For first timers to Italy, Rome, Florence and Venice usually high the “must-see” record. On this 10 day Italy itinerary, you could have sufficient time to go to these three cities and add in one other spectacular vacation spot, the coastal cities of the Cinque Terre.
On this information, we lay out an in depth Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice itinerary. We cowl the most effective issues to do, learn how to get round, the place to remain and extra, to assist make your journey planning simpler.
That is the information, and the itinerary, that I want we had when planning our first journey to Italy.
Let’s get began.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice
Day 1: Arrive in Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Florence
Day 4: Florence
Day 5: Tuscany
Day 6: Cinque Terre
Day 7: Cinque Terre
Day 8: Venice
Day 9: Venice
Day 10: Fly Residence
Methods to Modify this Itinerary
Methods to Get Round Italy
Common Journey Prices
Extra Details about Italy
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 1
Arrive in Rome
Ideally, plan to reach in Rome early within the morning, and even the evening earlier than, to benefit from today. In the event you arrive within the morning on a purple eye flight, this primary day could be difficult. Drop your baggage off at your lodge and spend the afternoon sightseeing in Rome. I don’t suggest making massive plans as we speak (no Vatican or Colosseum visits) since you is likely to be exhausted.
Getting from Fiumicino Airport to Rome
In the event you arrive in Fiumicino Airport, you may get to town heart of Rome by bus, taxi, Uber, personal switch, and practice. We use the Leonardo Specific, a practice that runs from the airport to the Termini station in Rome. Leonardo Specific trains go away each 15 to half-hour, the journey takes half-hour, and it prices €17.90 per particular person. Buy your ticket on the station and validate it earlier than getting on the practice.
It’s also possible to rent a non-public switch right here.
Borghese Gallery (Non-compulsory)
The Borghese comprises among the best collections of artwork on the planet. Artwork by Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian are all on show. It is a must-see for artwork aficionados. In the event you arrive into Rome within the morning, you could have sufficient time to go to the Borghese noon, earlier than the afternoon stroll by way of town heart.

Borghese Gallery | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
PRO TRAVEL TIP: You possibly can solely go to the Borghese Artwork Gallery with a reservation. Reservations could be made as much as 3 months upfront. Reservations are made for two-hour time slots, beginning at 9 am, and the final time slot is at 5 pm. In case you are unable to buy tickets on the official web site, you may also test GetYourGuide.
Hours: 9 am – 7 pm
Closed Mondays
Price: €13, +€2 reservation payment, costs can enhance throughout particular displays
Web site: www.galleriaborghese.it
Getting Right here: The closest metro station is Barberini on the A line (1.4 km, 17 minutes strolling time). It’s also possible to get right here by bus, taxi, and Uber.
After your go to to the Borghese, stroll by way of the gardens that encompass the museum. They’re stunning!
Discover the Coronary heart of Rome
Spend the afternoon strolling by way of the center of Rome. This quick, straightforward stroll is a superb introduction to Rome. On this stroll, you will note a few of Rome’s most well-known websites, such because the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

The Spanish Steps; shutterstock.com/Vladimir Sazonov
This stroll is 2 miles lengthy and takes about two hours. You’ll begin on the Spanish Steps and finish at Campo de Fiori. Under is a map of the strolling route.
Methods to Use This Map: Click on the tab within the high left hand nook of the map to view the layers (factors of curiosity and the strolling route). You possibly can click on the test marks to cover or present layers. In the event you click on the icons on the map, you may get extra details about every focal point.
In the event you click on the star subsequent to the title of the map, this map will likely be added to your Google Maps account. To view it in your telephone or pc, open Google Maps, click on the menu button, go to “Your Locations,” click on Maps, and you will note this map in your record.
In the event you desire to stroll the streets of Rome with a information, this afternoon strolling tour contains the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona. And that is one other extremely rated strolling tour of the historic heart of Rome that features gelato or espresso.
The strolling route begins on the Spanish Steps. In the event you visited the Borghese Gallery, it’s a quick stroll to get right here. From the Spanish Steps, you’ll stroll to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, stroll by way of beautiful Piazza Navona, and finish in Campo de Fiori. For extra data on the strolling route, and extra pictures, learn our 2 Day Rome Itinerary.

