10-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Northern and Central Italy

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Milan, Italy on October 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with fresh Italian pastries and coffee at this highly-rated bakery, known for its croissants and focaccia bread, open from 7am to 7pm.
EUR5, 0h45m

10:00am

Duomo di Milano

Visit the iconic Milan Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with stunning rooftop views. Plan for about 1.5 hours to explore the cathedral and rooftop terraces, open from 9am to 7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Enjoy Milanese panzerotti, a delicious local street food, at Luini near the Duomo, open from 10am to 8pm.
EUR7, 1h

1:30pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this historic shopping gallery with upscale boutiques and cafes, a great place for people-watching and photos.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Pinacoteca di Brera

Visit Milan’s famous art gallery housing Renaissance artworks; open 8:30am-7:15pm, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 2h

6:00pm

Aperitivo at Nottingham Forest

Experience Milan’s famous aperitivo culture with creative cocktails and snacks at this innovative bar, open until midnight.
EUR15, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Madonnina

Savor authentic Milanese dishes such as risotto alla Milanese in a cozy traditional atmosphere, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Art and History

Milan, Italy on October 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy a coffee and artisanal pastries at this chic café, open from 8am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper

Pre-book tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper mural; tours begin at 9:30am, limited availability.
EUR20, 1h

11:00am

Sforza Castle

Explore the historic castle and its museums showcasing art, history, and musical instruments, open 9am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Smeraldo

Delight in a variety of Italian delicacies and fresh pasta at this popular food hall, open 10am-11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk in Brera District

Wander through the charming streets of Brera with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Teatro alla Scala Museum

Visit this world-renowned opera house’s museum showcasing costumes, instruments, and history, open 9am-5:30pm.
EUR9, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Cracco

Enjoy refined Italian cuisine with creative twists by Chef Carlo Cracco, reservation recommended, open till 11pm.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 3: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Marchesi 1824

Indulge in exquisite pastries and coffee at this historic Milanese café, open from 7am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Train to Venice

Take a scenic 2.5-hour train ride from Milan to Venice via high-speed train, booked in advance for best prices.
EUR50, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch near Rialto

Settle into your accommodation and grab lunch at Osteria al Portego, known for Venetian cicchetti and seafood, open till 4pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Rialto Bridge and Market

Explore the bustling Rialto Market and walk across the iconic Rialto Bridge for vibrant views.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

St. Mark’s Basilica

Tour the magnificent basilica with its breathtaking mosaics and golden altar, open 9:30am-5pm.
Free entry, EUR3 for museum and terrace, 1h30m

5:00pm

Campanile di San Marco

Climb or take elevator up the bell tower for panoramic views of Venice, open 9:30am-5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Taste traditional Venetian dishes like seafood risotto in a cozy setting, open till 10:30pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Venetian Canals

Venice, Italy on October 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Enjoy quality coffee and fresh pastries in Venice’s Cannaregio district, open from 7am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Doge’s Palace

Tour the impressive Gothic palace highlighting Venetian history and art, open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h

11:30am

Bridge of Sighs

See this famous bridge connected to Doge’s Palace where prisoners passed, included in palace visit.
Included, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Alla Ciurma

Try Venetian seafood and fresh pasta in a traditional setting, open noon to 3:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Gondola Ride

Enjoy a classic 30-minute gondola ride through quieter canals, available all day, advanced booking recommended.
EUR80, 0h30m

3:00pm

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art masterpieces in this unique museum, open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Zattere

Relax with a stroll along the waterfront boulevard with beautiful sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Bancogiro

Dine on Venetian specialties with a canal view, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Grab a quick espresso and pastry nearby before departing Venice.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Florence

Journey to Florence via high-speed train in about 2 hours.
EUR45, 2h

11:00am

Check in and Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore the vibrant food market and taste regional dishes such as lampredotto and fresh pasta, open 10am-12am.
EUR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

See the stunning cathedral, climb the dome for panoramic city views (closed Mondays), open 10am-5pm.
EUR20, 2h

3:30pm

Bargello Museum

Discover Renaissance sculpture masterpieces, open 8:15am-1:50pm, closed Mondays so plan accordingly.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Enjoy shopping for jewelry and stunning views on this historic bridge.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Experience traditional Tuscan cuisine loved by locals, open for dinner until 9:30pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Renaissance Art

Florence, Italy on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and pastries at this popular spot, open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s finest art museums with works by Botticelli and Michelangelo, open 8:15am-6:50pm, pre-book tickets.
EUR25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Prosciutteria

Sample delicious Tuscan cured meats and cheeses in a casual setting, open 11am-10pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David along with other Renaissance works, open 8:15am-6:50pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR16, 1h30m

4:00pm

Boboli Gardens

Relax in beautiful historic gardens with sculptures and fountains, open 8:15am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

Walk or take a short bus to this viewpoint for breathtaking cityscapes at sunset.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Indulge in authentic Florentine dishes in a charming atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on October 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Scudieri Caffè

Fuel up with excellent cappuccinos and pastries, open from 7am.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Rome

Take a high-speed train from Florence to Rome, approximately 1.5 hours travel time.
EUR50, 1h30m

10:30am

Check-in and Light Lunch

Get settled and enjoy a quick Italian panino at a local café near your hotel.
EUR15, 1h

12:00pm

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum and adjacent Roman Forum; recommended to pre-purchase tickets to avoid lines, open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR18, 3h

3:30pm

Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill

Visit these historic landmarks and enjoy views over the Forum.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Pantheon

View this well-preserved ancient Roman building, open 9am-7pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Taste refined Roman and Italian cuisine with an excellent wine selection, open until 11pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 8: Vatican and City Center

Rome, Italy on October 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Enjoy classic Italian pastries and espresso to start your day, open from 7am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Spend the morning exploring world-famous Vatican art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling; open 9am-6pm, closed Sundays.
EUR30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Enjoy casual Roman cuisine near the Vatican, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the world’s largest church with stunning architecture and access to the dome for views, open 7am-6:30pm.
Free entry, EUR10 for dome climb, 2h

4:30pm

Piazza Navona

Relax in this vibrant square surrounded by baroque fountains and street artists.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Walk around these iconic Roman landmarks, ideally before sunset to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Taverna Trilussa

Sample classic Roman dishes in a lively Trastevere setting, open till 11pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 9: Ancient and Baroque Rome

Rome, Italy on October 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sant’Eustachio

Famous for its rich Italian espresso and pastries, open from 7am.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Castel Sant’Angelo

Explore this fortress and museum with views over the Tiber River, open 9am-7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

10:45am

Villa Borghese Gardens and Borghese Gallery

Wander beautiful gardens and view masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio; gallery open 9am-7pm, closed Mondays.
EUR25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casina Valadier

Dine in an elegant setting overlooking the city within Villa Borghese, open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Trastevere

Enjoy the charming cobbled streets and small shops of Rome’s bohemian district.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Antico Arco

Celebrate your trip with contemporary Italian cuisine and fine wines in an elegant atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR65, 2h
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Day 10: Departure

Rome, Italy on October 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your departure.
Included or EUR7, 0h45m

10:00am

Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Arrange transport by taxi or shuttle for your flight home.
EUR50, 1h
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