Ciao Bella! Wanting to plan the dream trip to Italy but don’t know where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today I’m sharing the ultimate 10-day itinerary. 

You could spend a full year in Italy and still not put a dent in all it has to offer! I suggest starting with three of Italy’s most well-loved cities— Venice, Florence, and Rome. Each of these destinations is packed with its own charm and history. Plus, these three destinations are just a short train ride from one another—easy to navigate even if you are a first-timer in Europe!

Whether you want to eat your body weight in pasta, see Michelangelo’s David in real life, or make a wish in the Trevi Fountain, you’re in luck. This 10-day itinerary hits is all! 

And yes, it is possible. I just wrapped up this exact trip myself (in October 2023) and it was unforgettable. Spilling all the details including restaurant recommendations, hotels, and more. Enjoy!

Brief Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Venice/Free Day
Day 2: Walking Tour of Venice — Duomo, Grand Canal
Day 3: Train from Venice to Florence
Day 4: Walking Tour of Florence — Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, Piazza’s
Day 5: Tour of Tuscany Wine Tasting
Day 6: Free Day To Explore
Day 7: Train from Florence to Rome
Day 8: Walking Tour of Rome — Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps
Day 9: Ruins + Colosseum Tour
Day 10: Depart from Rome 

V E N I C E (Day 1-3) 

Venice is a fairly small island that has become overrun with tourists in the last decade. While it’s definitely a bucket list item, you can “do all the things” in just two days’ time!

Fun Facts About Venice

Just a few things you may want to know before visiting Venice for the first time.

• The city has no cars! It’s built within canals, so everyone gets around by boat, water taxi, or foot.
• It’s home to the narrowest streets in the world. (And they are all cobblestone!) It’s one of the easiest cities to get lost in…
• Tourism is taking over Venice and driving out locals. Their population has gone from 160,000 to 50,000 in the last 50 years.
•  It’s home to the “carnival” which is a celebration where the locals get dressed up in handmade costumes and masks.

Itinerary 

Walking Tour of The City 

It’s always a good idea to book a walking tour when visiting a new city. Not only is this a great way to get acclimated to your surroundings, but many tours are led by locals so they’ll take you to the “must-see” spots and hidden gems as well. I especially recommend doing one in Venice as this city can be pretty confusing to navigate.

Our Venice walking tour took us past their stunning Duomo, Basilica di San Marco, the main political square, the little outdoor library, and more. With every corner you turn you’re met with more picture-esque views.

Ride a Gondala 

Riding a gondola in Venice is one of those “once in a lifetime” opportunities. It’s roughly 80 euros (cash only) for a thirty-minute ride through the canals. Prices increase at sunset. Most gondoliers are locals and have been giving rides their entire lives—talk them up; they are often full of fun facts and good recommendations.

Visit The Grand Canal 

The Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway which means all the action happens here. Dozens of water taxis, boats, and gondolas pass through here each day. Three main attractions can be found in this area—The Rialto Bridge, St Marks Square, and The Lido. You can’t miss it!

Restaurant Recommendations 

Al Cinema Italia

✈ Menu || Directions

Come here for a happy hour limoncello spritz and stay for free shots after closing. We made friends with the bartenders and stayed there for hours drinking dancing and laughing. Great vibes!

Vino Vino

✈ Menu || Directions

This restaurant is known for its incredible atmosphere – tucked into one of the few quiet corners of Venice. You’re dining in a garden-like square that’s full of twinkly lights; it’s magical at night! 

They have a large Italian menu but I suggest sticking with one of the pizzas- true Italian style with a thick crust and soggy center. 

Ristorante Trattoria Cherubino

✈ Menu || Directions

This restaurant was recommended to us by locals and is one of the few authentic restaurants left in Venice. I highly suggest trying their Pici pasta. Ask for it spicy so you get a kick of flavor. 

Limoncello spritzes we’re certainly spritzing here, if you know what I mean. Incredible dining experience from start (free bread) to finish (free limoncello shots). Make a reservation beforehand!

Where To Stay

We spent two nights in Venice at Hotel Belle Epoque. This hotel is in an ideal location, just a block from the train station. As I said, Venice doesn’t have any cars so transporting luggage can be rather miserable- this hotel was in the ideal location, just a five-minute walk from the train station which meant only one flight of stairs. (The last time I stayed in Venice I walked at least 30, haha). 

This room was decorated in traditional Venetian decor – floor-to-ceiling wallpaper, velvet linens, and loud patterns. This is pretty typical of Venice hotels as interior design is a huge defining factor of this region. We were in one of their King bedrooms.

Interested in staying at Hotel Belle Epoque? Click here for the best rates and current availability.

train ride from Venice to Florence takes roughly 1.5 hours — book here

F L O R E N C E (Day 3-7)

Florence is one of those spots you won’t want to leave. It’s a big city with a small, authentic feel. I suggest two days to indulge in the religious and historical significance and two days to get lost in its charm. There’s so much to do here; you could truly spend months exploring. I studied abroad here in 2022 so I’ve got all the recs. 

