How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas for 2024

If you’re wondering how to spend 10 days in Italy, I’ve got you covered with these 5 itineraries! Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary.

If you're wondering how to spend 10 days in Italy, I've got you covered with these 5 itineraries! Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary.

How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Amazing Itinerary Ideas for your Trip to Italy

Italy is an incredible country that should be on any traveler’s bucket list! Italy has given us so much: the Renaissance, famous artwork, timeless classical music, stunning architecture, pasta, pizza, gelato…need I say more? Not only is Italy the birthplace of so many things, but it is also home to breathtaking natural beauty, from the lakes and mountains in the north to the gorgeous stretches of coastline on either side of the country.

Here are my top 10 day Italy itineraries:

  1. Gotta See it All: Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, & Venice
  2. Classic Italy: Rome, Florence, & Venice
  3. Northern Lakes of Italy: Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como, & Lake Maggiore
  4. Italian Island Hopping: Sardinia & Sicily
  5. Exploring Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Chianti, & San Gimignano

Here's a Short Cut

We love Italy and have spent time living there and also being tourists there many times! It’s one of our favorite places to visit over and over again.

Just me being ridiculous in front of the Pantheon in Rome.

Any trip to Italy will be amazing, but I wanted to give you a few Italy itinerary options to choose from. They are all great options, but everyone has different tastes, and one might be a better fit for your needs and group.

If you want to learn more about Italy before planning your trip, be sure to read my complete Italy Travel Guide. 

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Italy Itinerary complete with interactive maps and daily schedule? Click the yellow button below.

Get the Full Guide Here

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

How Many Days Do I Need to See Italy?

How long should you plan for your trip around Italy? How about indefinitely? Two weeks in Italy is really nice, but if that’s not an option for you, I think that 10 days in Italy is a good amount of time for your first visit. It will allow you to see around three sites without getting too worn out, and it’s the average paid vacation time for most Americans.

A full 10 days in Italy gives you enough time to visit several cities in the country and have some in-depth experiences without feeling too rushed. But if you only have one week in Italy, you can still have a great time. Just cut one location out of any of these itineraries and you’ll be fine! There are so many things to do in Italy and you’ll never be able to see them all, but you can see the best!

READ NEXT:
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Gelato in Italy

How do I plan a 10 Day Trip to Italy?

If you’re stressing about how to plan a trip to Italy, take a deep breath. Anywhere you choose will be great! Once you’ve decided to spend 10 days in Italy, it’s time to get planning your trip! This is the fun part, but it can also be pretty stressful. Be sure to read all the information here, and once you pick which itinerary works best for you, do all the research you can!

The Best Time to Visit Italy

The best time to travel to Italy can be a tricky question! The best time to go to Italy will be different depending on what you want to do or see. If you want to see snowy mountains in the Dolomites or go skiing, obviously you’ll want to go in the winter. If you want to spend most of your time on the beach, you’ll want to go in the summer. Summer in Italy can be hot, humid, and really crowded. So if you want to see the big cities, it’s best to go during shoulder season (April-May or September-October).

The best time of year to visit Italy is probably May or September in my opinion. Keep your preferences in mind when choosing when to go to Italy. I give my recommendation for each itinerary below.

10 Days in Italy ItineraryGetting Around Italy

Getting around Italy can be fun and easy! In my opinion, traveling by train is the best way to travel around Italy and see the country. It allows you to sit back and relax between destinations, and with the cost of fuel and tolls in Italy, it’s actually the most affordable way to travel Italy. Traveling around Italy by train can sound a little scary if you don’t know what you’re doing. Be sure to read my guide so that you feel confident before booking tickets and traveling by train.

Read My Guide to Train Travel in Italy Here

Many will recommend purchasing a Rail Pass for your trip to Italy. A Rail Pass allows you to ride many trains in Italy without a reservation. This means you can hop onto almost any train in Italy. You can read more about it in my Italy Train Guide. Depending on the length of your trip, how often you’ll be riding trains, which trains you’ll be taking, and how many countries you’re planning to visit in Europe, it can be a great deal…

But it can also be a waste of money. For these itineraries, I don’t recommend buying one. I’ve done the math on each of these itineraries and I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are straying from any of these Italy itineraries, you really need to do the math and decide if it’s right for you. This Italy Train Guide lays all of the information out for you.

