The Classic Italy in 10 Days Itinerary: A First Time Visitor’s Guide from Rome to Venice
Let me walk you through the ultimate guide on how to plan a ten days in Italy itinerary. This guide features all the can’t miss spots, so you know you’re covered for your first Italy trip!
There is nothing like planning an escape to Italy for ten days when you’re visiting the country for the first time.
Italy has been a popular tourist destination for some time now, and it comes by it honestly. This country has it all--delicious food (complete with all the carbs and comforts), vibrant colours, a charmed, extensive history and awe-inspiring architecture and culture to explore. I could go on.
I have spent a fair share of time in this incredible country, and I’ve dealt with a great deal of planning along the way. Although we see Italy as one collective country today, like so many countries in Europe it was divided into separate kingdoms and city-states for centuries, until its unification in 1861. Given the region’s extensive history, becoming a unified country is a relatively recent event.
This means that on any trip to Italy, there is so much to see. I’ve seen firsthand how the differences between its provinces, and even regions within each of its provinces from the north to the south are vast. Whether you’re planning to road trip Italy or travel by train, its diversity in sites and experiences makes it such a memorable country to visit.
Yes, a lot of people recommend it and yes, a lot of people say it’s great. That’s mostly because it is, but it also holds a lot of truly special pockets where you will feel like you’re simultaneously in a world-renowned historical epicentre, while still being able to have a quaint place all to yourself on a trip to Italy.
If you’re spending 2 weeks travelling, this gives you time to either fly a long distance in and out of the country, or it gives you the option of tacking a few extra days onto your trip somewhere in between.
If you have more time to play with on your Italy trip, or you’re interested in a more southern Italy itinerary, we have articles covering an Amalfi Coast Itinerary, and a Western Sicily itinerary. Both of these places aren’t covered here, but they’re also regions that we absolutely love in Italy.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may receive a small commission for some of our heartfelt and honest recommendations at zero additional cost to you.
How to Approach Planning Travel to Italy
I wanted to narrow this down to an itinerary ideal for people visiting this beautiful country for the first time. The idea came to me since many people have asked me what I’d recommend doing in Italy. I figured writing about 10 days in Italy would be helpful.
As vast as it is, when you’re planning a trip to Italy, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to go if you’re visiting Italy for the first time. In this post, my goal is to alleviate some of the stress around planning your 10 day Italian itinerary.
I want to make sure that you have the best trip Italy can offer you, but with the right balance of quintessential sites and museums and the authentic, old-world charm you come to Italy to find. Keep an eye out for my recommendations throughout about modifications and changes you could make as we go.
Bear in mind that this Italy itinerary includes only the days in Italy, and I am excluding your travel days to and from the country in this post. This is for a full ten days here, and once you have your Italy packing list all ready to go, I want to make sure you maximize your time in every way.
Getting to Italy
I’ve planned out these itinerary ideas with the thought that you should either plan to fly round trip to Rome or Venice. You can switch up this itinerary to go forwards or backwards, and then you should plan to fly back or book train tickets to your incoming city before you leave.
You can also fly in and fly out of separate airports, but I often find that one-way tickets are more expensive than round-trip tickets.
That being said, I always start my flight planning by doing a search on Skyscanner. Chris and I have been using Skyscanner for years (since the late 2000’s!) to search and book our flights, and they do an excellent job sourcing the prices and flight combinations from hundreds of airlines and booking sites to find you the best possible price.
Here are the airports to have on your radar for this trip:
Rome Airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
This well-trafficked airport sees millions of tourists on a daily basis. It’s located outside of the city center, but you can easily take the metro, a bus or a taxi from the airport to your accommodation.
Venice Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
This airport is also very busy, but it’s a little closer to the city centre of Venice than FCO is to Rome. Consider the fact that depending on where you’re flying from, it may be easier and less expensive for you to fly directly to Rome instead of Venice. If you’re arriving from within Europe, there are many options for direct flights to Venice.
