8-Day Italy and Crete Journey: Rome, Florence, Venice & Crete with Hotels and Transport Included

Day 1: Arrival & Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on July 14, 2025

9:00am

Hotel Check-In at Hotel Artemide

Located in central Rome, this 4-star hotel offers elegant rooms and easy access to major attractions.
EUR180, 0h30m

10:00am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Discover iconic Roman history with a guided 3-hour tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. Open 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR18, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine like carbonara served in a traditional, lively atmosphere. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Pantheon and Piazza Navona Stroll

Walk to the Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture, then relax at famous Piazza Navona, about 1h30m total.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Hotel Rest

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Included in hotel, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Ingegno

Savor gourmet dishes like saltimbocca in an elegant setting near Piazza Navona. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican & Baroque Rome

Rome, Italy on July 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Artemide

Enjoy a buffet breakfast featuring fresh pastries, fruit, and Italian coffee.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore one of the world’s greatest art collections, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Opens 9:00am, book skip-the-line tickets (EUR30).
EUR30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Famous for gourmet Roman pizza by the slice, open 12:00pm–7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

St. Peter’s Basilica & Square

Visit the world’s largest church and admire Bernini’s colonnade outside. Basilica open 7:00am–7:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Train to Florence (Frecciarossa)

High-speed train takes about 1h30m, comfortable and scenic.
EUR50, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in Hotel L'Orologio Firenze

Luxury hotel in Florence city center, walking distance to main sites.
EUR200, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Popular for Tuscan specialties and casual ambience. Open 7:00pm–10:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Florence Renaissance

Florence, Italy on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel L'Orologio

Buffet with Italian pastries and coffee.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Visit extensive Renaissance art collection including Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Opens 8:15am–6:50pm.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Casual food hall offering a variety of Italian street foods and fresh ingredients.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Climb the Duomo and visit Baptistery

Climb 463 steps for panoramic Florence views, Duomo open 10:00am–5:00pm.
EUR18, 2h0m

4:30pm

Ponte Vecchio Walk

Explore the iconic medieval bridge lined with shops.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Hotel Rest

Relax at the hotel before dinner.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

A cozy spot with authentic Tuscan dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina. Open 7:00pm–10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Venice Canals

Venice, Italy on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel L'Orologio

Enjoy a leisurely Italian breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Venice Santa Lucia

High-speed train approx 2h, scenic route into the lagoon city.
EUR45, 2h0m

10:30am

Check-in at Hotel Antiche Figure

Charming hotel on Grand Canal close to train station.
EUR220, 0h30m

11:00am

Explore St. Mark’s Square & Basilica

Visit Venice’s iconic piazza and stunning Byzantine basilica. Basilica opens 9:30am–5:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Quadri

Elegant Venetian dining overlooking St. Mark’s Square, open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Gondola Ride

Classic 30-minute ride through picturesque canals, best booked in advance.
EUR80, 0h30m

3:30pm

Visit Doge’s Palace

Explore the seat of Venetian government and gothic masterpiece. Open 10:00am–7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

6:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Relax and refresh before dinner.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Known for fresh seafood specialties, cozy atmosphere. Open 7:00pm–10:30pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Crete Arrival and Beach

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Antiche Figure

Start with Italian pastries and coffee.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight Venice to Heraklion

Direct flight taking approx 2h15m to Heraklion, Crete airport (HER).
EUR150, 2h15m

11:00am

Hotel Check-in at Aquila Atlantis Hotel

4-star hotel with easy city and beach access.
EUR130, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Peskesi

Rustic Cretan tavern serving farm-to-table local dishes. Open 12:00pm–4:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at Ammoudara Beach

Spend the afternoon lounging on one of Heraklion’s most popular sandy beaches.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Heraklion Port Area

Enjoy a stroll along the charming waterfront and historic Venetian harbor.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Paralia Seaside Restaurant

Seafood restaurant overlooking the sea, open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Knossos & Culture

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Full Greek style breakfast buffet included.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Palace of Knossos

Explore the legendary Minoan ruins and mythological site. Open 8:00am–8:00pm.
EUR16, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ippokambos Beach Bar

Relax with fresh fish right on the beach, open 12:00pm–7:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Museum housing Minoan civilization artifacts, open 8:30am–7:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Shopping in Heraklion Old Town

Browse local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional products.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Hotel Rest

Relax after a full cultural day.
Included, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kastro Restaurant

A traditional Cretan tavern with an elegant setting. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Crete Beach & Relax

Crete, Greece on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a satisfying buffet breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach

Relax on one of Crete’s most famous pink sandy beaches, approx 2h drive each way.
EUR70 for private transfer, 7h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hotel

Rest and freshen up after full day out.
Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Peskesi

Celebrate your last evening with Cretan specialties in a farmhouse setting.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure Day

Heraklion, Crete, Greece on July 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final relaxing breakfast at hotel before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Hotel Check-out and Taxi to Heraklion Airport

Arranged taxi will take approx 20 minutes to airport.
EUR25, 0h30m

11:00am

Flight Home or onwards

Departure flight based on your plans.
Varies, Varies
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