Start your first morning in Venice with a leisurely breakfast at Caffè Florian, then wander through the winding calle toward the quieter side of the city to explore the ornate interior of Basilica di San Marco and the nearby mosaic-filled Museo Marciano for an introduction to Venetian art and history. Afterward, take a scenic vaporetto ride from Riva degli Schiavoni to Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore for panoramic views of the lagoon from the bell tower and a calm moment away from the busiest tourist routes.
After a morning at Basilica di San Marco and a quiet lagoon island, drift into the heart of Venetian daily life with a stroll across Rialto Bridge to explore the bustling Rialto Market, sampling cicchetti and local seafood at Osteria Bancogiro. In the late afternoon, board a classic vaporetto for a scenic route along the Grand Canal, disembark at Ca' d'Oro to admire gilded palazzi from the exterior and finish with a sunset aperitivo at Campo Santa Margherita, where the canals glow and local life hums around you.
As dusk settles, wander toward the quieter Castello district for a relaxed dinner at Trattoria Alla Madonna, where fresh shellfish and classic risottos pair perfectly with a glass of Veneto wine; afterward, stroll along the lantern-lit waterfront of Fondamenta della Misericordia to watch locals enjoy passeggiata. Finish the night with a serene, late-evening gondola glide from Squero di San Trovaso, when the city's bridges and waterways are beautifully reflected in the lagoon and the crowds have thinned.
Begin your morning with a guided tour of Doge's Palace to wander its grand chambers and cross the atmospheric Bridge of Sighs, then step into the adjacent civic collection at the Museo Correr to deepen your sense of Venetian power and art. Afterward, enjoy a mid-morning coffee and cicchetti crawl through the lively stalls of Mercato di Rialto, sampling fresh seafood and local olives before boarding a private traghetto for a short, authentic gondola-style crossing of the Grand Canal to continue exploring Venice by water.
Drift into the quieter sestieri with a relaxed lunch of cicchetti and seafood at Osteria al Mascaron, then meander toward the artisan-filled lanes around Campo San Polo to browse antique shops and Venetian mask ateliers. In the late afternoon, board a shared boat from Zattere for a leisurely canal cruise to the lesser-visited island of Giudecca, where you can climb the bell tower of Redentore Church for sweeping lagoon views and return to the main island for an aperitivo at Riva del Vin as the sky turns golden.
As evening falls, settle in for a seafood-forward dinner at Antiche Carampane, a local favorite tucked away in a quiet campo where the menu highlights daily catches and homemade pastas. Afterward, wander toward the softer-lit lanes of the Cannaregio district for a nightcap at Venice Jazz Club or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the waterfront at Fondamenta dei Ormesini, pausing to watch fishing boats and neighborhood life ripple under the lamplight.
Set out early from Venice toward the Dolomites with a scenic drive along the SS48, stopping first at Passo Tre Croci for crisp mountain air and sweeping views of the Sorapis range; take the short, well-marked loop to the Lago di Sorapis viewpoint for a 45-60 minute round trip and glacier-fed turquoise photo ops. Continue to Cortina d'Ampezzo for a relaxed mid-morning espresso in Piazza Angelo Dibona before boarding the Faloria cable car to the Rifugio Faloria area for panoramic lookouts and an easy alpine meadow stroll that introduces you to the region's dramatic crags and local Ladin culture.
After the Faloria cable car morning, continue your ascent toward the high ridges with a scenic drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo parking area and take a gentle, panoramic loop (1.5-2 hours) that showcases the iconic three peaks from multiple viewpoints; pause at the Rifugio Auronzo terrace for hot chocolate or a light alpine lunch. Later, descend via the winding road to explore the dramatic valley around Lago di Misurina, stroll its shoreline for reflections of the peaks, and visit the small Miralago cafés for a warm local pastry before returning to Cortina for an evening of Ladin cuisine.
As twilight drapes the peaks, head to Fiames Plateau for a gentle sunset walk that frames the crags in warm light, then stop at the nearby Rifugio Col Gallina for a hearty mountain dinner of speck, polenta and local cheeses on its timbered terrace. After dinner, unwind with a short nightcap at Bar Sport Cortina back in town, where friendly locals swap stories and you can plan the next day's descent toward the coast.