READ NEXT:
How to Survive Train Travel in Italy

There are some areas in Italy that I think it’s definitely worth renting a car! In the northern lakes, dolomites, Sardinia, and Tuscany are all great places to drive in Italy. That can be a little terrifying in some areas. Be sure to read this guide to driving in Italy. I always tell people that once you drive in Italy you can drive anywhere!

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

How Much is a Trip to Italy Going to Cost?

How much does a trip to Italy cost you ask? Your trip to Italy cost will be very different than the next person. You’ll need to budget for your 10 days in Italy. Your budget will depend a lot on where you choose to go. Large cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence will be more expensive than staying in the countryside.

Italy uses the Euro like a lot of Europe. The exchange rate is usually around .90 Euros to 1 USD. Food costs around the same as in the US, fuel is a lot more expensive, and accommodation will vary widely.

I would plan on spending around €100-300/night for accommodations depending on your group size and level of luxury. If you’re a small group, VRBOs and house rentals can be very cheap! If you’re traveling Italy on a budget, I highly recommend using VRBOs over hotels.

First Trip to Italy Suggestions

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you’ll want to follow my basic advice, especially if its your first trip to Italy!

  • Learn a few basic words in Italian (grazie, ciao, preggo)
  • Be sure to validate your train tickets (avoid getting a €300 fine and read this!)
  • Try the local food and venture away from the main tourist sites to get it
  • Be sure to pack an Italy-specific power adapter (they have 2 types of plugs). I use THIS ONE for Italy specific plugs. And THIS ONE for European plugs also found in Italy. 
  • Beware of pickpockets (you can learn about what happened to me here)
  • Beware of a Coperto charge. This is a charge to sit and eat.
  • Read my Tips for Visiting Europe

READ NEXT:
How to Travel Europe Like a Pro: 50 Europe Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

10 Days in Italy ItineraryWhere Are the Best Places to Visit in Italy?

Where to go in Italy you ask? When planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you. The country is so large, it can be overwhelming. After visiting Italy 5 separate times, I have found it best to focus on one region of the country at a time if possible. I know that it’s so hard to visit Italy and not want to see it all, but you won’t want to spend your entire trip on a train, or in a car, or on a plane.

See this list of the best places to see in Italy

While it’s tough to say just which are the best places to visit in Italy, because, let’s be honest, all of Italy is so dang amazing, I do have some personal favorite Italy vacations. When I help friends plan their trip to Italy, I like to give them a little taste of everything: city, history, nature, beach, culture, and food!

I love getting off the beaten path, but there are just some places that are a must see in Italy! There are literally hundreds of choices you can make for your first Italy itinerary, and they would all be amazing. Every person or group has different preferences and interests. That’s why I have created five different 10 day Italy itinerary ideas for you.

READ NEXT:
The Best Places to Visit in Italy

What to do in Italy

You’ll have tons of amazing things to do in Italy, and what you choose to do will largely depend on where you go and what time of year you go, but here are some of the top things to do in Italy:

Download my FREE Italy Bucket List by clicking here.

What to Pack for Italy

Packing for Italy can be tricky depending on the time of year you’re visiting. Our family backpacked around Europe, spending an entire month in Italy. You can see our Italy Packing List here. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes. I love these sandals for warmer months and these boots for colder months.

Italy Packing List

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

The Best Way to See Italy in 10 Days
5 Italy Itinerary Ideas

I’ve compiled 5 itineraries for your 10 day trip to Italy. Any of these will be a great choice, it just depends on your personal preferences and what you really want to prioritize during your time in Italy. I’ve made some really classic itineraries and some more off the beaten path itineraries! Each Italy trip itinerary has been tried and tested by myself and I can highly recommend any of them. These are my top 5 Italy vacation ideas.

Itinerary #1: Gotta See it All

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

This is one of the best Italy vacations for really energetic and active travelers. This itinerary is great for those visiting Italy for the first time, who think they may never have the opportunity to return again. Not everyone travels all the time, which is totally understandable. Some can’t afford to travel often, and some don’t really want to. If you think you’ll only be in Italy once in your life, this is the itinerary for you. It’s definitely an aggressive itinerary that requires you to move through the country nearly every day and spend about one day in each city, but it can be done!

