Arrive at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA). If flying into FCO, take the Leonardo Express to Termini (32 minutes) or a taxi to your hotel. Confirm flight terminal and baggage times.
Taxi or train to a centrally located hotel near Termini, Pantheon or Trastevere to use as your base for 4 nights; request early check-in if needed. Central location reduces transit time to major sights.
Classic Roman trattoria near the Pantheon area serving carbonara and amatriciana; good introductory Roman food — check midday hours (typically 12:00–15:00).
Beloved Roman osteria offering traditional dishes like cacio e pepe and fried artichokes; reservations recommended as it fills up in the evening (typically open 12:00–15:00 and 19:00–23:00).
Pre-book a combined timed ticket to enter the Colosseum and explore the Forum and Palatine Hill; mornings are best to avoid heat and crowds. Typical opening times: ~8:30am to sunset (seasonal) — confirm before visiting.
Family-run restaurant just off the Forum serving hearty Roman dishes — convenient and highly rated for a midday meal (open for lunch roughly 12:00–15:00).
Visit the Capitoline Museums for ancient Roman art and the Piazza designed by Michelangelo; museums typically open ~9:30–19:30 (check hours and closures).
Reserve a timed-entry ticket to avoid long queues — museums generally open 9:00–18:00 (closed Sundays except last Sunday of the month when it's free). Allow time for the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms.
Visit the basilica (open early to early evening) and, if fit, climb the dome for sweeping views of St. Peter’s Square and Rome — the dome typically opens 7:00–18:30 (check seasonal hours).
Walk along the Tiber and visit Castel Sant'Angelo for views and history (castle open ~9:00–19:30, seasonal hours). The riverside stroll to Piazza Navona is picturesque.
Timed-entry to the Borghese Gallery to see Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings — book weeks ahead; opening hours usually 9:00–19:00 with limited entry slots.
Traditional Roman cuisine steps from the Pantheon — excellent for trying seasonal Roman dishes; open for lunch and dinner (check hours and reserve if possible).
Grab breakfast, check out and head to Roma Termini for the high-speed train to Venice; confirm luggage arrangements with your hotel if late check-in in Venice is expected.
Take Frecciarossa or Italo direct to Venezia Santa Lucia (book tickets in advance). Typical journey time ~3h45 but some services are ~3h40; comfortable and fast compared to buses or driving.
Arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia, walk or take a vaporetto to your hotel in San Marco or Dorsoduro; central hotels avoid additional water taxi costs but reserve early for the best locations.
Visit Piazza San Marco and the exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica; if you plan to go inside, book a timed slot to avoid lines — basilica hours often 9:30–17:00 (times vary).
Take the vaporetto to Murano to watch a glass-blowing demonstration and visit the Glass Museum; many factories offer short demos mid-morning — check opening/ demo schedules.
EUR0-5 (vaporetto ticket EUR7.50 single or day pass EUR20+), 1h45m
Hop a vaporetto to colorful Burano (famous for lace and vivid houses) and nearby Torcello for serene landscapes and an ancient cathedral; boat schedules vary by season — confirm return times.
Return by vaporetto and stroll Dorsoduro galleries and quiet canals; consider visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection if open (usually 10:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays).
Consider a short gondola ride at sunset for the classic experience (fixed rates apply), then enjoy dinner at La Zucca, known for vegetable-forward Venetian dishes (book ahead).
Visit the bustling Rialto Market for fish and produce and cross the iconic Rialto Bridge; markets are best in the morning when vendors are active (market hours early morning to early afternoon).
Choose the Gallerie dell'Accademia (Venetian paintings) or Ca' Rezzonico (18th-century palace) depending on interest—check museum hours (usually 10:00–18:00, closed certain weekdays).
Classic seafood restaurant popular with locals and visitors alike — great spot for a leisurely lunch near the market (open midday to early afternoon and evening).
Wander backstreets to find artisan glass, lace shops and small bàcari for cicchetti (Venetian tapas). Evening cicchetti and wine at local bàcari are a true Venetian experience.
Choose Quadri for a Michelin-level view over St. Mark's (book well in advance) or Antiche Carampane for exceptional seafood in a lively setting — both are excellent final-night options.
Final breakfast at your hotel or a café; settle luggage and confirm transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or train station if returning by train. Cafés open early near major hotels.
If time permits, take a quick walk to pick up souvenirs (Murano glass, Venetian masks) or enjoy one last canal view — shops often open by 9:00, but many souvenir shops open earlier in tourist areas.
Book Alilaguna water bus, ACTV bus or private water taxi to Marco Polo Airport (allow 45–75 minutes) or walk to Santa Lucia for onward trains; arrive 2 hours before European flights, 3 hours for long-haul.
EUR8-15 (Alilaguna) or EUR120+ (private water taxi), 1h30m