10-Day Affordable Rome, Florence, Venice & Tuscany Wine Country Itinerary with Vatican, Colosseum, and Horse Riding

Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular bakery, perfect for starting your Roman adventure. Open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic Roman amphitheater where gladiators once battled, a must-see piece of history. Open 9am-7pm, pre-book skip-the-line tickets.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the heart of ancient Rome's political and social center next to the Colosseum. Same ticket as Colosseum.
Included, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes in a cozy and affordable setting near the forum. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Stroll these beautiful squares and iconic sites, taking in Baroque fountains and ancient architecture.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Danilo

Savor authentic Roman cuisine with a budget-friendly menu near the Colosseum. Open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica

Rome, Italy on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Grab freshly made pasta or pastries early to fuel your Vatican visit. Open 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Discover priceless art collections culminating in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Open 9am-6pm, book tickets in advance to avoid lines.
EUR17, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world; entry is free but climbing the dome costs extra.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio Trattoria

Enjoy simple Italian dishes in a quaint neighborhood near the Vatican. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk through the Trastevere District

Explore cobblestone streets and lively piazzas for an authentic Roman atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dar Poeta

Try famous Roman-style pizza at this popular pizzeria in Trastevere, great for budget-conscious diners. Open until 11pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or cafe

Enjoy a light breakfast before travel.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Train from Rome to Florence

Take a fast train (~1.5 hours) from Roma Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella. Book tickets early for best prices.
EUR25, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy authentic Tuscan fare at this local favorite that fits budget. Open 12pm-3pm weekdays.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Uffizi Gallery

Visit one of the world’s most famous art museums to see Renaissance masterpieces. Open 8:15am-6:50pm, pre-booking recommended.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:00pm

Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria walk

Stroll the historic bridge and vibrant piazza, perfect for photos and gelato stops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Cozy spot offering traditional Florentine dishes and good wine at reasonable prices.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Florence Art & History

Florence, Italy on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Historic café with excellent coffee and pastries. Open 7am-8pm.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance works. Open 8:15am-6:50pm, advance tickets recommended.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome

Marvel at the iconic cathedral and enjoy city views from the dome (ticket required).
EUR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Try various food stalls offering fresh and affordable Tuscan dishes.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens

Relax in expansive Renaissance gardens with great views of Florence. Open 8:15am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Ménagère

Trendy eatery offering creative Tuscan dishes within budget. Open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Tuscany Wine & Horse Riding

Chianti Region, Tuscany, Italy on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Florence

Quick breakfast to prepare for day trip.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Depart for Tuscany Wine Country

Join a day tour or rent a car to reach Chianti region for wine tasting and horse riding activities.
EUR50 bus/train or EUR80 rental car, 1h30m

10:00am

Horse riding in Tuscany

Ride through scenic vineyards and rolling hills with a local guide. Approximately 2-hour ride arranged through ranches near Greve in Chianti.
EUR60, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch and wine tasting at winery

Enjoy typical Tuscan lunch paired with Chianti wines at a vineyard estate. Many wineries open for tastings from 11am-5pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Greve in Chianti Village

Visit the charming main square and local shops for souvenirs and local products.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Florence

Head back to Florence to rest before evening.
Included in transport cost, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

Enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes at a well-priced local favorite in Florence.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Florence to Venice

Florence to Venice, Italy on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or cafe

Light breakfast before train trip to Venice.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Train from Florence to Venice

Take a direct train (~2h) from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Venice Santa Lucia station. Book advance tickets for best price.
EUR30, 2h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Antico Forno

Grab a Venetian sandwich or light lunch at this budget-friendly bakery near train station.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:00pm

St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Visit the famous square and free-entry basilica with stunning mosaics. Basilica open 9:30am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Doge’s Palace

Explore the seat of Venetian power with grand halls and bridge of sighs. Open 9am-7pm, tickets ~22EUR.
EUR22, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria al Squero

Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and local wine in a charming setting near a gondola dock. Open until 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Venice Canals & Islands

Venice, Italy on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Traditional Venetian pastries and coffee to start your day. Open from 7am.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water on a 30-40 minute gondola tour, approximately 80EUR per boat (can share among 4).
EUR20 per person, 0h40m

10:00am

Murano Island Visit

Take a vaporetto to Murano to see traditional glassmaking demonstrations. Vaporetto ticket ~7.50EUR each way.
EUR15, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Busa alla Torre on Murano

Enjoy seafood and Venetian dishes in a casual setting on the island.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Burano Island

Visit colorful fishing village famous for lace and vibrant houses.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Venice Mainland

Head back to central Venice by vaporetto.
Included in previous transport cost, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Mercà

Try casual cicchetti and wine near Rialto Market for affordable dinner options.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 8: Hidden Gems Venice

Venice, Italy on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Coffee lovers will appreciate high quality brews here. Open 7am-7pm.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Marvel at Tintoretto’s masterpieces in this historic confraternity building. Open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Jewish Ghetto and Museum

Explore the oldest Jewish ghetto in Europe and its museum. Museum open 10am-5pm, closed Monday.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gam Gam Kosher Restaurant

Enjoy kosher Venetian and Middle Eastern dishes near the ghetto. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Free afternoon stroll and shopping

Discover artisan shops, mask boutiques, and quiet squares in Dorsoduro district.
Free, 3h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria La Zucca

Known for creative vegetarian and Venetian dishes. Reservations recommended, open till late.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 9: Leisure & Departure Prep

Venice, Italy on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to prepare for your journey home.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

See modern art masterpieces by Picasso, Pollock and others. Open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at nearby Cafe

Refuel with light lunch at a cafe near the museum.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Last minute shopping or walking

Spend your afternoon revisiting favorite spots or find souvenirs.
Variable, 3h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Final Venetian dinner with seafood specialties in heart of Venice.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Venice, Italy on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast

Quick breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafe.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:30am

Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport or next destination

Arrange transport to airport for your onward journey.
EUR20, 1h0m
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