I’ve done this Italy itinerary several times with friends and with my kids. It’s exhausting, but doable, and you’ll so SO much!

If you want to make your life easier, you can purchase this full itinerary, which includes interactive maps, an hour by hour guide, walking you through each moment of your trip. This full itinerary provides you with specific tours and classes, and exact train schedules, as well as recommended accommodations. My interactive 40 page PDF contains everything you need to pull off this amazing itinerary! 

Get the Full Itinerary

Rome, Amalfi, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Milan, & Venice

    • Day 1: Rome
    • Day 2: Rome
    • Day 3: Amalfi Coast
    • Day 4: Florence
    • Day 5: Florence & Pisa
    • Day 6: Cinque Terre
    • Day 7: Milan & Lake Como
    • Day 8: Lake Como
    • Day 9: Venice
    • Day 10: Venice

10 Days in Italy Itinerary

Day 1 & Day 2: Rome

Most affordable flights to Italy will take you to Rome. It’s where I’ve flown into every time I’ve visited Italy. But shop around and find the best deal because you can begin this Italy itinerary at any point.

You can start your Italy itinerary anywhere you wish, but I always recommend starting in Rome. Rome is the third most visited city in Europe, after Paris and London, with 7-10 million visitors per year, and for good reason.

Rome is full of art, history, culture, and amazing food. It is incredible to wander down a street and suddenly come upon an ancient structure or statue! Ancient history is everywhere in this large city.

When you first arrive in Rome, jetlag will probably get the best of you. Give yourself a day to recover and take in all the beauty (and gelato) that this ancient city has to offer. You’re going to get here and never want to leave.

There is so much to see and do in Rome, it could literally take you a lifetime. Don’t be discouraged by not being able to do it all. There is still so much that you can see just in a day and a half! Be sure to read my guide to Rome in One Day before you go.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Rome:

  • Wake up early to beat the crowds
  • Vespa Tour of Rome (more info here Seriously one of the best things to do in Italy)
  • Tour the Colosseum BOOK HERE
  • See St. Peter’s Basilica BOOK HERE
  • Wander Trastevere

Read More: What to do in Rome for a Day

READ NEXT:
Things to do in Rome in One Day

Traveling from Rome to Amalfi

You can easily get from Rome to the Amalfi coast by taking the train from Rome to Naples. From there, I recommend either taking the bus system along the coast, hiring a driver, or renting a car. Or even better, a Vespa! Parking is crazy along the Amalfi Coast. There are parking garages, but they fill up fast and cost a lot, so just be prepared and bring cash.

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cost: $24- Adults $12- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 3: Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline that you could honestly spend weeks in, lazing away on the picturesque beaches and soaking up the sun. But if you’re on a mission to see it all, take an entire day to relax and enjoy the sites. There are many small towns dotting the winding coastline. I recommend picking one and spending a few hours at the beach.

I personally love the beach at Atrani because you don’t have to walk down a thousand stairs like Positano, but you still get that beautiful and classic look of Amalfi! You can rent 2 beach chairs and an umbrella on the beach for €20 cash.

Here are the things you cannot miss on the Amalfi Coast

Traveling from Amalfi to Florence

After you’ve had a relaxing day on the Amalfi Coast, it’s time to head to another classic city in Italy: Florence! Hop back on the bus or rental car or taxi to Naples, then take the train to Florence.

Time: 2.5 hours
Cost: $44- Adults $22- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 4: Florence

Florence is a beautiful city that is home to much of Italy’s Renaissance art. Home to Michaelangelo, da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Buonarroti, and Botticelli just to name a few, Florence is overflowing with ancient art and architecture! Spend a day and a half exploring museums, walking along the Ponte Vecchio, and eating gelato in this renowned city of culture. Tours and tickets MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE! Especially if you are going during the busy season.

Here are things you should not miss in Florence:

Traveling from Florence to Pisa

For the last half of your second day in Florence, I recommend a quick trip to Pisa on your way to Cinque Terre.

Time: 1 hour
Cost: $11- Adults $5- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 5: Florence/Pisa

Head to Pisa to see the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa! Yes, it’s touristy, but worth seeing, especially if this will be your only time in Italy. Going up to the top is really awesome. Kids must be 6 or older and you can book your tickets here.

