10-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice

Rome Day 1 — ancient Rome. For the full day-by-day detail see the 3 Days in Rome itinerary.

St Peter's: cover shoulders and knees.

High-speed train Rome → Florence: Frecciarossa (Trenitalia) and Italo take well under two hours. Most arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, walking distance from the centre.

Climbing Brunelleschi's dome requires a reserved time slot, and the stairs are narrow and steep.

Book both museums ahead.

Day trip into Tuscany — Option A: Siena and San Gimignano (pairs well on a guided tour or by car; by public bus it's a long day, so consider one town only).

Option B — Pisa and Lucca: both easy by regional train. Snap the Leaning Tower in Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli, then walk or cycle Lucca's Renaissance city walls.

High-speed train Florence → Venezia Santa Lucia (around two hours). Make sure your ticket is for Santa Lucia, not Venezia Mestre on the mainland. There are no cars in Venice — you'll walk with your luggage over bridges with steps, so pack light.

St Mark's Basilica: shoulders and knees covered, large bags not allowed. Book the basilica and the Doge's Palace ahead in busy seasons.

The Rialto Market is best in the morning on market days.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is on the mainland. Reach it by Alilaguna water bus from the city, by water taxi, or by bus from Piazzale Roma. Allow plenty of time with luggage.