If you are searching for the perfect 10 days in Italy itinerary, you have come to the right place!
Planning an Italy itinerary should be fun and exciting, not stressful. I put together this detailed Italy travel guide to show you the ropes!
I have visited Italy multiple times over the years and absolutely love it! With so much time spent here, I know how to plan a trip to Italy.
This best itinerary for Italy includes some of the most famous things to do in Italy as well as some lesser-known suggestions not often recommended by others.
Planning your trip to Italy last minute?
Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Italy in advance to ensure availability! Here are my top picks for your trip!
Tickets you MUST book in advance:
- Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel (A MUST in advance)
- Colosseum Entry Tickets (Another MUST! Book online in advance!)
- Michelangelo’s David Tickets (Often sells out in Florence)
- Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets (Buy online to save time!)
- Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Very busy, can sell out)
- Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Tickets (Sells out and a must-see!)
Top picks for places to stay in Italy:
- Rome: Hotel Relais Dei Papi (Amazing Vatican location)
- Florence: Relais Pizza Signoria (City center location)
- Venice: Hotel Carlton Grand Canal (Grand Canal views!)
- Dolomites: Parkhotel Laurin (Central location with pool!)
- Cinque Terre: Affittacamere Casa Dane’ (Affordable location)
- Milan: Collini Rooms (Just 10 min from Milan airport!)
I want you to see the best of what Italy has to offer on your first trip. My Italy travel planner includes the highlights as well as some mountain towns and seaside villages.
For this classic Italy itinerary, I will provide a breakdown of the stops I recommend and the best sites to see. Since everyone is different, I won’t tell you how long you should stay at each stop but will provide my recommendations.
Feel free to adjust this sample Italy itinerary to fit your interests. Stay longer where you want and skip what you are uninterested in.
Instead of planning out every moment of every day of your vacation, I provide you with a structured yet loose itinerary to follow for your first trip to Italy!
My example itinerary does skip Southern Italy, so you will have to plan another trip!
Before you go, make sure you aren’t forgetting any of these things on your Italy packing list!
Now, let’s look at what to do in Italy for 10 days!
10-Day Italy Itinerary Map
If you are a visual person, don’t worry! I have included my 10-day Italy itinerary in a map version below.
You can see exactly where you will be going during your trip! Feel free to bookmark or screenshot during your planning stages!
All places recommended on this Italy example itinerary are very easy to find by simply plugging the name into your GPS! You can even download the maps offline if you use Google Maps!
10 Days In Italy Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip To Italy
Stop 1: Spend Time Exploring Rome
Your ultimate Italy vacation will begin in the Eternal City of Rome! When most people think of Italy, their minds immediately wander to Rome and it is easy to see why!
With so much history, beautiful fountains and architecture, delicious food, and world-class museums, you cannot miss out on Rome!
Things To Do In Rome
Throw A Coin In The Fontana di Trevi
Rome’s Trevi Fountain is one of her most famous landmarks! It was completed in 1762.
Stop here and throw a coin into the fountain. This means one day you will return to Rome!
If you are looking to visit the Fontana di Trevi without other tourists, go early in the morning or late at night!
Explore The Coliseum
The Coliseum will be one of the most memorable things to do during your best trip to Italy! This is a place you have heard about in history books and now it is your turn to explore it all on your own!
I highly recommend booking a Coliseum tour to get the most out of the experience. During the summer, they even have sunset tickets so you can visit after hours!
Book Here: Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum Guided Tour
Wander Through The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is not as popular as the Coliseum but it is worth seeing during your Italy vacation. The Roman Forum is just steps away from the Coliseum and is a wonderful place to walk around.
You can just imagine the Romans here many years ago!
Book Here: Rome: Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Tour
Visit Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous public squares. It was built in the 15th century and is now filled with cafes, shops, and places to get a delicious bite to eat!
Climb The Spanish Steps
You have probably seen the Spanish Steps in a movie or two! They are another famous landmark in Rome to see during your trip. There are 135 steps so bring your walking shoes!
