by Italy, a land of rich history, stunning art, and mouthwatering cuisine, offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler.
This 10-day itinerary will take you on a whirlwind tour of some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
You’ll start in the fashion capital of Milan, then head north to the breathtaking Dolomites mountains. Next, you’ll relax by the picturesque Lake Garda before exploring the romantic canals of Venice.
A quick stop in Pisa to see its famous leaning tower is followed by two days in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Your journey ends in Rome, the Eternal City, where ancient history meets modern life.
This trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Italy, offering a taste of the country’s diverse regions. You’ll see world-famous landmarks, indulge in delicious local foods, and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking beautiful scenery, this itinerary has something for you.
How To Spend 10 Days in Italy?
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through one of Europe’s most beloved countries!
Destinations Covered in This 10-Day Italy Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of the places we’ll visit:
- Milan (1 day)
- Dolomites (2 days)
- Lake Garda (1 day)
- Venice (1 day)
- Pisa (1 day)
- Florence (2 days)
- Rome (2 days)
This itinerary covers a good mix of city and nature destinations, giving you a well-rounded experience of Italy’s diverse offerings.
Day 1: Arrival At Milan Malpensa Airport
Your Italian adventure begins as you land at Milan Malpensa Airport, one of Italy’s busiest air terminals.
Here’s what to do upon arrival:
- Immigration: Go through the usual immigration process.
- Getting to the city center:
- By train: Take the Malpensa Express to the city center. It’s fast and affordable.
- By taxi: More comfortable but pricier, especially good for families or those with lots of luggage.
Tip: Buy your Malpensa Express tickets online to save time.
Where to stay: Book a hotel near the airport for convenience. Some options include:
- Cardano Hotel Malpensa
- Apparthotel Oleggio
- Crowne Plaza Milan
- MOTEL Malpensa INN & Hotel-Airport
After checking in and freshening up, it’s time to explore Milan!
Time To Explore Milan
Milan is a city that blends history with modernity. Here’s how to make the most of your day:
- Visit the Iconic Milano Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
- A stunning Gothic masterpiece that took 600 years to build
- Tip: Go to the rooftop for amazing city views
- Explore the Brera District
- Known for its artistic vibe, boutique shops, and galleries
- Where to eat: Try La Tartina for pastries or Domò Sushi Milano for lunch
- Watch the sunset from Terrazza del Duomo
- Enjoy 360-degree views of Milan bathed in golden light
- Go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- One of the world’s oldest shopping malls
- Home to luxury brands and designer boutiques
- End your night in the Navigli District
- A lively area with canals, bars, and restaurants
- Great for experiencing Milan’s nightlife
- Use VPN to Explore Milan: We have created a list of free VPNs for Android, so you can explore those options to download them for free.
Other Places That You Can Visit In Milan
If you have extra time, consider these spots:
- Sforzesco Castle
- Parco Sempione
- Indro Montanelli Gardens
- Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (for football fans)
- Arco della Pace
Day 2: Milan To Dolomites
It’s time to leave the city behind and head to the stunning Dolomites mountain range.
Getting there:
- By train: Take a train from Milan to Bolzano or Bressanone, then a bus or taxi to your final destination.
- By car: A 4-5 hour drive, but offers more flexibility and scenic views, you can rent a car from the best car rental services in Italy.
Where to stay in the Dolomites:
- Steindl’s Boutique Hotel (recommended for a peaceful setting)
- Hotel Kronplatzer Hof
- Hotel Garni La Roccia
- Feichter Hotel & Bistro
What to do:
- Visit Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
- Europe’s largest high-altitude Alpine meadow
- Great for hiking and taking in mountain views
- Tip: Take a cable car from Ortisei or Seis for easier access
- Explore Lago di Braies
- A beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by mountains
- Perfect for photography
- Where to eat: Hotel Lago di Braies offers great food with amazing views
- Hike the Adolf Munkel Weg trail
- Offers stunning panoramic views
- Great for nature lovers and hikers of all levels
Next Day Discover Alpe di Siusi
Start your second day in the Dolomites early to make the most of it:
- Morning hike in Alpe di Siusi
- Enjoy the crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery
- Tip: Bring a camera for unforgettable shots
- Lunch at a mountain hut (rifugio)
- Try traditional South Tyrolean cuisine
- Recommendation: Look for huts serving local specialties like speck and knödel
- Afternoon trip to Lago di Sorapiss
- A hidden gem with stunning turquoise waters
- Great for Instagram-worthy photos
- Note: The hike can be challenging, so prepare accordingly
- Evening relaxation
- Head back to your hotel
- Enjoy a hearty dinner and rest up for the next day’s journey
Day 4 Lake Garda
Leave the mountains behind and head to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda.
