10 Days in Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Amalfi Coast

This itinerary is your essential Roman, Florentine, and Venetian sampler, stripped of the usual first-timer's panic. We're prioritizing the absolute must-sees with enough breathing room to actually enjoy them, rather than rushing through a checklist. It's built for efficiency with high-speed trains connecting the big three, allowing you to unpack once in each major hub and dive deep, rather than wasting precious hours on constant hotel changes. You'll get a real taste of Italy's grandest cities without feeling perpetually rushed.

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Italy, couples, or families with older teens who want a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to the country's most iconic cities. It suits those who appreciate art, history, and good food, and are comfortable with walking 5-8 miles a day. Skip this if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, hate crowds, or prefer slow travel in one region. This is a classic hit list, not a deep dive into a single locale.

The sweet spot for this route is late April to early June or September to October. You'll dodge the brutal summer heat and crowds of July/August, and skip the chill of winter. Late Spring offers comfortable temperatures for walking Rome's ancient sites and Florence's art-filled streets, while early Autumn brings pleasant weather to Venice. Avoid August entirely – it's hot, packed, and many locals are on holiday, meaning some smaller shops/restaurants might be closed.

• Comfortable walking shoes (broken-in sneakers or sturdy flats)
• A small cross-body bag or money belt for security in crowded areas
• Lightweight scarf or shawl for effortlessly covering shoulders/knees in churches
• Portable power bank for phone (heavy map and photo use)
• A versatile jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings, particularly in Venice
• Swimsuit (if your hotel has a pool, or for any unexpected detours)
• Adapter for European outlets (Type F or L)

Base: Rome

Morning. Arrive at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and take the Leonardo Express train (€14, 32 min) directly to Roma Termini. Check into your hotel near Termini, Repubblica, or Monti. Spend the late morning acclimatizing and grab a simple Roman pizza slice at a 'pizza al taglio' spot for lunch near your hotel.

Afternoon. Head straight to the Colosseum (book timed entry 3-4 weeks in advance via CoopCulture, €16). Aim for a mid-afternoon slot, allowing two hours. Afterwards, walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (same ticket) as the sun softens, imagining life in ancient Rome. Don't underestimate the sheer scale.

Evening. Dinner in the Monti neighborhood, just a short walk from the Colosseum/Forum. It's packed with charming, less-touristy trattorias. Try 'Pasta alle Vongole' (clams) or 'Cacio e Pepe'. Finish with a gelato from Fatamorgana, known for unusual flavors. Sleep near Termini/Repubblica.

🛏 Sleep: Termini/Repubblica area — excellent transport links, though a bit utilitarian. Book a hotel north of the station for a slightly quieter experience.

🚆 Transport: Walking day, no transport beyond airport transfer.

💡 Tip: Purchase a quality, small, soft-sided daypack for your essentials; it's easier to maneuver through crowds and store under train seats than a large backpack.

Base: Rome

Morning. Get an early start to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Pre-book an official Vatican tour with skip-the-line access for 8:00 AM (around €50-75). This is the only way to beat the worst of the crowds and see the Sistine Chapel before it's completely shoulder-to-shoulder.

Afternoon. After the museums, spend time in St. Peter's Basilica (free entry, but security line can be long; consider a guided tour that includes it). Afterwards, cross the Tiber and head to the Pantheon (free entry, expect a short line). Marvel at its incredible dome and oculus. Lunch in the area around the Pantheon, perhaps a panino from a local deli.

Evening. Dinner in the charming, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood of Trastevere. It's a bit of a walk or a short bus ride from the historic center. Wander the cobbled streets and pick a lively trattoria; Da Enzo al 29 is famous but often has a long wait, so aim for something slightly off the main drag. Sleep near Termini/Repubblica.

🛏 Sleep: Termini/Repubblica area — for its convenience to early morning train departures tomorrow.

🚆 Transport: Walking day, no transport.