Take A Cooking Class
For many people, taking a cooking class in Rome is the highlight of their first time to Italy itinerary!
You can work with a traditional Italian cook to learn how to create some fantastic Roman-Italian dishes! This is also a great thing to do if you are visiting Rome in winter.
Book Here: Rome: 3-in-1 Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisu Cooking Class
Visit The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that is now a church. Check it out during your visit because it is a famous historical building and another piece of history to admire!
Book Here: Rome: Pantheon Skip-the-Line Entry and Guided Tour
Visiting The Vatican During Your Time In Rome
Wondering why visiting the Vatican wasn’t included in my things to do in Rome? Visiting the Vatican is such an experience that it deserves its own entire section!
I highly recommend spending an entire day exploring Vatican City when in Rome.
There are two main things to do in the Vatican. One is visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica and the other is touring the Vatican Museums.
If you only have time to do one of these things, I recommend visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica.
It is truly the best thing I have ever seen during all my years of travel. It is impressive and architecturally stunning!
At the Vatican Museums, you will find lots of art and history as well as the famous Sistine Chapel. Make sure to buy tickets in advance for the Vatican Museums!
If you don’t have a full day to devote to the Vatican, go early in the morning and make it a half-day!
Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
Where To Stay In Rome
I love staying near Vatican City while in Rome. This way, you can walk to Vatican Square at night when it is all lit up.
I highly recommend taking a look at my detailed guide on Exactly Where To Stay In Rome!
As a major city, there are a ton of great places to stay in Rome!
Near Vatican: Relais Piazza Signoria. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Roma Central Guest House. Check Rates: Booking.com
Upscale: The Westin Excelsior Rome. Check Rates: Booking.com
How Long To Spend In Rome
I recommend spending 2 days in Rome. Feel free to modify this! I recommend 3 days at the most especially if you dedicate one full day to Vatican City.
If for whatever reason, you feel like you have seen enough of Rome in a short period of time, there are plenty of day trips from Rome that you can discover!
Stop 2: Visit Florence And Tuscany
After exploring Rome, your Italy trip itinerary will continue in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the jewel of Tuscany!
I personally loved Florence more than Rome because it is a bit more laid back. It is very easy to take the train from Rome to Florence, and you will arrive in this beautiful city in a flash!
Florence is an extremely walkable city so there is no need to rely on public transport unless you want to head out of town to explore other villages.
Even if you only have one day in Florence, you can still see many things!
For the best option, take the high-speed train from Roma Termini station to Firenze S M Novella in Florence. This will take 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Book your train here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Things To Do In Florence
Explore Boboli Gardens
Boboli Gardens is a 16th-century garden overlooking the city of Florence! They are up a steep hill so if you are walking, come prepared with some sturdy shoes!
Boboli Gardens cover quite a large expanse and are full of Italian sculptures, beautiful plants, and flowers.
Book Here: Boboli Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour
Visit The Duomo
When visiting Florence, it is hard to miss the stunning Duomo. This Catholic Church soars over Florence and is the centerpiece of the whole town.
There is a dress code for entering the Duomo and ladies and men must cover their knees and shoulders. Complete silence is necessary when visiting the Duomo in Florence.
Book Here: Florence: Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour
Walk Across The Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is a picture-perfect bridge in Florence and the perfect place to catch the sunset with a cone of gelato.
If you are spending your Tuscany honeymoon in Florence, this is a super romantic thing to do.
Make sure to bring your camera! It is one of the top things to do in Florence and shouldn’t be missed!
See David At Galleria dell’Accademia
Looking to see Michaelangelo’s greatest works? Check out the Galleria dell’Accademia! If you want to visit the famous David statue, this is the place to see him with your own eyes!
The Galleria dell’Accademia gets very busy so if you don’t want to waste time, book a timed entrance ticket before you arrive or book a guided tour.
