Ultimate 5-Day Italy Exploration Itinerary - From Rome to Venice

Day 1: Historic Rome

Rome, Italy on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy fresh pasta and Italian coffee at this popular spot near the Spanish Steps, open from 7:30am, perfect to fuel your Roman adventure.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Colosseum Tour

Explore the iconic Roman Colosseum, learning about the ancient gladiatorial contests and architecture. Open 9am-7pm, book tickets in advance.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the ruins of the political and social center of ancient Rome, coupled with Palatine Hill's legendary origins. Tickets often combined with Colosseum.
EUR16, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Enzo al 29

Authentic Roman trattoria in Trastevere serving classic dishes like carbonara, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Stroll to these iconic landmarks, toss a coin into the fountain for good luck, and enjoy vibrant street life. Always open.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Pantheon Visit

Admire the architectural marvel of this nearly 2000-year-old temple, open until 7pm.
EUR5, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Ingegno

Dine on refined Roman cuisine in a stylish setting near Piazza Navona, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Florence Art Scene

Florence, Italy on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start with great coffee and pastries at Florence’s historic café open from 7am.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Discover the world’s greatest Renaissance art collection including works by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Open 8:15am-6:50pm, advance booking recommended.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Ponte Vecchio Walk

Walk the picturesque medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops spanning the Arno River.
Free, 0h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes at this lively spot popular with locals, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) & Baptistery

Climb Brunelleschi's Dome for panoramic city views and explore the Baptistery’s stunning mosaics, open 10am-5pm.
EUR18, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Savor a romantic Tuscan meal at this famed restaurant, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pisa & Lucca

Pisa and Lucca, Italy on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Corte Nostrana, Pisa

Start your day with cappuccino and pastries nearby the Leaning Tower.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:30am

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb the famous tower and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli. Open 9am-8pm, book tickets in advance.
EUR20, 1h30m

10:30am

Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery

Visit these magnificent Romanesque monuments right next to the tower, open 9am-7pm.
Included with tower ticket, 1h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Lucca

Short 30-minute train ride to charming Lucca for a peaceful afternoon.
EUR5, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Da Leo, Lucca

Relish traditional Tuscan cuisine in Lucca’s historic center, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bike Lucca’s Renaissance Walls

Rent a bike and cycle atop the well-preserved city walls offering lovely views, bike rental opens 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Lucca Cathedral

Explore this beautiful Romanesque cathedral in the city center, open until 7pm.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Baralla

Dine on carefully prepared local specialties in a cozy atmosphere, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cinque Terre Hiking

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Fuel up early for your day hiking the spectacular coastal trails of Cinque Terre with local espresso and pastries.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Cinque Terre Hiking Trail

Hike between the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, enjoying stunning sea views. Trails open all day.
EUR16 (Cinque Terre Card for trails and train), 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Vernazza at Belforte

Stop for fresh seafood with a terrace view over the harbor, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax in Riomaggiore

Explore this charming village’s shops and seaside promenade, perfect for a late afternoon unwind.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky, Monterosso

Celebrate a day of hiking with beautiful Ligurian cuisine near the beach, open 7pm-10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Venetian Canals

Venice, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Taste decadent pastries and strong Italian coffee at this popular Venetian pastry shop, open from 7am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit this stunning cathedral known for its golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture, open 9:30am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Doge’s Palace

Tour the historic seat of Venetian power with lavish rooms and famous Bridge of Sighs, open 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Enjoy Venetian seafood specialties in a lively setting, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water with a classic gondola ride through the canals, available all day.
EUR80, 0h30m

4:00pm

Explore Rialto Market

Experience the vibrant market for fresh produce, fish, and local culture, open early morning till mid-afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Conclude your trip with excellent Venetian cuisine in a small, acclaimed restaurant, open 7pm-11pm, reservation required.
EUR50, 1h30m
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