Classic Italy and Crete: A 9-Day Summer Journey from Rome to Venice and Beyond

Day 1: Ancient Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy on July 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffe

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto in this popular Roman cafe, open from 7am to 10pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:45am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore Rome's iconic amphitheater and ancient ruins with a guided tour, open daily 8:30am to 7pm. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
EUR18, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo

Taste authentic Roman dishes like carbonara in this cozy trattoria in Trastevere neighborhood, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica

Marvel at art masterpieces including the Sistine Chapel; museums open 9am to 6pm (last entry 4pm). Basilica open 7am to 7pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

6:00pm

Piazza Navona and Evening Stroll

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, street artists, and fountains in this beautiful Baroque square. Free to visit.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Da Felice

Savor traditional Roman cuisine with a focus on simple, fresh ingredients; open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Florence Renaissance Art

Florence, Italy on July 15, 2025

7:30am

Train to Florence

Take an early high-speed train from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella, duration approx. 1h30m.
EUR45, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Indulge in an elegant breakfast in this historic Florentine café, open 7am to 8pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:45am

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Discover Renaissance art masterpieces including Botticelli and Michelangelo; open 8:15am to 6:50pm, last entry 6:20pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in a lively, no-reservations space, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Climb the Duomo

Ascend Brunelleschi's Dome for stunning panoramic city views; open 8:30am to 7pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll Along Ponte Vecchio

Walk the famous medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops and enjoy sunset views over the Arno River. Free to walk.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor authentic Florentine cuisine in a small and cozy setting; open 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Venice Canal Charm

Venice, Italy on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Train to Venice

Travel from Florence to Venice Santa Lucia station by high-speed train (approx. 2h).
EUR40, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your Venice day with coffee and pastries in this well-loved Venetian bakery, open 7am to 8pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

11:30am

St. Mark’s Basilica and Square

Visit the stunning basilica and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the piazza; Basilica open 9:30am to 5pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Relish delicious Venetian seafood and cicchetti in an intimate setting; open 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:30pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s iconic canals on a traditional gondola ride lasting about 30-40 minutes; prices vary.
EUR80, 0h40m

3:30pm

Visit Doge’s Palace

Explore the historic palace with art and architecture; open 9am to 7pm, last entry 6pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

6:30pm

Walk the Rialto Bridge and Market

Enjoy the sunset views and browse stalls at the famous Rialto market. Free to visit.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Dine on authentic Venetian specialties in a cozy hidden gem, open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Fly to Crete

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Venice to Heraklion, Crete

Catch an early direct flight, approximately 2 hours; several airlines operate this route in summer.
EUR90, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Kafenion O Kyklos

Enjoy traditional Greek coffee and pastries in central Heraklion, open from 7am to early afternoon.
EUR7, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Explore one of the most important museums showcasing Minoan artifacts; open 8am to 8pm in summer.
EUR12, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Experience authentic Cretan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Knossos Palace

Visit the legendary Minoan palace site near Heraklion; open 8am to 8pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ippokambos

Enjoy fresh seafood by the sea in Heraklion's old harbor area; open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Crete Beach & Villages

Chania, Crete, Greece on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Drive or Bus to Chania

Transfer from Heraklion to Chania (approx 2.5 hours), a scenic coastal town on the northwestern side of Crete.
EUR20, 2h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Koukouvaya

Kickstart your day with breakfast offering great views and healthy options, open from 8am-4pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:15pm

Explore Old Venetian Harbour

Wander through charming streets, old lighthouse, and waterfront cafes in this historic harbor area. Free entry.
EUR0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Salis

Enjoy innovative Cretan dishes using local ingredients in a modern setting; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h15m

3:30pm

Relax at Elafonisi Beach

Spend the afternoon at one of Crete’s most beautiful pink sand beaches, about 1.5 hours from Chania. Free access.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tamam Restaurant

Taste traditional Greek and Cretan dishes in a lively atmosphere; open 7pm to midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Crete Natural Beauty

Chania, Crete, Greece on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe

Start your day with a fresh breakfast featuring local specialties.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Samaria Gorge Hike

Take a full-day hike through Europe’s longest gorge; open 7am to 3pm for entry, allow approx. 5-7 hours hiking time.
EUR5, 7h0m

5:00pm

Return to Chania and Relax

Rest after your hike and enjoy a leisurely evening in the town.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at To Stachi

Relish traditional family-run Cretan dishes emphasizing vegetables and goat cheese; open 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Crete to Rome

Rome, Italy on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Flight Heraklion to Rome

Fly back to Rome, approx. 2 hours flight time.
EUR90, 2h0m

11:00am

Breakfast near airport or hotel

Light breakfast or brunch at a local café upon arrival or hotel check-in.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:00pm

Leisurely Afternoon at Villa Borghese Gardens

Enjoy Rome’s beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and art galleries; open 7am to 8pm.
EUR0, 3h0m

3:30pm

Visit Galleria Borghese

Discover impressive art collection featuring Bernini and Caravaggio; open 9am to 7pm, booking needed.
EUR20, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk and Aperitivo at Trastevere

Explore lively historic district with vibrant nightlife and local bars; perfect for a classic aperitivo experience.
EUR15, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Spirito di Vino

Enjoy refined Roman dishes with an extensive wine list in an elegant setting; open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Rome Iconic Sights

Rome, Italy on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella

Taste freshly baked goods at this historic Roman bakery; open 7am to 8pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda

Visit the best-preserved ancient Roman temple; open 9am to 7pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

10:45am

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Enjoy two of Rome’s most beautiful landmarks, ideal for photos and people watching. Free to visit.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Carbonara

Try classic Roman pasta dishes such as Amatriciana; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

1:30pm

Capitoline Museums

Explore ancient statues and Renaissance art; open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Piazza del Popolo

People watch and enjoy architecture in this large, scenic square. Free to visit.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Celebrate your trip with creative vegetarian and Italian dishes in a stylish atmosphere; open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
EUR0, 1h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Allow ample time for international flight check-in and security.
EUR50, 1h30m
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