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8-Day Italy: Venice → Florence → Rome — Complete Trip with Flights, Hotels & Trains (Aug 18–25, 2025)

Viewed by 241 travelers

Day 1: Arrive Venice

Venice, Italy on August 18, 2025

8:00am

Flight into Venice (VCE)

Arrive at Marco Polo Airport; take Alilaguna water bus or taxi boat into central Venice to save time and enjoy the approach by water. Expect around 30–60 minutes transfer depending on service and dock.
EUR120, 1h0m

9:30am

Hotel check-in / luggage drop

Drop bags if early; many hotels permit luggage storage if official check-in (typically 2–3pm) isn't available. Confirm hotel check-in time with your property.
EUR180, 0h30m

10:15am

Breakfast — Pasticceria Tonolo or local café

Classic Venetian pastry and espresso to jumpstart the day; most cafes open by 7:30–8:30am. Good quick option before sightseeing.
EUR8, 0h30m

11:00am

St. Mark's Square & Basilica

See St. Mark's Basilica and the iconic piazza — the church interior is stunning; note that basilica access is often free but certain areas (Museo, Pala d'Oro) have fees and security lines. Check opening hours (typically 9:30am–5:00pm; times vary and can close for services).
EUR5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Ristorante Antiche Carampane (near Rialto)

Highly recommended for fresh Venetian seafood; reserve in advance as it fills up, open for lunch roughly 12:00–15:00. A great introduction to Venetian cuisine.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Rialto Bridge & Grand Canal stroll

Walk the Rialto area, visit the markets (fish/produce) and enjoy the views along the Grand Canal. Markets typically active in the morning but the area is lively all day.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hotel check-in (if available) / rest

Complete check-in and rest or freshen up before evening; many hotels have 2–3pm check-in — if you already checked in earlier, use this slot to relax.
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Gondola or Vaporetto on the Grand Canal

Option A: Shared gondola (~30 min) for iconic views and romance; Option B: Vaporetto line 1 for an economical Grand Canal tour. Book gondolas in advance for evenings; vaporetto runs throughout the day.
EUR80, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Osteria alle Testiere or similar

Classic Venetian small-plate seafood and cicchetti in a highly-rated small osteria. Many top places require reservations; typical dinner hours 7:00–10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

9:30pm

Evening stroll — St. Mark's at night

St. Mark's Square is atmospheric after dark and often less crowded; ideal for photos and gelato on the way back to the hotel.
EUR6, 0h45m

Day 2: Venice highlights

Venice, Italy on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — local bar

Light espresso and pastry at a canal-side bar to begin the day; most cafés open by 7–8am. Good to start early to avoid crowds at popular sites.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Museum

Explore Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the palace museums; this gives insight into Venice's history and art. Typical opening 9:00am–6:00pm; book timed tickets in advance to skip long lines.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower)

Take the elevator for panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon; check hours (often 9:30am–7:00pm). Best on clear days for photos across the rooftops.
EUR10, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch — Trattoria Alla Madonna (near Rialto)

Traditional Venetian cuisine near the Rialto markets; popular for seafood and risotto, open for lunch ~12:00–15:00.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Dorsoduro galleries (Peggy Guggenheim or Accademia)

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection (modern art) or the Accademia for Venetian masters. Peggy Guggenheim usually opens 10:00–18:00; Accademia typically 8:15–7:15 but check specific closures.
EUR15, 1h45m

4:30pm

Rialto Market & shopping

Wander stalls and local shops for food souvenirs, glass, and leather; markets are lively in the morning but shops run through evening.
EUR0, 0h45m

6:30pm

Sunset — Zattere walk or waterfront aperitivo

Enjoy an aperitivo facing the Giudecca or a calm Zattere canal walk at sunset; perfect pre-dinner relaxation. Bars open late and are busy from 6pm.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Cicchetti crawl (small plates)

Eat like a local by hopping several bacari for cicchetti and spritz; great to sample varied flavors and keep the evening lively. Bacari typically operate evening hours from 6pm onward.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on August 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast, finalize check-out and take luggage to the vaporetto or water taxi to the port/terminal for the transfer to Venice Santa Lucia train station.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Train — Venice Santa Lucia to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (high-speed)

Take a Frecciarossa/Italo high-speed train; the journey is about 2h–2h15m. Book tickets in advance for the best fares and seat reservations.
EUR35, 2h15m

11:30am

Arrive Florence — hotel drop-off

Walk from Firenze SMN to central hotels (most under 10–15 minutes); many hotels allow luggage storage if early arrival check-in isn't available. Standard check-in around 2pm.
EUR180, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Mercato Centrale (upper food hall)

Wide choice of Tuscan specialties under one roof; great casual lunch and local specialties open lunchtime typically 12:00–15:00.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Duomo Complex (Cathedral, Baptistery, and Brunelleschi's Dome ticket)

Visit Florence Cathedral, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome (book in advance) or Giotto's Campanile for views. Opening hours vary, typically 10:00–19:00 for some parts — book timed entries for dome/climb.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:30pm

Stroll through historic center — Piazza della Signoria & Ponte Vecchio

Explore the political and jewelry heart of Florence with excellent photo spots and window-shopping on Ponte Vecchio. Open-air, free, and always accessible.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Trattoria Mario or La Giostra

Try classic Tuscan dishes (bistecca, ribollita); Trattoria Mario is rustic and popular, La Giostra is a romantic alternative — both require reservations at dinner time (7:00–10:30pm).
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Florence museums

Florence, Italy on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — local café

