grumello Castle.

Day 5-7: Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the best places in Italy and one of my favorite places on earth. Yes, it’s popular, but it’s worth spending at least a few days here. We spent several months and never got sick of it! Rent a boat and cruise the lake yourself and visit the famous town of Bellagio. You can read all about what to do in Lake Como here. 

Day 8-9: Lake Maggiore

Lago Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and claims both Italy and Switzerland as it crosses the borders. It is located just south of the Swiss Alps which means there are beautiful mountains surrounding the lake all with incredible views. As such a large lake, you have many options for where to stay. There are beautiful lush gardens and old villas dotting the lake. you really can’t go wrong!

Day 10: Milan

Head back to Milan after your wonderful 10 days on the lakes of Italy.

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Itinerary #4: Italian Island Hopping

When to go: Summer

Sardinia and Sicily are the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and are both worth visiting. You can easily ferry between the two islands via an overnight ferry, which can be really fun. Both islands offer a unique taste of Italy that is something a little different from the mainland boot!

Day 1-5: Sardinia

Spend 5 days on this beautiful Italian island that is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of my favorite places to go in Italy to enjoy the beach! With over 1,200 miles of gorgeous coastline, sandy beaches, Star Wars-esque rocky beaches, beautiful mountains, and centuries of history, it’s an easy choice for anyone looking for a tropical Italian holiday. Italy beaches are known as some of the best in the world, and, in my opinion, most of them are on Sardinia!

Sardinia is known as a “Blue Zone” which means that people who live here live longer than anyone on Earth. The people there are so friendly, the food is amazing, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

Check out the best beaches in Sardinia.

Day 6-10: Sicily

Mountains, history, food, beaches…Sicily really does have it all! It’s one of the best places to vacation in Italy for sun lovers. Located in the soccer ball of Italy, just off the toe of the infamous boot, Sicily is the largest Meddeteranian island and worth spending a few days on. Sicily boasts some of the best beaches in Italy and even in the world, like Cefalu, San Vito Lo Capo, Isola Bella, but also offers a rich history and culture as well as a delicious tradition of culinary delights. Spend time on the beach, hiking, visiting ancient ruins, and tasting classic Sicilian food. It’s a great place to take a cooking class (BOOK HERE).

Sicily is a great place to so that you can really see the island. 

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Itinerary #5: Exploring Tuscany

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

Exploring beautiful Tuscany is one of the most classic Italian experiences you can have. What I love about visiting Tuscany, especially as a family, is that it is laid back and you can usually rent a nice villa with a pool for a good price on Airbnb while being surrounded by enchanting scenery. If you’ve never used Airbnb, here is a $55 coupon to you from me. I’ve created a list here of beautiful villas in Tuscany at affordable prices (ps. most of them have pools)!

For this Tuscany Itinerary, I highly recommend picking a home base in one place and taking day trips from there. Everywhere on this list is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in Tuscany. Maybe take a day trip every other day from your home base. This is perfect if you want to do an Italy road trip through Tuscany.

If you’d rather base yourself in Florence and take a day trip to San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti, this is a great tour that hits all those locations.

Day 1: Florence

Visit Florence for a day trip. Enjoy the ancient feel the city, walk the Ponte Vecchio, visit famous museums and see incredible artwork!

Day 2: Home Base

Spend time enjoying your Tuscan Villa. Look for cooking classes near you and try local food.

Day 3: Lucca & Pisa

Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Lucca, stopping in Pisa on your way there. Climb up the leaning tower of Pisa (you must book in advance).

Spend the majority of your time in Lucca, an amazing walled city, largely free from traffic and filled with beautiful architecture. I think it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Rent a bike and ride around the ancient walls of the city. You can even take a self-guided bike tour of the city.  Be sure to grab a few gelatos during your time in Lucca as these were some of my favorite gelato shops in Italy.

Day 4: Home Base

Take a day to explore your own little Tuscan town. Sometimes the local hidden gems can be your favorite part of your trip to Italy! You never know what you’ll find. As the locals what they recommend doing nearby.

Day 5: Chianti

With lush vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns, Chianti is a beautiful region of Tuscany. This is a great area to take a scenic drive or rent bikes to enjoy more views. If you’d like some help seeing Chianti, you can actually book a half-day tour that will take you to all the best spots.

Day 6: Home Base

Day 7: San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a beautiful and well-kept walled city in Tuscany. This medieval city still has its original house towers.

Day 8: Home Base

Day 9: Siena

This beautiful medieval town will steal your heart the moment you enter its walls. Be prepared to climb some steep hills in Siena. Grab a pizza and hang out on the Piazza del Campo, the fan-shaped public square where everyone comes to enjoy the city.

Day 10: Florence

Spend one last day in Florence seeing the sites before heading home.

Whichever itinerary you choose for your trip to Italy will be wonderful. You really can’t go wrong by choosing any of these. I love helping my readers plan their travel, so if you need any help please reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram. If you want some great tips on traveling Italy, join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Ciao!
I {heart} Italy