Ultimate 10 day Italy Vacation Itinerary

The Best Italian Vacation Itinerary (10 Days)

See the Best of Italy: Venice – Rome – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Tuscany – Florence

Where to Start Your Trip to Italy

Depending on your best flight option, your trip might be in a different order.

We flew in and out of Venice. The smaller airport was nice, and with the use of speed trains, it was easy to visit all the towns we wanted and be able to return to Venice for our flight home. Ideally, we would have preferred to fly into Venice or Rome and out of the other. But our tickets in and out of Venice were too good to pass up.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Italy

I recommend the shoulder seasons of April – May and September – October. The perfect mix of fewer crowds and pleasant weather. We went in the end of September and it was perfect.

The Best Way to Get Around Italy

No need to rent a car for this trip. Trains make it easy to get around this country. I recommend buying your ticket online or via the mobile app.

If you have a paper Train Ticket, always validate your ticket! You will be fined if you don’t. Look for validation machines at the entrance to each platform. Never hesitate to ask a train station employee.

10 Day Italy Itinerary

Venice – Rome – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Tuscany – Florence

If you are planning a trip to Italy,  I hope this itinerary  helps you make the most of your time in Italy!

Arrival – Day One – Venice

We never plan to much on an arrival day. Today is just about getting your barrings.

  • Enjoy the food and wine!
  • Walk the streets and sight see. Be sure to view the Rialto Bridge & St Mark’s Square at night.
  • Have a drink at Caffè Florian. The café was opened in San Marco Square in 1720!
  • Plan on taking a gondola on the Grand Canal today or tomorrow.

Day Two – Venice

Sight Seeing in Venice.

  • Cappuccino with a croissant with a view of the Rialto Bridge
  • Doge’s Palace. Go as soon as they open to avoid the crowds. Buy tickets in advance online.
  • St Mark’s. Purchased skip-the-line tickets around the corner from the entrance or wait in line to view it for free.
  • Eat Cicchetti (think little appetizers)
  • Get lost walking the streets.

Day Three – Rome

First Speed train to Rome got us to Rome by 11am.

  • Walk around and have Lunch until check-in.
  • Colosseum – Pre-buy tickets
  • Dinner in the Jewish Quarter

Day Four – Day in Rome

Sightseeing in Rome.

  • Vatican Museum
  • St Peter’s Basilica
  • Roman Forum (part of our tickets for the Colosseum)
  • Lime Bike self guided tour to see the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

Day Five – Rome to Cinque Terre

Morning in Rome. Mid Day Train to Cinque Terre. Afternoon/Evening in Cinque Terre.

  • Climb to the top of Saint Peter’s (as soon as they open)
  • Train to Cinque Terre. We stayed in Riomaggiore.
  • Walk around town.
  • Watch the sunset.

Day Six – Cinque Terre

Explore Cinque Terre.

  • Lunch in Manarola at Nessum Dorma. Vist nessundormacinqueterre.com for tips on getting a table.
  • Take a hike.
  • Walk around the different towns.
  • Watch the sunset.

Day Seven – Pisa – Florence

Early train out to Florence with stop in Pisa for lunch and to see the tower.

  • Lunch in Pisa
  • Visit the Leaning Tower
  • Walk the streets of Florence and sightsee. Be sure to view the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio at night.

Day Eight – Florence – Tuscany

Celebrate Food and Wine!

  • Rent E-bikes and bike through Tuscan countryside.
  • Day trip to a vineyard for local wine.
  • Get back in time for Dinner. Order the Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Day Nine – Day in Florence

Day to explore in Florence.
  • Climb to the top of Duomo
  • Visit Uffizi Gallery
  • Visit the leather market
  • Visit the famous bridge, Ponte Vecchio

Day Ten – Florence – Venice

Exploring the city in Florence before heading to Venice to fly home.

  • Breakfast by the Duomo
  • Visit David
  • By souvenirs with the last of your Euros
  • Have one last fabulous meal
  • Hop on a speed train to Venice and fly out the next morning.

TRAVEL TIP:

Download train apps before you leave home and keep your digital tickets in your phone’s wallet.

*Trenitalia is a state-run rail network. Italo is a private company.

More On Italy

Pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards!

2023-05-18T21:23:57+00:00
Go to Top