Catch an early regional train into Monterosso al Mare and enjoy a beachfront breakfast of focaccia and espresso at Panificio Rosi before strolling the tranquil old town lanes to the sea-facing Convento dei Cappuccini for coastal views. Afterward, follow the scenic clifftop path toward Fegina Beach, pause at the Statua del Gigante for photos, then board a short ferry from Monterosso's harbor to Vernazza to wander its pastel harbor, visit the hilltop Castello Doria for sweeping bay vistas, and sip prosecco at a waterside café.
After lunch, take the local train or a scenic ferry to Corniglia and climb the scenic Lardarina staircase to wander the village's peaceful terraces and vineyard paths, stopping at Terrazza del Belvedere for panoramic coastline views. Later descend toward Manarola via the coastal path (or a short regional train) to sip a chilled Sciacchetrà or Ligurian white at Nessun Dorma while watching fishing boats bob in the harbor-finish with golden-hour photos from the Via dell'Amore viewpoint before an evening of seaside dining.
As dusk falls, board a short local ferry to Riomaggiore for an aperitivo at the cliffside Marinella Bar, then wander the harbourfront to catch the sunset from the rocky jetty near Via Colombo where fishermen mend nets and the sea shimmers. For dinner, climb to the cozy terrace of Trattoria La Scogliera to enjoy Ligurian specialties-trofie al pesto and fresh anchovies-followed by a relaxed stroll through Piazza Manin to sample gelato and friendly village nightlife before returning to your Monterosso lodgings.
Rise early and catch a short train to Manarola to enjoy a quiet coffee and focaccia at Bar Enoteca Il Pirata before walking the scenic terrace path down to the harbor for classic cliffside photos; then follow the less-crowded coastal trail toward the vineyards above town, pausing at Nessun Dorma for a mid-morning glass of local white while watching boats bob in the inlet. From there, take the train up to Corniglia and climb the historic Lardarina staircase to reach Terrazza Belvedere, where you can stroll the village lanes among terraced vineyards and sample handmade trofie at A Cantina de Mananan, setting the tone for an afternoon boat ride along the rugged coastline.
After exploring Corniglia's terraces, board the scenic ferry to Riomaggiore and wander the steep lanes to discover the tiny Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista before descending to the harbor for a relaxed seafood lunch at Trattoria La Lanterna. In the late afternoon, take a private boat from Porto di Riomaggiore for a coastal cruise past sea caves and dramatic cliffs, pause for a swim near the Grotta dell'Acqua Bianca, then return to shore for sunset aperitivi on the waterfront terrace of Bar Alla Marina as village lights begin to twinkle.
As evening cools, catch the train to Vernazza and climb the short path to the atmospheric Santa Margherita di Antiochia church and its adjacent terrace for golden-hour views over the piazza and harbor. After a twilight aperitivo at Bar La Torre watching fishing boats glide in, dine at the charming Ristorante Belforte perched on the cliffs-order fresh seafood and house wine while the Mediterranean lights twinkle below-then finish with a leisurely moonlit stroll along the harbor wall before returning to your base.
After arriving in Florence, settle with a cappuccino and cornetto at Caffè Gilli before stepping into the Renaissance heart of the city with a guided climb up Giotto's Campanile for sweeping views of the terracotta dome and the Arno. Then wander through the Mercato Centrale to sample lampredotto or local pecorino, and stroll the Via del Corso toward Piazza della Repubblica, soaking in street performers and Florentine cafés as you orient yourself to the compact historic center.
After your morning orientation, wander east across the Arno toward the artisan quarter of San Niccolò to browse independent workshops and watch master craftsmen at Oltrarno studios; pause for a light lunch of lampredotto or a panino at Trippaio da Sant'Ambrogio. In the late afternoon, climb the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping sunset views over the city, then descend to explore the lively food stalls of Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio for an aperitivo of local cheeses and a chilled Vernaccia before dinner.
As twilight deepens, wander toward Piazza Santa Croce to admire the basilica façade and linger at a terrace table of Caffè Rivoire for an aperitivo while people-watching. Continue to the lively artisan lanes of Via dei Neri for a relaxed dinner of bistecca alla fiorentina at Osteria dell'Enoteca, then finish the night with a digestivo at the cozy bar inside La Terrazza Continentale overlooking the city lights.
Begin your morning with a timed-entry visit to Galleria dell'Accademia to stand before Michelangelo's towering David and study the unfinished slaves in the quieter first rooms; afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to see original sculptures and the evocative medieval reliefs that once adorned the cathedral. Finish with a leisurely coffee and pastry at Caffè Rosi across from the museum, where you can review sketches and plan your Uffizi visit while soaking in the morning light on the historic streets.
After the Accademia morning, slip into a quieter, art-filled afternoon with a timed-entry visit to the intimate galleries of Palazzo Pitti-explore the Palatine Gallery's Renaissance portraits and the decorative rooms that reveal Medici taste-then wander through the adjoining Boboli Gardens for sculptural vistas and manicured terraces offering fresh perspectives on Florentine urban design. Finish with a restorative stop at Caffè degli Artisti near the Oltrarno to compare notes over espresso and sample cantucci while watching artisans return from their workshops, keeping the day's focus on the city's artistic continuity.
As museum doors close, drift into the creative buzz of the Oltrarno for an aperitivo at La Terrazza del Principe overlooking the Arno, then browse independent galleries and printmakers along Via dei Serragli for late-evening inspiration. For dinner, savor contemporary Tuscan plates at Il Santo Bevitore followed by a leisurely walk to Piazza San Niccolò to enjoy gelato and the quieter riverside atmosphere, connecting tonight's artistic discoveries with the hands-on craft quarter you explored this afternoon.
Begin your morning with a guided climb through the medieval towers of Torre della Zecca for a quieter, panoramic lookout over Florence's rooftops, then slip into the intimate courtyard of Museo Nazionale del Bargello to admire Renaissance sculpture away from larger crowds. Follow with a riverside stroll through the artisan-filled lanes of Oltrarno to browse workshops at Via dei Serragli, ending at San Miniato al Monte for sweeping morning light across the Arno and a peaceful church visit before lunch.
After a morning atop medieval towers and in Oltrarno workshops, cross the Arno to explore the grand civic heart starting with a self-guided audio tour inside Palazzo Vecchio, pausing on the Arnolfo Hall terrace for close-up views of its frescoed chambers and the copy of Michelangelo's David in the adjacent piazza. From there, stroll along the river to browse the goldsmiths on Ponte Vecchio, step into the recently reopened medieval courtyard of Torre dei Mannelli for a quieter perspective, then climb the broad steps to Piazzale Michelangelo in time for late-afternoon light, enjoying panoramic photo stops and a gelato from Bar La Loggia while the city's terracotta roofs warm under the sun.
As dusk settles, enjoy an aperitivo on the terrace of La Terrazza Uffizi with sweeping views of the Arno, then wander to the atmospheric Piazza della Signoria to admire the sculptural silhouettes and illuminated façades while street musicians play. Finish the night with a moonlit stroll across Ponte alle Grazie to the quieter riverside bars by Lungarno Serristori, where you can savor a gelato or a small dessert wine while the city lights reflect on the water, tying tonight's architectural highlights to the tranquil Oltrarno mood you explored earlier.
Set out early by hire car or guided minivan toward the Chianti hills and begin with a leisurely breakfast at Castello di Verrazzano's courtyard café, then take their vineyards tour to learn about Sangiovese and taste barrel-sample vintages in the estate cellars. Continue through scenic backroads to the hilltop village of Radda in Chianti for a stroll along medieval lanes, visit the tiny Museo delle Terre Nuove to understand local agrarian traditions, and stop for an olive-oil tasting and bruschetta at Azienda Agricola Castellinuzza before deciding whether to press on toward Siena for the afternoon.
If you choose Siena, head into the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo to linger over a light lunch of pici pasta at Osteria Boccon del Prete, then climb the winding stair to the medieval Torre del Mangia for sweeping views of the surrounding Crete Senesi. Alternatively, on the Chianti route, pause at Castello di Brolio for a guided cellar tour and tasting of their aged Chianti Classico, then drive through vine-lined backroads to the hilltop hamlet of Greve in Chianti to browse the Piazza Matteotti shops and sample local salumi at Antica Macelleria Falorni before returning to Florence as the late light softens the hills.
