The Ultimate Italian 8-Day Adventure: Rome, Florence and Venice

8 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

Destinations on this trip: Rome,Florence,Venice

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
Inclusions
Reviews

The Neptune Fountain on Piazza della Signoria in Florence

How Long Is the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip and What Does It Cost?

Cultural ExplorationVisiting Museums & Art Galleries

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Best time
Jan-Dec
From
$2424 / person (Flights not included)

Get whisked away through time with an 8-day trip to the three crown jewels of Italy: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Begin your exploration of these Italian cities in Rome, where you’ll find majestic landmarks of history like the Colosseum along with the artistic grandeur of the Vatican City. Then take a train ride to Florence, traveling through the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany and beautiful countryside greens. Enjoy the relics of the Renaissance when you visit the famous Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo, and more, before heading to Venice for a rich cultural experience amidst its quaint neighborhoods and magnificent canals.

Visit archeological & historical marvels like the Colosseum, Forum, and Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Enjoy private guided tours in the historic Rome, Renaissance Florence, and along Venice’s canals.
Gaze into the Renaissance with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatella, and Da Vinci in Florence.
Explore St. Mark’s Square & climb its Bell Tower, then enjoy a Gondola ride through Venetian waters.
Immerse yourself in tranquil retreats to the islands of Murano and Burano on a day trip from Venice.

Visit archeological & historical marvels like the Colosseum, Forum, and Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Enjoy private guided tours in the historic Rome, Renaissance Florence, and along Venice’s canals.
Gaze into the Renaissance with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatella, and Da Vinci in Florence.
Explore St. Mark’s Square & climb its Bell Tower, then enjoy a Gondola ride through Venetian waters.
Immerse yourself in tranquil retreats to the islands of Murano and Burano on a day trip from Venice.

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Trevi Fountain

Historic Landmarks

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Uffizi Gallery

Museums & Galleries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo

Cultural

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Must see sights

Colosseum

Historic Landmarks

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Trevi Fountain

Historic Landmarks

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Uffizi Gallery

Museums & Galleries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Oltrarno & Piazzale Michelangelo

Cultural

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Starting from

$2424

per person

Not included

Price varies by group size, hotel selection, and travel season.

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Where Does the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Trip Go?

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Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Timeline

Arrival

2 nights

Rome

Italy

Train: 2h

2 nights

Florence

Italy

Train: 2.5h

3 nights

Venice

Italy

Departure

What Does the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Itinerary Look Like?

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

To Be Determined

Private Transfer to your Hotel

For your arrival in Rome, we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will schedule a pick up for your flight's arrival time. You will be met at arrivals inside the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The transfer is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package and you will be taken directly to your hotel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Afternoon — Colosseum

Surviving over 2000 years of earthquakes, looters and modern-day tourism, the Colosseum may not be the best-preserved sight in the city, but a visit to the most thrilling of Rome's ancient sights will surely help you picture the extravagance of the entertainments that were once hosted inside this world famous amphitheater. But be aware, during peak travel months (May to early October) it is impossible to enter the Colosseum without advance entrance tickets, so we highly encourage booking well in advance. If you purchase the highly recommended Roma Card, you may use it for your entry, but you will still need to reserve a time. Booking a guided tour can also be a good way to get in without needing to wait in line or purchase tickets.

Hypogeum - the Arena Underground

Venture into the bowels of the Colosseum to see how the complex spectacles were staged.

Beneath the Colosseum's arena lay the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of passages which were used to bring animals, actors, and gladiators into the arena. Trap doors enabled not only scenery to be moved onto the stage, but for gladiators to suddenly appear from beneath, or for wild animals to jump into fray without warning. It was of course a very complex operation, requiring a complex architectural design and careful preparation. Taking a tour can help to make sense of it all, but keep in mind that standard access to the Colosseum does not include entry into the underground.

Afternoon to Early Evening — Forum (Ancient Rome)

Few sites in Rome are so filled with as much of a sense of history as the Roman Forum, which was once the hub of political and social activity in ancient Rome. Located between Piazza Venezia and the mighty Colosseum, the Forum and the adjoining Palatine Hill is one of the most visited sites in Rome. You'll walk down what was once a long square lined by the most important temples, government buildings, and business places. It was filled with dramatic and often gaudy monuments and statues commerating victories and great Romans from the past. Even today you can still get some sense of what an amazing sight it must have been, as you'll encounter an impressive collection of Roman ruins still remaining.

House of the Vestal Virgins

See the ancient statues of the virgins on whose chastity the fate of Rome depended.

You can see the remnants of statues of the Vestal Virgins which surrounded the courtyard of their palace. A Vestal was a young girl, picked between the ages of 6 and 10 and committed to 30 years of service: ten years learning the rituals, ten actively serving, and ten tutoring the new priestesses. Throughout that time, she had two big responsibilities. She had to tend Rome's sacred fire and she had to guard her virginity. If either was extinguished, it was thought, Rome would fall. The virgins lived a life of privilege, influence, and honor; that is, so long as they remained virgins. If not they were buried alive. They were largely picked for their beauty - making it a challenge for all involved.

Temples of Castor & Pollux and Vesta

See the ruins of the temple dedicated to the mythical twin gods, Castor and Pollux.

The Temple of Castor and Pollux was built in 484 BC for the "twins" of Gemini (i.e. the twin sons of Jupiter), as a thanks for their help in the Republican triumph over the last King of Rome. After it was destroyed by a fire it was rebuilt by the Emporer Tiberius in 6 AD. Standing just next to it are the ruins of the Temple of the Vesta. It was there that the sacred fire of Vesta was tended by the Vestal Virgins.

Basilica of Constantine

Admire the remains of a Roman basilica that once housed a giant statue of Constantine.

Formerly the greatest of the Roman basilicas, it covered approx. 7,000 square yards (5,600 square m), including a central nave that was 265 feet (80 m) long and 83 feet (25 m) wide. Begun by the emperor Maxentius and finished by Constantine about AD 313, the basilica was not a church, but a Roman hall of justice. It housed a giant statue of Constantine, the remains of which are in the courtyard of the Conservators' Palace of the Capitoline Museum.

Arch of Titus

Gaze up at the triumphal arch with inscriptions and sculptures that honor the military victories of Emperor Titus.

Said to be the inspiration for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the well-preserved arch was built in the 1st Century AD by Emperor Domitian shortly after the death of his older brother Titus to commemorate Titus's victories. These included the Siege of Jerusalem, which saw over 50,000 Jewish slaves, brought to Rome, who were then forced to build this arch and the Colosseum. It is one of the most recognisable monuments in the Roman Forum and often used as a reference point and meeting point for tours. 

Palatine Hill

Escape the crowds and climb to the hill overlooking the Forum, where the emperors built their luxurious palaces.

