Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and take a taxi or the Leonardo Express train into central Rome, checking into your hotel near Termini or the historic center to drop off luggage and freshen up. If time allows, enjoy a relaxed cappuccino and cornetto at a nearby café—try Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè or a neighborhood bar—to soak in the city’s rhythm and plan your first evening.
Spend a gentle first afternoon wandering from the hotel toward the Pantheon, stopping for a light lunch of Roman classics like cacio e pepe or supplì at a trattoria such as Armando al Pantheon or Trattoria Vecchia Roma. Continue exploring on foot: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, admire Piazza Navona’s baroque fountains, and browse the artisan shops along Via dei Coronari to get your bearings and enjoy your first glimpses of Rome’s layered history.
As twilight falls, walk through the winding lanes of the Jewish Ghetto or head to Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere for a lively atmosphere and aperitivo—try a glass of local Frascati wine. Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Trastevere or near Campo de' Fiori, sampling classic Roman dishes and ending the night with a gelato while savoring views of cobbled streets and softly lit piazzas, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Start early with skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum; walk through the arena and imagine gladiatorial spectacles while your guide or audio guide points out the underground passages and emperor’s box. Afterward, stroll up the Velian Hill toward the Arch of Constantine and pause for an espresso at a nearby café before heading into the Roman Forum to see the Temple of Saturn and the House of the Vestals.
Spend the afternoon wandering the Forum and Palatine Hill — climb to the Farnese Gardens' viewpoints to take in panoramic ruins and the sweeping cityscape that transitions from ancient to baroque Rome. Stop for a leisurely lunch in Monti at a local osteria such as La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, tasting classic Roman fare like carbonara while absorbing the neighborhood’s bohemian vibe.
As daylight softens, walk through Capitoline Hill to Piazza Venezia and then toward the nearby Capitoline Museums if you prefer art, or simply enjoy aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the Forum ruins. For dinner, head to the charming streets of Trastevere or return near Campo de' Fiori to dine at an authentic trattoria — finish the night with a gelato while retracing your steps past the softly lit monuments.
Begin early with pre-booked skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to avoid the largest crowds; linger before Michelangelo’s ceiling and then move through the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms, finishing with a contemplative visit to St. Peter’s Basilica — climb the dome for a sweeping view over Rome’s skyline. Pause for a mid-morning espresso at the Vatican Museums’ café or at a nearby bar on Borgo Pio to recharge before exploring the square.
After lunch at a nearby trattoria (try Da Cesare al Casaletto for a Roman-style meal if you want something local), take time to wander St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding Borgo neighborhood, then cross the Tiber and stroll toward Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo to connect today’s sights with the ancient and baroque landmarks you’ve already seen. If you’re in the mood for more art, pop into the small Museo Nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia or simply savor gelato along the riverbank as the afternoon light softens.
In the evening head to Trastevere for aperitivo in Piazza Trilussa or along Via della Lungaretta, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at a beloved trattoria such as Tonnarello or Da Enzo al 29, sampling Roman specialties amid lively local atmosphere. Finish the night with a leisurely walk through Trastevere’s lantern-lit lanes to Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere for a final drink or gelato, closing out your Roman stay with the neighborhood’s warm, convivial energy.
Catch an early Trenitalia or Italo train from Rome Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (about 1.5-2 hours) and store your luggage at the station or your hotel so you can start exploring right away. After checking in or freshening up, begin with a cappuccino and pastry at Caffè Gilli or Ditta Artigianale, then stroll toward the Duomo complex to admire Brunelleschi’s dome up close and, if you’ve pre-booked, climb the dome or campanile for panoramic views over red-tiled roofs.
Spend the afternoon wandering the historic center — visit the Baptistery’s golden mosaics and the Duomo interior, then meander through Piazza della Signoria to see the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio. Pop into the leather markets around Via de’ Tornabuoni or browse the art-filled corridors of the Uffizi if you want a quick taste of Renaissance masterpieces, finishing with a leisurely lunch of ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina at a trattoria such as Trattoria Sergio Gozzi or Il Latini (reservations recommended).
As evening falls, cross the Arno to the Oltrarno district for artisan workshops and aperitivo—try Procacci for a truffle panino or a cocktail at La Terrazza for views. Enjoy dinner in Oltrarno at a cozy osteria like Trattoria 4 Leoni, then take a twilight stroll up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a memorable sunset panorama of Florence to cap your first night in the city.