Traveling from Pisa to Cinque Terre

After you’ve spent a few hours in Pisa, it’s time to head back on the train to Cinque Terre. Which town you train to will depend on which of the 5 towns you stay in. But if you don’t know that yet, you can book tickets to La Spezia and pick up a regional train to any of the towns Cinque Terre towns last minute.

Time: 1 hour
Cost: $12- Adults $6- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 6: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of my very favorite places in Italy! It was one of my best trips to Italy and it’s what I picture parts of Italy must have looked 100 years ago! Cinque Terre, translated, means Five Lands, and is the area consisting of five villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. They are all equally stunning, and whichever one you choose will be amazing. They all have their own special charm, and they also all have their own pros and cons. Read my complete guide to Cinque Terre to help you decide which town to stay in.

READ NEXT:
Complete Guide to Cinque Terre With Kids (or without)

The beautiful towns built on cliffs are honestly one of the best things to see in Italy. Be sure to spend some time in the ocean during your time in Cinque Terre. Monterosso has a beautiful white sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas. I recommend that you spend at least two nights in Cinque Terre so that you have a full day and a half to explore all the towns. There is a train that goes between each town so that the area is very easy to navigate.

Here are things you should not miss in Cinque Terre:

  • Visit all of the five towns by train
  • Take the ferry at least once so you can see Cinque Terre from the water
  • Eat gelato in every town

Traveling from Cinque Terre to Milan

Once you’ve done some relaxing in Cinque Terre, hop on the train to Milan.

Time: 3.5 hours
Cost: $26- Adults $13- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 7: Milan & Lake Como

Stop into Milan for a quick trip to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Last Supper, which must be booked in advance! Now you’re on your way to  Lake Como!

Traveling from Milan to Lake Como

You have two great options for exploring Lake Como. You can either take the train and ferry around Lake Como, or you can rent a car. If you want to see more of the remote parts of Lake Como in the north, or just drive around the lake, I suggest you rent a car. But taking a train is simple and affordable. It’s just a matter of preference. I suggest that you take the train to Varenna where you can catch a ferry to Bellagio or Menaggio, Lake Como’s major towns.

Time: 40 minutes
Cost: $8- Adults $4- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 8: Lake Como

Welcome to one of my favorite places on earth. With gorgeous lakeside villas and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy. I recommend you spend your time boating around the lake and checking out all the magnificent houses, wandering the streets of Bellagio, and renting a scooter to explore.

Things you shouldn’t miss in Lake Como:

  • Rent a boat
  • Visit George Clooney
  • Villa del Balbianello (from Star Wars)

READ NEXT:
5 Reasons to Make Lake Como Your Next Family Vacation

Traveling from Lake Como to Venice

It’s time for your last train ride in Italy! Take the train from Varenna to Venice (be sure to book San Lucia and not Mestre). This will take you to the heart of Venice. From there you can take a water taxi or water bus to anywhere in the city.

Time: 4 hours
Cost: $36- Adults $18- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 9 & 10: Venice

You’ll be spending the last two days of your Italy trip in the lovely Venice. There’s no place on earth like it! Spend your last moments in Italy floating down the canals, getting lost in the winding alleyways, and eating gelato! Read all about what to do in Venice before going.

Things not to miss in Venice:

If this itinerary feels right for your 10 days in Italy, you can get the complete itinerary here. Let me do all the work for you! 

Get the Full Itinerary

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

READ NEXT:
Things to do in Venice

 

Italy Itinerary 10 Days #2: Classic Italy

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

This is the best Italy itinerary for someone who wants a really classic experience. It covers the most important sites and major cities in Italy that most visitors will want to see on their first trip to Italy. This Italy itinerary allows you to spend a few days in each location, so you can get to know each city a little better. You can do this itinerary in any order, but most people choose to start in Rome.

Rome, Florence, & Venice

    • Day 1-3: Rome
    • Day 4-6: Florence
    • Day 7-10: Venice

Days 1-3: Rome

You’ll begin your classic tour of Italy in the capital of Italy. There is so much to see in Rome, you’ll be glad you have three days to see it!

