With everything that’s been going on in the world, you deserve that dream vacation to Italy that you’ve wanted to go on. Whether you’re an art fanatic, a history buff, a beach lover, or you just want to experience one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is for you.

Woman Traveler in Italy

With that in mind, you’ll want to have a plan before you go so that you’re able to maximize your experience and have the best trip possible. Remember though, no matter how you spend your trip to Italy, it will undoubtedly be an incredible experience and a vacation that you will never forget. 

One of the best ways to see Italy is by renting a car and exploring this beautiful country by car. The drives through scenic Italy are among some of the picturesque you will ever go on. Take in the views, see all the amazing colors, and experience the country the way it was meant to be seen. 

10 day Italy Itinerary: Naples to Venice

Since travel arrangements will vary widely between visitors and can easily span a day or two on their own, travel days are excluded from this itinerary. Keep in mind that these locations and activities are ordered so that you can easily move from one to the other with a relatively short drive (or train ride) between destinations instead of having to figure out the best route on your own. 

So without further adieu, let’s take a look at the best way to spend 10 days in Italy.

Day 1 — Relaxing on the Amalfi Coast

Boats and colorful houses at the Amalfi Coast, Italy

If you’ve ever traveled long distances before, you’ll know just how exhausting the experience can be. So if you’ve been traveling for a day or two, what better way to start your Italian excursion than relaxing on the beautiful beaches along the Amalfi coast?

Along the Amalfi coast, you’ll find breathtaking views, delicious restaurants, beautiful cities, and an endless shoreline of Italian beaches. With all the small coastal towns along the coast, you’ll be able to dive straight into authentic Italian culture while you soak up the sun, no matter where you stay along the coast.

Sitting on the southern coast of Italy, the Amalfi coast will offer you a different experience than the northern beaches — which you’ll be visiting towards the end of your 10-day trip — so it’s an absolute must and a great place to start your vacation.

Day 2 — Naples and Pompeii

Aerial view of Naples, Italy

After your relaxing day on the coast, head just over an hour north, and you’ll reach Naples and the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The ruins at Pompeii show the ancient remains of the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption nearly 2,000 years ago in 79 A.D. You’re free to explore the city on your own or sign up for a guided tour if you’re a true history buff.

After you’re finished exploring Pompeii, head to nearby Naples for the remainder of your second day. Naples is flush with museums to explore, pizzerias to try, and beautiful architecture to see and explore. 

While you’re in the area, feel free to also check out other nearby areas, including Sorrento and Capri. The cities in this region are all fairly similar to one another and in close proximity, so stay in whichever one you prefer, and you’ll still be able to easily experience them all. 

Day 3 — Sightseeing in Rome

Front view of Colosseum

Rome — an absolute must on any Italy itinerary. After leaving Naples, you’ll have about 2 ½ hours of driving through beautiful central Italy until you come upon Rome. Even with two days dedicated to exploring Rome as much as possible, you won’t be able to see and do everything. Rome could be an entire 10-day trip on its own!

For your first day in Rome, you’ll want to do as much sightseeing as possible. Rome houses some of the most famous buildings in history that you won’t want to miss. Be sure to make time to take an audio tour through the Colosseum as well as visiting the Pantheon. 

While you’re at it, you’ll definitely want to check out the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain. Along the way to all these incredible places, you’ll find several other exciting places that are worth taking the time to explore. These are just the ones you don’t want to miss.

Day 4 — Second Day in Rome

St. Peter's Basilica in the evening

For your second day in Rome, you’ll still have a full palette of amazing places to see and do, but let’s hit the big ones you don’t want to skip out on. Taking a tour through the Vatican is a necessity if you’re in Rome. 

While you could tour the Vatican on your own and have a great time, we suggest taking a guided tour for the full experience. You will also be able to explore further into the Vatican while on a guided tour. During the tour, you’ll be able to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel as well as the architectural beauty that is St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Once you’re finished with your Vatican tour, consider checking out some of the incredible art in the area by visiting the Borghese art gallery. Finish your stay in Rome by visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for more amazing architecture and gourmet food that you won’t soon forget.

