Italy has always topped my bucket list of destinations to travel. I mean, who wouldn’t want to relax with a glass of wine in Tuscany, drop some coins into the Trevi Fountain, or sink your teeth into some freshly made pasta?
When I finally booked my trip to Italy for 10 days, I was excited to get the most out of each minute. This guide is sort of like my love letter to all of the amazing food, history, and secret spots I discovered while getting around.
Whether you’re reading this for the first time or returning to get your fix, here’s how you can explore Italy in 10 days.
Day 1: Arrival in Rome – Ice cream, Squares, and the Colosseum at sunset
I arrived in Rome by noon, exhausted from the flight but too amped to simply crash. The atmosphere here is intense—warm, slightly nuts, and abuzz with ancient tales. I caught a taxi to my hotel near Campo de’ Fiori, dropped off my bags, and splashed some cold water on my face. Then I was out.
First on my agenda? Gelato. I’d heard so much about Giolitti that I simply had to give it a go. The pistachio and dark chocolate mix was so creamy, so thick, and just sweet enough. Following a sugar high and an espresso-fueled caffeine boost, I was a new person.
I walked by the Pantheon and stopped by Piazza Navona and absorbed the street performers, the water features, and that incredible golden glow everywhere. When the sun began to set, I went to the Colosseum to witness it around sunset time.
I didn’t venture in that evening; I simply plopped down on a stone ledge and observed as it got all illuminated, fantasizing about all the things that occurred there.
Key things on Day 1
- Arrival and check-in near Campo de’ Fiori.
- First ever gelato from famous Giolitti.
- Visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
- Sunset views of the Colosseum
- Dinner in Trastevere—carbonara and a spritz are a must!
Day 2: Ancient Rome and Vatican – Two Worlds within One Day
I woke up feeling groggy with jet lag before the sun was rising, and I grabbed my cappuccinos and cornetto and rushed to the Colosseum before it was even open. I hopped on this awesome little guided tour that also showed us the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and it brought the ruins to life. I enjoyed learning about how the emperors lived and how the Romans would hang out in the Forum, like their own personal Twitter.
That day, I crossed the Tiber and walked into another world entirely—Vatican City. I’d pre-booked these skip-the-line tickets (totally do it if you can, trust me!) and spent hours wandering about the Vatican Museums, taking in the Raphael Rooms, and finally reaching the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s ceiling? Mind-bending to behold from close by.
Then I visited St. Peter’s Basilica, which was ridiculous in comparison. I climbed all the way to the dome (all 551 steps, yikes!) and enjoyed this fantastic 360-degree view of Rome.
Key things on Day 2
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Visiting the Vatican Museums and viewing the Sistine Chapel.
- Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Cacio e Pepe at Roscioli
- Evening stroll and aperitivo in Trastevere
Day 3: Rome to Florence – Culture, Arno, and Cucina Tosca
I rode the Frecciarossa train to Florence early in the morning—man, it’s incredibly clean, speedy, and such a great way to see the countryside. I arrived by late morning and slept in this cute B&B that’s within walking distance of the Duomo. You can really sense the atmosphere shift here—Florence is much smaller, more intimate, and simply teeming with artistic energy.
I zoomed on over to the Uffizi Gallery, and oh man, it was like walking into a time capsule of artistic history. Botticelli’s Birth of Venus absolutely overwhelmed me—it’s ethereal, mystical, and just simply lovely. I spent two or three hours there, and walked down along the Arno River and crossed the Ponte Vecchio, browsing some cute jewelry stores and getting into the atmosphere.
Dinner was really relaxed: ribollita, this incredible Tuscan bread and vegetable stew, and a glass of Chianti from the area. It was like receiving a big hug in a bowl and feeling cozy and comforting.
Key things on Day 3
- Quick train from Rome to Florence.
- Visit to the Uffizi Gallery (Botticelli, Da Vinci, Caravaggio)
- Walk along the Arno River and cross the Ponte Vecchio.
- Dinner was some traditional Tuscan ribollita.
- Breathtaking vistas of Florence in the evening!
Day 4: Florence – David, Market Eats, and Sunset Views
I woke up very early to see Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia—and boy, was it another world. The size, the sensations, the details. it’s absolutely a masterpiece, not merely some art school fluff. Then I walked over to Mercato Centrale to eat some brunch. I ate this rich burrata, truffle sandwiches, and some freshly prepared cannoli and I was like “Mamma mia” in earnest.
I was walking around in the Oltrarno district, where you can still see artists in these small workshops. I bought this really awesome hand-stitched leather passport cover from this nice elderly fellow who’s been crafting them for decades. We finished off the day by going to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Sitting back and taking in the view and having a scoop of gelato was one of those things you want to put in a jar and keep forever.
Key things on Day 4
- Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to view David!
- Food adventure at Mercato Centrale!
- Visiting the trendy Oltrarno district.
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
- Local leather shopping and actual souvenirs!
Day 5: Road trip to Tuscany – Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti Wine
Today was genuinely like living in a postcard, not even kidding. I took this guided tour of Tuscany, and we started the day off in Siena. The striped marble cathedral and the cobbled Piazza del Campo—everything was so pretty and absolutely had that medieval feel.
We drove down to San Gimignano along the hills with all those famous towers. It’s one of those places where time does seem to relax. I wandered around the small, winding streets and enjoyed some Vernaccia wine and maybe the best gelato ever from Gelateria Dondoli.
And now the pièce de résistance. We got this fantastic lunch and Chianti tasting from this family-owned Chianti winery. We were treated to freshly prepared pappardelle, aged pecorino, prosciutto, and loads of Chianti Classico. I left slightly inebriated, greatly stuffed, and exceedingly content.
Key things on Day 5
- A day trip in the Tuscan countryside.