Transportation in Italy
Trains in Italy
Italy has a comprehensive rail system. Trains in Italy are an efficient way to get around, especially since the major train stations are nearly all within the centre of each of the destinations on this list.
Despite the stereotype that no trains in Italy are on time, I’ve had the opposite experience in my travels through Italy, and would highly recommend train travel throughout the country for your 10 day Italy tour.
Italy by Car
While trains are convenient and essential to this 10-day Italy itinerary, you have to promise me that you will take the opportunity to rent a car and take an Italy road trip for at least a small portion of your time in Italy. Especially if you’re looking to get out of the droves of tourists and find a few special nooks for yourself and you’re confident driving a vehicle, I’d recommend it.
If you follow along closely with the blog, you’ll know that Chris and I are big fans of road trips. The same can be said for driving around the more rural or scenic parts of Italy. Although 10 days in Italy is a fair period of time, when you add a self-drive portion to any trip, you’ll find that you feel like you double your time spent in a place, and you certainly leave with a more rich experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about travelling with self-driving road trips in mind, check out “The 16 Photos that Prove Kruger National Park is Heaven on Earth” about our self-drive safari in South Africa, “The Most Epic Castle I've Ever Seen” from our Romanian road trip or “One of the Greatest Photos I’ve Ever Taken” from our winter road trip to Kazbegi, Georgia.
Although driving in Italy (especially in some of the larger cities on this itinerary like Rome and Florence) can sound a little nerve-wracking, taking your time to make sure you understand the flow of traffic and road signs is key.
This is why I recommend you spend time in the country as a pedestrian and taking the metro and trains first before driving a car. Especially if you start your 10 days Italy tour in Rome, you’ll find that you will learn a lot about the rules of the road as a pedestrian.
Things to Put on Your Italy Packing List
When you’re packing for a trip to Italy, you have a few things to think about.
The climate during the time of year you’ll be visiting is an important factor. The same goes for the activities you plan to do (if you are mobile, a lot of walking will most certainly be one of them), and the required customs for visiting some of Italy’s religious sites.
I’ve included links to the products that are tried and true for me, if you’d like to get them ahead of time for your next trip to Italy.
Here are the items I pack every time I go on a trip to Italy
Comfortable shoes. Italy is full of historic piazzas (town squares) in every corner of the country. This brings a lot of cobbled streets, and uneven walking paths. Many times when you are exploring in Italy, it’s so much better to do so on foot, because you’ll miss some of the best parts if you take a taxi or bus within towns and cities. Packing comfortable shoes is a must.
For walking shoes, I absolutely love my Reebok Vintage tennis shoes. They are so comfortable and don’t feel like I’m wearing anything, and I’ve brought them on every trip I’ve taken over the past two years. You can find them here.
For walking sandals, I am a big fan of Tevas. Especially their sport sandals are so comfortable for long walks. You can find them here.
Light layers: Depending on the time of year you're visiting, Italy gets very hot in the summer and can get quite chilly in the winter. Packing light layers that can be easily brought around depending on the weather will be really important on your trip. A light jacket or sweater is also recommended if you’re visiting in the fall or spring.
For a light layer, I love to pack an oversized linen button-down shirt. Linen is the best because it offers a layer warm enough if it’s a little chilly out, and it also works to protect you from the sun in the warmer months.
If I want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the between seasons, again, button-downs are often my friend. I love to bring a larger waffle textured layer, like this one. These are great for chilly evenings, plane travel, over-air conditioned train or car trips, etc.
Sun protection: Italy is definitely a sunny place! Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are also important on this trip. Here are some of my favourites:
Sunscreen: This is one of my favourite sunscreens for travelling. You can find it here.
Sunglasses: Since I know I’ll be taking a lot of photos on a trip to Italy, I love to have options on the trip. A set of sunglasses like this one offers stylish and functional options to go with every outfit.
Hat: What better hat to wear on a “classic” Italy trip, than a classic fedora? You can’t go wrong, since it’s both a stylish and functional option for your trip. This one is an excellent option.