Coffee and cornetto near your hotel to fuel a museum-heavy day; cafés generally open by 7–8am.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Reserve a morning timed ticket to see Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo masterpieces — Uffizi usually opens around 8:15–9:00am but check exact times and closures (closed Monday/varies).
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori or Mercato food stalls

Enjoy Tuscan small plates or casual market eats; many places open 12:00–14:30 for lunch service.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo's David)

Home of Michelangelo's David — arrive with a pre-booked time slot to avoid long queues; typical opening 8:15–6:50pm (check for Mondays/holidays).
EUR12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk to and up Piazzale Michelangelo

Late afternoon climb or bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best panoramic sunset views over Florence; accessible all day, great for photos at golden hour.
EUR0, 1h15m

6:30pm

Aperitivo in Oltrarno

Enjoy a relaxed aperitivo in artisan Oltrarno with craft shops and fewer tourists; bars open evenings from ~6pm onward.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Enoteca Pinchiorri (splurge) or a local trattoria

Choose a special meal at a Michelin-starred enoteca or a cozy trattoria for classic Florence fare; book well in advance for top restaurants.
EUR60, 1h45m

Day 5: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Quick breakfast and check out of your Florence hotel, then walk to the train station (SMN) for your high-speed train to Rome Termini.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Train — Florence to Rome (Frecciarossa / Italo)

High-speed journey lasting around 1h30m–1h45m; pre-book seats and aim for morning departure to maximize your Rome afternoon. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
EUR30, 1h45m

10:45am

Arrive Rome — hotel drop-off

Walk from Roma Termini to nearby hotels or take a taxi; many hotels offer luggage storage before official check-in times (usually 2pm).
EUR180, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch — near Monti (Trattoria al Tetto or similar)

Casual Roman pasta dishes and seasonal specials; Monti neighborhood is great for lunch and is near the Colosseum. Most restaurants serve lunch 12:00–15:00.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined ticket)

Timed-entry to the Colosseum then explore the Forum and Palatine — book a combined ticket or guided tour in advance to skip lines. Typical visiting window 9:00–19:00 but check seasonal hours and last admission times.
EUR18, 2h30m

5:00pm

Walk through Capitoline Hill to Piazza Venezia

See Vittoriano and enjoy views over the Forum; great for late-afternoon photos and orientation to central Rome.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Trastevere (Da Enzo al 29 or Tonnarello)

Cross the Tiber to Trastevere for lively, authentic Roman dining; small restaurants fill up — reservations are recommended for dinner (7:00–10:30pm).
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Vatican & historic center

Rome, Italy on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — café near hotel

Quick espresso and pastry; important to be early for Vatican timings and less crowds. Cafés open 7–8am typically.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (pre-booked timed entry)

Book an early-access timed ticket or guided tour to avoid the biggest crowds; museums generally open 9:00am but early guided entries exist—check your booking. Expect 2–3 hours inside.
EUR30, 3h0m

11:30am

St. Peter's Basilica & Dome

Visit the basilica (free entry with security) and optionally climb to the dome for sweeping views (dome open roughly 8:00–18:00 depending on season). Security lines can be long — allow time.
EUR10, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch — Borgo Pio or Prati area

Casual lunch of Roman specialties near the Vatican; many trattorie serve lunch 12:00–15:00 and cater to tourists and locals alike.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pantheon, Piazza Navona & Trevi Fountain walk

Afternoon walking route through Rome’s best piazzas: free-to-access monuments, charming streets, baroque fountains. Pantheon often open 9:00–19:00; Trevi is always accessible but crowded.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Coffee/gelato stop at the Pantheon area

Relax and people-watch near the Pantheon with a coffee or gelato; many cafés serve until evening.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Campo de' Fiori or Jewish Ghetto

Enjoy Roman-Jewish cuisine (carciofi alla giudia) in the Jewish Ghetto or classic Roman dishes around Campo de' Fiori; dinner hours 7:00–10:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Day trip (Tivoli) or free Rome

Rome, Italy on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & prepare day trip

Early breakfast and collect tickets/plan transport for Tivoli or choose a relaxed day in Rome. Trains/buses to Tivoli depart from Rome's Tiburtina or Termini stations.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Day Trip — Tivoli: Villa d'Este & Hadrian's Villa

Visit Villa d'Este’s spectacular Renaissance gardens and Hadrian’s Villa ruins; Villa d'Este typically opens 8:30–19:00 and Hadrian's Villa often 9:00–19:00 but check seasonal times. Travel time approx 45–60 minutes each way by regional train + bus or organized tour.
EUR12, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return to Rome — relax

Return to Rome and rest at your hotel or explore a nearby neighborhood (e.g., Monti or Testaccio) for late afternoon wandering.
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Optional — Capitoline Museums or shopping

If you prefer museums or shopping, late afternoon is a good time for less crowded streets and shops; museum hours vary so check before you go.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:00pm

Final night dinner — special Roman meal

Choose a memorable dinner (splurge on a tasting menu or enjoy a rustic trattoria) to celebrate your trip’s finale; reserve ahead for popular places.
EUR45, 1h45m

Day 8: Depart Rome

Rome, Italy on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & pack

Final breakfast at the hotel or nearby café, finish packing and check out. Confirm airport transfer timing with the hotel concierge.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Hotel check-out / transfer to FCO or CIA airport

Take a pre-booked taxi, private transfer, or the Leonardo Express from Termini to Fiumicino (approx 32 minutes). Allow extra time for security and international check-in (2–3 hours before flight recommended).
EUR40, 1h30m

11:30am

Return flight home

Depart from Rome; ensure you have all boarding documents and allow for airport security and passport control. Flight time varies based on your destination.
EUR140, 2h0m
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