For most people, ten days of exploring Italy is a dream come true. It is enough time to visit and learn about the most important sites, but also to relax and enjoy the landscape of the main Italian cities. This ten-day itinerary makes perfect use of your time in some of Italy's most beautiful cities, including Rome, Florence, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and optional day trips!
DAY 1
Rome, in my opinion, is the best place to start your tour of Italy! There is an international airport, friendly people, amazing restaurants and, of course, one of the richest histories in the world. After collecting your luggage from the plane, take a taxi to reach your accommodation in the center of Rome for the fixed price of 48 euros. There is also the Leonardo Express train, which takes you directly to Termini Station, in the heart of Rome. Then, just take a taxi to quickly reach your hotel, starting from the train station.
When you only have 10 days in Italy, there is no time to waste! One of my favorite aspects of central Rome is being able to walk to almost all the tourist attractions. It's a really pleasant walk. In one afternoon, you can visit the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and other attractions.
The Pantheon is the first stop on our walking tour of Rome. Usually the queue isn't particularly long and entry is always free! If you are interested in history and want to know more about the Pantheon, I recommend taking advantage of an audio guide. If history isn't your thing, then you can simply relax while admiring its stunning architecture.
The Trevi Fountain can be reached in about fifteen minutes on foot. This area is usually crowded with tourists, but it is still a sight to see in person. Reach the front and throw a coin into the fountain to get lucky! Before visiting Piazza di Spagna, don't forget to take some photos. It is located about ten minutes away from the Trevi Fountain and is home to Rome's high-quality designer shops. You have the opportunity to admire the shop windows of the most luxurious brands in the world. After reaching Piazza di Spagna, it's time to climb to the top. From here you can admire the Roman skyline and the church of Trinità dei Monti, whose entry is free.
After that, I'm sure you'll be eager to take a break! A short walk will take you to Piazza Navona, one of the most famous squares in Rome. Here you can find Bernini's famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, as well as enjoy the show of live artists and people watching . The square is surrounded by restaurants and outdoor seating, making it ideal for an afternoon coffee or drink! Campo de' Fiori is another alternative, with a less touristy square lined with restaurants and bars.
Cross Ponte Sisto and reach the Trastevere district for dinner. On the way, you will see my favorite view of St. Peter's Basilica! This neighborhood of Rome is home to some of the best restaurants with outdoor seating. I recommend you try carbonara, cacio e pepe or amatriciana, which are traditional Roman pasta dishes! If you want to go out in the evening, Trastevere is full of young Italians and has a plethora of bars.
DAY 2
It's time to start your second day in Rome! I recommend starting the day with a nice light pastry, accompanied by an espresso, as is customary in Italy. To be able to visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, avoiding the long lines, the advice I give you is to arrive not too late. You can take taxi, public transport or simply come on foot, depending on the location of your accommodation! The best option is to get skip-the-line passes and a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. A private guide is ideal if you are interested in the history of the Vatican or if you like art. For the average visitor, small group tours are a good option, as are moderately priced group tours. These tours include skip-the-line passes, museum guides, and entry to the Sistine Chapel.
Even if you are not interested in museums or the Sistine Chapel, I would still recommend visiting St. Peter's Basilica. The church is a work of art in itself, the interior is absolutely breathtaking and entry is free. Climbing the dome is also one of the most exciting things to do! For less than ten euros, you can see the splendid mosaics up close and, from the top, admire the skyline of Rome: an unforgettable experience.
By the time you're done exploring the Vatican, you'll definitely be hungry. "Pizza al taglio" is a typical Roman lunch and could be right for you. Different flavors of pizza are chosen and cut into squares. Another food to try in Rome is “ suppli ,” or fried rice balls! Lunch in Rome is typically made up of these elements, together with beer or soft drinks.
