10 Days in Italy: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Itinerary for Adventurous Couples

ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / ITALY

Planning a trip to Italy can be overwhelming with countless options and endless research. As meticulous planners who've spent over 100 hours crafting and testing this Italy 10 day itinerary, we're here to save you precious planning time. After experiencing these destinations firsthand and ironing out all the logistics, we've created the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover how to experience Italy's most captivating cities while staying within budget. From skip-the-line tickets to local neighborhood accommodations, we'll share our tried-and-tested tips for combining romance with adventure, perfect for couples seeking authentic experiences without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents: Italy 10 Day Itinerary

Planning Your Dream Italy 10 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Venice to Florence
Day 4: Florence
Day 5: Cinque Terre Day Trip
Day 6: Florence to Rome
Day 7: Ancient Rome
Day 8: Vatican City
Day 9: Hidden Rome
Day 10: Departure
Budget Breakdown
FAQ Section

Map of Italy with itinerary highlights: Venice, Florence, Rome, and Cinque Terre. Illustrations and text mark each city. Blue background.

Planning Your Dream Italy 10 Day Itinerary

When we planned our trip to Italy, we found early spring (March-April) and late fall (October-November) to be sweet spots for exploring Europe. The weather was perfect for wandering - warm but not scorching - and we loved having more breathing room at popular spots without summer crowds (snag our free 35-page planning guidebook for more tips!).

Getting around Italy was a breeze using the country's modern train system. We booked our tickets through Trenitalia's website about a month ahead and saved nearly 40% compared to day-of prices. Pro tip: download tickets to your phone (we saved ours in our offline Google Drive) since station WiFi can be spotty.

One of our best decisions for this Italy 10 day itinerary was choosing to stay in local neighborhoods. We loved our apartment in Rome's Trastevere district where we could grab morning cappuccinos with locals, and our cozy spot south of the Arno in Florence gave us amazing rooftop views while saving nearly €100 per night compared to tourist zones.

Weathered bar sign on a rustic building with a lantern, street view in Europe. Sign says "BAR OASI." Warm sunlight, clear blue sky.

Day 1: Venice

We started our epic 10 day Italy itinerary in the floating city of Venice. After checking into our Airbnb on the main island (totally worth the splurge), we wandered the maze-like streets and got our first taste of authentic Italian cuisine. We ditched directions and just wandered. Trust us - getting lost in Venice is magical. The quiet canals, hidden art galleries, and local cafes we discovered were unforgettable.

✨ Hidden gem: End your day at Fondaco dei Tedeschi's free rooftop terrace. Book your 15-minute slot online or try your luck as a walk-in (we have pinned this location in our Italy Google Map).

Woman in sunglasses smiles on a rooftop overlooking Venice's canals and red-roofed buildings. Clear blue sky sets a joyful mood.

💡 Where to stay: We chose to stay on Venice island despite higher prices. While you can save money staying on the mainland (€1.5 tram ride), being in the heart of Venice let us soak in the evening atmosphere after day-trippers left. Our host Doriana's centrally-located Airbnb was perfect.

Woman standing on a stone bridge over a canal in Venice, surrounded by colorful buildings with green shutters. Calm, sunny atmosphere.

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Day 2: Venice

Pro tip: Book the first time slot at St. Mark's Basilica (€15 with museum) at 9:30 AM. When purchasing these tickets online in advance (highly recommended) you can enter via a separate skip-the-line entrance which is on the left side of the main Basilica doors. We practically had the place to ourselves, with only a handful of other early birds! The morning light streaming through the golden mosaics created an absolutely magical atmosphere.

Ornate church interior with vibrant biblical frescoes on the ceiling, intricate architectural details, and arches. Warm, glowing lighting.

The upstairs museum was a highlight - we spent nearly an hour exploring the intricate artifacts and original horses of St. Mark. The terrace access was worth the climb, offering incredible panoramic views over St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal. From this vantage point, you can really appreciate Venice's unique layout and watch the city come to life as cafes set up their morning service.