Here are some ideas for your 3 days in Rome:

  • I recommend getting up early in the mornings to see sites like the Pantheon and Spanish Steps before the rest of the tourists wake up. The city is so beautiful in the morning light.
  • Your first day in Rome is a great day to take a guided tour of the city so that you can get a lay of the land and check the main sites off. I recommend taking a Vespa Tour! It’s so much fun and even kids can go. Knowledgable tour guides drive you around the entire city, stopping to show you classic and little-known sites. They even stop for gelato. Read here for more Vespa Tour information.
  • Eat dinner in Trastevere, where you’ll find many tiny little restaurants all serving delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.
  • Try several gelato shops each day to find your favorite. Read this to find out the best gelato shops in Italy. My personal favorite is Gelato del Teatro!
  • Take a cooking class. Rome is home to some of the best food in the world. Don’t skip out on learning how to make it yourself. This cooking class is amazing and I love this food tour.
  • If you’re visiting Rome with Kids, there is so much to do! My kids love Rome, and not just for the gelato. Read my guide to Rome with kids.
  • Book a Photoshoot in Rome: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.

Traveling from Rome to Florence

You can take a direct train from Rome to Florence in under an hour and a half. It’s an easy train ride from city center to city center.

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cost: $22- Adults $11- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 4-6: Florence

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a must for your classic trip to Italy. You’ll have the opportunity to see celebrated artwork and architecture.

Some ideas for how to spend your next few days in Florence:

  • Walk the Ponte Vecchio: This ancient bridge has been around forever and is one of the most iconic sites in Florence.
  • Take a Food Tour of Florence: BOOK HERE
  • Take pictures in the iconic Florence photobooth
  • Book a Photoshoot in Florence: BOOK HERE (use code WANDERLUST) for a discount.
  • Walk up the Duomo. You’ll need to get tickets for this, but this massive, iconic building is just gorgeous.
  • Tour the many museums of Florence. Don’t miss Michaelangelo’s David.

Traveling from Florence to Venice

You can easily get from Florence to Venice by train. Be sure to buy tickets to Venice Santa Lucia and NOT Mestre! Santa Lucia will take you directly to the archipelago of Venice while Mestre takes you to the industrial part of Venice.

Time: 2 hours
Cost: $37- Adults $17- Children

Book Train Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 7-10: Venice

Spend the last few days of your classic Italy itinerary in Venice. It’s one of the best cities in Italy and unlike anywhere else in the world. If you play it right, Venice can be a relaxing way to end your trip. I seriously recommend waking up with the sun and exploring Venice in the early hours while it’s quiet and not overcrowded. It is truly beautiful. When it starts to get too busy or hot, go back to the hotel and take a nap! Then go back out around dinner time and explore until dark. I’ve done this during several trips to Venice and it was perfect!

Be sure to take advantage of the Vaporetto (public water transportation) and visit the islands of Murano and Burano!

Here are some ideas of things to do during your time in Venice:

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Itinerary #3: Northern Lakes of Italy

When to go: Summer

This Lakes of Northern Italy itinerary is one of my favorites, and not something that most people try. This is best Italy itinerary if you’re intereseted in exploring the beautiful lakes of Northern Italy. It’s some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see in your life.

I love this itinerary for a family trip to Italy. I do recommend that if you choose this itinerary, you book a trip for late spring or early fall as the lakes do get crowded during the summer, and are very cold during the winter months.

Each lake has something unique to offer and it’s worth visiting all of them, but if this itinerary seems a little intense for your 10 days in Italy, I recommend cutting out one or two lakes and just sticking with two or three areas. The great thing about this itinerary is that you’ll also be able to see Milan, so you’ll get a taste of a large Italian city while also enjoying the countryside and beach time.

For this Northern Italy itinerary, I highly recommend flying into Milan and renting a car. The lakes and northern scenery can be best seen while taking leisurely winding drives around the lakes.

Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Lake Como, & Lake Maggiore

    • Day 1: Milan
    • Day 2-3: Lake Garda
    • Day 4: Lake Iseo
    • Day 5-7: Lake Como
    • Day 8-9: Lake Maggiore
    • Day 10: Milan

Day 1: Milan

On your first day of this 10 day Italy itienrary, you will fly into Milan. Here you can spend an entire day or half day exploring the city. Be sure not to miss the imposing Duomo of Milan and The Last Supper if you are interested in art history.