Book Here: Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket For Michaelangelo’s David
Marvel At Renaissance Artwork At Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti is Florence’s biggest art museum! It is full of stunning Renaissance works of art. If you are an art lover like I am, this is a must-see in Italy stop.
There are so many beautiful works of art to discover!
Book Here: Florence: Entrance Ticket to Pitti Palace
Where To Stay In Florence
Florence is much smaller than Rome so if you are staying in the city center there really are no bad places to stay! I have an entire post on Where To Stay In Tuscany, which includes a portion about Florence too!
I also have a guide to Where to Stay in Florence specifically. Consider staying in one of the cute boutique hotels in Florence!
Hotels in Florence range from affordable to luxury options. You can get a really nice hotel in the city center for a very reasonable price. This is why Florence is one of my favorite places to stay in Italy!
If you get a little bit outside of the city, you can even find many villas in Tuscany for a very affordable rate.
Affordable: Hotel Bavaria. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Globus Urban Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Upscale: Hotel Garibaldi Blu. Check Rates: Booking.com
How Long To Spend In Florence
I recommend spending between one to two days in Florence. You can easily do everything in Florence in a day if you arrive early and stay out late in the event you want to spend more time elsewhere.
If you want to spend more time in Florence, 2 days is the perfect amount of time to explore all that this city has to offer without feeling totally rushed.
For an extra day, you can take a day trip from Florence to Pisa or one of the other towns nearby.
Stop 3: Check Venice Off Your Italy Bucket List
Venice is the capital of Italy’s Vento region and is made up of over 100 tiny islands!
Venice is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world and when you visit, you will see why.
Luckily, the Floating City is just an easy train from Florence.
Here is a post I wrote on Exactly How To Get From Florence To Venice which explains all of your transport options!
The best route to go from Florence is to get on your train at Santa Maria Novela station in Florence and head to Venezia Santa Lucia. If in Venice. This train trip takes a little over 2 hours and is a nice, easy ride.
Book in advance here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Things To Do In Venice
Explore The Famed Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, also known as Saint Mark’s Square, is the most popular square in Venice. This iconic square was built in the 12th century and the centerpiece is Saint Mark’s Basilica which you can also tour.
Make sure to pack appropriately for Italy as you will be doing a lot of walking on this itinerary!
Book Here: Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide
Climb The Companile di San Marco Bell Tower
The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower that stands tall over Saint Mark’s Square. You have seen it in many photos, and a replica is even at Walt Disney World!
Climb the Campanile di San Marco for one of the best views in all of Venice! This is a wonderful spot for photography during your 10 days in Italy.
Book Here: Classical Venice: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour
Go On A Gondola Ride
What trip to Venice is complete without going on a gondola ride? This is one of the most popular things to do in Venice! I highly recommend splurging on this!
These are some of the best tours of Italy, providing a unique view of Venice that you wouldn’t get walking the streets or from other boat tours! The Venetian Canals are a world of their own!
Book Here: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary
Marvel At Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is an ornate Gothic place right on the canals of Venice! It is a museum and showroom and one of the most impressive palaces you will see during your trip!
If you are visiting Venice in winter, indoor experiences such as this one are perfect to keep you warm and dry.
Doge’s Palace holds lacework, paintings, sculptures, and more. It is a real treat for architecture lovers!
Book Here: Venice: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Ticket
Take A Tour Of The Venetian Islands
Another great way to see Venice is to get out of the canals and explore the Venetian lagoon! You will visit the small towns of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, depending on what tour you take.
The best way to see these islands and the lagoon is to take a guided tour. You will also learn lots of great information about Venice!
Book Here: Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing
Walk Over The Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge in Venice is the most iconic bridge you will see! While walking across this 16th-century, stone footbridge is an experience, it is even better to stand back and marvel at its beauty from afar!
If you are a photographer, the Rialto Bridge in Venice will be a real treat when visiting Italy in 10 days!
Where To Stay In Venice
When staying in Venice, I highly recommend staying in the city center! There are a variety of hotel and Airbnb options in Venice ranging in price.
