Italy is such an epic destination that who wouldn’t want to see it? With breathtaking nature, history-packed cities, and delicious food from North to South, it really gets complicated when you only have 10 days in Italy.
I’ve seen so many people trying to fit it all in their Italy 10 days itinerary. Making a marathon and trying to take down most of the Italy bucket list destinations in only 10 days in Italy.
However, let e tell you a secret: I’ve been traveling to Italy for the past years, have lived there for a while, and worked in Rome for 2 whole months. And I still haven’t seen everything!
There’s no wonder why Italy is one of the top-rated travel destinations in the world. There’s so much to see and do!
But when you really want to feel the authentic vibes, plan for an Italy 10 days itinerary that will allow you to see less, but understand more.
I’ve seen the North, the Center, and the South, and I’m here to help you choose your perfect Italy in 10 days itinerary.
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Read all the things to know when traveling to Italy for the first time
Italy 10 days itinerary
When is the best time to plan for your 10 days in Italy itinerary
I’ve been to Italy almost during all seasons, and I would always choose to go back during the shoulder season. That is, during the transitioning seasons: from March to June, and from September to November.
You can, of course, visit Italy anytime but my tip is to avoid getting there during summer if you can. Summer gets hot, crowded, and expensive. And who wants to see Italy like that?
Getting around Italy for your 10 days
Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this question. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you might be able to travel a lot by train, rent a car, go by boat, or have a mix of these options.
North and central Italy have a great railway system, and you will be able to go the whole way by train, without renting a car. That will sometimes save you money, and time, and you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space, paying for the highway tolls, and so on.
Southern Italy, on the other hand, is not so well connected and it would get challenging to travel around by public transportation.
Another time when it will be worth it to rent a car is when you will want to drive around the beautiful countryside in Tuscany or go hiking in the Dolomites.
If you feel confused and overwhelmed, don’t worry, each itinerary option has my suggestions for commuting.
Driving in Italy
You might have read horror stories about driving in Italy, especially on the Amalfi coast or in Sicily. Southern Italy is well known for its inpatient drivers, and for people usually not following the rules in traffic.
However, I would tell you not to worry too much, especially when you really want to see a place.
Respect a few rules and you will be ok:
- Smaller is better – don’t rent a big car, you will thank me when you need to park in an extremely straight space, or when you will have to drive on narrow and winding roads.
- Don’t skip insurance – better safe than sorry, and you will see people are not very careful when parking, thus many cars have “bruises”
- Know where to park – in most places around Italy, white stripes mean free parking, blue means you have to pay, and yellow is only for residents
- Zona Traffico Limitato (ZFL) – look for the white circle with a red outline, which means that you are not allowed to enter the area or park there.
Are 10 days in Italy enough?
To be fair, I would never have enough of this country, and no matter how long I spend there, I always wish I could stay longer.
That being said, 10 days in Italy should be enough for an unforgettable vacation. With this amount of time, you can still get to see some of the most important attractions, and maybe add a few hidden gems along the way. Because there is nothing better than seeing how Italians live and having a taste of the true Dolce Vita.
Most popular Italy destinations?
When it comes to Italy, there is an unlimited number of important attractions and cities one should see at least once in a lifetime.
Chances are, you won’t manage to see them all in 10 days. Hey, I haven’t been everywhere yet and I have lived in Italy and traveled back countless times in the past 11 years.
But that shouldn’t discourage you, but make you more determined to have the perfect itinerary. One that will allow you to see as much as possible, without adding too much either. You want to really enjoy your vacation after all.
Rome, Florence, Lake Como, Venice, Cinque Terre, Portofino, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, are some of the most popular destinations in Italy. You won’t be able to see them all in one go, but I have mixed and matched them depending on their location on the peninsula.
Option 1 – Rome – Florence ( Tuscany – Cinque Terre) – Milan (and Lake Como)
I would go for this option, especially when visiting Italy for the first time. Here is where you’ll experience true Italy and see some of the most popular destinations.
I will go through the list with activities, the best area to stay, getting from one place to the other, and much more. However, I encourage you to check out also this Ultimate Italy Tour organized by GAdventures or the Best of Italy by Intrepid Travel. I personally always go for such a tour that would help me win time, and money in most of the cases since they have already established partnerships and make use of economies of scale, and make some economy on stress.
