Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world – and for good reason. From awe-inspiring historical landmarks and world-class museums to breathtaking coastlines and incredible cuisine, Italy is a country that truly has it all. 

If you’re visiting Italy for the first time, planning your route can feel overwhelming. With so many incredible places to see, it’s all too easy to get swept up in endless “must‑see” lists and jam-packed itineraries encouraging you to cover half the country in one trip – a fast-track route to exhaustion. 

I’ve put together something a little different – a realistic, enjoyable 10‑day itinerary for Italy, shaped by my own travels and personal experience. I am a shameless Italophile – I’ve lived there, revisit often, and my husband’s family are also Italian, so I’ve managed to wormed my way into an Italian family too! Over the years, I’ve gained a good insight on how to travel around the country, which I’d like to share with you to make the most of your first visit.

This itinerary isn’t about ticking boxes in a mad rush – it’s about experiencing Italy properly, without feeling like you need a holiday afterwards to recover. Across ten days, you’ll discover iconic cities, gorgeous landscapes, fun cultural experiences and Italy’s world-renowned culinary scene. Expect to leave with a few extra pounds thanks to all the delicious meals you’ll enjoy along the way!

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How This 10-Day Italy Itinerary Is Organised (And Why It Actually Works)

This Italian adventure centres on three bases: Rome, Bologna and Naples. There’s plenty to see and do in each city and the surrounding area, and together they form what I call the holy trinity of Italian cuisine.

You’ll notice that this isn’t the classic route of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre. You will find these picture-perfect cities listed on many itineraries, but I personally think it’s too much for just 10 days when taking into account travelling and changing accommodation. Yes, Italy is a relatively small country, but there are some long distances between destinations, even with Italy’s high speed train network.

I’ll be honest: three bases in ten days is still a bit ambitious. Rome deserves at least a week on its own! But let’s be real, if you are coming to Italy you want to see as much as possible, especially if you’re coming from far away. I’ve taken that into account with this itinerary, but also made sure it’s not so full that you get burnt out.

There’s an Italian phrase “dolce far niente” which means “the sweetness of doing nothing”, and I really try to remember it when I’m in bella Italia. There’s something so satisfying about sitting in a sun-drenched piazza with a gelato, lingering over a leisurely lunch, or aimlessly wandering down a beautiful street. I’ve tried to include space for some moments of sweet nothing in this itinerary.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

Italy is a joy to visit at any time of year, but some seasons make the experience far more pleasant. The sweet spots are spring (April to May, avoiding the busy Easter period) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is usually warm without being stifling, and the crowds are fewer, making sightseeing more enjoyable.

If summer is your only option, be prepared for a different rhythm. July and August can be punishingly hot, especially in the cities, and you’ll want to pace yourself carefully. Plan to spend the middle of the day indoors – whether that’s wandering through an air‑conditioned museum or simply retreating to your hotel for a rest. Some smaller restaurants may close for the holidays, but you’ll still find plenty of options in the city centres, and the big museums remain open. Do keep in mind that summer is the peak season: hotels often hike up their prices and can sell out fast, so booking well in advance is essential.

Getting Around Italy: Train vs Car

This itinerary is based on train travel, and honestly, for most first-time visitors, it’s the easiest option. I have travelled around the country using the national rail system, which is fast and reliable, with high speed trains connecting you with most major cities.

Tickets can be booked online at either Trenitalia or Italo. Try to book well in advance to get the best prices. Keep an eye out for special offers like 2-for-1 tickets, especially at weekends. Regional trains are also pretty good, though they are slower, less punctual, and usually don’t have designated seats.

It’s worth knowing that Italy has something of a reputation for train strikes – the dreaded sciopero. Most of the time they’re announced in advance, but every so often one crops up without warning. I’ve been caught out myself, and it’s incredibly frustrating having to scramble for an alternative at the last minute. It pays to keep a flexible mindset and always have a back‑up plan (i.e. spare cash for an emergency taxi ride). 

Renting a car in Italy can give you more freedom and flexibility, letting you travel at your own pace and stop at any nice spots that take your fancy. You won’t be tied to train timetables, which can be limited on weekends and public holidays. That said, driving in Italy is not for the faint-hearted with its narrow streets, heavy city traffic, and chaotic drivers – the kind who leave a trail of dented parked cars behind them.

Days 1–4: Rome – The Perfect Introduction to Italy

We’ll start this itinerary off in Rome, Italy’s wonderful capital city. It is truly one of the greatest places in the world and is hands-down my favourite city. It’s somewhere I’ve been lucky enough to call home, and I don’t think any first-time visit to Italy is complete without a stay in the Eternal City.

In terms of culture, history, sights, and food, Rome is pretty hard to beat. There really is so much to do and see here, and that is why I have given it four full days. Anything less feels like doing it a disservice. 

For a full, detailed Rome itinerary including transport tips and sightseeing advice, check out my post on how to spend 4 days in Rome. In the meantime, here is a small taster of how to spend each day.

Day 1: Rome’s Historic Centre & Trastevere

On your first day, simply take it easy and get to know the city. Don’t plan on going into any major attractions or museums, just stroll around and admire the sights, sounds, and smells of Rome.

• Explore centro storico: Rome’s historic centre is basically a giant open-air museum. Check out iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the elegant Piazza Navona.
• Admire beautiful churches: There are dozens of stunning churches in the historic centre to pop into like Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola (famous for its magnificent painted ceilings, murals and frescoes) and Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi (known for its Caravaggio paintings).
• Jewish Quarter and Largo Argentina: Rome’s Jewish Quarter is a fascinating area to wander through, while the nearby ruins at Largo Argentina are famous for being the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination.
• Explore Trastevere: This is one of Rome’s most photogenic neighbourhoods, with narrow streets, terracotta-coloured buildings, pretty piazzas, and fun nightlife.
• Get your fill of local dishes: Be sure to get your fill of mouthwatering local Roman dishes throughout the day, like cacio e pepe and carbonara. For more ideas on what to eat, check out my guide on the best local dishes in Rome.

Day 2: Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Your second day will be your big sightseeing day. This will involve visiting the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the spectacular Colosseum – three unmissable sights when visiting Rome. 

It will be a tiring day for sure, but everything is close to one another which helps. Aim to visit these sights as early as possible, and take lots of breaks! Your tickets will need to be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment (the earlier, the better!). You can either book through the official website or book a guided tour of all three sights.

Afterwards, reward yourself with a slower afternoon in Monti – one of my favourite neighbourhoods. Located just above the Roman Forum and Colosseum area, it is a joy to stroll around, with pretty buildings covered in flowers, picturesque piazzas, and lots of restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal. It’s also near Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most impressive churches in Rome, famed for its breathtaking golden ceiling.

In the evening, spend some time in a busy and bustling square like Campo di Fiori, or Trastevere’s Piazza Trilussa, soaking up the atmosphere with some drinks and nibbles.

Day 3: Vatican City & Testaccio

On the morning of day 3, head to Vatican City, home of the Catholic church. Even if you’re not particularly religious, it’s hard not to be impressed by the sights here, including:

• Piazza San Pietro – This enormous, iconic piazza can hold some 300,000 people. With impressive Baroque colonnades, a large obelisk, and elegant fountains, it is a spectacular site to behold.
• St. Peter’s Basilica – One of the most stunning churches in the world. You’ll be blown away by its intricate details, painted ceilings, sweeping arches, and marble statues.
• Vatican Museums – This fantastic museum complex is where you can get access to the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s painted fresco ceiling.

If the Vatican doesn’t take your fancy, then there are plenty of other awe-inspiring sights to enjoy in Rome. Some of my favourites include the Baths of Caracalla and Appia Antica. For more ideas check out my guide on lesser-known sights in Rome.

