12-Day Italy Itinerary: Venice to Florence to Rome and the Amalfi Coast (Mar 6–17, 2026)

Venice · Friday, March 6, 2026

Arrive in Venice — Settle in and Evening Stroll

Morning:

After arriving and dropping bags at your Airbnb near Santa Croce, start gently with a relaxed stroll through Campo San Polo to acclimate-stop at Caffè Lavena for a strong espresso and a pastry to shake off travel fatigue. Wander the quieter sestieri toward Rialto Market to browse fresh produce and seafood stalls, then enjoy a light cicchetti tasting at Osteria Al Portego to sample Venetian flavors before returning to rest and prepare for the evening.

Afternoon:

Ease into Venice with a leisurely vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal to Accademia and stroll across the bridge to explore the art-lined streets, stopping for light bites and cicchetti at Cantina Do Mori. Wander the quieter lanes toward Squero di San Trovaso to watch traditional gondola craftsmanship, then pause at Pasticceria Dal Mas for a coffee and a sweet to recharge before your evening plans.

Evening:

As dusk falls, wander from your Airbnb toward Campo Santa Margherita for lively aperitivi at a local bàcari, then follow the quieter canals to Ponte dei Sospiri for a soft-lit photo moment away from the busiest viewpoints. Finish with a relaxed dinner of Venetian seafood specialties at Osteria alle Testiere, where you can sip a crisp local white and ease into the rhythm of the city.

Find Hotels in Venice
Venice · Saturday, March 7, 2026

Venice — Gondola Ride and Local Neighborhoods

Morning:

Begin your morning with a gentle wander through Dorsoduro, stopping at Campo Santa Maria del Giglio before joining a private gondola departure from Squero San Trovaso for a quieter, classic glide through tucked-away canals. After your ride, head to Punta della Dogana to enjoy early views of the lagoon and a cozy coffee at Caffè Florian's lesser-known sister cafe nearby, then explore art-filled lanes toward Zattere where you can sample morning cicchetti at Osteria Ai Ciodi and watch local life unfold along the waterfront.

Afternoon:

After a morning in Dorsoduro, drift over to the quieter sestieri of Cannaregio for an unhurried gondola launch from Fondamenta Misericordia, letting your gondolier point out hidden canals and tucked-away palaces. Disembark near Ghetto Nuovo to explore the historic Jewish Quarter, sample savory kosher-venetian snacks at Gam Gam or a nearby bacaro, then finish with an aperitivo on the lively waterside at Fondamenta della Sensa as the light softens over the lagoon.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, wander toward Campo Sant'Angelo and settle in for aperitivi at the cozy, local-favorite Bar All'Arco where cicchetti and spritz flow among Venetians. From there, take a gentle evening stroll along the quieter Riva degli Schiavoni to Bacaro Risorto for a seafood-forward dinner, then finish with a peaceful post-dinner passeggiata to Scala Contarini del Bovolo to admire its illuminated spiral staircase from outside and soak in a softer, less touristy side of Venice.

Find Hotels in Venice
Venice · Sunday, March 8, 2026

Venice — Historical Walking Tour and Hidden Cafés

Morning:

Start with a guided historical walk through San Polo that focuses on lesser-known palazzi and the trade routes that made Venice wealthy; ask your guide to point out hidden architectural details and family crests along Calle dei Saoneri and the quiet courtyards around Campo San Cassiano. Pause mid-morning for an unhurried coffee and house-made biscotti at the intimate Torrefazione Cannaregio (a local roaster favored by Venetians), then continue to discover tucked-away chapels and artisan workshops near Campo Sant'Alvise, finishing with a tasting of seasonal cicchetti at a neighborhood bàcaro recommended by your guide.

Afternoon:

Wander through the quieter lanes of Castello to visit the atmospheric Arsenale waterfront and then slip into the nearby Sant'Elena gardens for a peaceful pause away from crowds; finish with a guided stop at Scuola Grande di San Marco to admire its ornate façade and learn about Venetian confraternities. Afterwards, duck into Pasticceria Rosa Salva for coffee and a delicate pastry, then explore artisanal workshops around Calle dei Fabbri, where a local guide can introduce you to a master mask-maker for a short demonstration and hands-on glimpse into traditional Venetian crafts.