Reached via a path on the eastern end of the Forum, the Palatine Hill offers wonderful views over the city and the opportunity to see the ruins of the vast palaces built by past emperors, including that of Domitian, which contained swimming baths, saunas, and a sporting arena. The Palatine is not actually a part of the Forum, which was a public space, but it is visited with the same ticket.   

Day 1

Arrive Rome

To Be Determined:

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Afternoon:

Colosseum

Afternoon to Early Evening:

Forum (Ancient Rome)

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Overview

Private Transfer to your Hotel

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Afternoon — Colosseum

Hypogeum - the Arena Underground

Venture into the bowels of the Colosseum to see how the complex spectacles were staged.

Afternoon to Early Evening — Forum (Ancient Rome)

House of the Vestal Virgins

See the ancient statues of the virgins on whose chastity the fate of Rome depended.

Temples of Castor & Pollux and Vesta

See the ruins of the temple dedicated to the mythical twin gods, Castor and Pollux.

Basilica of Constantine

Admire the remains of a Roman basilica that once housed a giant statue of Constantine.

Arch of Titus

Gaze up at the triumphal arch with inscriptions and sculptures that honor the military victories of Emperor Titus.

Palatine Hill

Escape the crowds and climb to the hill overlooking the Forum, where the emperors built their luxurious palaces.

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Grand Tour of Historic Center, Guided

Get to know the historic core of Rome on this three hour private guided walking tour that takes in such famous sights as People's Square (Piazza Popolo), the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, the column of Marcus Aurelius, the Pantheon, and the most beautiful square in all of Italy - Piazza Navona.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

Grand Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

Grand Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Grand Tour of Historic Center, Guided

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

This sanctuary of impressive dimensions is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Erected on the foundations of an earlier temple dating back to 27 BC, its construction was ordered by the Emporer Hadrian in the second century AD. The Pantheon was originally a Pagan temple dedidated to all of the gods. The building's consecration as a church in 609 AD saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period. Its greying exterior may look its age, but inside, a spectacular experience awaits. With light streaming through its oculus, the marble-clad interior seems vast. The Pantheon is home to some notable tombs, including those of painters Annibale Carracci and Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

The majestically balustraded Spanish Steps were built in 1723-6 to connect the piazza with the church of the Trinita dei Monti and the Pincio. It quickly became a favorite spot of poets, artists, and writers who gathered on its 137 steps, and it's now a favorite stop for tourists from all over the world. Yet this highly attractive stairway still somehow manages to retain a sense of romance even at the height of the tourist season, and if you happen to get there at the beginning of May you’ll find it laden with tubs of magnificent azaleas. A masterpiece of 18th-century town planning, the steps actually contain a religious message – the three flights and three landings are an allusion to the Holy Trinity.

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic sights in Rome thanks to the antics of the shapely Anita Ekberg casting herself into its waters in Frederico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece, La Dolce Vita. The fountain curiously seems to appear out of virtually nowhere within a warren of backstreets but is nevertheless discovered reasonably early each day by endless crowds of tourists looking to ensure their future return to Rome by tossing a coin back over their should into its crystal clear water (the coins are raked up each morning and donated to the Church organization Caritas). 

Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Rome's tangled historical center is packed full of some of the most fascinating and incredible sights. Explore elegant squares and piazzas, centuries-year-old churches, and baroque fountains and wander at leisure the labyrinth of ancient Roman cobbled lanes. Highlights include the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona and the great and endlessly copied Roman Pantheon.

Piazza Navona

Stand in one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to the famous Fontana dei Fiumi Fountain by Bernini.

A Roman rendezvous, Piazza Navona is, for many people, the most beautiful square in the world. Like many of Rome's landmarks, Piazza Navona is located over the foundations of an ancient monument, a 30,000 seat stadium of Domitian. The former tiers of seats have since made way for ornate fountains, exuberant baroque palazzi, and bustling pavement cafes. The square has long been the hub for local life, hosting Rome's main market for over 300 years. Today it attracts a colorful circus of tourists, performers, hawkers, street artists, and pigeons. The first visit to Piazza Navona might well result in a stiff neck from gazing up at all the sumptuous Baroque beauty.

Pantheon

Visit this iconic former pagan temple converted into a Christian church.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Column formerly dedicated to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; a statue of St. Paul now stands in place of his.

If you turn left at the far end of the Temple of Adrian, you'll arrive at the Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio). The column located on Piazza Colonna commemorates the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his victories over the Germanic tribes in Danubian and Marcomannic wars. It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). The column consists of 27 or 28 blocks of Carrara marble, each of 3.7 meters (12 ft) diameter, and was nicknamed the Centenaria, "hundred-footer" because it was 100 Roman feet or 29.60 meters high. On the top of the column was a statue of Marcus Aurelius; today, the apostle Paul stands there.

Via del Corso

One of the main streets in Rome.

The main street running alongside the Piazza Colonna is one of the main streets in Rome, called the Via del Corso. It is remarkable for being absolutely straight in an area characterized by narrow meandering alleys and small piazzas. Its runs 1.5km from Piazza del Popolo all the way to Piazza Venezia and is one of the busiest shopping streets in Rome. You’ll find lots of large international stores all over the street including major retailers such as Nike and Zara, as well as smaller Italian retailers where bargains on boutique pieces of Italian clothing and souvenirs can be found.

Late Afternoon — Spanish Steps

The streets spreading out from grand Piazza del Popolo (People's Square) form a trident that hosts some of the most popular shopping and tourist sights in Rome. These include the Spanish Steps, the adjacent Keats-Shelley House where Keats died of tuberculosis in 1821, Trevi Fountain where Anita Ekberg jumped into the water in the famous scene from Frederico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.

Spanish Steps

Take a scenic walk up the 18th-century stairway where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck set out on their Roman Holiday.

Keats-Shelly House

Visit the last residence of poet John Keats, now a memorial museum.

The Keats-Shelley House at the foot of the Spanish Steps to the right contains the apartment where the poet John Keats spent the last three months of his life. The House is essentially an archive of English-language literary and historical works and a museum of manuscripts and literary mementoes relating to the Keats circle of the early 19th century, i.e. Keats himself, Percy and Mary Shelley and Byron (who at one time lived across the square).

The Trevi Fountain

Admire one of the most iconic sights in Rome, made famous by Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

Mausoleum of Augustus

Visit the tomb of the first Roman Emperor and his family, which is finally being restored after more than a millenium of neglect.

The huge circular Mausoleum of Augustus, holding the tomb of the Emperor and the principal members of his family was one of the most sacred monuments of the ancient city, but has been somewhat neglected in recent decades, though it has undergone recent restoration. Erected in 28 BC and originally surrounded by a huge public park, it has a diameter of 87m (330 Roman feet), the largest circular mausoleum in the world. 

