10-Day First-Time Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan Blend of History, Art & Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival and Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on April 19, 2025

9:00am

Check into Hotel Artemide

A well-located 4-star hotel on Via Nazionale with rooftop views, perfect for first-time visitors seeking comfort and accessibility.
EUR150, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore Rome’s iconic ancient amphitheater; purchase a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long waits. Open 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR18, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe in a lively local eatery near the Colosseum.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Discover the heart of ancient Rome with ruins and panoramic views, included with the Colosseum ticket.
Included, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure walk to Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Stroll through charming streets, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and relax near the Spanish Steps before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine with a view of the Colosseum spectacularly lit at night, indulging in refined Italian cuisine.
EUR80, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Vatican & Renaissance Art

Rome, Italy on April 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start with a cappuccino and fresh pastries at this beloved Roman cafe near Campo de’ Fiori.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore vast art collections and Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling; tickets should be booked online ahead of time. Open 9:00am–6:00pm (last entry 4:00pm).
EUR30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Try creative Roman-style pizza by the slice from a famed local pizza chef.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome Climb

Visit the world’s largest church and climb 551 steps for breathtaking views of Rome. Open 7:00am–7:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Campo de’ Fiori Market stroll

Browse fresh produce and souvenirs at the lively market square.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Da Fortunata

Savor homemade pasta and local wines in a cozy, traditional restaurant.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast buffet with coffee and pastries.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella

High-speed train ride approximately 1h 30m, book tickets via Trenitalia or Italo in advance.
EUR45, 1h30m

10:00am

Check into Hotel L'Orologio

Luxury hotel situated in Florence’s historic center, close to major attractions.
EUR180, 1h

11:00am

Duomo Complex: Cathedral, Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower

Climb to the top of the dome for scenic city views; closed on Wednesdays. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes such as ribollita and Florentine steak in a traditional setting.
EUR35, 1h

2:45pm

Uffizi Gallery

Visit one of the greatest art museums in the world featuring works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Open 8:15am–6:50pm, closed Mondays.
EUR25, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset walk along the Arno River to Ponte Vecchio

Enjoy scenic views and browse unique jewelry shops on the historic bridge.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Experience romantic ambiance and exquisite Tuscan dishes famed for their authenticity.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Florence Art and Tuscany

Florence, Italy on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Sample artisan coffees and freshly baked pastries in a trendy café.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Accademia Gallery - Michelangelo’s David

View the iconic statue and Renaissance sculptures. Open 8:15am–6:50pm, closed Mondays.
EUR16, 2h

11:30am

Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a scenic 30-minute walk or bus to panoramic viewpoints over Florence.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy authentic Tuscan home cooking, including wild boar ragu and pecorino cheese.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Boboli Gardens

Explore extensive Renaissance gardens and sculptures behind Pitti Palace. Open 8:15am–6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia

Taste some of Florence’s best gelato near the river.
EUR5, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Pair fine Tuscan wines with elegant regional fare in a sophisticated setting.
EUR60, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Florence to Venice

Florence to Venice, Italy on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a relaxing hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Venice Santa Lucia

Scenic 2h train ride through northern Italy, tickets can be booked online ahead.
EUR40, 2h

11:00am

Check into Hotel Danieli

Luxurious Venetian hotel near St. Mark’s Square with beautiful historic interiors.
EUR220, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria al Bacco

Discover traditional Venetian cicchetti (small plates) and fresh seafood specialties.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

St. Mark’s Basilica and Square

Visit the Byzantine masterpiece and soak in Venice’s vibrant central piazza. Basilica open 9:30am–5pm.
Free, optional museum EUR5, 2h

3:30pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the political heart of Venice and its stunning Gothic architecture. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h

6:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s iconic canals with a private gondola ride during sunset.
EUR80, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Savor authentic Venetian seafood dishes away from the tourist crowds.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Venice Art & Islands

Venice, Italy on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy exquisite pastries and espresso at a famed bakery near Campo Santa Margherita.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Gallerie dell’Accademia

Explore the leading collection of Venetian Renaissance paintings. Open 8:15am–7:15pm.
EUR15, 2h

11:30am

Vaporetto to Murano and Burano Islands

Visit famous glassblowing in Murano and colorful fishing village of Burano. Plan 4–5 hours for the round trip.
EUR20 round trip, 5h

4:30pm

Return to Venice and relax at hotel

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Alla Madonna

Classic Venetian cuisine in a historic setting, famous for seafood risotto.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Venice to Milan

Venice to Milan, Italy on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an Italian breakfast buffet before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Venice Santa Lucia to Milan Centrale

High-speed train taking about 2h 30m, tickets should be booked ahead.
EUR50, 2h30m

11:00am

Check into Room Mate Giulia

Stylish contemporary hotel located close to the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
EUR160, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Taste famous panzerotti, a Milanese fried dough filled with cheese and tomato.
EUR10, 1h

1:30pm

Duomo di Milano

Visit Milan’s grand Gothic cathedral; rooftop access offers stunning city views. Open 9am–7pm.
EUR15, 2h

4:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore Italy’s oldest shopping gallery with elegant boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Teatro alla Scala Museum

Discover the history of world-famous opera house with guided tours. Open 9:30am–5:30pm, last entry 5:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Cracco

Indulge in innovative Milanese cuisine created by a celebrity chef near the Duomo.
EUR90, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Milan Art & Scenic

Milan, Italy on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy craft coffee and freshly baked goods in a hip Milanese bakery.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Santa Maria delle Grazie - The Last Supper

View Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece; tickets must be booked months in advance. Entry time scheduled at booking.
EUR15, 1h

11:00am

Sforza Castle

Explore this historic fortress housing museums and gardens. Open 7:00am–7:30pm.
EUR5, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Milan Smeraldo

Sample a variety of Italian delicacies and fresh produce under one roof.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Brera District Walk & Pinacoteca di Brera

Meander through charming cobbled streets and visit the Pinacoteca art gallery. Open 8:30am–7:15pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Aperitivo in Navigli

Enjoy Milan’s famous pre-dinner drink and snacks along the picturesque canals.
EUR20, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Binari

Traditional Milanese dishes such as ossobuco served in a cozy setting near Navigli.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day Trip to Lake Como

Milan to Lake Como, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Morning breakfast before commute.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Como

About 1h train ride from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni station.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Boat tour on Lake Como

Take a scenic ferry ride visiting lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Ferry options vary; duration about 4h for round trip.
EUR25, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo, Bellagio

Taste local lake fish dishes and Italian classics with lake views.
EUR40, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Bellagio or Varenna

Enjoy charming streets, gardens, and waterfront promenades.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return train to Milan

Take train back and relax at hotel upon arrival.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paper Moon Giardino

Elegant dining near Milan Duomo offering refined Italian dishes.
EUR80, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Milan, Italy on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Italy and pack with care.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute shopping & stroll in Brera

Pick up gifts and souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing final walk.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Check out and transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport

Arrange taxi or airport shuttle, approx. 50 min drive.
EUR50, 1h
View Hotel Availability