Italy in 10 days
Italy is a country people return to again and again. Rome with its 2,800-year history, Renaissance Florence, Tuscan rolling hills, Venice's canals and Milan's fashion scene — all of this is achievable in 10 days without feeling rushed. This route runs south to north, perfect for fly-in Rome, fly-out Milan.
The best 10-day Italy itinerary is Rome (3 days), Florence (2 days), Tuscany (1 day), Venice (2 days) and Milan (1 day) with a free return day. Budget from $800 to $2000 per person excluding flights.
💰 10-Day Budget (Excluding Flights)
Expense | Budget | Comfort | Notes |
Accommodation (10 nights) | $250–400 | $600–1200 | Hostel vs 3★ hotel |
Food (10 days) | $150–250 | $300–500 | $15–25 vs $30–50 per day |
Train travel | $80–120 | $150–250 | Trenitalia, Italo |
Museums & attractions | $80–120 | $150–250 | Vatican $20, Uffizi $25 |
Miscellaneous | $50–80 | $100–150 | Souvenirs, unexpected costs |
TOTAL excl. flights | $610–970 | $1300–2350 |
💡 Flights from major European cities to Rome and back from Milan: $80–250. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best prices.
🗓 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–3 — Rome
🌅 Day 1: Colosseum and Roman Forum (book online — skip the 2–3 hour queue). Evening — Trevi Fountain and gelato.
☀️ Day 2: Vatican — St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums (book at least a week ahead!). Piazza Navona.
🌙 Day 3: Pantheon (free in the morning), Trastevere neighbourhood — the best for evening atmosphere and dinner.
Days 4–5 — Florence
🌅 Day 4: Train Rome–Florence (1.5 hrs, $25–50). Uffizi Gallery — Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael.
☀️ Day 5: Brunelleschi's Dome (queue but views are worth it), Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio bridge.
🌙 Evening: Piazzale Michelangelo hill — the best sunset over Florence.
Day 6 — Tuscany
🌅 Morning: Rent a car ($40–60/day) or book a tour from Florence into the Tuscan countryside.
☀️ Afternoon: Cypress-lined roads, Chianti vineyards, hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Siena.
🌙 Evening: Wine tasting at a vineyard (€15–25 with food pairing).
Days 7–8 — Venice
🌅 Day 7: Train to Venice (2 hrs). St Mark's Square, Doge's Palace. Best time — early morning before 9am.
☀️ Day 8: Islands of Murano (glassblowers) and Burano (colourful houses). Gondola ride ($80 for 30 min — share with others).
🌙 Evening: Venice at night without the crowds — the most magical time.
Day 9 — Milan
🌅 Morning: Train Venice–Milan (2.5 hrs). Milan Cathedral Duomo and rooftop ($15 by lift).
☀️ Afternoon: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Leonardo's The Last Supper (book a month ahead!).
🌙 Evening: Aperitivo — Milanese tradition: pay $8–12 for a drink and get a free buffet included.
Day 10 — Departure from Milan
🌅 Morning: Navigli canal district — flea market on Sundays, great for browsing.
☀️ Afternoon: Malpensa or Linate airport. Buy panettone and amaretti biscuits for the journey home.
🏨 Where to Stay
City | Budget Option | Price/night | Comfort Option | Price/night |
Rome | The Yellow Hostel | $30–45 | Hotel Nazionale | $120–180 |
Florence | Hostel Archi Rossi | $25–40 | Helvetia & Bristol | $150–220 |
Venice | Generator Venice | $35–55 | Hotel Al Codega | $130–200 |
Milan | Ostello Bello Grande | $30–45 | Hotel Berna | $100–160 |
💡 Essential Tips
Book the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and The Last Supper 1–2 weeks ahead — without pre-booking, queues are 2–4 hours
Use the Trenitalia app to buy train tickets — cheaper online and no queuing at the station
Drinking fountains (nasoni) in Rome — free, safe and delicious tap water throughout the city
A restaurant near a landmark charges 30–50% more. Walk 2–3 streets away for local prices
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy but $1–2 for good service is appreciated
Florence and Rome in summer reach +38–42°C. Best months: April–May and September–October
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans or Australians need a visa for Italy?
No. US, UK, Australian and Canadian citizens can visit Italy (and the entire Schengen zone) visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.
How much does a week in Italy cost?
Excluding flights: $600–1000 in budget mode (hostels, pizza and pasta, cheap trains). Comfortable: $1300–2000. Most expensive cities are Venice and Rome, most affordable is Florence.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
April–May and September–October — ideal: warm (+20–25°C), less crowded than summer, lower prices. July–August is peak tourist season: maximum heat and prices. December is magical in Rome and Florence with Christmas markets.
What is the best way to travel between Italian cities?
Trains are the most convenient way to travel between cities. Trenitalia and Italo connect Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan from $15 if booked in advance. Flying is rarely worth it for these distances. Buses are cheaper but much slower.