Piazza Navona; shutterstock.com/Nicola Forenza
For dinner, you possibly can eat at one of many eating places in Piazza Navona or Campo de Fiori. Or, if you’re nonetheless doing nice on time and vitality, take into account crossing the Tiber River to Trastevere, a neighborhood that’s crammed with nice eating places. We had an exquisite dinner at Carlo Menta.
The place to Keep
Tonight, keep in Rome. You’ll spend two nights in Rome on this 10 day Italy itinerary. For suggestions on the place to remain, learn our information to The place to Keep in Rome.

Trastevere | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 2
Colosseum and the Vatican
On this busy day, you’ll go to two of Rome’s hottest sights, the Colosseum and the Vatican. These could be visited in both order. My advice is to begin on the Colosseum and finish at Vatican Metropolis, so you possibly can finish the day with spectacular views over Rome from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
With that being stated, one of the best ways to go to the Vatican Museum crowd free is to take an early morning tour, earlier than it “formally” opens. These excursions begin round 7 am and are dear. In the event you arrived yesterday on a purple eye flight from the USA, it may be TOUGH to stand up early sufficient to do that (the time change alone might make it really feel like you’re setting your alarm for a while round 1 am). However it’s value contemplating if visiting the Vatican with out the crowds is essential to you.
The Colosseum
Courting again to 80 AD, that is the most important amphitheater that was ever constructed on the time. It might maintain as much as 80,000 individuals, spectators who had been drawn right here to look at gladiatorial contests, executions, animal hunts, and re-enactments of well-known battles. It is usually one of many seven New Wonders of the World.
In 2019, this was the preferred vacationer attraction on the planet, with 7.6 million guests.
Anticipate BIG crowds on the Colosseum. For the most effective expertise, guide your tickets upfront or be a part of a skip-the-line tour, so as to keep away from spending your beneficial time in line.

shutterstock.com/Viacheslav Lopatin
Methods to Have the Finest Expertise on the Colosseum
Strains are typically lengthy to get into the Colosseum, even very first thing within the morning.
For the most effective expertise, buy your entrance ticket upfront. It prices an additional €2 per ticket for the web reservation payment, however that is value it to keep away from standing in lengthy strains.
If tickets are offered out in your dates of journey, I like to recommend becoming a member of a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum. You’ll spend a bit of more cash than buying your tickets straight from the Colosseum web site, however you’ll save a number of time.
If strains are lengthy and also you would not have advance tickets or you do not need to hitch a skip-the-line tour, you could have two choices that may minimize down in your ready time: go first to the Roman Discussion board (you may get a combo-ticket to later skip the Colosseum ticket strains), or get in line on the Colosseum for the audio-guide. If you are going to buy the audio-guide, I learn that you simply get to bypass the primary ticket strains. If even you don’t plan on utilizing the audio information, it is likely to be value paying for it if strains are very lengthy.

Contained in the Colosseum | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
What to Do on a Go to to the Colosseum
In your go to to the Colosseum, you possibly can both wander by way of it by yourself, take the audio guided tour, or be a part of a guided tour (this must be booked upfront). Most visits final 1 to three hours.
You should buy an “add-on” ticket that will get you entry to the underground and the third stage of the Colosseum. It prices a further €8 and features a 1.5-hour tour.
To purchase your tickets upfront and study extra in regards to the “add-on” ticket, go to the official Colosseum ticket workplace web site right here.
To get probably the most out of your go to, you possibly can take a tour to areas not included on the common ticket. Go to the Enviornment, the Underground (the place the animals had been saved), and the third tier of the Colosseum. This tour additionally contains the Roman Discussion board and Palatine Hill.
Hours: Hours range by season. Click on right here to get hours in your dates of go to.
Price: €16 (+ €2 on-line reservation payment) for the combo-ticket that will get you in to the Roman Discussion board, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum; there’s additionally a Full Expertise ticket that additionally features a go to to the Colosseum enviornment and underground space for €22
Web site: Get up to date hours and pricing right here.
Getting Right here: The closest metro cease is Colosseo. While you exit the metro station, the Colosseum will likely be proper in entrance of you.
Roma Move: When you’ve got the Roma Move, you should make your reservation to go to the Colosseum upfront. There’s a €2 reservation payment. Click on right here for extra data.
The Roman Discussion board and Palatine Hill
The Roman Discussion board is the historic heart of Rome. That is historical Rome, a posh of presidency buildings, temples, and marketplaces from 2000 years in the past.
Palatine Hill is among the seven hills of Rome. It sits subsequent to the Roman Discussion board. There are a number of archaeological websites right here and also you get a pleasant view over the Roman Discussion board.

shutterstock.com/S. Borisov
There are a number of entrances into the Roman Discussion board. The Palatine Hill entrance on Through di San Gregorio normally has the shortest line. Enter right here, and later, exit on the gate nearest the Colosseum.
In the event you like the thought of visiting the Colosseum and Roman Discussion board with an skilled information, this extremely rated tour contains entry to the Colosseum, Roman Discussion board and Palatine Hill.
Lunch
Only a quick stroll from the Roman Discussion board is La Prezzemolina. This extremely rated restaurant serves Italian road meals and pizza at budget-friendly costs. For espresso, gelato, and pastries with a view of the Colosseum, go to Caffè Roma.
Vatican Metropolis
Vatican Metropolis is the smallest nation on the planet. There are three massive sights to go to right here: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The strains to enter the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are monumental…as much as 3 hour waits on the busiest days. Mid-mornings are typically the busiest time to tour the Vatican. Within the afternoon, crowds have a tendency to reduce, a minimum of a bit of bit. To keep away from the worst of the crowds, the most effective instances to go to Vatican Metropolis are very first thing within the morning and simply earlier than closing time.

The Vatican | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Methods to Keep away from Lengthy Strains on the Vatican
E book Your Tickets in Advance. Right here is the hyperlink to the official Vatican Museums web site to guide your tickets upfront. If you are going to buy your tickets on-line upfront, you’ll skip the ticket line to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, which might actually prevent as much as 3 hours on the busiest of days. These tickets go on sale 60 days upfront and tickets promote out in a short time. If tickets are offered out in your dates of journey, I like to recommend buying your tickets by way of GetYourGuide or becoming a member of a skip-the-line tour to keep away from ready in line.
Be aware: You continue to might have to attend within the safety line, however this tends to be a lot shorter than the ticket line.
Be a part of a Skip-the-Line Tour. There are quite a few skip-the-line excursions that embrace the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, corresponding to this extremely rated tour.
Early Morning Vatican Tour. As I discussed earlier, that is one of the best ways to go to Vatican Metropolis crowd free. It is a pricier choice, however if you wish to go to the Vatican with out the crowds, it is a nice tour. Beginning vivid and early at 7:30 am, you get to go to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel earlier than they formally open to the general public. On this itinerary, go to the Colosseum within the afternoon in case you select to do that tour.
Visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Reserve your tickets for early afternoon (1 pm or 2 pm). Begin on the Vatican Museums after which go to Sistine Chapel.
Price: €17, €4 on-line reservation payment
Hours: Monday by way of Saturday 9 am – 6 pm; final entry at 4 pm
Closed Sundays, besides the final Sunday of the month (9 am – 2 pm, free)
Buy your tickets on-line (as much as 60 days upfront): biglietteriamusei.vatican.va
Costume Code: Males: no shorts. Ladies: no naked shoulders and no shorts or skirt shorter than knee size
Getting Right here: To get right here, take the metro, line A, to the Ottaviano or Cipro stations.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important church on the planet. It is usually thought-about to be probably the most famend work of Renaissance structure.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
St. Peter’s Basilica is a separate go to from the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Just like the Vatican Museums, strains could be lengthy to enter the Basilica, though they are typically shorter.
To skip the road to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, take into account taking a tour. This guided tour additionally contains the dome climb. And this tour contains the dome, a go to to St. Peter’s tomb, and a go to to the underground grottoes.
To get right here from the Vatican Museums, you’ll have to exit the Vatican Museums and stroll 20 minutes to St. Peter’s Basilica. There’s a short-cut from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, however that is reserved for tour teams (one other nice cause to hitch a tour!).
It’s free to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Nonetheless, to climb to the highest of the Dome, there’s a payment:
- Climb 551 steps to the highest of the dome: €8
- Take the elevator to the terrace, climb 320 steps to the highest: €10
Is it value it? Completely. Right here is the view from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

View from St. Peter’s Basilica | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Price: Free; €8 – €10 to climb the dome
Hours of the Basilica: April to September 7 am – 7 pm; October to March 7 am – 6:30 pm
Hours of the Dome: April to September 7:30 am – 6:30 pm; October by way of March 7:30 am – 5 pm
Costume Code: Males: no shorts. Ladies: no naked shoulders and no shorts or skirt shorter than knee size
Night
For a scenic sundown spot, go to Belvedere del Gianicolo for sweeping views of Rome (we acquired right here by taxi). Finish the day with dinner.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 3
Florence
Within the morning, try of your lodge and make your technique to the Rome Termini Station.
There are a number of trains per hour that join Rome to Florence. These vary from cheaper, slower, regional trains that may require a connection, to direct, sooner trains. Journey instances vary from one and a half hours as much as nearly 4 hours.
In my view, the associated fee financial savings aren’t definitely worth the longer journey instances for the regional trains. Relying on the time of 12 months you can be touring, it would simply be €15 extra to take the high-speed Frecciarossa practice to Florence.
I like to recommend reserving your tickets upfront and selecting a time that will get you into Florence no later than mid-morning.
Trains arrive in Florence on the Florence Santa Maria Novella Station. To get to your lodge, you possibly can stroll, take the bus, rent a taxi, or use Uber.
Afternoon in Florence
Florence is filled with world class artwork museums, procuring, and quite a few domes and towers to climb for breathtaking views of town. On this 10 day Italy itinerary, you could have this afternoon and tomorrow to go to Florence. Like Rome, it will likely be a little bit of a whirlwind.
When you’ve got an additional day or two so as to add to this itinerary, Florence could be an important place so as to add it. Doing so provides you the time to both decelerate and savor Florence, or spend extra time day tripping to the hill cities in Tuscany.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Go to the Duomo and Climb the Dome
The Duomo, additionally known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the centerpiece of Florence. Your complete cathedral advanced has a number of components to it: the nave, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. It’s an important place to begin your tour of Florence.
Climbing the 463 steps to the highest of dome is one among Florence’s finest experiences. Alongside the way in which you should have marvelous views of the inside of the Duomo. These work are the “Final Judgement” frescoes exhibiting heaven and hell. They’re very graphic and Tyler and Kara had been mesmerized by these, particularly the creepy portrayal of hell.

Contained in the Duomo | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
From the highest of the Dome, take pleasure in among the best views of Florence.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Reservations are necessary to climb the dome. With out a time slot you can be unable to climb the dome. These time slots are inclined to promote out days upfront. As quickly as you already know your dates of journey, I like to recommend reserving your time slot to climb the dome. If time slots are offered out in your dates of journey, you may also buy an entry ticket right here.
Price: €20
Hours: Monday by way of Friday 8:15 am to 7:45 pm; Saturday 8:15 am to five:30 pm; Sunday 12:45 pm to five:30 pm
Web site: Get up to date hours right here.
Go to the Baptistery
The Baptistery is among the oldest buildings in Florence. It stands in Piazza del Duomo throughout from the Duomo. The enormous bronze doorways with aid sculptures are the primary attraction however go inside to see the gorgeous mosaics on the within of the cupola.

Baptistery | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Price: €5
Hours: Weekdays: 8:15 am – 10:15 am, 11:15 am – 6:30 pm; Saturday 8:15 am – 6:30 pm; Sunday 8:15 am – 1:30 pm
Web site: Hours can change at any time, click on right here to double test the hours on the day you intend to go to
Benefit from the View from Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Bell Tower, additionally known as the Campanile, is the tall tower hooked up to the Duomo. For an superior view of Florence, and an opportunity to look down on the dome, climb the 414 steps to the highest.

The Duomo | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Price: €15
Hours: 8:15 am – 7:30 pm
Ponte Vecchio & Piazzale Michelangelo
Within the late afternoon, stroll throughout Ponte Vecchio. This medieval stone bridge spans the Arno River. For hundreds of years, retailers have lined the edges of the bridge.
Within the night, go to Piazzale Michelangelo, the most effective place to look at the sundown in Florence.

Piazzale Michelangelo | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
The place to Keep
On this 10 day Italy itinerary, you’ll spend three nights in Florence. Listed below are just a few lodge suggestions.
Luxurious: Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Assortment. Would you like a panoramic view of Ponte Vecchio out of your lodge room? With spacious rooms and attentive employees, this is among the most luxurious locations to remain in Florence.
Mid-Vary: B&B La Terazza Sul Duomo. It’s arduous to beat this location since you possibly can have a view of the Duomo out of your room. Rooms are giant and cozy and breakfast could be served in your room. As a bonus, you get to take pleasure in views over Florence from the terrace on high of the lodge. If we go to Florence once more, I’d love to remain right here!
Finances: Resort Ungherese. We stayed at this 2-star lodge throughout our go to to Florence. on-line pictures, it appears as if the rooms have been renovated since our go to. Resort Ungherese is situated 1 km from the center of Florence. It’s a 25-minute stroll or a 10-minute bus experience to get to the primary websites. In case you are searching for a pleasant lodge at an inexpensive value, that is one to take a look at.
For extra data on Florence, together with recommendation on whether or not or not the Firenze Card is value it, learn our article 10 Issues to Do on Your First Go to to Florence.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 4
Florence
Accademia Gallery
Begin your day on the Accademia Gallery. At this gallery you get to see the statue of David, one of the vital well-known artistic endeavors on the planet. That is one other place the place strains could be legendary so we suggest reserving your ticket upfront or becoming a member of a skip-the-line tour.

Accademia Gallery | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Price: €12 + €4 on-line reservation payment; included on the Firenze Card
Hours: 9:00 am – 6:45 pm; closed Mondays
Web site: Get extra data and the hyperlink to buy your tickets upfront on the official web site.
San Lorenzo Market & Mercato Centrale
From Accademia Gallery, stroll to San Lorenzo Market (8 minute stroll). This out of doors market is a superb place to buy pottery, leather-based items, and souvenirs. Then go inside Mercato Centrale. It is a excellent place to collect meals for a picnic lunch.

Mercato Centrale | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Palazzo Vecchio
Stroll by way of the historic coronary heart of Florence to Palazzo Vecchio (1 km, about quarter-hour).
The Palazzo Vecchio is the city corridor of Florence. Go inside to tour the museum, take a tour of the Roman Ruins, or, you are able to do our favourite exercise, climb the tower.
That is one among my favourite views of Florence. From the highest of the tower, take pleasure in panoramic views over town. This is among the finest spots to get an important picture of the Duomo.

Florence | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Bonus: Palazzo Vecchio is situated in Piazza della Signoria. On this sq. you possibly can go to the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery of Renaissance artwork.
Price: Museum €12.50, Tower €12.50, mixed €17.50; included on the Firenze Card
Hours for the Tower: April 1 to September 30: 9 am –7 pm; October 1 to March 31: 9 am – 7 pm; on Thursdays closing time is 2 pm; final admission is one hour earlier than closing
Extra Data: Go to the official web site for up to date hours, excursions, and to buy your tickets
The Uffizi Museum
This world well-known artwork museum comprises artistic endeavors by Renaissance artists Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and plenty of extra.

Uffizi Gallery | 10 Day Italy Itinerary

View of Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi Museum | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Strains could be lengthy to enter the Uffizi. Skip the road by reserving your ticket upfront or utilizing the Firenze Card to skip the ticket line. If time slots are offered out in your journey dates, you should buy an entry ticket right here or be a part of a skip the road tour.
Price: €20 March 1 to October 31; €12 November 1 to February 28; included on the Firenze Card
Hours: 8:15 am – 6:30 pm; closed Monday
Boboli Gardens (Non-compulsory)
In case you are nonetheless doing properly on time, stroll throughout Ponte Vecchio to Boboli Gardens. As soon as right here, you possibly can tour Pitti Palace, see extra sculptures, and get one other fantastic view of Florence.
Price: €6 for Boboli Gardens; €10 for Pitti Palace; included on the Firenze Card
Hours: Boboli Gardens opens at 8:15 am; closing time varies relying upon the season; Pitti Palace is open Tuesday by way of Sunday from 8:15 pm to six:30 pm
Web site: Go to the official web site for up to date hours and pricing for Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace. Reservations are required on Saturdays and public holidays.
Night
Finish your day with dinner in Florence.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 5
Tuscany Day Journey
At this time, day journey into Tuscany. There are a number of methods to do that. You possibly can guide a tour, rent a driver, lease a automobile and set out by yourself, or go to one or two cities by bus.

Montalcino, Italy | 10 Day Italy Itinerary

San Gimignano | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
We toured Tuscany by bus and by rental automobile. The bus was a nightmare, a minimum of once we did it in 2014. At a number of areas, the buses failed to indicate up, leaving us (and plenty of different vacationers) stranded on the bus stations for hours. Renting a automobile for the day was costlier, however we had much more freedom and we might go to cities that buses don’t journey to.
Touring by a small group tour is a pleasant technique to go. For a bit of more cash, hiring a driver is a good way to tour Tuscany.
Learn Extra
One Good Day in Siena
A Picture Tour of the Tuscan Hill City, San Gimignano
Touring the Hill Cities of Tuscany
12 Issues You Ought to Know About Renting a Automobile in Europe
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 6
Cinque Terre
Morning: Journey to the Cinque Terre
Within the morning, journey by practice from Florence to the Cinque Terre. From Florence, it takes between an hour and a half and three hours to get to the Cinque Terre. The practice arrives in La Spezia or Monterosso, the place you’ll then get on the native practice that hyperlinks all 5 cities of the Cinque Terre.
For practice schedules, pricing, and to buy your tickets, go to italiarail.com.
Non-compulsory: Pisa
If you wish to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s straightforward so as to add on to as we speak’s itinerary. Take the practice from Florence to Pisa, retailer your baggage within the baggage storage heart within the Pisa practice station, and spend just a few hours visiting Pisa. Retrieve your baggage after which take a second practice to the Cinque Terre.

Leaning Tower of Pisa | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Get all the particulars on how to do that in our article Day Journey to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one among Italy’s most photogenic locations. 5 colourful cities are perched on the dramatic shoreline of Italy. Every city gives one thing a bit of bit completely different than the others, and a part of the enjoyable of visiting the Cinque Terre is choosing your favourite one.
As soon as within the Cinque Terre, test into your lodge. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city the place you’re staying. For an important sundown spot, go to Riomaggiore and stroll all the way down to the waterfront.

Riomaggiore | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
The place to Keep
For 2 nights, keep in one of many 5 cities of the Cinque Terre or in La Spezia.
La Spezia sits simply to the south of the Cinque Terre. It lacks the allure that you simply get by staying within the Cinque Terre, however lodges are typically cheaper. To get to Riomaggiore, the southernmost city within the Cinque Terre, it’s only a 9 minute practice experience. One other benefit of staying in La Spezia is much less time on the practice on day 8, if you journey to Venice, since most trains from the Cinque Terre undergo La Spezia.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 7
Cinque Terre
At this time, tour the Cinque Terre. You possibly can tour the Cinque Terre by practice, bus, boat, or by foot.
Mountaineering from city to city is among the finest methods to expertise the Cinque Terre. Exploring every of the cities is fantastic, however a few of the finest views of the Cinque Terre come from the mountaineering trails. And for the reason that practice additionally connects all 5 cities, you don’t must hike your complete distance. You possibly can combine it up, alternating between utilizing the trains and the mountaineering trails to get between the cities.
In the event you select to hike your complete distance, it’s 11 km a method and takes about 5 hours, not together with time to discover every city.
So as to hike the path, you must buy a ticket. There are numerous choices for this, however the ticket is completely crucial. At each city we needed to go a checkpoint and present our tickets. We bought the Treno Cinque Terre Card, which gave us limitless journeys on the trains for the day and entry to the mountaineering trails.
If the thought of mountaineering from city to city doesn’t sound like your concept of enjoyable, you should buy a practice ticket and use the practice to hop from city to city. It’s also possible to take a guided tour from La Spezia the place you go to a number of of the cities with an skilled information or a non-public tour the place you possibly can customise your itinerary.

Vernazza | 10 Day Italy Itinerary

Monterosso al Mar | 10 Day Italy Itinerary

Manarola | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
For extra details about visiting the Cinque Terre, learn Mountaineering the Cinque Terre: What You Must Know and The Cinque Terre for Finances Vacationers.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 8
Journey to Venice
There are not any direct trains from the Cinque Terre to Venice. You’ll have to switch a minimum of one or two instances, relying on the place you keep within the Cinque Terre.
In the event you stayed in one among these Cinque Terre cities (Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, or Riomaggiore) you’ll first should journey to La Spezia or Monterosso. From La Spezia and Monterosso, you’ll then journey by way of Florence, Milan, Genova, Bologna, or one other Italian metropolis, with 1 to 2 transfers. The quickest journey is 4 hours however it may well take as much as 7 hours to get to Venice. I discovered faster routes from La Spezia than from Monterosso.
For instance, if you’re staying in Riomaggiore, you’ll take the native practice to La Spezia. From La Spezia, you’ll take a regional or high-speed practice to Milan or Florence, then switch to a practice to Venice.
Ideally, schedule the earliest practice that you would be able to with the quickest journey time, so as to maximize your time in Venice. E book a practice that arrives on the Venezia Santa Lucia station, which is within the metropolis heart of Venice. In the event you guide a ticket to the Venezia Mestre station, which is on the mainland, you’ll have to take a bus or practice to town heart.
Get practice schedules, fares, and guide your practice tickets on italiarail.com.
IMPORTANT! Starting summer time 2022, guests must make a reservation upfront and pay a payment, so as to go to Venice. The small print are nonetheless being labored out. However it’s one thing to contemplate, and regulate, in case you plan to go to Venice in 2022.
Milan (Non-compulsory)
On this 10 day Italy itinerary, you could have this afternoon and tomorrow in Venice, except you possibly can add extra time. In the event you don’t thoughts giving up this afternoon in Venice, you possibly can spend just a few hours in Milan, as you journey from the Cinque Terre to Venice.

