10-Day Solo European Trip: Venice, Rome & Vatican City Highlights

Day 1: Venice Arrival & Explore

Venice, Italy on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rosa Salva

Start your day with a traditional Venetian breakfast of pastries and cappuccino at Rosa Salva, a historic café near St. Mark’s Square.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

St. Mark's Basilica

Visit the iconic basilica known for its exquisite architecture and mosaics, open from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Aim to arrive early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Doge's Palace Tour

Explore this historic palace adjacent to the basilica and learn about Venice’s political history. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes combining Venetian flavors in this small, acclaimed restaurant (open 12:00pm to 3:00pm).
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic 30-minute gondola ride through the serene canals of Venice.
EUR80, 0h30m

3:00pm

Walk the Rialto Bridge & Market

Stroll around the vibrant Rialto Market, great for photos and local atmosphere; shops generally close by 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Located on Burano island, this restaurant serves traditional Venetian cuisine in a lovely setting (open 6:30pm to 10:30pm).
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Venice to Rome & Vatican

Venice to Rome, Italy on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Grab an early pastry and espresso before departure. Open from 6:30am.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Rome by high-speed train

Depart Venice Santa Lucia station to Rome Termini; journey takes approx 3h45m.
EUR70, 3h45m

12:30pm

Lunch near Rome Termini at Ristorante Alessio

Enjoy authentic Roman dishes in a cozy environment, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in & relax at accommodation

Freshen up and rest before your Vatican City visit later in the day.
Variable, 1h0m

3:30pm

Vatican City: Cross the Holy Door

Celebrate your birthday milestone at Vatican City by crossing the Holy Door, open for the Jubilee Year 2025. The Vatican is open from 9:00am-6:00pm; plan your visit accordingly.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Arlù

End your special day with traditional Roman cuisine in a charming restaurant close to Vatican. Open evenings 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Rome Historic Tour

Rome, Italy on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella

Start with delicious Italian pastries and coffee at this famous bakery near Termini. Opens 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum, open 8:30am to 7:00pm. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
EUR18, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Taverna Dei Fori Imperiali

Close to the Roman Forum, enjoy traditional Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe. Open 12:30pm-3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Pantheon visit

Visit the ancient Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved monuments, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Enjoy an afternoon stroll to these iconic landmarks, perfect for photos and gelato stops.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Dine at a modern Roman eatery near Piazza Navona, offering refined local recipes. Open 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Vatican Museums & Leisure

Rome, Italy on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Greco

Experience one of the oldest cafes in Rome with a classic espresso before museum visit. Opens 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Tour the vast Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, open 9:00am to 6:00pm. Pre-book tickets for smooth entry.
EUR30, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio 91

Enjoy light Roman dishes near Vatican City in a relaxed atmosphere, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Leisure walk along Tiber River

Spend a relaxing afternoon walking along the scenic river paths and enjoy local gelato.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Pergola

Splurge on a Michelin-starred dining experience, reservation required. Open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR150, 2h0m
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