Planning a 10 day Italy itinerary can feel overwhelming with so many incredible cities to choose from. If it’s your first trip, a route through Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, and Rome offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, history, and food.
Here’s exactly how my 10 day Italy itinerary went, along with tips I learned along the way.
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Day 1: Arrive in Florence
My 10 day Italy itinerary began in Florence. I was originally going to stay here for 2 nights, but decided to add an extra night to Cinque Terre instead to find some relief from the summer heat.
Since I was only spending one night here, I kept things simple and didn’t over-plan. I spent the day wandering, eating as much Italian food as possible, and, of course, stopping for gelato.
Things to do in Florence on your first day
Stroll through the historic center and see the replica statue of David, which sits outside
Try your first Italian gelato
Enjoy long lunches and espresso breaks
Admire Florence’s famous outdoor architecture
One of the best things to do is head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. This viewpoint offers sweeping views over Florence’s red rooftops and the Arno River. Even though it’s a popular spot, you can usually find quieter areas to sit and enjoy the view.
My first day was perfectly relaxed, which was needed after a long flight.
Day 2: Traveling to Cinque Terre
Next, I took a train to Cinque Terre, and this is where the scenery really started to feel magical.
I stayed in Riomaggiore, and my Airbnb had the most incredible view overlooking the marina.
On my first day, I just explored the town, walking through the colorful streets, down to the harbor, and then up above the village.
Not many people go far uphill in Riomaggiore, but if you do, the views are absolutely worth it and way less crowded.
I also loved that even though it’s rocky, there’s still a place to swim, which was such a nice way to cool off.
Day 3: Hiking Vernazza to Monterosso
One of the highlights of my entire 10 day Italy itinerary was hiking from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. Check out my hiking tips for Cinque Terre here.
The views along this trail were incredible, but it is a moderate hike.
Here’s what I learned:
I was really glad I started between 9–10 AM to avoid the crowds and before it got too hot
You definitely need proper shoes with good grip
Some parts have steep drops and uneven trails
There’s very little shade, so sunscreen and water are a must
Also, don’t wear open-toed shoes, you can actually get fined, and honestly, it would be dangerous.
I chose to start in Vernazza because it has fewer stairs going up, which made the hike more manageable. Ending at Monterosso Beach was the best reward, I immediately went for a swim to cool off.
Day 4: Pesto Making in Cinque Terre
This ended up being one of my favorite travel experiences ever. I took a pesto making class at Nessun Dorma, and I can honestly say I’ve never tasted pesto that good.
It was such a fun, hands-on experience, and something I’d highly recommend adding to any 10 day Italy itinerary.
Day 5: Venice — My Favorite Stop
After Cinque Terre, I headed to Venice, which ended up being my favorite place in Italy.
I think a lot of people say Venice is too crowded, but I really believe that’s because they never leave San Marco.
I stayed in San Polo, and it made such a difference. I spent most of my time just wandering the quieter streets, checking out boutique stores, and enjoying afternoon cicchetti.
There’s something really magical about Venice that’s hard to explain, but I absolutely loved it.
Where to Stay in Venice
I highly recommend staying in a neighborhood outside of San Marco. I personally loved San Polo. Check the map below for hotel deals in the San Polo neigborhood.
Day 6: Exploring the Touristy Side of Venice
I did make my way over to St. Mark’s Basilica for a tour, which I think is worth doing at least once.
Afterward, I found a nearby park to relax, and take a break in the shade.
I also checked out Libreria Acqua Alta, but to be honest, it was so crowded that it wasn’t my favorite stop.
After spending a few hours in this crowded neighborhood, I was ready to get back to the quieter side of Venice. I took a Hidden Venice Tour that explores hidden gems off the beaten path.
Day 7: Murano and Burano
I spent a full day visiting the islands of Murano and Burano, which you can read the more detailed version here. I highly recommend buying a full day Vaporetto ticket from the kiosk.
I loved seeing the glassblowing tradition in Murano, and I ended up picking up a Christmas ornament as a souvenir.
Burano was easily my favorite of the two. The colorful houses, small artist shops, and just the overall atmosphere made it such a fun place to wander around for a few hours.
If you have a few days in Venice, I would definitely recommend checking out these islands.
Day 8: Arriving in Rome, the Final Stop on My 10 Day Italy Itinerary
My last stop on this 10 day Italy itinerary was Rome.
One of the most unique things I did here was visiting the Capuchin Crypt.
There are multiple rooms where the bones of friars are arranged in intricate, artistic designs. It sounds a little macabre, but it was actually really beautiful. Plus, it wasn’t crowded at all, which made it a great escape from the summer heat.
Day 9: Colosseum Tour
Of course, I had to visit the Colosseum.
I did a guided tour and added on the arena floor, which I’d definitely recommend. Standing down there really helps you imagine what it was like during ancient times.
Even though it wasn’t my favorite Wonder of the World, I still think it’s absolutely worth doing for the history alone.
Day 10: Hidden Gems & Final Night in Rome
Before leaving, I visited the Doria Pamphilj Gallery, and this ended up being one of my favorite spots in Rome.
It was unbelievably beautiful inside and way less crowded than other attractions. I just bought my ticket when I arrived, which made it super easy.
To end my trip, I joined a bar crawl tour, which was such a fun way to wrap everything up and meet other travelers.
Where to Stay in Rome
There’s a lot of great neighborhoods to choose from in Rome. I found Monti to have the perfect mix of shops and restaurants as well as a central location not far from the Colosseum. Check the map below for the best deals in Monti.
Final Thoughts on My 10 Day Italy Itinerary
Looking back, this 10 day Italy itinerary was the perfect introduction to Italy.
Some of my personal highlights were:
Watching the sunset over Florence
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Wandering the quiet streets of Venice
Taking a guided tour of the Colosseum
If you’re planning your own trip, I’d absolutely recommend this route. One change that might be worth making is to add on an additional day to Florence if you have the time.