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

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

Embark on a 10-day journey through Italy’s most iconic cities and coastal gems. From ancient ruins in Rome to the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, this itinerary balances in-depth sightseeing with local dining, gelato breaks, and cultural insights.

Before You Go: Train Tickets & Museum Pass

Train Reservations: For high-speed routes (Rome <-> Florence <-> Venice), book in advance on Trenitalia or Italo to secure best fares and seat reservations [1]. Regional trains to the Amalfi Coast require flexible tickets; purchase 1–2 days ahead.
Museum Passes: In Rome, the Omnia Card offers skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums and Colosseum. In Florence, the Firenze Card grants entry to Uffizi and other state museums [2].
Packing Tips: Include a foldable daypack, comfortable walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle (many Italian cities have public drinking fountains).

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

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Morning: Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Pre-book guided entry to skip lines [2].
Afternoon: Stroll the Palatine Hill for panoramic views of the city.
Evening: Dinner in Trastevere—try traditional Roman pasta (cacio e pepe) at a local tavern.

Day 2: Vatican City

Early entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with the Omnia Card [1].
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb the dome for skyline vistas.
Relax in the Vatican Gardens or explore nearby Borgo Pio street cafés.

Day 3: Historical Center

Explore Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.
Enjoy espresso in a historic café, then shop for leather goods at Campo de’ Fiori.

Day 4–5: Florence — Uffizi & Ponte Vecchio

Day 4: Renaissance Highlights

Morning: Uffizi Gallery—home to Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and works by Leonardo da Vinci [2].
Afternoon: Walk across Ponte Vecchio; browse artisan jewelry shops.

Day 5: Duomo Complex & Oltrarno

Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome at Santa Maria del Fiore for city panorama.
Cross the Arno to Oltrarno district for local workshops and outdoor markets.

Day 6–7: Venice — Canals & Murano

Day 6: Floating City Tour

Ride a vaporetto along the Grand Canal; disembark at Rialto Bridge.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace (skip-the-line tickets recommended) [3].

Day 7: Islands of the Lagoon

Morning ferry to Murano for a glass-blowing demonstration.
Afternoon on Burano, famous for lacework and brightly painted houses.

Day 8–10: Amalfi Coast & Capri

Day 8: Sorrento & Positano

Travel by train to Naples, then Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento.
Afternoon ferry to Positano; wander narrow streets and cliffside cafés.

Day 9: Amalfi & Ravello

Coastal drive or SITA bus to Amalfi; visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
Evening in Ravello—don’t miss Villa Rufolo’s gardens at sunset.

Day 10: Capri Excursion

Day trip by hydrofoil to Capri: Blue Grotto boat tour and Anacapri chairlift.
Return to Naples or Rome by evening train or ferry connection.

Where to Eat & Gelato Stops

Rome: Trastevere trattorias and Campo de’ Fiori market stalls [1].
Florence: Mercato Centrale for panini and artisanal gelato at La Carraia.
Venice: Cicchetti bars near Rialto; gelato at Gelatoteca Suso.
Amalfi Coast: Lemon granita in Amalfi; seafood risotto in Positano.

Local Etiquette & Siesta Hours

Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
Dining: Italians dine late—lunch from 1–3 pm, dinner after 8 pm.
Siesta: Many shops close 1–4 pm, especially in smaller towns along the Amalfi Coast.
Greetings: A simple “buongiorno” or “buonasera” is appreciated when entering small businesses.

Conclusion

This 10-day itinerary offers a balanced mix of historic landmarks, artistic treasures, and coastal relaxation. Advance bookings for trains and museum passes ensure smooth transitions, while local dining and cultural tips help you blend in like a native. Buon viaggio!

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