Please don’t forget to check out my VERY detailed guide on Exactly Where To Stay In Venice, Italy! This includes beautiful boutique hotels in Venice.
I recommend staying near Saint Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. No matter where you decide to stay, you are in Venice and that is something to celebrate!
City Center: Hotel Casanova. Check Rates: Booking.com
4-Star: Royal San Marco Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
How Long To Stay In Venice
When choosing how long to stay in Venice, take into account that the city can be seen relatively quickly. I recommend spending 1-2 days in Venice. I have both a one-day Itinerary and a 2-day itinerary for Venice!
If Venice is your dream city or you want to celebrate a special occasion there, then spend a little bit longer and cut down on another location.
Stop 4: Explore The Italian Alps And Dolomites In Bolzano
The Italian Alps/Dolomites are rarely included on Italy travel itineraries, and I always wonder why!
The Dolomites are some of the most spectacular and impressive mountains in the whole world, and they are so easy to get to from other parts of Italy!
The Dolomites are also home to some of the prettiest lakes and cutest towns in Italy!
Bolzano is known as the Gateway to the Dolomites and should certainly be a stop on your Italy trip. Bolzano is much less touristy than Rome, Florence, or Venice which is why I included it.
You will love leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for the mountains!
I have a full Northern Italy itinerary if you are interested in exploring this region in more detail. I highly suggest it as it is one of the most beautiful spots in Italy!
You can take the train from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia in Florence to Bolzano Bolzen station in Bolzano. The journey takes between 3:15 minutes to 3:45 minutes depending on which train you book. As always, book these tickets well in advance of your ten-day trip to Italy!
Book train tickets here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Things To Do In Bolzano/The Dolomites:
Take A Cable Car Up The Mountainside
Take in the beautiful Alpine countryside and mountains by taking a cable car ride high above Bolzano! The Renon Cable Car starts from Bolzano and heads up a nearby mountain.
The cable car takes 11 minutes to reach the top, and you are treated to stunning and memorable views of the surrounding countryside!
The Italian Alps will be so different than anything else you see on your best trip to Italy and a cable car ride is a wonderful introduction!
Explore Puez-Geisler Nature Park
Looking for something different than the rest of your visit? Rent a car in Bolzano and escape the city with a 1 hour and 35-minute drive up to the Puez-Geisler Nature Park.
This nature park is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes Italy has to offer!
The Dolomites are truly at their best here! I highly recommend visiting during your Italy vacation! This is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Italy.
Book Here: Bolzano: Great Dolomites Road Private Day Trip by Car
Visit The Duomo di Bolzano
Located in the heart of Bolzano, the Duomo di Bolzano is a 4th-century church located on a lovely little square! The Duomo di Bolzano is an architectural masterpiece and has a stunning tiled roof.
The white and green tiles on the roof are striking and interesting compared to other churches you will find in Italy and Europe. The inside is just as lovely as the outside with columns and a stunning main altar.
Pretend You Are Royalty At Castel Roncolo
Castel Roncolo is an impressive castle fortress located just a bit outside of Bolzano! If you love castles and mountain scenes, make sure this stop goes during your 10 days in Italy!
Regular buses travel to the castle from Piazza Walther in Bolzano. The Castle is a sight to behold and the mountain vistas don’t disappoint!
Go On A Beautiful Nature Walk
The Guntschna Walk is one of the most well-known nature walks in Bolzano. It is an easy and enjoyable way to explore nature without hiking long distances.
The walk starts near the Griest church and the walking trail winds up the side of the mountain. Along the way, you will come across lovely flowers and trees. You will see beautiful views of Bolzano and the surrounding countryside.
This is the perfect way to cap off a long day of exploring Northern Italy during vacation!
Where To Stay In Bolzano:
I recommend staying in the city center of Bolzano. This is a much smaller town than the first three you visited during your Italian itinerary, but there are still plenty of options for you to stay!
