Extended Italian Journey: 12 Days Exploring Rome, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, Venice, Lake Como, Milan and Return to Munich - August 2025

Day 1: Arrival at Rome

Rome, Italy on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Munich to Rome

Start early with a flight from Munich to Rome to maximize sightseeing time.
EUR80, 2h

10:00am

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Enjoy Rome’s famous espresso and pastries near the Pantheon.
EUR7, 30m

11:00am

Hotel Check-in

Drop luggage and freshen up at a centrally located hotel.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Armando al Pantheon

Traditional Roman dishes steps from the Pantheon (open 12-3pm).
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Visit the ancient Pantheon and relax at the nearby lively Piazza Navona.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Roman Forum and Colosseum

Explore legendary ruins; buy tickets in advance (8:30am–7pm).
EUR18, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Refined Roman dining and exquisite wines in a historic deli-restaurant.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 2: Vatican and Trastevere

Rome, Italy on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for a busy cultural day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Marvel at world-class art and frescoes; book timed tickets (9am-6pm).
EUR30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Gourmet pizza near the Vatican, open daily till early evening.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome Climb

Explore the basilica interior and climb the dome for panoramic views (7am-7pm).
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Evening in Trastevere

Discover cobbled streets and riverside cafés in this charming district.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Traditional Roman trattoria offering generous portions in a cozy setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 3: Day Trip to Tivoli

Rome Province, Italy on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Energize for a day exploring Roman Villas.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Tivoli

Bus or private taxi ride to Tivoli (approx. 1h).
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Villa d’Este

Explore Renaissance gardens and spectacular fountains (8:30am-7:45pm).
EUR15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sibilla

Enjoy lunch with a view overlooking Villa d’Este’s gardens.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa)

Explore expansive Roman ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s palace (9am-7:30pm).
EUR12, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Rome

Relax on the ride back to the city.
EUR10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Pegno

Cozy Roman eatery offering authentic pastas and appetizers.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast before departing.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Rome to Florence

High-speed rail connecting the two iconic cities (1h 30m).
EUR50, 1h30m

10:00am

Hotel Check-in

Settle into a hotel near the historic center.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Exploration of Florence Duomo and Baptistery

Admire the cathedral’s façade and intricate interior; climb the dome (9am-7pm).
EUR18, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Tuscan specialties in a bustling local spot (12-2:30pm).
EUR30, 1h

3:30pm

Uffizi Gallery

Home to Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo (8:15am-6:50pm).
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Panoramic views over Florence as the sun sets.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Romantic spot offering traditional Tuscan dishes.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa and Lucca

Tuscany, Italy on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day visiting two Tuscan gems.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Florence to Pisa

One-hour train ride to Pisa.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Piazza dei Miracoli

See the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery; climb tower if desired (9am-8pm).
EUR18 to climb, 2h

11:30am

Train Pisa to Lucca

Short 30-minute train to quaint walled town of Lucca.
EUR5, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Giglio

Enjoy local specialities in charming historic Lucca.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Lucca City Walls bike ride

Rent a bike and cycle atop the Renaissance walls (rentals from 9am-7pm).
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Return train Florence

After sightseeing, travel back to Florence.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria 4 Leoni

Classic Tuscan fare in historic ambiance.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Drive to Siena & Explore

Siena, Italy on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast and prepare for scenic drive to Siena.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Rent a car and drive to Siena

Enjoy a picturesque 1h15m drive through Tuscan countryside.
EUR60 day rental, 1h15m

10:00am

Piazza del Campo and Torre del Mangia

Visit Siena’s famous shell-shaped square and climb tower for views (10am-7pm).
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Logge

Traditional Sienese cuisine near Piazza del Campo.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Siena Cathedral

Admire the stunning marble façade and interior artworks (10am-7pm).
EUR8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relaxed stroll & gelato

Explore charming streets and pick up authentic gelato.
EUR5, 1h

6:00pm

Drive back to Florence

Return to Florence before dinner.
Included in rental, 1h15m

8:00pm

Dinner at Il Latini

Bustling tavern offering hearty Tuscan classics.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Cinque Terre Transfer & Exploration

Cinque Terre, Italy on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Finish breakfast and check out.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Florence to La Spezia

Train via Pisa to La Spezia, 2.5-hour total travel.
EUR30, 2h30m

10:30am

Train from La Spezia to Vernazza

Short 15-minute train to Vernazza, a Cinque Terre village.
EUR5, 15m

11:00am

Check-in at local guesthouse

Settle in at quaint accommodation right in Vernazza.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Belforte

