Planning a trip to Italy was very difficult for me because I want to see everything Italy has to offer. The focal point of our trip was an 11-night Italy, Greece and Turkey cruise that we were book-ending with time in a few Italian cities. So, when it came time to build the Italy itinerary, I knew two things:
- Rome had to be on the agenda (check out my post Rome in 4 Days: A Fast-Walking Guide for ideas in Rome)
- Our cruise left from Venice, so if any extra stops had to be between Venice and Rome
While I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Italy, I definitely don’t think a 10-day Italy itinerary is enough. And this itinerary had very little time for relaxation… we literally walked holes into our shoes trying to see as much as possible. Even today I wish I added on extra days or made some extra stops along the way, but we decided we would just have to return. I made sure to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure I had all the superstitious help I could get! Here is an overview of my Italy Itinerary (minus our cruise), and a few highlights per city.
My 10-Day Italy Itinerary
Day 1: Travel Day
Our Italy itinerary began with an overnight flight from Toronto to Rome with Alitalia. The total fight time was approximately 8 hours. We arrived in Italy the next day around 1:30 pm local time. This was my husband’s first overnight flight and neither one of us were able to sleep very well on the plane. I’d suggest not planning any big activities the day you arrive to help you get passed the jet-lag. You can easily take the Leonardo Da Vinci express train from the Fiumicino Airport to the Roma Termini.
Days 2 – 4: Rome, Italy
We had two full days in Rome to see as much as we possibly could! It was not a relaxing vacation by any stretch of the imagination. Day 2 of our Italy-Itinerary was our first day in Rome. we explored the Colosseum & Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Barberini. In between these sights, we made stops for gelato, Italian desserts and spent way too much money eating at a restaurant beside the Trevi Fountain. A tourist trap to be sure, however we were starving and it was a lovely little spot to eat.
On day 3 we started our day with gelato – a must do at least once in Italy! Then we headed to Piazza del Popolo, spent the afternoon enjoying the sights at Villa Borghese, and finished off with Teatro dell’Opera. We headed back to our hotel for a pre-dinner nap, and then ate at the charming La Mucca Bischera, my favourite restaurant from our entire trip.
We had 2 full days total in Rome and then we took a morning express train to Venice. Total duration of the train ride was under 3.5 hours. Tip: if you are booking a train from Rome to Venice, make sure you book an express train! Otherwise your journey would waste an entire day.
Days 4 – 5: Venice, Italy
On day 4 in Venice we skipped visiting St. Mark’s Square (a decision I still regret to this day!) and took a water shuttle to visit Murano and Burano islands.
Murano Island
While at Murano Island we went on a tour of a Murano glass factory to see how they make the popular Murano glass creations. It was very interesting to learn about the process, watch a live demonstration and head the interesting history of Murano Island. In the 1290s all of the glassmakers in Venice had to move to this island due to the risk of fires! We were able to walk around for a bit before heading on to the next island.
Burano Island
Easily one of the most colourful places I have ever seen – Burano Island looks like it belongs in a story book. Everywhere you look there are colourful buildings, decorations, boats – you name it! The island is an active fisherman village (with very fresh seafood) and has approximately 3000 people calling it home. In addition to fishing, another industry the island is known for is lace-making. There are many shops that specialize in intricate lace designs, clothing and linen products.
On day 5 (morning in Venice) we mostly wandered around the canals and took photos of the beautiful buildings. We only had half a day before our train left for Florence, so we had a leisurely morning.
We had 1.5 days total in Venice and took an afternoon express train to Florence. I think I could have easily spent an entire week just exploring Venice.
Days 5 – 7 – Florence, Italy
On day 5 (afternoon in Florence), we arrived in the afternoon so had just over half a day to sight-see. We walked all around Florence to see the major attractions and got some stunning sunset photos. Major sights includded the Duomo, Santa Maria Novella Church, the Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery. One this day we walked everywhere and took photos of as much as possible.
For day 6, we booked a full day bus trip to see Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano. Our day began with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where we spent a few hours exploring the area and checking out the tower. Afterward, we boarded the bus and went on a scenic drive to the medieval town of San Gimignano. I wish we spent the entire day there – it was absolutely stunning and felt like you were back in time. We had a few hours here to tour the ancient village and sampled some delicious prosciutto, pecorino and wine at one of the shops. Our tour continued with a 3-course Tuscan lunch and wine-tasting at a winery famous for their chianti. Then we were back on the bus to head to Siena for a guided tour of the city and cathedral. It was a very long day, but extremely worth it to maximize our short time in the area.
Then for day 7, we had the morning to explore the city one last time. We headed back to the Ponte Vecchio and Duomo for last photos and sights and enjoyed some baked goods before catching our train to Rome.
We had 2 full days total and then took an evening express train to Rome.
Days 7 – 9 – Rome, Italy
After arriving in Rome we went straight to our hotel, then got a late dinner before heading to bed. Note: the Termini is a little questionable late at night, I’d try to book future trains during daylight hours.
On day 8 of our trip we saw the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Napoleonic Museum, Vatican City and the Colosseum at night. Definitely visit the Colosseum during the day and evening hours so you can see if in natural light and all lit up in the evening. This day we did over 25,000 steps!
For day 9, our final day in Italy we had a tour booked to see the Vatican. It was a skip-the line tour and absolutely worth the money. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we were able to skip passed the hundreds of people waiting in line to purchase tickets. If you’re going definitely get tickets in advance to avoid wasting precious time. We ended the day souvenir shopping and having a relaxing evening with dinner close to our hotel.
We had 2 full days at the end of our trip in Rome and our flight left the next day.
Day 10: Travel Day: Flight to Toronto
To maximize our last few hours, we decided to take a cab to the airport instead of multiple trains. It was the one and only time I’ve ever been (or will be) in a car in Rome ever again. The driving there is insane – with mopeds, scooters and cars fighting for their spots on the road. I had my eyes closed for most of the car ride, but now have a fun story to tell about Roman drivers.
10-Day Italy Itinerary Summary
So there you have my 10-day Italy Itinerary. This would not be an ideal itinerary for anyone who likes to relax and take their time while traveling. This Italy itinerary would be suited for those who want to maximize their trip, and are prepared to do lots (and lots!) of walking. Do you have tips for a future Italy itinerary? Post them in the comments section below.