Evening:

As the day cools, take a gentle passeggiata toward Campo San Bartolomeo and slip into the tucked-away Osteria La Zucca for a vegetable-forward Venetian dinner that's beloved by locals; ask for a recommendation of the house wine to pair with their seasonal dishes. After dinner, wander down to Riva del Vin to catch the lagoon light and stop for a nightcap at Il Mercante, a cozy cocktail bar known for creative apéritifs, then finish with a quiet riverside stroll past San Lio to soak in the city's evening hush.

Find Hotels in Venice
Venice → Florence
Florence · Monday, March 9, 2026

Travel to Florence — Evening Food Crawl

Morning:

After an early train from Venice, settle your bags at your Airbnb near Santa Maria Novella then head to the lively Mercato Centrale to stroll stalls, sample fresh schiacciata and artisanal cheeses, and pick up ingredients for tonight's tasting. Wander toward San Lorenzo to visit the lesser-known bookstalls and stop for a leisurely mid-morning cappuccino and pastry at Caffè dell'Oro before exploring artisan leather shops on Via de' Benci and soaking in the city's rhythm as you prepare for your evening food crawl.

Afternoon:

After settling into your Airbnb near Santa Maria Novella, spend the afternoon wandering the artisan quarter around Oltrarno-browse independent workshops on Via dello Sprone and pause for a gelato at Gelateria La Carraia by the river. Continue with a relaxed visit to Piazza Santo Spirito, where you can sample light bites at the lively Mercato di Santo Spirito and enjoy an aperitivo at the locals-favorite La Ménagère before freshening up for the evening food crawl.

Evening:

After freshening up, head into the Oltrarno for an informal crawl beginning with cicchetti and a glass of Tuscan wine at Tripperia da Dante, then stroll toward Borgo San Frediano to taste house-made charcuterie and rustic crostini at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco. Finish with a relaxed dessert and coffee at Caffè Pasticceria Giovannini tucked near a lively piazza, lingering over conversation and people-watching to soak in Florence's evening rhythms before returning to your Airbnb.

Find Hotels in Florence
Florence · Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Florence — Pasta-Making Class and Market Visit

Morning:

Begin your morning with a hands-on pasta-making class in a charming kitchen studio near Piazza della Repubblica, where a local nonna will teach you to roll pici and shape fresh ravioli before steaming them with a simple seasonal sauce. After the class, stroll to the nearby Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio to chat with vendors, sample local salumi and pecorino, and pick up fresh herbs and olive oil for tonight's dinner back at your Airbnb.

Afternoon:

After your morning class and market stop, wander across the Arno to explore the artisan workshops of Via dei Serragli, pausing for a late-lunch of hearty ribollita and a glass of Chianti at the neighborhood favorite Trattoria Sabatino. Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the intriguing specialty food shops around Piazza del Carmine to sample aged balsamic at Antica Drogheria and pick up a bottle of local olive oil, then relax with a riverside passeggiata on Lungarno Serristori as the city shifts toward evening.

Evening:

As dusk falls, wander to Piazza della Passera for an aperitivo among locals, then enjoy a hands-on olive-oil tasting and bruschetta flight at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina to pair with the evening's homemade pasta. Finish with a relaxed riverside stroll along Lungarno Torrigiani and a gelato from Gelateria dei Neri while lingering in the warm light of the Oltrarno before returning to your Airbnb.

Find Hotels in Florence
Florence · Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Florence — Art & History Highlights with a Local Guide

Morning:

Meet a licensed local guide near Piazza San Lorenzo for a focused walk through lesser-known Medici sites and intimate chapels, including a private-viewing style visit to the tucked-away Cappella dei Principi to admire its mosaic-marble opulence. Continue with a guided exploration of artisan ateliers on Via dei Calzaiuoli, stopping at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for a short history-and-fragrance tasting, then finish with a mid-morning espresso and sfogliatella at the neighborhood-favorite Pasticceria Nencioni before heading across the river for your afternoon plans.