After lunch of crunchy pizza, it's time to explore the Borghese Garden. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful garden in Rome. There is lots of green space, exotic flowers, rowboats in the pond and beautiful sculptures and fountains. Starting from Piazza del Popolo is a good starting point. Go up a short flight of stairs to reach the garden, which leads directly to the splendid "Terrazza del Pincio". Be enchanted by the magical skyline of Rome and St. Peter's Basilica.
When you're ready to head out, there are plenty of exits, but you can also take a taxi or bus from inside the park. Afterwards, it's time for a relaxing aperitif (Italian happy hour). For dinner, I recommend visiting the Testaccio neighborhood, known for its home-style Roman cuisine.
DAY 3
There is no time to waste on your last day in Rome! Early in the morning, go to the Colosseum, emblem of the city of Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets for the Colosseum always include entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. I highly recommend taking a guided tour to learn about history in a more engaging way, through stories and fun facts. After a morning full of Roman history, it's time to reach Naples, ranked as the third largest city in Italy.
The fast train to Naples takes one hour and ten minutes. To reach your hotel you can take a taxi or the subway, depending on the location of your accommodation. After checking in, I recommend you make the first stop... Pizza! Naples is known for its famous pizza, an absolute must. For less than ten euros, you can fill up on a huge, incredible pizza.
Naples is a historic city that teems with life. Although it is less touristy than other Italian cities, there is still a lot to see. Most of these places can be visited in an afternoon or evening. Piazza del Plebiscito and Castel Nuovo, both located near the water, are a must see. The view of Vesuvius is breathtaking and can be admired from any point of the city. Stroll along Via Toledo, the main shopping street, and explore the rustic side streets of the Spanish Quarter.
DAY 4
The fourth day is time for an excursion into history! I recommend you take a guided tour of Pompeii and Vesuvius from Naples in a group or small group. You won't have to worry about taking public transportation because transportation is included. Additionally, the tour usually includes entry to Pompeii, a guided tour of the ancient city, lunch, and the ride up to Vesuvius. It can make your day easier and more relaxing!
I think seeing Pompeii in person is something everyone should do. Furthermore, your guide will bring the ancient city to life, through interesting historical facts. Walking through the ancient streets and seeing Vesuvius in the distance can give you a new perspective on what you only learned in school. After a lunch nearby, we will head towards Vesuvius. A bus will take you to the upper quarter of the volcano, where you can climb to the top and see the crater! The climb is accessible to people of all ages and is truly spectacular.
After the hike and bus ride to Naples, it's time to pack your bags and head to the Amalfi Coast! The most popular cities to stay along the Amalfi Coast are Sorrento, Positano and the town of Amalfi. For this itinerary, I will focus on staying in Positano, as it is the most popular destination on the coast! I highly recommend hiring a private driver to take you from Naples to any other point on the Amalfi Coast, because public transport is difficult to access and takes a long time.
After checking in at the hotel, head down to the beach for a sunset dinner overlooking the sea. Positano is a postcard that comes to life and will leave you speechless even just walking through the colorful streets before dinner. Try a seafood pasta and end the meal in style with limoncello! Get some rest before tomorrow's beach day.
DAY 5
Today is a day when you can simply relax in Positano and spend it at your leisure! If you want to relax and tan on the beach, you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas for around twenty or thirty euros. You can also rent kayaks and pedal boats for an hour to explore the area around the beach. My favorite thing to do in Positano is rent a boat for a full day. Professional drivers will take you along the entire coast from Positano to Amalfi. You can stop along the way to dive into the water, swim in the caves or take a cliff jump (for the more daring!). It is suitable for people of all ages and if you want to experience being a driver yourself, you will find that you will enjoy it.
Alternatively, you can use this day to ferry somewhere else along the coast. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the port of Positano or online; However, remember that before leaving you must exchange the online voucher for a paper ticket! You could spend a whole day in Capri or Amalfi. The best way to see Capri is by boat, and tours depart from the port of Marina Grande throughout the day. Relax on the beach, visit the Amalfi Cathedral or go shopping in Amalfi. All ferries will arrive in Positano at sunset, allowing you to spend your last night on the coast having dinner in the picturesque town.
