12-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Italy: Rome to Venice

Day 1: Historical Rome

Rome, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella – L’Arte del Pane

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and aromatic coffee at this renowned bakery.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Colosseum Visit

Explore the ancient Roman Colosseum, a symbol of imperial Rome and gladiatorial contests, open 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Relax with authentic Roman cuisine offering classic dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Wander through the ruins of the ancient city center and archaeological sites near the Colosseum.
EUR16 (combined ticket with Colosseum), 2h30m

4:30pm

Piazza Navona and Pantheon Walk

Stroll the vibrant square with baroque fountains and visit the Pantheon, open until 7:00pm.
Free / Pantheon EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Enjoy a fine selection of cured meats, cheeses and Roman specialties in an elegant setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican and Art

Rome, Italy on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Casa Bleve

Start your day with fresh espresso and traditional Roman pastries close to the Vatican.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Visit the vast art collections including Michelangelo’s frescoes, with advance tickets for entry at 9:00am. Open till 6:00pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Try traditional Roman and Vatican area trattorias offering fresh pasta dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

St. Peter’s Basilica Visit

Explore the world’s largest church and climb to the dome for panoramic views, open 7:00am-7:00pm.
Free; EUR10 for dome climb, 2h0m

4:00pm

Castel Sant’Angelo Walk

Discover the historic fortress and scenic views along the Tiber River, open until 7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria delle Coppelle

Dine in a cozy spot offering Roman dishes with a modern twist near Piazza Navona.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel buffet breakfast before travelling to Florence.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Florence by Train

Take a high-speed train from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella, approximately 1.5 hours.
EUR50, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch near Duomo

After check-in, enjoy Tuscan cuisine at La Giostra with specialties like steak Florentine.
EUR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Florence Cathedral and Baptistery

Explore the stunning Duomo complex, open 10:00am–5:00pm with its famed dome and doors.
EUR20 for combined ticket, 2h0m

3:30pm

Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery

Walk the iconic bridge and visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire Renaissance masterpieces, open 8:15am–6:50pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Taste classic Tuscan dishes in a lively setting close to the market.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Florence Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Enjoy artisanal pastries and espresso in Florence’s historic café, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance art, open 8:15am–6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Boboli Gardens Exploration

Relax in these vast Renaissance gardens behind the Pitti Palace, open 8:15am–6:30pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria 4 Leoni

Delight in local dishes with a cozy atmosphere in the Oltrarno district.
EUR28, 1h0m

3:00pm

Pitti Palace Visit

Tour the impressive palace housing Renaissance art and royal apartments, open 8:15am–6:50pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Experience hearty Tuscan fare in a vibrant traditional setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Cinque Terre Arrival

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a tasty breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Cinque Terre by Train

Train ride from Florence to La Spezia (2 hours), then transfer to Cinque Terre villages (20 min).
EUR30, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Belforte

Enjoy seafood and terrace views in Vernazza village.
EUR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Hike Vernazza to Monterosso

Experience picturesque coastal hiking (Sentiero Azzurro), approx 3.5 km, allow 2–3 hours. Trail open daily.
EUR7 for park card, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax on Monterosso Beach

Unwind at the sandy beach after the hike, open access.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky

Savor fresh Ligurian seafood and pasta specialties.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Il Giardino

Enjoy morning coffee and pastries overlooking the harbor in Monterosso.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Manarola and Riomaggiore

Take the local trains or hike short paths between villages, open all day with scenic views.
EUR7 for park card, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Try delicious bruschetta with sea views, very popular spot.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Tour of Cinque Terre Coast

Boat tours available from Monterosso, approx 1 hour, offering stunning perspectives of the villages.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Wine Tasting at Local Vineyard

Enjoy tasting of local Sciacchetrà wines in a nearby vineyard.
EUR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria dal Billy

Known for exquisite Ligurian cuisine in Manarola.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Venice Arrival

Venice, Italy on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Cinque Terre before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Venice

Train from La Spezia to Venice Santa Lucia, approx 4 hours.
EUR60, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Trattoria alle Testiere

Delight in Venetian seafood specialties in a cozy environment.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

St. Mark's Square and Basilica

Visit the world-famous piazza and magnificent basilica with golden mosaics, open till 5:00pm.
Free; EUR5 for basilica museum, 2h0m

5:00pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the historic palace and prison, open 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Antico Martini

Enjoy elegant Venetian dining near St. Mark’s Square.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Venice Canals & Islands

Venice, Italy on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Classic Venetian pastries and coffee in a popular local bakery.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Gondola Ride

Experience the iconic gondola ride through Venice’s picturesque canals.
EUR80 for 30 min, 0h30m

10:00am

Murano and Burano Islands Tour

Half-day boat trip to famous glass-making Murano and colorful Burano, lasting until 2:00pm.
EUR30, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero, Burano

Enjoy fresh seafood with vibrant island views.
EUR30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return and Relax

Return to Venice for some leisure time.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Enoteca San Marco

Sample Venetian cicchetti and local wines in a lively atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Milan Arrival

Milan, Italy on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal before transfer.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Milan

Fast train from Venice to Milan Central Station; journey approx 2h30m.
EUR40, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Luini

Try the famous panzerotti near the Duomo.
EUR10, 0h45m

12:00pm

Milan Cathedral Tour

Visit the gothic cathedral and rooftop terrace, open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

2:30pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping

Explore the historic shopping arcade right next to the cathedral.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Sforza Castle Visit

Tour the castle and its museums, open 9:00am–5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Berton

Enjoy modern Milanese cuisine with a fine dining experience.
EUR55, 1h30m
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Day 10: Milan Culture

Milan, Italy on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Start with fresh bakery treats and coffee in this local favourite.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Explore one of Milan’s premier art galleries showcasing Italian Renaissance art, open 8:30am–7:15pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Brera District

Enjoy the artistic boutiques, cafes, and charming streets.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria di Brera

Sample traditional Italian dishes in the heart of Brera.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:30pm

La Scala Opera House Tour

Visit the famous opera house and museum, open 9:00am–5:30pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Sempione Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk and visit the Arch of Peace, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Paper Moon Giardino

Elegant dining with Italian and Mediterranean flavors.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Lake Como Day Trip

Lake Como, Italy on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before day trip.
Included, 0h45m

7:30am

Train to Lake Como (Como Town)

Travel from Milan to Como by train, approx 1 hour.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:45am

Como Cathedral Visit

Visit the historic cathedral in Como town, open 9:00am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Take a 2-hour boat tour to visit picturesque lakeside villages like Bellagio.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Bellagio at Ristorante La Punta

Enjoy exquisite lakeside dining with local fish dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Bellagio Village

Wander through charming streets, shops, and gardens.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Milan

Train and rest at hotel.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Modern Milanese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure

Milan, Italy on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Transfer to Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport

Private transfer or taxi for international departure.
EUR40, 1h0m
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