💡 Tip: Dress code for the Vatican: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Have a scarf handy if you plan to wear shorts or a tank top.

Base: Florence

Morning. Enjoy one last Roman breakfast with a maritozzo. Then, head to Roma Termini for your high-speed Frecciarossa train to Florence Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Book 2nd class tickets 3-4 weeks in advance via Trenitalia.com for around €25-40. The journey is about 1.5 hours.

Afternoon. Arrive in Florence, check into your hotel (aim for the Oltrarno or near SMN). Grab a quick lunch, perhaps a lampredotto sandwich if you're feeling adventurous (a Florentine street food specialty made from beef tripe). Spend the afternoon at the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David (book timed entry online, €16-20, 3-4 weeks out). It's more awe-inspiring in person.

Evening. Cross the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno district for dinner. This side of the Arno offers more authentic, less touristy dining experiences. Seek out a trattoria specializing in Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) — remember, it's served rare and by weight. Finish with a walk along the Arno. Sleep in Florence.

🛏 Sleep: Oltrarno or Duomo area — Oltrarno for more genuine Florentine charm, Duomo area for proximity to main sights but can be pricier/busier.

🚆 Transport: High-speed train: Roma Termini to Firenze SMN (Trenitalia Frecciarossa, ~1.5 hours).

💡 Tip: Validate your regional train tickets (those not for high-speed routes) in the green/white machines on the platform before boarding, or risk a hefty fine. High-speed tickets don't need validation.

Base: Florence

Morning. Climb Giotto's Bell Tower for panoramic views of Florence AND the Duomo (book combined ticket online for Brunelleschi's Dome / Giotto's Bell Tower / Baptistery / Museum. Climb slots for the Dome sell out MONTHS in advance, so prioritize the Bell Tower if late to book). Aim for an 8:30 AM slot.

Afternoon. After the climb, spend your afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery. Book timed tickets 3-4 weeks in advance (€20-25) for a 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM slot, allowing 3 hours. Focus on key rooms with major works like Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and Leonardo da Vinci's 'Annunciation.' For lunch, grab a focaccia or pizza slice near Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, a local market.

Evening. Enjoy an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink with snacks) at a bar along the Arno, then have dinner in the Santa Croce neighborhood. It combines historic ambiance with good restaurant choices, from traditional trattorias to more contemporary options. Sleep in Florence.

🛏 Sleep: Oltrarno or Duomo area — depending on your preference for charm vs. central location.

🚆 Transport: Walking day, no transport.

💡 Tip: For the best view and less claustrophobia, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower instead of Brunelleschi’s Dome. You get to photograph the Duomo itself! Plus, it's often easier to secure a climbing slot without booking months in advance.

Base: Florence

Morning. Start with a visit to the Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo Market). Explore the ground floor for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses where locals shop. Head upstairs to the food hall for a vast array of prepared foods, from pasta and pizza to tripe, and enjoy a vibrant second breakfast or early lunch.

Afternoon. Join a small-group cooking class focused on Tuscan cuisine, perhaps pasta making or a market-to-table experience (book via local operators, €80-150). Alternatively, explore the artisan workshops in the Oltrarno, particularly around Via de' Serragli, for leather goods, jewelry, and paper goods. Consider a visit to the Pitti Palace if art hasn't exhausted you yet.

Evening. Dinner in the Santo Spirito neighborhood for a truly local vibe. Look for smaller, unpretentious trattorias with handwritten menus. This is the place for simple, honest Florentine food without the tourist markup. Seek out Peposo, a rich beef stew. Sleep in Florence.

🛏 Sleep: Oltrarno or Duomo area — your preferred Florentine base.

🚆 Transport: Walking day, no transport.

💡 Tip: Always order the 'house wine' (vino della casa) in trattorias. It's almost always a local, drinkable, and incredibly inexpensive option, often served by the carafe.