Adapter and converter: Italy mostly uses “Type C” plugs, which are one of the most common electrical outlets, with two round places to plug in. Less commonly found are “Type F” and “Type L”. On my travels to Italy, I have only encountered the Type C plugs.
One of my best tips is to travel with a voltage converting power bar, so you can easily use electronics from home on the road in every place you visit. My favourite voltage converting power bar, by Bestek, can be found here.
A Great Guidebook: I don’t always recommend a guidebook for visiting a country, especially with so many great travel blogs like ours online full of amazing tips. BUT, one of the mainstays for trips to Italy are guidebooks by none other than Rick Steves. Chris has a had a few opportunities to meet Rick, and our friends even ran into him updating one of his books on the Amalfi Coast a few years back. He is truly a man about the field, and he absolutely loves and knows a lot about Italy.
I highly recommend purchasing his Italy guidebook for your trip, linked here.
Appropriate Clothing for Some Landmarks: There are many churches and some museums and historic landmarks which require you to cover your shoulders and knees when you travel through Italy. If you’re travelling during the summer months, this is an important thing to keep in mind.
If you’re travelling during the warmer months, I’d recommend packing a pair of linen pants if you plan on visiting any sites where you need to hide some skin. These are some of my favourites.
A light scarf or linen button down shirt are also some of the most practical items you can bring on a trip to Italy, since they are nice to look at, they’re comfortable, and they can really make an outfit “pop”.
Comfortable daypack: Long days spent exploring in Italy mean having a daypack makes it a little more comfortable. I always throw some snacks, water, sunscreen, and maybe a book or scarf/travel towel in my bag, depending what I’m getting up to that day.
If you’re looking for a functional day pack, great for day trips, hikes or just generally exploring, this one is excellent.
If you are in the market for a cute but functional day pack that will look nice dressed up, I recommend this one.
Passport Organizer Case: You definitely want to make sure you have all your travel documents organized for your trip, including your passport, travel insurance, and any other important documents.
This is one of my favourite travel organizers that you can pack on your trip to Italy.
Why You Should Consider Taking a Guided Tour on Your Italy Trip
A guided tour offers you the opportunity to understand the places you’ll visit like a local, and truly understand and appreciate the places you go.
There are so many sites worth exploring in greater detail during your trip to Italy. If you are excited about history, art, culinary delights or even walking tours, there are endless options for incredible guided tours in Italy.
To make your travel Italy plans even more memorable, consider the types of guided tours or experiences you might like to take. There are traditional cooking classes, street food tours, street art tours, and tours of famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Vatican and the Galleries of Florence.
Or if you prefer to take a boat tour, like a gondola tour or a harbour and islands tour of Venice, then these can be excellent options on your trip, too.
My Classic Italy Itinerary in 10 Days
Days 1-3: Rome
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome is a large city full of life, culture, history and an abundance of areas to walk around.
It is the capital, and the largest city in Italy. Located in the central-western part of the country on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome’s history spans more than 2,500 years. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and it was the center of the Roman Empire, which left a lasting legacy of architecture, art, and culture for locals and travellers to admire.
Considering you’re spending 3 days of your Italy itinerary in Rome, I would recommend a central neighbourhood like Monti, or a more historical neighbourhood like Trastevere.
If you’re looking for a great hotel in Monti, Hotel Domus Liberius is a luxurious property. If you’re trying to find an excellent hotel in Trastevere, Una Hotels Trastevere Roma is excellent, and very centrally located.
What to Do in Rome
See the Colosseum
The Colosseum—it speaks for itself.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure to behold. As a unique (and mildly disturbing, when considered carefully) place, a tour inside this site is definitely worth it to learn about its dark history. I remember learning how many different regions’ worth of seeds they found in its basement cells, which were remains of tropical plants brought to keep animals transported from great distances comfortable.
If you are interested in booking a tour of the Colosseum, there are so many excellent ones to choose from. You can find the best tour of the Colosseum to book here.