Piazza del Popolo

Take some time to admire this elegant square that once served as an impressive main entry point into the city of Rome.

The Piazza del Popolo was created in 1538 for Paul III in strict alignment with the three long straight streets which penetrate the city here as a trident. The piazza once acted as one the primary entrances into Rome, and many travelers recorded their first arrival in Rome through the monumental Porta del Popolo, which may have been designed by Michelangelo. An obelisk, 24m high, rises in the center and on the side of the piazza opposite the porta are the twin decorative 17th-century Baroque churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

Early Evening/Evening — Trastevere

Stroll around Trastevere, a formerly working-class district which has now been transformed into one of its hippest neighborhoods. You'll discover a heady nightlife mostly free of the tourist traps which mar other parts of the center, and you'll discover hidden corners beloved by locals and visitors alike. We highly recommend dining out in one of the district's top-rated restaurants or cafes, but beware, this is Rome's most popular spot for dinner, so booking ahead or dining early is highly advised. If you don't make a reservation, here's one tip for finding a restaurant: if someone is standing outside trying to convince you to come in, it's not popular with the locals.

Basilica di Santa Maria

Step inside this mosaic-covered gem of Rome, and then linger for a while to people watch on the square its located on.

Said to be the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome, it dates back to the 3rd Century. Despite being located on the central square of one of Rome's most popular neighborhoods for dining and nightlife, the Basilica di Santa Maria is often missed by visitors. Most just stop outside to admire its 12th-century facade and its glittering mosaic depicting Mary feeding Jesus. Its interior though is the true draw, as it is home to impressive golden mosaics from the 13th century by Pietro Cavallini, and its nave is held up by 21 ancient Roman columns pillaged from the Baths of Caracalla.  After visiting the church, be sure to hang out for a little while on the square to appreciate the lively vibe of the Trastevere neighborhood.

Day 2

Rome

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

Vatican City

Rome is unique in the world in that it contains an independent country within its city limits - the Vatican City, from where the Pope administers the Catholic Church. The symbolic center of Catholicism is St Peter's Basilica, the second-largest Catholic church in the world and among the most beautiful. The Vatican Museum contains one of the greatest collections of art in existence, including Michelangelo's jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. The popes had a bigger influence on Rome than just the collection of art. The Pope's title is actually Bishop of Rome, and popes administed the city for centuries, shaping its architecture & public spaces. Rome was re-built to be an example of urban beauty, and the Vatican was meant to be the showcase within the showcase. Their success is evident from the throngs of visitors who flock here even today.

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

Morning/Mid-Day — Vatican City

St Peter's Square

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Sistine Chapel

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Vatican Museums

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

St Peter’s Basilica

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Vatican Gardens

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Late Afternoon — Castel Sant'Angelo

Designed and built by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the great circular hulk of Castel Sant'Angelo provides one of the best routes to the Vatican and St Peter's via the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge. Appropriated by the popes, the mausoleum was turned into a fortress and attached to the Vatican with a passageway for the popes to use as a refuge in times of siege or invasion - this is where Pope Clement VII sheltered during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Ponte Sant'Angelo

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

6:10 PM — Private Transfer to Rome Train Station

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to Rome Termini Train Station. Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

19:10 - 20:46 — Train to Florence

Your approximately hour-and-a-half-hour rail journey to Florence will leave Rome behind and shortly enter the picturesque region of Umbria, where you can watch for the medieval hilltop town of Orvieto. You'll then travel through the famously beautiful countryside of of Tuscany, where you'll enjoy a landscape of green hills covered by vineyards, fields, and forests, and see winding roads lined by the iconic cypress trees. Be sure to keep an eye out for more medieval hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Arrezo. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

8:46 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

Most trains arrive in Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and trams and buses pick up next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are usually honest (but certainly not always). Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

Uffizi Gallery

As the capital of the Renaissance, it's only fitting that Florence should also host Italy's greatest art gallery at the Uffizi. It's understandably busy throughout the year, but it's nevertheless worth the crowds to see to see some of the most sumptuous masterpieces of Renaissance art, including Botticelli's Primavera and Venus, and works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. If you're planning to visit other galleries and museums in Florence, then it's definitely worth investing in a Firenze Card, which gives you free entry and priority access to 72 venues in the city. At a minimum, you should book ahead for the Uffizi to avoid very long queues.

Visit Italy's Greatest Display of Art at the Uffizi Gallery

Morning/Mid-Day — Uffizi Gallery

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della Signoria represents the very soul of Renaissance Florence and Italy. It was here in the Palazzo Vecchio that the rulers of Florence began commissioning work from the great masters of the Florentine, Roman and Venetian art world before they moved across the Arno River to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza remains an open-air sculpture museum, with eye-catching works such as the Neptune Fountain. Nearby the world famous Bargello Gallery contains the overflow of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, including Donatella's famous rendering of David, while the Loggia dei Lanzi houses some of the greatest statuary to have come out of Renaissance Italy. The piazza is still the most popular meeting point in the city, particularly during political campaigns when speakers address the crowds from the terrace in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Loggia dei Lanzi

See Florence's wealth of sculptural treasures in this 14th-century open-air gallery.

Originally completed in 1382 as a platform for the swearing in of public officials and other state affairs, it was only in the late 18th century that the Loggia was reserved exclusively for the display of the city's greatest exponents of sculpture. In the corner by the palazzo is a copy of one of the Renaissance's most iconic works, Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus Trampling Medusa (1545). If you examine the sculpture from the back, you can see the self-image of the sculptor Cellini on the backside of Perseus' helmet. Another headturner is Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Woman, created from the largest single piece of sculptural marble ever seen in Florence.

Palazzo Vecchio

Venture into the richly-adorned chambers of the palace from which Florence and Tuscany were governed for centuries.

The fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio was originally constructed around 1299 to house the government administration, but underwent many reconstructions and was utlized for many purposes over the following centuries. Visiting the palazzo is usually a lot simpler than lining up with the crowds next door trying to get into the Uffizi Gallery. You simply need to go through the courtyard at the front entrance to the ticket office where the queues should be relatively short. Highlights of the palace include the magnificent inner courtyard, the chancery once used by Machiavelli, and the lovely Sala delle Carte decorated with 57 maps painted in 1563 depicting what was then the entire known world.

Bargello Museum

Escape the crowds to visit this gallery filled with the greatest works of Renaissance sculpture.

The Palazzo del Bargello dates back to 1255 and was the former residence of the chief of police (Bargello means police station). But in 1865 it was transformed into a museum containing the richest collection of Renaissance sculpture in Italy, although it is thankfully free of the huge crowds that are attracted to the Uffizi. You'll encounter masterpieces by Michelango, Donatello, Cellini, and many others.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Piazza del Duomo

Discover the medieval marvel of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome offering panoramic views of Florence. Founded in 1296, it aimed to be the world's largest church, showcasing unmatched Renaissance grandeur in Piazza del Duomo. While entry to the Duomo is free, dome access requires a reservation. Consider a Firenze Card for easy access to other sites.

Campanile (i.e. the Bell Tower)

Climb 414 steps to the top of Italy's most famous bell tower.

The campanile, or bell tower, is at 278ft/84.7m tall and approximately 49ft/15m in breadth the most eloquent example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence. Clad in white, red and green marble like the cathedral directly adjacent to it, the majestic square bell tower is considered to be the most beautiful campanile in Italy. There are 414 steps to climb and no elevator available.

Opera Duomo Museum

See how the master architect Brunelleschi planned and built the cathedral, as well as many sculptural masterpieces.

The museum contains the largest concentration of Florentine sculpture in the world, including medieval and Renaissance works in marble, bronze, and silver by the leading artists of the era. Most of the masterpieces on display were designed to adorn the religious monuments that still stand on the Piazza del Duomo. You'll find a number of sculptures by Donatello, a forerunner of Michelangelo, as well as a mock-up of Brunelleschi's building site, complete with broken bricks, wooden scaffolding and some of the tools that were used to build the dome. Plus there are displays of various proposals for completing parts of the dome, as well as the original wooden model of the cathedral lantern presumably made by Brunelleschi himself.

Loggia del Bigallo & Museo della Misericordia

Discover these hidden-in-plain-sight gems and learn about a noble organization which has done much to alleviate the suffering of Florence's population over the centuries.

The Loggia del Bigallo is a small museum in a medieval building. It is home to several jewels of Florentine Gothic painting. It was built in the 1350s for the Compagnia della Misericordia (the Company of Mercy), a religious charitable organization founded in 1244 to aid the sick and bury the dead. It still exists today and you can see their ambulances parked just across the street at the Museo della Misericordia, which was originally an orphanage. The building was commissioned as a place to display abandoned babies in the hope they might be recognized before being given to foster parents. Today it houses a small museum which tells the history of the charity.

Baptistery of St John

Stand before the "Gate of Paradise".

The Baptistery of San Giovanni (St. John) is one of the most ancient churches in Florence, sitting opposite the Duomo. It is the most conspicuous illustration of the special relationship between Florence and ancient Rome, as the Florentines believe the Baptistery is actually a converted Roman temple to Mars. The granite columns inside were probably taken from the city's old Roman Capitol. But it's the doors to the Baptistery which are the primary attraction. They took 27 years to complete and were so beautiful that they became known as the "Gate of Paradise". 

Early Evening/Evening — Concert

Florence is well-known as the home of the Renaissance but many are unaware that it also lies at the heart of the Western musical tradition, as it was here that the first operas were performed in the mid-16th century. Today, the musical tradition remains strong, and you can see a performance in one of several theaters. Notable among them are the Teatro Niccolini, the oldest in Florence and one of the oldest in Europe, and the stunning Teatro della Pergola, one of the first theaters to use box seating. Famous Florentine festivals include Estate Fiesolana from mid-June to late August and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (i.e. the Florence Musical May).

Day 4

Florence

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Private Walking Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Florence, the perfect introduction to the masterpieces of this city. Stroll around the historic center and take in sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora and end your tour at the famous Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can choose to enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David. Please note that entry tickets to the gallery is not included and you must purchase them in advance.

Florence in Half a Day: Guided Highlights Walk

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Private Walking Tour

Afternoon — Palazzo Pitti

The Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge over the Arno River, dates back to Roman times and is a key Florence landmark. Once home to butchers, it now houses jewelers and art dealers. The Vasari Corridor above was a Medici family passage linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art by Raphael, Titian, and others. Walk across this magnificent bridge that connects the two sides of the city and learn about its history along the way.

Palazzo Pitti

Discover some of the Florence's best but often overlooked museums in the former palace of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

You'll find the Pitti Palace just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. In 1457, wealthy banker Luca Pitti began building the palace, but by the time it was completed, the family fortunes had run dry. He was forced to sell it to their arch-rivals, the Medicis, and thus it became the official residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. On the first floor you'll find the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments, the two most popular museums in the palace. They contain a collection of 16th and 17th-century paintings (including works by Raphael), and 28 beautiful rooms with original furnishing. On the ground floor is the Treasury, displaying a vast collection of Medici household treasures, from table silverware to precious stone vases, rock crystals and precious jewelry. There is also a Gallery of Modern Art, Porcelain Museum, and a museum showcasing costumes and fashion from the last 300 years. You can get a combined ticket which includes all the museums housed within the palace.

Boboli Gardens

Join locals and tourists alike in a park which the Medici's poured their hearts (and money) into creating.

Directly behind the Pitti Palace are the marvellous Boboli Gardens, which were developed over hundreds of years and funded by the immense gold reserves of the Medici family. This green hidden oasis in the heart of Florence is often considered an open air museum, rich in history and art, and blessed with plenty of water features, hidden paths, and fascinating grottoes. For those with museum overload, it makes for the perfect retreat, as well as a precious refuge from the city’s heat during the summer months. The adjoining Forte di Belvedere is also worth the hike up to it, as it offers spectacular views of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan hills. 

Late Afternoon — Galleria dell'Accademia

Take the opportunity to visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's statue of David and his unfinished Slaves, then pop by the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the first grand palace built by the Medici family, followed by the Church of San Lorenzo to see more masterpieces by Michelangelo in the Medici Chapel and Old Sacristy. The Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) also contains a deeply moving museum dedicated to the social conditions in medieval Florence and the treatment of its unwanted children. We highly recommend the Firenze Card to facilitate easy entry into museums and galleries like Galleria dell'Accademia.

Piazza Santissima Annunziata

Take a stroll around one of Florence's most pleasant squares.

The fully pedestrianized Piazza Santissima Annuziata was designed by Brunelleschi in the 1420s, and prominentally displays an equestrian statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand I. The statue was cast from cannons captured at the Battle of Lepanto, the last great sea battle between galleys in which the Christian West decisively defeated the Ottoman Empire. Two Mannerist fountains with fantastical figures also adorn the square. The square is named after the church of the Annunziata, whose interior is one of the more striking in Florence.

Hospital of the Innocents

Learn the oft-heartbreaking tale of Europe's first hospital for abandoned infants.