Base: Venice

Morning. Enjoy your final Florentine cappuccino. Take a high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train from Florence SMN to Venezia Santa Lucia, the main station in Venice. Book 2nd class tickets 3-4 weeks in advance for around €30-50. The journey is about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Afternoon. Arrive in Venice, a unique experience as you step out of the train station directly onto the Grand Canal. Walk or take a Vaporetto (water bus, Line 1 or 2, €7.50 for a single ride) to your hotel in San Polo, Dorsoduro, or Cannaregio. Check in and spend the afternoon getting lost in the labyrinthine streets and bridges. No agenda, just wander. Grab a cicchetti lunch (Venetian small plates) at a bacaro (wine bar).

Evening. Dinner in the Cannaregio district. It offers a strong local atmosphere, particularly along the Fondamenta della Misericordia, with numerous osterias serving fresh seafood and Venetian specialties. Try 'sarde in saor' (sweet and sour sardines). Finish with a gondola ride (official rate €80 for 25-30 min before 7 PM, negotiable for shared rides). Sleep in Venice.

🛏 Sleep: San Polo/Dorsoduro/Cannaregio — these areas offer a more authentic, less touristy experience than San Marco and are still well-connected.

🚆 Transport: High-speed train: Firenze SMN to Venezia Santa Lucia (Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo, ~2 hours 15 minutes).

💡 Tip: Do not attempt to roll large, heavy luggage over Venice's many bridges and steps. Pack lighter or expect to pay for a porter. A 30-40L backpack is ideal.

Base: Venice

Morning. Start early at St. Mark's Square. Head straight for St. Mark's Basilica (free entry, but book a timed entry online for €3 to save considerable time; otherwise, queues can be 60+ minutes at peak). Dress code strictly enforced. Afterward, visit Doge's Palace (book online €25, allows entry to the Bridge of Sighs). Aim for opening time or shortly after.

Afternoon. Lunch near the Rialto Bridge, but ideally a few streets back from the main tourist drag to find better value and quality. Explore the Rialto Market (fish and produce, best in the morning but still interesting). In the afternoon, take a Vaporetto down the Grand Canal (Line 1 is slower but offers better views, Line 2 is faster) to appreciate the palazzi.

Evening. Dinner in Castello, east of St. Mark's. This residential area offers a quiet escape and excellent, authentic Venetian cuisine at more reasonable prices than the San Marco area. Look for 'risotto al nero di seppia' (squid ink risotto). Enjoy a final evening stroll through the illuminated calli (narrow streets). Sleep in Venice.

🛏 Sleep: San Polo/Dorsoduro/Cannaregio — your Venetian haven.

🚆 Transport: Walking and Vaporetto day, no inter-city transport.

💡 Tip: To avoid paying €7.50 for every Vaporetto ride, consider buying a 24, 48, or 72-hour Vaporetto pass if you plan to use it more than twice a day. A 24-hour pass is €25.

Base: Venice

Morning. Take a Vaporetto excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano. Start with Murano (Line 12 or 4.1 from Fondamente Nove) to see the glassblowing demonstrations (many are free to watch, but expect pressure to buy). Then proceed to colorful Burano (another Vaporetto from Murano Faro), famous for its brightly painted houses and lace-making. Allow 4-5 hours for the round trip and island exploration.

Afternoon. Return to Venice for a late lunch. Explore the Cannaregio or Castello district's quieter backstreets. Visit a squero (gondola workshop) like Squero di San Trovaso in Dorsoduro for a glimpse into traditional boat building. Immerse yourself in the residential side of Venice, away from the main tourist flows.

Evening. Enjoy a 'cicchetti crawl' (tasting small plates and wine) through the bacari of the Dorsoduro district, particularly around Campo Santa Margherita. It's a lively, local way to dine. This will be a lighter, more social dinner. Sleep in Venice.

🛏 Sleep: San Polo/Dorsoduro/Cannaregio — for a last night of authentic Venetian atmosphere.

🚆 Transport: Vaporetto day for island hopping.

