The Perfect 10 Day Italy Itinerary For First Timers _ Detailed Italy Vacation Guide

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00:00If you're planning a first-time trip to Italy, this is the itinerary you're going to want to steal.

00:07With 20 unique and different regions, it can be hard to narrow down which stops to put on your 10-day trip.

00:15I've been visiting Italy for over a decade, so don't worry if you're new to the planning process.

00:20I am going to walk you through each day, city by city, with all of the tips, tricks, and insider advice that you need.

00:28By the end of this video, you will feel totally confident and excited to book the Italy trip of your dreams.

00:36Are you ready? Let's get started.

00:44Your Italian adventure begins in Rome, the Eternal City.

00:49Now, when most people think of Italy, their minds immediately wander to Rome, and it's easy to see why.

00:55When you arrive at Fumichimo Airport, take the express train, the airport shuttle, or a taxi to the city center.

01:05On your first day in Italy, keep it light and relaxed.

01:08Now, if you're like me, you're going to be tired from the long flight.

01:12I recommend just getting a lay of the land and soaking in the charm of the city at your own pace.

01:17Start off by taking a leisurely stroll to see the Spanish steps and enjoy the energy of this iconic spot.

01:28Next, head just a few minutes' walk away and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure that you will return to Rome.

01:36For dinner, cross the River Tiber and explore Trastevere, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome.

01:46Wander the cobblestone streets and enjoy dinner at a local trattoria.

01:51This is a great way to ease into your Roman adventure.

01:54You are going to begin day two in Italy by exploring the Colosseum.

02:03Now, I highly recommend booking online in advance in order to skip the lines.

02:09I also suggest taking a guided tour so you can learn the incredible history of gladiator games and Roman engineering at the Colosseum.

02:18After you are done, head right next door to the Colosseum and explore the impressive Roman Forum.

02:27From Senate houses to public squares, this was the heart of ancient Rome.

02:32Walk among the ruins and then climb Palatine Hill for breathtaking views of the Forum and the city.

02:40Now, keep in mind, every Colosseum ticket also includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill,

02:46so make sure to get your money's worth.

02:50After you're done exploring this impressive complex, walk a short 10-minute walk,

02:56which will bring you to the impressive Altar of the Fatherland.

03:00Take in the views here and then continue walking until you get to your next stop, which is the Pantheon.

03:07The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome.

03:11Marvel at its massive dome and learn about its transformation from a pagan temple to a church.

03:20Just a short four-minute walk from the Pantheon is Piazza Nirvana,

03:24a vibrant square with stunning fountains, street performers, and cafes.

03:30End day two with dinner in the Central Historical District.

03:34Day three is going to blow your mind, and today we are going to explore Vatican City,

03:43which is the smallest country in the world.

03:47I strongly recommend starting the morning off by visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

03:54It is essential to book online in advance for the Vatican Museums as the lines are extremely long.

04:00Personally, I would budget about three hours for this experience.

04:06Grab lunch and then head to St. Peter's Basilica in the afternoon.

04:11This is truly one of the most mind-blowing pieces of architecture and artwork that I have ever seen.

04:18Even if you aren't religious, it is totally worth a stop.

04:22Don't forget to climb to the dome for one of the best views in Rome.

04:26After the Vatican, head a 20-minute walk away to see Castel Sant'Angelo,

04:34which was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.

04:38This fortress offers incredible views over the Tiber River and the Vatican

04:43to say goodbye to your amazing three days in Rome.

04:50On day four, you are going to hop on a high-speed train from Rome to Florence.

04:55The ride takes about one and a half hours and you'll arrive in the heart of Tuscany for the next three days.

05:03Now, Florence is smaller and easier to navigate than Rome, but it's packed with many incredible sights.

05:10On your first day in Florence, I highly recommend starting with the Duomo,

05:15and yes, you will need tickets to enter.

05:17This beautiful church is the centerpiece of Florence and shouldn't be missed.

05:21Don't forget to check out the Baptistry of St. John, which is the round building right outside the Duomo.

05:31Next, head just a five-minute walk away to the beautiful Palazzo Vecchio,

05:35which is Florence's town hall overlooking a beautiful square.

05:39Don't forget to rub the nose of Fontana del Porcellino for good luck.

05:45It's just a one-minute walk away from the piazza.

05:50End the evening in Florence with a walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio,

05:55which is the only bridge in the city that was spared from destruction in World War II.

06:00Day five in Italy is all about exploring the Tuscan countryside.

06:10Now, Florence makes a great home base for some easy day trips to see more of what this region has to offer.

06:17You can either take a guided tour with included transportation,

06:22take the train to explore the surrounding countryside,

06:24or rent a car and explore at your own pace.

06:28A great option to consider for a day trip is San Gimignano,

06:34which is a small, walled, medieval hill town that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

06:42You can get here via public transport,

06:44but I think that taking a tour is a bit easier if you want to explore this unique place.

06:50Next, I absolutely love the town of Siena,

06:53and it's an easy day trip with buses and trains leaving roughly every hour from Florence.

07:01Finally, consider taking a wine tour of Tuscany.

07:05This is a fabulous way to see the countryside

07:07and enjoy some of the best wines that the region has to offer.

07:11There are so many great day trips from Florence that you really can't go wrong.

07:16For your final day in Florence, explore more of the city's cultural treasures.

07:24Ideas include the Uffizi Gallery or Academia Gallery,

07:28or you can simply wander the beautiful streets of the city.