Afternoon:

After crossing the Arno with your guide, linger in Piazza del Carmine to admire the frescoed façade of Santo Spirito and then climb the quiet bell tower beside Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine for a sweeping view of the Oltrarno rooftops. Continue with a private workshop visit to Officina dell'Antico Restauro to see restorers at work and finish at the intimate Museo Horne, where your guide will unpack Renaissance daily life through paintings and objects while you enjoy a slow espresso in the museum's courtyard.

Evening:

As evening falls, wander with your guide into the quieter lanes around Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral's façade from new angles, then pause for aperitivi and traditional crostini at the intimate, locals-frequented Bottega del Buon Caffè (ask for a Chianti recommendation). Finish with a twilight visit to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping sunset views over Florence, followed by dinner at the cozy neighborhood trattoria Il Latini to savor hearty Tuscan specialties and continue discussing the day's discoveries.

Find Hotels in Florence
Florence → Rome
Rome · Thursday, March 12, 2026

Travel to Rome — Neighborhood Dinner

Morning:

After your train arrival and check-in near Termini, ease into Rome with a slow stroll through Quartiere Esquilino, popping into the colorful Mercato dell'Esquilino to sample fresh focaccia, local cheeses, and street-food classics from neighborhood vendors. Continue to the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore for a quick outside look at its mosaics, then pause for a leisurely cappuccino and maritozzo at the beloved local café Pasticceria Regoli while planning where to wander before tonight's dinner.

Afternoon:

After settling your bags at your Airbnb near Termini, wander through the lively streets of Monti, popping into vintage shops on Via del Boschetto and pausing for a late-lunch of classic carbonara at the neighborhood favorite Trattoria Vecchia Roma. Continue with a gentle stroll to Mercato Monti Urban Market to browse local crafts and artisan foods, then relax with an aperitivo at the tucked-away wine bar Ai Tre Scalini as you watch Romans drift toward evening-setting a relaxed tone before your neighborhood dinner.

Evening:

After freshening up at your Airbnb, wander into the lively Trastevere for an aperitivo at the charming enoteca Freni e Frizioni, sampling small plates and a local rosso as the neighborhood hums to life. For dinner, slip into the cozy, family-run Da Enzo al 29 for classic Roman home cooking-book ahead for cacio e pepe or saltimbocca-and finish with a nightcap at the intimate cocktail bar Bar San Calisto, where locals linger over conversation on the square.

Find Hotels in Rome
Rome · Friday, March 13, 2026

Rome — Colosseum & Ancient Rome Guided Tour

Morning:

Meet a licensed private guide early near Piazza del Colosseo for a skip-the-line, small-group entry into the Colosseum, where your guide will weave vivid stories of gladiators and daily life as you visit the arena floor and upper tiers; afterward, continue on foot to the atmospheric ruins of the Roman Forum to trace the city's political heart with stops at the Curia Julia and the evocative Arch of Titus. Finish the morning with a coffee break at the nearby, locals-frequented Caffè Romano on Via Nicola Salvi, where you can compare notes and rest before your guided walk up to the Palatine Hill to admire sweeping views over ancient Rome.

Afternoon:

After a morning among the ruins, wander through the layered streets toward Palazzo Altemps to enjoy a quieter, expertly curated collection of classical sculptures and learn about elite Roman domestic life. Follow with a late lunch at the neighborhood favorite Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, savoring a rich cacio e pepe or slow-braised oxtail, then stroll up to the peaceful terraces of Via dei Cappellari for espresso and people-watching before heading toward the Capitoline Museums or your next guided meeting point.

Evening:

After your afternoon at Palazzo Altemps and a leisurely espresso, wander toward the atmospheric neighborhood around Piazza Venezia to watch golden hour light spill over the city and enjoy aperitivi at the classic, locals-favored Bar del Capitano. For dinner, slip into the intimate, family-run Armando al Pantheon (reserve ahead) to savor authentic Roman dishes paired with a regional red, then finish with a digestivo on the lively steps of Piazza della Rotonda, soaking in the glow of the Pantheon's façade and the evening buzz.

