A First-Timer's Guide to Italy: A Luxury 10-Day Itinerary
As a luxury travel advisor, Italy has been my most requested destination this year. After countless visits and planning Italian adventures for my clients, I've perfected the ideal introduction to this incredible country. Here's exactly how I would plan a first-timer's trip to Italy – one that balances must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, all while considering the practical realities of international travel.
Why This Itinerary Works for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Italy can feel overwhelming. With so many incredible destinations – from the romantic canals of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the ancient wonders of Rome to the dramatic coastline of Cinque Terre – where do you even begin?
After years of crafting Italian adventures, I've learned that the key to a successful first visit is strategic pacing and logical routing. Let’s get real for a second: Italy is not a destination that can truly be captured in one 10-day trip. The reality is that if you want to experience this country in an authentic and enjoyable way, you will likely be coming back for multiple trips and years to come. However, this 10-day itinerary follows a north-to-south path that minimizes travel time while maximizing experiences. You are going to fall in love with the country, and then come back later for all of the spots you didn’t get to experience the first time around!
The Route: Florence → Rome → Amalfi Coast → Departure from Rome
This flow allows you to start in the more manageable, walkable Florence, build up to the intensity of Rome, and then wind down with the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the Amalfi region.
Days 1-3: Florence & Tuscany - The Perfect Italian Introduction
Why Start in Florence?
Florence is my preferred entry point for first-time Italy visitors. The airport is smaller and less overwhelming than Rome's Fiumicino, the city center is compact and walkable, and it offers an immediate immersion into Renaissance art and Tuscan culture without the intensity of Rome.
Where to Stay in Florence: The Place Firenze
Images courtesy of Dario Garofolo.
When it comes to Florence accommodations, I have a clear favorite: The Place Firenze. This 20-room boutique hotel overlooks Piazza Santa Maria Novella in the heart of the city, steps from the train station yet within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo. What makes this property exceptional is its sophisticated, residential atmosphere that feels more like staying in a stylish Florentine home than a traditional hotel, complete with personalized service that's only possible with such intimate scale.
Book with me and get exclusive perks (for free!) like:
Daily breakfast for two
Welcome drink upon arrival
$100 USD hotel credit for food and beverage
Room upgrade based on availability
Early check-in and late check-out
Day 1: Arrival and Recovery
The Golden Rule: Keep your arrival day light.
After an international flight, your body needs time to adjust. I always recommend booking a hotel in Florence's historic center so you can easily walk to dinner without navigating public transport while jet-lagged.
Your only real agenda today should be:
Check into your hotel and refresh
Take a gentle walk around the Duomo area to orient yourself
Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner at a restaurant like Buco Lapi or Trattoria Sostanza
Early bedtime to combat jet lag
Day 2: Discovering Florence
Now that you're rested, it's time to fall in love with Florence.
Morning: Start with a private walking tour of the historic center. I always arrange these through local guides who can share stories you won't find in guidebooks. You'll see the magnificent Duomo, cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio, and understand the layout of this Renaissance jewel. None of the trips I plan are cookie-cutter, so I’ll work with you to find a tour that’s perfect for your first day!
Afternoon: Visit either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia (home to Michelangelo's David). Pro tip: These require advance booking, sometimes months ahead during peak season. This is where having a travel advisor becomes invaluable.
Evening: End your day with sunset drinks at Loggia Roof Bar, un under-the-radar panoramic terrace located at the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni. This rooftop, perched above Santo Spirito square, boasts incredible views of the city and its hills.
Day 3: Tuscan Wine Country
One of my favorite aspects of basing yourself in Florence is the easy access to Tuscany's world-renowned Chianti region.
I arrange private wine tours that visit 2-3 boutique wineries – not the crowded, touristy ones, but family-owned estates where you'll taste exceptional wines and enjoy traditional lunches prepared by the winemaker's family.
The rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval villages of Tuscany embody everything romantic about Italy. This day provides the perfect balance to Florence's urban Renaissance culture.
Days 4-6: Rome - The Eternal City
Making the Move
The high-speed train from Florence to Rome takes just 1.5 hours – one of Europe's most efficient rail journeys. Book first-class tickets in advance for the most comfortable experience.
Where to Stay in Rome: Casa Monti Roma
Images courtesy of Casa Monti.
I love recommending Casa Monti Roma to clients seeking something beyond the typical luxury hotel experience. Located in the vibrant Monti neighborhood – Rome's artsy, bohemian quarter – this chic boutique property occupies an 18th-century building that once housed a noble family, and that aristocratic heritage shines through in every thoughtfully designed detail. The hotel features multiple dining and drinking spaces, and the crown jewel is a sky-blue rooftop cocktail bar offering unique views over Rome's parks and pinewoods. The Monti neighborhood comes alive at night with locals dining and socializing in the piazza, offering an authentic Roman experience away from the tourist crowds.
Book with me and get exclusive perks (for free!) like:
Complimentary daily breakfast
Upgrade upon availability
Early check-in / late check-out
Bottle of champagne upon arrival
And for stays of 2 nights or more: 100€ credit voucher for food and beverage or spa services
Day 4: Ancient Rome
Rome can be overwhelming, so I always start clients with its most famous attraction: the Colosseum and the Ancient City. You essentially have three options when visiting the Colosseum: booking a private tour, trying to secure tickets online a month in advance, or waiting in an hours-long line upon arrival to (hopefully) get tickets before they sell out. My best recommendation is to book a small-group tour that includes the underground chambers and upper tiers, plus the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This VIP access lets you experience these ancient wonders without stressing about the crowds.
Evening: Welcome yourself to Rome with dinner in Trastevere, the neighborhood that locals consider the heart of authentic Roman culture.
Day 5: Vatican and Central Rome
The Vatican deserves a full morning. A private, early-access tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica eliminates the stress of massive crowds and long lines. Your guide can share details about Michelangelo's frescoes and Bernini's sculptures that bring these masterpieces to life.
Afternoon: After a leisurely lunch near the Vatican, explore Castel Sant'Angelo, then make your way across the Tiber for some independent wandering.
Evening: This is your time for Rome's greatest hits – the Trevi Fountain (throw that coin!), the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. End your evening at the Spanish Steps, where local musicians often perform and the atmosphere captures Rome's vibrant social culture. No matter how many times I’ve visited Rome, I always make the gelato + Spanish Steps combo a priority!
Day 6: Roman Food and Culture
Rome's culinary scene deserves dedicated attention. I love to arrange food walking tours or cooking classes that go beyond typical tourist restaurants and experiences. You'll taste supplì, maritozzo, and the city's famous carbonara while learning about Roman food traditions from local experts.
Afternoon: Spend time in Villa Borghese park and gallery, or explore Rome's incredible shopping districts around Via del Corso.
Evening: End your visit to Rome with dinner at La Fiaschetta, Ditta Trinchetti, or Vanda.
Days 7-9: Amalfi Coast - Sorrento as Your Base
Why Sorrento Over Positano?
This might surprise you, but I almost always recommend Sorrento as a base rather than the more famous Positano or Amalfi. Here's why:
Practical Benefits:
Better transportation connections
More dining and shopping options
Less crowded than Positano
Better value for luxury accommodations
Easier to arrange day trips
Authentic Culture: Sorrento feels like a real Italian town, not just a tourist destination.
Where to Stay in Sorrento: Maison La Minervetta
Images courtesy of Maison La Minervetta.
For Sorrento accommodations, my absolute favorite is Maison La Minervetta, a 12-room boutique hotel that originated as a prestigious 1950s restaurant built by the Cacace family on the dramatic seacliffs overlooking Marina Grande. Now lovingly managed by Signora Adda Cacace and her son Marco, this property has been transformed into something truly magical. Perched on the clifftop with breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples, and the charming Marina Grande fishing village below (accessible via the hotel's private staircase), this property feels more like staying in a stylish coastal home than a traditional hotel. The hotel's lush Mediterranean garden features a small plunge pool, the rooftop terrace offers perfect spots for sunset cocktails, and the highlight breakfast is served daily on the panoramic terrace with homemade pastries, local specialties, and those unbeatable views.
Book with me and get exclusive perks (for free!) like:
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Complimentary glass of prosecco per guest on arrival
Welcome fruit plate in room on arrival
One complimentary limoncello tasting for two
Day 7: Travel and Sorrento Introduction
The journey from Rome involves a train to Naples, then either the Circumvesuviana train or private transfer to Sorrento.
Afternoon: Settle into your hotel, then explore Sorrento's charming historic center.
Evening: Experience Sorrento's claim to fame with a lemon grove and limoncello tasting. The town is famous for its massive lemons, and learning about traditional limoncello production is both educational and delicious!
Day 8: Amalfi Coast Drive
This is one of Italy's most spectacular experiences. I arrange private drivers who know every curve of the famous Amalfi Drive and can stop at the best viewpoints for photos.
Positano: Perfect for photos and lunch with a view, but you'll understand why I don't recommend staying here – it's incredibly crowded and can be overly expensive.
Amalfi: Visit the stunning cathedral and explore this historic maritime republic's charming center.
Adventure Option: For active travelers, I can arrange the famous "Path of the Gods" hike with pickup at the trail's end – it's one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful walks.
Day 9: Island Escape - Why Ischia Over Capri
Time for a boat day! While everyone goes to Capri, I send my clients to Ischia, and they always thank me. You'll feel like you discovered a secret that other tourists missed.
Why Ischia is Better:
Less touristy and expensive
Beautiful thermal spas and natural hot springs
More authentic Italian island culture
Stunning beaches without the crowds
Better value for dining and experiences
Alternative Options:
Beach club day in Positano or Amalfi
Day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius wine experience
Cooking class focusing on Campanian cuisine
Day 10: Departure
The logistics of departure day matter. Take the train from Sorrento back to Naples, then to Rome for your international flight. I always recommend flying out of Rome rather than Naples. You’ll have better flight connections and fewer complications.
Pro Tip: Book an airport hotel if you have an early morning flight. The stress savings are worth the extra night's accommodation cost!
Things to Consider…
When to Visit
Best Times: April through June and September through October offer ideal weather, manageable crowds, and lower accommodation costs than peak summer.
Avoid: July and August are extremely hot and crowded. November through February can be rainy and many coastal restaurants close.
Transportation Strategy
Flights: Book into Florence, out of Rome for this itinerary. Instead of booking two one-way flights, use a multi-city option with the same airline. OR - this is your best way to maximize any credit card points or airline miles!
Trains: Italy's high-speed rail is efficient and comfortable. Book in advance for best prices.
Amalfi Coast: Private transfers are worth the investment for comfort and convenience. Public transportation on the Amalfi Coast is notorious to be overly crowded, and I have been personally victimized by motion sickness on this route. Skip the trouble and go with a private transfer or ferry option instead!
Travel Insurance
Whenever booking international trips for clients (and myself!) I always prioritize travel insurance and build it into the budget. Italy in particular is known for pickpockets, railway strikes, and busy airports. Don’t let a small inconvenience like this turn into a trip ruined!
Why Professional Travel Planning Makes the Difference
This itinerary represents years of trial and error, local relationship building, and understanding what works for different types of travelers. While you could certainly plan this yourself, here's what professional planning provides:
Time Savings: Skip-the-line access, pre-booked experiences, and optimal timing
Problem Solving: 24/7 support when flights are delayed or plans change
Optimization: Routes, timing, and logistics refined through experience
Peace of Mind: Everything arranged and confirmed before you leave home
Ready to Experience Italy Like This?
Italy offers something for every traveler – art lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, wine connoisseurs, and those simply seeking la dolce vita. This itinerary provides a perfect introduction that will undoubtedly leave you planning your return visit before you even leave.
The key to a successful Italian adventure is balancing must-see attractions with authentic local experiences, allowing time for both scheduled activities and spontaneous discoveries, and understanding that the journey should feel luxurious, not rushed.
If you're ready to experience Italy through local eyes, with VIP access and insider knowledge, I'd love to help you plan your bespoke Italian adventure. Every detail will be tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style.
Ready to start planning?
