7-Day Classic Italy Travel Itinerary: Rome, Florence, and Venice

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your day with authentic Italian espresso and pastries at Roscioli Caffè, located near Campo de' Fiori, offering fresh, delightful breakfast options.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore the iconic Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum to uncover the grandeur of ancient Rome; guided tours provide rich historical context.
EUR18, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe or carbonara in this beloved trattoria located in the Trastevere neighborhood.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Pantheon

Visit the well-preserved Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple remarkable for its massive dome and historical significance; open until 7pm.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain

Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Piazza Navona and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Savor hand-made fresh pasta and local wines in this cozy Roman osteria, open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 2: Vatican Exploration

Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè

Enjoy carefully crafted espresso and pastries at one of Rome's most famous coffee spots, open from early morning.
EUR6, 1h

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore vast art collections and Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling in the Sistine Chapel; tickets should be booked in advance. Open 9am-6pm
EUR25, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Relish world-famous gourmet pizza by the slice at Pizzarium, renowned for its creative toppings near the Vatican.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb

Visit the breathtaking basilica and climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome; basilica open 7am-7pm, dome closes at 6pm.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Pergola

Indulge in Michelin-starred fine dining with spectacular city views at La Pergola; reservation is essential.
EUR150, 2h

Day 3: Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with coffee and pastries to prepare for travel day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Train from Rome to Florence

Take the fast train (about 1.5 hours) from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella station.
EUR50, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-in and quick refresh

Settle into your hotel in Florence and get ready for city exploration.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine including bistecca alla Fiorentina in this popular local spot.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Florence Cathedral & Baptistery

Visit the iconic Duomo and the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors; cathedral is open until 7pm in May.
EUR18, 2h

4:30pm

Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery

Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio, then immerse yourself in Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery; open until 6:45pm.
EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Dine at La Giostra, famous for Tuscan specialties and a romantic atmosphere; open till 11pm.
EUR45, 1.5h

Day 4: Florence Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s legendary David sculpture and other important Renaissance works; open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR16, 2h

11:30am

Boboli Gardens

Explore these expansive, beautifully landscaped gardens behind the Pitti Palace, offering stunning views of Florence.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy traditional hearty Tuscan dishes in an intimate setting downtown.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Pitti Palace Tour

Tour the Renaissance palace housing several galleries and exquisite architecture, open until 6:30pm.
EUR16, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Experience lively, classic Tuscan dining with family-style servings and great atmosphere.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 5: Florence to Venice

Florence to Venice, Italy on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Grab fresh morning pastries and espresso before heading out.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Train from Florence to Venice

Enjoy a scenic train ride (~2 hours) from Florence to Venice Santa Lucia station.
EUR50, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and relax

Settle into your Venice accommodation and prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh Venetian seafood and seasonal dishes in an intimate setting; reservation recommended.
EUR45, 1h

2:00pm

St. Mark's Basilica and Square

Visit Venice’s most famous landmark with its stunning mosaics and architecture; open until 5pm.
Free/ EUR3 to enter museum, 2h

4:30pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the historic palace and its secret itineraries including the prisons; open until 7pm.
EUR25, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Dine on authentic Venetian cuisine on nearby Burano island, reachable by a short vaporetto ride.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 6: Venice Canals & Islands

Venice, Italy on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Florian

Enjoy breakfast at one of the oldest cafés in Europe, right in St. Mark’s Square.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic gondola ride through Venice’s scenic canals, lasting about 30 to 40 minutes.
EUR80, 1h

10:30am

Murano Glass Factory Tour

Visit Murano island to see master glassblowers create intricate art pieces; open around 9am-5pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Cantina Do Spade

Relish Venetian cicchetti and local wines in one of Venice’s oldest bacari.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Burano Island

Wander the colorful streets of Burano, famous for lace-making and bright houses; ideal for photos and leisurely walks.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or early evening stroll by Grand Canal

Unwind or take a gentle sunset walk alongside the Grand Canal for beautiful views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Venetian dishes in this beloved, authentic eatery.
EUR50, 1.5h

Day 7: Departure Day

Venice, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Grab an Italian coffee and a sweet pastry at this highly regarded Venice bakery.
EUR6, 1h

9:00am

Last minute shopping and sightseeing in Venice

Visit any remaining favorite spots or shop for souvenirs in the markets and artisan shops near Rialto Bridge.
Variable, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Quadri

End your Italian journey with an exquisite lunch at Ristorante Quadri in St. Mark’s Square, known for its refined Venetian cuisine.
EUR60, 1.5h

2:30pm

Prepare for departure

Return to your hotel for checkout and transfer to Venice airport or train station for your onward journey.
Variable, 2h