With mountainous scenery, charming little towns and hamlets, and medieval churches and castles, this 10-day Italy itinerary is ideal for returning visitors wanting to get off the beaten path. I think 2 days in each location is sufficient. Welcome to one of my favorite places on earth. In the northern lakes, dolomites, Sardinia, and Tuscany are all great places to drive in Italy. She has visited 22 countries, many more than once, plus almost all 50 states of the USA, and has amassed a hoard of cherished travel moments. Take the fast train from Rome to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance and the birthplace of gelato. Yes, its popular, but its worth spending at least a few days here. Be sure to tour the palace, then dart around the side to see the tragically named Bridge of Sighs. 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. Be sure to spend some time in the ocean during your time in Cinque Terre. And indulge in delicious food! Distinctive fishing platforms called trabucchi dot the coast: many are restaurants serving ultra-fresh seafood. Its an easy train ride from city center to city center. Have you thought of visiting Puglia or hopping a flight to Sardinia or Sicily for something a little different? Florence is a beautiful city that is home to much of Italys Renaissance art. I always tell people that once you drive in Italy you can drive anywhere! I am so tempted to visit all of them but I will be on a cruise this time. Choose to stay in one of them, but visit them both. Day 6: Drive to Los Angeles. Id cut out Lake Como and Venice and head to Sardinia instead. I think its one of the best cities to visit in Italy. Depending on which side of the island you decide to spend most of your time on (remember, its huge) either one of these could work for you. Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary. It was one of mybest trips to Italy and its what I picture parts of Italy must have looked 100 years ago! The Swiss Bernina Express train starts in Tirano: the town is right at the border of Switzerland. If you want to stay in a hotel, useBooking, as it consistently gives the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Hi Angie! Sardinia and Sicily are the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and are both worth visiting. They are all equally stunning, and whichever one you choose will be amazing. This 10 day itinerary in Italy is perfect if the Amalfi Coast and its wonderful nature and towns are on your wishlist. The best time to visit Sardinia is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. Heres my guide to the perfect 10 day road trip in Italy. This popular Italy road trip route takes you from the exciting city Milan in northern Italy to southern capital of Rome. Its only a 6 hour drive from Milan to Rome. On your first day, climb to the top of the dome of the Florence Cathedral for expansive views. We are flying into Rome so we will spend some time there, we also plan on going down to the Amalfi coast. On day 1, spend the morning at the massive Duomo complex. Tuscany itinerary overview Day 1: Lucca Day 2: Volterra, San Gimignano Day 3: Monteriggioni, Chianti, Siena Day 4: Siena Day 5: Crete Senesi, Montalcino, San Quirico dOrcia Days 6-7: Val DOrcia Day 8: Montepulciano, Cortona Day 9: Valtiberina (Monterchi, Anghiari, Sansepolcro) Day 10: Arezzo and back home Day 1: Lucca Spring, from mid April on, and fall are wonderful times to do this itinerary. Fly into Bologna International Airport and fly out of Pisa International Airport. The weather will vary greatly in March depending on what area youre going to. This Italy itinerary allows you to spend a few days in each location, so you can get to know each city a little better. Once youve decided to spend 10 days in Italy, its time to get planning your trip! In case you have more time or take a second visit, here are some other Italian destinations wed happily recommend. We are a group of multi-generation travellers (incl 1 72 yo and 1 4 yo kid). No matter what time of year you go, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes. 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. Here, in the 4th century B.C., the Doric Greeks built a temple to Venus, the protector of sailors, on top of a hill. Try these 5 itineraries! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 2 How to Get to Puglia. Lake Iseo, known as Lago dIseo is a little-known lake between Garda and Como that is a hidden gem in Italy. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The best time to visit Italy is generally the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. This combined tour is an efficient choice! One of the more popular 10-day Italy itineraries, this trip allows for a good amount of time in each of Rome and Florence, followed by a slower-paced few days on the Amalfi Coast. Whatever the destination, youll have your best trips when you carefully plan the time to go. On day 3, tour the monuments of Ancient Rome in the morning. You can fly into Ancona Airport, where you can pick up a rental car, and out from Bari or Foggia Airport. 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. Or you can pick another destination from the many day trips from Venice you can take! Feel free to email me if youd like help with a customized itinerary. Abruzzo is wonderful for nature lovers,landscape photographers, hikers, history buffs, and foodies. Time: 2.5 hoursCost: $44- Adults $22- Children. You have two great options for exploring Lake Como. Its super low key and not very touristy! Hi We are family of 4 which includes boys age of 5 and 10. The Ravenna Mosaics: How To See 6 UNESCO Monuments in One Day! We suggest stops at Castelnuovo Berardenga for its lovely landscape, two castle wineries for tastings: Castello di Brolio and Meleto Castle, and the pretty little town of Radda in Chianti. Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Lucca, stopping in Pisa on your way there. I use them both all the time. Day 1: Travel Day + San Francisco sight seeing. Not only is this beautiful mountainous region underrated, its actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a great place for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, and just taking in the scenic beauty. How would you break up the 10 days for Rome, Amalfi (Positano & Capri), Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Venice? Its many historic monuments, charming neighborhoods, and delicious food and drink make for an unforgettable visit. However, before we get to our Italy itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. Read my complete guide to Cinque Terre to help you decide which town to stay in. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for a 10 day St. Moritz vacation. On day 3, art aficionados have several more choices right in the city, but if you prefer to dip your toes into Tuscany, spend one day in Siena, or drive the Val dOrcia, or explore the Chianti region. End your road trip in Catania with visits to landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo and Ursino Castle. Although theres a small risk of acqua alta in Venice and temperatures can be cold in all three cities, winter can be relaxing, without the throngs of tourists. Or even better, a Vespa! Time: 1 hourCost: $11- Adults $5- Children. From Ancona, driving south along the coast you will encounter some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Today you can choose a day trip from Verona: beautiful Lake Garda, or historic Vicenza, with its Palladian architecture. Also plan on seeing Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper and walk the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with its glass roof and upscale shops. Take a gondola ride and a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal. The Pearl of the Adriatic may be aging, but she can still cast a spell! When to go: Shoulder Season (April-May or September-October) Pin it for later reference! Great weather, but not too crazy busy! I give my recommendation for each itinerary below. Rent a bike and ride around the ancient walls of the city. We are there for 10 days. Travel Resources WebDay 1: Rome Start your trip in the capital city of Rome. One day in Verona is perfect for enjoying the major sights and the citys charming ambience. In this museum, you can see the famous naturally mummified tzi iceman, who was accidentally discovered in 1991 in the Alps. Santa Lucia will take you directly to the archipelago of Venice while Mestre takes you to the industrial part of Venice. Enjoy the surfeit of art in the churches and museums and climb to the top of the dome at the Florence Cathedral. Today at that site is the Cathedral of St. Cyriac, a Byzantine Romanesque style cathedral with panoramic harbor views. Visit an art museum: the Gallerie dellAccademia di Venezia for pre 19th century masterpieces, or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for 20th century art (buy tickets). On day 10, return to Venice to complete your trip! Later in the day you can also visit Lago di Dobbiaco. WebRomantic Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice by Train - 10 Days. Take in sunset from the San Miniato al Monte. In the afternoon, visit the Borghese Gallery, or take in some of the lovely art in the churches of Rome. Be sure to grab a few gelatos during your time in Lucca as these were some of my favorite gelato shops in Italy. In the afternoon, stroll the iconic Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River, and take in more art at the Pitti Palace. On a more practical note, the earlier you arrive, the easier it is to find parking at this Instagram-popular spot. Remarkably, this massive Roman stadium where gladiators once fought and died still stands today. Of course, this includes the most famous of Venices many bridges, the elegant Ponte di Rialto. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. Some of the best wine anywhere can be found in Sondrio, and a wine tasting should be on the to-do list. But Polignano a Mare is cozier and more romantic than Monopoli. A short drive through East Tyrol follows before you cross into Italy. Visit the medieval Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (12th century) and the Swabian Castle (11th century). A Dolomites trip is a wonderful way to spend 10 days in Italy. xo Vanessa, Just purchased your 10 day itinerary and love it! Your trip to Italy cost will be very different than the next person. The best time to take this road trip is summer, from June to August, to fully enjoy the many beaches and the crystal clear sea. WebDay 2: Florence. By now, youve probably noticed the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute resting along the Grand Canal in the university district of Dorsoduro. Then theres Circus Maximus, where thousands would cheer on chariots as they raced around the still-visible track. When you first arrive in Rome, jetlag will probably get the best of you. It is incredible to wander down a street and suddenly come upon an ancient structure or statue! Great question! From Bari, head to Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. Find and compare all 81 St. Moritz tours, cruises, and packages from 14 companies. Renting a house in Tuscany would also be lovely. You really cant go wrong by choosing any of these. Make your way to Syracuse, a city rich in history and culture. xo Vanessa. Now youre on your way to Lake Como! Italy always has tourists, of course, but the crowds at most destinations and attractions should be manageable throughout the shoulder seasons as well. Read. Looking for itinerary ideas for a 10 day trip to Italy!This is a college gift for my daughter a girls trip for she and I! Walk around the picturesque streets of the old city before enjoying some traditional Sicilian cuisine at one of its many restaurants. I recommend picking one and spending a few hours at the beach. And there you have it the ultimate Italy itinerary. Here is some more train info that might be helpful: https://iheartitaly.co/train-italy/, Pingback: To najlepie z Talianska, o mete vidie | MoodBooster, Pingback: The Best Places to Visit in Italy | I Heart Italy, Pingback: How to Find the Best Gelato in Italy! On arrival, head for the ancient village of Santo Stefano in Sessania. Round out the day with iconic works of art, including Michelangelos statue of David at the famous Galleria dellAccademia. Visit the Uffizi Gallery and see some of the worlds most famous art pieces, such as Travel to the northwest part of Sardinia to explore the charming town of Alghero, famed for its narrow streets, old walls, Catalan influence and stunning sea views. Its hard to believe that this fortress was originally an ancient Roman mausoleum. You can learn more information about traveling to Italy on my Italy Website, I Heart Italy. The unique bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta, is also nearby. The capital of Puglia is Bari, but the most famous city is Lecce, nicknamed Florence of the South.. She wants to see beaches/coast/tropic as l for a few Sicily is a great place to have a car so that you can really see the island. Head back to Milan after your wonderful 10 days on the lakes of Italy. Dont miss gelato from Vivoli and La Carraia! You can start your Italy itinerary anywhere you wish, but I always recommend starting in Rome. Keep going on day three with more of Romes seemingly endless attractions. The great thing about this itinerary is that youll also be able to see Milan, so youll get a taste of a large Italian city while also enjoying the countryside and beach time. Whichever itinerary you choose for your trip to Italy will be wonderful. This is my favorite way to search for flights because they crawl websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know youre getting the best deal. Milans Duomo complex should be at the top of your itinerary for the city. xo Here youll see works from such masters as Caravaggio and Rubens. Youll need to budget for your 10 days in Italy. A natural wonder you absolutely must see is the San Felice Arch, which crosses the sea at the height of San Felice Beach. Despite how large it is, Italy isnt a difficult country to navigate. In my opinion, traveling by train is the best way to travel around Italy and see the country. Try the tria e ciceri dish, have sangria lecesse, cafe lecesse with almond milk, and sweet pasticiotto lecesse pastry. Apulians prefer the beaches of Monopoli. Where to go in Italy you ask? Both cities have lots of art and architecture to admire as well. On your second day, take a boat tour to see the villages from the sea and visit the colorful houses and churches of Manarola. Afterwards, explore Trastevere and take a food tour. Tour Noto, another beautiful Baroque town. After all, you cant leave Italy without a visit to the Eternal City. We have several wonderful 10-day Italy itineraries from which to choose! Arrive early, because theres a lot to see and do in Florence! Itineraries and trips from 14 experts. 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. Though regional trains may be cheaper, Le Frecce trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel through the country. Suggested by Annalisa of Travel Connect Experience. Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano are must-stops, as is the Vitaleta Chapel in San Quirico dOrcia. In the afternoon, visit the Galleria Borghese, a gem of an art museum. A short vaporetto (canal boat) ride gets you there. We havent gotten to the outer parts of Venices center, let alone any of the other 100 or so islands that make up the city. Milan is one of the countrys largest cities and probably the most modern destination on this trip, featuring a dense mix of historic landmarks amidst a bustling metropolis. Visit Modena to sample delicious balsamic vinegar (way different than youll find anywhere else!) It has two peninsulas (the Salento Peninsula and the Gargano Peninsula) and coasts on the two seas (the Adriatic and Ionian Seas). Love it! Travel Inspiration Days 5 & 6: Venice Days 7 to 9: The Dolomites Day 10: Back to Milan Do you have more time? If its cheaper to fly round trip out of Rome, I would just take the train from Milan to Rome. I love these sandals for warmer months and these boots for colder months. Take a walk along the Arno river. We are not really sure what to do. 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. WebSep 23, 2021 - Wondering how to spend 10 days in Italy? For this Northern Italy itinerary, I highly recommend flying into Milan and renting a car. San Gimignano is a little hill town famous for its many medieval towers and picturesque alleys. 4 My Puglia Road Trip Itinerary: Day by Day. Italy has everything! You can walk the shore as well. On Day 7, get an early start and visit Lago di Scanno, a serene mountain lake. 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. Visit independently, or book a guided tour. Or you can take the cable car. You can have so many incredible experiences by traveling through Italy in 10 days. Hands down I would choose Cinque Terre! Sondrio is known for its historical buildings, such as the Guicciardi Palace and the Castello Masegra. On your first day of this 10 day Italy itienrary, you will fly into Milan. Be sure to read this guide to driving in Italy. We love Italy and have spent time living there and also being tourists there many times! From Zrich Airport ( where you will fly into ), there is a train that will take you downtown. The most interesting structure in the city is the Mole Vanvitelliana, an 18th-century pentagonal fortress that was once a lazaret (a quarantine area) and today hosts cultural events. Paddle the lake and walk the shore. Your journey begins in Rome with a day-long excursion to the fabled ruins of Pompeii. You can fly to Sardinia, or you can take the ferry from Livorno to Olbia, or take the ferry from Sicily to Cagliari. Located in the soccer ball of Italy, just off the toe of the infamous boot, Sicily is the largest Meddeteranian island and worth spending a few days on. The best times to visit are spring, summer, and fall. 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. Another sight not to miss is the Pantheon, an ancient temple-turned-church with a window to the heavens at its center. Make your way to Ragusa, known for its Baroque architecture. If youre traveling Italy on a budget, I highly recommend using VRBOs over hotels. Planned well, Romes most famous highlights can be explored in a whirlwind day, or you can spread them out over two days. 10 Days in Europe Itinerary London & Paris Copenhagen, Stockholm & Oslo Taste of Italy Amsterdam, Brussels & Paris Barcelona & the French Riviera Northern Norway & the Lofoten Islands Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Central Europe: Budapest, Vienna & Prague Northern Italy & Switzerland Best of Greece Our Suggestions based on Travel Style & Flying into Naples and driving 4.5 hours down the coast can be beautiful and gives you the option of stopping in the Amalfi coast if you have time. On day 2, see some of the worlds most famous art at the Uffizi Galleries and admire Michelangelos David at the Accademia. Then there are the shorter days, cold weather, and (in Venices case) higher chance of flooding. On day 4, drive or take the train to Ravenna, in the neighboring region of Emilia-Romagna. Winter in Italy also has its trade-offs. On day five, visit the Lago di Carezza, one of the most beautiful lakes in South Tyrol. A road trip of the Italian Adriatic coast allows you to discover quaint cities, villages, and beautiful landscapes, away from the main tourist routes in Italy. or Parma, for its delicious parmigiano reggiano and prosciutto di Parma. Enjoy some last-minute shopping and dining before departing from Sicily. Walk through the city center and visit the Florence Cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio. Theres a reason why so many places try to claim they have their own Venice the original is absurdly spectacular. Amalfi does sort of shut down, but its also great to see it without hordes of tourists. Spend day 2 in Vatican City. Looking to take a deep delve into the unmatchable art and architecture of Italy? Everywhere on this list is an easy drive or train ride from anywhere in Tuscany. you really cant go wrong! Packing for Italy can be tricky depending on the time of year youre visiting. However, driving in Italian cities can be a challenge and parking even more so. Venice is home to many iconic sights such as St. Marks Square, St. Marks Basilica, Doges Palace, and Rialto Bridge. The spectacular Gargano Coast is characterized by limestone rocks that stand out against the blue color of the sea. Also tour the Capitoline Museums and walk the Campidoglio. For more details, refer to our disclosure. Another vital consideration is where to stay in Italy. Take the train from Milan to the romantic city of Verona, the setting for Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet and one of the prettiest places to visit in Northern Italy. You never know what youll find. You also wont face the extreme price hikes that happen during the high season. Time: 40 minutesCost: $8- Adults $4- Children. Italy Itinerary. 1 4 days: Rome, Florence. 2 6 days, add: Venice. 3 8 days: Cinque Terre. 4 10 days, add: Siena. 5 13 days, add: Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast. 6 16 days, add: Milan, Lake Como (Varenna) 7 19 days, add: Padua, Volterra, Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio. 8 21 days, add: Dolomites, or slow down. See this list of the best places to see in Italy, Italy Itinerary 10 Days #2: Classic Italy, How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas. After visiting Italy 5 separate times, I have found it best to focus on one region of the country at a time if possible. Fly out of Alghero-Fertilia Airport, where your itinerary ends. The valley is beautiful in every season, even when the hills are bare after the harvest. On day 5, drive to the Vinschgau Valley, which is about an hour and a half away. When it starts to get too busy or hot, go back to the hotel and take a nap! The best base for exploring the region is Sirolo, a picturesque medieval village overlooking the sea. Its one of my favorite places ever! Traveling around Italy by train can sound a little scary if you dont know what youre doing. Start the day with a visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie, the church where you can see the original Leonardo da Vinci painting of The Last Supper one of the most famous and oft-replicated art scenes in history. Take a day to explore your own little Tuscan town. Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day France and Italy tour with TourRadar. This is perfect if you want to do an Italy road trip through Tuscany. Still, it is a classic stop on any Puglia road trip itinerary. Youre spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips, but weve covered some of the best and most popular options. It would take more than three days to experience everything there is to see and do in Rome, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt try! Fly in and out of Bari International Airport. Discover the beauty, history, culture, and wonder with the perfect Italy itinerary. Its open 8 am - 1 pm Monday to Sunday and 3.30 pm to 7 pm Monday to Saturday. Be sure to buy tickets to Venice Santa Lucia and NOT Mestre! Dont forget to climb Giottos Campanile (or the Dome) for stunning panoramic views. Suggested by Maddalena ofVenice Travel Tips. The country is so large, it can be overwhelming. Just off the square, you can walk through the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade for some window shopping.