7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Naples
Saturday, March 30: Rome
Start your trip in the Eternal City, Rome. In the morning, visit the iconic Colosseum and imagine the gladiatorial battles that once took place here. Afterward, explore the Roman Forum and take a stroll through the historic streets of the city center. In the afternoon, visit Vatican City and marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. End your day with a leisurely walk along the romantic Tiber River.
Colosseum: €12 (estimated cost), 3 hours (estimated time spent)
Roman Forum: €12 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
St. Peter's Basilica: Free admission, 1 hour (estimated time spent)
Vatican Museums: €17 (estimated cost), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at Caffè Sant'Eustachio. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly brewed coffees and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €5 per person.
Lunch: For a quick and tasty lunch, head to Pizzarium Bonci. This renowned pizza al taglio shop offers a wide selection of mouthwatering pizza slices topped with unique and flavorful combinations. Average cost for a meal is about €8 per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at Ristorante La Pergola. Located in the heart of Rome, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite Italian and international cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about €100 per person.
Sunday, March 31: Milan
Head north to the fashionable city of Milan. Start your day at the magnificent Duomo di Milano, where you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture and panoramic views from the rooftop. In the afternoon, explore the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and indulge in some luxury shopping. In the evening, visit the vibrant Navigli district and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals.
Duomo di Milano: Free admission, €13 (elevator to the rooftop), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Navigli district: Free admission, 1-2 hours (estimated time spent)
Monday, April 1: Venice
Travel east to the enchanting city of Venice. Start your day with a gondola ride along the iconic canals, taking in the beauty of the floating city. In the afternoon, visit St. Mark's Square and explore St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. As evening falls, get lost in the narrow streets and alleyways of Venice, discovering hidden squares and charming cafés.
Gondola ride: €80-100 (estimated cost), 1 hour (estimated time spent)
St. Mark's Basilica: Free admission, €3 (skip-the-line ticket for terrace), 1-2 hours (estimated time spent)
Doge's Palace: €20 (estimated cost), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Tuesday, April 2: Florence
Continue your journey to the artistic city of Florence. Start your morning with a visit to the magnificent Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo. Climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Uffizi Gallery and admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Wander through the charming streets of the Oltrarno neighborhood in the evening and savor authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Florence Cathedral: Free admission, €18 (climbing the dome), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Uffizi Gallery: €20 (estimated cost), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Oltrarno neighborhood: Free admission, 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Ditta Artigianale, a trendy cafe offering a variety of freshly brewed coffees and delicious pastries. The average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, visit Trattoria Mario, a popular spot among locals serving traditional Tuscan dishes such as homemade pasta and grilled meats. The average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a gastronomic experience at La Giostra, a charming restaurant known for its romantic atmosphere and delectable Florentine cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Wednesday, April 3: Naples
Head south to the vibrant city of Naples. Start your day with a visit to the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore the well-preserved ruins and get a glimpse into Roman life. In the afternoon, indulge in some authentic Neapolitan pizza, a specialty of the region. End your day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Pompeii: €16 (estimated cost), 3-4 hours (estimated time spent)
Neapolitan pizza: €10-15 (estimated cost), 1-2 hours (estimated time spent)
National Archaeological Museum: €12 (estimated cost), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Thursday, April 4: Rome
Return to Rome for your final day of exploration. Start your morning with a visit to the beautiful Vatican Gardens, a tranquil oasis within Vatican City. In the afternoon, explore the charming Trastevere neighborhood and wander through its narrow streets lined with cafes and boutiques. End your day with a visit to the iconic Trevi Fountain and toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.
Vatican Gardens: €32 (estimated cost), 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Trastevere neighborhood: Free admission, 2-3 hours (estimated time spent)
Trevi Fountain: Free admission, 1 hour (estimated time spent)
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria, known for its freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Enoteca Corsi, a charming wine bar and restaurant that serves traditional Roman dishes like carbonara and amatriciana. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at La Pergola, a renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant located at the top of Rome Cavalieri hotel. Enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about €200 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring these cities, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. In Rome, visit the neighborhood of Testaccio for authentic Roman cuisine and a lively food market. In Milan, explore the artsy district of Brera and discover its art galleries and charming cafes. In Venice, venture beyond the main tourist areas to the quiet neighborhood of Cannaregio and experience a more authentic side of the city. In Florence, visit the lesser-known Boboli Gardens and enjoy a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. In Naples, take a day trip to the beautiful island of Capri and explore its stunning natural beauty.