There are four-star hotels, boutique hotels, and affordable inns, depending on your budget for lodging when visiting Italy in 10 days.
Affordable: Residence Fink. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range: Gardenhotel Premstaller. Check Rates: Booking.com
Upscale: Parkhotel Laurin. Check Rates: Booking.com
How Long To Spend In Bolzano
It is hard to describe how unique and stunning Bolzano and the Italian Dolomites are! I highly recommend spending a minimum of two full days in Bolzano and the Italian Alps.
One day just isn’t enough to see the nature park and explore the city.
If you rent a car, which I highly suggest, you should spend one day exploring Bolzano and the castles and then one day visiting the nature park since the drive is a bit long.
Either way, I know you are going to love seeing the Dolomites! Add this region to any detailed itineraries for Italy!
Stop 5: Visit the Mediterranean Coast at Genoa, Portofino, and Cinque Terre
The next part of your 10 days in Italy will take you from the Alps to the calming waters of the Mediterranean coast!
This will be the longest train or bus journey of your Italy trip, but it is worth it to see both of these amazing and impressive stops! You will visit the Mediterranian Coast in the Liguria region.
This is a great alternative to the popular Amalfi Coast which is farther south.
The capital is Genoa, and this is where you will arrive and possibly stay if you should choose, but you will be also visiting the nearby Portofino and Cinque Terre villages.
The Ligurian Coast is relaxing and rejuvenating and the perfect way to continue to travel Italy in 10 days!
To get to Genoa from Bolzano, you will take between 2-3 trains or busses. The journey takes about 5 hours but you get a great tour of the Italian countryside. You will pick up your train or bus at Bolzano Bolzen station and will take it [with a few transfers in between] to the Genova Piazza Principle Station in Genoa.
Get your train tickets here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Visiting Genoa And Top Things To Do
Genoa is where your train from Bolzano will arrive and is your gateway to visiting the Ligurian Coast on your 10 days in Italy itinerary.
Genoa is also where you will find the widest variety and most affordable hotel and lodging options.
The Genoa Aquarium
The Aquarium of Genoa is stunning and totally worth the trip. If you are looking to do something a little different or if the weather is hot or rainy, the Genoa Aquarium is a wonderful thing to include on your itinerary!
Book Here: Genoa: Aquarium of Genoa Timeslot Entry Ticket
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to see what Genoa has to offer! Tickets are valid for 48 hours so you can easily explore Genoa at your own pace with all the transportation included in your price!
Book Here: Genoa: Hop-on Hop-off Tour Ticket
Historical Center Walking Tour
Genoa’s historic downtown city center is wonderful to explore and steeped in history! From lovely squares to hidden alleyways, taking a walking tour of Genoa will give you a local look at this wonderful coastal city!
Book Here: Genoa: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center
Visiting Portofino And Top Things To Do
Portofino is one of the best places to visit in Italy, and it is quite near Genoa!
You have two options to get to Portofino, either renting a car or Vespa, or taking the train/bus. Both are easy options.
I recommend making it a day stop as it is a playground for the rich and famous and prices are quite high for hotels!
Explore Castello Brown
Castello Brown is a house museum located high above the harbor at Portofino. It has been in use since the 15th century and provides sweeping views of the landscape below.
You can easily see how Castello Brown would have been used in days past to protect Portofino from invaders!
Go Snorkeling Or Diving
The Ligurian Coast is a haven for snorkeling and diving! The clear water makes Portofino the perfect place to cool off while exploring Italy in 10 days!
There are a variety of snorkeling and diving trips you can take depending on your comfort level! Make sure to check that the tours are still running depending on what time of year you visit!
Book Here: 1-Hour Snorkeling Tour in Paraggi Bay, Portofino
Visit San Fruttuoso Abbey
San Fruttuoso Abbey is a 10th-century Roman Catholic abbey in Portofino. It is located tucked away in a cove and is a wonderful history museum and location to tour.
If you love architecture, this is the perfect place for you!
Book Here: Camogli: San Fruttuoso Abbey Entry Ticket
Eat Gelato On The Streets Of Portofino
Portofino is quite a small town and the shopping streets are all very close together.
While you are in Portofino, make sure to slow down and take in the Italian Riviera. Have a bite to eat or grab a gelato while walking around and marveling at all the luxury yachts moored in the harbor!
Visiting Cinque Terre And Top Things To Do
Cinque Terre is actually a collection of five towns: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
You can visit all five during your Italy travel itinerary for 10 days, or you can choose your top picks and save the rest for next time.
If you want to explore all of the towns, I recommend budgeting an entire day to do so!
You can choose to drive or take the train if you want to add Cinque Terre to your Italy itinerary. If you choose to take the train from Genoa, take a local train toward La Spezia and get off at your desired Cinque Terre destination.
Alternatively, you can take an express train directly to La Spezia and a local train back to your Cinque Terre town of choice.
Hike The Monterosso Footpath
The Monterosso footpath connects the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza with stunning views of the towns!
This hike is a bit challenging as you are going up the coastal cliffs so budget at least 1-2 hours to complete it.
The views are worth the effort, but bring plenty of water, especially if you visit during the summer.
This is one of the top things to do in Cinque Terre and should not be missed!
Explore The Church of San Francesco
The Church of San Francesco overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and provides breathtaking views of the stunning blue water below!
The church was built in the 17th century and is a wonderful stop when touring Cinque Terre.
Visit Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre
This National Park is one of the smallest in Italy at only 15 square miles but one of the most popular and most beautiful!
Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the most heavily inhabited national parks in Italy and it is easy to see why!
A one-day pass costs only a few euros per person. Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a Boat Tour Of Cinque Terre
If you are short on time during your trip, consider taking a boat tour of the Cinque Terre villages.
This will allow you to see all of the towns with ease and speed. You won’t miss a thing! You can also stop off at some of the Cinque Terre beaches to rest and relax.
A boat tour is an easy and affordable way to add Cinque Terre to your itinerary. You can see everything by water!
Book Here: From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour
Where To Stay On The Ligurian Coast
Depending on the amount of time you allot to the Ligurian Coast, I recommend staying in Genoa, the nearby town of Bogliasco, or one of the Cinque Terre villages.
I even put this guide together of the Best Places To Stay In Cinque Terre!
If you are short on time, I recommend making Genoa your home base since it is close to the main train up to Milan.
If you have more time to spend in the Italian Riviera, you can consider staying in the Cinque Terre village of your choice. There are plenty of luxury hotels in Cinque Terre!
I personally loved staying at a local Italian home in Bogliasco as it was quiet and relaxing with coastal views!
Affordable: B&B Hotel Genova. Check Rates: Booking.com
Upscale: The First – Manarola 5 Terre. Check rates: Booking.com
Upscale: Bristol Palace Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
How Long To Spend On The Ligurian Coast
I recommend spending 2 days on the Ligurian Coast during your Italy itinerary. If you can swing it and change up your itinerary elsewhere, you may even choose to spend three wonderful days along the coast!
If you made changes elsewhere but still don’t want to sacrifice seeing the Mediterranean Coast, this part of your vacation can be done in 1 day and 1 night if you must.
I highly recommend staying the night in Genoa if you only have one night and taking the train and a Cinque Terre boat tour to save time.
Stop 6: End Your 10 Days In Italy Itinerary By Flying Out Of Milan
End your 10 days in Italy itinerary by flying out of Milan. This city is home to a large international airport and many affordable flight options fly from here.
Beginning your trip in Rome and ending it in Milan is perfect, especially if you want to spend the majority of your Italy itinerary exploring!
If you must fly roundtrip from Rome, you can shorten the itinerary a bit to leave room for flying back to Rome from the Milan airport which should be a quick puddle jump.
Overall, I do recommend purchasing two one-way flights to give you the maximum amount of time to explore the country!
Even if you only have one day in Milan or a half-day, there is plenty to see and do to wrap up your trip!
Book Here: Milan: Direct Transfer between Malpensa Airport and Center
Getting to Milan from Genoa is quite easy! Take the train from Genova Piazza Principe to the Milano Central Rail Station. The train journey should take about 1 hour and 40 minutes and is quite easy to navigate.
Book tickets in advance here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
Things To Do In Milan
Take In The Breathtaking Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral is an architectural wonder and a breathtaking masterpiece!
It is so much bigger in real life than it looks in photos. Interestingly, it took nearly six centuries to complete. Construction began in 1386 and finished in 1965!
Book Here: Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Ticket
Go Shopping At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping mall and a hallmark thing to do!
The mall is housed in a 19th-century, glass-covered arcade and is quite the sight to behold! If you haven’t had time to do much shopping during your vacation, now is the time to take advantage!
Visit Sforza Castle In Milan
Sforza Castle is a 15th-century castle located right in the city. It is also home to various artistic works, including those from Leonardo Da Vinci!
If you are looking to add another museum and art gallery to your Italy itinerary, make sure to put Sforza Castle on your list of things to do in Milan.
Book Here: Milan: Sforza Castle Entry Ticket with Digital Audioguide
Explore The City On A Bus Tour
If you are short on time, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a perfect way to quickly see the city! Even if you aren’t into doing super touristy things, you will still enjoy this bus tour.
It will provide insider information about some of the most famous sites, and you can easily be able to get off the bus should you want to explore more! This is perfect if you only have one day to tour Milan.
Book Here: Milan: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket
Where To Stay In Milan
If you are catching your flight out of Milan Airport the next day, I highly recommend spending your last night in Italy somewhere close to the airport.
This will allow you to explore on the last day of your 10-day Italy itinerary without worrying about waking up early and taking a long transfer taxi or bus to the airport to catch your flight the next day.
If you want to spend longer or you want to peek into my exact suggestions, check out my post on where to stay in Milan to help you decide!
There are plenty of great boutique hotels in Milan too!
Mid-Range: Sheraton Milan Airport Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Affordable: First Hotel Malpensa. Check Rates: Booking.com
How Long To Spend In Milan
I recommend spending one day in Milan at the most. Compared to other Italian cities on this itinerary, the city can be done very quickly or maybe not at all.
If you are looking for how to save time and budget days for elsewhere in this 10-day itinerary for Italy, I recommend spending as little time as possible in Milan!
Use this city as your gateway to the airport, stop off and see a thing or two, and then be on your way home!
If you do have an extra day, you can enjoy a day trip to Lake Como.
Begin Your Italy Itinerary By Flying Into Rome
For this 10-day in Italy itinerary, you are going to be flying into Rome. This is one of Italy’s major airports so flights come to Rome from all around the world.
You will not be flying out of Rome at the end of your Italy vacation, but this will most likely save you money by booking two one-way flights out of Italy’s biggest airports!
I recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights into Italy. Use this tool to discover the best flights for your trip because you can easily compare rates.
I also suggest booking your trip on a travel credit card so you can earn points toward future travel! These are the travel credit cards I personally use!
Rome has two airports you may fly into depending on where you are coming from.
Fiumicino Airport is the larger international airport so if you are coming from the Americas or Asia, you will be flying into this airport.
Ciampino Airport is used by smaller budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet. You will fly into this airport if you are flying in from other parts of Europe.
The most affordable way to travel between Fiumicino Airport and Rome is by a shuttle bus that stops at both Termini Station and Piazza Cavour. This shuttle takes around an hour.
There are also trains and taxi services that run into Rome as well.
Book Here: Rome: Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport
Book Here: Rome: Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport
Getting Around Italy In 10 Days
There are plenty of ways to get around Italy when you travel throughout this amazing country!
You can take public transportation during your entire trip and use some of the wonderful high-speed trains Italy has to offer. I have gone this route before. It is very easy, and Italy’s train system is wonderful.
Getting around Italy by train is my recommended course of action for this itinerary for Italy in 10 days but you choose what is best for you!
You can also choose to rent a car or Vespa if you want to drive. I have also rented a car in Italy but it will be a more expensive route than taking the train in Italy.
Also, not dropping the car off at the same place you picked it up will include an added cost. If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that tolls in Italy can be pricey and parking is often hard to find in larger cities.
I have driven in Italy and it is a great way to see the country if you hate waiting on trains and buses. You can easily make this an Italy road trip!
Another great way to travel around Italy is to hire a private driver to take you everywhere on your Italian itinerary if it works with your financial position.
Read More: Pros And Cons Of Renting A Car In Italy
First Time In Italy Travel Tips
Getting a SIM Card In Italy
If you don’t want to break the bank with international cell phone coverage, I HIGHLY recommend investing in a local SIM card. This is a top tip when visiting Italy for the first time!
This will give you access to local Italian cell phone networks, and you will be able to use your phone just like a local!
I love using SIM cards from local countries as they provide a fast, easy, and affordable network connection. When buying a SIM card, you can usually purchase one in the airport or any downtown metro area.
The best network for SIM cards in Italy is TIM. Plans such as Verizon don’t really exist in Italy which will cause your experience to be frustrating and slow.
Plans such as TIM are the main network used in the country so you can be sure to have an enjoyable and affordable experience.
Do I Have To Drive In Italy?
No, you do NOT have to drive in Italy to experience this itinerary. This entire itinerary can be done by using public transportation.
The public transportation in Italy is fantastic and affordable.
Trains run between all the popular destinations on this list. The moment you arrive in town, there is more public transportation to take you throughout the city.
That being said, renting a car will provide you with more freedom. If a tour is more your style then some great tours in Italy will take you around with ease.
I have traveled to Italy both by renting a car AND by only relying on public transportation. The choice is truly yours.
Driving in Italian cities can be a bit stressful if it is busy or during rush hour, but otherwise, the experience is quite nice!
Understanding The Italian Public Transit System
If you want to do this trip with just public transportation, then this section is for you! Even if you rent a car in Italy, you will still need to rely on public transport in Italy.
I receive many questions about the public transit system in Italy. You should know it is wonderful! If you are from the USA, it is very easy to understand and very affordable!
All of the major cities and most of the small towns and villages are connected by trains. Once you arrive anywhere by train, there is a system of buses or other public transport to take you around town.
You will not show up at a train station and then be left with no option to connect you to your hotel or the city center.
Train, buses, trams, ferries. They are all easy, affordable, and enjoyable experiences. Please do not worry about using public transportation when planning your best Italian itinerary for 10 days.
Best Time To Visit Italy
There is really no wrong time to plan an Italian vacation! The best time to visit Italy depends on what you want from your trip and when you can travel.
Prices, crowds, activities, weather, and more all vary by month.
I will give you a quick breakdown by season so you know what to expect when you visit. Make sure to check out my article for a complete guide to when to visit Italy.
Spring in Italy is shoulder season with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is warm and there are plenty of flowers but expect some rainy days.
Summer is the busiest time in Italy especially in August when Italians take their vacation. The weather is sunny and hot, perfect for a beach day. This is the most expensive time to visit.
Fall is also shoulder season with lower prices. Enjoy pretty foliage and nice weather with fewer crowds.
Winter is the off-season and overall cheapest time to visit Italy. You will love celebrating Christmas and New Year as well as Carnival in Venice. The weather is cold and can be snowy. You will have a blast skiing in scenic locations.
Hopefully, you have learned how to do Italy in 10 days!
My Italian itinerary ideas will help you plan your trip any time of year. Whether this is your first-time visit to Italy or you are a seasoned traveler, you are ready to get started planning your trip!
When planning your trip remember that you can budget the days of the vacation any way you like, but I do provide my recommended suggestions!
Want to stay longer in Italy? I also have a 2 weeks in Italy itinerary to check out!
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