16-Day Comprehensive Italy Itinerary: Rome to Venice and Beyond

Day 1: Ancient Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your day with an Italian espresso and freshly baked pastries at this beloved Roman café, known for its authentic atmosphere and excellent coffee.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Colosseum Tour

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheater where gladiators once fought. Book a guided tour to avoid lines and learn about its fascinating history. Open 8:30AM - 7:00PM.
EUR18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Enjoy classic Roman dishes like carbonara in a casual setting near the Colosseum, perfect for a midday meal after sightseeing.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins of ancient Rome’s political and social center, including Palatine Hill, the legendary birthplace of Rome. Open 8:30AM - 7:00PM.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 2 hours

4:00PM

Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Stroll through Piazza Navona’s stunning fountains and visit the Pantheon with its remarkable dome and oculus. Pantheon opening hours 9:00AM - 7:00PM.
Free entry (Pantheon free), 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Da Fortunata

Savor homemade pasta dishes prepared fresh in front of you in a quintessential Roman setting near Campo de’ Fiori.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 2: Vatican City and Art

Rome, Italy on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Enjoy traditional Italian sweets like maritozzi and a cappuccino at this historic bakery before the Vatican visit.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore the vast art collections culminating in Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling. Advance tickets recommended to avoid long queues. Open 9:00AM - 6:00PM.
EUR30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Arlù

Taste refined Roman dishes just a short walk from the Vatican in a cozy, elegant setting.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the world’s largest church with its awe-inspiring interior and climb the dome for panoramic views of Rome. Open 7:00AM - 7:00PM. Dome climb is EUR10 extra.
Free entry, dome climb EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Castel Sant’Angelo Walk

Stroll along the Passetto di Borgo to Castel Sant’Angelo and along the Tiber River at sunset. Castel is open 9:00AM - 7:30PM.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Dine on classic Roman cuisine in Trastevere, known for its authentic atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Art and History

Rome, Italy on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Greco

Sip espresso at Rome's oldest coffee house on Via dei Condotti, famous for its artistic clientele.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Galleria Borghese

View masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian in this exquisite gallery set inside Villa Borghese. Reservations essential. Open 9:00AM - 7:00PM.
EUR20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Enjoy lunch with spectacular views over Rome’s skyline from Villa Borghese Park.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Spanish Steps and Via Condotti

Relax at the famous Spanish Steps and shop along Via Condotti’s luxury boutiques in the afternoon.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Trevi Fountain

Visit Rome’s most famous fountain and toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Il Gabriello

Dine on refined Roman specialties in a stylish and elegant setting near the Trevi Fountain.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Rome to Florence Transfer

Rome to Florence, Italy on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a light Italian breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train from Rome to Florence

Take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa) from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella in about 1.5 hours.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and light rest

Settle into your Florence accommodation and freshen up before exploring the city.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy Tuscan specialties in this lively and traditional eatery popular with locals.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Baptistery

Visit the stunning Duomo complex with its dramatic facade and Brunelleschi’s dome. Open 10:00AM - 5:00PM.
EUR18, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno

Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio and explore artisan shops in Oltrarno district.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at La Giostra

Taste elegant renditions of Tuscan cuisine in a romantic atmosphere in the heart of Florence.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 5: Florence Art and Gardens

Florence, Italy on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy excellent specialty coffee and pastries at a modern café near the Duomo.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Uffizi Gallery

Discover Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci. Book tickets in advance. Open 8:15AM - 6:50PM (closed Mondays).
EUR25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor homestyle Tuscan dishes in a charming and rustic setting near the market.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Boboli Gardens

Relax and wander through these expansive Renaissance gardens behind the Pitti Palace. Open 8:15AM - 6:30PM.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia

Treat yourself to some of the best gelato in Florence by the Arno River.
EUR5, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria 4 Leoni

Dine on traditional Tuscan fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Day trip to Chianti

Tuscany, Italy on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your Chianti wine region day tour.
Included with stay, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Chianti Wine Tour

Join a guided wine tour visiting prestigious vineyards, wine tastings, and a traditional Tuscan lunch. Tours typically run 9:00AM - 5:00PM.
EUR100, 8 hours

6:30PM

Return and light dinner at Mercato Centrale

Explore various food stalls offering a range of quick Tuscan dishes in Florence’s lively food market before resting.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 7: Florence to Cinque Terre

Florence to Cinque Terre, Italy on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before departure.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Cinque Terre (Monterosso start)

Take a train from Florence to La Spezia then direct trains to Monterosso, the gateway to Cinque Terre, about 2.5 hours travel.
EUR30, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in and explore Monterosso al Mare

Check into your accommodation and stroll through the oldest of the villages with beaches and medieval sights.
Included in accommodation, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Miky

Savor fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties in a Michelin-starred setting within Monterosso.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Beach time or hiking short trail

Relax on Monterosso’s sandy beach or embark on the easy scenic hike to Vernazza along the Blue Trail. Trail open 7:00AM to sunset.
EUR7 for trail pass, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at L’Ancora della Tortuga

Enjoy dinner with views of the sea serving local Ligurian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 8: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on April 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast to fuel hiking and exploring.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hiking from Vernazza to Corniglia

Trek along the famous Blue Trail between picturesque villages featuring breathtaking coastal views. Trail open 7:00AM until sunset.
EUR7 trail pass, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nessun Dorma Vernazza

Enjoy light Ligurian fare and breathtaking harbor views.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Corniglia

Visit the smallest village surrounded by vineyards and cliffs with panoramic terraces offering photo-worthy views.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Train to Manarola and visit

Short train ride to Manarola to witness colorful houses perched above the sea and relax by the harbor.
EUR4 train ticket, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Wine tasting at Enoteca Dau Cila