Day 5 — Road Trip through Tuscany

Hills with vineyard

One of the most beautiful regions in the country, Tuscany offers some of the most picturesque landscapes you can imagine. The final destination will be Florence, the capital city of Tuscany, which is only about three hours from Rome by car. But you’ll quickly realize while we suggest a day road-tripping through the region and seeing all that you can see. 

Spend your day driving through the picturesque countryside of the region, stopping anywhere along the way that catches your fancy. Whether you want to take in the beautiful landscapes, explore the rolling hills, or visit hilltop villages along the way, a drive through Tuscany is a great way to spend a day.

Consider heading to Montaione in the center of the Tuscan region. A small city in the gorgeous countryside of Tuscany, Montaione offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Book a stay at the Castellare di Tonda Tuscany Country Resort and Spa to spend your evening in pure relaxation after your road trip through the area. 

Day 6 — Visiting Florence

Aerial view of Florence city

After you’ve taken in the amazing views in the area on day 5, you may have chosen to stay in Florence or one of the smaller nearby cities. No matter which, make your way to Florence and get ready for a fun-filled day. 

Florence is a city focused on art and architecture, and it will provide you with some of the most incredible views of buildings you’ll ever see. While in Florence, you won’t want to miss out on touring the Uffizi Gallery or on checking out the Florence Cathedral known as Duomo. The incredible building will leave you in awe as you take in its size and beauty.

Day 7 — Checking Out the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Pisa tower

Let’s be honest, the Leaning Tower of Pisa does not require anywhere near a full day to see. So on day 7, you should finish up seeing or doing anything in Florence and Tuscany that you haven’t had a chance to do yet. The drive from Florence to Pisa is only just over an hour, so don’t feel rushed about heading there first thing. 

One of the most famous attractions in all of Italy is the leaning Tower of Pisa. While we suggest checking it out just because of how well-known and unique it is, don’t expect it to be a full day’s worth of activity. The tower is certainly worth seeing, but expect heavy crowds during popular times of the year.

Day 8 — The Coast at Cinque Terre

Aerial view of ligurian town in Italy

Remember above when we mentioned that you’d be visiting the coast of northern Italy later in your trip? That day is finally here! From Pisa, you’ll have about an hour and a half drive to arrive at Cinque Terre.

Cinque Terre is one of the most famous coastal areas in northern Italy due to its sheer beauty and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. Composed of five fishing villages, this coastal region is known for its colorful buildings and welcoming feeling all around. If you have the time, try visiting all five villages — Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, and Vernazza — in order to get the full experience. 

For the best beach experience and unique views, we suggest ending your day in Monterosso. You’ll find a gorgeous coastline and incredible view of all the other fishing villages when they are lit up at night. 

Day 9 — Arriving in Venice

Man rowing Gondola in Venice

The longest drive of your trip will also be your last. Getting from Cinque Terre over to your final destination in Venice will take about four hours. It’s up to you if you want to make the drive on Day 8 or Day 9; it just depends on if you want a few extra hours at Cinque Terre or Venice.

Before you spend the last day of your trip relaxing on slow gondola rides through the city, spend your first day in Venice enjoying the beautiful city. Although water buses are a popular way to get around, we suggest spending this day walking to really take it all in. A small and compact city, Venice can get busy, but you should have no problem avoiding the crowds by spending more time walking the roads less traveled.

Sitting right on the water, Venice is known for its fresh, delicious seafood, so be sure to try that out when you get hungry after your day of exploration. 

Day 10 — Gondola Rides in Venice

Men rowing Gondolas in Venice

Your last day in Italy, so let’s make it a good one. You’ll want to pick up wherever you left off on Day 9 before you called it a night. 

As fun as the trip has been, you might be starting to feel some exhaustion from all the activities you’ve been enjoying over the last nine days. There’s no better way to cap off an unforgettable Italian experience than by taking gondola rides through the beautiful canals of Venice

About as authentic Venetian as you can get, gondola rides can be some of the most romantic activities you’ll ever do with your loved one. If your trip isn’t a romantic one, don’t worry. The views that you get from the canals will be a unique experience that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. 

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