7-Day Ultimate Italy Itinerary: Rome to Venice and Florence Highlights

Day 1: Rome Ancient Wonders

Rome, Italy on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy a traditional Roman breakfast with pastries and espresso at Roscioli Caffè, open from 7:30 AM, perfect before a day of sightseeing.
EUR8, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, experiencing the heart of ancient Rome. Open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, advance tickets recommended.
EUR18, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Savor classic Roman dishes like carbonara in this charming trattoria open from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Discover the Pantheon, a stunning Roman temple open until 7:00 PM, followed by a stroll to the lively Piazza Navona.
EUR0 (Pantheon interior entry EUR5), 2 hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Giolitti

Treat yourself to some of Rome's best gelato at Giolitti, open until 11:00 PM.
EUR4, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at La Carbonara

Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine with specialties like oxtail stew, open from 7:00 PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Vatican and Rome’s Baroque Gems

Rome, Italy on April 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Grab a quick and affordable pasta or coffee at this bustling spot, open from 7:00 AM.
EUR5, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Tour one of the world's greatest art collections, including Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Opens at 9:00 AM, reserve tickets ahead to skip lines.
EUR30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Taste creative, gourmet pizza al taglio from one of Rome’s top pizza spots, open noon to 6:00 PM.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

St. Peter’s Basilica Visit

Visit the world's largest church, climbing to the dome for spectacular views. Basilica open until 7:00 PM, dome closes earlier.
EUR10 for dome climb, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Castel Sant’Angelo

Walk along the Tiber River to this historic fortress open until 7:30 PM, learning about its rich history and enjoying city views.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Osteria del Pegno

Dine on refined Roman dishes in a cozy setting, open from 7:00 PM.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Florence Renaissance Art

Florence, Italy on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Early Train to Florence

Take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence (~1.5 hours), arriving early to maximize sightseeing.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with pastries and coffee at this historic café in central Florence, open from 7:30 AM.
EUR10, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Explore the world-renowned Renaissance art museum, home to works by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Opens 8:15 AM; reserve tickets in advance.
EUR20, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in a lively spot, famous for its bistecca alla fiorentina, open from 12:00 PM.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:45PM

Duomo Complex Tour

Visit Florence’s cathedral, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, explore Baptistery and Bell Tower. Open until 7:00 PM.
EUR18, 2 hours

5:00PM

Walk along Ponte Vecchio

Stroll this famous medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops, absorbing scenic views of the Arno River.
EUR0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at La Giostra

Sample intimate Tuscan cuisine with a romantic atmosphere, open from 7:00 PM.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Florence to Venice Canals

Florence to Venice, Italy on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and pastries in a trendy café, open from 7:30 AM.
EUR10, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Train to Venice

Travel from Florence to Venice by high-speed train (~2 hours).
EUR55, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osteria Al Mascaron

Taste authentic Venetian seafood in central Venice, open from noon.
EUR35, 1 hour

1:00PM

St. Mark’s Basilica and Square

Visit famous basilica and enjoy the vibrant square; basilica open 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
EUR3 for basilica entry, 2 hours

3:30PM

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore this historic palace and its art-filled rooms and prison cells, open until 7:00 PM.
EUR25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s iconic canals with a 30-minute gondola ride, available into the evening.
EUR80, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Dine on exquisite Venetian seafood in a quaint setting, open from 7:00 PM.
EUR45, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Venice Art and Islands

Venice, Italy on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Relish Venetian pastries and coffee at this favorite spot, open from 7:30 AM.
EUR8, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Visit modern art museum on the Grand Canal, open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Note early arrival for entry at 10:00 AM.
EUR15, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Rialto Market

Walk through lively market stalls with fresh produce and fish, open until early afternoon.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Alle Corone

Enjoy classic Venetian dishes near the Rialto Bridge, open noon to 3:00 PM.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Murano and Burano Islands Tour

Take a half-day boat tour to glassmaking in Murano and colorful houses on Burano. Tours generally from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
EUR30, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Zucca

Taste innovative Venetian cuisine with a vegetarian twist, open from 7:00 PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Venice Hidden Gems

Venice, Italy on April 20, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Farini

Enjoy fresh breads, pastries, and coffee at this bakery, open from 7:00 AM.
EUR8, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Gallerie dell’Accademia

Experience Venetian Renaissance art with masterpieces by Titian and Bellini, open 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cantina do Spade

Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine at this traditional bacaro, open from 11:30 AM.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Walk through Dorsoduro District

Explore charming streets lined with art galleries and artisan shops, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
EUR0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Zattere Waterfront

Sit by the Giudecca Canal enjoying views and local atmosphere.
EUR0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Quadri

Celebrate your last night with gourmet Venetian cuisine in St. Mark's Square, open from 7:00 PM.
EUR60, 2 hours

Day 7: Departure Day

Venice, Italy on April 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel or nearby café before your departure.
EUR10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport or Train Station

Arrange transport to the airport or train station depending on your onward travel plans.
EUR15, 1 hour