Start your day early with pre-booked tickets to the Uffizi Gallery — linger before Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, move through the corridors of Renaissance masters and pause at the windows overlooking the Arno to connect the art with the city outside. After the Uffizi, cross the Ponte Vecchio for a quick espresso at Caffè Rivoire in Piazza della Signoria and admire the sculptures in the Loggia dei Lanzi before a light mid-morning snack.
After a leisurely lunch of pappa al pomodoro or a panino at a nearby osteria, head to the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David up close; take time to study the proportions and visit the lesser-known rooms with unfinished Prisoners and Renaissance drawings. If time and energy allow, stroll through the San Lorenzo market stalls for leather goods and local specialties, keeping the day’s artistic thread alive by noticing craftsmanship in the shops.
As evening falls, wander to the Oltrarno district for aperitivo at La Terrazza or Procacci’s famous panini, then enjoy dinner at Trattoria 4 Leoni or Osteria Santo Spirito, savoring Tuscan wine and bistecca if the appetite calls. Finish with a short climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for a nighttime panorama of Florence’s illuminated dome and bell towers, closing the day with a peaceful, art-soaked view that ties back to the masterpieces you’ve seen.
If you choose a Tuscan day trip, set out early for a guided half-day to the Chianti hills — visit a family-run winery near Greve or Castellina, tour the cellars, and sample Sangiovese with a platter of pecorino and crostini. If you stay in Florence, begin in Oltrarno with breakfast at Pasticceria S. Forno, then browse artisan workshops on Via dei Serragli and climb to the Bardini Garden terrace for quiet views over the Arno before heading to the Boboli Gardens.
For the countryside option, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a country trattoria—try pappardelle al cinghiale—then wander the medieval lanes of a hill town like Greve or San Gimignano, sampling gelato and local olive oils at small specialty shops. If remaining in the city, spend the afternoon exploring Boboli Gardens’ grottos, statues and the Porcelain Museum, followed by a visit to the nearby Pitti Palace galleries or the charming Santo Spirito market for leather goods and antiques.
Return to Florence for aperitivo in Oltrarno at La Ménagère or Procacci, savoring a truffle panino and a glass of Chianti as the light softens over the river. Dine at a cozy osteria such as Trattoria 4 Leoni or Osteria Santo Spirito to enjoy Florentine specialties, then take a twilight stroll across the Ponte Vecchio up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic sunset that neatly bridges your Tuscan day with the next leg of your journey.
Board an early train from Florence (Firenze S.M. Novella) to Split—likely via a connection in Bologna and Zagreb or take a flight if you prefer a faster option—arriving midday; store luggage at the station or your hotel and walk the Riva promenade to feel the Adriatic breeze. Pause for a relaxed seafood lunch or a plate of pašticada at a waterfront konoba such as Fife or Bokeria to mark the shift from Tuscan hills to Dalmatian coast.
Spend the afternoon diving into Diocletian’s Palace: wander its subterranean cellars, stroll Peristyle to hear local musicians, and climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius for sweeping views of terracotta roofs and the harbor. Explore narrow stone alleys to discover artisan shops and the Green Market (Pazar) where you can sample local olive oils, cheeses and mandarins—this intimate exploration continues the architectural thread from Rome and Florence with Roman-era continuity in Split.
As evening falls, enjoy aperitivo on the Riva, watching fishing boats bob against the setting light, then dine at a Konoba near the Old Town such as Konoba Mate or Zrno Soli for grilled fish and local wines. Finish with a leisurely post-dinner stroll along the waterfront or up to the small Marjan Park viewpoint for a peaceful panorama of Split by night, setting a relaxed island-bound tone for the days to come.
Wake to the salty air and start your day with coffee and a burek from a bakery near the Riva, then enter Diocletian’s Palace to explore its living labyrinth—wander the Peristyle, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and climb the bell tower for sweeping views of terracotta roofs and the Adriatic. Don’t miss the subterranean cellars beneath the palace, where Roman foundations and later medieval additions tell the city’s layered story.
For lunch, choose a konoba tucked in the old town such as Konoba Fetivi or Fife to sample fresh grilled fish, black risotto or pašticada, then stroll the Riva promenade to watch fishermen and ferries while pausing at the Green Market (Pazar) to taste local olives and cheeses. In the afternoon, amble up Marjan Hill for easy trails and panoramic lookout points, or visit the City Museum of Split to deepen your understanding of the region’s Roman-to-Dalmatian continuity.
