10-Day Italy Itinerary 

Written By Sydney Vaccaro
 
 

Hello friends! If you are coming from my planning 10 days in Italy videos, you’ll find more details and links to the tours I mentioned here! If you haven’t seen the videos, I’ll link them next to the corresponding days. 

Here are all the links to what I mentioned in the videos: 

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It doesn’t change the price, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

10-Day Italy Itinerary 

Here’s the TL;DR version of the itinerary. 

Italy day 1 - 2 in Venice:

  • Gondola ride

  • Saint Mark's Basilica

  • Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)

  • Murano Island

Italy day 3 - 4 in Florence:

  • Rick Steves' City Walk of Florence

  • Uffizi Gallery

  • Accademia Gallery

  • Shopping or exploring along the Via dei Calzaiuoli

Italy day 5 will be a day trip:

  • A trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano

Italy day 6 - 10 in Rome:

  • Rick Steves' Rome City Walk

  • Colosseum

  • Roman Forum

  • Cooking class

  • Tour of Domus Aurea

  • Villa Borghese Museum and Gardens

  • Day trip to Pompeii

  • Vatican Museum

  • St. Peter's Basilica

ITALY DAY 1:

🛬 Land in Venice and kick off your Italian adventure in style by taking a water taxi instead of the water bus/ferry. (Especially, if you are prone to sea sickness 🤢) 

🏨 Once you arrive, check into your hotel and drop off your luggage. You can take a cat nap, or waste no time and start exploring the city by walking over the iconic Rialto Bridge. Get lost in the narrow streets, soak up the Venetian atmosphere, and indulge in some gelato or local delicacies. 

🛶 In the evening, treat yourself to a magical gondola ride along the picturesque canals, admiring the stunning architecture, and feeling the magical vibes of Venice.

ITALY DAY 2:

💒 On day 2, you’ll explore the history and beauty of Venice's Saint Mark's Basilica. Using the guided tour by Rick Steves in the app, the tour will start in Saint Mark's Square and the intricacies of the square itself. 

Here’s the link to the official site for tickets. Make sure to get the “BASILICA S.MARCO + PALA D'ORO + MUSEUM LOGGIA CAVALLI” ticket so you can see everything in the Basilica. 

If you are interested in having a live tour guide, this tour will guide you through the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica. 

🏛 Afterward, visit the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. 

👀 Or alternatively, opt for a guided tour to Murano Island, renowned for its glass-making traditions, where you can witness skilled artisans at work and admire exquisite glass creations.

Here’s a great tour option: Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

ITALY DAY 3:

🚉 Bid farewell to Venice and catch a train to Florence. Make sure to book a high-speed train!

🏨 Arrive in the afternoon and check into your hotel. 

👀 Embark on Rick Steves' City Walk of Florence, which takes you from the awe-inspiring Duomo to the panoramic views from Michelangelo's steps which is the perfect place for sunset. 

ITALY DAY 4:

🖼 Discover Florence's artistic treasures on day 4. Start by visiting the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to an exceptional collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. (Rick Steves' app has a tour for the Uffizi). 

Here’s the official site to buy tickets. 

If you’re interested in visiting the museum early to beat the crowds, there is this early morning guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery. 

🖼 Afterward, head to the nearby Accademia Gallery to behold the awe-inspiring statue of David, created by Michelangelo. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details and sheer brilliance of this iconic masterpiece. (Rick Steves' app has a tour for the Accademia). 

Here’s the official site to buy tickets. 

🛍 After immersing yourself in art, enjoy some leisurely shopping or exploring along the Via dei Calzaiuoli. (One of my favorite shops is Max & Co.) 

💒 If you're up for it, you can also consider going inside the Duomo or climbing the tower next to it for an aerial view of Florence.

ITALY DAY 5:

🌞 On day 5, you are going to embark on a day trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. The tour description is: 

“See all that Tuscany has to offer on this day trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano from Florence. Led by an expert guide, explore the main square and Gothic cathedral in Siena, followed by a traditional, 3-course lunch with wine. Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll the medieval streets of San Gimignano independently, as well as the city of Pisa, famous for its UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower. Your full day of sightseeing concludes with transportation back to Florence.” 

Book the tour here.

ITALY DAY 6:

🚉 Catch a train from Florence and head to the Eternal City - Rome! Upon arrival, check into your hotel and get ready to soak in the rich history and vibrant energy of this ancient city. 

📝 You can see my full list of things to do in Rome here!

👀 Take Rick Steves' Rome City Walk, which will guide you through the iconic sights of Rome, including the majestic Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. End your day with a breathtaking sunset view from the Spanish Steps, immersing yourself in the romantic ambiance of Rome.

ITALY DAY 7:

🏛 Explore the grandeur of ancient Rome on day 7. Start by visiting the Colosseum, an awe-inspiring amphitheater that once hosted thrilling gladiatorial battles. 

🏛 Continue to the Roman Forum, where you can wander through the ruins of the ancient city center and immerse yourself in the fascinating history. 

Rick Steve has a tour of both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. 

🍽 In the evening, channel your inner chef and join a pasta cooking class to learn the secrets of authentic Italian pasta-making.

Here are some cooking classes in Rome: 

🍝 Pasta Class in Rome - Fettuccine Cooking Classes in Piazza Navona

🍰 Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome, Piazza Navona

🍷 Rome Cooking: Pasta & Tiramisu making class with dinner & wine

ITALY DAY 8:

🏛 (I’m doing this tour next time I’m in Rome. I’m so jealous of anyone that gets there before me). Embark on a unique experience in Rome with a guided group tour of Domus Aurea, the opulent palace of Emperor Nero. Explore the underground archaeological site, adorned with stunning frescoes and impressive architectural features. 

Here’s the tour! 

🖼 Afterward, visit the picturesque Villa Borghese Museum and Gardens, housing an exceptional collection of art masterpieces, including works by Caravaggio and Bernini. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the scenic gardens and soak in this oasis in the heart of Rome. (Rick Steve does not have a tour for this 🙁 there are audio guides at the museum or here is a live tour you could consider) 

ITALY DAY 9:

🌞 Take a day trip to discover the fascinating ruins of Pompeii and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Explore the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Wander through the remarkably preserved streets, houses, and public buildings, gaining insight into the daily life of the ancient Romans. Afterward, soak in the stunning coastal views as you drive along the Amalfi Coast, with its picturesque towns and turquoise waters. 

Here is the tour! 

ITALY DAY 10:

🖼 End your Italian adventure with a visit to the magnificent Vatican City. Start early with an exclusive early access tour of the Vatican Museums, avoiding the crowds and immersing yourself in the beauty of renowned masterpieces, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. 

Here’s the official site for tickets (make sure to choose the early access tour ticket). 

💒 Continue your journey to St. Peter's Basilica, where Rick Steves' tour will provide you with captivating insights into the history, art, and architecture of this iconic religious site. Marvel at the grandeur of the basilica and, if you're up for it, climb to the top of St. Peter's Dome for a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome.

🇮🇹 With this 10-day itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to experience the highlights of Venice, Florence, and Rome, as well as explore captivating destinations like Pisa, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast. Each day will be filled with unforgettable moments, delicious cuisine, and a deeper appreciation for the rich history and cultural heritage of Italy.

I hope you found this blog helpful! My full Italy guide is in the works, so go ahead and sign up for my newsletter and you’ll be the first to get the guide (for free 👀). 

Thank you for following along! 

xoxo, 

Syd

 
Sydney Vaccaro
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