Itinerary 

Walking Tour 

If you’re trying to maximize your days in Florence, I highly suggest going on a walking tour on your first day in town. Not only will they walk you to all the main points of attraction—the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Arno River, and several different important squares, but your tour guide will give you the inside scoop on the best times to visit each museum.

We did one our first morning in Florence and even after living in the city for five months, I still found myself learning new things!

Visit The Duomo

Santa Maria del Fiore also known as “The Duomo” set the scene for the Italian Renaissance. It’s the third largest church in Europe and truly breathtaking in person. To many people’s surprise, it’s free to enter The Duomo. The line is extremely long first thing in the morning so I recommend enjoying your day and trying to get in around 4:00 pm when the eager tourists have trickled out.

If you’re a Catholic wanting to catch an English mass, they have one every Saturday night at 5:00 pm and it’s an unforgettable experience.

Piazzale Michelangelo 

Hundreds of tourists and locals gather at Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset each night. This iconic spot is the highest point of Florence, giving you an incredible view of the city. It’s crazy busy no matter the day, packed full of people singing, drinking wine out of the bottle, laughing, and dancing to the local street performers.

It’s pure magic. I’ve been to dozens of places and there’s just nothing like it.

Tuscan Wine Tour 

You must take a day trip to the countryside. The Tuscan hills are breathtaking and home to some of the largest wineries in the world. We scheduled a half-day tour visiting two different wineries for tastings —Lornano Chianti Classico had my favorite wine and Casale Dello Sparviero had my favorite views.

You’ll be instantly charmed by this region. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you must factor into your trip. I’ve done both half and full-day tours and I have to say, I preferred the full day for a more relaxed feel + more time to soak up the atmosphere.

Visit a Wine Window 

Wine windows are one of Florence’s hidden gems. These windows date back to the 1600s when the Bubonic Plague struck Italy. Shopkeepers would sell food and wine through these small windows to keep contact to a minimum. There are about 15 still functioning in Florence. Just knock and you’ll be greeted with a glass of wine.

You get to stand across the street and enjoy your cocktail. Such a fun way to kick off happy hour!

Ponte Vecchio 

Ponte Vecchio is a famous bridge right along the Arno River. It was built during medieval times and is one of the most significant stoneworks of its time. Presently it’s home to some of the finest jewelers in Florence. If you’re looking to buy gold during your trip, this is where to do it.

Cooking Class 

You must take a cooking class while in Florence! We took a group gelato-making class at In Tavola and our chef Fabrizio was amazing. He walked us through the process of making vanilla, pistachio, and strawberry gelato from scratch and it was so fun.

Such a unique experience. I’d suggest booking a pizza or pasta one for the full experience. View their experiences here.

Piazza Della Republica 

This square is one of my favorites in Florence. It marks the ancient heart of Florence and today is one of the liveliest squares. It’s magical at night with tons of twinkly lights, a live street performer belting favorite songs, and a carousel. It’s $2 to ride and one of my favorite pastimes.

Central Market 

The Central Market is one of my favorite recommendations to give— this huge building has two floors. The ground level is full of local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Everything is fresh and brought in daily!

The upper level is like a large food court with dozens of places to choose from. They have everything from $6 pasta to chocolate-filled croissants, to crisp Aperol Spritz’s. There’s more than just Italian to choose from—it’s one of the few places in Florence to get cuisine from other cultures too. If you’re with a group and everyone’s craving something different, I highly suggest coming here.

Santa Croche 

Santa Croche is an area where many locals live. it also happens to be where my apartment was when I studied abroad. There are so many incredible restaurants over this way, cute cafes, and little weekend markets.

If you happen to be visiting during the holidays, there’s a huge Christmas Market right outside of the Santa Croche church that’s full of Christmas gifts, decor, and street food from several different countries.

Have A Girl’s Night Out 

Florence has the largest population of college students in Europe, meaning there are tons of twenty-somethings out and ready to have a good time. It doesn’t have to be a weekend to have a fun time in Florence. There will be people out bar crawling and clubbing every day of the week.

Highly suggest Lion’s Fountain (a popular American dive bar), Red Garter (karaoke night!), XO (my favorite club, more like a dark, dance bar than rave vibes), and Reverse (good espresso martinis).

The Leather School 

Florence is known for its leather goods. Don’t let the tourist traps get you— the best place to get real, authentic leather is at The Leather School. This family-owned business hand-makes leather goods right in front of you + they educate a dozen new students each year.

They offer tours to learn more about the process and their long family history. I did one while studying abroad and it was so cool!

