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13-Day Classic Italy: Rome → Florence → Pisa → Venice → Milan (14–26 Sep 2025)

Viewed by 75 travelers

Day 1: Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on September 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast — Local bar near hotel

Quick espresso and cornetto at a neighborhood bar to fuel a morning of sightseeing; most bars open from ~7:00AM.
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:00AM

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Explore Rome’s largest amphitheatre and wander the adjacent Forum to see temples and ruins; Colosseum opening typically from 8:30AM and requires timed tickets — book in advance.
CURRENCY18, 2h30m

12:00PM

Lunch — Forno Campo de' Fiori or Taverna Romana

Grab Roman-style pizza or sit down for pasta near the historic center; lunchtime usually served 12:00–3:00PM.
CURRENCY18, 1h

1:30PM

Pantheon, Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona walking loop

A compact walking route visiting the Pantheon (open ~9:00AM–7:00PM), toss a coin at Trevi and enjoy Baroque art at Piazza Navona.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

4:00PM

Relax & Aperitivo in Trastevere

Cross the river for a relaxed stroll in Trastevere and late-afternoon aperitivo (many bars start aperitivo around 6:00PM).
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner — Da Enzo al 29 (reserve) or Armando al Pantheon

Enjoy classic Roman dishes (carbonara, cacio e pepe) in atmospheric trattorie; dinner service commonly from 7:00–10:30PM and reservations are recommended.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m

Day 2: Vatican & Center

Rome, Italy on September 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Pastificio or café near Vatican

Light breakfast close to the Vatican to arrive early for museum entry; cafés commonly open by 7:00AM.
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:00AM

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Raphael rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; Vatican Museums usually open 9:00AM–6:00PM (last entry ~4:00PM) — prebook a timed ticket to avoid long queues.
CURRENCY28, 3h

1:15PM

Lunch — Pizzarium Bonci or nearby trattoria

Famous pizza by the slice near the Vatican for a quick and flavorful lunch before more sightseeing.
CURRENCY12, 0h45m

2:30PM

St. Peter's Basilica & Dome (optional climb)

See the Basilica’s interior and Michelangelo’s Pietà; St. Peter's usually open 7:00AM–7:00PM and the dome climb (extra fee) gives panoramic views of Rome.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

4:30PM

Castel Sant'Angelo & Tiber promenade

Historic fortress with views over the river and a pleasant riverside walk; Castel typically open 9:00AM–7:30PM seasonally.
CURRENCY12, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner — Osteria del Pegno or Trastevere trattoria

Enjoy another evening of Roman specialties; dinner hours usually start around 7:00PM and late-sitting restaurants are common.
CURRENCY35, 1h30m

Day 3: Tivoli Day

Rome → Tivoli → Rome, Italy on September 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Coffee near Termini

Grab a quick breakfast before taking the regional train/bus to Tivoli; many transport options start early to maximize the day.
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:00AM

Villa d'Este (Tivoli)

Famous Renaissance villa with extraordinary fountain gardens; typically open 8:30AM–7:30PM (seasonal) — arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.
CURRENCY12, 1h30m

11:00AM

Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana)

Vast archaeological complex and imperial residence offering a different ancient perspective than central Rome; usual opening 9:00AM–7:00PM.
CURRENCY8, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch — Local trattoria in Tivoli

Traditional Lazio dishes in town before returning to Rome; many restaurants open noon for lunch service.
CURRENCY18, 1h

3:00PM

Return to Rome & siesta

Travel time back to Rome (approx 1–1.5 hours depending on transport) then a short rest before evening.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner — Local Roman neighborhood osteria

Enjoy a relaxed evening meal near your accommodation with seasonal antipasti and wine; dinner from ~7:00PM onward.
CURRENCY30, 1h30m

Day 4: To Florence

Rome → Florence, Italy on September 17, 2025

7:15AM

Breakfast — Coffee & cornetto before departure

Light breakfast near Termini before catching the high-speed train to Florence; stations and cafés open early.
CURRENCY5, 0h20m

8:00AM

High-speed train Rome Termini → Firenze SMN

Trenitalia/Italo fast trains take about 1h30m — book in advance for best prices and reserved seats.
CURRENCY50, 1h30m