07:32Make sure to stop by the impressive Basilica of Santa Croce while exploring.

07:38You won't regret it.

07:39I like doing something relaxing on my last day in Florence,

07:44so I recommend visiting the stunning Boboli Gardens.

07:47These gardens were originally designed for the Medici

07:50and have served as inspiration for Italian gardens all throughout Europe.

07:56End the day at Piazzale Michelangelo,

07:59where you will find the best sunset views in Florence.

08:03It is the perfect way to wrap up your time in this magical city

08:07and offers the most incredible panoramic views.

08:14On day 7, get ready for coastal charm and the cutest villages ever

08:19as we head to Cinque Terre.

08:23Now, Cinque Terre means five villages,

08:26all of which you will be exploring over the coming days.

08:30Take an early morning train from Florence to La Spezia,

08:34which takes about two and a half hours,

08:36and then switch to a local train in order to connect into the five villages.

08:41Now, I highly recommend purchasing the Cinque Terre card in order to save money.

08:47For your first day in Cinque Terre,

08:50I highly recommend getting a lay of the land.

08:53I do not suggest visiting all five villages in one day.

08:57I would start by taking the train to Rio Maggiore, the first village.

09:03Visit the small harbor and enjoy views of the colorful houses cascading down the cliffside.

09:10Then, I would head the five-minute train ride to Monterola,

09:14one of the most iconic villages you have probably seen in tons of photos.

09:20There are lots of viewpoints here,

09:21and it's just a great little village to wander around.

09:24End of the day by heading to Vernazza,

09:28which is my personal favorite of the five villages.

09:31It has such a charming harbor and cute narrow streets.

09:35This is the perfect introduction to the area

09:37without making you too tired from your Florence travel day.

09:41On your second day in Cinque Terre,

09:46explore the other two villages.

09:48Cornelia is not directly on the water,

09:51so you need to climb 382 steps,

09:54so come prepared if you want to visit this village.

09:58Next, head to Monterosso Almare,

10:01the largest of the five villages.

10:03It's also home to the nicest beach in Cinque Terre,

10:07so if you're looking to relax,

10:08this is the place.

10:10Now, if you love getting active,

10:14you can also hike between the villages as well.

10:17The whole hike takes a minimum of five hours,

10:20so I recommend just choosing one portion and exploring.

10:25You will see spectacular views of the coastline,

10:28terraced vineyards, and turquoise waters.

10:31Two days is the perfect amount of time

10:33for a quick introduction into the best

10:35the Cinque Terre has to offer.

10:37For the last two days of your Italy itinerary,

10:44we are heading to Venice.

10:46Venice is about four and a half

10:48to five hours away from Cinque Terre by train,

10:52so book an early morning train

10:54to maximize your time in Venice.

10:56Now, this is an easy journey,

10:58and Venice is worth the longer travel time

11:00to cap off an incredible trip.

11:03For your first day in Venice,

11:05you will be arriving in the afternoon.

11:07Now, when you step off the train,

11:09you are immediately greeted by the Grand Canal.

11:13Venice truly feels like stepping into another world,

11:16and I really can't believe that this is a place

11:18that actually exists.

11:20Spend your first afternoon wandering through Venice.

11:25This is a great city to just get lost in,

11:27and its winding alleys are full of hidden gems

11:30from tiny cafes to quiet canals.

11:34Start at Rialto Bridge,

11:36one of the most iconic sites in Venice,

11:38spanning the Grand Canal.

11:40Then, walk 10 minutes away to St. Mark's Square,

11:44which feels like the true heart of Venice.

11:48While you're here,

11:49visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.

11:53Just a one-minute walk away,

11:55you will also find the famous Bridge of Sighs,

11:57which is impressive and worth a visit.

12:01End a full day of train travel and exploring

12:04with dinner along one of the many canals in Venice.

12:10For your final day in Italy,

12:12take a day trip to the nearby Venetian islands

12:15of Morano and Borano.

12:17The quickest way to get to either of these islands

12:20is by taking the public water bus or Vaporetto.

12:24Morano is closer to Venice,

12:26and it's around a 20-minute boat ride to get here.

12:29It is famous for its glassmaking,

12:32and you can even watch the artisans at work.

12:36Now, Borano is a bit further away

12:38and takes around 45 minutes to get here by boat,

12:41but it is totally worth it.

12:44The brightly colored houses are truly a photographer's dream,

12:48and it feels like you've stepped into a painting.

12:51Now, if you only have time to visit just one,

12:54I suggest making the longer trip to see Borano

12:56because it is extremely unique.

12:58When you're back in Venice,

13:02end your final evening in the city with a gondola ride.

13:05Yes, it is pricey,

13:06but I personally thought it was worth it

13:08for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

13:11Get a good night's sleep

13:13and fly out of Venice's Marco Polo Airport.

13:17Flying into Rome and out of Venice

13:19allows you to fully maximize your time

13:21and explore all that Italy has to offer.

13:23And there you have it,

13:2610 unforgettable days in Italy

13:29perfectly planned for first-time travelers.

13:32From the ancient wonders of Rome

13:34to the artistic treasures of Florence,

13:37the stunning cliffs of Cinque Terre,

13:39and the romance of Venice,

13:41this itinerary truly has it all.

13:43I hope that this video has inspired you

13:46to book that ticket and start your Italian adventure.

13:49If you have any questions at all

13:51or tips of your own,

13:53drop them in the comments below.

13:55Don't forget to like, subscribe,

13:57and hit that notification bell,

13:58and we'll see you next time.

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