Dreaming the Italian Classics: A 10-day voyage through Rome, Florence & Venice

10 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

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10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Visiting Museums & Art Galleries

History Buffs

On this 10-day trip, you'll roam Rome from the Vatican City to the Colosseum to the Trevi fountain. Leave the imperial city by train past incredible views of olive groves and hillside vineyards to see Michelangelo's "David" and the Duomo of Santa Maria in Florence. After a cooking class with a good glass of Chianti Classico, ride on to Venice to wander amidst its iconic canals to the sublime Piazza San Marco. With our detailed itinerary directions and guided tours in each city, this tour delivers an iconic Italy, whether you are a single traveler, on a family trip, or with a special someone.

Discover the Classical Roman World at the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, and Piazza Navona
Become a foodie cognoscenti in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood.
Understand the heart of Renaissance art in Florence, and admire some of the world's greatest art
Stroll the ornate Rialto Bridge over the canals of Venice, and find the best local cappuccino.

Discover the Classical Roman World at the Roman Forum, Palantine Hill, and Piazza Navona
Become a foodie cognoscenti in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood.
Understand the heart of Renaissance art in Florence, and admire some of the world's greatest art
Stroll the ornate Rialto Bridge over the canals of Venice, and find the best local cappuccino.

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

$4033

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to 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.

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM:

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Mid-Day:

Rome's Historic Center

Afternoon:

Dining in Piazza Navona

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

11:30 AM

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

Mid-Day

Exploring Rome's Historic Center (Centro Storico)

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.

Afternoon

Piazza Navona - An Italian Night Out

Arguably the most beautiful of all the piazzas in Rome, Piazza Navona is particularly stunning at night. As one of the largest and most romantic piazza squares in Rome, it is a great spot to spend the evening, with a whole host of restaurants, bars and entertainment on offer. See its three impressive fountains illuminated by night, sip on an Aperol Spritz, take an evening stroll or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream. When night falls, this is the place to be.

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

In the Heart of The Empire - Private Guided Tour of Ancient Rome

On this 3-hour private guided tour, you will explore the imposing remains of ancient Rome. Your guide will explain the extraordinary history of the birth of Rome, life in the city and everything about the fall of the Empire. Visit the Colosseum, the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum, and end the tour on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest and most important of the seven hills of Ancient Rome.

Afternoon

Piazza Venezia & Surroundings

The Piazza Venezia is not only the central hub of Rome, but is also located at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, which is the ancient heart of Rome. Thus it was chosen as a fitting space for a memorial to the first king of modern Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, who led the unification of the Italian states in the 1860s. The gigantic monument now overlooks the Piazza Venezia in overwhelming marble glory, standing as an unmissable symbol of Italian unity. The open space and dramatic setting were used to great effect by Mussolini, who staged rallies here. However, the monument is just one of the several sights that can be found around Piazza Venezia, an area often overlooked by tourists who pass from the historic center directly to the Colosseum further down the street. For instance, just below it you'll find Trajan's Forum, containing some of Rome's most notable ruins, and just above it on the Capitoline Hill, an elegant square designed by Michelangelo.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Spanish Steps and surroundings

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.

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Day 3

Rome

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Explore the Vatican City's Many Wonders

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.

Mid-Day/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.

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Twilight Trastevere Group Food Tour

Enjoy an evening of food and wine in one of the most popular and camera-ready neighborhoods in Rome, Trastevere. Be treated to 10 unforgettable food and wine tastings at some of the city’s most beloved and historic places. You'll enter a tourist and leave a local, a feeling you won’t soon forget.

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

Day 4

Rome to Florence

9:25 AM

Private Transfer to Rome Termini 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.

10:25 - 12:01

Rail Journey 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.

12:01 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

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.

Afternoon

Piazza Della Signoria: The Heart of Renaissance Florence

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.

Late Afternoon

Galleria dell'Accademia & North of the Center

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.

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

Day 5

Florence

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Best of Florence: Half-Day 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 enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Visit to the Duomo and the 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.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Piazza Santa Croce and the Surroundings

Piazza Santa Croce, is one of Florence's largest squares and traditionally one of its main arenas for ceremonies and festivities. It is also home to the church of Santa Croce, famous for its extraordinary fresco cycles and its monuments to more than 270 prominent Italians, including Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. Casa Buonarotti, a homage to Michelangelo, is nearby. The area around Santa Croce is also one of the best al fresco dining localities in the city.