Day | Destination & activities | Stay overnight | Where to stay |
Day 1 | Hello Rome! | Rome | |
Day 2 | Colosseum & Forum Tour, Vatican city, and Sistine Chappel | Rome | |
Day 3 | Walk around Rome's old town, take a food tour | Rome | |
Day 4 | Travel to Florence, Ufizzi, Palazzo Vecchio, Duomo | Florence | |
Day 5 | Day trip to Cinque Terre | Florence | |
Day 6 | Day trip to San Gimigliano, Siena, and Chianti & Wine tasting | Florence | |
Day 7 | Michelangelo's David & other Florence attractions | Florence | |
Day 8 | Travel to Milan, Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Galleria Vittorie Emanuelle | Milan | |
Day 9 | Day trip to Lake Como | Milan | |
Day 10 | Bye Bye Italy! |
Days 1 – 3 Rome
I know, only 3 days in Rome is such a short time for everything the city has to offer. I’ve stayed in Rome for 2 months and I still have things I haven’t yet seen or done. Oh, and I’ve gone back 3 times ever since.
Besides, Rome is packed with historic sites and has so much potential for day trips.
But when you only have 10 days in Italy and want to see as much as possible, 3 days in Rome might just be a great option.
PRO TIP: Since time is short, I recomment booking as much as you can online ahead of time. You will understand what I mean when you’ll see the huge lines at all the major tourist attractions in Italy. And who wants to waste time (and sometimes money) waiting in line, right? Imagine how many more places you could see in those minutes wasted that add up. Or you could splurge on a gelato, or great Italian meal.
Getting from Rome Fiumicino airport to your hotel
Rome has in fact 2 airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino. Chances are you will be landing at Fiumicino airport, but I’ll guide you in both cases.
Fiumicino Airport to Rome
By Train
That might be a fast and easy way of getting to Rome Termini train station or any of the other train stations in Rome. However, you will need to take a taxi or public transportation to get to your hotel.
The train linking the airport to the city is called Leonardo Express and the journey is around 30 minutes. There’s also the regional train slower option, which costs less and stops at every train station in between, thus taking more time to get you from one place to the other.
Just make sure to book the correct ticket, don’t mistake the train, and validate your ticket before taking the train.
By Bus
Another great option to travel between Fiumicino Airport and Rome is by taking a bus that will leave you at the Roma Termini train station. The bus option is usually cheaper but also depends a lot on the traffic.
By Taxi
As always, the taxi is the most expensive option, with a fixed price of 48 EUR one-way. However, when choosing a taxi you won’t have to worry about finding the hotel or struggling with the luggage on Rome’s cobblestone streets.
By Private transfer
A lot of people usually choose a private transfer, and we go for that as well because it is the easiest hassle-free option of arriving in a city you’ve never been to before.
Book your private transfer here!
Ciampino Airport to Rome
Ciampino Airport is a smaller airport really close to the city center. However, chances are you’ll be landing here if you travel from Europe, and if you choose a low-cost company.
By Train
The train costs only 3 EUR and will take you to Rome Termini Station in less than 35 minutes. Also, it is useful to know that the train runs between 05:20 and 23:30. Check out train tickets here!
By Shuttle bus
The shuttle bus is 5 EUR one-way, will take roughly 50 minutes and I usually book your ticket ahead of time on Terravision.eu
By Taxi or private transfer
Both options are more expensive but still more reliable.
When taking a taxi from the airport, make sure it is an official car so you don’t get tricked.
Book your private transfer here!
Option: Make Bologna your base camp for your time in Italy and go on some of these day trips you’ll love, that will take you both through well-known destinations, but also small charming villages without the crowds.
Things to do and see in 3 days in Rome
- The Colosseum and Fori Imperiali – history in your footsteps! I remember seeing the Colosseum while I was working in Rome, and having to wait in line for ages because I didn’t have the skip the line ticket. My friends who were visiting for a weekend had it and were more inspired than me. However you choose to see them, these 2 neighboring attractions are a must in Rome.
- Vatican City and Musei Vaticani – I’ve been to the Vatican so many times and every visit was breathtaking. I remember we waited in line to climb St. Peter’s Tower and how narrow the last part was. Certainly not for the ones suffering from claustrophobia. And you cannot leave without seeing the famous Sistine Chappel. Book your skip-the-line ticket here!
- Castel Sant Angelo – only a few steps away from the Vatican and across the river from the famous Trastevere neighborhood.
- Walk along in Rome’s Old Town and take some pictures with the Trevi Fountain, listen to a local singer in Piazza Navona, and be wow-ed by the impressive Pantheon.
- Don’t miss Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo which are next to each other. And since you’re there, do some shopping via del Corso
- Take a food tour in Rome and taste some of the most delicious delicacies in the world.
Read also: 30+ Italian gifts for Italy lovers
Other Rome attractions & activities
No matter if you choose to spend more time in Rome, or want to change some of my previous suggestions, there are of cors plenty of other things to do and see in Rome.
- Stroll through Villa Borghese Park and visit the stunning Villa I’ve fallen for while admiring famous artwork by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and Rubens – book your skip-the-line tour here!
- Head to the Palatine Hill and learn about Rome’s earliest settlement. See the house of Livia, the Baths of Septimius Severus, and get transported back in time.
- When night falls, head to the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta and look through the door’s keyhole and prepare to be stunned. That’s maybe one of the most romantic places in one of the most romantic towns in the world.
- Take a walk in the Giardino degli Aranci (Savello Park), especially beautiful during spring and offers a stunning panoramic view over Rome.
- Go on a bike tour to the Catacombes and Via Appia Antica
- Don’t forget about the Baths of Caracalla or the Terme di Diocletian – two perfect attractions for the Ancient Rome passionate.
Read next: Steal this Huge Italy Bucket List!
With all this, you can easily spend one full week in Rome.
These are two of the greatest skip-the-line options I see as necessary to book ahead of time:
The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Priority Ticket
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line-Ticket Entry
Where to stay in Rome
The best area to stay in while in Rome, especially when you only have a few days in the city, is in the central part of town. However, I would always choose the Termini Station area to be close to the train, or the part closest to the Vatican. The two are always the more affordable options and are still within walking distance to most of the popular attractions or the underground.
Check out the best hotel rates in Rome here!
Days 4 – 7 Florence
Getting from Rome to Florence is easy and can take anywhere from 1h30 to 4 hours. Of course, the faster train is always more expensive, but I always book in advance online to take advantage of the great prices and better offers.
What to do in Florence
Florence is one of the most beautiful towns in the world, a place you should have on your bucket list. Moreover, it is perfectly located so that you can take advantage of the Tuscany countryside, and even take a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre.
On your first and last days in Florence, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the Florence Duomo and climb up to the top of the cupola from where you will have a perfect view over Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, Ufizzi Art Gallery, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery, eat a bistecca alla Fiorentina.
As I’ve said for Rome, Florence is a popular city, and when you want to make the best out of your Italy 10 days itinerary make sure to book your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time. You could save on hours of waiting in queues, and can always take advantage of the mobile-friendly payment and easy cancellation if something changes with your itinerary.
Here are some great options:
Florence Duomo Priority Entrance Tour
Florence Palazzo Vecchio skip-the-line and secret passage guide
Ufizzi Art Gallery Priority Entrance
See Michelangelo’s David guided tour
On the days in between, plan for:
- A day trip to the Cinque Terre from Florence
- Feel the real Tuscany and plan some wine tasting with a day trip to San Gimigliano, Siena, and Chianti.
Where to stay in Florence
I guess that no matter where you stay in Florence, as long as you choose a location close to the city center, you cannot go wrong. Florence is not a huge city, thus finding such a place shouldn’t be hard.
Of course, staying close to the Ponte Vecchio might get pricy, but look a bit further and you’ll find great options.
Check out the best hotel rates in Florence here!
Days 8 – 10 Milan and Lake Como
Getting from Florence to Milan by train could be anywhere around 1h15 min up to 6 hours. Again, make sure to book your ticket ahead of time in order to get the best price for the quickest ride.
What to do in Milan
To be honest, Milan has never been such a huge tourist destination in my point of view. However, visiting a few attractions within the city, and planning for a day trip to Lake Como is worth including in your Italy 10 days itinerary.