Find Hotels in Rome
Rome · Saturday, March 14, 2026

Rome — Vatican with Private Guide and Trastevere Evening

Morning:

Meet your private guide early at Piazza San Pietro for a tailored, skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums that focuses on lesser-seen galleries and the Bramante Staircase before arriving at the Sistine Chapel to absorb Michelangelo's frescoes with expert commentary. Afterward, continue with your guide into the peaceful Vatican Gardens for a short, reserved walk (book in advance) and finish the morning with a leisurely espresso and cornetto at the nearby Roman favorite Bar Strega, where you can reflect on the morning's art and plan an unhurried afternoon in Trastevere.

Afternoon:

After your private Vatican morning, cross the Tiber to linger in Piazza Navona, where you can admire Bernini's fountains and grab a light lunch of supplì and a glass of Frascati at the beloved trattoria Cul de Sac nearby; stroll into the winding lanes to discover the tiny bookshop Antica Libreria Cascianelli for a quiet browse. Later, wander toward Campo de' Fiori to visit the vibrant market stalls and pick up seasonal produce, then take a slow riverside walk to Isola Tiberina for a peaceful pause with a coffee at Tiberino Café before freshening up for your Trastevere evening.

Evening:

After freshening up, cross into Trastevere for an aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni's lively terrace before a wander through the neighborhood's ivy-lined lanes to discover live music at Freni e Frizioni's nearby sister spot (ask the bartender for tonight's local musician). For dinner, slip into the warmly lit Osteria Pizzeria Romana for wood-fired pizza and house-made antipasti, then finish with a post-dinner stroll to Gianicolo Hill for sweeping night views of the city lights and a quiet digestivo at the panoramic kiosk.

Find Hotels in Rome
Rome → Amalfi Coast (Positano)
Amalfi Coast (Positano) · Sunday, March 15, 2026

Travel to Amalfi Coast — Positano Arrival and Relax

Morning:

After a scenic train and connecting ferry or private transfer, settle into your Airbnb near Spiaggia Grande and stretch your legs with a gentle walk up to the colorful terraces of Via dei Mulini for sweeping cliffside views. Stop for a leisurely late-morning limoncello spritz and a light seafood crudo at the family-run café Casa e Bottega, then wander through the artisan shops on Via dei Francesi to browse local ceramics and pick up fresh lemons and olive oil for the days ahead.

Afternoon:

After settling in, wander down to Spiaggia Fornillo for a lazy seaside hour-rent a pair of sun loungers or join a small paddleboard rental to glide along the cliffside coves. Later, stroll the steep lanes toward Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta to admire its majolica-tiled dome, then pause for an afternoon aperitivo and fresh seafood crudo on the terrace of Chez Black to watch fishing boats drift by as the light softens.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander up the narrow lanes to La Porta for a relaxed aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the sea, then continue to Chez Black's quieter sister spot, Rada (a local tucked-away seafood bar) for a light plate of octopus carpaccio and a glass of local Fiano. After dinner, take a short cliffside stroll to Sentiero dei Limoni's lower viewpoint for a peaceful night-time panorama of Positano's lights and finish with a gelato from Zì Nannina while listening to the gentle surf below.

Find Hotels in Amalfi Coast (Positano)
Amalfi Coast (Positano) → Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast · Monday, March 16, 2026

Amalfi Coast — Boat Day and Coastal Villages

Morning:

Board a private gozzo or small charter from Marina Grande (Positano) at first light to cruise the coastline, stopping for a guided swim and snorkel in the crystalline coves off Praiano and to explore the sea grottos near Fornillo; your skipper can point out the best photo cliffs and bring a chilled bottle of local Falanghina for a toast. After swimming, pull into Marina di Praia for a seaside coffee at a waterfront bar and a brief walk up to the cliffside Torre a Mare viewpoint before returning to Positano or continuing along the coast for afternoon village visits.