DAY 6
The sixth day will be your last day on the beach! I recommend hiring a private driver to get you back to Naples in time for the train to Florence. However, there is one more stop before the train arrives. Get up early and ask your private driver to take you to the beautiful town of Ravello. The hour-long drive features breathtaking scenery, culminating in the most sensational view of all! You will arrive in the center of Ravello and walk to Villa Cimbrone, where you will find incredible gardens and an endless view of the brilliant blue sea of the Amalfi Coast. Before returning to the car, spend some time exploring the villa and taking memorable photos. I recommend you take a stop along the coast.
The driver will then drop you off at the Napoli Centrale train station. The train journey to Florence takes approximately three and a half hours, which will give you plenty of time to prepare. Florence is completely walkable, with far fewer taxis and public transport. The taxi you take to reach your hotel in Florence will most likely be the only one you will need! Upon arrival, take some time to explore the streets of Florence; the whole city seems like something out of a fairy tale. Tuscan architecture is very different from that of southern Italy. A Tuscan platter paired with local wine is ideal for your first meal in Florence.
DAY 7
In Florence, today is Museum Day! Visitors come from all over the world to see Florence's Renaissance art collections, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. The best way to see both galleries, in my opinion, is to purchase a guided tour of both, which includes skip-the-line passes. The Uffizi Gallery houses the most magnificent collection of Renaissance paintings in Italy. The Academy is best known for Michelangelo's sculpture of David.
If you are not interested in the Uffizi or the Accademia Gallery, there are numerous other museums in Florence. I really like the "trendy" Gucci Garden museum, which also includes a café and a shop. Other historical treasures can be found at the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens , which are also worth a visit. There are so many places to visit in Florence!
DAY 8
Today I recommend you take a break and simply get lost in the maze of streets. While it is possible to cover the entire city of Florence on foot, there are countless shops and local attractions to admire as you explore the city. Here are some squares in Florence not to be missed: Piazza Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo are the three main squares of Florence. The Duomo complex in the center of Florence is one of the most spectacular churches in Italy, in my opinion! You can't miss it because it is located right in the heart of the city.
As you stroll the streets, don't forget to stop at the discount leather markets, upscale leather shops, and fine jewelry stores on the Ponte Vecchio. Before sunset, a short walk to Piazzale Michelangelo is a must. While relaxing on the ancient steps and listening to live music, you can see the entire Florentine skyline. For dinner I recommend a delicious Florentine steak and a plate of traditional Tuscan pasta!
DAY 9
It's your last day in Italy! Florence's central location makes it an ideal starting point for day trips. Tuscan wine tastings and day trips to Cinque Terre are two of my favorite excursions from Florence. Both locations are less than three hours from Florence, so it is possible to spend the whole day there. Florence tour operators are the best option for transportation on day trips, because they take care of all the logistics!
Tuscan wine tours typically last a full day and include several stops in various cities in Tuscany. At each stop, you can take a short tour of the city, take some photos, try some types of wine, eat light snacks and have the chance to purchase special bottles to take home! The best way to experience Tuscany is with wine!
If you prefer a day on the beaches of the Cinque Terre, you will arrive first by bus. Tour guides will take you by train between the five cities. You will have plenty of time to explore the cities, taste the local cuisine and dive into the crystal clear waters. Cinque Terre is known for its colorful fishing villages, so be prepared to take memorable photos!
If you have an early flight the next day and can't dedicate the whole day to a tour, many half-day excursions are also available. I recommend you explore Tuscany on a Vespa or on horseback! Both include tours of the Tuscan hills, a light wine tasting and lunch! A wonderful memory of Italy.
DAY 10
Enjoy the last Italian breakfast with cappuccino and croissant before leaving for Rome/Milan. Trains to Rome take about an hour and a half, while those to Milan take about two and a half hours.
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