Here are some of the most important Milan attractions to see on your first day in Milan:
- Milan Cathedral – the most iconic landmark in Milan, with truly impressive architecture, and a rooftop located in the Piazza del Duomo. Book your Duomo with terrace ticket!
- Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – impressive architecture, opulence at its best! Come here for shopping or at least window shopping.
- Castello Sforzesco – a 15th-century castle located in the middle of some luscious gardens.
- La Scala Opera – apart from the impressive architecture, fewer Opera houses have hosted as many famous singers.
- Take a walk in Naviglio Grande
On your second day in Milan, take a day trip to Lake Como, Belaggio and Varenna. You won’t regret it! This is one of the most fairy tale destinations in Italy, especially when you visit during spring and catch the wisteria in bloom. Lombardy region is packed with stunning views and worth visiting!
Where to stay in Milan
Choose between San Lorenzo, the most romantic neighborhood; Brera, the best for sightseeing in Milan; Navigli, the best for nightlife.
Check out the best hotel rates in Milan here!
Option 2 – Rome – Naples (Procida, Ischia) – Sorrento (Pompeii) – Amalfi Coast
During this second option for an Italy 10 days itinerary, you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful places on the peninsula.
While Goethe said “Vedi Napoli e poi muori” meaning that once you’ve seen Naples’ beauty you can die because there’s nothing better in the world, I still think that Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are far more beautiful.
But since you’re there, why not see and live it all? Especially if you’ve been obsessed as I’ve been with the “My Brilliant Friend” trilogy.
Even though seeing Rome on your own is easy, traveling around to Naples, Sorrento, and especially on the Amalfi Coast where roads are narrow and winding could prove to be challenging. That’s why I suggest either booking a tour, or booking transfers ahead of time.
I tried to drive the Amalfi Coast last summer, and decided that’s not for me! Besides, you’re on vacation and you should relax and enjoy the view. Not worry about finding a parking space, or not seeing the beauty of the coast is.
The first time I’ve seen Amalfi I’ve booked a ticket for a hop-on-hop-off bus from Sorrento, but that’s too short and you must stay overnight.
Intrepid has a perfect 8-day Rome to Amalfi vacation taking you through most of my destinations. Check it out here!
GAdventures has also a shorter 7-day Naples and Amalfi Coast trip under their Local Living Italy category. Check it out here!
Day | Destination & activities | Stay overnight | Where to stay |
Day 1 | Hello Rome! | Rome | |
Day 2 | Colosseum & Forum Tour, Vatican city, and Sistine Chappel | Rome | |
Day 3 | Walk around Rome's old town, take a food tour | Rome | |
Day 4 | Explore Naples & make your Pizza | Naples | |
Day 5 | Day trip to Ischia and Capri / Procida | Naples | |
Day 6 | Take an epic trip to Pompeii and Vesuviu | Naples | |
Day 7 | Explore Sorrento | Sorrento | |
Day 8 | See the most beautiful place on Erath: The Amalfi Coast | Amalfi/Positano | |
Day 9 | Take a boat ride along the coast, exlore Ravello, and much more | Amalfi/Positano | |
Day 10 | Bye Bye Italy! |
Day 1 – 3 Rome
Follow the same steps as stated in the first itinerary option.
Day 4 – 6 Naples
Naples is one place that sure gave me mixed feelings. I’ve spent more days exploring it and got to see the shabby streets, the stunning views, but also the more posh areas of town. You can choose to skip it, but I urge you to include it as part of your 10 days in Italy.
Travel from Rome to Naples by private transfer, or by train. The commute time shouldn’t be more than 3 hours and can be as less as 1h45 by train.
Book your train ride with Omio here!
What to do in Naples
Naples is unlike anything you’ve seen before if you’ve only been to the Northern part of Italy. I took my mother for the first time in Italy here and she loved it.
However, for me, it took some adjustment to it all. 10 days in Italy should take you to the place where pizza was created, and art and history collide.
- We’ve seen the Chiostri di Santa Chiara – and I’m only sad I wasn’t into Instagram back then, because this is one of the most Instagram-perfect places you’ll find. The inside garden of this Gothic Basilica is lined with blossoming orange trees and colorful majolica tiles. The entrance fee is only 6 EUR, so totally worth it.
- We got lost on Via San Gregorio Armeno and were wowed by the huge variety of fish and other local products on display.
