10 Days Italy Itinerary
This 10-day itinerary takes you through the heart of Italy, exploring the iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Experience ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and romantic canals, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1000-2000 total estimate
Best Time
April-May, September-October
Activities
39
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Moderate
Italy offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and culture, combined with stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. It's a journey through time and beauty, perfect for exploration and discovery.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 1: Colosseum Visit
Art Museums
Day 2: Vatican Museums
Religious Landmarks
Day 2: St. Peter's Basilica
Food & Drink
Day 1: Lunch near the Forum
Scenic Views
Day 4: Climb the Duomo
Shopping
Day 3: Shopping on Via Condotti
Public Transportation
Day 7: Canal Grande Boat Ride
Parks & Gardens
Day 6: Boboli Gardens
Local Markets
Day 5: Leather Market
Architecture
Day 1: Pantheon Visit
Island Hopping
Day 9: Murano Island
People Watching
Day 3: Spanish Steps
Italian cuisine is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, each dish tells a story of tradition and passion. Be prepared to indulge in a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.
Must-Try Dishes
The quintessential Neapolitan pizza, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Its simplicity highlights the quality of the ingredients.
📍 Naples, or any pizzeria with a wood-fired oven
A Roman classic made with spaghetti, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and egg yolks. Authentic carbonara does *not* contain cream.
📍 Rome, traditional trattorias
A creamy rice dish flavored with saffron, giving it a distinctive golden color and rich flavor. Often made with bone marrow and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
📍 Milan, restaurants specializing in Lombard cuisine
A thick-cut T-bone steak from Chianina cattle, grilled rare and seasoned simply with salt and pepper. A true carnivore's delight.
📍 Florence, Tuscan steakhouses
Food Neighborhoods
Known for traditional Roman cuisine and lively atmosphere
Known for aperitivo and canal-side dining
Known for fresh produce and local specialties
Known for authentic Roman cuisine and offal dishes
Vegetarian options are readily available, especially pasta dishes and pizzas. Vegan options are becoming more common, but it's helpful to learn phrases like 'senza carne' (without meat) and 'senza latticini' (without dairy). Gluten-free pasta and pizza are also increasingly available, look for 'senza glutine' on menus. For allergies, clearly communicate your needs to the waitstaff, and use translation apps if necessary. Halal meat can be harder to find, but larger cities may have specific restaurants.
Italians take their food seriously. Meals are often leisurely and social affairs. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the menu. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (5-10% is sufficient). Avoid cutting spaghetti with a knife; twirl it with your fork against the spoon or bowl. Cappuccino is traditionally consumed only in the morning.
Venice Carnival
Carnevale di VeneziaHistoric carnival famous for elaborate masks and costumes in Venice.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From hotel in Monti, walk or take a short bus ride to the Colosseum.
- 🚶Walk from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- 🚶Walk from the Roman Forum to a restaurant in the Monti neighborhood.$20
1:00 PM - Lunch near the Forum
Enjoy a traditional Roman lunch.
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- 🚶Walk or take a short bus ride from Monti to the Pantheon.
Monti
Central location, charming streets, and close to major attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May, September-October
Expect comfortable temperatures and sunny days, with occasional rain showers. Evenings can be cool, so pack layers.
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Easter (Pasqua) in April and Ferragosto (August 15th) can affect opening hours and transportation.
Getting Around
Trenitalia/Italo high-speed rail; metros in Rome, Milan, Naples
City-specific metro cards
Book Frecciarossa trains early for best prices. Validate bus/tram tickets before boarding!
Travel
$300Accommodation
$400Food
$500Activities
$300Utilize Italy's excellent public transport (metro, buses, regional trains) instead of relying on expensive taxis or private transfers for inter-city travel.
Eat 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice), panini, or grab fresh produce and prepared foods from local markets for delicious and affordable lunches.
Take advantage of 'aperitivo' culture in the evenings, especially in cities like Milan or Bologna, where a drink often comes with free snacks or a buffet.
Invest in a high-quality, multi-course meal at a traditional trattoria or osteria to experience authentic Italian regional cuisine and carefully selected wine pairings.
Consider a guided food tour, cooking class, or a professional wine tasting experience in a renowned region like Tuscany or Piedmont for a deeper cultural immersion.
Always drink your coffee standing at the bar ('al banco') like a local; it's almost always significantly cheaper than sitting down at a table.
- Book accommodations and train tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
- Utilize public transportation to save money and navigate cities efficiently.
- Learn basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Take advantage of free activities like walking tours and visiting public parks.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Lightweight clothing suitable for layering
- 3Universal adapter
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Travel-sized toiletries
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak season (summer, holidays) or popular destinations like Rome, Florence, Venice.
High-Speed Train Tickets (e.g., Frecciarossa, Italo)
Purchase 1-2 months ahead for the best prices and seat availability, particularly on popular routes (Rome-Florence-Venice, Milan-Rome).
Major Attractions (e.g., Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery)
Book timed-entry tickets online 1-2 months in advance to avoid extremely long queues and guarantee entry, especially during high season.
Popular Tours (e.g., Pompeii day trips, Amalfi Coast boat tours, Tuscany wine tours)
Secure bookings several weeks ahead, particularly during high season, as these experiences can sell out quickly.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Obtain this before leaving home if you plan to rent a car and your home license is not from the EU or does not have a photo.
Travel Insurance
Arrange as soon as initial trip payments are made to cover unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
eSIM or Physical SIM card
Consider purchasing an eSIM online before departure for immediate connectivity or plan to buy a physical SIM upon arrival at an official store.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores at airports or city centers
📍 TIM stores at airports or city centers
📍 Online rental with delivery to your hotel or airport pickup
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Public WiFi hotspots are also available in some cities, but speeds can be unreliable. Be cautious when using public WiFi and avoid accessing sensitive information without a VPN.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for reliable and affordable data access. Check the coverage maps of different providers to ensure good coverage in the areas you plan to visit. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Remember to turn off data roaming on your home SIM card to avoid unexpected charges. Using a VPN can improve security on public WiFi networks.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
Three round pins in a row
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Coperto (cover charge) is standard; rounding up is appreciated
Round up to nearest euro
€1–2 per bag
Coperto covers bread/service. Extra tipping is not expected but appreciated.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Italy is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
118
115
112 for European emergency number. Carabinieri: 112
Payments
Cash useful at trattorias and small shops
Accepted at most restaurants and shops
Growing rapidly
Legally, all businesses must accept cards. Still carry some cash for gelaterias and market stalls.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and some attractions may have limited hours.
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