10:00AM

Florence — Duomo complex (Cathedral & Dome)

Visit Brunelleschi’s Dome, Baptistery and Cathedral interior; the complex is open from early morning to evening and dome climbs have timed tickets — reserve ahead.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch — Mercato Centrale food hall

A lively market with many stalls offering Tuscan specialties — great for varied tastes and quick service at lunchtime.
CURRENCY18, 1h

2:30PM

Uffizi Gallery (timed entry)

Home to Botticelli, Michelangelo and other Renaissance masterpieces; Uffizi usually open 8:15AM–6:50PM — prebook to avoid long waits.
CURRENCY25, 2h

6:30PM

Sunset — Piazzale Michelangelo

Short bus or uphill walk to panoramic views of Florence at sunset — public space open anytime and perfect for photos.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:30PM

Dinner — La Giostra or Trattoria Sostanza

Reserve for an authentic Florentine dinner; these spots serve classic Tuscan dishes and local wines from ~7:00PM.
CURRENCY45, 1h30m

Day 5: Florence Core

Florence, Italy on September 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast — Caffè Gilli or local pasticceria

Historic café in the central square for pastries and espresso to start the museum day.
CURRENCY8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Accademia Gallery — Michelangelo's David

See Michelangelo’s David and the sculpture collection; Accademia opens early and timed tickets help skip the main line.
CURRENCY12, 1h15m

11:00AM

San Lorenzo & Mercato Centrale shopping

Browse leather markets and food stalls for souvenirs and snacks — market vendors usually open from morning through early evening.
CURRENCY15, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch — Trattoria Mario or Il Latini

Traditional Florentine plates such as ribollita or bistecca (request bistecca for two) — lunch service around 12:00–2:30PM.
CURRENCY25, 1h

3:00PM

Oltrarno: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens

Explore the palace collections then stroll the expansive Boboli Gardens (gardens often open 8:15AM–6:30PM seasonally) for a relaxed afternoon.
CURRENCY12, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner — Osteria Santo Spirito

Dine in the lively Oltrarno district among artisans and locals; reserve for a comfortable evening meal.
CURRENCY35, 1h30m

Day 6: Tuscany Day Trip

Florence → Siena & San Gimignano → Florence, Italy on September 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Quick café near station

Grab coffee and pastry before boarding a regional bus or join a guided tour to Siena and San Gimignano (tours leave early).
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:30AM

Siena — Piazza del Campo & Duomo

Visit Siena's medieval shell-shaped square and the ornate cathedral; main sites open for visitors typically from mid-morning to late afternoon.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch — Siena or en route agriturismo

Enjoy Tuscan countryside fare (pici pasta, local cheeses) often served in agriturismi or local trattorie around lunchtime.
CURRENCY20, 1h

2:00PM

San Gimignano — towers & gelato

Wander the medieval streets and try world-famous gelato at Piazza della Cisterna; shops and museums open in the afternoon until early evening.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

5:30PM

Return to Florence

Travel back to Florence for a relaxed evening after a full day in the Tuscan hills.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner — Local osteria near hotel

Unwind with seasonal Tuscan dishes and a local Chianti — dinner service typically from 7:00PM onward.
CURRENCY35, 1h30m

Day 7: Pisa Morning

Florence → Pisa → Florence, Italy on September 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Quick café & train to Pisa

Catch an early regional train (~1h) to Pisa to fully use the morning at the Campo dei Miracoli; stations open early.
CURRENCY8, 1h

9:00AM

Piazza dei Miracoli — Leaning Tower & Cathedral

Visit the Duomo complex and, if desired, climb the Leaning Tower (timed climbs usually begin around 9:00AM) — arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m

11:00AM

Walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri & brief city stroll

See Pisa’s elegant medieval square and local cafes — a pleasant short walk from the cathedral area.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

12:30PM

Lunch — La Taverna di Emma or local trattoria

Tuscan flavors nearby the Leaning Tower for a relaxed midday meal before returning to Florence.
CURRENCY18, 1h

2:00PM

Train Pisa → Florence (return)

Return by regional train to Florence for an easy afternoon and evening — trains run frequently.
CURRENCY8, 1h