- Castel Dell’Ovo – rising out of the Sea on a small island, this place is hard to miss.
- Took a walk on Lungomare, and admired the sea, Mount Vesuvius in the distance, and the posh area of Naples.
- Castel Sant’Elmo – we climbed through the hilly suburbs and made our way to the top where Castel Sant’Elmo is overlooking Naples from above. This is a trip you must take if only for the stunning view. Another option is to take the funicular when you don’t want to climb on foot.
- Take a street food tour and taste some of the greatest Napoletana dishes. Book your tour here!
- Learn how to make your own Napoletana pizza during a 2-hour workshop. Book your workshop here!
Read the complete guide for visiting Naples!
On your second day in Naples, head over to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius and spend some time learning about the area’s rich history.
Here are a few great tour options from Naples you should consider booking ahead of your trip:
Pompeii: Small-group tour with an archeologist
Skip-the-line ticket and audioguide to Pompeii
Pompeii Ruins & Mount Vesuvius Day Tour
Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tour with Archaeologist
On the third day in Naples, don’t miss out on the chance to see one of the most colorful islands – Procida. Another great option is a day trip to Ischia and Capri islands.
I must tell you a secret: after reading the books, I’ve watched the “My Brilliant Friend” Netflix series just for the views from Ischia. So I wouldn’t miss a trip to that area for anything in the world!
For Procida, you can book a ferry here.
For a day trip to Ischia and Capri, book your trip here.
Where to stay in Naples
When visiting Naples for the first time, book a room in the Historic Center (Centro Storico). That way, you’ll be close to everything there is to see, and will easily travel around as well.
We chose to stay close to the Naples train station, which might be just the perfect place for your first-time visit. But I must admit I chose it because of the price, and the fact that we wanted to take also other trips from there.
Check out the best prices in Naples here!
Day 7 – Sorrento
Sorrento is magical, and I suggest spending a day in Sorrento relaxing by the sea.
Book a private transfer from Naples to Sorrento, or take the Circumvesuviana train. The trip takes roughly 1 hour and a few minutes.
Another option is to spend 2 days in Sorrento and take the Procida and Ischia island trip from here. Also, you might want to check out the gelato making class in Sorrento. We all know Italians make the best gelato so why not learn their secrets?
Where to stay in Sorrento
- Monica B & B in Sorrento – set up high on the hills above Sorrento, peaceful and quiet. With fresh breakfast and breathtaking views, they provide a shuttle to/from the main city area to the villa every couple of hours.
Find out when they are free here!
- Grand Hotel Aminta – great Italian traditional food, beautiful pool, incredible views, and a convenient shuttle bus.
Take a look at their prices here!
- Hotel Palazzo Guardati – incredibly central location, with a rooftop pool and killer views.
Check that rooftop pool out here!
Days 8 – 10 – Amalfi Coast
Maybe the most beautiful place in the world, the Amalfi Coast is a must on everyone’s Italy bucket list!
Read my comprehensive Amalfi Coast guide here and plan your ultimate trip on the Amalfi Coast. Find out where to stay on the Amalfi Coast, what to do on the Amalfi Coast, and so much more!
Option 3 – Venice – Milan – Genoa (Portofino) – Cinque Terre – Pisa
This one is an itinerary that mixes both popular destinations, with one less explored one: Genoa. It is easily done by train, and you will travel from the mountains to the sea, to colorful hillside villages, and more.
Days 1 – 3 Venice
Venice is by far one of the most popular destinations in Italy. Preferred by couples but not only, the city on the canals is unique and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Spend the time getting lost on the many canals (allow yourself to step away from the touristic paths, and step into the real Venice), wake up early and visit the Dodge’s Palace, take a picture on the Ponte dei Sospini, enter San Marco Basilica, go at Libreria Acqua Alta, spend a fortune on a gondola ride, take home a painted carnival mask as a souvenir, and do not miss the most colorful village with its Instagram perfect houses – Burano.
You can read my easy-to-follow Venice itinerary here! It is packed with useful information from where to stay, day-by-day itineraries, how to get there, and more.
Where to stay in Venice
If you are traveling on a budget, you will want to stay in Venezia Mestre, a different city 10 minutes away from Venice.