In the afternoon, head to Testaccio, one of my favourite parts of Rome and one the best places to eat. There’s lots to see and do here, including:

• Piramide Cestia – An ancient Roman pyramid in Rome, Italy, built between 18 and 12 BC as a tomb for magistrate Gaius Cestius. 
• Mercato Testaccio – One of my favourite markets in Rome. You can find plenty of excellent food stalls, fresh produce, and small shops here.
• Piazza Testaccio – A fun public square where you can enjoy the atmosphere with a delicious gelato.
• Giardino degli Aranci – This nearby lookout point offers superb views over the city – the perfect spot for enjoying the sunset.

Day 4: More Rome or an Easy Day Trip

On your final day in Rome, spend your time exploring other neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries like the National Roman Museum, Galleria Borghese, or Capitoline Museums, or just chilling out in a beautiful piazza with an Aperol Spritz.

If you want to head out of the city, there are some wonderful places nearby that are ideal for a day trip, including:

• Frascati – A nearby wine town surrounded by lush countryside.
• Bracciano – A picturesque and historic lakeside town.
• Tivoli – A historic and scenic hill town home to the beautiful Villa d’Este and the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s villa.

For more ideas, check out my guide on the best day trips from Rome.

Days 5-7: Bologna & Emilia-Romagna – Italy’s Food Capital

For the next 3 days you’ll spend your time in the gorgeous Emilia-Romagna region, basing yourself in one of my favourite cities: Bologna. Now, you may be surprised that I included Bologna rather than Florence, but I have my reasons.

There’s no doubt Florence is undeniably beautiful. It’s romantic and historic, with an allure that brings in millions to the city every year. Florence’s popularity is exactly why I haven’t included it as a base in this itinerary. Bologna has all of the above, but without the heavy crowds that are often found in Florence. Additionally, Bologna is arguably the food capital of Italy, with many of the country’s most famous dishes originating there.

Below is an overview of how to spend each day, but for a full breakdown on sightseeing in Bologna, check out my travel guide on the best things to see and do in Bologna.

How to Get from Rome to Bologna

Take the Frecciarossa high speed train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale. The journey takes about two hours and you should book in advance for the best prices.

Day 6: Best Day Trips from Bologna (3 Options)

On this day I suggest taking a day trip. One of Bologna’s biggest strengths is its location. Within an hour, you can be in completely different landscapes – from Renaissance cities to quiet culinary hubs to mosaic-filled churches.  

Rather than overwhelm you with options, here are three excellent choices for easy, enjoyable day trips from Bologna: 

Option 1: Florence

If you had your heart set on visiting Florence then fret not – Tuscany’s majestic capital is just 35 minutes from Bologna by train, so you can easily fit in a day trip there. Of course, one day isn’t enough to truly get under the skin of a city, but it does give you a taste of its top sights and vibrant food scene.

I would suggest sticking to the UNESCO-listed historic centre. This relatively small area is the heart of the city, and where you will find magnificent landmarks like:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – Florence’s most iconic landmark. This spectacular cathedral is renowned for its striking exterior and equally intricate interior, home to an incredible fresco-decorated dome.
• Baptistery of St. John – Dating to the 11th century, this octagonal structure in Piazza del Duomo is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in Florence. Unfortunately it is currently under renovation, but when reopened you will be able to see its mosaic-covered internal dome.
• Ponte Vecchio – This iconic medieval bridge over the Arno River is famous for having buildings constructed directly onto it. It is also the only bridge in the city to have survived the WWII bombings.
• Piazza della Signoria – A beautiful public square home to the 13th century Palazzo Vecchio.

If you want to see some Renaissance-era masterpieces (of which Florence has many), there are numerous art museums to visit. The two most well known are Galleria degli Uffizi, which displays works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael (and possibly some other Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze – home to Michelangelo’s David sculpture. I suggest choosing one rather than both for a day trip (unless you are a hardcore art fan).