As sunset approaches, enjoy an aperitif on the waterfront—try a glass of local plavac mali—then dine at a seaside spot like Zrno Soli or Dvor for modern Dalmatian cuisine with sea views. Finish your night with a leisurely after-dinner stroll along the illuminated Riva and through the palace alleys, listening to street musicians and savoring the serene Mediterranean atmosphere before your island hop awaits.
Board an early ferry from Split — Jadrolinija or Kapetan Luka services are reliable — and enjoy the Adriatic scenery as you glide past islands; on Hvar aim for the Stari Grad-Hvar route, on Korčula take the ferry to Korčula Town. Once ashore, drop bags at your guesthouse or hotel (try Hotel Adriana in Hvar town or Hotel Korsal in Korčula) and begin with a relaxed coffee and local pastry at a waterfront café while wandering the harbor to orient yourself amid medieval ramparts and Venetian architecture.
Spend the afternoon exploring the island’s character: on Korčula stroll the honeycombed lanes of Korčula Old Town, visit Marco Polo’s purported house and swim at Zrnovo or Vela Pržina beach; on Hvar wander the lively main square (Pjaca), climb up toward the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views, then cool off at Zlatni Rat-esque coves or take a short boat taxi to Pakleni Islands for crystal bays. Break for a leisurely lunch of grilled Adriatic fish or peka at a konoba — try Konoba Mate on Korčula or Konoba Menego in Hvar — and sample local white wines like Pošip or Bogdanuša.
As evening falls, enjoy an aperitivo along the seafront—sip a chilled rosé or local aperitif while watching fishing boats return—then choose a seaside konoba for dinner to savor fresh seafood and island specialties under lantern light. Finish with a moonlit stroll along the waterfront or a nightcap at a cozy bar (Carpe Diem in Hvar or Arty Bar in Korčula), letting the relaxed island tempo set the tone for more beach time or optional island hopping tomorrow.
Wake to island light with breakfast at a waterfront café — try espresso and a bobiča pastry in Korčula Town by the Old Town harbor or a cornetto and fresh fruit at Hvar’s Veneranda Café — then wander the honeycombed lanes (Korčula) or climb toward the Spanish Fortress (Hvar) for sweeping views over the Adriatic. Pop into the local market or a little enoteca (try Kod Marka in Korčula or Zlatna Školjka in Hvar) to sample Pošip or Bogdanuša and chat with producers about island olive oil and wine.
Head to a nearby beach for a lazy swim and sun — Vela Pržina or Pupnatska Luka on Korčula, or Pokonji Dol and the Pakleni Islands off Hvar (take a short taxi-boat) — and enjoy a seafood lunch at a konoba: Konoba Mate or Filippi on Korčula, or Konoba Menego and Gariful on Hvar, where grilled fish, black risotto and fresh salads showcase local catch. If you prefer culture, spend the afternoon exploring small villages (Lumbarda on Korčula or Stari Grad on Hvar) to taste local wines and browse artisan shops, keeping the relaxed island rhythm from yesterday alive.
As evening falls, return to the waterfront for an aperitivo—sip chilled rosé at Arty Bar in Korčula or at Hvar’s Hula Hula Bar while watching fishing boats glide in — then choose a seaside konoba for a leisurely dinner under lanterns, sampling peka, scampi or slow-cooked octopus paired with island wine. Finish with a moonlit stroll along the harbor to absorb the tranquil Adriatic night and prepare for tomorrow’s island-hopping or relaxation day.
If you’re up for adventure, board an early morning taxi boat from Hvar town to the Pakleni Islands (or rent a small boat from Vela Luka on Korčula) and beach-hop between secluded coves like Stipanska or Palmizana, snorkeling in crystal-clear water and pausing for coffee at Laganini or Palmižana’s sea-front café. If you prefer to unwind, enjoy a slow breakfast at your hotel or at a waterfront café — try Veneranda in Hvar or Don Dino in Korčula — then take a gentle stroll through the island’s lanes to browse local olive oil and wine shops and admire Venetian-era architecture.
For island-hoppers, continue exploring hidden bays and swim spots, stopping for a long seafood lunch at Gariful on Hvar or Konoba Mate on Korčula to sample scampi, black risotto and a glass of local Pošip or Bogdanuša; alternatively, spend the afternoon lazing on Vela Pržina (Korčula) or lounging on a sunbed at Pokonji Dol (Hvar), pairing relaxed sun-and-sea time with an ice-cold local beer or chilled rosé. If you’re drawn to culture rather than beaches, visit Lumbarda’s vineyards for a tasting or climb to the Hvar Spanish Fortress/ Korčula Cathedral bell tower for panoramic island views and great photo opportunities.