6:00PM

Free time — Shopping or museum revisit

Stroll the artisan shops of Oltrarno or revisit a favorite museum; many shops open until early evening and museums often have extended hours on selected days.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner — Traditional Florentine trattoria

Final Florence dinner with local specialties and wine; reserve ahead for popular restaurants.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m

Day 8: To Venice

Florence → Venice, Italy on September 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Quick coffee & pastry

Grab a quick breakfast before boarding the high-speed train to Venice Santa Lucia; stations open early and trains are comfortable.
CURRENCY5, 0h20m

8:30AM

High-speed train Firenze SMN → Venezia Santa Lucia

Travel across the Po Valley to the Venetian lagoon in about 2h–2h15m on Trenitalia/Italo high-speed services — book seats in advance.
CURRENCY50, 2h15m

11:00AM

Check-in & drop bags, short rest

Settle into your hotel near Santa Lucia or San Marco and prepare for a walking exploration of Venice’s narrow calli.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

12:30PM

Lunch — Osteria Bancogiro (Rialto)

Enjoy seafood and Venetian specialties with a view of the Rialto area; many restaurants serve lunch from noon.
CURRENCY30, 1h

2:00PM

Rialto Market & Grand Canal vaporetto

Visit the bustling Rialto Market (best in the morning–early afternoon) then take Vaporetto Line 1 for a scenic canal ride — day passes available.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

4:00PM

Stroll to St. Mark's area

Arrive into San Marco’s atmospheric square for an early-evening look at the basilica (note basilica hours, often 9:30AM–5:00PM for tourists) and surrounding streets.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner — Trattoria Alla Madonna or local bacaro

Savor Venetian seafood or a bacaro crawl of cicchetti — dinner typically starts around 7:30–8:00PM, and reservations are wise for busy restaurants.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m

Day 9: Venice Classics

Venice, Italy on September 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast — Pasticceria Tonolo or local café

Enjoy morning pastries and a quiet canal-side coffee; mornings are the best time for fewer crowds in central Venice.
CURRENCY8, 0h30m

9:00AM

St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

Visit the ornate basilica (tourist hours often 9:30AM–5:00PM) and tour the Doge’s Palace (usually open 8:30AM–7:00PM) — prebook Doge's Palace timed tickets to skip long lines.
CURRENCY30, 2h30m

12:30PM

Lunch — Ristorante Alle Corone or Rialto eateries

Sit down for refined Venetian dishes near the market or Rialto; lunch service typically around 12:00–3:00PM.
CURRENCY35, 1h

2:00PM

Gondola optional or explore Dorsoduro galleries

Choose a scenic (touristy) gondola ride (private fares common) or head to Dorsoduro for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (open ~10:00–6:00PM).
CURRENCY80, 0h45m

4:00PM

Rialto Bridge & nearby artisan shops

Stroll the market area and browse artisan glass, leather and local foods before evening.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner — Fine dining (Quadri) or bacaro crawl

For a special night, reserve at Quadri (St. Mark) or enjoy a series of small plates and wines at neighborhood bacari.
CURRENCY50, 1h30m

Day 10: Murano & Burano

Venice → Murano & Burano → Venice, Italy on September 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast — Café near vaporetto stop

Light breakfast before catching the morning vaporetto to Murano; boats run frequently and mornings are quieter on the islands.
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:00AM

Murano — glassblowing demos & museum

Watch master glassblowers and visit the Glass Museum; many studios offer morning demonstrations and shops open by mid-morning.
CURRENCY15, 1h30m

11:30AM

Boat to Burano — colorful houses & lace shops

Stroll Burano’s photogenic streets, visit lace ateliers and enjoy a slower island pace; shops and eateries open from late morning.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch — Trattoria on Burano (seafood risotto)

Try seafood risotto or local specialties in a relaxed island setting — lunch from noon onwards.
CURRENCY25, 1h

3:00PM

Return to Venice & Lido option

Head back to Venice and, if time and weather allow, take a vaporetto to the Lido for a beach stroll or bicycle ride; Lido activities vary seasonally.
CURRENCY12, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner — Canal-side osteria

Enjoy a final Venetian dinner sampling cicchetti, fish and local dessert while soaking in the lagoon atmosphere.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m

Day 11: To Milan

Venice → Milan, Italy on September 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Quick coffee & pastry