Early Evening

Dining Out In Santa Croce

While the focal point of Santa Croce is its exquisite Franciscan basilica, there are a number of culinary gems scattered around the quarter demanding the attention of gourmands and casual foodies alike. With fresh, high-quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a treasure trove of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the necessary requisites to be a culinary paradise. You can choose from dynamic restaurants with innovative menus serving a hip clientele, or more formal restaurants hewing closely to Florence's strict culinary mores of the past. You can also discover plenty of unpretentious traditional mom-and-pop trattorias serving regional classics such as ribollita and bistecca all Fiorentina.

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

Day 6

Florence

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Class

Tuscany is blessed with the perfect climate and location for food, producing a diverse bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, wild game, beef & pork, and seafood. In fact, when you consider the quality of ingredients produced here, you understand why Tuscan cooking is not just about recipes, but about bringing out the best of the ingredients. Even within Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its cuisine. Taking a cooking class can introduce you to the magic, teaching you how to make traditional Tuscan starters, pastas, main courses, and deserts.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

In the footsteps of the Medicis - Ponte Vecchio & 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.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Explore the Oltrarno District

Meaning literally "the other side of the Arno", Oltrarno is often the forgotten side of Florence, with tourists generally more focused on central Florence, but sometimes it's also worth venturing off the tourist trail! Oltrarno is one of Florence's most popular and trendiest neighborhoods and offers visitors a trove of cultural treasures. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to the heart of this thriving neighborhood which is host to beautiful gardens and artistic churches. You'll also find the most famous viewpoint in the city - Piazzale Michelangelo.

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

Day 7

Florence to Venice

8:20 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

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.

09:20 - 11:34

Rail Journey from Florence 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.

11:34 AM

Arrival at Rail Station & Transfer by Water Bus or Water Taxi

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.

Mid-Day/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.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

St Mark's Square & Surroundings

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.

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

Day 8

Venice

9:30 AM - 12:30 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.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Rialto Bridge & 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.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Private 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 9

Venice

Day 9

Venice

Day 9

Venice

Day 9

Venice

Early Morning/Morning

Visit to the Islands of 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.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Discover Venice's Naval Heritage in the Arsenale & Castello District

The Venetian navy once ruled the waves in the Adriatic Sea. You can find out more about the Venetian navy's rich and colorful history at the Naval History Museum beside the great naval dockyards at the Arsenale. These mammoth shipyards constructed the Venetian Republic's fleet, which at one time was unrivaled in tonnage, fire-power, and efficiency. Its payroll numbered 16,000, and in the 16th-century wars against the Ottomans a new galley left its yards every morning for 100 days. This helped to secure victory in the decisive Battle of Lepanto, which was the last great sea conflict fought by galleys and which proved crucial to stopping the Turkish advance into Europe. The rest of the Castello District has some wonderful gems hidden away in its back alleys and canals. It is one of the least visited parts of the city, meaning it is a great place to head if you want to avoid the crowds. It even has Venice's first public park (Giardini Pubblici), which was created by order of Napoleon. Four convents were razed to make room for it, but now it is a favorite spot for locals. It is also the venue of the famous Biennale Arts Festival venue. Established in 1895, the Biennale has an attendance today of over 500,000 visitors at the Art Exhibition.

Day 10

Depart Venice

Day 10

Depart Venice

Day 10

Depart Venice

Day 10

Depart Venice

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Water Bus

Most visitors will depart from the Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is located just across the water on the mainland. Because of the impossibility of driving inside Venice, you will need to take a water bus to Piazzale Roma on the edge of the city and then a land taxi to the airport (40 EUR), or take a water bus directly to the airport (15 EUR). It is also possible to take a private water taxi directly from your hotel to the airport, but it's very expensive. If you are departing from Venice Treviso Airport, you have much further to go. You can either take an expensive taxi ride (about 100 EUR) or take a shuttle bus for 12 EUR. The ATVO line departs from Piazzale Roma and takes 70 minutes, while the Barzi line picks up at the less convenient Tronchetto (the docks) but only takes 40 minutes.

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Dreaming the Italian Classics: A 10-day ﻿voyage through Rome, Florence & Venice

10 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

$4033

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.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

Dreaming the Italian Classics: A 10-day voyage through Rome, Florence & Venice

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.