Opened in 1445, this was the first foundlings' hospital in Europe. Its nine-arched loggia was one of Renaissance's earliest examples of the new classically influenced style and has been copied relentlessly elsewhere. In the blue-backed ceramic circular paintings, heavily swaddled babies advertise the hospital's function, though their revelry belies the misery associated with it. Slavery was part and parcel of the Florentine economy as late as the 15th century, and many infants in the hospital were born to domestic slaves. In later centuries the hosptial took in not only unwanted children born out of wedlock, but also the children of the poor. The excellent museum inside the hospital brilliantly explains the life of these children, their parents and their carers over the centuries. You'd need a heart of stone not be deeply moved by some of the stories depicted. From 1660, children could be abandoned anonymously in the 'rote', a small revolving door whose bricked-up remains are still visible at the extreme left of the facade - an early version of modern hospital 'baby boxes'; it remained in use until 1875.

Church of San Lorenzo

Discover a church missed by most visitors despite being one of Florence's most important, and admire masterpieces of Renaissance art and sculpture by Donatello, Michelangelo, and others.

The Church of San Lorenzo is one of Florence's greatest historical landmarks as most important Medici are buried here. The church lays claim to being the oldest in Florence (393 AD) and was for a time its cathedral. It gradually became the Medici parish church and thus attracted the family's munificence. The money was never quite enough, however, and that's why the church remains without a facade to cover its bare brickwork to this day. The interior is naturally stuffed full of great works of arts: Rosso Fiorentino's Marriage of the Virgin in the second chapel on the right; the bronze pulpits by Donatello; Filippo Lippi's altarpiece of the Annunciation, the Pala del Sacramento tabernacle; and in the center of the church, the tomb of Cosimo de' Medici bearing the old Roman title "Pater Patriae" (Father of the Fatherland). The so-called Medici Chapels, built as extensions to the church, are decorated with some of Michelangelo's finest sculptures.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

Explore the 15th-century palace which the Medici family once called home.

This grandiose palace is more modest than it could have been. Designed for Cosimo the Elder, he did not want too grand a home for fear of arousing hostility, and thus the original plans were rejected as too ornate. The enraged architect Brunelleschi is said to have smashed his model in response. Thus the exterior is simple, but the interior luxurious enough to befit the guests who came to stay, including the likes of Charles V of France. The palazzo is probably most famous for its private chapel, Cappella dei Magi. This tiny chapel (only 15 people at a time can pass through it) is covered in wonderful frescoes depicting The Journey of the Magi, portrayed by leading members of the Medici family.

6:20 PM — Transfer to Rail Station

Most trains depart from Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option; trams and buses drop off next to the station. Uber is available in Florence, and if staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags.

19:20 - 21:23 — Train to Venice

Your approximately two-hour rail journey to Venice will travel through the famously beautiful countryside of Tuscany and cross the also picturesque regions of Emilia Romagna and Veneto, traversing the Apennine Mountains and passing through historical cities such as Bologna and Padua. The journey is especially convenient since you can take a direct, high-speed train - the Frecciarossa, which reaches speeds of up to 250 miles per hour (400 km/h) and offers maximum comfort.

9:23 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

All trains should arrive in Venice Santa Lucia (Venezia S Lucia) station, the main station in Venice. If by chance your train ends in Venice Mestre Railway Station, that means you have not actually arrived in Venice, and must switch to a train that takes you across the water to Santa Lucia station. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also, consider that there is no wheeled traffic in Venice. That means you will either need to take a public water bus or pre-book a private water taxi to the dock nearest your hotel. Water buses are very reliable and one-way tickets can be purchased on the spot. Better yet, you can also purchase Venezia Unica Cards or another city pass which includes transport. Private Water Taxis are generally expensive (around 70 euros depending on the distance) but they will take you nearer to your hotel, or if your hotel has a dock, directly to the dock.

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 6

Venice

Day 6

Venice

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

'First Walk', Guided Tour in Venice

If you are a first-time visitor to Venice, the best approach is an introductory tour. This 3-hour private guided walking excursion begins with a selection of the “must sees,” including St. Mark's Square, the former political center of the Venetian Republic, with its many famous buildings: the Doges' Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Marciana Library, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. You'll end your tour in the Rialto neighborhood next to the famous Rialto Bridge.

'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — 'First Walk', Guided Tour in Venice

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

Important Note: Entry lines can be very long. We suggest taking advantage of skip the line entry. As the name suggests, the Palace was the official residence of the Venetian rulers, the Doges, and the chief magistrates. The building was founded in the 9th century, but the present one dates from the 14th century. Tour its elaborate staterooms, grand halls and the 24-carat golden staircase before seeking out its collection of priceless masterpieces by Venetian artists including Titan, Veronese and Tintoretto. Be sure to spend some time in the most incredible room of all, the Chamber of the Great Council, the assembly hall where all Venetian patricians gathered to participate in the running of the city - up to 2,500 at any one time. There you will find the Doge's throne and the world's longest canvas painting in the world, Tintoretto's Il Paradiso.

Afternoon — St Mark's Square

St Mark's Square was the embodiment of The Most Serene Republic of Venice's power and prestige, and as such contains its most magnificent public buildings: the extraordinary golden mosaic-encrusted basilica of St Mark's, the exquisite Doge's Palace, the all-seeing bell tower, the Bibliotecca Marciana library, and what is nowadays the famous Correr Museum. If timed correctly, it is possible to see all these sights on your own within half a day, although a guide can make the process much more efficient (and more educational as well). Keep in mind that the square is one of the most heavily touristed places in the world, so crowds and lines can be an issue. St Mark the Evangelist was not the patrion saint of Venice until 829 AD, when two Venetian merchants stole St. Mark's remains from their original resting place in a chuch in Alexandria, Egypt, and then smuggled the relics home trussed up in a canvas sheet. The pretext for the theft was that the Muslim conquerors of Alexandria were expected to defile and plunder the church. While this may have been true, it is no coincidence that bringing such an important saint's relics to Venice was hugely important politically and signaled Venice's place as a rising independent power. A church was built to house the relics, and St. Mark's Square was established as the spiritual and political heart of the city.

St Mark's Square Campanile

Ascend this reconstructed cathedral bell tower for amazing views over St Marks Square, St Mark's Basilica and the Venetian lagoon.

Standing at 325 feet (99m) high, the Campanile, i.e. bell tower, of St. Mark's Basilica dominates the city's iconic square. Crowned by a spire that once acted as a lighthouse for Venice's naval ships, the cathedral tower was first built in the 10th century AD but underwent repeated repairs, reconstructions, and additions until reaching its current form in the 16th century. It was also a prominent part of the Venetian penal system as criminals were sometimes subjected to the Supplizio della Cheba (Torture of the Cage), which involved being incarcerated inside a crate that was hoisted up the south side of the tower to be left dangling there for several days or more in all weather. The tower collapsed in 1902, and what you see today is actually an exact replica (with the convenient addition of an elevator). The bell tower is now one of the most visited sights in Venice, offering some incredible panoramic views over the city and its canals. Lines are long, but a ticket can be reserved in advance for an extra few Euros.

