Perfect 10 days Italy itinerary for first timers

If you're planning a first-time trip to Italy, this is the itinerary you're going to want to steal. With 20 unique and different regions, it can be hard to narrow down which stops to put on your 10-day trip. We've been visiting Italy for over a decade, so don't worry if you're new to the planning process. We are going to walk you through each day, city by city, with all of the tips, tricks, and insider advice that you need. By the end of this news, you will feel totally confident and excited to book the Italy trip of your dreams. Are you ready? Let’s get started.

Your Italian adventure begins in Rome, the Eternal City. Now, when most people think of Italy, their minds immediately wander to Rome, and it’s easy to see why. When you arrive at Fiumicino Airport, take the express train, the airport shuttle, or a taxi to the city center. On your first day in Italy, keep it light and relax. Now, if you're like me, you're going to be tired from the long flight. We recommend just getting a lay of the land and soaking in the charm of the city at your own pace.

Start off by taking a leisurely stroll to see the Spanish Steps and enjoy the energy of this iconic spot. Next, head just a few minutes’ walk away and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure that you will return to Rome. For dinner, cross the River Tiber and explore Trastevere, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome. Wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. This is a great way to ease into your Roman adventure.

You are going to begin Day 2 in Italy by exploring the Colosseum. We highly recommend booking online in advance in order to skip the lines. We also suggest taking a guided tour so you can learn the incredible history of gladiator games and Roman engineering at the Colosseum. After you are done, head right next door to explore the impressive Roman Forum. From senate houses to public squares, this was the heart of ancient Rome. Walk among the ruins and then climb Palatine Hill for breathtaking views of the Forum and the city.

Keep in mind that every Colosseum ticket also includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so make sure to get your money’s worth. After exploring this impressive complex, take a short 10-minute walk to the impressive Altar of the Fatherland. Take in the views here and then continue walking to your next stop, which is the Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Marvel at its massive dome and learn about its transformation from a pagan temple to a church. Just a short four-minute walk from the Pantheon is Piazza Navona, a vibrant square with stunning fountains, street performers, and cafés. End Day 2 with dinner in the central historical district.

Day 3 is going to blow your mind. Today, we are going to explore Vatican City, which is the smallest country in the world. We strongly recommend starting the morning by visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. It is essential to book online in advance, as the lines are extremely long. We would budget about three hours for this experience. Grab lunch and then head to St. Peter’s Basilica in the afternoon. This is truly one of the most mind-blowing pieces of architecture and artwork. Even if you aren’t religious, it is totally worth a stop. Don’t forget to climb to the dome for one of the best views in Rome.

After the Vatican, take a 20-minute walk to see Castel Sant’Angelo, which was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. This fortress offers incredible views over the Tiber River and the Vatican. This is the perfect way to say goodbye to your amazing three days in Rome.

On Day 4, you are going to hop on a high-speed train from Rome to Florence. The ride takes about one and a half hours, and you’ll arrive in the heart of Tuscany for the next three days. Florence is smaller and easier to navigate than Rome, but it’s packed with many incredible sites. On your first day in Florence, we highly recommend starting with the Duomo. Yes, you will need tickets to enter. This beautiful church is the centerpiece of Florence and shouldn’t be missed. Don’t forget to check out the Baptistery of St. John, which is the round building right outside the Duomo.

Next, head just a five-minute walk away to the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio, which is Florence’s town hall overlooking a beautiful square. Don’t forget to rub the nose of the Fontana del Porcellino for good luck. End the evening in Florence with a walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, which is the only bridge in the city that was spared from destruction in World War II.

Day 5 in Italy is all about exploring the Tuscan countryside. Florence makes a great home base for some easy day trips to see more of what this region has to offer.

You can either take a guided tour with included transportation, take the train to explore the surrounding countryside, or rent a car and explore at your own pace. A great option to consider for a day trip is San Gimignano, which is a small walled medieval hill town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can get here via public transport, but we think taking a tour is a bit easier if you want to explore this unique place. we also absolutely love the town of Siena, and it’s an easy day trip with buses and trains leaving roughly every hour from Florence. Finally, consider taking a wine tour of Tuscany. This is a fabulous way to see the countryside and enjoy some of the best wines that the region has to offer.

For your final day in Florence, explore more of the city’s cultural treasures. Ideas include the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Gallery, or you can simply wander the beautiful streets of the city. Make sure to stop by the impressive Basilica of Santa Croce while exploring—you won’t regret it. We like doing something relaxing on my last day in Florence, so we recommend visiting the stunning Boboli Gardens. These gardens were originally designed for the Medici and have served as inspiration for Italian gardens all throughout Europe. End the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, where you will find the best sunset views in Florence. It is the perfect way to wrap up your time in this magical city and offers the most incredible panoramic views.

On Day 7, get ready for coastal charm in the cutest villages ever as we head to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre means “five villages,” all of which you will be exploring over the coming days. Take an early morning train from Florence to La Spezia, which takes about two and a half hours, and then switch to a local train to connect into the five villages. we highly recommend purchasing the Cinque Terre Card to save money.

For your first day in Cinque Terre, we recommend getting a lay of the land. we do not suggest visiting all five villages in one day. Start by taking the train to Riomaggiore, the first village. Visit the small harbor and enjoy views of the colorful houses cascading down the cliffs. Then take the five-minute train ride to Manarola, one of the most iconic villages you’ve probably seen in tons of photos. End the day by heading to Vernazza. It has such a charming harbor and cute narrow streets.

On your second day in Cinque Terre, explore the other villages. Corniglia is not directly on the water, so you will need to climb 382 steps. Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five villages and is home to the nicest beach in Cinque Terre. If you love getting active, you can also hike between the villages. The full hike takes a minimum of five hours, so we recommend choosing just one portion. Two days is the perfect amount of time to experience Cinque Terre.

For the last two days of your Italy itinerary, we are heading to Venice. Venice is about four and a half to five hours away by train, so book an early morning train to maximize your time. When you step off the train, you are immediately greeted by the Grand Canal. Spend your first afternoon wandering Venice. Start at the Rialto Bridge, then walk to St. Mark’s Square. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. End the day with dinner along one of the canals.

For your final day in Italy, take a day trip to the nearby Venetian islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for glassmaking, while Burano’s brightly colored houses feel like stepping into a painting. End your final evening with a gondola ride. Fly out of Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Flying into Rome and out of Venice allows you to fully maximize your time.

And there you have it—10 unforgettable days in Italy, perfectly planned for first-time travelers. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the artistic treasures of Florence, the stunning cliffs of Cinque Terre, and the romance of Venice, this itinerary truly has it all.