Woman in a white top and green skirt gazes at a scenic waterfront from a balcony. Historic architecture, sunny day, and distant boats visible.

👗 Pack appropriately: You'll need covered shoulders and knees to enter.

🍽️ Food tip: Don't miss cicchetti - Venice's answer to tapas. We loved Enoteca Al Volto for their €2-3 small plates and €5 spritz (we have pinned this location in our Italy Google Map).

Close-up of a sandwich with shaved meat and creamy topping, held in front of colorful European buildings under a clear blue sky.

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Day 3: Venice to Florence

We took the scenic 2-hour train ride to Florence through Tuscany. Trenitalia's high-speed trains are comfortable and eco-friendly. Download our free 35-Page Trip Planning Guidebook for all of the helpful tools we use to plan our trips.

💰 Transport costs:

• Train: $60-70/person

• Car rental: $160-200 for 4 people (mostly manual transmission available)

Man with backpack walking on a stone bridge in front of colorful historic buildings under a cloudy sky, text "Nomsbrewsviews" at bottom.

🏠 We stayed in charming Piazza Santo Spirito, south of the Arno River. Stephano's place had incredible rooftop views and let us live like locals while being walking distance to everything.

Person in pink shirt relaxing on a balcony with a drink. Green shutters, bright yellow walls, and red-tiled roofs create a sunny vibe.

Started with the iconic Duomo complex - book tickets at least a month ahead for Brunelleschi's Dome climb! The 463-step ascent takes you between the cathedral's two shells, offering unique views of Giorgio Vasari's stunning Last Judgment frescoes and culminating in breathtaking 360-degree views over Florence's terracotta rooftops. We arrived 15 minutes before our scheduled time to avoid any issues with the strict entry policy and have pinned the exact entrance door hidden on the side of the Duomo in our Italy Google Map.

Woman in yellow sweater overlooks cityscape from high viewpoint. Sunny weather, mountains, and clear blue sky in the background.

Looking up at a dome with vibrant frescoes of religious figures and scenes, a central skylight, and warm, dramatic colors creating a majestic atmosphere.

🥪 Food tip: Queue up at All'Antico Vinaio for the best sandwiches in Florence (we have pinned this location in our Italy Google Map). We would recommend visiting at an odd time (2-4pm) for the shortest lines.

🌅 Perfect ending: Picnic in Giardino delle Rose, then sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. We continued up to San Miniato Church for even better views.

A half-eaten fried rice ball on a white plate with vibrant magenta flowers in the background. Text at the bottom reads "NOMSBREWSVIEWS".

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Day 4: Florence

If you're an art lover like us, you'll adore planning this part of your Italy 10 day itinerary! We kicked off at the Uffizi Gallery to admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, and da Vinci. Pro tip: start with Botticelli's Birth of Venus on the second floor before the crowds arrive. The Accademia Gallery was next (book your time slot in advance), where Michelangelo's David left us speechless - seriously, photos don't do it justice. Get there 15 minutes before your time slot to breeze through security.

Marble statue of a standing male figure in a dome-shaped, softly lit gallery. Background features arches and columns. Text reads "NOMSREVSWINS."

For our afternoon in Florence, we wandered through the grand Pitti Palace and its peaceful Boboli Gardens. Don't skip the hidden gem that is Museo delle Porcellane (we have pinned this location in our Italy Google Map). We loved its stunning Tuscan views and unique porcelain collection.

Woman in a pink top and floral skirt stands on a terrace, gazing at lush Italian countryside with hills and villas under a clear blue sky.

💰 Money Saving Tip: We saved €7 each by booking the PassePartout combined ticket online in advance which is valid for 5 consecutive days and offers one single admission (with priority) to all the museum sites of the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens (price €40 in 2025)

Ornate gold ceiling with colorful Renaissance frescoes depicting mythological scenes, surrounded by intricate sculptures and patterns. Luxurious ambiance.