If you spent the afternoon in Siena, return to the Chianti foothills for a sunset tasting and rustic dinner at Osteria Le Logge's sister farmhouse La Cantina del Gallo, where a sommelier will pair late-harvest Sangiovese with slow-cooked wild boar and local pecorino; afterward stroll the lantern-lit lanes of Piazza Matteotti in a nearby village to soak in quiet Tuscan evening rhythms. If you chose the Chianti wine route, finish with an intimate cellar visit and candlelit tasting at Fattoria di Montecchio followed by a family-style supper on their terrace under olive trees, then wind down with a nightcap at the hilltop viewpoint beside Castelvecchio Belvedere to watch the valley lights shimmer before returning to Florence.
Ease into your final morning with a relaxed stroll through Mercato delle Pulci for last-minute antiques and artisan finds, then head to Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio to sample fresh pastries, local cheeses and a final cup of Tuscan coffee at Pasticceria Nencioni. Finish with a peaceful walk through the fragrant stalls of Giardino delle Rose, pausing at the panoramic terrace for one last view of the Duomo before collecting luggage and setting off toward your train or transfer to Rome.
Spend a leisurely afternoon wandering the elegant stalls of Mercato Centrale (upper floor) to sample artisanal gelato, truffle panini and a final glass of Vernaccia while picking up packaged Tuscan specialties for souvenirs. Then cross to the Oltrarno to relax in the shady cloistered garden of Biblioteca delle Oblate with a book or people-watch from its café terrace, followed by a slow stroll through the antique and craft shops on Via Maggio, where you can buy last-minute leatherwork or a handcrafted paper journal before collecting luggage and heading to your departure transfer.
As the day winds down, enjoy a farewell aperitivo at the rooftop SE·STO on Arno with uninterrupted views of the Duomo and a refined selection of Tuscan small plates. Afterward, take a gentle twilight stroll across Ponte Vecchio toward the quieter lanes of the Oltrarno to dine at Trattoria Sostanza, savoring classic bistecca alla fiorentina, then finish with a relaxed digestivo at the intimate Caffè La Loggia while the Arno reflects the evening lights.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Caffè Florian (breakfast) | €8 |
| Basilica di San Marco (entry - museum & Pala d'Oro) | €7 |
| Museo Marciano (Marciana Library / Museo Marciano exhibits) | €5 |
| Vaporetto single ticket (ACTV) - Riva degli Schiavoni to San Giorgio Maggiore | €9 |
| San Giorgio Maggiore - bell tower (campanile) ticket | €6 |
| Rialto Bridge (visit / photo) | Free |
| Rialto Market (sampling - cicchetti) | €15 |
| Osteria Bancogiro (light meal / cicchetti) | €20 |
| Grand Canal vaporetto ride (single route) | €9 |
| Ca' d'Oro (exterior viewing) | Free |
| Campo Santa Margherita (aperitivo) | €10 |
| Trattoria Alla Madonna (dinner average per person) | €35 |
| Fondamenta della Misericordia (walk) | Free |
| Gondola (shared typical 30-min - per person on shared/public gondola/traghetto alternative) | €35 |
| Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) timed entry | €30 |
| Museo Correr (combined with Doge's via St. Mark's area) | €12 |
| Mercato di Rialto (snacks) | €10 |
| Traghetto short crossing (authentic gondola-style) | €0.80 |
| Guided tour (private) - Doge's Palace (approx. per person) | €40 |
| Osteria al Mascaron (lunch) | €25 |
| Giudecca visit - Redentore Church bell tower | €4 |
| Aperitivo at Riva del Vin | €12 |
| Antiche Carampane (dinner) | €50 |
| Venice Jazz Club (cover/drink) | €15 |