Return to town for aperitivo along the waterfront — sip a chilled Prošek or local rosé at Arty Bar (Korčula) or Hula Hula (Hvar) — then choose a konoba for a slow, lantern-lit dinner: try peka or grilled octopus at Konoba Mate, Gariful or Filippi, pairing it with regional wine while listening to the soft hum of the harbor. Finish the night with a moonlit stroll along the pier or a quiet drink at a rooftop terrace, letting the island’s tranquil rhythm set the tone before your transfer to the TUI Blue resort area tomorrow.
After a relaxed island breakfast, take the morning ferry or private transfer from Korčula/Hvar toward the mainland and onto the TUI Blue resort area—enjoy coastal views en route and arrive in time to check in and drop your luggage. Head straight to the resort’s welcome desk for a short orientation, then wander the grounds to locate the pool, spa, and beachfront so you know where to return after exploring.
Spend the afternoon sampling the resort amenities: book a rejuvenating massage or thalassotherapy treatment at the TUI Blue spa, then have a light lunch at the beachfront restaurant—try grilled Adriatic fish and a glass of local Plavac Mali. Afterward, stroll the resort’s private stretch of coast or join a guided kayak or SUP session (often offered by the activity desk) to feel the Adriatic close up and enjoy gentle sea breezes.
As evening falls, savor a sunset aperitif on the resort terrace or at the beach bar—ask for a Croatian rosé or a locally inspired cocktail—and then dine at the resort’s signature restaurant sampling regional specialties like peka or black risotto. Finish the night with a leisurely walk along the lit promenade or a relaxed drink at the hotel lounge, resting up for your Dubrovnik day trip tomorrow.
After an early breakfast at the TUI Blue resort, take the short transfer to Dubrovnik and begin by walking the full circuit of the Old Town Walls—start at Ploče Gate and pass Fort Lovrijenac, pausing to admire panoramic views of the terracotta roofs, Bokar and Minceta towers, and the glittering Adriatic. Pop into the Rector’s Palace museum or the Sponza Palace courtyard to connect the city’s medieval history with the Roman-to-Dalmatian thread you’ve been following, and grab a mid-morning coffee and a pršut sandwich at Taj Mahal or Barba on the Stradun.
For lunch, choose a konoba tucked beneath the walls—try Konoba Dubrava or Lokanda Peskarija for fresh grilled fish and black risotto—then visit the Franciscan Monastery to see one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies and stroll through the marble-paved Stradun toward the Cathedral. Spend the afternoon exploring narrow lanes, shop for local olive oil and Rozata at Gundulićeva Poljana market, and take a short walk up to the Old Port to watch boats and spot Korčula/Hvar in the distance, linking your island days to this coastal jewel.
As late afternoon approaches, ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to Mount Srđ to catch a golden-hour panorama—sip a cocktail at the mountaintop café while the sun sinks behind Lokrum and the Elaphiti islands—then return for a leisurely dinner inside the city at Nautika or Proto for refined seafood with views of the walls. Finish with a moonlit stroll along the illuminated walls or a nightcap at a cozy bar in Gundulićeva Poljana, letting Dubrovnik’s dramatic silhouette close this coastal chapter before your departure day.
Sleep in a little after your full coastal week and enjoy a slow breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal or Dubravka 1836, watching the morning light hit the city walls and the Old Port. Use the quieter hours to revisit a favorite corner—pop into the Franciscan Monastery one more time for its peaceful cloister and pharmacy, or stroll the Stradun for last-minute photos and a final purchase of local olive oil or Rozata at Gundulićeva Poljana.
Check hotel luggage storage and, if time allows before your transfer, take a short boat to Lokrum Island for an easy walk through the botanical gardens and a serene swim at the Dead Sea lagoon, linking back to the island days earlier in your trip. Return to town for a relaxed farewell lunch at Lokanda Peskarija or Nautika, savoring grilled Adriatic fish and a glass of Plavac Mali while mentally stitching together Rome, Florence and the Dalmatian coast into one seamless journey.
As departure time approaches, collect your bags and enjoy a final aperitivo on a terrace — try a chilled rosé at Buža Bar perched on the cliffs — before arranging your transfer to Dubrovnik Airport or the bus station. If your schedule allows a last walk, take a twilight turn along the lower city walls or the Old Port to absorb the illuminated silhouette one last time, closing your two-week Italy-to-Dalmatian-coast adventure on a quietly cinematic note.