10-Day Italy Tour: Rome Florence Venice & Amalfi Coast

10-Day Italy Tour: Rome, Florence, Venice & Amalfi Coast

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Italy’s most iconic destinations. From ancient Roman ruins to seaside panoramas on the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary blends history, art, and coastal charm. Below is a day-by-day guide plus tips on dining and local customs.

Before You Go: Train Tickets & Museum Pass

Rail Reservations: Book high-speed train tickets between Rome–Florence–Venice in advance via the national rail site or regional carriers to secure lower fares and preferred departure times [1].
Museum Passes: Invest in city passes for Rome (Roma Pass) and Florence (Firenze Card) to skip lines at major attractions and enjoy included public transit [2].
Travel Insurance: Ensure coverage for medical emergencies and trip interruptions, especially when island-hopping near Capri and along Amalfi’s cliffs.

Day 1–3: Rome – Colosseum, Vatican & Trastevere

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Morning tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum—prebooked to avoid queues.
Stroll through Palatine Hill for panoramic city views.
Dinner in Monti district, sampling classic carbonara.

Day 2: Vatican City

Early-entry visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Coffee break near Piazza Navona.
Evening walk along the Tiber River.

Day 3: Trastevere & Hidden Gems

Wander Trastevere’s cobblestone lanes and Santa Maria church.
Explore the Jewish Ghetto and Teatro di Marcello.
Sunset aperitivo with views of the Tiber.

Rome’s historic center, including the Colosseum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing two millennia of urban evolution [3].

Day 4–5: Florence – Uffizi & Ponte Vecchio

Day 4: Renaissance Art

Morning at the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus.”
Cross the Ponte Vecchio and browse goldsmith shops.
Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views.

Day 5: Duomo & Oltrarno

Visit the Duomo complex: Brunelleschi’s Dome, Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile.
Afternoon in Oltrarno district, known for artisan workshops and quiet piazzas.
Dine on bistecca alla Fiorentina at a traditional trattoria.

Day 6–7: Venice – Canals & Murano

Day 6: Classic Venice

Begin at St. Mark’s Square: Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Campanile.
Gondola ride through the Grand Canal.
Explore hidden alleys in the San Polo district.

Day 7: Islands of the Lagoon

Morning vaporetto to Murano to watch glassblowing demonstrations.
Continue to Burano for lace boutiques and pastel-colored houses.
Seafood dinner back in Venice near the Rialto Bridge.

Day 8–10: Amalfi Coast & Capri

Day 8: Sorrento & Positano

Train to Naples, then Circumvesuviana rail to Sorrento.
Enjoy cliffside views en route to Positano; check into a seaside hotel.
Dinner of fresh catch with limoncello on the terrace.

Day 9: Amalfi & Ravello

Coastal bus to Amalfi; visit the Cathedral and Paper Museum.
Afternoon drive or bus to Ravello for Villa Rufolo gardens.
Sunset cocktails overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Day 10: Capri Day Trip

Ferry to Capri; explore the Blue Grotto by boat (advance booking recommended).
Funicular to Anacapri and chairlift to Monte Solaro.
Late ferry back to Sorrento and onward to Naples or Rome.

Where to Eat & Gelato Stops

Rome: Try suppli near Trastevere and Giolitti gelato near the Pantheon [1].
Florence: Sample panini at All’Antico Vinaio and ice cream at Gelateria dei Neri [2].
Venice: Cicchetti bars in Dorsoduro; gelato at Suso.
Amalfi Coast: Pizza in Sorrento, seafood risotto in Amalfi, and granita in Capri.

Local Etiquette & Siesta Hours

Greet with a simple “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera.” Italians value polite formalities.
Dress modestly when visiting churches—shoulders and knees covered.
Observe riposo (siesta) from roughly 1:00–4:00 PM in smaller towns: shops may close for lunch.
Tipping is not obligatory; round up bills or leave small change for good service.

Conclusion

This 10-day itinerary covers Italy’s finest urban treasures and coastal gems. Advance planning for trains and museum passes ensures smooth transitions, while local dining and etiquette tips enrich your experience. Buon viaggio!