7-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Italy from Rome to Venice

Day 1: Ancient Rome Exploration

Rome, Italy on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start your day with a delightful Italian breakfast featuring fresh pastries and espresso at this renowned local bakery open from 7:30am to 8:30pm.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient amphitheatre where gladiators once fought. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to skip queues. Open 8:30am–7:15pm.
EUR18, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins of ancient Rome’s political and religious centre, and enjoy panoramic views from Palatine Hill. Open 8:30am–7:15pm.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes such as carbonara and cacio e pepe in a cosy trattoria open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Visit the remarkably preserved Pantheon and then stroll to Piazza Navona to admire Baroque fountains and street artists. Pantheon opens 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

4:15pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Walk to the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin and then relax at the iconic Spanish Steps. Open access anytime, ideal for a late afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

End your day with an exquisite Italian dinner featuring cured meats, cheeses, and pasta. Booking ahead is essential. Open 6:30pm–11:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Florence Renaissance Art

Florence, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Train to Florence

Take a morning train from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
EUR45, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy a specialty coffee and fresh pastry at this popular café near the station, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Discover masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Book skip-the-line tickets for early entry. Open 8:15am–6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine served in a bustling atmosphere, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm only for lunch.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Baptistery

Climb the dome or visit the Baptistery to admire Renaissance architecture. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

3:45pm

Ponte Vecchio and Boboli Gardens

Walk over the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge and then relax in the scenic Boboli Gardens. Gardens open 8:15am–7:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco

Enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes including wild boar specialties in the Oltrarno district. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Pisa and Lucca

Pisa & Lucca, Italy on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Train to Pisa

Depart early from Florence to Pisa, approx 1 hour by train to explore the famous Leaning Tower area.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast near Piazza dei Miracoli

Grab a quick coffee and croissant at a café close to the cathedral square, open from 8:00am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pre-book tickets to ascend the iconic Leaning Tower for spectacular views. Open from 9:30am–7:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

10:45am

Visit Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery

Tour the exquisite Romanesque cathedral and baptistery on the same square. Open 9:30am–7:00pm.
Included with tower ticket, 1h0m

12:00pm

Train to Lucca

Short 30-minute train ride to the charming walled town of Lucca.
EUR6, 0h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Osteria Baralla

Enjoy traditional Lucchese dishes in this cosy restaurant, open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR22, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk the Lucca City Walls

Cycle or walk atop the Renaissance-era walls encircling the city, providing lovely views. Open 8:00am–8:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Lucca Cathedral and Torre Guinigi

Explore the cathedral and climb Torre Guinigi, notable for its rooftop trees. Open till 6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h15m

5:00pm

Return to Florence

Take train back to Florence for overnight stay.
EUR16, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Bussola

Enjoy homemade pasta and Florentine steak near your hotel. Open 7:00pm–10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Bologna Food & Architecture

Bologna, Italy on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Train to Bologna

Travel from Florence to Bologna in about 40 minutes via high-speed train.
EUR20, 0h40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Talamini

Try traditional Bolognese pastries and coffee at this historic pastry shop open from 7:00am.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:45am

Explore Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio

Visit Bologna’s main square and the monumental basilica, open 7:00am–7:00pm.
Free, 1h15m

11:15am

Walk to Two Towers (Due Torri)

Climb Torre degli Asinelli for panoramic city views; open 9:00am–6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria di Via Serra

Delight in traditional Emilian dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mercato di Mezzo

Explore Bologna’s famous food market, ideal for tasting gourmet products. Usually open till 8:00pm.
Free entry, 1h0m

3:30pm

Stroll along Porticoes to Santo Stefano Complex

Walk Bologna’s iconic porticoes to this historic religious complex. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
Free, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Orsa

Enjoy authentic and affordable Bolognese cuisine in a lively setting. Open from 7:00pm to midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 5: Verona History & Romance

Verona, Italy on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Train to Verona

Journey from Bologna to Verona in roughly 50 minutes by train.
EUR15, 0h50m

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Flego

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries close to the city centre, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:45am

Visit Verona Arena

Tour the grand Roman amphitheatre, a remarkable site still used for operas. Open 8:30am–7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk to Juliet’s House

See the famous balcony and statue famed from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Open 8:30am–7:30pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Taste local Veronese dishes such as risotto all’Amarone, open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:45pm

Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti

Explore the vibrant market square and climb the bell tower for views, open 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR8, 1h15m

3:15pm

Castle Vecchio Museum

Visit the medieval castle and art museum on the Adige riverside. Open 8:30am–7:30pm.
EUR10, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante 12 Apostoli

Enjoy elegant dining featuring traditional Veneto cuisine in a historic setting. Open 7:30pm–11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Venice Arrival and Canal Stroll

Venice, Italy on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Train from Verona to Venice Santa Lucia

Take a scenic 1 hour 15-minute train ride to Venice.
EUR20, 1h15m

10:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Enjoy Venetian pastries and coffee near the train station, open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

11:00am

St Mark’s Square and Basilica

Explore Venice’s famous square and its magnificent basilica. Basilica open 9:30am–5:00pm.
Free entry to basilica, Tower EUR8, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Ristorante Al Graspo de Ua

Taste Venetian cuisine including cicchetti and fresh seafood. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride

Take a vaporetto water bus along the Grand Canal to admire historic palaces. Vaporetto tickets are valid all day, check times for next departure.
EUR10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rialto Bridge and Market

Stroll the Rialto area famous for its bridge and vibrant market. Stalls open till early evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy refined Venetian seafood dishes in this intimate osteria. Reservations needed. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 7: Venetian Art and Departure

Venice, Italy on May 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

A popular café with excellent coffee and pastries, opening at 7:30am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore 20th-century modern art in a beautiful palazzo on the Grand Canal. Open 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy fresh Venetian seafood away from tourist crowds. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Dorsoduro and Artisanal Shops

Wander Venice’s artsy district to browse crafts and galleries until departure.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Departure Preparation

Head back to your accommodation to collect luggage and prepare for onward travel.
Free, 1h0m