5-Day Italy Itinerary: Milan, Venice, and Rome Cultural & Culinary Journey

Day 1: Milan Highlights

Milan, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with freshly baked Italian pastries and espresso at this popular bakery close to the city center, open from 7:00am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Duomo di Milano

Explore the iconic Milan Cathedral, an architectural marvel. Climb up to the rooftop for panoramic city views. Opens at 9:00am.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Walk through this historic shopping arcade featuring luxury boutiques and elegant cafes. A great spot for photos and light shopping.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Savour Milan’s famous panzerotti (fried dough pockets) at this legendary street food spot near the Duomo.
EUR8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore this historic fortress housing museums and art collections. Opens at 9:00am and closes at 5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll in Parco Sempione

Relax with a walk in the park right behind Sforza Castle, enjoying nature and views of the Arco della Pace.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Dine on classic Milanese cuisine in the picturesque Brera district, open till 11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Venice & Exploration

Milan to Venice, Italy on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Train from Milan to Venice

Take an early high-speed train from Milano Centrale to Venezia Santa Lucia, journey approx 2h30m.
EUR40, 2h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy Venetian breakfast pastries and coffee at a beloved local bakery open from 7:00am.
EUR7, 0h45m

11:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Visit the stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its mosaics, open 9:30am-5:00pm. Entry to basilica is free, museum fees apply.
EUR5, 1h30m

12:45pm

Explore Piazza San Marco

Relax and people-watch at the famous square surrounded by historical landmarks and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Squero

Taste Venetian cicchetti (small plates) with a view of the gondola repair yard, open for lunch till 3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic gondola ride through Venice’s romantic canals, available throughout the day; lasts about 30 minutes.
EUR80, 0h30m

4:00pm

Visit Doge’s Palace

Explore this majestic Gothic palace and former government seat. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Enjoy authentic Venetian seafood dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Venice Cultural Day

Venice, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Farini

Grab freshly baked bread and pastries at this popular bakery, open from 7:00am.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art masterpieces in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home on the Grand Canal. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk to Rialto Bridge and Market

Explore the lively market and iconic bridge, great for photos and shopping for Venetian specialties.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Alla Madonna

Dine on traditional Venetian dishes right next to the Rialto Market, open till 3:30pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Santa Maria della Salute

Admire this remarkable baroque church situated at the entrance to the Grand Canal. Open 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm.
Free, 0h45m

3:00pm

Murano Island Excursion

Take a vaporetto to Murano to see famous glass-making workshops. Vaporetto service runs every 20 minutes.
EUR20, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria al Ponte

Enjoy Italian cuisine with homey vibes near Murano before heading back to Venice, open till 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Venice to Rome

Venice to Rome, Italy on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Train from Venice to Rome

Travel by high-speed train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Roma Termini, journey approx 3h45m.
EUR50, 3h45m

11:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Grabbing delicious fresh pasta to go along with coffee at this quick spot open from 8:00am.
EUR8, 0h30m

12:00pm

Visit Colosseum

Explore Rome’s iconic ancient amphitheatre. Opens 8:30am-7:00pm with last entry at 6:00pm.
EUR18, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine near the Roman Forums with excellent pasta dishes, open till 4:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the heart of ancient Rome with ruins and panoramic views. Opens 8:30am-7:00pm, last entry 6:00pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Dine on classic Roman dishes in the authentic Trastevere neighbourhood, open till 11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Rome Cultural Gems

Rome, Italy on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L’Arte del Pane

Enjoy traditional Italian breakfast pastries and coffee at this historic bakery.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore world-famous art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Opens 9:00am-6:00pm, book tickets in advance.
EUR28, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the largest church in the world with stunning art and architecture. Opens 7:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Famous for Italian and Mediterranean dishes close to the Vatican, open till 4:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Stroll to two of Rome’s most famous landmarks, ideal for photos and atmosphere. Open anytime.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Pantheon visit

Marvel at the well-preserved ancient Roman temple with its majestic dome. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Enjoy a gourmet farewell dinner with excellent pasta and wine selections in central Rome, open till 11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability