14-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Italy: From Rome to Venice

Day 1: Arrival and Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy traditional Italian pastries and espresso in this charming Roman café open from 7am, perfect to energize your first day.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:30am

Colosseum Tour

Explore the iconic Roman amphitheatre, a symbol of ancient engineering and gladiatorial history. Tours run from 9am to 7pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Taste classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe in a traditional trattoria near the city centre, open from noon.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through Rome’s ancient heart with ruins and archaeological treasures. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll at Piazza Navona

Enjoy the baroque fountains, street artists, and lively atmosphere. Open all day, free entry.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Savour fresh handmade pasta in this authentic Roman eatery, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Vatican Exploration

Rome, Italy on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start early with delicious cornetti and cappuccino in one of Rome’s best pastry shops, opens at 7:30am.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Discover vast art collections and Michelangelo’s famous ceiling fresco; tickets require advance booking. Open 9am to 6pm.
EUR28, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Enjoy gourmet pizza by the slice renowned in Rome, open from 11:30am to 9:30pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

St Peter's Basilica and Dome Climb

Visit the world’s largest church with its impressive dome offering panoramic views. Open 7am to 7pm; dome climb closes by 6pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Castel Sant'Angelo

Enjoy the museum and the fortress with views over the Tiber River. Open 9am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Treat yourself to Michelin-starred dining with a view of the Colosseum. Reservation recommended; open from 7pm.
EUR90, 2h0m

Day 3: Train to Florence and Art Immersion

Florence, Italy on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick Italian breakfast before heading to the station.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Train Rome to Florence

Take the high-speed train (about 1.5 hours) to Florence, departing from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
EUR45, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in and freshen up

Arrive at your central Florence hotel and prepare for the day’s sightseeing.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Explore Renaissance masterpieces at this world-renowned museum; open 8:15am-6:50pm. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
EUR20, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Authentic Tuscan cuisine in a lively atmosphere, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Florence Cathedral & Baptistery

Admire the Duomo’s striking dome and intricate decorations; the cathedral complex is open 10am-5pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Ponte Vecchio stroll

Walk along the historic bridge lined with jewellery shops, open all day, free entry.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Enjoy a romantic dinner serving refined Tuscan dishes in a historic palazzo, open from 7pm.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 4: Florence and Tuscan Countryside

Florence, Italy on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start with artisan coffee and pastries in a trendy café, open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

Marvel at Michelangelo’s David statue and other Renaissance artworks; open 8:15am-6:50pm, pre-book tickets.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Half-day Chianti Wine Tour

Depart for a guided afternoon tour of Chianti’s vineyards, including tastings and lunch. Typically starts mid-morning.
EUR85, 5h0m

5:00pm

Return to Florence and rest

Take some time to freshen up after wine tasting.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito

Popular for its rustic Florentine dishes and lively ambience, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before checking out.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Train Florence to La Spezia

Take the train to La Spezia (about 2.5 hours) and then transfer to the Cinque Terre villages.
EUR30, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in at Cinque Terre accommodation

Settle into your accommodation in one of the villages like Monterosso or Vernazza.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Miky in Monterosso

Fresh seafood with stunning sea views, open from 12pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Monterosso Beach and Old Town

Relax on the sandy beach and wander through the charming streets, open all day, free entry.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk the Monterosso to Vernazza trail

Hike the famous coastal path with panoramic views, usually open from dawn to dusk. 2 hours approx.
EUR7 (Cinque Terre Card), 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Belforte Restaurant in Vernazza

Enjoy cliffside dining overlooking the sea with local specialties; open from 7pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 6: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Enoteca Il Pirun in Vernazza

Grab coffee and local pastries while watching the harbour come to life, opens early morning.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Corniglia

Explore the smallest village perched on cliffs, open all day. Accessible by train or hiking.
EUR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nessun Dorma in Manarola

Light lunch with local focaccia and wine, renowned for spectacular views, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Manarola and visit the Church of San Lorenzo

Enjoy the colourful harbour and visit this 14th-century church, open during the day.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and swim at Manarola seaside

Spend a leisurely afternoon swimming or sunbathing by the rocky coastline.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Return to Monterosso for dinner

Head back to Monterosso to prepare for dinner.
EUR0, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Ely

Family-run restaurant serving regional dishes in a cosy setting, open 7pm onwards.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Cinque Terre before departure.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Train Cinque Terre to Milan

Travel by train via La Spezia; total duration about 3.5 hours, arriving early afternoon.
EUR40, 3h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch near Milan Central Station

Have a relaxed lunch at Luini Panzerotti, famous for its delicious stuffed pastries, open 10am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Milan Cathedral (Duomo) Visit

Explore this spectacular Gothic cathedral and rooftop terraces. Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll Italy’s oldest shopping mall filled with boutiques and cafes, open all day.
EUR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Walk to Sforza Castle

Visit the historic castle and its museum courtyards open until 7:30pm; perfect for an early evening stroll.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Modern Milanese cuisine in a stylish former industrial building, open from 7pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 8: Art and Shopping

Milan, Italy on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pavé

Start the day with artisanal pastries and coffee; opens at 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Santa Maria delle Grazie – The Last Supper

Book well in advance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. Viewings typically last 15 minutes, museum open 8:15am-7pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

10:30am

Brera District Walk and Pinacoteca di Brera

Visit the charming artistic quarter and renowned art gallery. Gallery open 10am-7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at N’Ombra de Vin

Wine bar serving excellent regional dishes, open from noon.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping at Via Montenapoleone

Explore Milan’s luxury fashion street, open mid-morning to early evening.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Sempione Park

Great spot for a stroll or rest near the castle, open all day.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Langosteria

Seafood-focused fine dining, reservation recommended, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR70, 1h30m

Day 9: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before departing for Venice.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Train Milan to Venice

Take a high-speed train to Venice Santa Lucia station, about 2.5 hours travel.
EUR40, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Trattoria alla Madonna

Famous Venetian seafood dishes nearby Rialto Bridge, open from noon.
EUR35, 1h0m

1:00pm

Rialto Bridge and Market

Visit the iconic marketplace and bridge, open all day, free entry.
EUR0, 1h0m

2:30pm

St Mark’s Square and Basilica

Explore Venice’s stunning main square and magnificent basilica, open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR5, 2h0m

5:00pm

Campanile di San Marco

Climb or take the lift to enjoy panoramic views over Venice. Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Small, highly regarded seafood osteria with local flavours. Reservation required, open until 11pm.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 10: Venice Island Exploration

Venice, Italy on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Traditional Venetian sweet pastries and coffee, open from 7am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Murano Island Glass Tour

Visit Murano’s famous glass workshops and museum. Ferries run regularly; the museum is open 10am-5pm.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Murano at Venissa

Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant on Murano with local ingredients.
EUR60, 1h30m

2:30pm

Burano Island Visit

Famous for colourful houses and lace-making, explore the picturesque village, open all day.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Venice city centre

Relax back at your hotel or explore more on foot.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Authentic Venetian seafood in a cosy setting, popular with locals, reservation recommended.
EUR55, 1h30m

Day 11: Art and Gondola Ride

Venice, Italy on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Colazione da Bianca

Enjoy a local café atmosphere and pastries starting early morning.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the historic palace with its stunning interiors and Bridge of Sighs access. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Gondola Ride

Glide through the canals with a traditional gondolier. Rides last around 30-40 minutes.
EUR80, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Alla Madonna

Classic Venetian dining just a short walk from the gondola pick-up. Open for lunch noon to 3pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Modern art museum in a beautiful palazzo, open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset walk along the Zattere

Enjoy stunning views of the Giudecca canal, perfect for photos and relaxation.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Return to savour Venetian seafood specialties in an intimate setting.
EUR55, 1h30m

Day 12: Day Trip to Verona

Verona, Italy on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before catching an early train to Verona.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Train Venice to Verona

Travel to Verona in about 1.5 hours by train.
EUR25, 1h30m

9:30am

Verona Arena Tour

Visit the Roman amphitheatre that hosts operas and events, open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:00am

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)

See the famous balcony linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, open 8:30am-7:30pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Traditional Veronese cuisine with rustic feel, open from noon.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti

Explore the lively market square and climb the tower for views; tower open 10am-6:30pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

5:00pm

Train Verona to Venice

Return to Venice for overnight stay.
EUR25, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Alla Madonna

Relax with Venetian classics close to your hotel.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 13: Venice Leisure Day

Venice, Italy on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Recharge with local pastries and coffee before a day of leisure.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Jewish Ghetto

Visit one of Europe’s oldest Jewish quarters with museums and synagogues, open daily.
EUR10, 2h0m

11:30am

Murano or Lido beach afternoon

Choose to revisit Murano for shopping or relax at the Lido beach, accessible by vaporetto.
EUR20, 3h0m

3:00pm

Coffee break at Caffè Florian

Historic café in St Mark’s Square, open from morning till late, ideal for a late afternoon treat.
EUR15, 0h45m

5:00pm

Last-minute shopping and strolling

Explore lesser-known canals and artisan shops for souvenirs and memories.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Quadri Restaurant

Enjoy an elegant Venetian dinner with views over St Mark’s Square, reservation recommended.
EUR85, 2h0m

Day 14: Departure Day

Venice, Italy on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a light breakfast before heading to the airport.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:00am

Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport

Arrange airport shuttle or water taxi for onward travel.
EUR30, 1h0m