Ultimate 9-Day Itinerary: Rome, Florence, Venice & Crete in July 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on July 14, 2025

9:00am

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Artemide

Check into Hotel Artemide in central Rome, known for its comfort and excellent location near Via Nazionale.
EUR180, 1h

10:30am

Colosseum Visit

Explore the iconic Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and immerse yourself in Roman history.
EUR16, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Enjoy classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe in this traditional trattoria near the Colosseum.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, giving insight into the heart of ancient Rome.
EUR16, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure Walk at Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain

Stroll through beautiful squares and toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Dine at Roscioli, a gourmet delicatessen and restaurant offering a refined take on authentic Roman cuisine.
EUR50, 1.5h
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Day 2: Vatican and Baroque Rome

Rome, Italy on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella

Enjoy freshly baked Sicilian pastries and excellent coffee at the historic Panella bakery.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Guided tour through the extensive Vatican Museums, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
EUR30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Authentic Roman and Mediterranean dishes just steps from the Vatican.
EUR35, 1h

2:30pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the world's largest church, marveling at Michelangelo's Pietà and climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Villa Borghese Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride on the small lake in these expansive gardens in Rome’s city center.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Ingegno

Delight in modern Italian cuisine with views of the Pantheon nearby.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Travel to Florence & Renaissance Art

Florence, Italy on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Artemide

Quick breakfast at the hotel to prepare for departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Florence

Take the high-speed train from Rome Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station (about 1.5 hours).
EUR50, 1h30m

11:30am

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Brunelleschi

Check into Hotel Brunelleschi, located in the historic center near the Duomo.
EUR200, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina.
EUR40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Pre-book tickets for entry.
EUR25, 2h

4:30pm

Ponte Vecchio and Walk along Arno River

Stroll the famous medieval bridge and enjoy charming views of the Arno River.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Experience traditional Florentine cooking in a lively and authentic setting.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 4: Florence Museums & Views

Florence, Italy on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Coffee and pastries at this trendy café perfect to start the day.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Accademia Gallery

Visit to see Michelangelo’s David and impressive Renaissance sculptures.
EUR16, 1.5h

11:30am

Climb Duomo and Baptistery Visit

Climb the Brunelleschi Dome for iconic views and explore the Baptistery’s bronze doors.
EUR25, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample a variety of Italian street food in this bustling market setting.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Boboli Gardens Visit

Wander through the historic gardens behind Pitti Palace for beautiful landscaping and sculptures.
EUR10, 1.5h

6:00pm

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Enjoy panoramic views of Florence’s skyline at sunset.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Enoteca Fuori Porta

A perfect spot for Tuscan wines paired with refined regional dishes.
EUR50, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel to Venice & Canals

Venice, Italy on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Brunelleschi

Quick breakfast to start the travel day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

High-speed train to Venice

Travel from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Venice Santa Lucia in roughly 2 hours.
EUR60, 2h

11:30am

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Ala

Stay at this charming hotel near Rialto Bridge with easy access to main sites.
EUR210, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Renowned for fresh seafood and Venetian specialties in an intimate setting.
EUR55, 1h

2:00pm

St. Mark's Basilica & Square

Visit the breathtaking basilica with Byzantine mosaics; explore lively St. Mark’s Square.
EUR5 (basilica entry is free but some parts charge), 2h

4:30pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Discover the history of Venetian rulers in this grand gothic palace including the Bridge of Sighs.
EUR25, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Take a short boat ride to Burano for this colorful island dining experience focusing on seafood.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 6: Venice Canals & Islands

Venice, Italy on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Famous for its pastries and cappuccino, a Venetian local favorite.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Gondola Ride

Experience a romantic gondola ride through Venice’s quieter canals, lasting about 30-40 minutes.
EUR80, 45m

10:30am

Murano Island Glass Museum

Visit Murano to learn about centuries-old Venetian glassmaking traditions.
EUR12 (museum entry), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Busa alla Torre

Enjoy Venetian classics on Murano island near the museum.
EUR35, 1h

2:30pm

Leisurely Walk and Shopping at Rialto Market

Explore Rialto Market’s fresh produce, fish stalls, and local crafts.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Modern art museum featuring works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí in Peggy’s former home.
EUR15, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine far from the tourist crowds in this beloved spot.
EUR60, 1.5h
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Day 7: Flight to Crete & Beach Relaxation

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 20, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab breakfast early before travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport

Taxi or water taxi to reach airport for morning flight.
EUR35, 1h

10:00am

Flight Venice to Heraklion

Direct flight approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to Heraklion, Crete.
EUR120, 2h15m

1:30pm

Hotel Check-in at Lato Boutique Hotel

Stay near Heraklion in this modern boutique hotel with sea views.
EUR150, 1h

2:30pm

Lunch at Ippokambos

Try fresh Cretan seafood and local dishes right by the sea.
EUR30, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Amoudara Beach

Spend the afternoon at Amoudara Beach enjoying the sun and Mediterranean waters.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Peskesi

Experience traditional Cretan cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients in a rustic setting.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Heraklion History & Culture

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before the day’s adventures.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Palace of Knossos

Explore the impressive Minoan archaeological site, the legendary labyrinth of King Minos. The site opens at 8am and closes at 8pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Discover rich Minoan artifacts from Knossos and other Cretan sites in this top museum.
EUR12, 1.5h

1:45pm

Lunch at Kanaloa

Enjoy fresh, creative Mediterranean dishes on the Heraklion seafront.
EUR35, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Heraklion Old Town

Wander through vibrant streets, visiting local shops, fountains, and Venetian walls.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Coffee at Kafeneio Mezedopoleio

Relax with traditional Greek coffee and homemade sweets in a cozy setting.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Dine facing the sea enjoying fresh fish and authentic Cretan recipes.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 9: Departure

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Hotel Check-out

Early breakfast and check-out from Lato Boutique Hotel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Heraklion Airport

Taxi to airport for departure flight.
EUR25, 30m

TBD

Flight Departure

Depart from Heraklion airport to your next destination or home.
Varies, Varies
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