Day 5: Cinque Terre Day Trip

An easy day trip from Florence to see the famous five colorful coastal villages perched along the rugged Italian Riviera. We took a guided tour which handled all logistics and gave us free time to explore each town. The tour included comfortable transportation through the winding coastal roads, local insights about the history and culture of each village, and plenty of recommendations for the best spots to try local specialties like chocolate pastries from Monterosso and pesto from Vernazza. Having 45-60 minutes in each town let us explore at our own pace while not worrying about train schedules or navigation between villages. If you're limited on time and don't want a relaxing day free of heavy logistics, we highly recommend booking this tour to experience the highlights!

Woman with long hair gazes at colorful hillside village by the sea, with boats on the water, under a clear blue sky; text reads "HOMERAPS NEWS".

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Day 6: Florence to Rome

Another scenic train ride (2 hours, $40-55/person) to Rome. We chose to stay in the charming Trastevere neighborhood - perfect for foodies and nightlife lovers. Download our free 35-Page Trip Planning Guidebook for all of the helpful tools we use to plan our trips.

🏠 Giorgia's condo was our ideal base, offering quiet nights despite being steps from the action.

Hit the must-sees: started at the magnificent Pantheon, then made our way to the iconic Trevi Fountain where we followed tradition and tossed in coins over our shoulders. Continued to the Spanish Steps - perfect for people-watching and gelato breaks.

Woman in a floral dress sits on a stone ledge overlooking a busy square with historic buildings in the background, on a sunny day.

Our evening in Trastevere was magical, starting with handmade pasta at the local favorite Tonnarello (try their signature cacio e pepe!), followed by modern Roman street food at Trapizzino where we sampled their innovative pizza-pocket creations filled with traditional Roman recipes (all of our favorite must-try foodie spots are pinned in our Italy Google Map).

Rugantino entrance covered in green vines, with two wine barrels displaying bottles. Inside, people dining in a cozy, warmly lit atmosphere.

Day 7: Ancient Rome

One day 7, we explored Rome's greatest hits. We started early at the majestic Colosseum (book time slots at least 2 weeks ahead for best prices!) where we spent a full 2 hours exploring all three levels. Don't miss the newly opened underground tunnels where gladiators once prepared for battle. From there, we wandered through the sprawling Roman Forum, where ancient temples and government buildings tell the story of the Empire's glory days.

Woman in white shirt and floral skirt gazes at the Colosseum ruins under a clear blue sky. Greenery visible through arches.

Couple smiling with sunglasses in the Colosseum, Rome, sunlit, enjoying the historic setting. Happy mood; ancient stone structure in background.

Finally, we climbed Palatine Hill for breathtaking views over the archaeological park. The 24-hour combo pass (€18 in 2025) was perfect for our plan, letting us take our time at each site without feeling rushed. Here's an insider tip: save on the audio guides at these historic sites and download Rick Steve’s free walking guide here

🍕 Dinner at Pizza Florida - they charge by weight so you can try lots of flavors!

Assorted pizza slices in a box featuring toppings like tomatoes and zucchini. Background shows outdoor setting with cobblestone ground.

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Day 8: Vatican City

On day 8, we crossed into the world's smallest country to explore Vatican City's treasures. The majestic St. Peter's Basilica left us in awe with its massive dome and intricate marble work. Inside the Vatican Museums, we wandered through countless rooms of priceless art and ancient artifacts. The highlight was definitely the Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling had us mesmerized. Pro tip: Book tickets 1-2 weeks ahead and arrive early (by 8:30 AM) to beat the crowds.

People explore an ornate cathedral interior with sunlight streaming through high windows, creating a majestic and peaceful atmosphere.

If you're up for more adventures in the afternoon, hop on bus 118 (€1.5 one way) to discover Rome's underground secrets in the ancient catacombs (€8 guided tour). These fascinating burial tunnels stretch for miles beneath the city, telling stories of early Christians. You can then explored the Appian Way, Europe's oldest and most important highway, where ancient Romans' footsteps still echo through time. An e-bike tour is perfect for covering the expansive grounds - you'd easily zip between sites while enjoying the fresh air and stunning countryside views. Don't miss the remarkably preserved tomb of Cecilia Metella!

Woman in a white shirt and floral skirt sits on a wall, overlooking Roman architecture; sunny day, relaxed mood, green leaves nearby.

Day 9: Hidden Rome

Found solitude at Villa Borghese, Rome's largest public park spanning 200 acres of manicured gardens, hidden fountains, and tree-lined paths. Rent a rowboat (€3 per person for 20 minutes) on the park's serene lake, then explore the Galleria Borghese's stunning art collection (book 2 weeks ahead!). The Passeggiata del Pincio viewpoint offered breathtaking panoramas of St. Peter's Basilica and the city skyline.

People rowing boats on a green lake, surrounded by lush trees, with a classical temple in the background. Clear blue sky and serene mood.

Afternoon: We ventured into the whimsical Coppedè District, Rome's architectural wonderland that most tourists never discover (we have pinned this location in our Italy Google Map). This small quarter features a mesmerizing mix of Art Nouveau, Medieval, Baroque, Ancient Greek, and Gothic styles. Don't miss the centerpiece Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of Frogs) and the stunning Villino delle Fate (Fairy House) with its intricate mythological decorations.

A stone staircase covered with green plants leads to an ivy-clad historic building with archways and windows, evoking an ancient, serene mood.

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Day 10: Departure

Said goodbye to two weeks of pizza, pasta, and gelato. Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport offers great flight deals to the US. If your return flight is from Venice or Florence, trains make connections easy.

Smiling woman in yellow cardigan and floral skirt stands by a river with historic buildings and a bridge in the background. Clear blue sky.

Budget Breakdown:

🏠 Hotels: $130-200 USD / Night

🛌 Hostels: $20-100 USD / Night

🍽️ Price per meal: $10-30 USD

🚊 Trains: $40-70 USD

🚎 Transport: $2-10 USD

📲 eSIM: 3GB / $7 USD

Budget Tip: Sign up for our favorite beginner travel credit card here! The sign-on bonus can get you a free flight to Italy, plus it has no foreign transactions fees!

👉 Grab our favorite eSIM here (we used this throughout our entire Italy trip) and use code NBV8668 for $3 off!

Narrow canal lined with weathered brick buildings, featuring a turquoise boat. Sunlit scene with lush greenery and a peaceful mood. Text: Nomsbrewsviews.

FAQ Section

Q: What's the most cost-effective way to travel between cities?

A: High-speed trains offer the best combination of price and convenience, with regular services between major cities. Book in advance with TrenItalia for better rates.

Q: Should we stay in city centers or outskirts?

A: While city centers can be pricier, staying in local neighborhoods often provides better value and authentic experiences. Consider locations with good walking access to main attractions to save on transportation.

Rigatoni pasta with green pesto sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese, in a metal bowl. Background shows a blurred table.

Q: What are some budget-friendly food options?

A: Try local specialties like Venetian cicchetti, and pizza-by-the-slice in Rome. Local markets and off-the-tourist-path eateries offer the best value. We have pinned all of our favorites to our Italy Google Map!

Q: How can we avoid tourist crowds?

A: Book major attractions like St. Mark's Basilica, Duomo, and the Vatican Museums in advance, and visit during early morning hours. Explore lesser-known areas and get purposefully lost in cities like Venice.

The Colosseum in Rome under a clear blue sky, partially obscured by green leafy branches in the foreground, creating a serene mood.

From getting lost in Venice's enchanting canals to savoring authentic cuisine in Rome's Trastevere, this 10-day Italian adventure combines iconic landmarks with hidden gems. We've crafted this itinerary to help couples maximize their time and budget while experiencing the true essence of Italy. By staying in local neighborhoods, booking smart, and following our insider tips, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.

Ready to start planning your Italian getaway? Download our free 35-Page Trip Planning Guidebook for all of the helpful tools we use to plan our trips. For daily travel inspiration and up-to-date advice, follow our adventures on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views where we share real-time stories and tips from our travels across Europe.

Buon viaggio! 🇮🇹✨