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Italy · Guide

Italy in 10 DaysThe Classic Route by Train, Day by Day

For a first trip, do Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre and Rome in that order, all by train: 2 nights in Venice, 3 in Florence with a Tuscany day trip, 2 on the coast and 2 in Rome.Fly into Venice and out of Rome.

Foto: 12019 / Pixabay

✓ Facts checked · Updated 2026-11-03 · Ad*

The short answer

  • Venice2 nightscanals, St Mark's, islands
  • Florence3 nightsUffizi, Duomo, Tuscany day trip
  • Cinque Terre2 nightsfive villages, coastal hike
  • Rome2 nightsColosseum, Vatican, Pantheon

Your route on the map

VeniceFlorenceCinque TerreRome

Venice in the north, Florence and Tuscany in the middle, Cinque Terre on the west coast, Rome in the south. Every leg works by train.

Why this route?

It links Italy's four most popular destinations on one line north to south, so you never backtrack. Every leg is a train ride of two to four hours, and you need no car. Flying into Venice and out of Rome saves a full day compared with a round trip.

Ten days is the minimum for these four stops. If you want more time to relax, drop Cinque Terre and add a night each in Florence and Rome.

Our tip: Stay within walking distance of the train station in Florence and Rome, but not right next to it: you skip taxis with luggage and still get quiet streets at night.

How do you get between the stops?

High-speed trains run from Venice to Florence in about two hours and from Florence to Rome in about an hour and a half. Florence to Cinque Terre takes about two hours by regional train, usually with a change in Pisa or La Spezia; from La Spezia to Rome it is three and a half to four hours.

Book high-speed trains a few weeks ahead: early fares are much cheaper. Regional trains have fixed prices and need no booking.

What can you change?

Beach instead of hiking: swap Cinque Terre for the Amalfi Coast at the end, three nights from Rome by train to Naples and then ferry or bus.

With a car for the Tuscany day: pick it up and drop it in Florence, and avoid the ZTL zones in the old towns. Without a car, book a guided day trip to Siena, Pienza and the Val d'Orcia.

When is the best time for this route?

April to June and September to October. July and August are hot and crowded, and from November to March many hotels and ferries in Cinque Terre close, while cities stay open.

Your 10 days, day by day

Day 1: Venice

  1. AfternoonArrive, vaporetto along the Grand Canal.
  2. EveningGet lost in Cannaregio, cicchetti in a bacaro.

Day 2: Venice

  1. MorningSt Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace early.
  2. AfternoonBoat to Burano and Murano.

Day 3: to Florence

  1. MorningTrain to Florence, about 2 hours.
  2. AfternoonDuomo, Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio.
  3. EveningSunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.

Day 4: Florence

  1. MorningUffizi Gallery, booked in advance.
  2. AfternoonOltrarno, Pitti Palace or the Boboli Gardens.

Day 5: Tuscany day trip

  1. DaySiena, Pienza and the Val d'Orcia by car or guided tour.

Day 6: to Cinque Terre

  1. MorningTrain to La Spezia, regional train into the villages.
  2. AfternoonManarola and Riomaggiore.

Day 7: Cinque Terre

  1. MorningHike Monterosso to Vernazza early.
  2. AfternoonBeach in Monterosso or the boat along the coast.

Day 8: to Rome

  1. MorningTrain to Rome, about 4 hours.
  2. EveningTrastevere for dinner.

Day 9: Rome

  1. MorningColosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill.
  2. AfternoonPantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona.

Day 10: Rome

  1. MorningVatican Museums and St Peter's, booked early.
  2. AfternoonFly home from Rome.

What does it cost?

  • Venice access fee€5–10Only for day visitors on set days; overnight guests are exempt.
  • Uffizi Gallery€25–29€29 booked in advance, €25 bought on the day; cheaper in winter.
  • Pantheon€7Book a time slot at busy times.
  • Cinque Terre Card with trains€19.50–32.50One day of trails and regional trains; price depends on season.

✓ Facts checked · 2026-11-03 · Approximate prices, November 2026. Check before you go.

Tours and experiences nearby

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Frequently asked questions

Is 10 days enough for Italy?

Ten days is enough for four classic stops: Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre and Rome. Add southern Italy only if you have two weeks.

Do you need a car for this route?

No. All legs are by train. A car only helps for a Tuscany day trip; otherwise book a guided tour.

Which city should you start in?

Fly into Venice and out of Rome, or the other way round. An open-jaw flight saves a day of backtracking.

Should you book trains in advance?

Book high-speed trains a few weeks ahead for lower fares. Regional trains, like the ones in Cinque Terre, have fixed prices and no booking.

Can you add the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, instead of Cinque Terre: from Rome take the train to Naples and continue by ferry or bus, and plan three nights there.

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