We did this and it labored very properly. We took an early morning practice to Milan, spent a number of hours in Milan, after which took a day practice to Venice.
There are two foremost locations to go to in Milan in case you simply have just a few hours. Go to the Duomo and stroll on the rooftop and see Da Vinci’s Final Supper on the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. For full particulars on how to do that, learn our information on learn how to plan a day journey to Milan.
Afternoon and Night in Venice
In the event you skipped Milan, you’ll arrive in Venice noon. Examine into your lodge and spend the afternoon and night exploring town.
Stroll by way of the canals, go to St. Mark’s Sq., and climb the Campanile di San Marco (the bell tower) for improbable 360° views of Venice. For hours and pricing of the bell tower, go to the official web site.

View from the Campanile | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
LEARN MORE ABOUT VENICE: 9 Should-Have Experiences in Venice
The place to Keep
On this 10 day Italy itinerary, you’ll spend two nights in Venice. For suggestions on the place to remain, learn our article The place to Keep in Venice: Finest Neighborhoods and Resorts for Your Finances
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 9
Venice
Our favourite factor to do in Venice is to wander the canals, eat the meals, and drink the espresso. However there are a number of fantastic sights to go to while you’re right here.
St. Mark’s Basilica
This cathedral dates again to the ninth century AD. Over the course of eight centuries, mosaics had been added to the inside of the cathedral, in addition to treasures from the Crusades. The Pala d’Oro is a Byzantine alter piece that’s coated in gold and studded with nearly 2,000 gems.
Strains could be very lengthy to enter St. Mark’s Basilica. Early morning is the most effective time to go to, when crowds are decrease, however you may also skip the strains by taking a tour. This extremely rated tour features a go to to St. Mark’s Basilica in addition to Doge’s Palace.

St Mark’s Basilica | 10 Day Italy Itinerary

Doge’s Palace
The Doges’ Palace is a palace in-built Venetian Gothic kinds. For hundreds of years, this constructing served because the residence for the Doge, the seat of the federal government, and a palace of justice. Now, it’s a museum.
Once more, count on giant crowds of individuals and lengthy ticket strains. You possibly can tour the Palace by yourself or guide a guided tour.
As you tour Doge’s Palace, you’ll cross the Bridge of Sighs. From this window, prisoners on their technique to execution would have one last view of town.

Bridge of Sighs
Hours: 10 am to six pm, final admission at 5 pm
Price: €25, audio information €5
Web site: Get up to date pricing, study in regards to the Secret Itineraries tour, and guide your tickets upfront on the official web site.
Tour of the Doge’s Palace: On this 3-hour strolling tour, go to St. Mark’s Sq., St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line entry and a educated information.
For extra data on learn how to plan your time, learn our 1 Day in Venice Itinerary.
Afternoon: Cruise the Canals
Within the afternoon, cruise the canals of Venice. There are a number of methods to do that.
By Gondola
Drifting by way of the canals of Venice in a gondola may appear very touristy, however we do it each time we’re right here and all the time have an important expertise. Gondola rides usually final 30 to 60 minutes.
The town of Venice units the speed at €80 per 40 minutes (€100 after 7 pm) however that doesn’t imply that’s the speed you’re going to get. You’ll have to negotiate together with your gondolier earlier than you experience. Ensure you agree on the worth and the size of time you’ll experience earlier than you get within the gondola.
As you stroll by way of Venice, you will note gondolas for rent at varied factors all through town.

By Vaporetto
Touring by Vaporetto is a less expensive technique to get nice views of Venice. It’s a water bus that’s used to journey from level to level nevertheless it is also a good way to cruise the Grand Canal with out spending a fortune.
Take the No. 1 vaporetto (ACTV) Linea 1 from San Marco – San Zaccharia (St. Mark’s Sq.) to Piazzale Roma. In the course of the experience, you will note Ponte dell’Accademia, the Rialto Bridge, and the gorgeous buildings that line the Grand Canal. Since it’s a water bus, you may get off everytime you see one thing of curiosity. And because it runs in each instructions, so you may also experience it again to St. Mark’s Sq..