Getting there from the Dolomites:
- By train: Take a train to Trento or Verona, then a bus or train to Lake Garda
- By car: More flexible, allows for stops along the way
Where to stay near Lake Garda:
- Hotel Meandro (best for lake views)
- B&B Corte del Mincio
- GoTì Hotel (recommended)
Itinerary for Lake Garda:
- Morning: Explore Sirmione
- Visit the Scaliger Castle for stunning lake views
- Walk through the charming old town
- See the Grotte di Catullo, ruins of a Roman villa
- Lunch: Try Kento Cafe or Caffetteria Pasticceria Bistrot La Fenice for authentic Italian cuisine
- Afternoon: Take a boat tour of Lake Garda
- Get a different perspective of the lake and surrounding villages
- Tip: Book in advance to save time
- Visit Parco Grotta Cascata Varone
- See a stunning waterfall in a dramatic cave setting
- Tip: Bring a raincoat or poncho
- Evening: Relax at Parco Baia delle Sirene
- A beautiful lakeside park near Garda town
- Try activities like kayaking or paddleboarding
- Tip: Rent a sunbed for 30€ to unwind
- Dinner: Enjoy a lakeside meal in Malcesine or Riva del Garda
- Try regional dishes and local wine
- Nightlife: If you’re up for it, check out clubs in Desenzano or Bardolino
Day 5 In Venice
Venice, the city of canals and bridges, is your next stop.
Getting there from Lake Garda:
- By train or private transfer
- About 200 km, roughly 2 hours by car
Where to stay in Venice:
- Luxury Venetian Rooms
- Palazzo Veneziano
- Hotel L’Orologio
- EGO’ Boutique Hotel
Venice Itinerary:
- Morning: Take a ferry or gondola ride
- Tip: Get a multi-day pass if staying longer
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
- See opulent interiors and golden domes
- Tip: Visit early or late to avoid crowds
- Coffee break at Caffè Florian
- One of the oldest cafes in Venice, operating since 1720
- Enjoy the historic atmosphere
- Afternoon: Explore Ponte di Rialto
- One of Venice’s oldest bridges spanning the Grand Canal
- Great spot for photos
- Walk through Saint Mark district
- The heart of Venice
- Plenty of cafes and restaurants
- Visit Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
- Iconic spot with great views of the canal and city
- Evening: Stroll through Dorsoduro
- Known for vintage fashion boutiques
- Beautiful at night
Day 6 In Pisa
Next stop: Pisa, famous for its leaning tower.
Getting there from Venice:
- About 327 km away
- Options: bus, rental car, private transfer, or train
Where to stay in Pisa:
- Hotel Bologna
- Hotel Cecile
- Casa Betania
Pisa Itinerary:
- Morning: Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- 56-meter tall iconic structure
- Tip: Climb to the top for panoramic views
- Explore Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
- Beautiful Romanesque architecture
- See the intricate marble designs and bronze door
- Visit Pisa Botanical Garden and Museum
- Perfect for plant lovers and a peaceful break
- Lunch: Try I Porci Comodi or L’Ostelllino for traditional Italian and Tuscan food
- Afternoon: Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
- See artworks and relics from the cathedral
- Stroll along the Arno River
- Enjoy views of picturesque bridges and buildings
- Late Afternoon: Piazza dei Cavalieri
- Important historical square
- See Palazzo della Carovana and statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici
- Dinner: End your day at a local restaurant like Ristorante alle Bandierine, La Buca, or Ristorante Galileo
Day 7 & 8 In Florence
Florence, the heart of Tuscany, deserves at least two days of exploration.
Where to stay in Florence:
- Hotel Palazzo Benci
- Hotel Davanzati
- Le Camere Dei Conti
Florence Highlights (spread over two days):
- Visit the iconic Duomo (Florence Cathedral)
- See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
- Explore the Uffizi Gallery for Renaissance art
- Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio
- Enjoy panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo
- Stroll through the Boboli Gardens
- Visit the Pitti Palace
- Explore the San Lorenzo Market for local goods and food
Day 9 & 10 In Rome
Your Italian journey concludes in the eternal city, of Rome.
Where to stay in Rome:
- The Liberty Boutique Hotel (Recommended)
- Roma Capoccia in Vaticano
- Trastevere New Luxury Rooms
- Viale del Colosseo
Must-visit places in Rome:
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Trevi Fountain
- Centro Storico
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Spanish Steps
- Palatine Hill
- Piazza Navona
- Vatican City (St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums)
- Pantheon
Tip: Consider getting a Roma Pass for free public transport and access to many attractions.
FAQs:
- What’s the best time to visit Italy?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than in summer.
- Do I need to know Italian?
While knowing some basic Italian phrases can be helpful, many people in tourist areas speak English.
- Is it safe to drink tap water in Italy?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Italy.
- What’s the best way to get around Italy?
Trains are efficient for traveling between cities. Within cities, walking or public transport works well.
- Do I need to tip in Italy?
Tipping isn’t as common as in some countries, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.
Conclusion:
This 10-day itinerary gives you a taste of Italy’s diverse offerings, from bustling cities to peaceful mountains and lakes.
You’ll see world-famous landmarks, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
Remember, this is just a guide. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and travel style.
Italy has so much to offer that you might find yourself planning your next trip before this one even ends!
Arrivederci, and enjoy your Italian adventure!
