And weve got Italy itineraries you can do by train, or a mix of train and guided tours, for travelers that do not want to drive in Italy. most of them have pools)! Choose from 35 trips with 260 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days. This 10-day Italy itinerary is perfect for returning visitors looking to explore a beautiful part of the country in greater depth. Grab a pizza and hang out on the Piazza del Campo, the fan shaped public square where everyone comes to enjoy the city. Spend time enjoying your Tuscan Villa. Lesser-known attractions worth your time include the Theatre of Marcellus, with its interesting mix of ancient and medieval architecture. Time: 2.5 hoursCost: $44- Adults $22- Children. Book Your Flights and CarFind a cheap flight by usingSkyscanner. On Day 7, get an early start and visit Lago di Scanno, a serene mountain lake. Wander around the historic center, with its many porticos (which form kilometers upon kilometers of shaded walkways) and red-washed buildings, which earn it one of its three nicknames,La Rossa (the Red One). Cinque Terre, translated, means Five Lands, and is the area consisting of five villages:Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. On day 6, head to the Eastern Dolomites, where youll base yourself in Cortina di Ampezzo. Its perfect for travelers who want to take a deep dive into northern Italian culture, cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Hi there. Enjoy! And indulge in delicious food! This is a great area to take a scenic drive or rent bikes to enjoy more views. I have read all your i fo and LOVE it. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for a 10 day St. Moritz vacation. Now lets get back to the perfect Italy travel itinerary, which will take you to as many of the best places to visit in Italy as possible during your 10 days in the country. Make sure to do a day trip to Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, exploring the historic Castello district with its narrow streets, ancient walls and impressive views of the city and sea. You will find in-depth information on cities and towns, natural areas, and cultural and historic landmarks. Time: 40 minutesCost: $8- Adults $4- Children. Find and compare all 81 St. Moritz tours, cruises, and packages from 14 companies. My kids love Rome, and not just for the gelato. Of course, this includes the most famous of Venices many bridges, the elegant Ponte di Rialto. join my Italy Travel Group on Facebook for more helpful tips! In this museum, you can see the famous naturally mummified tzi iceman, who was accidentally discovered in 1991 in the Alps. These are the beaches of the Conero Regional Park, which feature tiny white pebbles and a turquoise sea. Finish the day with unparalleled views of the city and the dramatic sunset from the perfect spot at Piazzale Michelangelo. The fast ferry takes 50 minutes to Capri from Drive yourself if you have a rental car, or take a guided tour. Choose to stay in one of them, but visit them both. You can purchase your skip-the-line tickets to all of the attractions in the Vatican here. From Bari, head to Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is an ideal destination for a 10-day Italy itinerary. One day in Verona is perfect for enjoying the major sights and the citys charming ambience. Sorrento is charming in its own right but you can also take day trips from Sorrento to the island of Capri or to Pompeii for an unforgettable guided tour of this excavated ancient Roman city. Its capital city is Rome, and Milan is the largest city. San Gimignano is a beautiful and well-kept walled city in Tuscany. Hi! Our travel articles are currently focused on the USA, Canada, and Europe. Given that Venice, Florence, and Rome are the most popular destinations in Italy, we suggest visiting at the outer fringes of the shoulder seasons early spring or late fall for lower crowds and prices. Next, visit the city of Meran, where the late empress of Austria loved to relax. Exploring Tuscany is one of the most classic Italian experiences you can have. On day 5, drive to the Vinschgau Valley, which is about an hour and a half away. Dhara's travel interests are eclectic, spanning everything from natural wonders to history, culture, art and architecture. Spend some time admiring its intricate buildings before heading out to explore nearby beaches. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. A short vaporetto (canal boat) ride gets you there. This trip is going to be a whirlwind road trip of the highlights of Italy. From there you can take a water taxi or water bus to anywhere in the city. Monterosso has a beautiful white sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas. Visit Ortigia Island, home to many historic landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo and Fonte Aretusa. We are there for 10 days. If driving around Italy doesnt appeal to you or work with your plans, you can safely rely on public transportation. After all, you cant leave Italy without a visit to the Eternal City. If you are a first-time visitor, here are essential tips for preparing for your trip to Italy for 7 days (or more). Youre going to love it! With all the gondolas lining the waterfront, St. Marks Campanile is begging to be climbed for the views, which include St. Marks Basilica and the architectural magnificence of the Doges Palace. The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More Last Updated: January 3, 2023 From the stunning scenery of Lake Como and the The road is winding, with hairpin bends, but the views are epic. Its one of my favorite places ever! My boyfriend and I will be in Italy for 12 days at the end of December and beginning of January. Your email address will not be published. Time: 4 hoursCost: $36- Adults $18- Children. The valley is known for the iconic bell tower in the waters of Lake Resia, and the medieval town of Glurns. A Dolomites trip is a wonderful way to spend 10 days in Italy. If youre not looking for the classic Northern Italy itinerary or youre a returning visitor to the north of Italy, then this 10-day Italy itinerary split between the regions of Veneto and Emilia Romagna is definitely one to consider. As a wise man once said, If you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel. So dont leave home without it. You wont want to leave at the end of it, but thats always the hardest part of travel, isnt it? The high season is July and August. Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day France and Italy tour with TourRadar. Enjoy the Baroque architecture of Lecce: the Baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces. The best time to visit Italy is generally the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. In the evening, wander the historic center or take a food and walking tour. On arrival, head for the ancient village of Santo Stefano in Sessania. Rent a boat and cruise the lake yourself and visit the famous town of Bellagio. Theres still much more of Florence for you to explore, so youre in for another full day of sightseeing around this wondrous city. Visit the Basilica di San Petronio, the largest church in Bologna, and the Two Towers, the symbol of the city. Spend a day and a half exploring museums, walking along the Ponte Vecchio, and eating gelato in this renowned city of culture. I recommend you spend your time boating around the lake and checking out all the magnificent houses, wandering the streets of Bellagio, and renting a scooter to explore. Time:Naples to Sicily: 5 HoursCost: $40/person (ferry). Sardinia offers so much for travelers to enjoy and explore, from ancient ruins and caves to stunning beaches and plenty of natural beauty. I am more concern about the weather than anything else. While some of our 10-day Italy itineraries are perfect for travelers looking to sample different destinations on that first magical trip to Italy, others are suitable for visitors seeking a more in-depth experience of a region or a smaller area, perhaps on a returning visit. xo Vanessa. Explore its historic center and visit the Dancing Satyr statue at the Museo del Satiro. Book in advance for an unforgettable dining experience. You can learn more information about traveling to Italy on my Italy Website, I Heart Italy. Try the local carbs including the focaccia and the orecchiette (little ears) pasta. Sleep in or near Santo Stefano in Sessania. Be sure to read all the information here, and once you pick which itinerary works best for you, do all the research you can! In terms of location, style, facilities, and price, the best places to stay in Italy depend largely on your preferences, but here are the main tips and options to get you started. Spend 5 days on this beautiful Italian island that is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. On the far side of Romes center, youll encounter the expansive Piazza del Popolo and the ancient Egyptian obelisk that stands proudly at its center. That sounds like an amazing trip. I find it usually gives you a unique local experience in any destination. Be sure to spend some time in the ocean during your time in Cinque Terre. There are storage lockers in the Pisa Train station. Sometimes the local hidden gems can be your favorite part of your trip to Italy! For those that prefer to drive, we have several Italy itineraries that are perfect for road trips. Thanks. If you think youll only be in Italy once in your life, this is the itinerary for you. Everywhere on this list is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in Tuscany. Thanks! Walk or bike the medieval walls, wander the cobblestone streets, and take in the sights. Hi Rohan, While you wait in line for St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums, take time to appreciate the grand spectacle of St. Peters Square. This is my recommended 10 day Italy itinerary for people who want to stay in a relatively contained area yet still be able to see many famous places and a variety of We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This itinerary will walk you through what to do in Italy in 10 days, from the cosmopolitan city of Milan in the north, over to the floating city of Venice, down to beautiful Florence, and finally to Rome before you say arrivederci. The journey takes you across almost half of Italy, showing you four wildly different major cities and then some. Spend the rest of your time strolling the city center, where you can admire more of Palladios work. I think its one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Relax and soak in the rejuvenating hot thermal waters in Bormio. Youll also be in the right place for shopping or bar hopping. Be sure not to miss the imposing Duomo of Milan and The Last Supper if you are interested in art history. Dont miss the charming Church of St. Magdalena. By now, youve probably noticed the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute resting along the Grand Canal in the university district of Dorsoduro. Did you find this article informative? Hike the short trail through the forest around the lake! How long should you plan for your trip around Italy? End your trip with a beach day at Stintino or La Pelosa. Where to go in Italy you ask? Its many historic monuments, charming neighborhoods, and delicious food and drink make for an unforgettable visit. Be sure to cruise the lake to take in the stunning scenery! A full 10 days in Italy gives you enough time to visit several cities in the country and have some in-depth experiences without feeling too rushed. Enjoy the surfeit of art in the churches and museums and climb to the top of the dome at the Florence Cathedral. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and admire the many other fountains. Begin with the impressive central square of Piazza del Duomo and the prominent Gothic Milan Cathedral at its center. Stroll the Plaza del Anfiteatro, and visit the gorgeous Chiesa di San Michele in Foro. In the morning, drive to Campo Imperatore, a high plateau in the breathtaking Gran Sasso National Park. If you need any help planning feel free to email me at [emailprotected] Despite how large it is, Italy isnt a difficult country to navigate. Erin, Hi Erin, Preparing for Italy 7 day itinerary: Travel Tips. I share everything I use to save me time and money. It covers the most important sites and major cities in Italy that most visitors will want to see on their first trip to Italy. While eating gelato and sipping Aperol spritz under the Tuscan summer sun might sound like perfection, that dream scenario doesnt account for the crowds and overpriced, limited accommodations not to mention the never-ending lines. Day 3: Drive to Monterey + Cannery Row. Start your morning with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Salute. The Colosseum/Roman Forum and Capitoline Museums, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican Museums and St. Peters Basilica are prime highlights. You can buy your skip-the-line tickets to the Duomo here. Experienced hikers can summit the Corno Grande, Gran Sassos famous 2,900+ meter peak. The train runs consistently between 5am and 12:30am and the actual station is situated at the lowest level of the airport at level 02. Travelers will enjoy the stunning villages around the lake, and taking a boat tour to enjoy the spectacular scenery from the water. In my opinion, traveling by train is the best way to travel around Italy and see the country. From there, I recommend either taking the bus system along the coast, hiring a driver, or renting a car. Climb to the top of the Campanile for views over the city. This itinerary is great for those visiting Italy for the first time, who think they may never have the opportunity to return again. Enjoy a panino at Allantico Vinaio and Michelin star dining with a view of the Arno River at Borgo San Jacopo. Begin your four days in Rome with a tour of Ancient Rome: the mighty Colosseum, the historic Forum, and Palatine Hill. Dont forget a visit inside Palazzo Vecchio to see its incredible ceiling fresco. Late spring and early fall offer great weather and lower crowds. Known for its crystal clear waters, Lake Garda is a beautiful destination for relaxation and fun. Return to Rome by late afternoon. Most affordable flights to Italy will take you to Rome. The same goes for the Galleria dellAccademia. Be sure to take advantage of the Vaporetto (public water transportation) and visit the islands of Murano and Burano! Tours and tickets MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE! On day 7, wake up bright and early to take in the beauty ofLago di Braies at sunrise! Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport and fly out of Naples-Capodichino International Airport. In the afternoon, visit the Borghese Gallery, or take in some of the lovely art in the churches of Rome. Learn more tips for finding the best flight deals here.For cars, I like to use Rental Cars because they have good filters and its easy to search for multiple companies. Wander the labyrinth of streets and canals that make up much of Venices interior, allowing yourself to get lost, before stumbling through to St. Marks Square. Spend the day exploring the citys historic centre, including the Torre di Ligny and the Santuario dellAnnunziata. Not only is Italy the birthplace of so many things, but it is also home to breathtaking natural beauty, from the lakes and mountains in the north to the gorgeous stretches of coastline on either side of the country. Stay in Ortisei, centrally located for exploring the region. In Bologna, you can climb the city towers: Asinelli and Garisenda, stroll Piazza Maggiore, and walk its stunning porticoes. I suggest that you take the train to Varenna where you can catch a ferry to Bellagio or Menaggio, Lake Comos major towns. For this Tuscany Itinerary, I highly recommend picking a home base in one place and taking day trips from there. The best times to visit are spring, summer, and fall. Try these 5 itineraries! On the following day, take a day trip to Lake Garda. Get lost in Venice, walking to the outlying districts to experience the city outside of the touristic core. Make the most of your stay in pretty pastel-stacked Positano with its pebbly beach by walking its many staircases. This is the best Italy itinerary for someone who wants a really classic experience. Is there storage facility at the train station? Rome is the most popular destination in Italy, and no wonder! Its super low key and not very touristy! Since all of these places will be extremely crowded in the peak of summer, plan your visit for the fringes of the ferry season. After youve had a relaxing day on the Amalfi Coast, its time to head to another classic city in Italy: Florence! There are a lot of steps! And there you have it the ultimate Italy itinerary. Required fields are marked *. Each Italy trip itinerary has been tried and tested by myself and I can highly recommend any of them. Its also worth going for a stroll along the top of the medieval walls of Castelvecchio and crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra. Days 2 4: GoldenPass and Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. All things considered, the shoulder season remains the best time to visit. Thatll give me time to do a day trip to Capri right? I recommend picking one and spending a few hours at the beach. Visit the Basilica di San Marco, where you can view the world-famous gold mosaics. From here, venture up into the gardens of Villa Borghese and experience the art in the Borghese Gallery. There are plenty more major landmarks and popular sights on the cards for day two in Rome. It features plenty of historic landmarks, mainly the long-standing Ponte Fabricio and the medieval Fatebenefratelli Hospital, which took over the site from a temple for the Roman god of healing. A historic university town in Veneto, Padua has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the lovely University of Padua Botanical Garden, and the stunning Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto. | I Heart Italy, Take the ferry at least once so you can see Cinque Terre from the water, Your first day in Rome is a great day to take a guided tour of the city so that you can get a lay of the land and check the main sites off. San Gimignano is a little hill town famous for its many medieval towers and picturesque alleys. Start day 1 by heading to Val Gardena and the Western Dolomites, which you can easily access from Venice. This will take you to the heart of Venice. Overview of 10 Days in Italy Itinerary . Welcome to one of my favorite places on earth. This combined tour is an efficient choice! Trying to do what I think she would enjoy we are not big scheduled tour types After lunch, proceed to Lecce, the final stop on your Puglia road trip itinerary. Youll have the opportunity to see celebrated artwork and architecture. Days 7 8: Glacier Express and St Moritz, Switzerland. Venice is home to many iconic sights such as St. Marks Square, St. Marks Basilica, Doges Palace, and Rialto Bridge. Then there are the shorter days, cold weather, and (in Venices case) higher chance of flooding. Rome is one of the top cities to visit in Europe, with history everywhere around you. Spectacular Matera is located in the neighboring Basilicata region. It is truly beautiful. Learn how your comment data is processed. Heres what I recommend for a ten day road trip from Milan to Rome: Day 1: Explore Milan; Day 2: Pick up car, stop in Parma, At this point, youve really only touched on the attractions in one part of Venices main borough. You can also drive the pass if youd rather not bike. Italy is my favorite country, I just cant get enough of it! You can purchase your skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill here. Thanks! A car is useful for visiting the Dolomites. You never know what youll find. Some of the best wine anywhere can be found in Sondrio, and a wine tasting should be on the to-do list. After exploring Verona to your liking, head back to Bologna to fly home. Beyond major landmarks, youll see a different side of Milan through its neighborhoods. The Amalfi Coast is a gorgeous stretch of coastline that you could honestly spend weeks in, lazing away on the picturesque beaches and soaking up the sun. Fly in and out of Bari International Airport. Its one of my favorite places to go in Italy to enjoy the beach! Visit the beach at Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages, and enjoy a seafood lunch by the sea. Our family backpacked around Europe, spending an entire month in Italy. Found in a lagoon on Italys eastern coast, Venice is a city where the roads are canals and tourists vastly outnumber locals. Days 5 & 6: Venice Days 7 to 9: The Dolomites Day 10: Back to Milan Do you have more time? Paddle the lake and walk the shore. Keep going on day three with more of Romes seemingly endless attractions. Italy has an incredibly comprehensive network of intercity and regional trains that should make following this Italy itinerary a breeze. Hey Danny! What I love about visiting Tuscany, especially as a family, is that it is laid back and you can usually rent a nice villa with a pool for a good price on VRBO, while being surrounded by enchanting scenery. Spend the rest of your day wandering around Positano. Relax and explore the charming village. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes. Rent a car at the airport and drive to and from the Dolomites. Summer also has fabulous weather for this road trip. But shop around and find the best deal because you can begin this Italy itinerary at any point. This trip is going to Start this road trip in Trapani. Enjoy some last-minute shopping and dining before departing from Sicily. 2 How to Get to Puglia. We heard that the Amalfi Coast shuts down during the winter. Round out the day with iconic works of art, including Michelangelos statue of David at the famous Galleria dellAccademia. Start your trip in Bologna, a city famous for its food, architecture, and history. Tour this fairytale hobbit town and sleep in a charming trullo. Visit in mid to late June, or late September, for relatively good weather and lower crowds elsewhere. Great post with lots of helpful information in Italy travel. If you plan on doing some of the best hikes in the Dolomites, then be sure to visit in either mid or late summer since snow can linger in the area. Drive to Mazara del Vallo, a charming fishing village with a rich history. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is one of the best Italy vacations for really energetic and active travelers. Start off with a walk past the fascinating ruins of Trajans Forum and Trajans Market to reach one of the worlds most famous tourist attractions, the Colosseum. While you can do this itinerary as a road trip, its also one you can easily do by train. Your experience in Italy will vary based on the season of your visit. Another vital consideration is where to stay in Italy. Here, in the 4th century B.C., the Doric Greeks built a temple to Venus, the protector of sailors, on top of a hill. 10 Day North Italy Road Trip Options Modena Add Modena into the itinerary after Bologna : Drive time 40 minutes / Onward travel from Modena to Lake Como If you have time, add a stop in Modena to your itinerary. Of course youll want to pay a quick visit to Juliets Balcony. Climb to the top of the dome for jaw-dropping views, Admire Giottos Campanile, and gawk at the art works in the Opera del Duomo Museum. When planning your trip to Italy, think about what is most important to you.