View of the Grand Canal from Ponte dell’Accademia | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
By Tour
There are additionally a number of excursions that mix a cruise the Lagoon with dinner or wine. This sundown cruise of the Lagoon features a glass of Prosecco and takes 2 hours. This 3-hour cruise of the Lagoon contains dinner and wine and magical views of town.
10 Day Italy Itinerary: Day 10
Fly Residence
At this time, fly dwelling or proceed on to your subsequent vacation spot.
Methods to Modify this Itinerary
With Much less Time
When you’ve got lower than ten days, I like to recommend skipping the Cinque Terre. In the event you solely have 7 days in Italy, here’s a pattern itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Journey to Florence
Day 4: Florence
Day 5: Morning in Florence, afternoon practice to Venice
Day 6: Venice
Day 7: Fly dwelling
With Extra Time
With extra time, you possibly can both add on days to Rome, Florence, the Cinque Terre, Venice, or Tuscany, or add on one other vacation spot.
My recommendation is so as to add extra time to those cities, since this itinerary already strikes very quick and there’s a lot extra to do in every of them, than what we cowl on this 10 day Italy itinerary. Including yet another day to Rome is extremely really useful if you are able to do it. Tuscany would even be an important spot so as to add extra time.
When you’ve got two weeks for Italy, we have now a detailed 14-day itinerary that’s much like this one, with the addition of Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii.

Venice | 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Methods to Get Round Italy
To get from metropolis to metropolis, we suggest taking the practice. Trains in Italy are quick, low cost, and really handy. The practice stations are situated proper within the metropolis facilities, so you possibly can rapidly and conveniently journey from metropolis heart to metropolis heart. Trains are sooner, cheaper, and extra environmentally pleasant than vehicles.
To test practice schedules and to guide your trains on-line, Italiarail.com is the simplest web site to make use of. Simply bear in mind that they cost a €5 reserving payment to make use of their web site. You possibly can keep away from the €5 payment through the use of Trenitalia.com, however this web site is harder to make use of.
In our expertise, we have now discovered it to be cheaper to guide our tickets individually moderately than buying a Eurail Move.
Common Journey Prices
Listed below are some estimated prices per particular person (all costs are in USD throughout peak journey instances):
Finances Resort, double room with two individuals: $50 – $150
Mid-Vary Resort, double room with two individuals: $150 – $300
Luxurious Resort, double room with two individuals: $300+
Practice Journey: To journey from metropolis to metropolis, practice fares vary from $20 to $60, relying on the gap traveled and the pace of the practice. Regional trains can take twice the size of time to cowl the identical distance as a high-speed practice, and price half as a lot, however you can be sacrificing sightseeing time. I believe it’s best to chop prices by staying in a less expensive lodge or consuming out much less typically, so you possibly can take the sooner practice and have extra time exploring town.
Meals: Meals value $10 to $30 per dish, relying on the restaurant. To economize, keep in a lodge that gives breakfast, put collectively picnic lunches, and skip the drinks at dinner.
Entrance Charges: On this itinerary, entrance charges common out to roughly $50 USD per day. That doesn’t embrace excursions, solely entrance charges.
Miscellaneous: Consider roughly $50 USD per day for miscellaneous charges, corresponding to quick taxi or Uber rides, souvenirs, and many others.
Extra Details about Italy
ITINERARY: 10 Days in Italy: 3 Wonderful Itineraries
ITINERARY: 14 Day Italy Itinerary: Methods to Spend 2 Weeks in Italy
ROME: 2 Days in Rome: The Good Itinerary for Your First Go to
ROME: The place to Keep in Rome: Finest Resorts and Neighborhoods for Your Finances
FLORENCE: 10 Issues to Do on Your First Go to to Florence
CINQUE TERRE: The Cinque Terre for Finances Vacationers
VENICE: The Finest Option to Spend 2 Days in Venice: A Full Itinerary
VENICE: The place to Keep in Venice: Finest Resorts and Neighborhoods for Your Finances
INSPIRATION: 20 Finest Locations to Go to in Italy
In the event you want extra details about touring to Italy, try our Italy Journey Information. It has numerous articles and recommendation that will help you plan the proper journey.
Designing Your Personal Italy Itinerary?
This Italy itinerary is a superb start line for designing your personal customized itinerary. For extra ideas and methods that will help you plan the proper journey, take into account studying this text:
7 Issues to Know When Planning Your First Journey to Europe
For extra nice itineraries in Europe and around the globe, go to our Journey Itineraries web page.