St Marks Basilica

Step inside Venice's most sacred and famous landmark and admire the glittering mosaics of the basilica's domes.

Important Note: Entry to the basilica itself is free, but there are huge crowds queuing up outside to see the interior at almost any time of year (waiting times are on average 45min), so we very strongly advise you to purchase a 'skip the line' ticket A private chapel for the use of the Doges, the rulers of Venice, was purpose-built on the site and consecrated in 832 to house the stolen relics of St Mark. Destroyed in a fire, a replica was soon built, but this was in turn superseded by a third structure in 1063-94; the Basilica of St Mark. Today, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and a sight to behold for all visitors. The glittering mosaics, the golden altar behind St Mark's sarcophagus, its beautiful chapels, and treasury make it a sight you absolutely can not afford to miss.  The stunning golden mosaics lining the interior were begun in the 12th century and work continued on them over the intervening centuries, but much of the exterior and interior decoration is actually art and monuments looted from cities defeated by Venice in its many wars. Many trophies seem out of place in a church, such as the Four Horses of San Marco, which were taken from Constantinople where they had once stood in the Hippodrome (the chariot racing arena). But the Venetians felt that anything which glorified Venice also reflected the glory and intercession of their patron saint, and thus belonged in the Basilica.

Doges' Palace

Explore the staterooms and masterpieces inside this famous Gothic-style Palace.

Torre dell'Orologio

Check out a renaissance clock tower dating from 1499.

St Mark's Clocktower or the Moors' Clocktower is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Venice. Originally built during the 15th century, the clocktower features an elaborate clock that displays the signs of the Zodiac and the current phase of the moon. It played an essential part of daily life in historical Venice, with seafarers setting out from the Grand Canal replying on its time to decide when to head out to sea. You'll notice at the top of the tower, two bronze wild men. They ring the bell on the hour. One of the men is old, the other is young, representing the passing of time.

Correr Museum

Take a fascinating journey through the history and art of Venice inside one of its most important museums.

Established in 1830, 33 years after Venice lost its independence, the Museo Correr depicts life and culture in Venice during its glory days of wealth and strength. Somewhat ironically given that the museum is dedicated to Venice's glory, the city's loss of independence made the collection possible, as many formerly wealthy Venetian families were forced to sell their treasures in the difficult conditions. Highlights in the museum include works by the famed Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and a fine art collection that covers the work of many famous Venetian painters of the 13th to 16th centuries. Also fascinating are the collected antiquities from the city's long history, such as ship flags, nautical instruments, books, maps, and coins. 

Library of St Mark

Visit the magnificent monumental rooms of the Marciana Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Venice.

The Sansoviniana library, also referred to as National Marciana Library, is one of the biggest and most important libraries in Italy. Located in a beautiful Renaissance building opposite the Doge's Palace, it holds a number of valuable Greek and Latin manuscripts. The interior is richly decorated, with an impressive ceiling and a collection of Venetian paintings including works by Tintoretto and Veronese. 

Late Afternoon — The Grand Canal

Snaking through the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice. Flanked by Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish palaces, a trip down the Canal is often the highlight of many people's trip. While the Gondola is the most romantic option, many opt for the less glamorous but equally as enjoyable ride on the 3.8 kilometres Water Bus Line 1, which passes some 50 palazzi and passes underneath the famous Rialto Bridge.

Rialto Bridge

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

The 16th-century Rialto Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Venice. With a width of other 75 feet (23m) and span of over 100 feet (31m), the wide stone footbridge crosses over the Grand Canal and connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. It stands on the spot of an earlier wooden drawbridge which collapsed under the weight of a crowd gathered on it to watch a wedding procession. It took almost 150 years before the current Rialto bridge was built, this time in stone, and thus still stands as a symbol of the city. Surrounded by tourist shops and pricey restaurants, it sits on 12,000 wooden pilings and will be forever immortalised in millions of photographs as the backdrop to the classic Venetian photo shot, which captures the city's gondolas as they ferry lovers around the Grand Canal. While for many a gondola ride is a must-do experience in Venice, it's also possible to admire the bridge on foot. For a less-pricey way of seeing it from the water, you can always take the Number 1 local Vaporetto (water bus) and see the bridge as you pass underneath. 

Ca'd'Oro

Admire the elaborate 15th-century Gothic facade of this famous building along the Grand Canal.

The fifteenth-century Gothic and Renaissance style building is known as the house of gold because it once covered in gold leaf decoration. Despite the loss of the gilt facade, it is still one of the Venice’s most striking buildings and its best preserved Gothic palace. It can be appreciated from the Grand Canal but for those who want a closer look, it also houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, a small art museum with a lovely restored interior. Just as good as the art is the opportunity to admire the lovely courtyard and to stand on the loggia above the Grand Canal and take in the view.

Early Evening/Evening — Zattere

The Fondamenta delle Zattere in the Dorsoduro sestiere (district) is a beautiful promenade with many bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. It has a great view across the Giudecca Canal and therefore makes for a lovely evening out to enjoy some Venetian cuisine and wines from the Veneto region. The nearby canals of Dorsoduro are also home to myriad bars and al fresco dining venues in the summer months.

Day 6

Venice

Day 7

Venice

Day 7

Venice

Morning/Mid-Day

San Polo District

The graceful arch of the Rialto Bridge is perhaps the single most iconic sight in Venice since nearly everyone passes beneath it on their journey along the Grand Canal. It connects Venice's two most visited districts, San Marco and San Polo. While San Marco is famous for St. Mark's Square, San Polo more than holds its own as a must-see destination, as it contains some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and most picturesque canals and bridges. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in Venice, and admittedly some of its worst tourist traps as well. Among many highlights is the bustling Rialto Market, which was once one of medieval Europe's busiest financial and trade markets, and still does a brisk trade in fresh seafood and produce.

Rialto Markets

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Venice's historic "Pescaria" fish market, as well as the fresh produce market.

Frari Church

Step inside this inconspicuous Gothic 15th-century church to discover some of Venice's most famous tombs and artwork.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Visit this underrated art museum featuring works by the famed Renaissance artist Tintoretto.

Rialto Bridge & San Polo District

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Rialto Bridge

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

Rialto Markets

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Venice's historic "Pescaria" fish market, as well as the fresh produce market.

Frari Church

Step inside this inconspicuous Gothic 15th-century church to discover some of Venice's most famous tombs and artwork.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Visit this underrated art museum featuring works by the famed Renaissance artist Tintoretto.

Rialto Bridge & San Polo District

Browse the gallery to see some of the highlights

Rialto Bridge

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

Rialto Markets

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Venice's historic "Pescaria" fish market, as well as the fresh produce market.

Morning/Mid-Day — San Polo District

Rialto Bridge

Walk over or ride under the most famous bridge on the Grand Canal.