Savor local Ligurian wines and small bites in a cozy wine bar in Manarola.
EUR20, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria dal Billy

Enjoy fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties with spectacular sunset views over Manarola’s harbor.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 9: Cinque Terre to Venice

Cinque Terre to Venice, Italy on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a travel day with a nourishing Italian breakfast.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Venice

Depart Cinque Terre early by train to Venice, changing at La Spezia and Milan. Total travel time approx 5 hours.
EUR60, 5 hours

1:30PM

Check-in and rest at hotel

Arrive in Venice and settle into your accommodation, freshen up after travel.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

2:30PM

St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Square and enter the Basilica di San Marco with its ornate mosaics. Open 9:30AM - 5:00PM.
Free entry; museum EUR5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Gondola ride

Enjoy a scenic private gondola ride through Venice’s picturesque canals at sunset. Best booked in advance.
EUR80, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Dine on exquisite Venetian seafood dishes in a cozy, intimate setting near the Rialto Bridge.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 10: Venice Art & Sights

Venice, Italy on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rosa Salva

Start your morning with pastries and coffee at this classic Venetian bakery.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Doge’s Palace

Tour the palace of Venetian rulers including the Bridge of Sighs and prison cells. Open 8:30AM - 7:00PM.
EUR25, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Al Covo

Feast on Venetian classics with fresh seafood served in a traditional environment.
EUR45, 1 hour

2:00PM

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art masterpieces housed in Peggy Guggenheim’s palazzo. Open 10:00AM - 6:00PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Rialto Market and Bridge

Wander the vibrant fish and vegetable market near the iconic Rialto Bridge.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Savor traditional Venetian seafood in a tucked-away, beloved local spot.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 11: Venice to Milan

Venice to Milan, Italy on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the trip to Milan.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Milan

Travel by high-speed train from Venice to Milan in about 2.5 hours.
EUR40, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in and rest at hotel

Settle into your Milan accommodation and prepare for sightseeing.
Included, 1 hour

11:30AM

Duomo di Milano

Visit Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral and climb to the rooftop for city views. Cathedral open 8:00AM - 7:00PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try the famous Milanese panzerotti, delicious stuffed fried pastries for a quick local bite.
EUR10, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Shop or window-shop in Europe’s oldest active shopping gallery with luxury boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Teatro alla Scala Museum

Explore the museum of Italy’s legendary opera house. Open 9:00AM - 5:30PM.
EUR12, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Cracco

Indulge in gourmet Milanese cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant near the Duomo.
EUR80, 2 hours
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Day 12: Milan Shopping & Culture

Milan, Italy on April 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy quality coffee and artisanal pastries at this popular Milan café.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper

Visit the UNESCO site housing da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Book tickets well in advance. Viewing times are strict.
EUR20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Brera District Walk

Explore Milan's charming art district filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Nabucco

Experience Milanese cuisine in the heart of Brera, with traditional risotto and ossobuco.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Pinacoteca di Brera

Visit one of Italy’s leading art collections featuring works by Caravaggio and Raphael. Open 8:30AM - 7:15PM.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Aperitivo in Navigli

Enjoy the quintessential Milanese aperitivo experience along the picturesque canals of the Navigli district.
EUR15, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Osteria del Binari

Dine on authentic Milanese dishes in a rustic setting near Navigli.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 13: Milan to Lake Como

Milan to Lake Como, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a scenic day at Lake Como.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Lake Como (Como Town)

Travel by train to Como in about 1 hour from Milan.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Funicular ride to Brunate

Take the funicular to this hilltop village for sweeping views of Lake Como and surrounding mountains. Open 7:00AM - 11:00PM.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Boat tour of Lake Como

Enjoy a scenic boat tour visiting picturesque villages such as Bellagio and Varenna. Tours operate 9:00AM - 5:00PM.
EUR25, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at La Punta Spartivento (Bellagio)

Dine with lakeside views featuring Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Bellagio town

Wander the charming streets and shops of Bellagio’s central district.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Silvio

Enjoy fresh lake fish and Italian cuisine near the water in Bellagio.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 14: Lake Como Relaxation

Lake Como, Italy on April 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the lake.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Villa Carlotta

Visit this historic villa with renowned botanical gardens and art collections. Open 9:30AM - 7:00PM.
EUR13, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Baita Belvedere

Enjoy traditional Italian dishes with panoramic views in Tremezzo nearby.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Lido di Bellagio

Spend the afternoon at this popular beach and swimming spot with amenities.
EUR10 entrance, 3 hours

6:30PM

Sunset walk and gelato

Stroll lakeside and enjoy gelato from Gelateria del Borgo in Bellagio.
EUR7, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Mistral

Indulge in fine dining with lake views in Bellagio’s luxury hotel setting.
EUR70, 2 hours
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Day 15: Lake Como to Milan Departure Prep

Lake Como to Milan, Italy on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your last full day in Italy with a leisurely breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return train to Milan

Travel back to Milan for last-minute shopping and sightseeing.
EUR10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore this massive Renaissance fortress housing several museums and beautiful grounds. Open 7:00AM - 7:30PM.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

Enjoy some of Milan’s best pizza by this famous Neapolitan pizzeria near the Duomo.
EUR20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district

Delight in designer shops and boutiques for gifts and fashion.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Ratanà

Celebrate your Italy trip with modern Milanese cuisine in a stylish but relaxed ambiance.
EUR50, 2 hours
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Day 16: Departure Day

Milan, Italy on May 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final Italian breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport

Arrange transport to Milan Malpensa Airport for your flight home, allowing plenty of time for check-in.
EUR40 (taxi), 1 hour
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