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Italy Highlights: Milan, Venice, Rome, and Florence 11-Day Semi-Relaxed Itinerary with Lake Como & Pisa Day Trips

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Day 1: Arrival & Milan City

Milan, Italy on May 4, 2025

06:45am

Arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). Take a taxi (~50 mins) to the hotel for convenience given the early hour and luggage.
CURRENCY0, 1h

08:00am

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Check in at your hotel and freshen up. Early check-in might be subject to availability, but luggage can be stored.
CURRENCY0, 1h

09:00am

Breakfast at Joia – Michelin Star Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a vegetarian gourmet breakfast at Joia, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative vegetarian dishes.
EUR40, 1h

10:15am

Duomo di Milano & Rooftop Tour

Visit the iconic Milan Cathedral with access to the rooftop terraces for panoramic city views. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping & Exploration

Explore the historic Galleria shopping arcade featuring luxury shops and cafés. Vegetarian lunch options available at Luini’s.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Flower Burger (Vegetarian Burger Joint)

Enjoy innovative plant-based gourmet burgers in a vibrant setting, open 12:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:45pm

Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione Walk

Visit the historical Sforza Castle and relax in Parco Sempione park nearby, great for photos and a gentle stroll.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Rest and refresh at the hotel before dinner.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Radicetonda – Vegan & Organic

Dine in this popular vegan restaurant offering creative Italian dishes using local organic produce.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:00pm

La Scala Opera or Teatro alla Scala Museum Visit

Attend an opera performance if scheduled or tour the La Scala Museum to appreciate Milan’s cultural heritage. Check May 4 listings in advance, opera typically around 8:00pm start.
EUR50-150, 2h
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Day 2: Lake Como Day Trip

Milan & Lake Como, Italy on May 5, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start early with fresh pastries and coffee at this well-loved bakery open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 30m

08:15am

Train to Como San Giovanni

Take Trenitalia train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni (approx 40 mins).
EUR10, 40m

09:00am

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Take a guided boat tour to explore picturesque lakeside towns such as Bellagio and Varenna. Tours start around 9:00am and last 3-4 hours.
EUR30, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Punta, Bellagio

Enjoy lakeside vegetarian options including fresh salads and risotto at this beautiful spot open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:45pm

Explore Bellagio & Varenna

Leisurely stroll through Bellagio’s cobblestone streets and Varenna’s charming waterfront.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Milan by Train

Train from Como San Giovanni back to Milano Centrale. Taxi to hotel for convenience.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Joia (if missed first day) or Veggy Days

Joia is a fine dining option, or choose Veggy Days for casual vegetarian and vegan Milanese cuisine, open till 11:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:00pm

Evening Walk around Navigli District

Explore canalside bars and cafés for a relaxed evening ambiance; a great place for gelato or drink.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Venice & Explore

Venice, Italy on May 6, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Pasticceria Marchini

Have a fresh pastry and cappuccino before departing Milan.
EUR10, 30m

08:10am

Train Milano Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia

Take Trenitalia Frecciarossa direct train, journey approximately 2h30m.
EUR40, 2h30m

10:45am

Check-in at Venice Hotel & Freshen Up

Upon arrival, take water taxi or vaporetto (public water bus) to hotel, then rest.
EUR30 (water taxi), 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Tecia Vegana

Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine adapted for vegans in a cozy setting; open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

St Mark’s Square & Basilica Visit

Visit famous St Mark’s Square and Basilica (check opening 9:30am-5:00pm). Note restricted access near Vatican due to Papal election does not affect Venice.
EUR5 (Basilica entry free, museum extra), 2h

3:30pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore this historic palace and prison with stunning art and architecture, open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

5:15pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic 30-minute gondola ride through Venetian canals. Best time late afternoon to avoid crowds.
EUR80, 30m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Rest and prepare for dinner.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Reserve a table for delectable vegetarian and seafood Venetian dishes at this Michelin recommended restaurant.
EUR50, 1h30m

9:30pm

Evening Walk along the Grand Canal

Enjoy the magical view of Venice by night along the Grand Canal.
CURRENCY0, 1h
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Day 4: Venice Full Day

Venice, Italy on May 7, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at Farini

Artisanal bakery with great vegetarian-friendly breakfast options, open 7:30am.
EUR10, 45m

09:00am

Murano and Burano Islands Excursion

Take vaporetto to Murano glass-making island, then continue to colourful Burano. Full day trip lasting ~6 hours.
EUR25, 6h

3:00pm

Return to Venice Main Island

Vaporetto back to central Venice for rest before evening.
Included above, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore one of Europe’s premier modern art museums, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to hotel

Prepare for dinner and evening relaxation.
CURRENCY0, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Zucca

Casual Michelin guide restaurant with strong vegetarian and vegan options specialising in seasonal Venetian cuisine.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30pm

Attend Teatro La Fenice Performance

Catch an opera, ballet or concert at Venice’s renowned opera house; check May 7 schedule for bookings. Show typically 8:00pm–10:30pm.
EUR60-120, 2h
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Day 5: Travel & Explore Rome

Rome, Italy on May 8, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or pasticceria nearby

Light breakfast before departure.
EUR10, 30m

08:00am

Train Venice Santa Lucia to Roma Termini

Take Trenitalia Frecciarossa train; journey approx 3h45m. Prefer first class for extra comfort.
EUR60, 3h45m

12:00pm

Taxi to Hotel & Check-in

Taxi from Rome Termini to centrally located hotel to store luggage and freshen up.
EUR15, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rifugio Romano

A great vegetarian-friendly restaurant near Termini, offering Italian classics with vegan options, open 12:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Colosseum & Roman Forum Visit

Explore these iconic ancient Roman sites; book skip-the-line tickets. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR18, 2h30m

5:15pm

Walk to Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Stroll through historic streets, enjoy these iconic landmarks.
CURRENCY0, 1h

6:30pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Short rest before dinner.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Margutta RistorArte

Michelin recommended vegetarian and vegan restaurant, featuring creative Italian dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m

9:30pm

Evening Walk or Gelato at Piazza Navona

Relax at one of Rome’s beautiful squares, ideal for gelato and people-watching.
EUR10, 1h
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Day 6: Rome Vatican & City

Rome, Italy on May 9, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at Ecru

Healthy, vegetarian-friendly café with fresh juices and pastries, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 30m

08:30am

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Important note: Possible limitations due to Papal election - check access and opening times in advance. Museums usually open 9:00am-6:00pm; booking tickets online recommended.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ops! Cucina Mediterranea

Innovative vegetarian buffet-style restaurant near Vatican, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

St Peter’s Basilica and Square

Visit the iconic Basilica and Saint Peter’s Square, open generally until 6:30pm. Note access adjustments given Papal election events.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Villa Borghese Gardens

A spacious park ideal for a relaxed afternoon walk or renting a bike. Open 7:00am-9:00pm.
CURRENCY0, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Prepare for dinner and evening programme.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rifugio Romano

Return to this vegetarian-friendly restaurant or try La Capra Campa for vegan specialties.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30pm

Teatro dell'Opera di Roma Performance

Optional evening activity enjoying opera or ballet performances; check May 9 listings ahead of time.
EUR50-100, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Florence & Explore

Florence, Italy on May 10, 2025

07:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Caffè Gilli

Classic Italian breakfast in historic café, open from 7:00am.
EUR12, 45m

08:15am

Train Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella

Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo train, approx 1hr30m journey.
EUR35, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in & Freshen Up

Taxi from train station to hotel, rest and prepare for tour.
EUR10, 30m

11:00am

Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) Visit

Visit the Cathedral with its famous dome, Baptistery, and climb to the dome roof. Open from 10:00am-5:30pm.
EUR20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Il Vegano

Highly rated vegan restaurant close to the Duomo offering Tuscan specialities, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:45pm

Ponte Vecchio and Riverside Walk

Relaxing walk across this famous medieval bridge and along the Arno river.
CURRENCY0, 1h

4:00pm

Bobboli Gardens Visit

Visit these stunning Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace. Open 8:15am to 7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel & Evening Rest

Relax before dinner.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Raccolta

Organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant serving traditional Tuscan dishes, open until 10:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Pisa Half Day Trip

Florence & Pisa, Italy on May 11, 2025

07:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for half-day trip.
CURRENCY0, 30m

08:30am

Train Florence to Pisa Centrale

Regional train approx 1h journey each way.
EUR10 round trip, 1h

09:30am

Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa & Piazza dei Miracoli

Explore the famous tower, cathedral and baptistery. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR25 (include tower climb), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Universo Vegano, Pisa

Popular vegan restaurant in Pisa with Tuscan and international dishes, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Florence by Train

Relax on the train back to Florence station.
Included above, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s greatest art museums, open 8:15am-6:50pm. Book tickets in advance.
EUR25, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Relax after museum visit.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Universo Vegano (for casual option in Florence)

Alternatively, try this cosy spot in Florence for excellent vegan food.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Shopping Day in Florence

Florence, Italy on May 12, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Specialty coffee and vegetarian-friendly pastries, opens at 8am.
EUR10, 45m

09:00am

Shopping at San Lorenzo Market & Leather District

Shop for leather goods, scarves, art, and souvenirs. Ideal for Italian handcrafted gifts. Markets open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Variable, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Raccolta

Organic vegetarian restaurant nearby offering light yet fulfilling lunch options.
EUR25, 1h

1:45pm

Shopping at Via de’ Tornabuoni

Enjoy luxury shopping on this famous street featuring brands such as Gucci, Ferragamo, and Prada.
Variable, 3h

5:00pm

Coffee Break at Caffè Rivoire

Historic café on Piazza della Signoria, ideal for a relaxing coffee and cake.
EUR12, 30m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel & Rest

Prepare for your last dinner in Florence.
CURRENCY0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Vegetariano

Highly recommended casual vegetarian restaurant with excellent Tuscan dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Florence to Milan Departure

Florence to Milan, Italy on May 13, 2025

08:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before checkout.
CURRENCY0, 30m

09:00am

Morning Leisure for Final Stroll or Coffee

Enjoy a relaxing last walk or café visit near the hotel before departure.
EUR10, 2h

11:30am

Checkout and Taxi to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station

Taxi for convenience with luggage.
EUR10, 30m

12:10pm

Train Florence to Milan Centrale

Take Trenitalia Frecciarossa direct train approx 2h, arrive early enough for shopping at Milan Centrale or directly travel to airport via Malpensa Express train.
EUR40, 2h

2:30pm

Shopping Time at Milan Centrale or 10:00pm Flight to consider airport

Option for last minute shopping at Milan Centrale retail shops or catch Malpensa Express train (~1h) to airport in late afternoon. Departure at 22:50 requires arrival at least 3h early (~19:30).
Variable, 6h

7:30pm

Malpensa Express Train to Milan Airport

Take train to airport ensuring timely check-in and security clearance.
EUR15, 1h20m

10:50pm

Flight Departure

Depart Milan Malpensa Airport on your evening flight.
CURRENCY0, N/A
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