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10 Days in Italy: The Perfect Itinerary from Cities to Coast

Are you ready to explore Italy, one of the top trending destinations for South African travellers? Whether it's your first time or you're revisiting and want to see the country in more depth, Italy is an unbeatable holiday destination.

3min read

Published 26 July 2024

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Not only are there loads of flights, but it also offers an unforgettable blend of culture, art, scenery, and of course, Italian food!

Here’s a 10-day itinerary to get those wanderlust juices flowing and help you experience the best of Italy, from the historic streets of Rome to the seascapes of the Amalfi Coast.

Day 1-3: Rome – The Eternal City

Arrival and Exploration

Start off your Italian adventure the right way, with a flight landing in Rome. It’s an iconic city and one which should be on everyone’s Italian itinerary, even if you’ve visited before. After settling into your hotel, head straight to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to fully immerse yourself in the historic culture that makes Rome so enticing. When you’re done, sit at one of the streetside cafes and enjoy an espresso with a serious view.

Vatican City

Dedicate your second day to Vatican City. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines – who wants to waste time queuing when you could be wandering the streets or tucking into gelato?

Discoveries Around Rome

On your third day, spend your time absorbing the sights and sounds of Rome. Try not to rush it, and instead enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of Rome, stopping wherever you fancy. Visit the Pantheon, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, walk up (ok, maybe down!) the Spanish Steps and make sure to stop for lunch – a pasta, perhaps? Or at the very least, indulge in authentic Italian gelato and coffee.

As the day ends, explore Trastevere, a district known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious food. Sip on an Aperol spritz and dance the night away or go for a refined dinner to end off your time in the Eternal City. The choice is yours!

Day 4-5: Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance

Art and Architecture

Travel by high-speed train to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance and home to some of Italy’s dreamiest landscapes. Vineyards, mountains, quaint old churches and winding golden-coloured pathways all look like they could have been plucked from the pages of a guide book.

Visit the Cathedral and climb to the top of its dome for panoramic city views. Don't miss the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. And of course, even those who don’t have an eye for art won’t want to miss out on stopping by The Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture.

Tuscan Countryside

Consider a day trip into the Tuscan countryside to enjoy the setting of countless movies and books. Explore medieval towns like Siena or San Gimignano, and perhaps enjoy a wine tasting session in Chianti, experiencing Italy's rich wine culture. You could also taste olives or olive oil, go truffle hunting, or make a trip to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower.

Italy

Expert tip

A great way to get from Rome to Messina in Sicily is by train. You get a cabin with bunk beds to sleep, but there’s incredible landscapes and sights on the way, so I felt that it is a trip to make in the daytime.

Charlotte

Travel Expert

Day 6-7: Venice – The City of Canals

Venetian Charm

Catch another train to Venice, the Paris of the North. This is another must-see stop on any Italy itinerary, especially for first timers. Start with a gondola ride through the canals, a quintessential Venetian experience and one which your TikTok or Instagram account will thank you for!

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark’s square, or Piazza San Marco and make it the starting point of your on-land exploration of Venice. Around the Piazza there are plenty of museums and churches including Doge’s Palace, as well as cafes and even live musicians.

Then, make your way to the Rialto bridge for a view of the Grand Canal. It’s one of the oldest and most famous bridges in Venice, and has a covered central section which is home to shops and markets.

Then, spend the rest of the day wandering the back alleyways and streets of Venice. Most visitors stick to the main streets which loop around the tourist sights, but so much of this city’s charm is in the maze of little winding pathways weaving between canals, piazzas, and trattorias.

Islands of Murano and Burano

Take a boat tour to the island of Murano, which is famous for handblown glass ornaments and decorations. You can watch glass being blown by skilled artisans and browse for souvenirs or décor which is authentic and unusual. If you have time, visit another island – Burano. This one is known for its lace and brightly coloured fishermen's houses. Aside from the scenery and the shopping, these islands are also a glimpse into a slightly different side of Venice; where things are quitter and more laidback.

Day 8-9: The Amalfi Coast – Coastal Beauty

Stunning Seascapes

Travel south to the stunning Amalfi Coast. Not sure where to stay? Sorrento is always recommended. It’s one of the most romantic places in Italy, and it’s also easy to access plenty of smaller Amalfi Coast towns and villages from there, as long as you rent a car. If you’d prefer to stay somewhere quieter, settle into a picturesque town like Positano.

Spend your days exploring the beautiful beaches, enjoying coastal walks or drives as you wind your way up and down the cliffsides trying to find the best views, and visiting historic sites like the Cathedral of Amalfi. If you're feeling adventurous, a boat tour to the beautiful Capri Island is highly recommended, where you can check out the beautiful and otherworldly blue grotto.

Don't miss the opportunity to tuck into as much fresh seafood as you can, and sip on a favourite adult beverage from these parts - the famous limoncello.

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Day 10: Departure

Last Moments

Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking up a few last rays of sunshine on the Amalfi Coast before heading back to Rome for your flight home in the evening. Make sure you savour that morning Italian coffee even more than usual!

Ready to book your next holiday? Speak to a Flight Centre travel expert today and let us tailor your perfect Italian adventure. Visit our Italy holiday page for more inspiration and travel tips!

Stop dreaming, start packing - your centre for travel has the rest covered!

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

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