- Exploring medieval objects in Siena and San Gimignano.
- Gelato from the world-renowned Gelateria Dondoli
- Wine tasting and lunch at a Chianti vineyard
- Rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyard views
Day 6: Florence to Venice – Canals, Churches, and Cicchetti
Venice was this wild legend to me. So when I emerged from Santa Lucia station and saw the Grand Canal glittering in the sunlight, it was completely surreal. I stayed at this adorable boutique guest house in Cannaregio, which is a relaxed area that is less touristy and more local.
Venice is definitely a city you can just walk around. I threw away the map and explored all these alleys, tiny footbridges, and relaxed piazzas. Afterwards, I did this cicchetti crawl—it’s bar-hopping, Venetian-style, with bites like baccalà mantecato, fried zucchini flowers, and baby octopus salad. I finished it all off with some ombra (that’s small glasses of local wine).
Key things on Day 6
- The train journey from Florence to Venice.
- Swing by a Cannaregio guesthouse.
- Wandering the canals and backstreets
- Traditional cicchetti crawl and wine tasting
- Late-night walk along the Grand Canal
Day 7: Venice – Gondola Rides, Murano Glass, and Burano Colors
I absolutely went on a morning gondola ride, and I’m really pleased that I did. Drifting along those relaxed back canals, under those shaded bridges, and looking at the historic buildings was like a dream. My gondolier was singing softly in Italian and sharing the local places with such pride.
After that, I boarded a vaporetto to Murano, where I watched a live glass-blowing demonstration. It’s hot, fast-paced, and oddly mesmerizing. I bought a hand-blown glass pendant as a keepsake.
I checked out Burano, and dude, the houses there are covered in these wild, bright colors. It was like walking through a fairytale. I got gnocchi al nero di seppia (gnocchi in squid ink) for lunch, and it was just really rich, smooth, and completely unforgettable.
Key things on Day 7
- Gondola ride along Venice’s peaceful canals
- Vaporetto day trip to Murano and Burano
- Glass-blowing demonstration and artisan shopping
- Lunch with seafood gnocchi in Burano.
- So many pictures in those vibrant streets!
Day 8: Venice to Bologna – The Secret Foodie’s Paradise
I left Venice super early and arrived in Bologna more than an hour later. Bologna, which locals refer to as La Grassa (“The Fat One”) in a very casual manner, is just a foodie’s heaven. Immediately, I noticed the porticoes—those fancy covered walkways that provide the city with this relaxed and chill atmosphere.
I joined a walking food tour, where we tried everything from tortellini in brodo to tagliatelle al ragù. Important: don’t call it Bolognese here—it’s ragù, and it’s sacred. Bologna felt more lived-in and less crowded than other cities, with a student energy that made it feel young and vibrant.
Key things on Day 8
- The Venice to Bologna train ride.
- Exploration of portico-lined streets
- Food tour featuring ragù, tortellini, and mortadella
- Visiting local markets and specialty food stores.
- Evening aperitivo in Piazza Maggiore
Day 9: Bologna to Milan – Fashion, Time to Unwind, and the Duomo
My train trip was to Milan, everyone’s idea of this finance and fashion hotbed. Milan immediately strikes me as very new and refined, but with loads of history simmering below the surface. I started out in the Duomo, which is fantastic. I mean, you have to see the rooftop walkway—it provides excellent views and places you amid those funky spires.
I walked along Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that swanky shopping area in Milan, and went to Brera, that hip neighborhood teeming with art galleries and chic residents. I dined with the Milanese, with a traditional aperitivo in the Navigli district, where the bars serve up drinks with a whole buffet of snacks. Aperol spritz and lots of snacks? Genius.
Key things on Day 9
- Visiting Milan’s Duomo and the roof!
- Take a walk through Galleria Vittorio Eman.
- Chill afternoon in the Brera art district.
- Aperitivo experience in the Navigli canals
- Excellent locations and fantastic stores
Day 10: Arrivederci, espresso and au revoir, Italy!
I spent my last morning with my best Italian ritual: hanging out with a coffee and pastry in this adorable little cafe. I spent time in Brera, sipping espresso and observing the scene. People were out walking dogs, talking on their phones in that special Italian way, and simply having fun.
I had my final walk around, got some souvenir copies, and took some additional photos before leaving for the airport. I was completely stuffed—not only in my belly, but in my heart and soul, too! Italy provided me with this amazing blending of history, beauty, and taste. And ten days is only the beginning!
Key things on Day 10
- Last breakfast in Milan’s Brera district.
- Souvenir shopping and slow sightseeing
- Reflecting on that 10-day tour of Italy.
- Getting to Milan’s international airport is easy.
- The bittersweet farewell to a magical trip
Tips for Your 10-Day Italian Itinerary
1. Trains are completely your friends
Italy’s high-speed trains are very fast, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Buy your tickets in advance to get better rates.
2. Don’t overpack your schedule
Leave time to wander and be spontaneous—you’ll stumble upon the best stuff that way.
3. Learn some Italian phrases
Even saying “Buongiorno” or “Grazie” can make quite the impression on the locals.
4. Prioritize the food, okay?
Steer clear of the tourist traps and go where the locals go. And really, always say yes to dessert!
5. Travel light
You’ll be moving around a lot—rolling a big suitcase over cobblestones is no joke.
Final impressions: Would I do it again?
No question! My 10-day Italian adventure was genuinely one of the best, tastiest, and most unforgettable to date. Every city was different and special in its own right, and if you put them all together, they form this fantastic, vibrant portrait of a place that knows how to live life to the fullest.
If you are considering planning your own personal 10-day trip to Italy, I hope this itinerary suffices to get you started. No matter where you travel, you are going to eat some great food, see some incredible things, and fall in love with it all!
Buon viaggio!