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12-Night Summer Italy by Train: Rome to Venice — Coastal Beaches & Lakes, 3★ Hotels

Viewed by 77 travelers

Day 1: Arrive Rome

Rome, Italy on September 10, 2025

2:00pm

Check in — Hotel Santa Maria (3★, Trastevere)

Comfortable, well-reviewed 3-star in lively Trastevere; good base for walking to central sites and evening dining.
EUR120, 0h30m

3:30pm

Colosseum & Roman Forum (exterior & forum walk)

Iconic ancient amphitheatre and adjacent Forum area — see the heart of Imperial Rome; book a timed-entry ticket in advance. Typical hours ~8:30am–7:00pm (seasonal).
EUR18, 2h0m

6:00pm

Stroll to Piazza Venezia & Trevi Fountain

Short walk from the Colosseum to see the Victor Emmanuel monument, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and enjoy sunset light on the stone streets.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere)

Classic Roman trattoria known for cacio e pepe and carbonara; arrive early or reserve — open evenings roughly 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria near hotel

Italian breakfast of espresso and cornetto; fast and local to start a packed day.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Europe’s masterpiece collection and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; buy a timed ticket — usual hours 9:00am–6:00pm (closed Sun some weeks).
EUR18, 2h30m

12:00pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visits to the basilica (free) and optional climb to the dome for panoramic views; basilica usually opens 7:00am–7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Pizzarium or local pizzeria near Vatican

Famous Roman-style pizza by the slice (pinsa/pizza al taglio) for a quick, delicious midday meal.
EUR12, 0h45m

3:00pm

Pantheon & Piazza Navona walk

Two of Rome’s best-loved squares; Pantheon typically open 9:00am–7:00pm (small entry fee for interior).
EUR5, 1h0m

6:00pm

Aperitivo in Campo de' Fiori

Evening aperitivo and people-watching at lively square — great pre-dinner ritual.
EUR8, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Tonnarello or Cesare al Casaletto

Excellent Roman cooking — try tonnarello pasta or traditional specialties; most sit-down restaurants open 7:30pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Naples & Pompeii

Naples / Pompeii, Italy on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Train Rome → Naples (Frecciarossa)

Fast train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale; typical travel ~1h10m. Book early for best fare and reserved seats.
EUR30, 1h10m

9:00am

Check in — Hotel Piazza Bellini (3★, central Naples)

Stylish 3-star in the historic centre, walking distance to Spaccanapoli and short transfer to Pompeii trains.
EUR90, 0h30m

10:30am

Circumvesuviana to Pompeii

Regional train from Napoli Garibaldi to Pompeii (Pompei Scavi); journey ~30–40 minutes. Pompeii archaeological park is open typically 9:00am–7:30pm (seasonal).
EUR3.5, 0h40m

11:30am

Explore Pompeii Ruins

World-famous excavated Roman city buried in 79 AD — walk streets, villas and frescoes; allow 2–3 hours.
EUR18, 3h0m

4:00pm

Return to Naples — espresso & sfogliatella

Back in Naples, try a classic Neapolitan pastry (sfogliatella) and a strong espresso in the historic center.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

One of Naples’ most famous pizzerias; expect queues but authentic Margherita/Marinara. Open roughly 11:30am–11:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m
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Day 4: Amalfi Coast (Sorrento base)

Sorrento / Amalfi Coast, Italy on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Train Naples → Sorrento (Circumvesuviana)

Comfortable regional train along the Bay of Naples to Sorrento; journey ~1h. Trains start early and run frequently.
EUR4, 1h0m

9:30am

Check in — Hotel Rivoli Sorrento (3★) or similar

3-star hotel in Sorrento town center with easy access to ferries/buses for Amalfi/Positano day trips.
EUR110, 0h30m

10:30am

Sorrento town & Marina Grande beach

Explore Sorrento’s lemon-lined lanes and small beaches; relaxed coastal stroll with views of Vesuvius.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Ristorante Tasso or local seaside trattoria

Fresh seafood or pasta with a view of the Bay — Sorrento has many excellent mid-range options open midday.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional: Bus or ferry to Positano / Amalfi (scenic)

Take the SITA bus or short ferry (seasonal) to Positano or Amalfi for cliffside villages and beaches; ferries typically run 9:00am–6:00pm in summer.
EUR10, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — O’Parrucchiano or local limoncello tasting

