4 Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Venice and Rome

  • Day 1: Grand Canal
    20 minutes (1.4 miles) from Piazza San Marco

    The Grand Canal is a must-see attraction located in Venice. It’s the main waterway that snakes through the city and is lined with stunning palaces and buildings. You can take a ride on one of the many gondolas that traverse the canal and enjoy the breathtaking views.

  • Day 2: Colosseum & Roman Forum
    20 minutes (1 mile) from Vatican City

    The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and is one of the most impressive ancient structures in the world. It’s a true marvel, built in AD 80 and is an outstanding example of Roman architecture. The Roman Forum located right next to the Colosseum is a spectacular collection of ruins where you can discover the fascinating history of Rome.

  • Day 3: Venice Beach & Santa Monica Pier
    30 minutes (17.7 miles) from Palazzo Ducale

    Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are popular attractions located in Los Angeles. Venice Beach is known for its quirky character and is perfect for enjoying a day at the beach. The Santa Monica Pier has various attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy such as an amusement park and the beautiful beach.

  • Day 4: Vatican City
    25 minutes (1.2 miles) from Piazza Navona

    Vatican City is a tiny, independent state surrounded by Rome. It’s home to the world-renowned Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica – the world’s largest church. Exploring this city is one of the best things to do in Rome and is a perfect way to end your trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Venice Gondola Ride (1 hour, $70)
  • Colosseum & Roman Forum (2 hours, $30)
  • Santa Monica Pier (4 hours, $20)
  • Vatican City (3 hours, $40)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $160

Transportation

Travelers can consider purchasing an Italian Eurail pass to cover the train rides between Venice and Rome, as well as to visit other attractions within the cities. Travel time between Venice and Rome is approximately 3.5 hours and costs around $60-80. Budgeting for transportation is important, since getting around Venice and Rome can be expensive. Consider buying a daily/weekly transport pass to save on costs for public transport.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to Murano Island from Venice, famous for its glass-making. Monti district in Rome is a trendy neighborhood with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops that is worth a visit. If you happen to have less time, skip Venice Beach & Santa Monica Pier on Day 3 and spend more time enjoying the beauty of Venice.

Airports

The main airport in Venice is the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and is located 8 miles from the city center. In Rome, the main airport is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), also known as Fiumicino Airport, that is approximately 19 miles from Rome’s city center.

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