Spectacular cliffside seafood dining with sea views.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Hiking Vernazza to Monterosso

Enjoy breathtaking coastal trails (open daylight hours, approx 2h hike).
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Monterosso beach

Swim in Mediterranean waters or sip an aperitivo by the shore.
EUR10 for beach chair rental, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Miky

Highly regarded Michelin-recommended restaurant serving Ligurian cuisine.
EUR55, 2h

Day 8: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start the day with regional breakfast specialties.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train hopping villages: Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore

Visit three other villages by train with plenty of photo stops.
EUR16 for day pass, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria dal Billy, Manarola

Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning sea views.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:30pm

Boat tour along Cinque Terre coast

Relax on a 1-hour scenic boat ride to appreciate coastline beauty.
EUR25, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Vernazza

Explore hidden streets or rest by the harbor.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Gianni Franzi

Local dishes in a warm family atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Venice Arrival

Venice, Italy on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy a final breakfast and prepare for the journey to Venice.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Vernazza to Venice

Long train route via La Spezia and Milan, approx 6h journey.
EUR60, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in at Venice hotel

Find a hotel near a vaporetto stop to facilitate sightseeing.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Alla Staffa

Taste Venetian cicchetti and seafood specialties near San Marco.
EUR25, 1h

5:00pm

St. Mark's Basilica and Square

Visit the basilica’s magnificent interior and experience the vibrant square (4-5pm less crowded).
Free entry; donations optional, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Enjoy Venetian pasta and seafood dishes with a friendly ambiance.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 10: Venice’s Hidden Gems

Venice, Italy on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with hotel breakfast before exploring.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs

Visit the opulent palace and cross the famous bridge (9am-7pm).
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cantina Do Spade

Historic bacaro with Venetian tapas (cicchetti).
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Gondola Ride

Classic 40-minute gondola experience through canals.
EUR80 per boat, 45m

3:00pm

Explore Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio

Wander these atmospheric neighborhoods famous for history and canals.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset Aperitivo at Fondamenta Misericordia

Enjoy drinks and snacks by the canal at a popular bar.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Ae Sconte

Authentic Venetian cuisine off the typical tourist path.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 11: Lake Como Relaxation

Lake Como, Italy on September 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Get ready for transfer to Lake Como.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Venice to Como

Train journey via Milan approx 4h.
EUR40, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in at Lake Como hotel

Stay near the lakefront for easy access to ferries.
Varies, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Momi

Lakefront dining with fresh fish and regional dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat tour of Lake Como

Ferry to Bellagio and back while admiring stunning lakeside villas.
EUR30, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria San Giacomo

Local cuisine in a traditional setting in Como.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Milan Sights

Milan, Italy on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a leisurely breakfast before heading to Milan.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Como to Milan

Short one-hour train to Milan Centrale station.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Check-in hotel Milan

Stay centrally near Duomo for easy access to attractions.
Varies, 1h

11:00am

Duomo Cathedral and Rooftop Terrace

Visit Milan’s iconic gothic cathedral and climb to rooftop for views (9am-7pm).
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Luini

Taste Milanese panzerotti, savory pastries loved by locals.
EUR10, 30m

2:00pm

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala

Shop or window shop at luxurious mall and visit the famed opera house.
Free; museum tickets extra, 2h

4:30pm

Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione

Explore museums inside and have a relaxing walk in adjacent park.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Elegant dining in the Brera district with Milanese specialties.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 13: Day in Milan or Excursion

Milan, Italy on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start day with fresh coffee and pastries.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Optional Excursion: Lake Maggiore or Bergamo

Choose between a relaxing day at Lake Maggiore or visit the historic town of Bergamo, both approx 1h from Milan by train.
Train EUR15-25; optional tours extra, 6h

4:00pm

Return to Milan

Relax before final evening in the city.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Aperitivo and Dinner at Aperol Terrace

Enjoy aperitivo cocktails and dinner overlooking Piazza Duomo.
EUR40, 2h

Day 14: Return to Munich

Munich, Germany on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Milan hotel

Early breakfast for the travel day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Milan to Munich

Direct train through the Alps back to Munich, approx 7 hours.
EUR80, 7h

4:00pm

Arrival in Munich

End of extended Italian trip with arrival back in Munich.
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