Traditional Campanian cuisine; try dishes showcasing local lemons and seafood — restaurants open evenings approx 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on September 14, 2025

8:30am

Sorrento → Naples (Circumvesuviana)

Return to Napoli Centrale by regional train to connect with high-speed northbound trains; journey ~1h.
EUR4, 1h0m

11:00am

Train Naples → Florence (Frecciarossa)

High-speed train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella; typical duration ~2h30–3h. Book early for best fares.
EUR30, 2h40m

2:00pm

Check in — Hotel Vecchio Mercato (3★) near Duomo

Well-located 3-star in the historic center, perfect for walking to major Florence sights.
EUR110, 0h30m

3:00pm

Duomo & Baptistery walk

Glimpse the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s dome (exterior free; dome/booked visits usually 8:15am–7:30pm).
EUR15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Ponte Vecchio & riverside sunset walk

Famous medieval bridge over the Arno — enjoy goldsmith windows and sunset views.
EUR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Trattoria Mario or Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Traditional Tuscan cooking — bistecca alla fiorentina or hearty ribollita; most restaurants open 7:30pm onward.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Florence Museums

Florence, Italy on September 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Coffee and pastry at a local bar to fuel a museum day.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery

One of the world’s great art collections; book timed entry in advance. Typical hours 8:15am–6:50pm (seasonal).
EUR20, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Mercato Centrale (Florence food hall)

Variety of Tuscan specialties under one roof — quick and lively.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Accademia (David) or Pitti Palace / Boboli Gardens

See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia (book ahead) or enjoy the Pitti/Boboli estate for gardens and views; Accademia hours ~8:15am–6:50pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Short bus or walk uphill for panoramic sunset over Florence’s skyline.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Enoteca or typical osteria

Enjoy local Chianti and slow-cooked Tuscan meats; typical dinner hours 7:30pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cinque Terre Coast

Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre), Italy on September 16, 2025

7:30am

Train Florence → La Spezia, then local train to Monterosso

High-speed/regionals to La Spezia (≈2h) then frequent local trains to Monterosso (≈20–30m); total ~2h30–3h. Trains between Cinque Terre villages run every 20–30 minutes.
EUR25, 3h0m

11:30am

Check in — Hotel Palme (3★) or similar in Monterosso

Monterosso has the largest sandy beach in Cinque Terre and a number of 3-star hotels ideal for seaside nights.
EUR120, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — seaside pesto & anchovy specialties

Liguria’s best: pesto, fresh seafood and focaccia by the beach — many beachside cafés open midday.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Beach time in Monterosso & short village hikes

Relax on the sandy beach or take the easy coastal hike to Vernazza (check trail conditions; trails open daily but may close after storms).
EUR0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Boat or train hop to Vernazza for sunset

Boats run seasonally (usually spring–autumn); trains are reliable year-round — Vernazza is stunning at golden hour.
EUR5, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Local trattoria

Try trofie al pesto, fresh fish and local wine; restaurants typically open 7:30pm–10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: North to Lake Como

Como, Italy on September 17, 2025

7:30am

Train Monterosso → La Spezia → Milan → Como

Regionals to La Spezia, then onward via Milan Centrale to Como S. Giovanni; total travel ~4–4.5h depending on connections. Break the trip in Milan if you’d like a short city stop.
EUR40, 4h30m

12:30pm

Check in — Hotel Como (3★) or Albergo Terminus

3-star hotel close to the lakeside promenade and ferry docks; perfect for evening strolls by the lake.
EUR120, 0h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — lakeside trattoria in Como

Fresh lake fish, polenta specialties and risotto with a view of the water.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Boat tour on Lake Como (ferry hop to Bellagio/Varenna)

Public ferries operate frequently; Bellagio and Varenna are picturesque towns with waterfront promenades — ferries generally run from early morning until early evening (seasonal).
EUR12, 2h30m

7:00pm

Walk Como old town & funicular to Brunate

Take the funicular (usually 7:00am–10:00pm) for panoramas over Como and the lake at dusk.
EUR6, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner — Local osteria

Savor northern Italian specialties; many restaurants open evenings 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Lake Garda

Desenzano del Garda / Sirmione, Italy on September 18, 2025

8:30am

Train Como → Milan → Desenzano del Garda

Travel via Milan Centrale; overall trip ~2.5–3h. Desenzano or Peschiera make great bases for the southern lake and Sirmione.
EUR25, 2h45m