Early coffee before catching a high-speed train to Milan; stations open early and trains from Venice depart frequently.
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:00AM

High-speed train Venezia Santa Lucia → Milano Centrale

Fast trains take about 2h30m — book Trenitalia/Italo in advance for reserved seating and best fares.
CURRENCY30, 2h30m

12:00PM

Arrive Milan & check-in

Settle into your hotel near the Duomo area and prepare for an afternoon walk in the city center.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

1:00PM

Lunch — Luini Panzerotti or local trattoria

Luini is perfect for a quick, famous panzerotto near the Duomo; for a sit-down meal choose a trattoria serving risotto alla Milanese.
CURRENCY12, 0h45m

2:30PM

Duomo & Rooftop Terraces

Visit the Duomo interior and take the elevator or stairs to the terraces for sweeping views; terraces typically open ~9:00AM and tickets can sell out — book ahead if possible.
CURRENCY15, 1h30m

4:30PM

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & La Scala exterior

Stroll the historic shopping arcade and view the famous opera house facade; shops open from mid-morning but the arcade is always accessible.
CURRENCY0, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner — Navigli district (Osteria del Binari)

Enjoy Milanese risotto or ossobuco by the canals of Navigli — the area livens up in the evening and is great for post-dinner drinks.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m

Day 12: Lake Como

Milan → Como & Bellagio → Milan, Italy on September 25, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast — Train station café

Coffee and a pastry before an early regional train to Como (approx 40–50 minutes) to maximize your lake day.
CURRENCY6, 0h20m

9:00AM

Como — walk lakeside & funicular to Brunate

Enjoy the lakeside promenade and take the funicular up to Brunate for sweeping views; local attractions open from mid-morning.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

11:30AM

Ferry to Bellagio (scenic boat ride)

Take a public ferry across the lake to Bellagio for charming streets, gardens and panoramic vistas — ferries run frequently in season and the trip is a highlight of the lake.
CURRENCY20, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch — Bellagio trattoria (fresh lake fish)

Enjoy lake catch or risotto by the water — restaurants serve from noon and are a lovely spot for a leisurely midday meal.
CURRENCY35, 1h

3:00PM

Explore Bellagio & return to Como by ferry

Wander the cobbled lanes, visit Villa Melzi gardens (seasonal hours) and head back by ferry to Como for the train to Milan.
CURRENCY0, 2h

6:30PM

Return to Milan & short rest

Train back to Milan (approx 40–50 minutes) to freshen up before dinner; evening free for light exploration.
CURRENCY0, 0h45m

8:30PM

Dinner — Milanese osteria

Finish your day with a hearty Milanese meal and local wine; dinner typically from 7:30–10:00PM.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m

Day 13: Milan Departure

Milan, Italy on September 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast — Pavé or hotel breakfast

Trendy Milan café or hotel buffet for a relaxed final morning meal; many cafés open early for travelers.
CURRENCY8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Sforza Castle & Parco Sempione

Visit the castle courtyards and stroll the adjacent park for a calm finish to your trip; museums typically open ~9:00AM but check seasonal hours.
CURRENCY10, 1h30m

11:00AM

Optional: The Last Supper (Cenacolo) if prebooked

If you reserved weeks in advance, see Leonardo's Last Supper — visits are strictly timed and often in the late morning/afternoon slots; otherwise visit Brera district or Museo del Novecento.
CURRENCY15, 0h45m

12:30PM

Lunch — Luini or nearby trattoria

A quick panzerotto from Luini near the Duomo or a sit-down risotto alla Milanese depending on your schedule before departure.
CURRENCY12, 0h45m

2:00PM

Final shopping / Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Last-minute souvenirs and a stroll through the historic arcade — shops generally open from mid-morning to evening.
CURRENCY0, 1h

4:00PM

Head to airport or train station

Allow ample time for travel to Malpensa/Linate or Milano Centrale for onward departures — plan at least 2–3 hours for airport check-in.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

7:00PM

Farewell dinner (if staying late) — Ristorante Cracco or Navigli osteria

If your schedule allows a final meal in Milan, choose fine dining at Cracco (book ahead) or a relaxed canal-side osteria for a last taste of northern Italy.
CURRENCY60, 1h30m
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