Walk Through the Roman Forum
If you’re going to choose one historical place to pay the price of admission for while you’re in Rome, I’d highly recommend staying and taking the time to check out the Roman Forum. A short walk from the Colosseum, you’ll be here in a heartbeat.
My favourite part of the Roman Forum is the fact that it has literally been dug out of the ground in the middle of the city. It is an incredible site to wander around, since it feels like one giant archeological site. If you’re visiting in the summer months, bring a hat!
This is one giant pit of glorious history, flooded by the hot sun.
When Chris and I visited Rome, we found Rick Steve’s walking tours and audio guide a really nice accompaniment for the self-guided visits we chose to have at many sites. Specifically at the Roman Forum, I recall the detailed map and information from Rick Steves’ Italy Travel Guide so informative, yet not overbearing.
Again, in a city of tourist groups, perceived autonomy (if your values align anywhere close to mine) is a luxury.
If you’re a fan of Rick Steves, you’ll be pleased to know that he came on as a guest on the Rick Steves Over Brunch podcast a few years back.
Take in the Trevi Fountain
Again, this is a pretty typical site to see in Rome, except I’d argue that despite the crowds who toss coins into its waters year-round, what is so unexpected about this fountain is the fact that it is absolutely massive. When I’d seen it on TV before, I had no idea that it was tucked so neatly into such an intimate little piazza.
The Trevi Fountain makes for a great spot to grab a gelato or Aperol Spritz to celebrate all you’ve seen in the city thus far. If time is on your side at any point in Rome, it’s worth heading back to see this beauty lit up at night. Its lights and bright blue waters feel nothing short of magical and intimate in the evenings.
Marvel at the Pantheon
Not too far from the Trevi Fountain sits the impressive and mysterious Pantheon. It is something of a mystery because it is the single largest, unreinforced concrete dome in the entire world. Modern architecture can’t explain how it has sat for so long in its place without collapsing during the Barbarian raids.
All of that aside, visiting this structure and going in to look up at the oculus is pretty special. Take a seat inside to listen to how the acoustics work in the space and catch a breath. Better yet, after your visit, grab a gelato and take a final look at this building from the piazza outside before continuing on.
Traipse Through Trastevere
The historic quarter of Trastevere has all the qualities of charming Italian villages stuck in the heart of Rome. Long vines crawl up the narrow houses and store fronts, and vintage cars are often parked on its streets.
Seemingly stuck in time, this neighbourhood holds firm roots as the historical home of working-class Romans, but today it is known for delicious trattorias, photo-worthy streets and bohemian haunts.
Make sure you stop by the Church of St. Mary, which is Trastevere’s most famous church. It, along with its charming piazza, should be the anchor of your mission to getting lost in the streets of this district.
Trastevere is also a mecca for food. In your time spent wandering this neighbourhood, consider taking a street food tour of Trastevere, too. You can book an excellent street food tour here.
Stroll through Giardino degli Aranci
This sizeable park is located near the Tiber River. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a break from the busy, and often times loud, traffic buzzing around this city. Raised above ground level, Giardino degli Aranci (or the “Orange Garden”) is full of wide sandy pedestrian paths and large, lush trees and gardens.
Make sure you end your visit (or begin, depending on where you’re coming from) with a stop at the panoramic viewpoint near its entrance from which you can see many parts of Rome, including the Tiber River and the houses of Trastevere stacked on top of one another.
Venture over to the Vatican
If you aren’t visiting for religious reasons, then the fact that The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world is reason enough to pay it a visit.
It has its own government, its own postal system, and its own city walls that protect it from its entire surroundings of Rome. The actual Vatican itself is an excellent place to visit. It’s worth taking a guided tour to witness the famous Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms during your visit.
If you’re interested in taking a guided our of The Vatican, there are several excellent guided tours to choose from here.
Walk between Neighbourhoods, and Choose the Quiet Back Roads
So long as you have your next destination in mind, I am all for taking back roads or your own version of how to get there on your way around Rome. One of the best parts of travelling to Italy is finding how many quaint and adorable cafes and restaurants there are to stop for a “caffe” (be prepared to receive an espresso) or a cocktail, like an Aperol spritz.