12:00pm

Check in — Hotel Ideal (3★) Desenzano or similar in Sirmione

Comfortable 3-star near the lake with easy access to the Scaliger castle in Sirmione and thermal grottoes.
EUR100, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Sirmione seafood / lake fish

Enjoy lake fish specialties and fresh pasta on the southern shore; many restaurants open midday and evening.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sirmione & Scaliger Castle

Walk the narrow causeway to the medieval castle, explore the old town and lakeside caves; castle open usually 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

5:00pm

Optional boat cruise on Lake Garda

Short cruises run seasonally and offer excellent shore views of villas and mountains; schedules vary (spring–autumn best).
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Trattoria in Desenzano

Relaxed meal of local wine and lake cuisine; dinners typically 7:30pm–10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Verona & Opera Vibes

Verona, Italy on September 19, 2025

9:00am

Train Desenzano → Verona Porta Nuova

Short and frequent regional trains; journey ~25–35 minutes.
EUR6, 0h30m

10:00am

Check in — Hotel Milano & SPA (3★) near Arena

Centrally located 3-star a short walk to the Arena and Juliet’s balcony.
EUR95, 0h30m

11:00am

Verona Arena & Piazza Bra

Imposing Roman amphitheatre used for outdoor opera in summer (Arena tours and exterior visits most of the day); Arena usual hours vary with events.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Piazza delle Erbe

Eat in Verona’s lively market square with many trattorie offering seasonal northern-Italian dishes.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Juliet’s House & Castelvecchio museum

Quick photo stop at Juliet’s balcony and optional visit to the medieval Castelvecchio museum (museum hours typically 9:00am–7:00pm).
EUR6, 1h30m

6:00pm

Riverside walk along the Adige

Enjoy soft evening light and panoramic views from Ponte Pietra and the hill at San Pietro.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Osteria Le Vecete

Traditional Veronese cuisine with local Amarone wine options; dinner hours usually 7:30pm onward.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Arrive Venice

Venice, Italy on September 20, 2025

9:00am

Train Verona → Venice Santa Lucia

Regional/high-speed options connect Verona to Venice in ~1h10–1h30; arrive right at the historic canal-side station.
EUR12, 1h10m

10:30am

Check in — Hotel Antiche Figure (3★) or similar near Santa Lucia

Comfortable 3-star on the Grand Canal or near the station for easy luggage transfer and good access to sights.
EUR140, 0h30m

11:30am

Rialto Bridge & Market

Historic market and iconic bridge — great for photos and local food stalls; market hours generally early morning until early afternoon.
EUR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Cicchetti crawl (Venetian tapas)

Sample cicchetti at several bacari for an authentic Venetian midday experience; most places open midday and evening.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace (exterior and optional interior)

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace — book ahead for interior tours; typical hours 9:30am–5:00pm (varies).
EUR25, 2h0m

6:00pm

Gondola or Vaporetto ride at golden hour

Shared vaporetto on the Grand Canal is budget-friendly; private gondolas are pricier but iconic (daytime rates higher than twilight).
EUR8, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Ristorante da Ivo or local osteria

Seafood-focused Venetian cuisine — try risotto al nero di seppia; dinner hours typically 7:30pm–11:00pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 12: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Gran Caffè Quadri or local bar

Coffee and pastry in St. Mark’s area to start another Venetian day.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Murano & Burano half-day trip (optional)

Take a vaporetto or guided boat to glassmaking Murano and colorful Burano (boats generally run from morning until late afternoon).
EUR20, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — Burano seafood or return to Venice for pasta

Burano is famous for its fried seafood and bright houses; restaurants open midday.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:30pm

Hidden canals & Jewish Ghetto walk

Explore quieter sestieri (neighbourhoods) for authentic Venice away from the main piazza, including the historic Jewish Ghetto.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner — elegant Venetian restaurant

Choose a restaurant with canal views for a memorable last evening; many places offer tasting menus with wine pairings.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 13: Departure Day

Venice, Italy on September 22, 2025

7:30am

Final breakfast & check-out

Last espresso and pastry near the hotel; check-out and prepare for departure (most hotels check out by 10:00am).
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Last-minute walk or vaporetto to station/airport

Transfer to Venezia Santa Lucia station or Piazzale Roma for departures; if flying, allow extra time for vaporetto + transfers to Marco Polo airport bus or water taxi.
EUR8, 0h30m

11:00am

Depart Venice

Train or flight onward depending on your next destination; Arrivederci Italia!
EUR0, —
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