Rome, Florence & Amalfi Coast: The Perfect 10-Day Italy Itinerary (2026)

TL;DR: Spend days 1-3 in Rome exploring the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trastevere; days 4-6 in Florence for Renaissance art, Tuscan food, and a day trip to the countryside; days 7-9 on the Amalfi Coast hitting Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi town; day 10 for a leisurely departure. Budget roughly €120-180/day per person. High-speed trains connect Rome and Florence in 90 minutes; take a train to Naples or Salerno then ferry to the coast.

Italy packs more history, art, and natural beauty per square mile than almost anywhere on Earth — and a Rome Florence Amalfi Coast itinerary 10 days is the ideal way to experience three of its greatest highlights in a single trip. Whether you are visiting Italy for the first time or returning for a deeper look, this 2026 day-by-day guide covers exactly how to split your time, move between cities, and make the most of every stop without feeling rushed.

This itinerary has been updated for 2026 with current train schedules, ticket prices, and seasonal recommendations. For travelers who want to focus on just one of these destinations, we also have a dedicated Rome itinerary, a Florence attractions guide, and an Amalfi Coast itinerary.

At a Glance: 10-Day Italy Itinerary Overview

Days 1-3: Rome — Ancient History and Vatican City

Your Rome Florence Amalfi Coast itinerary 10 days starts in the Eternal City. Fly into Fiumicino (FCO) and take the Leonardo Express train (€14, 32 minutes) to Roma Termini station. If you land at Ciampino, the Terravision bus runs every 30 minutes for about €6.

Day 1: Arrival and Trastevere

After checking into your hotel, ease into your trip with a walk through Trastevere, Rome's most charming neighborhood. Cross the Tiber, browse the narrow cobblestone lanes, and enjoy a traditional cacio e pepe at a local trattoria. End the evening at Piazza Navona to see the fountains lit up at night. For families traveling with young children, our guide to kid-friendly hotels in Rome can help with accommodation planning.

Day 2: Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill

Book a timed-entry ticket for the Colosseum in advance — in 2026 combined tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill cost approximately €18-24 depending on whether you add an arena floor or underground tour. Arrive early to beat the crowds. After lunch near the Forum, walk to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. If you have two full days in Rome, our 2-day Rome itinerary breaks it down further.

Day 3: Vatican City and Centro Storico

Reserve Vatican Museums tickets online (€17 per adult in 2026) to skip the notoriously long queue. Budget 3-4 hours for the museums and Sistine Chapel, then walk directly into St. Peter's Basilica. In the afternoon, climb the dome for panoramic views of Rome, then stroll through the Centro Storico, stopping at Campo de' Fiori market. For a deeper exploration, check our 3-day Rome sightseeing guide.

Getting from Rome to Florence: Transport Options

The fastest and most convenient connection is the Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs €20-50 depending on how far in advance you book. Morning departures run every 30 minutes. We cover this route in detail in our Rome to Florence transport guide.

Pro tip: Book Trenitalia tickets 3-4 months ahead for the cheapest "Super Economy" fares at €19.90. Italo often runs flash sales that undercut even that price.

Days 4-6: Florence — Renaissance Art and Tuscan Cuisine

Florence is the cultural heart of your Rome Florence Amalfi Coast itinerary 10 days. The compact historic center is entirely walkable, so you will not need taxis or buses within the city.

Day 4: Duomo, Baptistery, and Oltrarno

Start at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb Brunelleschi's Dome (463 steps, reservation required, €30 for the combined Duomo pass). Cross the Arno into the Oltrarno neighborhood for artisan workshops and quieter piazzas. End the day watching sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo — arguably the best viewpoint in Florence. First-time visitors will find our Florence accommodation guide helpful for choosing a neighborhood.

Day 5: Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Accademia

Reserve Uffizi Gallery tickets in advance (€25 in peak season). Focus on Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, plus works by Leonardo, Raphael, and Caravaggio. After lunch, walk across Ponte Vecchio and head to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David (€16). These two museums alone justify a full day.

Day 6: Tuscan Day Trip

Dedicate one day to the Tuscan countryside. Popular options include a wine-tasting tour through the Chianti hills, a visit to the medieval towers of San Gimignano, or a cooking class at a local farmhouse. Group day tours from Florence run €60-120 and typically include transport, tastings, and lunch. For ideas on what to see nearby, explore our Tuscany sightseeing guide.

Getting from Florence to the Amalfi Coast: The Best Route

There is no direct train to the Amalfi Coast. The most efficient route in 2026 is:

1. Florence → Naples: High-speed train (2 hours 45 minutes, €25-60)
2. Naples → Salerno: Regional train (40 minutes, €5) or continue on the high-speed train
3. Salerno → Amalfi/Positano: SITA Sud bus (75-90 minutes, €2.50) or TravelMar ferry (35-50 minutes, €10-14, seasonal April-October)

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer directly from Florence to your Amalfi Coast hotel (approximately €350-450 for a sedan). This makes sense for groups of 3-4 who want door-to-door convenience.

Days 7-9: Amalfi Coast — Cliffs, Beaches, and Limoncello

The final stretch of your Rome Florence Amalfi Coast itinerary 10 days is the most visually stunning. Base yourself in Positano for glamour and beaches, Amalfi town for a central location, or Ravello for hilltop tranquility. Our 3-day Amalfi itinerary provides an alternative focused layout.

Day 7: Arrive and Explore Your Base Town

After arriving from Florence, settle into your accommodation and explore your base town on foot. In Positano, walk down the steep stairways to Spiaggia Grande beach. In Amalfi, visit the 9th-century cathedral. In Ravello, stroll through Villa Rufolo's gardens. End the day with fresh seafood and a glass of local Falanghina wine at a terrace restaurant overlooking the sea. For restaurant recommendations, see our Positano dining guide.

Day 8: Path of the Gods and Boat Trip

Morning: Hike the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), a spectacular 7.8 km trail from Bomerano to Nocelle with dramatic coastal views. The hike takes 2-3 hours and is moderately challenging. Afternoon: Take a boat tour along the coast (€30-60 per person) to see the Emerald Grotto, hidden coves, and the Li Galli islands. For more excursion ideas, our Amalfi Coast day trips guide covers all the options.

Day 9: Ravello, Limoncello Tasting, and Farewell Dinner

If you are not based in Ravello, take the bus up from Amalfi (25 minutes). Visit Villa Cimbrone and its Terrace of Infinity — one of the most photographed viewpoints in Italy. Stop at a local producer for a limoncello tasting; lemons from the Amalfi Coast are uniquely large and aromatic. Reserve your final dinner at a special restaurant; this is the evening to splurge. For more practical advice on getting around, consult our Amalfi transportation guide.

Day 10: Departure Day

On your last morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a sea view. For departures from Naples airport (NAP), take the ferry from Amalfi or Positano to Salerno (35-50 minutes), then catch the bus or train to Naples airport. Allow at least 3-4 hours for the full transfer. If flying from Rome, you will need to take the train from Salerno or Naples back to Rome (add 2-3 hours).

Pro tip: Book an open-jaw flight — fly into Rome Fiumicino and out of Naples Capodichino — to save an entire day of backtracking.

Budget Breakdown: How Much Does This Trip Cost in 2026?

These estimates assume double occupancy. Solo travelers should budget 30-40% more for accommodation since single rooms cost nearly as much as doubles.

Best Time to Visit: When to Go in 2026

The ideal months for this Rome Florence Amalfi Coast itinerary 10 days are April-May and September-October. During these shoulder seasons you will enjoy warm weather (18-25°C), fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices compared to the July-August peak. The Amalfi Coast ferries typically operate from April through October, so winter visits miss that transport option.

Avoid August if possible — many Romans leave the city, some restaurants close, temperatures exceed 35°C, and the Amalfi Coast becomes extremely crowded. Easter week (April 2026) brings large crowds to Rome but also special Vatican events that are worth experiencing.

Essential Packing and Practical Tips

• Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000-20,000 steps per day across cobblestones and coastal stairs
• Modest clothing for churches — shoulders and knees must be covered at the Vatican, Florence Duomo, and most Italian churches
• Reusable water bottle — Rome has over 2,500 free drinking fountains (nasoni); Florence and Amalfi towns have them too
• EU power adapter — Italy uses Type L and Type C plugs
• Validate paper train tickets — if you buy from a machine, stamp it in the green/yellow validators on the platform before boarding or face a €50 fine (e-tickets do not need validation)
• Sunscreen and hat — essential for the Amalfi Coast and exposed hilltop sites, even in shoulder season
• Cash for small businesses — while major attractions accept cards, many small trattorias, beach clubs, and bus tickets on the Amalfi Coast require cash

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to start planning your 2026 Italian adventure? For more detailed city guides, explore our complete 10-day Italy sightseeing guide, our 6-day Rome and Amalfi Coast itinerary, or our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary for an extended coastal stay.