Romantic Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice in 6 Days

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Rome

Rome, Italy on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Arrive and Settle In

Arrive in Rome and check into your centrally located hotel near the historic center for easy access to attractions.
EUR0, 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy an authentic Italian breakfast with excellent espresso and fresh pastries at Roscioli Caffè, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit the Colosseum & Roman Forum

Explore Rome’s iconic ancient Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum to dive into the heart of Roman history. Tickets open 8:30am to 7pm.
EUR24, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Luzzi

Dine at Trattoria Luzzi near the Colosseum for classic Roman dishes such as carbonara or cacio e pepe in a casual setting.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:45pm

Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Walk to the Pantheon and then stroll over to Piazza Navona to admire its Baroque fountains and lively street artists.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Visit the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin for good luck, and then continue to the Spanish Steps to relax and enjoy gelato.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Aroma Restaurant

Experience fine dining with a spectacular Colosseum view at Aroma, offering gourmet Italian cuisine. Reservation recommended.
EUR120, 2h0m
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Day 2: Vatican & Roman Treasures

Rome, Italy on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby Café

Start early with a quick breakfast at your hotel or an Italian café serving cappuccino and brioche.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:30am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visit the Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel frescoes. Book skip-the-line tickets for early entry. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR35, 3h0m

12:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome. Basilica is open until 7pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlù

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with authentic Roman flavors in a charming Trastevere neighborhood restaurant.
EUR35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Trastevere

Wander the cobbled streets of Trastevere, known for its vibrant atmosphere, artisan shops, and beautiful churches.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni

Experience a traditional Italian aperitivo with cocktails and snacks at this trendy bar in Trastevere.
EUR20, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Indulge in fresh handmade pasta and traditional Roman dishes at this cozy Osteria known for its authentic flavors.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Florence & City Center

Florence, Italy on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to start your day early for the train to Florence.
EUR15, 0h45m

8:00am

Train from Rome to Florence

Take the high-speed train (Italo or Trenitalia) from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella. The journey takes about 1.5h.
EUR50 per person, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in & Freshen Up

Check into a centrally located hotel near the Duomo for easy access to Florence’s top sights.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Florence Cathedral & Baptistery

Explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery, famous for Renaissance architecture and its dome by Brunelleschi.
EUR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Zà Zà

Savor traditional Tuscan cuisine with ingredients from local markets at this beloved Florence trattoria.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:15pm

Uffizi Gallery

Visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire masterpieces from Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. Book tickets ahead. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR30, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along Ponte Vecchio

Stroll along the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge, famous for its jewelry shops and views of the Arno River.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Experience a romantic dinner featuring exquisite Tuscan dishes at La Giostra, known for its cozy ambiance and fine wine list.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 4: Florence Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries at this popular Florence café with a vibrant atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s iconic David statue at the Accademia Gallery. Book tickets in advance. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace

Explore the Boboli Gardens’ lush landscaping and the art collections inside Pitti Palace. Open 8:15am-6:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample a variety of authentic Italian street food and local specialties at Florence’s lively Mercato Centrale food hall.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a scenic walk or short taxi ride to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views over Florence’s skyline.
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax in a Café

Enjoy a refreshing gelato or espresso at a charming café near your hotel.
EUR10, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Dine at Il Latini to experience hearty Tuscan cuisine in a lively and traditional atmosphere perfect for couples.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 5: Venice Arrival & Canals

Venice, Italy on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before the train to Venice for a smooth start to the day.
EUR15, 0h45m

8:00am

Train from Florence to Venice

Take the high-speed train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Venice Santa Lucia station, about 2h journey.
EUR50 per person, 2h0m

10:15am

Check-in & Explore Surroundings

Check into your canal-side hotel and enjoy a leisurely walk around the San Marco area.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:30am

St. Mark's Basilica

Visit the opulent St. Mark's Basilica and its stunning mosaics. Open 9:30am-5pm, tickets recommended.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Enjoy Venetian seafood specialties and cicchetti in a cozy atmosphere at this popular trattoria.
EUR40, 1h15m

2:00pm

Doge's Palace

Tour the Doge's Palace to discover Venetian history and architecture. Open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

4:30pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a romantic gondola ride through Venice's iconic canals. Typical rides last 30-40 minutes.
EUR80, 0h40m

6:30pm

Aperitivo at Cantina Do Spade

Try Venetian cicchetti and an aperitivo in this historic wine bar near the Rialto Bridge.
EUR25, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Enjoy fine Venetian dining with a focus on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting.
EUR90, 2h0m
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Day 6: Venice & Departure

Venice to Rome, Italy on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A relaxed breakfast to start your last day in Italy.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Rialto Market

Explore the morning market near the Rialto Bridge, a lively spot for fresh produce and local culture.
EUR0, 1h0m

9:45am

Train from Venice to Rome

Take a high-speed train from Venice Santa Lucia to Rome Termini, approximately 3h30m journey.
EUR60 per person, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch near Rome Termini

Have a convenient lunch at La Bottega del Caffè, serving authentic Roman dishes near the station.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Transfer to Airport

Take a taxi or shuttle to Rome Fiumicino airport to prepare for your flight back to Chicago.
EUR50, 1h0m
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