10-Day Trip to Paris and Italy: A Stress-Free Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

After working hard, you’ve finally been granted leave at work, but it’s only for less than two weeks?!

A short time frame can be difficult to plan a trip in, but with the right planning, seeing the top sights in Paris and Italy, such as the Mona Lisa and the gondola rides in Venice, is within your reach.

 

Why This 10-Day Italy and France Itinerary Works

This 10-day Paris & Italy adventure is great for those trying to fit in the major sites without being too jam-packed. You’ll hit all the bucket-list moments, such as Eiffel Tower selfies, gladiator ghosts in the Colosseum and gondola serenades in Venice, along with a few quieter locations to give you a breather. 

We’ve also crushed the logistics so you don’t have to, highlighting attractions you need pre-booked tickets and leaving time open for you to explore on your own or head back to the hotel for a nap.

While a 10-Day trip to Italy and France won’t allow you to see everything these culturally rich countries have to offer, with the right planning, you can head back home knowing you’ve had a good introduction while spending some great time with your family or friends.

Here’s an idea of how you can break Paris and Italy down into 10 days.

 

10-Day Trip to Paris and Italy Itinerary

 

• Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Montmartre

• Day 2: Louvre, Tuileries, Notre-Dame, Le Marias

• Day 3: Versailles

• Day 4: Florence, Duomo 

• Day 5: Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio

• Day 6: Venice, Basilica, Gondola Ride 

• Day 7: Art, Markets, Food

• Day 8: Rome, Trevi, Pantheon

• Day 9: Colosseum, Forum

• Day 10: Vatican

 

 

Days 1–3: Introduction to Paris

Day 1: First Impressions

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro

Rise early to beat the crowds at the Eiffel Tower by 8:30am, and if you’re feeling lofty, book a timed summit ticket for the view.

NOTE: The stairs are cheaper but only take you to the second floor. Afterward, walk over to Trocadéro for that postcard-perfect shot.

Afternoon: Seine Serenade & Le Marais Bites

Hop on a river cruise (choose one with an audio guide!) and let Paris float by — Notre-Dame, bridges drenched in gilt, lovers stealing kisses on the banks. Hungry? Le Marais delivers: Breizh Café’s crêpes are buttery bliss or join the happy chaos at L’As du Fallafel (worth every minute in line). Cap it off with a lazy lounge in Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest square.

Evening: Montmartre 

As twilight paints the sky, climb Montmartre’s cobbled hills. Snap the Insta-famous La Maison Rose, then let Sacré-Cœur’s dome work its sunset sorcery. Dinner? Le Consulat and Chez la Mère Catherine are great spots, just make sure to pre-book!

Want to visit places a bit more ‘undiscovered’ in Paris? Read our article about Paris hidden gems!

 

Day 2: Art & History

Morning: Louvre

Begin your day at the Louvre, arriving by 8:30am with a pre-booked skip-the-line ticket to maximize your time inside. Head straight to the Denon Wing to see the Mona Lisa before crowds hit and then explore the rest!

Pro tip: Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (near the inverted pyramid) to avoid the Pyramid’s notorious queues. 

If you’ve seen everything by 11:30am, escape the museum’s grandeur for the Jardin des Tuileries. Walk past manicured hedges and statues, pausing at Café des Marronniers for a café crème beside the fountain. 

Afternoon: Notre-Dame & Latin Quarter 

See the finished renovations of Notre-Dame after the 2019 fire. Once back outside, wander along the Seine’s quays behind the cathedral, where street musicians and antique booksellers (bouquinistes) create a nostalgic atmosphere. 

Then, spend the rest of the afternoon in the Latin Quarter. Check out the Panthéon, browse Shakespeare & Company’s labyrinth of English-language books, channel Hemingway at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, legendary haunts of Sartre and Picasso, where a chocolat chaud comes with a side of literary history. Rue Mouffetard is a cobbled market street since Roman times with fromageries and boulangeries, where you can get a croissant from Maison d’Isabelle (one of the best in Paris).

Evening: Saint-Germain 

As dusk falls, head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés for dinner, such as at La Calèche for homestyle, seasonal French cuisine or on the outskirts for an intimate dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais. After your feast, walk along the Seine’s illuminated banks. Cross Pont des Arts (once heavy with love locks) and Pont Alexandre III, its gilded statues glowing under spotlights.

Looking to add some romance into your trip? Read our The Perfect Romantic Paris Itinerary for Couples

 

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Morning

Catch the RER C train from Paris by 8:30am (40-minute ride; validate tickets before boarding). Arrive at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station by 9:15am, then follow the gilded gates to the Palace of Versailles. With pre-booked tickets, bypass the snaking lines and step directly into Louis XIV’s opulent world. The Hall of Mirrors dazzles with 357 mirrors reflecting arched ceilings, while the King’s Apartments reveal gold-leafed excess. If visiting April–October, wander the Gardens (free weekdays; €10 weekends when the Musical Fountains play).

Afternoon: Lunch & Return 

Dine canalside at La Flottille, savoring sole meunière with views of the Grand Canal’s rowboats. For a splurge, Ore Ducasse inside the palace offers modern French fare beneath frescoed ceilings. Return to Paris by 3pm to nap at your hotel, revisit a neighborhood or visit any of the ones we recommend in our Paris hidden gems article.

Don’t want to visit Versailles? How about doing a day trip to the Champagne region?

 

Days 4–5: Travel & First Stop in Italy

Day 4: Paris to Florence

Morning: Flight from Paris to Florence (1.5 hours)

Fly into Florence by 10am (1.5-hour flight from Paris) and take tram T2 (€1.50) to the city center. After dropping bags (and grabbing an espresso), head straight to the Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo's David — book tickets in advance to avoid queues! Walk down Via Ricasoli to the magnificent Duomo, stopping at Vecchio Forno for almond cantucci biscuits.

Note: Overnight trains between Paris and Italy (Florence, Venice, Rome) have been suspended due to a combination of reasons, including the pandemic, a decline in passenger numbers, passenger preferences and financial challenges. Day trains take up too much time (Paris to Florence is over 9 hours), wasting a day that you could be exploring. 

Afternoon

Conquer Brunelleschi's Dome's 463 steps for breathtaking city views (book Brunelleschi Pass). Refuel at Mercato Centrale with wild boar pappardelle or a traditional lampredotto (tripe) sandwich from Da Nerbone, paired with affordable Chianti, then browse San Lorenzo Market's leather goods afterward.

Evening

Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo with a bottle of local wine. Dine on Florentine steak at Trattoria Santo Spirito or grab pizza at Gusta Pizza, ending with orange-zest gelato at Gelateria della Passera and letting yourself wander.

Further Reading: Florence Tourism Statistics 2025: All You Need To Know

 

Day 5: Florence Deep Dive

Morning

Kick off at the Uffizi with pre-booked tickets — beeline for Botticelli's Birth of Venus before the crowds arrive. Don't miss Caravaggio's intense Medusa or Titian's seductive Venus of Urbino. Recharge at the rooftop café where your espresso comes with Arno River vistas and, on your way out, admire Cellini's dramatic Perseus sculpture in the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi.

Afternoon

Join the efficient queue at All'Antico Vinaio for their famous schiacciata — try the La Boss (truffle cream + prosciutto) or fiery Inferno. Enjoy your sandwich while watching street performers in Piazza della Signoria, then cross the glittering Ponte Vecchio to Oltrarno, Florence's artisan quarter, where you can browse marble workshops and the historic Santa Maria Novella pharmacy (operating since 1612!). Optional detour to Boboli Gardens' elegant fountains (€10).

Evening

Sample the unexpectedly delicious rice gelato at historic Vivoli before catching sunset from Ponte Santa Trinita — the golden light on Ponte Vecchio is magical. For dinner, book ahead at Trattoria 4 Leoni for their legendary pear ravioli or try Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco's rich wild boar pasta. End your night with a moonlit walk along the Arno, admiring Palazzo Vecchio's silhouette against the night sky.

Key Tips for Florence 

• Florence is Walkable: Most sights are within 20 minutes of each other.

• Book in Advance: Duomo climb, Accademia, and Uffizi need timed tickets.

• Uffizi Strategy: Pre-book tickets for 9:00am entry. Focus on highlights (Botticelli, Caravaggio) first.

• Oltrarno Gems: Workshops close by 7:00pm — visit earlier for live demonstrations.

• Dinner Reservations: Essential at 4 Leoni/Cinghiale Bianco. Walk-ins wait 30+ minutes.

• Gelato Rule: Avoid brightly colored gelato (artificial dyes). Vivoli’s muted hues mean they’re made from natural ingredients.

 

Days 6–7: Venice

Day 6: Iconic Venice

Morning

Catch an early morning high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo, ~2 hours) to Venice Santa Lucia Station and take Vaporetto Line 1 (the scenic route) or a private water taxi to your hotel. Drop your bags and settle in with Caffè Florian's spritz al caffè (open since 1720!) and buttery cornetto in St. Mark's Square.

Afternoon

Skip the line with a pre-booked ticket at St. Mark's Basilica to marvel at its golden mosaics, then climb to the Loggia for panoramic views. Cross the Bridge of Sighs into Doge's Palace (book a combined ticket) to peek at Casanova's prison cells and bizarre armor collection. Refuel with cicchetti at Cantina Do Spade (don't miss their whipped cod on polenta), then browse the Mercerie's luxury shops.

Evening

At dusk, head to Gondola Station Santa Maria del Giglio (less touristy than San Marco) for a shared gondola ride, gliding past Marco Polo’s house. Cap the night at Osteria alle Testiere (book ahead) for black squid-ink pasta and a bottle of Veneto prosecco. End with a gianduiotto (chocolate-hazelnut cup) at Gelateria Suso.

Must-Try Foods in Paris & Italy

 

• Paris: Croissants, Macrons, Cheeses, Steak & Frites, Croque Monsieur

• Florence: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Lampredotto Sandwich, Cantucci & Vin Santo

• Venice: Cicchetti, Sarde in Saor, Baccalà Mantecato, 

• Rome: Cacio e Pepe, Supplì, Carciofi alla Romana, Crostata di Ricotta

 

Also, follow foodie influencers on Instagram to see what’s currently trending among locals!

 

Day 7: Hidden Venice

Morning

Start at Caffè Rosso in Campo Santa Margherita or at a high-starred café on Google Maps — although note that Google Maps doesn’t work very well in Venice for GPS. Then, dive into the Peggy Guggenheim Collection , a modern-art oasis with Picassos and Pollocks in a canalside palazzo. Walk along the Zattere promenade and watch gondola-building at Squero di San Trovaso.

Afternoon

Have lunch at Osteria al Ponte, then explore the Rialto Market, where fishmongers hawk ruby-red scampi and purple octopus. Cross the Rialto Bridge to Cannaregio, where you can book a tour of the Schola Spagnola Synagogue.

Evening

Walk around Venice and pop in and out of locations on your own cicchetti tour, such as stopping by Cantina Do Mori (Venice’s oldest bacaro) for polpette (meatballs) or Al Timon for castradina (lamb stew). As night falls, take a legendary ghost walk (€25) through alleyways where Casanova dueled and plague victims haunt sottoportegos (covered passages). Or sip a bellini at Harry’s Bar (birthplace of the peach-prosecco drink) and watch gondolas bob under starry skies.

Further Reading: Our Top 5 Must-See Venice Attractions

Key Tips for Venice

• Tickets: Book St. Mark’s/Doge’s combo tickets and Guggenheim online.

• Transport: Buy a 48-hour vaporetto pass (~€30) — single rides cost €7.50!

• Safety: Pickpockets swarm San Marco — wear crossbody bags. Gondola scams? Agree on price/duration before boarding.

• Hidden Need: The Dorsoduro/Rialto days balance crowds with local vibes — no rush.

 

Days 8–10: Rome

Day 8: Travel to Rome

Morning

Catch an early Frecciarossa train (2.5hrs) to Rome. Drop bags at your hotel — Piazza Navona or Trastevere areas are great for their lively, central vibe. Fuel up with an espresso and maritozzo (Rome’s iconic cream-filled bun) at a local café.

Afternoon

Head to the Trevi Fountain (paid entry 9am–9pm; free after). Toss a coin (right hand over left shoulder!) and snap photos from the right side for perfect lighting. A short walk brings you to the Pantheon and its ancient oculus, where sunlight dances like a spotlight. Refuel with gelato at Giolitti!

Evening

Dine at Tonarello (book ahead!) for cacio e pepe served from a cheese wheel. Then, meander down Via della Scala and end the night in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere with a budget-friendly Aperol spritz from Bar San Calisto or any others in the area.

Safety Tips for Rome

• Pay attention to your belongings and surroundings

• Don’t wear revealing outfits

• Hydrate and cool down in shaded areas

• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes

• Don’t walk around with a lot of cash

• Ignore offers of tours that don’t come from reputable sources

 

Day 9: Ancient Rome

Morning: Colosseum & Forum  

With a pre-booked ‘Gladiator’s Entrance’ ticket, enter the Colosseum by 7:45am (or as early as you can!). Stand on the reconstructed arena floor and picture gladiators battling below 50,000 roaring spectators. Then, walk the Sacred Way through the Roman Forum, passing the Senate House and Temple of Vesta. 

Tip: You can use an online audio tour to decode the ruins without a guide.

Afternoon

Grab lunch at any of the great bakeries and restaurants nearby, checking out their ratings on Google Maps. If there’s a particular restaurant you want to go to, such as Antico Forno Roscioli or Armando al Pantheon, make sure to book ahead. 

Then, use the remainder of the afternoon to check out anywhere you’ve been itching to go! For example, you could shop for antiques on Via dei Coronari, visit the Capuchin Crypt (€10), a haunting display of monk bones arranged in chandeliers, or you could even nap at your hotel.

Evening

Take the bus to the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill for sunset over St. Peter’s Dome. Then, peek through the Knights of Malta Keyhole, a perfectly framed view of the Vatican. Head to your dinner reservation, such as at Emma Pizzeria or Roscioli Salumeria and spend the evening going where your feet take you.

Further Reading: The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide

 

Day 10: Vatican & Flight Home

Morning: Vatican Museums

Arrive at 8:00am for your pre-booked Vatican ticket. Beeline to the Sistine Chapel (quietest early) to see Michelangelo’s ceiling without the crowds. Backtrack through the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms, then exit via the spiral staircase (hidden gem!).

Afternoon

After lunch, climb St. Peter’s Dome (551 steps) for a 360° Rome panorama. Descend to the basilica’s interior to see Michelangelo’s Pietà, then grab a final gelato at Old Bridge near the Vatican before grabbing your luggage and heading to the airport.

Optional Add-Ons:

Paris:

• Macaron Baking Class

• Wine Tasting Tour

• Paris Walking Tour 

Florence:

• Olive Oil Tasting

• Secret Bakeries Tour

Venice:

• Mask Making Class

• Libreria Aqua Alta

Rome:

• Pasta-Making Class

• Night Tour of the Crypts & Catacombs

 

FAQs

Is 10 Days Enough for Paris & Italy?

While it’s certainly a short time, you can work with any time you have to travel the world. Ten days gives you a chance to see the highlights, such as the Eiffel Tower, Diomo and the Vatican, so that next time you travel, you can see more hidden gems.

 

What is the best month to visit Paris and Italy?

In terms of what’s the best month to visit, April, May, September and October have the nicest weather and fewest crowds. Many who are doing a 10-day trip to Paris and Italy from USA, though, can only do July and August, which is the hottest period when it’s packed with tourists.

Further Reading: Is Summer in Paris Worth It?

 

How long from Paris to Italy?

Between Paris and Milan/Venice, flights are around 1.5 hours. Should I get a rail pass? For a short trip, it’s not worth it, as you’ll want to be maximizing your time, rather than be spending 9+ hours on trains. If you have a longer trip, where you’ll be hitting smaller towns in between, a rail pass is worth it. A 10-day trip to Paris and Italy by train wastes a lot of time, especially now that overnight trains have been cancelled. 

 

Conclusion

 

So, can you do France and Italy in 10 days? If that’s the only time you have, then it’s definitely doable. Ten days gives you an introduction to the two countries, which hopefully this France and Italy itinerary (10 days) has provided you, allowing you to tick off all the major sites. 

 

To help plan your itinerary more, be sure to have a chat with one of GoWithGuide’s Paris or Italian private tour guides. They can make sure you see all the sites you want to visit in your limited time frame, making sure that you and your travel companions arrive back home with memories you can all enjoy.