If you don’t have time to see Michelangelo’s David in all its glory, then you’ll be pleased to know there is a replica of it in Piazza Garibaldi. Located just south of the river, this lovely lookout offers sweeping views over the city, with the iconic cathedral dominating the skyline.

If you plan to spend the whole day in Florence, finish your evening off with a big juicy Bistecca alla Fiorentina before heading back to Bologna. This thick T-Bone steak is perfect for sharing, with sides like Tuscan beans, and, of course, a bottle of local red wine.

How to Get from Bologna to Florence

Take the Frecciarossa high speed train from Bologna Centrale to Firenze S. M. Novella. The journey takes about 35 minutes. Book in advance for the best prices. You can also take the much cheaper regional train but the journey is around 2 hours each way.

Option 2: Modena

My next suggestion for you is lovely Modena, a charming little city just 30 minutes from Bologna by train. It is a really underrated place to explore, with some stunning architecture to admire and incredible cuisine to boot. In fact, Modena is famous for having one of the best restaurants in the world – the 3-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana. Book well in advance if you want to come here.

Although small, there is plenty to do in Modena. You can check out my guide on how to spend one day in Modena, but some highlights include:

• Historic centre: This area has plenty of lovely piazzas to relax in, like Piazza Grande, where you can sit with an espresso and admire buildings like Duomo di Modena and the adjoining Ghirlandina Tower, from which you can get great views.
• Try local delicacies at a market: Modena has several wonderful local markets where you can try some regional and Modenese delicacies. Mercato Storico Albinelli, which dates back to the early 1930s, is a great choice for this.
• Sample some Balsamic Vinegar: Modena is the perfect place to try Aceto Balsamico di Modena. There are some lovely shops in town that offer tastings of this glorious Italian accompaniment, like the ​​Giuseppe Giusti Boutique. For something a bit more in-depth head out to one of the nearby production facilities, where you can do tastings and tours of the cellars.
• Tour a Parmigiano Reggiano farm: Another fun food-related activity to do around Modena is a tour of a Parmiagnao Reggiano facility. There you can learn all about this wonderfully pungent cheese, do some tastings, and pick up some blocks to take home with you. We loved our tour at 4 Madonne Caseificio – everything we sampled was divine!
• Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum: If cheese and balsamic vinegar aren’t your thing, you could visit this sleek museum dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Italian car manufacturer. Admire the iconic cars on display, whilst learning about the history of Ferrari.

How to Get from Bologna to Modena

Take the REG or RV train from Bologna Centrale to Modena Railway Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around €4.30 each way. You can also take the IC train, but it’s only slightly quicker and is more expensive.

Option 3: Ravenna

If you want something a bit different, Ravenna is a fantastic option. Just an hour by train from Bologna, this small city is famed for its stunning Byzantine churches adorned with mosaics – considered among the finest in the world.

Ravenna often flies under the radar, but it’s well worth a visit and is ideal as a day trip. There are numerous UNESCO-listed sites here, including:

• Basilica of San Vitale – Ravenna’s octagonal basilica masterpiece. Marvel at the mesmerizing mosaics covering the apse.
• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia – From the outside, this small brick building looks rather modest, but stepping inside feels like entering a jewellery box, with deep blue mosaics dotted with golden stars.
• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo – Along the walls of this church runs a series of mosaics showing rows of saints, martyrs, and biblical scenes, offers a visual journey through early Christianity.

For more ideas here, check out my Ravenna travel guide.

How to Get from Bologna to Ravenna

Take the REG train from Bologna Centrale to Ravenna Railway Station. The journey takes around 1hr 15mins and costs €8.50 each way.

Day 7: Bologna’s Best Views, Churches & Flavours

Start your last day off in Bologna at a slower pace. Enjoy a top quality espresso at one of the city’s superb cafes, like Aroma Specialty Coffees, and a nice hearty breakfast before enjoying some more of Bologna’s wonderful sights.

• Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca – This basilica, sitting atop a 300m hill, gives you stunning views over the city and surrounding rolling green hills. You can get here by taxi or take the San Luca Express mini-train to reach the top, but the best way to get to the sanctuary is to walk along the Portico of San Luca, the world’s longest covered walkway.
• Basilica di Santo Stefano – Once a large complex of seven, conjoined churches. Only four remain but they are well worth a visit for the amazing frescoes, mosaic tiling, and peaceful atmosphere.
• Giardini Margherita – One of Bologna’s most beautiful parks. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, jogging and cycle paths, and a lake where visitors can feed ducks, watch turtles, and rent paddle boats.

Days 8-10: Naples, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast

For the rest of your trip, you’ll be staying in the exciting city of Naples in Italy’s sunny Campania region. Naples gets a bit of a bad rap, but I absolutely love it. It might not be polished and picture-perfect like cities such as Florence or Venice, but it is real, raw, and just so wonderfully Italian. It’s also the birthplace of pizza – so that alone should justify the visit. 

Like Bologna, it is also a great hub for nearby sightseeing, with ancient ruins and beautiful coastal towns within easy reach.

Day 8: Naples’ Atmospheric Historic Centre

Get up early on Day 8 and catch the train from Bologna Centrale to Napoli Centrale. This will take around 3 hours so it is best to leave in the morning.

Practical note: If you’re flying out of Rome Fiumicino at the end of your trip, I’d suggest spending three days in Rome at the start, then returning for your final night. With the train from Naples to Rome taking just about an hour, beginning and ending your journey in Rome makes the most sense.

Start your first day in Naples off by enjoying the buzzing atmosphere of its tightly-packed historic centre. I absolutely adore this part of the city. It’s noisy, crowded, a bit grubby and heavily graffitied in parts but there’s something captivating about it. Simply getting lost in its narrow streets, with the aroma of wood-fired ovens in the air, is worth the journey alone.

You can plan your stay with my 3 days in Naples itinerary, but some highlights include:

• Spaccanapoli – This long, bustling, narrow route splits the historic centre in two. As you wander, you’ll pass by ornate churches, grand palaces, tiny artisan workshops, family‑run cafés, and little boutiques spilling out onto the pavement.
• Sansevero Chapel – This small chapel is famous for housing the Veiled Christ, a breathtaking sculpture of Christ covered in an impossibly delicate veil, all carved from a single block of marble.
• Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) – This tightly packed neighbourhood is one of the most vibrant parts of the city, with washing hanging from lines stretching from building to building, football memorabilia and murals painted on the walls, residents shouting to one another from window to window, and scooters whizzing past. It is pure, chaotic Naples.
• Castel Sant’Elmo – An imposing hilltop citadel with a museum inside, as well as sweeping viewpoints that frame Naples and Mount Vesuvius across the bay.
• National Archaeological Museum – If you plan to go to Pompeii then definitely stop by this superb museum. Inside you’ll find incredible artefacts from the archaeological park, as well as collections from other time periods.
• Local delicacies – Neapolitan cuisine is truly amazing. While pizza is the most famous dish here, there is so much more to find, from naughty deep-fried goodies to yummy pastries. For ideas on what to look out for, check out my guide on what to eat in Naples.
• Napoli Sotterranea (Underground Naples)  – A hidden world beneath the busy streets. On a guided tour, you’ll discover ancient Greek aqueducts, Roman theatres, early Christian burial sites, and WWII air-raid shelters.
• Piazza del Plebiscito – A sprawling public square home to the Royal Palace of Naples, the opulent former palace of the Bourbon kings.

Day 9: Pompeii Day Trip

Day 9 will see you take a half day trip to the Pompeii Archaeological Park. This is quite possibly the most famous archaeological site in the world, and is a must-visit while in Naples, especially as it is only 30 minutes away by train from the centre.

