8-Day Immersive Italy Tour: Rome to Venice Highlights

Day 1: Ancient Rome Introduction

Rome, Italy on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your day with classic Italian espresso and freshly baked pastries from this popular Rome café known for its authentic flavors.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Colosseum

Explore the iconic symbol of Rome’s ancient history, the Colosseum, famous for its gladiatorial games and grand architecture. The site opens at 9am.
EUR18, 2h0m

11:45am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ancient ruins of political and social life in Rome adjacent to the Colosseum to understand the heart of the Roman Empire.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Enjoy delicious Roman cuisine like carbonara or amatriciana in this casual, traditional trattoria near the Colosseum.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Pantheon

Admire the best-preserved Ancient Roman building, with its impressive dome and oculus. Open daily, entrance is free.
Free, 0h45m

3:30pm

Piazza Navona

Stroll this beautiful square famous for its baroque fountains and lively atmosphere, perfect for photos and people watching.
Free, 0h30m

4:15pm

Trevi Fountain

Visit the iconic Trevi Fountain and toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria delle Coppelle

Dine on traditional Roman dishes with a modern twist at this cozy trattoria near Piazza Navona.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican & Historic Rome

Rome, Italy on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sant'Eustachio

Enjoy acclaimed Italian coffee and cornetti in this historic café before heading to Vatican City.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Tour the extensive Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling; advance tickets recommended for early entry at 9am.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the world’s largest church with stunning Renaissance art and architecture; climbing to the dome offers panoramic city views.
Free entry, dome climb EUR10, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Sample gourmet Roman-style pizza by the slice at this famed spot near the Vatican Museums.
EUR12, 0h45m

3:30pm

Castel Sant’Angelo

Explore the historic fortress and museum with views of the Tiber River and Vatican.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk along the Tiber River

Leisurely stroll along the scenic riverbanks to unwind and soak in Rome’s atmosphere.
Free, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Fine dining with a spectacular Colosseum view, serving classic Italian dishes elevated with gourmet ingredients.
EUR60, 1h45m
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Day 3: Florence Art & Architecture

Florence, Italy on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Florence by train

Take an early high-speed train from Rome to Florence (approx. 1.5 hours), arriving mid-morning.
EUR50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries at one of Florence's best cafes with a hip atmosphere.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:45am

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Visit the iconic cathedral with its remarkable dome designed by Brunelleschi; climb the dome for city views.
EUR20 for dome climb, 1h30m

11:30am

Baptistery & Giotto's Campanile

Explore the ornate Baptistery and climb Giotto’s bell tower for additional panoramic views.
EUR15 combined ticket, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Savor traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina in this longtime local favorite.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:15pm

Uffizi Gallery

Tour one of the world’s greatest art museums housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci; reserve advance tickets for 2:15pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:30pm

Ponte Vecchio

Walk along this historic medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops, capturing stunning views over the Arno River.
Free, 0h30m

6:00pm

Piazzale Michelangelo

Head up for a sunset panorama over Florence’s skyline; best reached by a short taxi ride or hike.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Indulge in a romantic Tuscan meal featuring homemade pasta and local wines in a cozy setting.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Florence Day Art & Crafts

Florence, Italy on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Experience a historic Florentine café offering excellent espresso and pastries in central Piazza della Repubblica.
EUR12, 0h30m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

Visit Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance artworks; book skip-the-line tickets for 9:00am entry.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Leather Workshop Tour

Explore Florence’s artisanal tradition with a visit to a leather workshop nearby to see craftsmanship firsthand.
EUR15, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Enjoy a variety of fresh Tuscan foods from local vendors in this vibrant food market.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boboli Gardens

Relax and wander through the expansive Renaissance gardens behind the Pitti Palace, enjoying sculptures and fountains.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Pitti Palace

Discover museums housing Medici art collections and royal apartments after your garden stroll.
EUR16, 1h30m

6:00pm

Aperitivo at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar

Unwind with a cocktail and views overlooking Florence’s rooftops before dinner.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Finish your Florence experience with hearty Tuscan cuisine in this lively trattoria beloved by locals.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Cinque Terre Coastal Charm

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Cinque Terre

Take a morning train from Florence to La Spezia then transfer to Cinque Terre villages (approx. 3.5 hours total).
EUR40, 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Bar la Torre, Monterosso

Enjoy coffee and fresh focaccia in the charming oldest village of the Cinque Terre.
EUR8, 0h30m

11:00am

Hiking the Monterosso to Vernazza Trail

Hike the scenic coastal trail between the two villages, famous for stunning sea views and colorful houses. Moderate 2-hour hike.
EUR7 for park pass, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Belforte Restaurant, Vernazza

Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the Mediterranean in this cliffside restaurant with outstanding views.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Vernazza Village

Stroll the narrow lanes, visit the harbor, and relax in this picturesque village.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Train to Riomaggiore & Sunset Visit

Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore, enjoy the colorful village and watch the sunset from the seaside promenade.
EUR4, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dau Cila, Riomaggiore

Enjoy Ligurian specialties including pesto and fresh fish in this intimate local restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gelateria Vernazza

Start with some gelato and pastries early while the village is peaceful.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Boat Tour of Cinque Terre

Take a 1.5-hour boat tour along the coast to enjoy breathtaking views of all five villages from the sea. Morning tours available.
EUR30, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Manarola Village

Explore the smallest village featuring vibrant houses and a scenic harbor.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Enjoy panoramic views with your lunch featuring local focaccia and seafood dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax on the beach at Monterosso

Spend the afternoon unwinding on the sandy beach, swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Corniglia Village

Visit the hilltop village with stunning views, historic churches, and peaceful ambiance.
EUR7 for park pass if hiking, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at A Cantina de Mananan, Corniglia

Taste traditional Ligurian dishes with a warm, rustic atmosphere to end your day.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Venice Canals & Culture

Venice, Italy on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Venice

Take an early train from La Spezia to Venice (approx. 4 hours) arriving mid-morning.
EUR60, 4h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Enjoy Venetian pastries and coffee in this historic café near St. Mark’s Square.
EUR10, 0h30m

12:15pm

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit this stunning Byzantine cathedral with golden mosaics and opulent interiors; free entry but skip-the-line tickets recommended.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Enoteca San Marco

Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and local wines just steps from the basilica.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:45pm

Doge’s Palace

Explore the historic seat of Venetian power, including grand chambers and the famous Bridge of Sighs.
EUR30, 1h45m

4:45pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a traditional gondola ride through Venice’s canals for a unique city perspective.
EUR80 per gondola, 0h30m

6:00pm

Walk Rialto Bridge & Market

Stroll the bustling Rialto area to enjoy shops, markets, and canal views before dinner.
Free, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Antiche Carampane

Dine on exquisite Venetian seafood dishes in a cozy, authentic setting off the beaten path.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Venice Final Day

Venice, Italy on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Relax with a perfect coffee and croissant in Venice’s Cannaregio district, a quieter local neighborhood.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Murano Island

Take a vaporetto (water bus) to the nearby island famous for glassblowing; tour a glass factory and shop for souvenirs.
EUR20 for vaporetto, factory tour free, 3h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Trattoria Busa alla Torre, Murano

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes on Murano Island in a charming trattoria near the waterfront.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Venice and visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Experience modern art masterpieces in this unique museum located on the Grand Canal.
EUR16, 1h30m

4:00pm

Leisurely walk and shopping

Explore Venice's charming streets and artisanal shops to pick up final souvenirs and enjoy your last hours.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Celebrate your Italian journey with refined Venetian cuisine and splendid views of St. Mark’s Square.
EUR70, 1h30m
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