💡 Tip: On Murano, avoid the aggressive touts near the Vaporetto stops. Wander further into the island for more authentic, smaller glass factories and workshops, often with fewer crowds and less pressure.

Base: Rome

Morning. Enjoy a final Venetian breakfast with a view. Take a high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train from Venezia Santa Lucia back to Roma Termini. Book 2nd class tickets 3-4 weeks in advance for around €40-70. The journey is about 3 hours 45 minutes.

Afternoon. Arrive in Rome and check into a hotel near the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, or Campo de' Fiori areas for your final night – a more central and charming location than your initial Termini stay. Spend the afternoon revisiting a favorite Roman spot or discovering something new, like the Borghese Gallery (needs booking weeks in advance, €15-20) if you're an art lover, or simply enjoying the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Evening. For your farewell dinner, choose a restaurant in Campo de' Fiori or Piazza Navona. These areas come alive at night and offer a wide range of dining experiences, from historic pizzerias to elegant trattorias. Splurge on a memorable meal and reflect on your Italian journey. Enjoy a final gelato. Sleep in Rome.

🛏 Sleep: Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de' Fiori — for a centrally located, vibrant last night in Rome.

🚆 Transport: High-speed train: Venezia Santa Lucia to Roma Termini (Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo, ~3 hours 45 minutes).

💡 Tip: For your last night in Rome, consider splurging on a hotel in the historic center. It removes the need for transport to dinner and allows for lovely evening strolls to iconic spots.

Base: Rome

Morning. Enjoy a final Italian breakfast with a strong espresso. Depending on your flight time, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping around your hotel or a final walk through a charming piazza. Allow ample time to get to Fiumicino (FCO) for your departure. The Leonardo Express takes 32 minutes from Termini, or a taxi/private transfer from the center is a fixed rate of €50.

Afternoon. Depart from Rome Fiumicino (FCO). Aim to be at the airport 3 hours before an international flight.

Evening. N/A

🛏 Sleep: N/A

🚆 Transport: Leonardo Express train (€14) or taxi/private transfer (€50 fixed rate) to Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

💡 Tip: Save 1-2 hours on your departure day for last-minute souvenir shopping near your hotel. Small, edible gifts like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or local pasta make great take-homes.

• Book ALL high-speed train tickets for Rome-Florence-Venice legs 3-4 weeks in advance via Trenitalia or Italo websites to secure 'Super Economy' fares, which can be 50-70% cheaper than last-minute fares. These are non-refundable and non-changeable.
• Purchase skip-the-line timed entry tickets IN ADVANCE for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Accademia, and Uffizi Gallery. Failure to do so means wasting 1-3 hours in lines at each site, especially during peak season.
• Never order a cappuccino after 11 AM in Italy; it's considered a breakfast drink. Opt for an espresso or macchiato, or risk being identified as a tourist (politely, of course).
• Learn a few basic Italian phrases like 'Buongiorno' (good morning), 'Grazie' (thank you), 'Scusi' (excuse me), and 'Il conto, per favore' (the bill, please). Most Italians appreciate the effort.
• When in Rome, utilize the ubiquitous public drinking fountains (nasoni) for free, cold water refills. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money.
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas (Colosseum, Vatican, St. Mark's Square) and on public transport. Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
• At Italian cafes, it's usually cheaper to drink your coffee standing at the bar (al banco) than to sit at a table (al tavolo), particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
• Tipping is not obligatory in Italy like in North America. A small gratuity of a few Euros for excellent service in a restaurant is appreciated, but not expected percentage-wise. Check if 'servizio' (service charge) is already included.
• For a truly local culinary experience, look for 'trattorias' or 'osterias' a few streets away from major attractions. They often offer better quality and value than tourist traps directly on squares.
• Always carry some small Euro notes and coins (€1, €2, €5) for incidentals like public restrooms, small purchases, or tipping street performers. Many smaller establishments prefer cash.