10 Days Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice
This 10-day Italian adventure takes you through the iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Experience the best of Italian history, art, and culture while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1000-2000 total estimate
Best Time
April-June, September-October
Activities
37
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Italy (2d), Florence (3d), Venice (5d)
Pace
Moderate
Italy offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and culture, combined with delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes. Explore ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and charming canals, all while indulging in authentic Italian flavors.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Sites
Day 1: Colosseum Visit
Art Museums
Day 2: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Religious Landmarks
Day 2: St. Peter's Basilica
Iconic Bridges
Day 4: Ponte Vecchio
Local Cuisine
Day 1: Lunch near the Forum
Wine Tasting
e.g., Chianti, Barolo
Coffee Culture
Day 1: Lunch near the Forum
Shopping
Day 5: Leather Market Shopping
Scenic Views
Day 6: Tuscan Countryside Tour
Island Hopping
Day 8: Murano & Burano Island Tour
Gondola Ride
Day 8: Gondola Ride (Optional)
Local Markets
Day 5: Leather Market Shopping
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 & Palatine Hill (adjacent).$15
11:00 AM - Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Roman Forum to Monti neighborhood for lunch.$20
1:00 PM - Lunch near the Forum
Enjoy a traditional Roman lunch.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Take the metro or bus from Monti to Piazza del Campidoglio for the Capitoline Museums.
Monti
Central location, close to major attractions, charming atmosphere, and good restaurants.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-June, September-October
The weather is generally sunny and mild, with comfortable temperatures. Rainfall is less frequent compared to other times of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
April-June and September-October are considered shoulder seasons in Italy. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months.
Easter (Pasqua) in April, Liberation Day (April 25th), Labour Day (May 1st) and Republic Day (June 2nd) can affect opening hours and public transport schedules.
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.
- Learn basic Italian phrases.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Take advantage of free walking tours.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Light layers of clothing
- 3Reusable water bottle
- 4Sunscreen and hat
- 5Universal adapter
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 a safe country 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.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) can be very hot and crowded, while winter (November-March) can be cold and rainy, especially in the north.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: