Thinking about spending 10 days in Italy on your next European vacation? Then, what better way to get to know Italy than with a trip combining three of the country’s most magnificent cities, Rome, Florence, and Venice. Each offers its own unique charm, with an extensive history showcasing art, architecture, and delicious cuisine.
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Planning a multi-city “10 days in Italy” trip can be exciting but the time-limited and the unknown can be a bit scary. If this is your first time traveling to Italy then read on because on this blog we present to you our exclusive travel guide and tips on exactly how you can plan and maximize your 10 days in Italy visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice.
To help you to experience only the best and make the most of your time visiting these amazing Italian cities in 10 days, we break down our guide into 3 parts: the trip overview, the trip preparation, and the day-to-day itinerary.
On the trip overview, we give you a quick introduction and some of the highlights of your 10 days in Italy so you get a sense of what to expect. The preparation for the trip will cover what you need for this trip and how to prepare for this trip such as choosing flights, hotels, transportation, and more. In the day-to-day itinerary, we’ll take a closer look at your daily plan which includes all the recommended things you can see and do each day.
Let’s begin…
Part 1: Trip Overview
10 days, 9 nights, this trip is a perfect introduction to Italy! You will be spending 3 nights in each city and transfer between cities by train.
On day 1-4, you will be in Rome, you’ll get to taste the flavors of the city on a guided street food tour with a local guide, plus see iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. Visit the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, explore many amazing Rome’s hidden gems.
The next stop is Florence where you will be spending the next 3 days exploring Florence’s famous sights, sample local wines, and dine on local produce. You’ll have a day to experience a day trip, too. Your choice of Tuscany countryside, Cinque Terre or Pisa.
Your last 3 days will in Venice where you’ll learn more about the city with a tour from a local guide. Wandering the city’s maze of canals and backstreets at leisure. Visit St Mark’s Square, experience the early morning mass at the Basilica, and end your Italian experience with a gondola ride.
Part 2: Trip Preparation
Choosing Flight:
To make the best of your time for this trip, a round trip to and from Rome is not what we’ll recommend here. Instead, we suggest you choose a multi-city flight from your departure city into Rome, and then a return flight out of Venice back to your location.
There are 2 main airports in Rome however the FCO or the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is the one that you will need especially if you are traveling directly from Canada or the US.
Our favorite timing to depart from the US is actually the late afternoon or the evening flights the day before and plan to arrive in Rome in the morning. This way you can maximize your time and have a full day to explore as soon as you arrive on day 1.
As for Venice, you will depart out from VCE or the Venice Marco Polo Airport so ensure you enter the correct airport code when making your flight reservation.
Since Rome is a very popular European destination, you will find plenty of non-stop flights, and prices also vary depending on your departure locations & dates of travel.
If you would like to get the most out of your flight, we actually recommend you look at the one-stop flights as well. Not only you can save big, but this is a great opportunity to take a mini-vacation within your main vacation!
For example, if you are departing from JFK (New York), you might have flight options to stop at cities such as London, Paris, Lisbon, and more, so go ahead and pick your favorite city with the layover time that is more than 6 hours long and get out to enjoy the city. Just make sure you allow enough time to return to the airport to continue your trip to Rome!
Some of our favorite sites to search for multi-city flights are:
These sites are all designed to show multiple route options and to show you the best ways to get to and out of your destinations. For the best result, just ensure you select the “multi-city” option (not round-trip) and enter the correct city or airport code when searching for your flights. The Nomad by Kiwi is at the top of our lists because you can literally add destinations from your bucket list and Nomad will find the best way of visiting them all in one trip for you.
Choosing Airport Transfers:
On this trip, you will need 2 airport transfers, at the beginning of the trip when arriving in Rome and again on your last day leaving to Venice airport. These might sound simple but please pay close attention to the following detail before determine the best option for your trip.
The private transfer from FCO airport directly to Rome hotel can be a good option if you traveling in a small group and each has more than one luggage. The cost is typically between $30-40 per person when arriving during day time.