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 2-3: Lake Garda

Known for its crystal clear waters, Lake Garda is a beautiful destination for relaxation and fun. Be sure to visit the stunning Scaligero Castle for magnificent views. You can also visit Gardaland, a great family amusement park!

Day 4: Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo, known as Lago d’Iseo is a little-known lake between Garda and Como that is a hidden gem in Italy. You can spend your time here hiking, ferrying across the lake, or visiting Grumello Castle.

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 5-7: Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the best places in Italy and one of my favorite places on earth. Yes, it’s popular, but its worth spending at least a few days here. We spent several months and never got sick of it! Rent a boat and cruise the lake yourself and visit the famous town of Bellagio. You can read all about what to do in Lake Como here. 

Day 8-9: Lake Maggiore

Laggo Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and claims both Italy and Switzerland as it crosses the borders. It is located just south of the Swiss Alps which means there are beautiful mountains surrounding the lake all with incredible views. As such a large lake, you have many options for where to stay. There are beautiful lush gardens and old villas dotting the lake. you really can’t go wrong!

Day 10: Milan

Head back to Milan after your wonderful 10 days on the lakes of Italy.

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Itinerary #4: Italian Island Hopping

When to go: Summer

Sardinia and Sicily are the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and are both worth visiting. You can easily ferry between the two islands via an overnight ferry, which can be really fun. Both islands offer a unique taste of Italy that is something a little different from the mainland boot!

Sardinia & Sicily

    • Day 1-5: Sardinia
    • Day 6-10: Sicily

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 1-5: Sardinia

Spend 5 days on this beautiful Italian island that is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s one of my favorite places to go in Italy to enjoy the beach! With over 1,200 miles of gorgeous coastline, sandy beaches, Star Wars-esque rocky beaches, beautiful mountains, and centuries of history, it’s an easy choice for anyone looking for a tropical Italian holiday. Italy beaches are known as some of the best in the world, and, in my opinion, most of them are on Sardinia!

Sardinia is known as a “Blue Zone” which means that people who live here live longer than anyone on Earth. The people there are so friendly, the food is amazing, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

Getting to Sardinia

You can fly to Sardinia, or you can take the ferry from Livorno to Olbia, or take the ferry from Sicily to Cagliari. Depending on which side of the island you decide to spend most of your time on (remember, it’s huge) either one of these could work for you.

Time:
Livorno to Olbia: 8 Hours
Trapani to Cagliari: 11 hours

Cost:
Around $70/person with a car
(extra for private room for overnight ferry)

Book Ferry Tickets

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 6-10: Sicily

Mountains, history, food, beaches…Sicily really does have it all! It’s one of the best places to vacation in Italy for sun lovers. Located in the soccer ball of Italy, just off the toe of the infamous boot, Sicily is the largest Meddeteranian island and worth spending a few days on. Sicily boasts some of the best beaches in Italy and evenin the world, like Cefalu, San Vito Lo Capo, Isola Bella, but also offers a rich history and culture as well as a delicious tradition of cullinary delights. Spend time on the beach, hiking, visiting ancient ruins, and tasting classic Sicilian food. It’s a great place to take a cooking class (BOOK HERE).

Sicily is a great place to have a car so that you can really see the island. Read this guide to an Italy  road trip in Sicily.

Getting to Sicily

You can fly to Sicily or take the ferry over. Flying into Naples and driving 4.5 hours down the coast can be beautiful and gives you the option of stopping in the Amalfi coast if you have time.

Time:
Naples to Sicily: 5 Hours

Cost: $40/person (ferry)

Book Ferry Tickets

Join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

Itinerary #5: Exploring Tuscany

When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October)

Exploring Tuscany is one of the most classic Italian experiences you can have. What I love about visiting Tuscany, especially as a family, is that it is laid back and you can usually rent a nice villa with a pool for a good price on VRBO, while being surrounded by enchanting scenery. I’ve created a list here of beautiful villas in Tuscany at affordable prices (ps. most of them have pools)!

For this Tuscany Itinerary, I highly recommend picking a home base in one place and taking day trips from there. Everywhere on this list is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in Tuscany. Maybe take a day trip every other day from your home base. This is perfect if you want to do an Italy road trip through Tuscany.

READ NEXT:
16 Rules for AirBNB

If you’d rather base yourself in Florence and take a day trip to San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti, this is a great tour that hits all those locations.

Florence, Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, &

    • Day 1: Florence
    • Day 3: Lucca & Pisa
    • Day 5: Chianti
    • Day 7: San Gimignano
    • Day 9: Siena

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 1: Florence

Visit Florence for a day trip. Enjoy the ancient feel the the city, walk the Ponte Vecchio, visit famous museums and see incredible artwork!

Day 2: Home Base

Spend time enjoying your Tuscan Villa. Look for cooking classes near you and try local food.

10 Days in Italy Itinerary
The beautiful walled city of Lucca

Day 3: Lucca & Pisa

Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Lucca, stopping in Pisa on your way there. Climb up the leaning tower of Pisa (you must book in advance).

Spend the majority of your time in Lucca, an amazing walled city, largely free from traffic and filled with beautiful architecture. I think it’s one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Rent a bike and ride around the ancient walls of the city. You can even take a self-guided bike tour of the city.  Be sure to grab a few gelatos during your time in Lucca as these were some of my favorite gelato shops in Italy.

READ NEXT:
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Gelato in Italy

Day 4: Home Base

Take a day to explore your own little Tuscan town. Sometimes the local hidden gems can be your favorite part of your trip to Italy! You never know what you’ll find. As the locals what they recommend doing nearby.

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 5: Chianti

With lush vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns, Chianti is a beautiful region of Tuscany. This is a great area to take a scenic drive or rent bikes to enjoy more views. If you’d like some help seeing Chianti, you can actually book a half day tour that will take you to all the best spots.

Day 6: Home Base

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 7: San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a beautiful and well-kept walled city in Tuscany. This medival city still has its original house towers.

Day 8: Home Base

10 Days in Italy ItineraryDay 9: Siena

This beautiful medival town will steal your heart the moment you enter its walls. Be prepared to climb some steep hills in Siena. Grab a pizza and hang out on the Piazza del Campo, the fan shaped public square where everyone comes to enjoy the city.

Day 10: Florence

Spend one last day in Florence seeing the sites before heading home.

Whichever itinerary you choose for your trip to Italy will be wonderful. You really can’t go wrong by choosing any of these. I love helping my readers plan their travel, so if you need any help please reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram. You can learn more information about traveling to Italy on my Italy Website, I Heart Italy. If you want some great tips on traveling Italy, join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips!

xo
Vanessa

10 Days in Italy

10 Days in Italy

Practical Tips for Booking your Trip

Book Your Flights and Car
Find a budget airlines by using Skyscanner. This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know you’re getting the best deal. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here.

For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies.

Book Your Accommodation
My preferred way to stay around the world is VRBO. I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. If you want to stay in a hotel, use Booking, as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time.

Always Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you and your family against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for the last few years and love how easy it is to use. I have also used Allianz. Compare rates to see which is best for the coverage you need.

Looking for ways to save money on travel?
Check out my resource page for the companies I use for traveling! I share everything I use to save me time and money.

xo
Vanessa

26 thoughts on “How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas for 2024

  1. Angie says:

    Thanks for your detailed descriptions of each place. I am so tempted to visit all of them but I will be on a cruise this time. If you only have one day to visit between Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terre, which one(s) would you recommend? We are a group of multi-generation travellers (incl 1 72 yo and 1 4 yo kid). Thanks.

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      Hi Angie! A cruise sounds so incredible!! You’re going to love Italy. Hands down I would choose Cinque Terre! All 5 towns are so incredible and they are easily accessible by the trains. Not sure of the stamina of the 72 year old and the 4 year old, but I would avoid Corniglia just because there are a million stairs! There IS a bus that will take you from the train station to the top of the town though, but it was very crowded and unreliable. Riomaggiore and Vernazza were my favorites though. You’re going to love it! Let me know where you end up going! Have the best time!! xo Vanessa

  2. Erin says:

    Just purchased your 10 day itinerary and love it! Hubby and I are planning for Sept/Oct 2020 for 2 weeks. We are thinking about using 5-6 of those days to visit Sardina while we are there. Any suggestions for trimming a few days off the 10 day itinerary and suggestions for Sardinia. Or, is it too much to add Sardinia in 2 weeks? Thanks!
    Erin

