10-Day Italy Itinerary with Flights from Cape Town: Rome, Florence, Venice & More

Day 1: Flight to Rome

Cape Town to Rome, Italy on June 3, 2025

7:00pm

Flight from Cape Town International Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Depart Cape Town for Rome on an overnight flight, typically with one stop. Flights average 13-15 hours including layover. Plan for arrival early next day.
ZAR8000 - ZAR12000 approx., 13h0m

Day 2: Arrival & Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on June 4, 2025

9:00am

Arrive in Rome and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport, take Leonardo Express train or taxi (~45 mins) to central Rome accommodation. Check-in and refresh.
EUR15 train or EUR50 taxi, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy espresso and pastries at this elegant Roman eatery. Opens at 7:30 am.
EUR8, 0h30m

11:30am

Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour

Begin your exploration of Rome’s ancient heart with iconic ruins. Open 8:30 am - 7 pm; arrive early to avoid crowds.
EUR18, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Try classic Roman pasta dishes in Trastevere’s authentic setting. Open 12 pm - 3 pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Pantheon & Piazza Navona Walk

Stroll between these historic and vibrant spots, enjoying fountains, street performances, and architecture.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Book a table for gourmet Italian dining overlooking the Colosseum at sunset.
EUR60, 2h0m

Day 3: Vatican & Artistic Rome

Rome, Italy on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Babington's Tea Room

Classic English breakfast near Spanish Steps. Opens 7:30 am.
EUR15, 0h45m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Pre-booked early tour lets you witness Vatican art treasures including Michelangelo’s ceiling without crowds. Museum opens 9 am.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica visit and Dome climb

Admire the basilica and panoramic city views from the dome. Basilica from 7 am - 7 pm; dome until 6 pm.
Free; Dome climb EUR10, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium

Dive into gourmet pizza al taglio close to Vatican. Open 12 pm - 6 pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Borghese Gallery & Gardens

Explore Renaissance masterpieces then relax in the park. Gallery open 9 am - 7 pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Ingegno

Refined dining near Piazza Navona; book ahead.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 4: More Rome Sights

Rome, Italy on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Enjoy some of Rome’s best espresso. Opens 7 am.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Palatine Hill & Capitoline Museums

Walk the ancient Palatine ruins and see art at Capitoline Museums.
EUR15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Carbonara

Authentic Roman pasta in Testaccio neighborhood. Open noon onward.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Visit iconic landmarks and browse upscale shops nearby.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Villa Borghese Gardens

Relax in green gardens or rent a bike.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Felice a Testaccio

Traditional and lively Roman dining with famed cacio e pepe. Reservations recommended.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 5: Travel to Florence & Sights

Florence, Italy on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Train Rome to Florence

High-speed train (~1.5 hours) to Florence Santa Maria Novella station.
EUR45, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Artisan coffee and breakfast near station. Opens 8 am.
EUR10, 0h45m

11:00am

Florence Cathedral & Baptistery

Visit the Duomo complex including dome climb. Open 10 am - 5 pm.
EUR20 combined ticket, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio

Famous for Florentine panini, a must-try street food.
EUR12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Uffizi Gallery

See masterworks by Renaissance artists. Book tickets ahead.
EUR25, 2h0m

6:00pm

Ponte Vecchio walk

Stroll and take photos on Florence’s historic bridge.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Hearty Tuscan dishes in an authentic setting. Open 7 pm - 10 pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 6: Florence Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Ménagère

Trendy café with excellent coffee and atmosphere. Opens 8 am.
EUR12, 0h45m

9:30am

Accademia Gallery

View Michelangelo’s David and masterpieces. Opens 8:15 am - 6:45 pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:15am

Boboli Gardens

Renaissance gardens with fountains and views behind Pitti Palace.
EUR10, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Il Latini

Traditional Tuscan fare in lively environment. Open noon - 3 pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Oltrarno

Artisan shops, cafes, and local crafts in this charming district.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri

Michelin 3-star restaurant: unforgettable dining. Reservation required.
EUR150, 2h30m

Day 7: Venice Arrival & Exploration

Venice, Italy on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Train Florence to Venice

High-speed train (~2 hours) to Venice Santa Lucia station.
EUR45, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Artisan coffee in the Cannaregio district. Opens 7 am.
EUR8, 0h30m

11:00am

St. Mark’s Basilica & Square

Visit the ornate basilica and vibrant piazza. Opens 9:30 am - 5 pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Intimate Venetian seafood dining. Open 12:30 pm - 3 pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Explore the palace and Bridge of Sighs. Opens 9 am - 7 pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Gondola Ride

Classic canal gondola trip. Available until sunset.
EUR80, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Gatto Nero (Burano)

Seafood dinner on colorful Burano island - short boat ride required. Open 7 pm - 11 pm.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 8: Venice Islands & Art

Venice, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Famous Venetian pastries and coffee. Opens 7 am.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Murano Glass Factory Tour

Visit glassmaking workshops and shops on Murano island. Free to explore; museum optional.
EUR5 for museum, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Duomo Murano

Fresh seafood with canal views. Open 12 pm - 3 pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Burano Island

Colourful houses and lace shops provide fabulous ambience and photo ops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Venice Main Island

Vaporetto ride back to Venice; relax or enjoy a café.
Included in vaporetto pass, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Authentic Venetian cuisine away from crowds. Reservations advised.
EUR55, 2h0m

Day 9: Cinque Terre Adventure

Cinque Terre, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Train Venice to La Spezia (Cinque Terre)

Start early for a ~5-hour train journey with change at Milan. Arrive ready to begin exploration.
EUR70, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Pia Centenaria in La Spezia

Well-known Focaccia and Ligurian seafood close to station. Open 11:30 am - 3 pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Train to Riomaggiore & Explore

Begin exploring Cinque Terre starting at Riomaggiore village, included in Cinque Terre pass.
EUR16 for pass, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in in Vernazza or Manarola

Accommodations with sea views to unwind for the evening.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Belforte Vernazza

Seafood dining on terrace overlooking the sea. Open from 7 pm.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 10: Cinque Terre to Milan & Flight

Milan, Italy to Cape Town on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Rosi in Manarola

Start with fresh pastries and coffee. Opens 7 am.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Milan

Morning train (~3 hours) from La Spezia to Milan Central to connect with flight.
EUR40, 3h0m

11:30am

Quick Milan exploration

Visit Duomo Cathedral exterior and nearby shopping gallery if time permits.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Famous panzerotti near Milan Cathedral; quick, tasty.
EUR10, 0h45m

3:00pm

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport

Travel by express train or taxi to Milan airport (~1 hour).
EUR13 train or EUR60 taxi, 1h0m

5:00pm

Flight Milan to Cape Town

Overnight flight back to Cape Town, often with one stopover.
ZAR8000 - ZAR12000 approx., 13h0m

Day 11: Arrival Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa on June 13, 2025

Morning

Arrive Cape Town International Airport

Arrive home refreshed from your Italian adventure after overnight flight.
N/A, N/A