Rialto Markets

Experience the sights, tastes, and smells of Venice's historic "Pescaria" fish market, as well as the fresh produce market.

Located close to the Rialto Bridge stands the Rialto Market, "the incomparable fish market of Venice, a glorious wet, colorful, high-smelling concourse of the sea, to which in the down hours fleets of barges bring the day's supply of sea-foods" (Jan Morris). Established well before the bridge was built, Venice's iconic market is a sight to behold, with colourful vegetable stalls and loud market vendors touting for business. It is a great spot for photographs and of course for a taste of the freshly caught fish with a host of appetising snacks on offer. Adjacent to the fish market you'll find a produce market, which is also important for a city which demands fresh ingredients for its cuisine. Keep in mind that the markets close at 1pm, and both markets are closed on Sundays (the fish market is also closed on Mondays).

Frari Church

Step inside this inconspicuous Gothic 15th-century church to discover some of Venice's most famous tombs and artwork.

The relatively austere brick Gothic Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari holds many surprises. It has the second tallest campanile in Venice after St Mark's, and contains numerous masterpieces of painting and sculpture by the likes of Titian, Bellini and Donatello, plus a number of important doges' tombs, as well as Titian's tomb. Titian's majestic painting of The Assumption in the sanctuary, with its dramatic movement and coloring, is the work that established Titian's reputation as one of the greatest of all Italian painters. Even if you feel you've seen too many churches already, this one is definitely worth visiting and we recommend investing in the audio guide to get the best out of your time here.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Visit this underrated art museum featuring works by the famed Renaissance artist Tintoretto.

Next door to the Frari, one of the most magnificent of Venice's charitable associations, The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of the most magnificent of Venice's charitable associations. The building was completed in 1560, and Tintoretto won a competition held to select an artist to decorate the interior. Over the next 23 years, he executed an incomparable series of paintings that cover the walls and ceilings. According to the writer Jan Morris, "no collection of sacred pictures is more overwhelming of impact than the immense series of Tintorettos in the Scuola [...] - often dark, often grandiose, often incomprehensible, but culminating in the huge masterpiece of the Crucifixion, which Velazquez humbly copied, and before which, to this day, you may still see strong men moved to tears."

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon — Murano & Burano

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts with a day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Stop by a glass factory or two and watch a live demonstration of glass artisans at work on the island of Murano, before hopping over to Burano, known for its brightly colored buildings and lace making, a tradition that dates back to the 16th Century. Both quiet islands offer a peaceful retreat from the often tourist filled squares of Venice's mainland. You can easily reach them by taking a guided tour or simply by catching the Vaporetto. It only takes about ten minutes to reach Murano from the F.te Nove stop, and another 30 minutes to reach Burano. Once arrived you will surely enjoy the laid-back island havens, both with their own Grand Canals, colorful buildings and a host of fascinating workshops, showrooms, and picturesque sidewalk cafes.

Glass Museum & Murano's Glass-Making Factories

See a superb collection of Venetian glass inside the Museum of Glass, and then stop by one of the island's workshops for a live demonstration.

Primarily known as the island of glass-making, Murano has sat at the epicenter of creative glassmaking for centuries. In the late 13th century Venice's Government deemed it too dangerous to have open furnaces in the city, as they posed a huge fire risk to a confined island city whose buildings were often made entirely of wood. Glass production was moved to the nearby island of Murano, and here the industry prospered. The Museum of Glass is housed inside an ancient palace and boasts a large collection of Murano glass, including world-class masterpieces by artists as Venini, Zecchin and Carlo Scarpa. Meanwhile, many of the island's workshops have belonged to the same families for centuries. Several furnaces are open to the public and you can watch short demonstrations. Be aware many also follow with a hard sales pitch, but you are never obligated to buy anything. A few tips: 1) The farther away from the Colonna Waterbus stop you walk—toward the glass museum and the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato—the better the values. 2) Some glass houses—especially Barovier & Toso, Moretti, Pauly, Seguso, and Venini—command higher prices than others because of the quality of their work and the long tradition behind their names.  3) Shipping delicate pieces home can prove both costly and hazardous. If you do, don’t forget to get the seller’s email address, record the tracking number, and insure, insure, insure.

Museum of Lace (Museo del Merletto)

Observe firsthand one of the world's oldest and most famous traditions of lace making.

Burano is historically a fishing village known for its handcrafted lace and technicolor houses. The legend goes that a sailor was lured to the island by a beautiful mermaid. She splashed her tail and created intricately patterned sea spray which she used as her wedding veil for her upcoming nuptials to the sailor. The village girls were very jealous of her veil and did their best to replicate the airy patterns with needle and thread, thus beginning Burano’s tradition of handcrafted lace. The Museo del Merletto was established in 1978 in the former gothic palace of the magistrate of Torcello. Inside the museum you can observe not only how the famous lace is made, but also learn about its history. You'll see artefacts from the collection of the Lace School of Burano, which occupied the building during the late 19th century.

Burano's Colorful Houses

Take a walk through Venice's most colorful island and enjoy the unusual sight of its brightly-painted flourescent houses.

Burano is filled with colorful houses famous for their fluorescent shades. The colors are heavily regulated in Burano (you have to write for permission before painting) and their origins disputed. Some say the houses were painted brightly so fisherman returning from the sea could spot their houses through the thick fog. A less romantic version say the houses were painted distinctively so fishermen could find their way home after a night on the town.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM — Gondola Ride

The gondola is no doubt one of the most universally known symbols of Venice; this elegant, elongated black wooden boat inspired innumerable writers & poets and was used by rich & famous people of any age. From Lord Byron to Hemingway, from Elton John to George Clooney, they’ve all been on a gondola ride! Now it is your turn to be rocked down the ancient, peaceful canals, while your gondolier will tell you about the construction of gondola itself and the meaning of the strangely shaped iron on its bow. Venetian palaces will appear to you in all their charm, as the fanciest facade is always the one facing the water!

Day 7

Venice

Day 8

Depart Venice

Day 8

Depart Venice

What's Included in the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Trip?