You can explore Pompeii as part of a guided tour, or independently. You’ll stroll through the ancient city’s wonderfully preserved streets, pop into 2,000-year-old bathhouses and brothels, marvel at superb frescoes, and sit on the steps of ancient theatres. Check out my complete guide to Pompeii for must-see sights, ticket options, and travel tips.

When you’re done, head back to Naples for a rest at your hotel before enjoying some more of the city. As the evening draws in, join the locals for a stroll down the picturesque Lungomare waterfront, where you can get lovely views out to Mount Vesuvius. Afterwards, head out for dinner at one of Naples’ pizzerias – some of my favourites include Starita and Pizzeria Da Attilio.

Day 10: Amalfi Coast Day Trip

On your final day in Campania, enjoy a long but fun day trip to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Now, I’ll be honest, the Amalfi Coast isn’t my favourite place in Italy. It’s undeniably gorgeous of course, but as you’ve probably noticed I am drawn to cities with a bit of grit and edge to them, or those that fly under the radar.

With its dramatic limestone cliffs, gorgeous pastel-coloured towns, sparkling blue sea, lovely little beaches, and terraces with views out to the sea – the Amalfi coast is a postcard-perfect version of Italy, accompanied by hordes of tourists and an overall touristy vibe. While it’s not a personal favourite, I know it’s a dream destination for many people coming to Italy for the first time, so that’s why I’ve included it in this itinerary. 

Note: If you’d prefer to stay on the Amalfi Coast during your time down south then that is certainly possible. You can still take a trip to Pompeii, though I would implore you to go to Naples to experience it.

The towns along the Amalfi coast are all relatively small, so you can fit a few places in during a day trip. The most popular spots are:

• Sorrento – A hugely popular town for those staying on the Amalfi Coast. I’d say it is the most touristy spot on the coast, but it certainly has its charms. It’s also a good place to pick up some limoncello.
• Positano – One of the most famous and jaw-dropping towns on the Amalfi Coast. Built onto the steep cliffs, it has earned itself the nickname “staircase to heaven”. There are two beaches to enjoy here too, so remember to bring your swimming costume! 
• Amalfi – This tranquil town has several beautiful churches to marvel at, but the star of the show is the 9th century Amalfi Cathedral, which blends Arab-Norman, Romanesque, and Byzantine styles.
• Ravello – This utterly charming and romantic hilltop town offers you wonderful views out to the sea. The perfect spot for couples, especially celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary!

How to Get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast

You have a few travel options for this trip, but it will all depend on your travel style.

• By train and bus: The most budget friendly option is via public transport. This involves catching the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (the same line as to Pompeii), then using SITA buses to take you along the coast to various stops. Bus schedules can be found on the official SITA website. Buses can be packed during high season, so you may have to stand for the 1.5-2hr journey. This happened to us once, and it wasn’t pleasant!
• By organized tour: If public transport sounds like a bit too much, consider doing an organised tour of Positano, Amalfi & Ravello, starting from Sorrento. It’s a full-day outing yet still leaves you time to explore at your own pace.
• Renting a car: To fully enjoy the Amalfi Coast, hiring a car is your best option. While I’ve not done this, my husband and his brother did a long time ago and had a great time. However, only do this if you are confident with winding, narrow, cliff-edge roads. There were apparently some hair-raising parts during their road trip, with buses whizzing around corners like they were rally cars.
• By private driver: If you don’t fancy driving yourself, and if your budget can stretch to it, then the next best option is to hire a private driver. That way you can choose your route then sit back and relax.

Once back in Naples, enjoy one last memorable dinner in Italy before your departure the next day from either Naples Airport or Roma Fiumicino. If the latter, do as I mentioned early and shift this itinerary around so your last full day is in Rome.

So there you have it, 10 memorable days in Italy. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the culinary delights of Bologna and the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary gives you a little bit of everything – without completely exhausting you.

Will you see everything Italy has to offer? Of course not, but Italy isn’t somewhere you can ‘complete’. It is somewhere I am sure you’ll be eager to return to again and again, just like me!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow