Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with our handpicked 10 day Italy itinerary, perfect for first-time visitors. Italy is one of our favourite countries – it captivates us with its tasty cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, lively culture, and remarkable architecture. Drawing on our many trips to this beautiful country, we’ve crafted the ultimate travel plan that mirrors our very first Italian adventure.
Dive into a structured, yet flexible guide to exploring Italy’s wonders. We’ve pinpointed our top must-see attractions in each city to help you make the most of your visit. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on the best time to travel and savvy ways to enjoy Italy without breaking the bank!
Day 1 – Venice Arrival
Touchdown in Venice and let the magic begin! We recommend visiting the Piazza San Marco and strolling along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Make sure to stop at one of the 25 places for the best gelato in Venice.
Day 2 – Murano, Burano + Torcello Islands
Day two is all about colour and craft! Take the ferry or a water taxi across the way to Murano, where glassblowers blow life into art. Hot tip: depending on the hotel you’re staying at, many will arrange a complimentary water taxi ride for you to one of the Murano factories (they’re trying to get you to buy their art but you don’t have to)!
You’ll also want to visit the iconic island of Burano, where every house is painted with happiness. It’s a kaleidoscope of Venetian vibes. If time remains, we recommend a quick stop on Torcello Island – home to just 17 residents!
Read More:
Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands | The Complete Guide
How to get a Free Murano Glass Factory Tour from Venice
The Best Hidden Photo Spot in Burano, Italy
Day 3 – Florence + Pisa
Unpopular belief: we weren’t the biggest fans of Florence. Maybe it was the weather? But we would always choose Venice or Rome over another trip to Florence. Nonetheless, it is a must-visit and the best place to stay to see Pisa (we don’t recommend staying in Pisa –make a quick day trip from Florence).
Day 4 – Explore Florence + the Tuscan Countryside
Eat, shop, and sip! Discover Florence’s secret corners before toasting under the Tuscan sun with a Chianti Wine Tour. We did the ultimate Chianti wine tour from Florence and highly recommend it!
Day 5 – Roam to Rome
Get lost in the streets of Rome! We’ve detailed our favourite spots if you have three days in Rome. Start at the Trevi Fountain, then head to the Spanish Steps, and finally take a stroll around Villa Borghese.
Day 6 – Visit the Vatican
Whether you’re Catholic or not, a trip to the Vatican is something else! We recommend doing a tour that encompasses the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica.
Day 7 – Colosseum + Piazza Navona
On your final day in Rome, make sure to visit the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, and one of our favourite places – Piazza Navona, perfect for people-watching and pasta-eating!
Day 8 – Naples and Pompeii
Travel to Naples, rent a car (we liked B-rent because we could get a convertible Fiat 500) and explore Pompeii. As the day unwinds, we recommend staying in Sorrento or along the Sorrentine Coast.
Day 9 – Amalfi Coasting
We recommend staying in Positano but stopping in Ravello and Amalfi before getting there. It’s a day of jaw-dropping cliffs and charming streets that scream ‘la dolce vita.’
Day 10 – Capri
If you have an extra day in Italy, you must visit Capri – the most stunning island in Italy!
Read More:
72 Hours on the Amalfi Coast
25 Things to Do on the Island of Capri
Positano to Capri Ferry
Day 11 – Arrivederci Italy
Return the car rental, and say farewell to Italy. We flew from Naples to Malta to continue our adventures!
Are you planning a trip to Italy, or have you been before? What would you add to our 10 Day Italy Itinerary?
FAQ: 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Is ten days enough to see Italy? What is the best 10 Day Italy Itinerary?
We could spend the rest of our lives in Italy and still need more time. We recommend at least ten days for your first trip to Italy, but it really depends on how much you want to see! For your first trip, we think this is the best 10 day Italy itinerary!
What is the best month to go to Italy?
We prefer going in Spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). The weather is a bit cooler (but still warm), far fewer people and slightly better prices!
What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?
The winter months are the cheapest time to visit Italy; however, many places will be closed. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, we recommend going in the shoulder months (October + April would be your best options)!
How much will a 10-day trip to Italy cost?
There are many factors that go into the cost of a trip to Italy. Our trips have been around 2500-4000 USD per person for 10+ days, including flights. That said, we wouldn’t consider ourselves budget travellers, so this is pricing for direct flights, 4+ star hotels and at least one sit-down meal per day. You could expect to spend ~$1800-2200 USD on a budget.