Restaurant Recommendations 

There are hundreds, and I mean hundreds of amazing restaurants to eat at in Florence. Below are a few we ate at this trip. If you’re looking for even more of my favorite spots— read this post.

View On Art

✈ Menu || Directions

View on Art is one of my favorite hidden gems. Skip walking up The Duomo and come here instead — you get the same rooftop views of Florence but you get The Duomo in it, which is even better in my opinion!

Drinks are pricey but worth it, especially if you can catch an open table at sunset.

Antico Vinaio

✈ Menu || Directions

Antico Vinaio is one of the most famous sandwich shops in Florence. Their paninis are made to order right in front of you. Once you try this fresh bread and authentic pesto, you’ll never want to eat another American sandwich again. The line is long but it’s so with it. They are huge, giving you roughly two servings for $6.

Gusta Pizza 

✈ Menu || Directions

This spot is viral for a reason…their pizza is some of the best you’ll ever try. They have dozens of options all loaded with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re craving pesto, truffle, sun-dried tomatoes, or a classic Margarita they’ve got it all. This thick crust and tasty toppings will have you coming back for more…

Don’t forget to ask for it in a heart shape for no additional charge.

*Pro tip— the line can be hours long here. Order it for take out and it’ll be ready within 15 minutes! The river is just a five-minute walk away, and the perfect place to sit and enjoy your pizza. 

La Menagere 

✈ Menu || Directions

This is one of the few modern restaurants in Florence. Half Anthropologie-inspired store, half five-star fine dining room, this spot has an atmosphere like no other. Their portions are small and pricey but it’s super chic.

They change the menu seasonally but if you can get their lemon risotto or fillet, both are unforgettable.

L’ osteria Di Giovanni

✈ Menu || Directions

We stumbled upon this hidden gem while aimlessly wandering one night. It looked quiet from the outside but the inside was bustling full of locals laughing and enjoying a nice meal. This spot is super traditional giving you the true Italian dining experience. This means being greeted with an assortment of Tuscan appetizers to start, biscotti for desert, and limoncello shots after!

Their truffle pasta was some of the best I’ve ever had — creamy noodles, rich flavor, and a large portion.

Osteria De Cicalini

✈ Menu || Directions

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Florence. It’s one of the few authentic restaurants near The Duomo and you’ll be dreaming of the food months after leaving… They are best known for their honey-drizzled pear burrata and pasta options. There are only a handful to choose from and all are incredible. My personal favorite is their cacio e Pepe.

They also make the best limoncello spritz. Two will make you feel like you’re floating…

Osteria Cicalone 

✈ Menu || Directions

We stumbled into this restaurant by accident and were instantly charmed by its small family feel and handwritten menus. There were only about ten things on the menu and everything they served was incredible. The cacio e pepe was so rich it was unreal (and only $12!). This is a must-hit spot.

Gelataraia Yoguteria Ambrosia 

✈ Menu || Directions

When I lived in Florence my apartment was right above this gelataria. I came every single day for months on end. The owner Maximo is incredible. You must come to tell him hi from me— my favorite flavor combos are lemon + strawberry and cremino + pistachio.

La Strega Nocciola 

✈ Menu || Directions

This gelataria is famous for its lavender gelato. It sounds crazy but it’s a taste like no other. A true Florence staple! Even if you don’t get a full scoop, you must come try it. P

*Pro tip— Gelato that comes in silver containers that you cannot see is known to be the most authentic.

Where To Stay

Hotel Unicorno is a small hotel just steps away from Piazza Santa Maria Novella. It’s in a great central location— just a five-minute walk to both the train station and the river, and ten minutes to The Duomo which is the city center. We stayed here for four nights!

Our room was about as basic as it gets— two single and a full bathroom. Again, it was nothing special but it was clean and we had space to spread out with our luggage here which was much needed. Not the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept in but I was so tired each night that I passed out within minutes regardless.

Interested in staying at Hotel Unicorno? Click here for the best rates and current availability.

train ride from Florence to Rome takes roughly 2.5 hours — book here

R O M E (Day 7-10)

While you can successfully day trip to Rome, it’s far more enjoyable to space it out. Three nights is the perfect amount to explore Italy’s largest city. It wasn’t built in a day… there are centuries worth of ruins to explore and a rich culture to immerse yourself in. 

Itinerary 

Walking Tour 

Again, we did a walking tour of Rome. This city is incredibly spread out with years and years of ancient Roman history piled on top of one another. I was relieved to have our tour guide give me a little history refresher while walking us past some of the most well-known landmarks.

Pack your walking shoes. The streets are all uneven cobblestones here since Romans would demolish a building and then build a new one right over top!

Trevi Fountain 

You have to have a Lizzie McGuire moment at The zTrevi Fountain. This area is crazy busy at all times of day. I suggest getting there before 9:00 a.m. to catch the calm before the storm. Don’t forget your three coins— it’s tradition to make three wishes.