If you plan to arrive in Rome at night, the cost per person is much higher but the convenience is still well worth it especially if you arrive late at night in the Rome city center and public transportation (train, bus, and metro) is no longer operate. When that happens, you have no choice but to transfer to your hotel on foot with your luggage.
If planning to arrive late, you must also be sure to connect with your hotel prior to your arrival and let them know your arrival time. Many smaller hotels in Europe especially in Italy, do not have a 24-hour front desk which means there will be no one to check you in or even let you in the building if you arrive after their check-in hours.
Some of the best airport transfer sites in Europe are:
Traveling by train is also a very convenient and reasonable option to transfer from FCO airport to Rome. It takes roughly 32 minutes and leaves the airport every half-hour, or every 15 minutes during peak hours. For about 14 Euro, it will bring you right to Roma Termini which is the main train station in Rome city center. Keep in mind however that you will then have to transfer to your hotel from there either by bus, metro, taxi, or by foot depending on where your hotel location.
You can purchase the tickets upon arrival at the FCO (at the ticket booth, or the machine near the station) or purchase them online at any time. The most convenient train (leaving every 15 minutes!) and you can purchase your ticket right online is the Fiumicino Airport: Leonardo Express train. For the cost of just $20, the 32-minute high-speed train will take you to Roma Termini station.
Other train companies such as RailEurope, Trainline, and ItaliaRail are also great options and you can book your tickets at any time or in advance if needed. If you are planning to travel to multiple countries throughout Europe by train, you might want to consider a Eurail pass.
Bus is another option and is a cost-effective way to transfer from the airport. With the price being as low as 6 euros, it will bring you right to the Roma Termini as well. The journey takes slightly over one hour. it’s another great way to get to Rome if you are not too much in rush. But once you arrive at the main station, similar to the train option you will have to do another transfer to your hotel.
Buying bus tickets online is usually cheaper but not recommended. If you get a ticket online you might save one or two euros but you’re forced to use that service even if there’s another bus that offers the same exact service for the same exact destination (Termini) and leaves immediately instead of half an hour later. Just buy a ticket for the bus that leaves sooner directly at the bus stop.
The airport transfer from your hotel to VCE or the Marco Polo Airport in Venice at the end of this trip is completely different from Rome since traveling by train is not an option. Depend on where your hotel location in Venice is, we recommend you take the water bus to Piazzale Roma Piers, and then from there take the Express Bus or ATVO bus to Marco Polo Airport.
The bus cost is only about 8 Euro and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the airport.
Alilaguna airport boat (cost between 8-15 euros) and water taxi (cost about 110 euros or more) are alternative options, but keep in mind that you’ll need to walk from the pier to the terminal when you reach the airport, which can take 10 minutes or so.
You can find more ways to transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport here.
Choosing Hotels:
For this 10 days in Italy trip, you’ll need 3 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Venice.
We recommend narrowing down your hotel choices to the ones that are within 1 mile or less from either the main train station or metro station and close to the city’s important sights. This way you have a convenient way to get around the city and enjoy nearby attractions during your stay. Also, since you will be transferred between cities by train you will have plenty of time to get to the station without worry about arriving late and miss your next train.
There are plenty of amazing hotels located near the metro or main stations in each city. To help you get started, we list some of our favorite hotels in each city below:
Hotels in Rome:
For more hotel options in Rome, see our full list here.
Hotels in Florence:
Other amazing hotels in Florence can be found here.
Hotels in Venice:
Need more hotel options in Venice? See our full list here.
Choosing Transportation Between Cities:
The best way to transfer between these 3 cities is by train.
You will need a one-way standard class train from the Roma Termini Station in Rome to Firenze Santa Maria Novella or Stazione di Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence.
The average train ticket price from Rome to Florence usually costs around $52.53 two weeks before travel but can start from as little as $10.14 when you book in advance. The journey between Rome and Florence is just 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You will need another ticket from this same station in Florence to Venezia Santa Lucia station in Venice.
Train tickets from Florence to Venice start at $10.14 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in Advance, however, if you’re booking last-minute tickets on the day, the average price is around $54.57. Many high-speed trains make the daily journey between Venice and Florence in just 2 hours and 5 minutes.
One another great thing about travel by train is that you get to enjoy the scenery along the way. Plus, Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning, wi-fi, and electrical outlets at your seat so while you are relaxing, you can recharging any devices you might need for your trip.
Our recommended train companies in Europe are RailEurope, Trainline, and ItaliaRail. They are all great options. You can book your tickets at any time or in advance if needed.
Additional Experiences:
In addition to top attractions, there are several experiences we highly recommend to add to your itinerary to make your trip even more memorable.
- Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide – With this tour, you get to taste your way through Rome’s street food scene on this gourmet walking tour. Sample a variety of street foods, such as zucchini flowers, suppli, pastries, and pizza, while taking in the impressive scenery of historic Rome all around you. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Rome and for foodies who want to learn more about Roman cuisine.
- Florence Wine Tasting Experience with Early Dinner – With this, you can escape the crowds with the wine-tasting experience in Florence. In a cozy, family-run bar, learn about Tuscan wines and wine culture as you sip several different types of wine while enjoying a delicious meal.
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Local Guide– This one is recommended because you get to explore the hidden corners of Venice on the walking tour and benefit from local knowledge. Stroll with a small group to the city square of Campo Santa Margherita, see the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari. Then cross the Rialto Bridge and walk past the Marco Polo House to St. Mark’s Square.
Part 3: Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Today, you’ll board your flight from your departure city to Rome, Italy. Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration.
Transfer and check in to your hotel, put your things away then fight the jet lag and head out to explore Rome.
This afternoon, you’ll have time to visit many of the main sites between Palatine Hill and the Spanish Steps. Start off with a visit to visit all the best-known sites of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Capitoline Hill, then make your way to Pantheon.
Trevi Fountain is a must which is coming up on your next stop – be sure to take three coins to throw in the fountain. The first guarantee your return to Rome, the second will ensure a new romance, and the third will ensure marriage.
The last few main sites are the Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish steps, these are definitely worth seeing while you’re in Rome. The staircase with 135 steps is a favorite spot among tourists to sit, relax and enjoy the views of Piazza di Spagna.
If you have a bit more time, we recommend walking down Via del Babuino, you’ll arrive at Piazza del Popolo. In the center of the square is the Flaminio Obelisk, one of the tallest obelisks in Rome, which was housed in the Circus Maximus. To get some of the best views of Rome, climb the steps from Piazza del Popolo to the top of Pincian Hill.
As the night approaches, make your way down to Trastevere by bus or the help of the metro. The former ghetto is chock-full of various restaurants and bars sure with plenty of entertainment afterward.
Day 2
Wake up early today and head for the Vatican. You may want to purchase a walking tour or ‘skip the line’ ticket to avoid the lengthy queues. Explore one of the world’s most extensive and beautiful art collections, in particular, Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’ in the Sistine Chapel. Vatican City is the world’s smallest country, so be sure to head to the post office and send a letter to your loved ones as a reminder of your trip.
Afterward, taste your way through Rome’s street food scene on a gourmet walking tour. You’ll sample a variety of street foods, such as zucchini flowers, suppli, pastries, and pizza, all the while taking in the scenery of historic Rome around you.
Day 3
Spend your final day exploring the Capitoline Museums, three of the oldest in the world, which contain artifacts from the ancient Roman world. In the afternoon, check out some of Rome’s hidden gems such as the Baths of Diocletian, a bathhouse dating back to 300 A.D.
Afterward, take a stroll down the Tiber River. Cross the river then and explore the local neighborhoods and backstreets in and around Piazza Navona and the Campo de Fiori (flower market).
For dinner, there are lots of restaurants in the area and the bars and nightclubs stay crowded until long after midnight.
Day 4
Continue your Italian adventure to Florence today, just one and a half-hour train journey away. Make your way to your hotel, check-in, then head out to explore the city.
We recommend booking a sightseeing tour today so you can see all the iconic sights Florence has to offer and learn more about its history.
If not, take a self-guided tour taking in the Church of Santa Croce, the Piazza Della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery, where you can view the works of Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as the Duomo) is a must. This is not only Florence’s religious center, it’s also the city’s most recognizable attraction. Occupying the Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city, this massive Gothic cathedral was erected during the 14th century on the former site of the Roman church, Santa Reparata. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you find yourself straining your neck to see the church’s massive, iconic dome. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike.
This evening, head to the Oltrarno, (Across the Arno), it is the artisans’ neighborhood, filled with quaint streets and wonderful shops and restaurants. The Oltrarno’s lively tree-filled center, Piazza Santo Spirito, is unique unto itself. Lined with bars and a more bohemian style crowd, this is where you will find the locals.
Day 5
Get up early and head out to see more of Florence’s sights today. Stroll the charming Viale dei Colli to the Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can admire wonderful panoramic views of the city. See Giotto’s bell tower, the famous Porta del Paradiso, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
This evening, escape the crowds and head for an exclusive wine-tasting experience. You’ll taste Tuscan wines and learn about wine culture from sommeliers at a cozy, family-run bar while enjoying a delicious meal.
Day 6
You’ve another day so why not take a day trip to experience more of Tuscany. Our favorite is the trip to the Tuscan hilltowns where you get an authentic feel for the region. other day trip options are Cinque Terre, as well as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
More day trips from Florence can be found here.
This evening, head back to Piazzale Michelangelo for marvelous views of the city at sunset. Grab dinner at a local eatery, then a visit to the museum in Palazzo Vecchio by night is a must to see some of the greatest masterpieces of the world with no crowds. Stop for an aperitivo before heading back to your hotel.
Day 7
Take a short 2-hour train ride to Venice today and make your way to your hotel. After checking in, we recommend you make the most of your included 2-hour sightseeing walking tour of Venice so that you can get to know the city and be ready for a couple more days of exploring!
After your tour, take some time to wander the city’s maze of canals and backstreets at leisure. Don’t worry if you get lost – this is just one of the quirks of the city and you’ll get to see a plethora of hidden gems.
Day 8
Depart your hotel and make for St Mark’s Square to beat the crowds. Head to the Basilica for early morning mass, taking in the glimmering mosaics inside. Visit the Accademia Gallery, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Frari basilica to see a
collection of academic, artistic, and religious artifacts.
No trip to Venice would be complete without a Gondola ride; be sure to hop aboard a gondola and take to the canals of the city, taking in beautiful architecture and history as you go.
Day 9
Explore Venice’s outlying islands today. Perhaps you’ll choose to visit Murano today, a Venice in miniature. Here, you can see the lagoon’s famed glass-blowing workshops and learn more about this fascinating technique. Burano is a quiet fishing village with beautifully-colored houses, while Torcello offers a glimpse of what old Venice would have looked like.
This evening, hop on a Vaporetto to Rialto Bridge, timing your arrival to coincide with sunset. Enjoy a meal at an authentic Italian restaurant, then enjoy a leisurely stroll to Caffe del Doge to mingle with the locals while enjoying post-dinner ice cream and the best coffee in Venice.
Day 10
Enjoy the breakfast at your hotel, or head out early to experience the stunning sunrise and see the peaceful Venice in the morning without tourists. See how the locals get ready for their day and grab a good cup of Italian coffee from the local café.
Enjoy your final walk and head back to check out from your hotel. Allow enough time to transfer to the airport, say farewell (for now) to Italy and catch your flight home.
Video Guide: Italy by Train | How to Spend 10 Days in Rome, Florence, and Venice
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