Best secure transfer options: (1) Official white taxi from Fiumicino to central Rome (fixed fare to within Aurelian Walls — official, metered beyond fixed fare) — quickest door-to-door and includes luggage help; (2) Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (fast, secure) then a short licensed taxi to the hotel; (3) Prebooked private shuttle/transfer if you prefer a meet-and-greet. For budget + security, we recommend Leonardo Express (€14 ≈ USD15 each) + short licensed taxi from Termini — or the official FCO taxi fixed fare (~€48 ≈ USD52) if you want single-step door-to-door.
USDEither USD52 (taxi fixed fare) or USD15pp (Leonardo Express) + USD10 short taxi, 1h0m.
Check in to your hotel immediately after arrival so you can freshen up and leave luggage in your room — request early check-in when booking or contact the hotel in advance. Staying within easy walking distance of the Colosseum/Forum/Pantheon lets you walk between sites and saves transport costs.
Budget and well-located choices to consider (verify live rates & availability): 1) Hotel Lancelot — charming, just a few minutes from the Colosseum; 2) Hotel Colosseum (or similar small inns on Via dei Fori Imperiali/ Via Cavour) — basic, very close to ruins; 3) Hotel Forum — convenient to Forum and Palatine; 4) B&B or guesthouse around Via Cavour/Capo d'Africa for lower-cost private rooms. Choose one with secure reception, good reviews and a central address to walk between ancient sites.
With the hotel very close, start on foot at the Colosseum (exterior photos) and walk through the Roman Forum area; seeing the outside vistas is free and keeps budget low; you can opt to enter the Colosseum/Forum with prebooked tickets if desired.
USD0 (exterior) / USD90 (optional group entry), 2h0m.
Walk or take a short taxi across the Tiber to Trastevere for lively, reasonably priced trattorie where you can enjoy pasta or pizza away from the most touristy pockets.
Pre-book timed tickets for the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel; booking ahead reduces wait times (museums usually open ~9:00AM; closed most Sundays).
Visit St. Peter's Basilica (free entry) for the majestic interior; if the group wants panoramas, there's a paid option to climb the dome (optional, check opening times).
USD0 (basilica) / USD50 (dome optional for group), 1h0m.
Quick café breakfast then catch an early regional or economy intercity train to Florence; regional trains are cheaper though slower—book for the group in advance to find best fares.
Admire Florence's Duomo from outside and decide if the group will buy the combined ticket to climb the dome or campanile for panoramic views (timed tickets recommended).
USD0 (exterior) / USD90 (optional group complex ticket), 2h0m.
Check in to a centrally located budget apartment/guesthouse in Florence offering two rooms (one double + one triple) to suit your group's needs and minimize transfers.
Have a quick breakfast and catch an early regional train to Pisa (about 1 hour); regional trains are cheap and frequent—book seats together if possible.
See the Leaning Tower and the impressive cathedral. If your group wants to climb the tower, reserve timed slots ahead—tower access is limited and ticketed.
USD0 (viewing) / USD90 (optional tower tickets for group), 1h0m.
Take a return train to Florence and, time permitting, walk the Boboli Gardens for a peaceful Renaissance landscape—gardens have seasonal opening hours.
Arrive at St. Mark's Square to admire the basilica and square; interior visits are possible but sometimes limited during services—check morning opening times.
Take a vaporetto (single rides are far cheaper than gondolas) for scenic canal views—buy single tickets or a short pass for the group depending on your route.
Take an evening regional/intercity train back to Florence so you remain based there for the Day 7 Tuscany trip—book earlier trains if you prefer more time in Venice.
Visit Siena's Duomo (complex/museum), which contains striking medieval art and architecture; the complex usually opens in the morning with modest group entry fees.
Catch a regional bus to San Gimignano (roughly 45–75 minutes depending on route); buses run several times daily—verify the timetable for your travel day.
Wander San Gimignano's medieval lanes, admire skyline towers and the compact historic center; visiting Torre Grossa is optional and has separate fees when open.
USD0 (walking) / USD35 (optional Torre Grossa for group), 1h30m.
Stay one more night at your Florence accommodation if your travel plans require it (same two-room setup) or arrange onward transport if departing tonight.