Afternoon:

After your morning sea swim and Marina di Praia pause, glide east by private boat to the charming village of Conca dei Marini for a leisurely waterside lunch at Ristorante La Conca, sampling fresh spaghetti alle vongole and a local Fiano. In the late afternoon, disembark at Atrani to wander its intimate piazza and narrow lanes, sip an espresso at Bar La Piazza, then hike the scenic coastal steps up toward Minori to visit the historic Villa Romana ruins and taste a slice of sfogliatella at the beloved Pasticceria Sal De Riso before returning to Positano as the light softens.

Evening:

After returning to Positano, wander up to Fornillo Beach's quieter terraces for a sunset aperitivo at Ristorante Max, where you can savor a plate of grilled swordfish and a glass of local Fiano as the cliffs glow. Later, take a short drive or bus ride to the hilltop village of Nocelle for a peaceful night-time passeggiata and end with homemade limoncello at the intimate bar Il Ritrovo, enjoying sweeping night views of the coastline before heading back to your Positano Airbnb.

Find Hotels in Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast · Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Amalfi Coast — Wine Tour, Local Fare, and Departure Prep

Morning:

Head inland for a morning at Cantine Marisa Cuomo in Tramonti for a guided vineyard walk and tasting that highlights local Furore terroir - arrive early to enjoy panoramic vineyard terraces with a sommelier-led tasting of their signature vintages paired with house-made focaccia. After the vineyard, stop by Agriturismo Le Tore for a light farm-to-table brunch of fresh ricotta, seasonal greens and lemon marmalade before returning to your Airbnb to pack and prepare for your transfer.

Afternoon:

After your vineyard morning, head to Maiori for a relaxed seaside lunch at Ristorante Torre Normanna, savoring seafood crudo and a glass of local Falanghina while perched above the water. Later, stroll the coastal promenade to Pasticceria Sal De Riso's Maiori outpost for a slice of sfogliatella and a coffee, then return to your Airbnb to finish packing with time to stop at Enoteca della Costa for a final bottle of regional wine to take home.

Evening:

As the sun softens, take a leisurely drive up the coast to Scala for an intimate tasting at Cantina Fontana, where the producer pairs locally grown Falanghina and Aglianico with homemade bruschette and tales of mountain vineyards. Afterward, return toward the sea for a relaxed farewell dinner at Ristorante Il Pirata in Praiano, savoring grilled sea bass and a final glass of regional wine before a short stroll along the lit promenade to gather your bags and enjoy one last coastal vista.