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities:

Grand Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center
Florence in Half a Day: Guided Highlights Walk
'First Walk' Guided Tour in Venice
Private Gondola Ride
City Card for Rome, including discounts to many popular attractions

Pre-Paid Transportation:

2nd Class Train Tickets from Rome-Florence
2nd Class Train Tickets from Florence-Venice
Public Transport Tickets for Venice and Rome
Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel
Private Transfer to Rome Termini Train Station

Accommodation:

2 nights at a hotel of your choice in Rome
2 nights at a hotel of your choice in Florence
3 nights at a hotel of your choice in Venice

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Points of Interest
Detailed Travel Information
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Explore cities in more detail

Rome

One of the must-sees of Italy, and indeed all of Europe, Rome is a city with history flowing through its veins. There is an endless amount to see, do, and learn here, with something for every taste and disposition. Rome was the center of Western civilization for a Millenium and during that time, accumulated a list of historical and cultural treasures that no other destination can truly match. The Pantheon, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Cirus of Maxentius are just a few examples of what can be seen and experienced in Rome, which at times feels more like a giant outdoor museum than a city. At Rome’s heart, you’ll find the Vatican, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. Here visitors can see the legendary Sistine Chapel. Transcending a mere building, the chapel is a walk-in work of art. Although historical sights can be found on just about every corner, it’s entirely possible to fill a day just wandering around Rome. The city’s charming streets and open Piazzas are filled with beautiful sights and places to sit, grab the best Cappuccino in the world, and enjoy the view.

Learn About Rome

Florence

Culture and history are thick in the air in Florence. Located on the banks of the Arno River in Tuscany, Florence’s past is deeply compelling. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is where innovators like Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci made their fortunes. Centuries of art, politics, and commerce have left their mark on every stone in this Northern Italian city. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Florentine banks funded new enterprises that went on to change the history of the world. Powerful families like the Medici’s financed some of the finest art in history and pioneered new ways of doing statecraft and politics. As you stand in the Piazzale Michelangelo and gaze upon the city below it’s hard to take it all in at once. It feels like behind every door in Florence might hide a work of genius. Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Primavera can be found just a short walk away. After a long day wandering the streets and gazing at art, fueled by exquisite coffee and gelato, relax like the locals do: with a glass of some of the best wine in the world.

Learn About Florence

Venice

Venice is a city with no equal. Built on a series of islands on a lagoon, it was once a powerful city-state. Echoes of that old magnificence can be seen everywhere here, from the stunning buildings that rise out of the canals, to the bridges that arc across them. Take a Gondola ride through the canals that form the city’s veins, or wander through the winding streets drinking in the sights. You’ll see Venice attracts tourists in huge numbers, and that’s with good reason. It’s home to a seemingly limitless amount of art, culture, history, and architecture. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile di San Marco just barely scratch the surface. There’s a 700-year-old market, Rialto, which is still open today. The Ponte di Rialto bridge connects the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo, stretching across the Grand Canal. Venice has weathered the last several centuries with elegance and pride, a place that will surpass even your highest expectations.

Learn About Venice

Milan

Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. The shopping in Milan is second to none. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. Along with the fashion, Milan’s cathedral, castle, and canals are also must-sees. But to view the city’s most prized possession - Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, you must make an appointment. Tickets to view this mural sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art. After a day taking in all the glamor and culture, take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries. The Navigli Quarter is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes, perfect for a relaxed Aperol spritz or pizza along the city’s canals.

Learn About Milan

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, a string of five fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy, is a rare snapshot of a traditional way of life. Rustic and charming, these clusters of pastel houses clinging to steep Mediterranean cliffs hold a special allure. Hiking between the five villages is a popular way to experience the rugged Mediterranean landscape close up. There are no roads here — the only other way to get between the villages is by boat or train. Seafood, hauled in from the azure waters of the sea that laps against the rocky shore, is abundant and delicious here. It pairs well with the local wine, and perhaps a plate of olives. Cinque Terre is a place to take it slow, to breathe in the fresh sea air and bask in the balmy climate, many miles from the chaos and frenzy of the modern world.

Learn About Cinque Terre

Naples

Gritty and chaotic Naples calls to travelers who want to experience the real Italy. Pressed along the coast of Campania, hilly Naples is jammed with maze-like streets, strung with outdoor clotheslines, descending toward the sea below. A much deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is famous for its churches, museums, castles, and catacombs. As you navigate the city, you’ll find yourself immersed by its culture and history. You can easily occupy a full day gazing at churches like the Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, and Cappella Sansevero. If you cast your eyes toward the Gulf of Naples, you’ll see Mount Vesuvius looming over the harbor. This foreboding volcano erupted in AD 79. Not far from the inner city — less than an hour by train — you’ll find the ancient town of Pompeii, its dramatic ruins still preserved in ash from the eruption. One of the best things you can do in Naples is to eat. This is the city where pizza was born. Propped up by its ripe tomatoes, local cheeses, and fresh fish, food from Naples has come to define what many see as the height of Italian cuisine. Everything you taste in Naples seems like a delicacy. Authentic and vivid, Naples is a true Italian city where the ancient world meets the modern-day with a bang.

Learn About Naples

The Ultimate Italian 8-Day Adventure: Rome, Florence and Venice

8 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

How Long Is the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip and What Does It Cost?

$2424

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Where Does the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Trip Go?

Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Timeline

What Does the Italian Highlights in Eight Days Trip Itinerary Look Like?

Private Transfer to your Hotel

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Afternoon — Colosseum

Hypogeum - the Arena Underground

Afternoon to Early Evening — Forum (Ancient Rome)

House of the Vestal Virgins

Temples of Castor & Pollux and Vesta

Basilica of Constantine

Arch of Titus

Palatine Hill

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to your Hotel

Afternoon — Colosseum

Hypogeum - the Arena Underground

Afternoon to Early Evening — Forum (Ancient Rome)

House of the Vestal Virgins

Temples of Castor & Pollux and Vesta

Basilica of Constantine

Arch of Titus

Palatine Hill

Grand Tour of Historic Center, Guided

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Grand Tour of Historic Center, Guided

Pantheon

Spanish Steps

The Trevi Fountain

Afternoon — Rome's Historic Center

Piazza Navona

Pantheon

Column of Marcus Aurelius

Via del Corso

Late Afternoon — Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps

Keats-Shelly House

The Trevi Fountain

Mausoleum of Augustus

Piazza del Popolo

Early Evening/Evening — Trastevere

Basilica di Santa Maria

Vatican City

Morning/Mid-Day — Vatican City

St Peter's Square

Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museums

St Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Late Afternoon — Castel Sant'Angelo

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Ponte Sant'Angelo

6:10 PM — Private Transfer to Rome Train Station

19:10 - 20:46 — Train to Florence

8:46 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

Uffizi Gallery

Morning/Mid-Day — Uffizi Gallery

Mid-Day/Afternoon — Piazza Della Signoria

Loggia dei Lanzi

Palazzo Vecchio

Bargello Museum

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Piazza del Duomo

Campanile (i.e. the Bell Tower)

Opera Duomo Museum

Loggia del Bigallo & Museo della Misericordia

Baptistery of St John

Early Evening/Evening — Concert

Private Walking Tour

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Private Walking Tour

Afternoon — Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti

Boboli Gardens

Late Afternoon — Galleria dell'Accademia

Piazza Santissima Annunziata

Hospital of the Innocents

Church of San Lorenzo

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.