*Pro Tip: They clean the fountain out (meaning they drain all of the water and collect the coins), every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:00-11:00 am. Keep this in mind when scheduling your days. 

Colosseum Tour 

Visiting the Colosseum is a must. This is the oldest amphitheater in the world and is still to date the largest. It played an important role in ancient Roman history and was where most gladiator battles took place. Although a significant portion was destroyed in an earthquake, most of it remains standing. It’s incredibly vast to see in person and even cooler inside. If you have the chance to do a guided tour, take it!

Pantheon 

There’s so much history and so many different churches and museums to visit in Rome but, if you only have time to go to one, you must do the Pantheon. This is the largest freestanding dome and one of the oldest buildings to survive it all.  It’s built entirely on the number 28 and is truly incredible inside.

Saint Peters Basilica / The Vatican 

The Vatican is one of the Renaissance’s greatest accomplishments and Bernini’s most famous work. 91 popes are currently buried here. There’s so much to see here, including Saint Peters Basilica which you can go inside of, and to the top to get a view of the city. You have to schedule a tour in advance but I hear it’s incredible.

Even if you don’t go inside, this area is incredible in person. It’s huge too so you can spend hours walking around.

Spanish Steps

Everyone says the Spanish Steps are a “must hit” but if I’m being honest, I find them to be a little overwhelming. This is definitely the most touristy area of Rome as it’s the largest staircase in Europe. There are 135 steps at this landmark, surrounded by the best high-end shopping.

Tiber River

The Tiber River runs the entire length of Rome. it’s far less touristy over this way and a great area to walk in if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Gorgeous views too!

Roman Forum 

For centuries the Roman Forum was the center of day-to-day life—elections, trials gladiator matches, and more. This area of Rome is just ruins on top of ruins on top of ruins. A majority of these buildings were destroyed in 410 A.D. when the Roman Empire began to fall.

Many of the ruins have been preserved and it’s wild to see all of the architectural differences throughout this stretch.

Restaurant Recommendations

Mimi E Coco 

✈ Menu || Directions

The cutest spot for a bowl of pasta and an Aperol spritz. Highly suggest trying pasta with the spicy sauce and bacon while in this region. It may sound like an odd combo, but all of the waiters swear it’s their favorite!

That’s Amore

✈ Menu || Directions

If you’re looking to split a pizza and pasta, That’s Amore is the perfect spot. Something about this dining experience will make you feel like you’re the main character in a Netflix original, haha. Don’t forget to try their “Suppli”. This is a small fried ball full of cheesy, marinara rice. They aren’t on the menu but they have them and they are so good here!

Luccianos

✈ Menu || Directions

If you’re wanting a mid-day sweet treat, these gelatos are a must. Lucciano’s makes them in the shape of a Colosseum. So fun and perfect for the Instagram pic!

Hosteria Del Moro 

✈ Menu || Directions

We had an amazing group dinner at this spot. The waiter was so charmed by me he gave us a full bottle of wine on the house! Their focaccia + cypress are both phenomenal. So fresh that I’m still thinking about them weeks later…

If you have the chance to try their truffle ravioli, take it! They are also well known for their steaks. If you’re a meat lover, this is the place to try it.

Where To Stay

We stayed at Hotel Memphis for three nights. Rome is incredibly spread out so it’s impossible to be near everything. We had a fifteen-minute taxi ride from the train station and were just a five-minute walk to The Trevi Fountain.

Our room here was the most comfortable and inviting of the three hotels. We had more than one pillow (a luxury in Italy, haha!) and cozy linens. Our shower also had a full door here which is also a rare find in this region. Although the room was the smallest here, this property was my favorite of the three. No issues here!

Interested in staying at Hotel Memphis? Click here for the best rates and current availability.

Book A Group Tour

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of planning this trip on your own? Wanting someone to take the reins on the “hard stuff”? Are you a solo traveler looking to make some new friends? Have you ever dreamed of Italy and don’t have anyone to go with? 

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, consider booking this group trip with Bart & Barch. Bart & Barch is a group travel agency led by two twenty-somethings who have a passion for bringing other females’ travel dreams to life. They plan the entire trip— handling train tickets, hotel stays, tour bookings, and more. You pay the flat price and they handle the rest. Just show up (either solo or book with a friend) and have fun! 

I followed this itinerary and did all this on my ten-day trip. I met so many amazing girls through our group activities and yet had plenty of time to explore on my own. They keep the group fairly small; there were twelve of us total so it’s very personal! If you have any questions about booking a trip with them message me here and I’ll be happy to answer! 

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If you’re on the fence about booking that trip to Italy, I hope this sealed the deal. There’s nothing quite like your first trip to Italy—it’s an experience of a lifetime. Venice, Florence, and Rome all hold special places in my heart and I’m so glad I was able to revisit them all. 

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