Cannareggio is the area around Santa Lucia train station stretching all the way to the Rialto Bridge, a bit less crowded than the city center. It is also an area packed with restaurants, shops, squares, and canals.
Castello is where you will want to stay if you like peace and quiet. There won’t be quite as many restaurants to choose from, but you will get to have a taste of the authentic Italian way of living. It is also the place to be if you are planning to go on a day trip to Murano and Burano.
San Marco and San Polo are the heart of the city, with most of the important landmarks, but also most of the crowds. As expected, these are also the most touristy and expensive places you could choose to stay in while in Venice.
Santa Croce will set you along the Canal Grande and not too far from the train station. Dorsoduro is a less explored area where you might find value for money accommodation options.
Days 4 – 6 Milan and Lake Como
How to get from Venice to Milan
Getting from Venice to Milan couldn’t be easier, with plenty of train connections available throughout the day.
Choose a direct high-speed train and you will be in Milan in a little over 2 hours. Book your ticket in advance if you want to save on the price, the closer you get to the date, the more expensive tickets become.
Follow the guide presented in the first itinerary for things to do in Milan and Lake Como, but also for where to stay in Milan.
Days 7 – 10 Genoa, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Pisa (optional)
How to get from Milan to Genoa
Once again, trains are your go-to solution. There are plenty of options throughout the day, and depending on the train type, you can get from Milan to Genoa in 1.5 hours or less than 3 hours. Check out timetables and prices here!
My suggestion is to choose Genoa as your base camp, mainly because you will have great train connections to Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Pisa. However, I would choose Genoa also because it is a less popular Italian destination, not so packed with tourists, yet a city I found extremely charming.
You can easily fill up one day in Genoa: see two of the beautiful palaces – Palazzo del Principe and Palazzo Reale, walk to the old port and maybe go to the Genoa Aquarium, climb the hill and take the whole city in from Spianata Castelletto, and maybe take a taxi up to Boccadasse – a colorful beach that will make you think of Cinque Terre.
Thanks to its location, from Genoa you will have plenty of day trip opportunities.
On one of the days, hop on the train and go to Portofino. Search for “S. Margherita Ligure-Portofino” and get your ticket – it should cost around 4 EUR one way, and the ride is less than 1 hour long.
On your next day, go and see the charming Cinque Terre on a day trip. Wake up early in the morning, take the fast train to Levanto, and from there, hop on the Cinque Terre Express train.
I suggest you skip Monterosso al Mare and head directly to Vernazza. By train, the villages are only a few minutes apart, and most of the train stations are minutes away from the city center – with Corniglia as the exception.
Thus, I suggest you explore Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These are not only the prettiest villages, but they are also quite small.
On your last day, you can either choose to stay around Genoa (Camogli is one of my favorite towns on the Italian Riviera, close to Genoa, and so underrated), or take the train and head over to Pisa.
Where to stay in Genoa
Here are only a few of the hotels in Genoa:
- Hotel Le Nuvole Residenza d’Epoca – stepping into the lobby of this hotel you won’t feel like you’ve left Venice, even so, the rooms have an airy minimalist design. The hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing and shopping in Genoa.
Find out when they’re free here!
- La Piazzetta Rooms– maybe not a perfect choice if you are looking for a hotel, but this small 3 rooms place is perfectly located in the heart of Genoa.
Book your stay with them here!
- Melia Genova– if you don’t want to step outside of your comfort zone and prefer an international chain hotel, with an indoor pool, a sauna, and a Turkish steam bath, Melia is the place for you.
Take a look at their prices here!
Option 4 – Venice – Verona – Bologna – Florence & Tuscany
Another 10 days in Italy itinerary easy to do by train. However, when you want to explore some smaller villages in Tuscany, you might want to rent a car, but only for the last part of your trip.
Days 1 – 3 Venice
Follow the above suggestions (under itinerary number 3).
Days 4 – 5 Verona
How to get from Venice to Verona
Direct trains will take you there anywhere between 1 hour and 2.5 hours. It depends on your budget and how far along before your trip you manage to book your tickets.
What to do and see in Verona in one day
For many people, Verona is directly linked to the tragic love affair in Shakespear’s play. However, the city is much more than that, and at least a stop for one day in Verona is mandatory.
Even though I spent a few days in Verona and its surroundings, I think a one-day itinerary would get you around most of the important sights.