| Fondamenta dei Ormesini (evening stroll) | Free |
| Drive from Venice to Dolomites (fuel & tolls per person estimate) | €25 |
| Passo Tre Croci / Lago di Sorapis short hike (parking / access) | €0 |
| Faloria cable car (round trip) | €20 |
| Tre Cime di Lavaredo - access / parking / rifugio terrace | €6 |
| Rifugio Auronzo (refreshment) | €10 |
| Lago di Misurina (stroll / parking) | Free |
| Rifugio Col Gallina (dinner) | €30 |
| Bar Sport Cortina (drink) | €6 |
| Train to Monterosso (regional from La Spezia/Venice area) - per person | €10 |
| Panificio Rosi (breakfast focaccia) | €6 |
| Convento dei Cappuccini (visit / viewpoint) | Free |
| Fegina Beach / Statua del Gigante (visit) | Free |
| Monterosso to Vernazza ferry (one-way) | €5 |
| Castello Doria (Vernazza entry) | €2 |
| Prosecco at waterside café (Vernazza) | €6 |
| Corniglia Lardarina staircase (visit) | Free |
| Terrazza del Belvedere (view / coffee) | €5 |
| Manarola - Nessun Dorma (drink/snack) | €10 |
| Via dell'Amore viewpoint (walk; note seasonal closures) | Free |
| Riomaggiore aperitivo - Marinella Bar | €8 |
| Trattoria La Scogliera (dinner) | €30 |
| Bar Enoteca Il Pirata (coffee) | €4 |
| A Cantina de Mananan (lunch/snack) | €15 |
| Private boat coastal cruise (Riomaggiore) - per person (shared small boat) | €40 |
| Grotta dell'Acqua Bianca swim stop (boat-access) | Free |
| Bar Alla Marina (aperitivo) | €8 |
| Santa Margherita di Antiochia (church visit) | Free |
| Ristorante Belforte (dinner) | €45 |
| Caffè Gilli (cappuccino & cornetto) | €6 |
| Giotto's Campanile climb (Duomo complex ticket - per person) | €25 |
| Mercato Centrale (sampling) | €12 |
| Piazzale Michelangelo (visit / views) | Free |
| Trippaio da Sant'Ambrogio (lampredotto/panino) | €6 |
| Piazza Santa Croce / Caffè Rivoire aperitivo | €12 |
| Osteria dell'Enoteca (dinner) | €45 |
| La Terrazza Continentale (digestivo/drink) | €10 |
| Galleria dell'Accademia timed entry | €16 |
| Museo dell'Opera del Duomo | €12 |
| Caffè Rosi (coffee near Accademia) | €4 |
| Palazzo Pitti - Palatine Gallery (entry) | €16 |
| Boboli Gardens (entry) | €10 |
| Caffè degli Artisti (espresso/snack) | €4 |
| La Terrazza del Principe (aperitivo) | €12 |
| Il Santo Bevitore (dinner) | €45 |
| Torre della Zecca (tower climb) | €6 |
| Museo Nazionale del Bargello | €8 |
| San Miniato al Monte (visit) | Free |
| Palazzo Vecchio (audio tour ticket) | €12 |
| Ponte Vecchio (goldsmith browsing) | Free |
| Torre dei Mannelli (courtyard visit) | Free |
| Bar La Loggia (gelato / snack at Piazzale Michelangelo) | €5 |
| La Terrazza Uffizi (aperitivo) | €15 |
| Piazza della Signoria (visit) | Free |
| Chianti vineyards tour & tasting - Castello di Verrazzano (per person tasting + basic tour) | €35 |
| Museo delle Terre Nuove (Radda in Chianti small museum) | €3 |
| Azienda Agricola Castellinuzza (olive oil tasting) | €10 |
| Siena - Torre del Mangia climb | €10 |
| Osteria Boccon del Prete (lunch Siena) | €20 |
| Castello di Brolio cellar tour & tasting | €25 |
| Greve in Chianti - Antica Macelleria Falorni (tasting) | €8 |
| Osteria Le Logge / La Cantina del Gallo (dinner typical) | €40 |
| Fattoria di Montecchio (cellar visit & tasting) | €25 |
| Mercato delle Pulci (antique browsing) | Free |
| Pasticceria Nencioni (pastry & coffee) | €5 |
| Giardino delle Rose (visit) | Free |
| Mercato Centrale (upper floor sampling - additional) | €15 |
| Biblioteca delle Oblate (café / garden) | Free |
| Via Maggio (shopping - leather / craft) | €20 |
| SE·STO on Arno (rooftop aperitivo) | €18 |
| Trattoria Sostanza (dinner) | €40 |
| Caffè La Loggia (digestivo) | €8 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €975 |