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      Hi Erin,
      I’d cut out Lake Como and Venice and head to Sardinia instead. We spent a month in Sardinia last year and loved it. It’s super low key and not very touristy! Feel free to email me if you’d like help with a customized itinerary. xo Vanessa

  3. Diane says:

    Hi there. We are a family of three (1 son age 13yo) traveling to Italy in mid/end of May 2020. We definitely want to see Rome and then I am torn between going north(Florence/NW(Cinque Terre)/really North Dolomites/Alps)or South towards Sorrento and Amalfi coast. We have 10 days flying out of NYC. We are first time visitors to Italy and don’t want a jam packed schedule. Can you point me in the right direction? Love all your info! TY!

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      Hey Diane! That sounds like an amazing trip. I agree, especially with teens you don’t want to pack too much in. How long are you in Italy for? I would recommend flying into Rome, spending 2-3 days there, then catching the train to Cinque Terre. Then spend a day in Florence and see the famous artwork. With teens I like to break up the history/culture with some beach time! You can read more about Cinque Terre here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/things-to-do-in-cinque-terre/ May is a great time to go. Great weather, but not too crazy busy! Let me know if you need more help planning! xo Vanessa

  4. Diane says:

    We are there for 10 days. I decided Rome/Florence for day/Cinque Terre/Lake region and home out of Milan. I have read all your i fo and LOVE it. Ty!

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      That sounds perfect! Definitely spend some time in Lake Como!! It’s one of my favorite places ever! Good luck and holler if you need help! Enjoy!

  5. danny saldanha says:

    What do you do with the bags, when you do the half day tour to Pisa enroute to Cinque Terre. Is there storage facility at the train station?

  6. Charles says:

    Hi there. We are couple planning our vacation to Italy, we will be there for 12 days. We are flying into Rome so we will spend some time there, we also plan on going down to the Amalfi coast. We would like to add another spot or two to visit during our trip, we’ve both been to Florence, so we were thinking about maybe doing an Airbnb in Tuscany, or perhaps going somewhere south since we’ll be in Amalfi. We are not really sure what to do. Any suggestions/or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      Hi Charles. Have you thought of visiting Puglia or hopping a flight to Sardinia or Sicily for something a little different? Renting a house in Tuscany would also be lovely. You honestly can’t go wrong!

  7. Rohan says:

    Hi – We are family of 4 which includes boys age of 5 and 10. We are visiting Italy for 11 days in March 9-20. I am more concern about the weather than anything else. What cities should I cover?

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      Hi Rohan,
      Italy will be great! The weather will vary greatly in March depending on what area you’re going to. If you want warmer, definitely stay south. If you need any help planning feel free to email me at [email protected]
      xo
      Vanessa

  8. Katie says:

    This guide is amazing! My boyfriend and I will be in Italy for 12 days at the end of December and beginning of January. It will be our first time and we are having a hard time because we want to see everything. Any recommendations for this time of the year? We heard that the Amalfi Coast shuts down during the winter. Should we save that for another trip? Thanks!

    • Wanderlust Crew says:

      Hey Katie. So exciting about Italy! You guys will love it! Amalfi does sort of shut down, but it’s also great to see it without hordes of tourists. Cinque Terre is also another amazing place. Are you doing Venice? It’s beautiful at Christmas time.

  9. Kylie says:

    This is the first truly helpful piece of content I’ve read trying to plan my honeymoon in Italy and not knowing where to start. Super grateful that I came across this!

  10. Manisha says:

    This is a fantastic guide! Thank you! My husband and I are planning for one week in May – 9-10 days max. So wondering if I do your “see-it-all” itinerary but take out Lake Como and Milan. That’ll give me time to do a day trip to Capri right? How would you break up the 10 days for Rome, Amalfi (Positano & Capri), Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice?

  11. Linda says:

    We plan on visiting Italy in the fall and hitting Rome-Amalfi-Naples(Pompeii and Mt.Vesuv)-Florence-Venice. We planned to fly in to Rome, but we’re just wondering if you typically book a flight out from Milan or another city at the end of these itineraries or just take a train back down to Rome for the last day so you can book round trip? We were also interested in maybe spending a day relaxing at a winery and visiting a hot spring. Would Florence be a good spot for that? Thanks!

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