Visit Castelvecchio dating from the Middle Ages, stroll on Corso Cavour, leave on your left the marble arch known as Arco dei Gavi, or better yet cross the street and take Via Roma all the way to Piazza Bra. Don’t miss seeing Juliet’s house, climb the Torre dei Lamberti, and go for a glass of wine, coffee, or a meal in Piazza delle Erbe.
Where to stay in Verona
Hotel Milano & SPA is a great option for when you want to have access to a stunning rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi overlooking the famous Arena di Verona. You won’t have to worry about breakfast, and you’ll be in the heart of the old town as well.
See prices and room options here!
Days 5 – 6 Bologna
How to get from Verona to Bologna
Choose any of the train options available throughout the day. See the complete timetable here!
One thing is sure, Bologna is not as popular as other Italian destinations out there, but I think that’s nothing more than an injustice.
And that’s because Bologna is so worth visiting!
First of all, its streets are filled with history, unique architecture, plenty of towers, and some hidden villas. Secondly, because there’s a good part to it not being so famous: you can still find quiet corners.
Another good reason for choosing Bologna as your main location when coming to the North of Italy is because you can easily get to many of the more important Italian towns by train.
Read my comprehensive itinerary for 2 days in Bologna here for all the information you need for planning your stay in the city known for its delicious food.
Days 6 – 10 Florence & Tuscany
Getting from Bologna to Florence
There’s one good reason why many people choose to land in Bologna even if they plan to spend their vacation in Florence. And that’s because trains link the 2 cities in less than 1 hour, and have really affordable prices when booked ahead of time.
For things to do in Florence and Tuscany, follow the first option of the itinerary.
Option 5 – Rome – Amalfi Coast – Matera & Puglia
Days 1 – 3 Rome
Follow the things to do and see in the first itinerary option number 1.
Days 3 – 7 Amalfi Coast (Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Capri)
Follow the things to do and see in the first itinerary option number 2.
I would choose Sorrento as a base camp and travel from there to Naples, Capri Island, Positano, Amalfi, and all the other important villages on the Amalfi Coast.
Useful guides to check out: How to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast and your complete 5 days Amalfi Coast itinerary
Days 7 – 10 Matera and Puglia
How to get from the Amalfi Coast to Puglia
While you could go back to Naples and take one of the only 2 trains that head to Bari, that would be complicated and would take a long time.
The best option to travel between the Amalfi Coast and Puglia is to rent a car and drive there. I cover all the information, plus what to see, where to stay, and more in my Amalfi Coast and Puglia itinerary guide.
If you choose to stay in Bari and don’t stop in Matera on your way to Puglia, you might want to read everything about how to get from Bari to Matera for a day trip.
Option 6 – Rome with day trips – Sicily
Days 1-5 Rome + Day trips
No matter how much time you choose to stay in Rome, you will never get bored, trust me!
However, you will want to head to the countryside and explore some other places easily reached on day trips from Rome. I put up a comprehensive list you should check out here.
Days 6 – 10 Sicily
Hop on a plane and head over to Sicily, rent a car and follow this complete one-week itinerary that will help you see the most important places and attractions on the island.
If I haven’t convinced you yet, check out these 20 interesting facts about Sicily!
Option 7 – Amalfi Coast – Puglia
With 10 days on your hands, you don’t have to choose between seeing the Amalfi Coast or Puglia, you can see both!
As mentioned before, I have put together a complete guide with 2 itinerary options, depending on your flights.
Italy travel resources
- Have less time to spend in Italy but still want to live it up? Spend one day in Genoa on your way to the Cinque Terre. Or stop for one day in Rome on your way to some other amazing destination. Or do it differently, but however, take a Cinque Terre day trip.
- Take the perfect pictures for your forever memories in these Instagram spots in Positano.
- How many days are just enough for seeing Venice and living it to the fullest? I’ve been there 3 times already and I think I have just the answer you are looking for, along with all the great things you shouldn’t miss in Venice.
- See a lot more with these fabulous day trips from Genoa.
- Spend an incredible 7 days in Northern Italy itinerary and see all the destinations you’ve ever dreamt of.
- Cannot travel to Italy or do you want some inspiration? Check out these Italy virtual tours!
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