Dear amroloff, how fantastic that you and your husband are going to Italy for the first time. I've been there at least a dozen times (probably more! I've lost count!) and still Italy draws me back again and again. It would help those of us who might have suggestions for restaurants, attractions, etc., if you first figure out where you will spend your nights. If you say you have 10 days, then I'm guessing you actually have 9 or 10 nights. If you need to fly in and out of Rome, for example, one possible "first time" trip might look like the following: land in Rome, probably mid-morning. Take the fast, "freccia" train from Rome (either from the airport, or from another Rome train station, probably "Termini" station) to Venice. The train trip from Rome Termini to Venice is approx. 4 hours. You would then arrive Venice mid-to-late afternoon. Spend 3 nights in Venice. Train to Florence. Spend 2 nights in Florence, and then 1-2 nights at a smaller city/town, like Siena (art, food, day tours to vineyards), Assisi (art, churches, history), Montepulciano (lovely medieval center, food, wine), or Orvieto (more history, food, scenery. Orvieto might be easiest; it's on the way from Florence area to Rome). Read about these and figure where you want to stop. Then Rome for 3 nights and fly back home from Rome. There is so much to see, do, experience, eat and explore. It's really up to what is calling you! You might want to look at some videos on this website, and on tripadvisor, youtube, etc., to see what you want to do this first time. And always figure that you WILL be back!