Find Hotels in Amalfi Coast

Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Caffè Lavena (espresso & pastry)€6
Campo San Polo (stroll)Free
Rialto Market (browsing)Free
Osteria Al Portego (cicchetti tasting)€20
Vaporetto ride (single Grand Canal route)€8
Gallerie dell'Accademia (entry from Grand Canal area)€15
Cantina Do Mori (cicchetti/aperitivo)€18
Squero di San Trovaso (gondola workshop viewing)Free
Pasticceria Dal Mas (coffee & sweet)€6
Campo Santa Margherita (aperitivi area)Free
Ponte dei Sospiri (view/photograph)Free
Osteria alle Testiere (seafood dinner)€60
Private gondola ride (quiet canals, ~30-35 min, private)€120
Punta della Dogana (exterior/lighthouse area)Free
Caffè Florian sister cafe (coffee)€6
Osteria Ai Ciodi (morning cicchetti)€15
Fondamenta Misericordia gondola launch (local gondola segment)€40
Ghetto Nuovo (visit & snacks at Gam Gam)€18
Fondamenta della Sensa (aperitivo area)Free
Bar All'Arco (aperitivi & cicchetti)€15
Bacaro Risorto (seafood dinner)€40
Scala Contarini del Bovolo (external viewing at night)Free
Guided historical walk San Polo (private/local guide, half-day)€60
Torrefazione Cannaregio (coffee & biscotti)€5
Campo Sant'Alvise (artisan workshops & cicchetti)Free
Arsenale waterfront (visit)Free
Sant'Elena gardens (visit)Free
Scuola Grande di San Marco (exterior/visit)Free
Pasticceria Rosa Salva (coffee & pastry)€5
Mask-maker demonstration (short workshop)€25
Osteria La Zucca (dinner)€35
Il Mercante (cocktail/nightcap)€12
San Lio riverside strollFree
Train Venice → Florence (standard seat, per person)€30
Mercato Centrale (stroll & samples)€10
Caffè dell'Oro (cappuccino & pastry)€6
Gelateria La Carraia (gelato)€4
Piazza Santo Spirito & Mercato di Santo Spirito (tasting & aperitivo)€18
La Ménagère (aperitivo)€15
Tripperia da Dante (cicchetti/early bites)€12
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (dinner)€35
Caffè Pasticceria Giovannini (dessert & coffee)€6
Pasta-making class in Florence (hands-on, ~3 hrs)€70
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio (market visit & samples)€10
Trattoria Sabatino (late lunch ribollita & Chianti)€25
Antica Drogheria (balsamic tasting / specialty shop)€12
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina (olive-oil tasting/bruschetta flight)€35
Gelateria dei Neri (gelato)€4
Licensed local guide Florence (half-day Medici/chapels private guide)€120
Cappella dei Principi (visit included in some guided tours / entry)€7
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (visit & tasting)€10
Pasticceria Nencioni (espresso & sfogliatella)€5
Officina dell'Antico Restauro (workshop visit)€15
Museo Horne (entry)€7
Piazzale Michelangelo (sunset viewpoint)Free
Il Latini (dinner)€45
Train Florence → Rome (standard seat, per person)€30
Mercato dell'Esquilino (food sampling)€8
Pasticceria Regoli (cappuccino & maritozzo)€6
Trattoria Vecchia Roma (carbonara lunch)€20
Mercato Monti Urban Market (browsing/shops)Free
Ai Tre Scalini (aperitivo)€12
Freni e Frizioni (aperitivo Trastevere)€15
Da Enzo al 29 (dinner in Trastevere)€35
Bar San Calisto (nightcap)€6
Colosseum entry (skip-the-line guided option included in private guide price)€18
Private licensed guide for Colosseum & Forum (half-day)€120
Roman Forum (included with Colosseum ticket)Free
Palatine Hill (access with Colosseum ticket)Free
Caffè Romano (coffee break)€4
Palazzo Altemps (museum entry)€9
Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (late lunch)€30
Bar del Capitano (aperitivo)€12
Armando al Pantheon (dinner)€45
Private Vatican Museums guided tour (skip-the-line, private)€200
Sistine Chapel (included with Vatican Museums ticket)Free
Vatican Gardens (reserved guided walk)€40
Bar Strega (espresso & cornetto)€5
Piazza Navona (visit & light lunch)Free
Cul de Sac (lunch & glass of wine)€25
Antica Libreria Cascianelli (bookshop browse)Free
Campo de' Fiori market (market visit)Free
Tiberino Café (coffee on Isola Tiberina)€4
Gianicolo Hill (night view/digestivo kiosk)€6
Travel Rome → Positano (train + ferry or private transfer, per person estimate)€60
Casa e Bottega (limoncello spritz & seafood crudo)€25
Via dei Mulini (terrace views stroll)Free
Spiaggia Grande (beach visit)Free
Spiaggia Fornillo (sun loungers rental, per person)€12
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (visit)Free
Chez Black (afternoon aperitivo / seafood crudo)€30
Rada (seafood bar)€30
Zì Nannina (gelato)€4
Private boat half-day (gozzo/charter from Marina Grande, per person)€100
Snorkel/paddleboard rental (per person session)€20
Marina di Praia (coffee & walk)€6
Ristorante La Conca (waterside lunch in Conca dei Marini)€35
Bar La Piazza (espresso in Atrani)€3
Pasticceria Sal De Riso (sfogliatella)€4
Ristorante Max (sunset aperitivo/dinner)€40
Drive or bus to Nocelle / night passeggiata€6
Il Ritrovo (limoncello)€6
Cantine Marisa Cuomo (vineyard tour & tasting)€40
Agriturismo Le Tore (farm-to-table brunch)€18
Ristorante Torre Normanna (Maiori seaside lunch)€35
Enoteca della Costa (final bottle purchase)€25
Cantina Fontana (tasting in Scala)€25
Ristorante Il Pirata (farewell dinner in Praiano)€40
Estimated Total (per person)€2858
0