Give yourself time to stop and go at a relaxed pace on this Italy itinerary—these little moments will end up being the ones that stand out in your mind the most once your trip has long since ended.
Days 4-5: Siena
This now begins your Northern Italy itinerary portion of the trip, which should be spent over 2 days.
Siena is a city in central Tuscany, Italy, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. It’s known for its historic architecture, medieval old town, and cultural heritage.
Siena has a rich history dating back to the Etruscan period, and it was an important city-state during the Middle Ages. It was known for its art, literature, and political power at the time. Today, Siena’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site all to itseld, and it is renowned for its museums, historic sites and Gothic architecture.
I’ve outlined my top recommendations in this portion of the article, but we have an article on the most beautiful towns in Tuscany if you’re interested in extending your time in this incredibly region.
Be sure to book an early train ticket on Italia Rail from Rome to Siena. Depending on the type of train you choose, it should take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. Since this itinerary is designed to be flexible, you could also plan to take a late evening train at the end of Day 3, or just book a train at your leisure.
Since Siena is such an old medieval city, it wasn’t built with trains in mind. When you arrive at the train station, plan to arrange for a bus, taxi, or ride share to the city centre.
Where to Stay in Siena
I suggest you stay somewhere in the old city centre of Siena. The old city itself is so beautiful and walkable, and the immaculate condition of the medieval piazzas and surrounding streets is truly remarkable and worth being near if you’re only there for a few short days.
When Chris and I stayed in Siena, we found a nice little apartment not far from Piazza del Campo. We were there during the summer, and there happened to be a festival in town, so people had actually set up a long, European-style dining table in the street outside of our apartment to eat and drink into the wee hours of the morning before filling the street with dancing.
Being so close to that authentic action made our time spent there that much more memorable. To find the perfect place to stay in central Siena for you, there are a ton of options to choose from here.
What to Do in Siena: A One or Two Day Itinerary
Appreciate the Piazza del Campo
This square is instantly memorable because it’s very clearly of the medieval variety, for which it’s recognized as significant throughout Europe.
The Piazza del Campo is the central part of Siena’s historic center. It is fan-shaped, which makes it distinctive, and it’s where the famous Palio horse race is held twice a year.
You’ll also notice that the piazza is built with a very intentional raked slope. Built prior to the thirteenth century as a marketplace and sloped most probably for drainage, today it serves as the city’s natural amphitheater with a gorgeous focal point of its central clock tower, where there is often a light show or people can be found playing music at night.
Set Eyes on the Duomo di Siena
I agree with the popular opinion that this cathedral is more stunning than the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, and you will be met with less than a quarter of the crowds taking a picture of it. It’s an impressive structure and surrounded by narrow medieval streets jutting off of the piazza in front of it.
If you can, head up the tower of the Duomo for some beautiful views of Siena and beyond to the rolling hills of Tuscany, which you’ll be heading out to soon on your Italy 10 days itinerary.
Explore Siena’s Medieval Back Streets
There are other attractions some people head to in Siena, such as the Museum of Torture or the Museum of Opera, but really, taking your time to just explore the medieval streets of Siena is worth more than the price of admission to any site, in my opinion.
If you’re heading to Siena in the warmer months, the narrow streets, shaded by the surrounding tall medieval homes will provide you with some shelter from the hot Tuscan sun. You can also venture down from the city walls to explore some of the neighbouring areas below. Be warned that it will be a steep trip to get back up to the raised city centre!
Day 6: Tuscany By Car to Florence
This section of your 10 day tour of Italy should be spent over one day, and I’d suggest a night in one of the Tuscan towns for the real one-two punch of the beauty that is Tuscany.
The region of Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and historic cities. It’s a large region divided into ten provinces, each with its own distinct character. Although this tour of Tuscany only takes you through the province of Siena, know that there are so many more regions to explore.
