8-Day Italy Highlights Tour: Explore Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and More

Day 1: Historic Rome

Rome, Italy on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Enjoy classic Italian pastries and espresso at this historic bakery in Rome, known for its quality baked goods. Open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore Rome’s iconic ancient amphitheater, famous for gladiator battles and Roman history. Opens at 9am; visit early to avoid crowds.
EUR18, 2h

11:45am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins that were once the heart of ancient Rome’s political and social life, adjoining the Colosseum.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Roscioli

Dine on traditional Roman dishes like carbonara in this well-known deli and restaurant near Piazza Navona. Open from 12pm.
EUR35, 1h15m

3:00pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Visit these iconic landmarks for photo opportunities and enjoy the vibrant Roman street life in the afternoon.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Pantheon Visit

Explore this remarkably preserved Roman temple turned church, renowned for its massive dome. Open until 7pm.
EUR5, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trastevere - Da Enzo al 29

Experience authentic Roman cuisine in a rustic Trastevere trattoria, featuring dishes like cacio e pepe. Reservations recommended.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican & Rome

Rome, Italy on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Light Italian breakfast with espresso and cornetti close to the city center. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visit the vast art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Book skip-the-line tickets; opens at 9am.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Explore the largest church in the world with breathtaking art and architecture. Entry is free; dome climb extra fee.
Free (Dome climb EUR10), 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio - Ristorante Arlù

Cozy restaurant near the Vatican, perfect for traditional Roman and Lazio dishes. Open from 12pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Castel Sant’Angelo

Explore this fortress with panoramic views of Rome and the Tiber River. Opens until 7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Piazza Navona and Evening Stroll

Wander this famous baroque square and enjoy street artists before an evening meal.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Felice a Testaccio

Classic Roman favorites in the Testaccio neighborhood, a local favorite known for cacio e pepe. Open from 7pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Florence Art & Culture

Florence, Italy on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Early train to Florence

Take an early high-speed train (~1.5 hr) from Rome Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella for an efficient start.
EUR45, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Historic café serving rich espresso and pastries on Florence’s main square, Piazza della Repubblica. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR12, 0h45m

10:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Home to Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Pre-book tickets to avoid lines; opens at 8:15am.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Casual and authentic Florentine cuisine near the Mercato Centrale, popular for its bistecca alla fiorentina. Open till 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Ponte Vecchio & Palazzo Vecchio

Walk across the famous medieval bridge and visit Florence’s historic town hall with its art-filled rooms.
Palazzo Vecchio EUR12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Climb Duomo Dome

Ascend Brunelleschi’s dome for panoramic views of Florence. Opens till 7pm, climb takes about 1 hour.
EUR18, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Romantic restaurant offering Tuscan specialties with a local ambiance just off Piazza del Duomo. Open evenings.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Train to Venice

High-speed train from Florence to Venice Santa Lucia station (~2 hours). Arrive early to maximize day.
EUR40, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Enjoy fresh Venetian pastries and coffee near the Rialto Bridge, opens from 7:00am.
EUR10, 0h30m

10:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit Venice’s magnificent cathedral with golden mosaics; opens 9:30am, free entry but small donation encouraged.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Doge’s Palace

Explore the heart of Venetian political power and lavish Renaissance art. Opens 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Bancogiro

Casual dining spot offering Cicchetti and traditional Venetian dishes by the Grand Canal. Open 12pm.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Gondola Ride

Take a quintessential gondola ride through the canals for about 30-40 minutes, starting near Rialto Bridge.
EUR80, 0h45m

3:30pm

Explore Cannaregio District

Wander this charming and less crowded Venetian neighborhood with historic architecture and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Popular Venetian eatery known for fresh seafood and local dishes, open until late evening.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Modern Milan

Milan, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Train to Milan

Morning train from Venice to Milan Centrale (~2.5 hours), arriving just before 10am.
EUR45, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Pavè

Trendy bakery and café in Milan offering excellent coffee and pastries, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 0h45m

11:30am

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the vast Gothic cathedral and rooftop terraces with city views. Opens 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Grab a famous panzerotto, a must-try Milanese street food close to Duomo. Open 10am-7pm.
EUR8, 0h45m

2:00pm

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Shopping arcade showcasing luxury shops and historic cafés; perfect for strolling and people watching.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Renaissance castle housing museums and gardens. Opens 9am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Walk Brera District

Explore the artistic district with galleries, boutiques, and lively bars for an aperitivo.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Contemporary Milanese cuisine in a chic setting, emphasizing local ingredients. Reservations advised.
EUR45, 1h45m
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Day 6: Lake Como Relaxation

Lake Como, Italy on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Train to Lake Como (Como Town)

Travel from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni station (~1 hour), scenic lake region.
EUR12, 1h

9:15am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Monti

Enjoy coffee and fresh pastries in Como town center. Open from 7am.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:15am

Funicular to Brunate

Ride to the hilltop village for stunning panoramic views of Lake Como. Opens from 6:15am to 7:30pm.
EUR6 round trip, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Sociale

Traditional Italian cuisine in Como’s historic district. Open 12pm.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Take a 2-hour boat trip visiting Bellagio and Varenna, famous lakeside towns.
EUR25, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll Como Old Town

Explore charming streets, shops, and lakeside promenade before returning to Milan or staying overnight.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Gatto Nero (if staying overnight nearby)

Dining with spectacular lake views, savor fine local dishes in Cernobbio area. Open evenings.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cinque Terre Exploration

Cinque Terre, Italy on April 29, 2025

6:00am

Early train to La Spezia and Cinque Terre

From Como or Milan, take early train to La Spezia (~4-5 hrs), then local train to Cinque Terre villages.
EUR50, 5h

11:30am

Breakfast/Late Brunch at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Famous for views and fresh focaccia sandwiches. Opens later morning, perfect for arrival meal.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Hike or train between villages

Walk scenic trails or take short train rides to visit Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
EUR16 for Cinque Terre Card (includes trails and trains), 3h

4:00pm

Relax on Monterosso Beach

Enjoy some beach time and local gelato at the largest beach in Cinque Terre.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky, Monterosso

Well-regarded seafood restaurant featuring fresh Ligurian dishes, open for dinner from 7pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Pisa & Departure

Pisa, Italy on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Train to Pisa

Short train ride (~1.5 hrs) from La Spezia to Pisa for a half-day visit of the historic center.
EUR10, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Italiano

Delicious coffee and pastries near the Leaning Tower area. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h30m

10:00am

Leaning Tower of Pisa & Piazza dei Miracoli

Visit the famous leaning tower and surrounding architectural marvels including the cathedral and baptistery. Opens at 9am.
EUR25 (tower climb included), 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Tana dei Golosi

Casual restaurant specializing in Tuscan cuisine, close to the tower. Opens at 12pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Departure / Travel to airport

Depending on flight or next destination, arrange transport to Pisa International Airport or train station.
Varies, Varies
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