Classic Italy Itinerary for 10 Days
- Jodi Schlichting
- Apr 13, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3, 2024
Italy is a country that is on most traveler’s bucket list. And for good reason. It’s full of natural beauty, culture, history, iconic sights, good food, and fantastic wine.
For most people, it’s not a question of whether to go to Italy or not, it’s more a question of where to go in Italy and for how long.
You could easily spend months in this amazing place and still never see everything it has to offer, but if you only have 10 days in Italy, I've put together a classic itinerary to get you started.
I know it can be tempting to try to squeeze in as much as possible on your first trip to Italy, but this is definitely a place that's better enjoyed at a slower pace. You don’t want to spend your whole vacation on a train getting from one place to another. You want to take some time to savor La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). This 10-day itinerary for Italy will give you enough time to spend a few days in each location so you can get to know each one a little better. I love getting off the beaten path when I travel, but there are just some well known places that are a must see in Italy like the “big three” cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice, and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. This is the perfect itinerary for those visiting Italy for the first time who aren't sure if they'll have the opportunity to return again.
Rome (2 nights)
Amalfi Coast (3 nights)
Florence (3 nights)
Venice (1 night)
Day 1: Rome
Suggested activities: After unpacking and settling into your hotel, visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum followed by dinner in the Trastevere neighborhood. EXPERT TIP: Most international flights typically arrive in Italy in the late morning and although you’ll likely feel pretty tired from traveling, it is best to get out and start doing some exploring on your first day.
Day 2: Rome
Suggested activities: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum in the morning before lunch, and then take a walking tour that includes the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon before ending with dinner in Piazza Navona.
EXPERT TIP: It's a huge time saver to pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets for any major sights/attractions like the Vatican.
Day 3: Sorrento
Suggested activities: Enjoy some relaxing time on the beach after you arrive in the afternoon and then take a stroll around the charming seaside town of Sorrento.
EXPERT TIP: If you're more of a history-lover, like me, you could swap the beach time for a visit to the archaeological site in Pompeii - it is fascinating!
Day 4: Amalfi Coast
Suggested activities: Today is all about exploring the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello along the Amalfi Coast and everything they have to offer.
EXPERT TIP: Doing a guided driving tour allows you to enjoy all of the beautiful scenery and views without having to worry about the stress of trying to drive the winding roads and hairpin turns yourself.
Day 5: Capri
Suggested activities: Take a romantic day trip to the glamorous island of Capri to sail around the Faraglioni rock formations and check out the blue grotto.
EXPERT TIP: Ride the chairlift to the very top of Mount Solaro for incredible vistas and then sip a refreshing glass of Limoncello in the Piazzetta.
Day 6: Florence
Suggested activities: After arriving in the afternoon, grab some gelato and enjoy a leisurely walk to Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, and then head to Michelangelo’s Piazzale for iconic views over the city at sunset.
EXPERT TIP: Florence is famous for its leather goods - you can do some shopping in the touristy San Lorenzo market or head to Mercato Del Porcellino where the locals go for authentic Italian leather.
Day 7: Florence
Suggested activities: Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Fiore (aka the "Duomo") followed by a tour of the Uffizzi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of David.
EXPERT TIP: You can pre-purchase a pass to climb to the top of the Duomo for extraordinary views of Florence and the surrounding hills.
Day 8: Tuscany
Suggested activities: Take a day trip to Tuscany’s countryside to see the medieval towns of Sienna and San Gimignano.
EXPERT TIP: If you have more time in Florence, you could add a day trip to the Chianti wine region if you're a wine enthusiast and/or head to the Cinque Terre for some fantastic hiking.
Day 9: Venice
Suggested activities: Enjoy a relaxing gondola ride along the one-of-a-kind canals, visit San Marco square and Doge’s Palace.
EXPERT TIP: With extra time in Venice, you can head to the nearby island of Murano to learn about the rich history and craftsmanship of Venice's famous Murano glass.
Day 10: Head home (insert sad face)
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