Today, Tuscany is possibly the most famous for its cuisine and wine. It’s home to some of Italy's most famous wine-producing areas, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Tuscany has everything from luxury hotels to agriturismi (farm stays). If you’re interested in booking a farm stay during your visit to the province of Siena, it is definitely a memorable and highly recommended choice. You can find the best farm stays in the Siena province of Tuscany here.
Do me a favour and trust me on this one: as big of a fan as I am of Italy’s comprehensive rail system, Tuscany is the one place where I guarantee you should take the time to drive through with stops along the way to enjoy it before getting to Florence. This is one of those times where the day trips or multi-day trips are the destination. Driving around the winding hills, there are so many beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery and take a photo that you’ll want to be in control.
As bad of a wrap as Italy gets for driving, I don’t recall us having any major issues while we were navigating our way around the region. While you drive around the region, do take your time to make a left turn, and on the winding roads, be sure to signal to make your intentions clearer to other drivers.
My suggestions for this road trip itinerary in Tuscany are inspired by a day trip Chris planned for us and surprised me with on our month-long trip to Italy, so Chris can take full credit for this memorable one-day trip! It will be an incredibly full day, but an oh so memorable one.
Stop 1 - Monteriggioni
Here begins your introduction to the quaint, medieval towns of Tuscany. Although Monteriggioni is not as sizeable or famous as some of its regional counterparts, it makes for a logical first stop on your tour. As with all of these medieval towns (with the exception of Chianti), you’ll need to park your car outside the city walls, since the small roads inside were not built with a modern car’s alignment and well-being in mind.
Wander the small streets, stop for a bite for breakfast, and check out the city’s impressive walls while you’re here.
Stop 2 - San Gimignano
Come for the views from its tower and stay for lunch. On your walk to the tower, you’ll find a selection of restaurants with breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling Tuscan hills. Substantially larger than your last stop on the trip, plan for about 2 hours in this town to give credence to spending time here.
Stop 3 - Chianti
It’s your choice if you’d like to look into somewhere to stay here in Chianti, or check for something a little further north as you press on to Florence.
As I mentioned earlier, you could attempt to do this all in one day and end in Florence, but I think that would be a lot to tackle and also take away from the slow and relaxed pace I’ve built with intention into this day in Tuscany.
This place is so much more than the quote made famous by Silence of the Lambs. Although I can’t promise that Chris and I didn’t participate in our best creepy Anthony Hopkins impressions (“and a nice…Chian-ti”) for a small portion of our time here, I can say with complete certainty that we were swooning with the charm and beauty of this little town, which was anything but creepy.
Days 7-8: Florence
From Florence, some people might suggest travelling to Milan and seeing nearby points of interest like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Lake Como next. Or heading to San Marino. Cinque Terre and more charming destinations like Lucca are also an excellent option to the west of Italy. These are incredibly places in their own right. It was hard enough to cut down where to go in designing this 10 day Italy itinerary, so I had to make a choice.
I recommend heading to Florence instead of Milan on this trip, especially because of its accessibility to Venice.
Florence is another major city in Tuscany known for its rich history and artistic legacy. It was a center of medieval European trade and finance, and it’s often referred to as the "Cradle of the Renaissance" for its important role in the cultural and artistic movement of that time.
It is home to countless museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, like the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria dell'Accademia, and the Palazzo Pitti. The historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and like Siena, it’s also known for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, like the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio.
Florence has a relatively concentrated centre, so staying anywhere between just south of the Ponte Vechhio bridge to somewhere around the Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore is best. If you’re looking for great hotel options in Florence, click here to find the perfect place to spend a few nights!
What to Do in Florence
Decide which “Main Attractions” You Want to See - and Early!
If you’re planning to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia (where Michelangelo’s “David” is) or going up to the Duomo’s dome, make sure you make a plan and book tickets for these, even before you leave for Italy since time spent in these places is at a premium.
