10-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Italy

Day 1: Historic Rome

Rome, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start your day with traditional Italian pastries and a cappuccino at this historic bakery open from 7am to 8pm, known for its maritozzi sweet buns.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient Roman amphitheater, a must-see site representing the heart of Rome's imperial history. It opens from 8:30am to 7pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins of the political and social center of ancient Rome and admire stunning views from Palatine Hill.
EUR16 (combined ticket with Colosseum), 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Enjoy classic Roman dishes like carbonara in a charming trattoria open from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Pantheon Visit

Visit the ancient Roman temple, known for its impressive dome and oculus, open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Stroll to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Experience Rome’s famed Baroque landmarks. The area is always open and lively.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Relish authentic Italian cuisine including cured meats and cheeses in a popular restaurant, open until 11:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Vatican City Exploration

Rome, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bar Sant’Eustachio

Taste one of Rome’s best espresso coffees at this historic café open from 7am to 8pm.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Explore the vast art collections, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, with tickets recommended in advance. Open 9am to 6pm, last entry 4pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio 91

Enjoy Roman and Italian dishes near Vatican City, open from 12pm to 3pm daily.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the world’s largest church with remarkable architecture and art. Opening hours 7am to 7pm; free entry but consider climbing the dome for a fee.
Free (EUR10 for dome climb), 2h0m

5:00pm

Leisurely walk along the Tiber River

Relax and take in scenic views along the river promenade, free and open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria da Baffetto

Sample traditional Roman pizza at this famed pizzeria open till midnight.
EUR20, 1h0m

Day 3: Renaissance Florence

Florence, Italy on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Florence

Take an early train (about 1.5 hours) from Rome to Florence for an efficient journey.
EUR50, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Enjoy exquisite pastries and coffee at this historic café, open from 7:30am to 8pm.
EUR8, 0h30m

10:00am

Uffizi Gallery

Visit the famous museum showcasing Renaissance masterpieces. Open 8:15am to 6:50pm; book tickets in advance.
EUR20, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Taste traditional Tuscan dishes in this local favorite open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Duomo and Baptistery

Explore Florence’s stunning cathedral complex with panoramic city views from the dome, open 10am to 5pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

5:00pm

Ponte Vecchio Walk

Stroll across the historic bridge lined with shops, open and free all day.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Dine on elegant Tuscan cuisine in a cozy setting, open from 7pm to 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Florence Museums & Gardens

Florence, Italy on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Start with delicious pastries and coffee in a local bakery open 7am to 7pm.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

Marvel at Michelangelo’s David sculpture and other Renaissance art. Open 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

11:30am

Boboli Gardens

Explore these beautiful Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace, open 8:15am to 6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy traditional Florentine dishes in a rustic setting. Open 12pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Piazzale Michelangelo

Visit this panoramic terrace to capture breathtaking views of Florence. Accessible all day and free.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Santa Croce Basilica

See the final resting place of Michelangelo and Galileo, open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Bracali

End your day with refined Tuscan cuisine, open for dinner from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 5: Serene Venice

Venice, Italy on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Venice

Take a morning train from Florence to Venice, approximately 2 hours.
EUR40, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy Venetian pastries and espresso in this famous café, open from 7am to 7pm.
EUR7, 0h30m

10:30am

St. Mark’s Basilica

Admire the stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics, open 9:30am to 5pm; free entry.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Doge’s Palace

Explore the former residence of the Doge with lavish interiors and historic prison cells, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Savor Venetian seafood specialties in this small, popular restaurant. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

4:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s canals with a 30-40 minute gondola ride, available throughout daylight hours.
EUR80, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Relish authentic Venetian cuisine in a hidden gem restaurant, open till 10:30pm.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 6: Venice Art & Islands

Venice, Italy on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lavena

Enjoy a coffee with a view on St. Mark’s Square, open 7am to midnight.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Visit this modern art museum located on the Grand Canal, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

11:30am

Murano Island Visit

Take a vaporetto to Murano to witness exquisite glassblowing artisans at work. Best visited mid-morning; boats run frequently.
EUR20 (round trip), 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Busa alla Torre, Murano

Enjoy fresh Venetian seafood on Murano, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Venice and visit Rialto Market

See the bustling fish and produce market and surrounding shops, open till early afternoon but some shops remain open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Enjoy Michelin-starred Venetian cuisine with a view on St. Mark’s Square, open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR70, 1h30m

Day 7: Colorful Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Venice to Cinque Terre

Take an early train to La Spezia and transfer to Cinque Terre villages, journey approximately 4.5 hours.
EUR70, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Belforte Restaurant, Vernazza

Dine on fresh seafood with stunning sea views, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Vernazza Village

Wander narrow alleyways and harbor, lovely for photography and local culture.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Hike to Monterosso

Take the scenic coastal trail (about 2 hours) along the coastline offering beautiful vistas.
EUR7 (Cinque Terre Card for trails), 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax on Monterosso Beach

Enjoy the seaside relaxing before dinner. Public beach access is free.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Miky, Monterosso

Local Ligurian seafood and pasta specialties, open 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 8: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Cantina di Miky, Monterosso

Light pastries and coffee in a local cozy spot, open 7:30am to 11am.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Train hop among Cinque Terre villages

Visit Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore by train for quick access and explore colorful streets. Train runs frequently all day.
EUR7 (Cinque Terre Card), 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria dal Billy, Manarola

Known for fresh seafood and stunning views, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Riomaggiore

Stroll the pastel-colored village and waterfront, free and open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset wine tasting at Enoteca Dau Cila, Manarola

Taste local Ligurian wines with spectacular views, open till 8pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Casual dining with light meals and great views, open 6pm to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

Day 9: Modern Milan

Milan, Italy on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Milan

Early train from Cinque Terre to Milan, about 3 hours journey.
EUR50, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Pavé

Hip bakery and café popular for excellent pastries and coffee, open 7am to 7pm.
EUR8, 0h30m

11:30am

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore this gothic masterpiece and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Famous for Panzerotti, a beloved street snack, open 10am to 8pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

2:30pm

Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore the elegant shopping arcade and grab a coffee in its beautiful setting; open 10am to 10pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Sforza Castle

Tour this historic castle housing museums and art collections, open 7am to 7pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Oca Giuliva

Enjoy traditional Milanese cuisine with a cozy atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 10: Art & Leisure Milan

Milan, Italy on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Marchesi 1824

Historic pastry shop offering delightful sweets and coffee, open 7:15am to 8pm.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)

See Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece mural; reservation required in advance. Visit times 8:15am to 7pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Pinacoteca di Brera

Explore one of Italy’s leading art galleries with Renaissance and Baroque art, open 8:30am to 7:15pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ratanà

Modern Milanese cuisine in a charming setting, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon Relaxation at Parco Sempione

Stroll or rest in this large park near the castle, open all day and free.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

Celebrate your trip with contemporary Italian fine dining, open 7pm to 11pm but early booking recommended.
EUR80, 2h0m