If the museums say they are completely booked up for the Uffizi, the Accademia and the Duomo, you can head to some third-party websites who will charge a little more, but they’ll offer more options for when to go.
Bear in mind that if these sites are on your list, you’ll want to dedicate at least one if not two days to them to truly enjoy them.
In the end, a great place to go when you aren’t sure where you want to go is always Piazza della Signoria.
Take in a Sunset over the city at Piazzale Michelangelo
Just south of the Arno River, this viewpoint can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but sunset over the city with the dome of the Duomo, the river and its overpassing bridges is a very special site.
Set up the tripod, bring a snack or buy one from one of the vendors up here, and breathe deeply as you take in the expansive views of Florence and the surroundings of Tuscany from this vantage point.
Go Off the Beaten Path of Predictable Museums
There is no shortage of museums of Florence. In fact, there are over 70. With that in mind, I’d say about 7 museums are frequently referenced, but some are overlooked next to the pearly white popular destinations.
If you’re looking for something a little different, embrace the history and culture of Florence and find your own unique museum that interests you.
A really nice surprise for Chris and I was the Galileo Museum, which isn’t even on the top 10 list of museums in Florence. It was incredible. If you have an affinity for maps, historical navigation devices or if you’re curious to know how early navigation worked, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge
This well-known bridge over the Arno River makes for a great crossing point if you’re leaving the central square area of Florence and headed up to a viewpoint of the city. Lined with shops of jewellery and leather ware, this historical street has been the home of vendors for centuries.
Buy Something Made of Leather
Italy is well-known for its quality and abundance of leather, but Florence is world-famous for being the epicentre of colourful and quality leather goods. If you’re in the market for a new leather bag, purse, jacket or wallet, then you’d might as well take a peek at what some of the stores are offering.
Before purchasing leather, take the time to ensure that you’re buying from a trusted vendor who is selling genuine leather.
Days 9 & 10: Venice and the Islands
Venice is the special city I could keep going back to. I’ve been twice, but feel like I could easily spend several weeks there and not get bored in the romance of it all.
Venice is located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. It is built on a series of islands in a lagoon, and is known for its canals, bridges, and historic architecture. Venice was an important center of trade and commerce during the medieval period, and is often called the "Queen of the Adriatic" for its importance in the region.
Venice is home to so many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of its most famous sites to see while you’re in town are the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and St Mark's Square.
One of the best things about finishing with Venice on your Italy vacation is that you’re left in a place which almost feels like no time has passed since the days of old during the reign of the Venetian empire.
Where to Stay in Venice
I’d say you have two solid options for where to stay on your trip to Venice. If you’ve been planning a trip to Italy to really engage with the culture, I’d certainly recommend staying somewhere in the old centre of Venice, but some distance from The Grand Canal or St. Mark’s Square, if you can. As charming as the old streets of Venice are, having a little quiet corner to call your own will be welcomed.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to stay closer to your in and outbound transportation, you can find accommodation outside of the “floating” city centre for a lower cost than inside the action. This is completely dependent on what your goals are for your trip.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind and memorable trip to Venice, the options for where to stay in this romantic city are endless. Click here to discover all sorts of incredible properties!
What do Do in Venice
Take a Gondola Ride
This might be one of the most stereotypical things to do in Venice, but it is really worth it for the experience. Although it has been “hammed up” from a tourism perspective, I think taking the canals in a gondola is a really special way to see Venice.
My recommendation is to catch a gondola somewhere on a smaller canal. Try to avoid the kiosks or docks in the busier parts of town, as I find gondoliers can be more pushy and aggressive, as there’s more competition.
As a 19 year old on my first backpacking trip through Venice, a gondola ride was far out of my price range, but I regretted leaving not having taken one.
Quite honestly, when Chris and I went together several years later, it still seemed like a high price compared to our typical indulgences on the road. Fortunately, there was a couple standing near us, and we all decided to split the cost of the gondola together.
I would completely recommend doing this if you are travelling as one or two. Try to create a slightly larger group to make this experience easier on the wallet at the end of your trip, and a great way to meet new people. Chris and I quickly discovered the couple we shared the gondola with were from Istanbul at the time we were living there, which sparked great conversation as we rode the gondola around together.
Jaunt Across to Murano and Burano By Boat
These gems of islands located across from St. Mark’s square are known for their colourful buildings and being the place from which Murano blown glass originates.
Catch a vaporetto (one of the boat/bus taxis) from Venice to one of these islands. Be advised that Murano will have many creative glass blown artifacts for sale, but it’s a beautiful and tiny island to walk around.
The brightly coloured homes of Burano are definitely something to behold. Be ready to enjoy some strolls around the neighbourhood to get a feel for things.
There are several excellent guided tours you can take to see these islands in the detail they deserve. To book a wonderfully rated tour of these islands for yourself, click here.
Get Lost in the Narrow and Winding Streets of Venice
There are so many twists and turns and opportunities to get lost…and it’s all fantastic! Though, you may take a turn and realize it brings you to a canal, which you can’t get over!
So, in turn, you’ll be led down another series of narrow alleyways and streets, figuring you’re headed to “that bridge” you’d seen “that way”, but then you’ll stumble along a shop with artisinal Limoncello or Venetian Commedia Dell’arte masks, and your plans will all of a sudden change.
Whatever your plans are for where you’ll go in central Venice, aside from the obvious locations to get to, my advice is not to plan too much.
The romance that sweeps me up in Venice is how all of these teeny tiny roads and historical homes are all wrapped up into beautiful chaos that is this city. It is one of the best ways to feel like you’ve been transported back into an Italy of older times.
Sit or Walk Around in St. Mark’s Square
Perhaps the quintessential location of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is an excellent place to people watch, see views out to the sea, feed birds, eat gelato, sip coffee or all of the above. If you’re lucky enough to visit at a time when St. Mark’s Basilica isn’t covered partially of completely in scaffolding, then that’s an extra-special treat.
Find a Place From which to admire the Rialto Bridge
This famous bridge is quite overwhelming and overpriced to cross itself (although you’ll likely have to cross it eventually to get over the Grand Canal), but it is really something to see from a near distance.
See if you can find a hotel terrace or spot to sit along the Grand Canal to watch gondolas and people passing over and under this impressive structure.
Final Thoughts on Your 10 Days in Italy
I hope this post has left your mind swirling with ideas of how to create and execute the perfect 10 day trip to Italy. This itinerary has a lot of detail, but there’s also a lot of space to make your visit to each of these cities your own.
Remember that when you’re in Italy, take your time. Don’t crowd your days with too many busy things to do, or you might miss some of the most memorable experiences. My all-time favourite thing to do when I’m in Italy is to find a centrally located piazza in whichever town or city I’m in, grab a gelato or an espresso, and just watch the world go by.
You never know what this country’s piazzas have waiting for you. There could be a live musician inspiring passersby to share a dance. An artist might be painting the likeness of tourists to bring home. Local families may be walking and enjoying the laziness of mid-day or evening together, or there may just be the perfect balance of nature, peace and quiet to allow yourself to drift off into a daydream.
Whatever it is you wish to fill your days with, do make sure you take the time to slow down.
I wanted to note that there are a few cities and regions which didn’t make the cut in this post. The walled city of Lucca, sitting northwest of Florence, makes for a great place to spend 2 days. The cities of Bologna, Reggio Emilia and Verona are also lovely and full of history, culture and delicious food.
If you’re an experienced traveller in Italy, you’ve likely wondered why I’ve cut out the south of Italy and Sicily. This was a hard decision! I could easily recommend a second Italy 10 days itinerary beginning in Rome, cutting down through Naples and the Amalfi Coast before pressing on to Palermo.
Please understand that this itinerary by no means indicates the ends of possibilities on a trip to Italy. Feel free to let me know in the comments below what you think about this Italy itinerary, and if it was useful for you! I hope all that I know about Italy came through, and will help you on your Italian adventure.