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

8 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

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Trip Map
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8 Days 7 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

Visiting Museums & Art Galleries

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

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

To Be Determined

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

To Be Determined:

Private Transfer to your Hotel

Afternoon:

Colosseum

Afternoon to Early Evening:

Forum (Ancient Rome)

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

Afternoon

Visit the Spectacle of Ancient Rome's 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.

Afternoon to Early Evening

The Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

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.

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

Day 2

Rome

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Grand Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center

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.

Afternoon

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.

Late Afternoon

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.

Early Evening/Evening

Exploring & Dining Out in 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.

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Day 3

Rome to Florence

Morning/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.

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.

6:10 PM

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.

19:10 - 20:46

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.

8:46 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.

Day 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit Italy's Greatest Display of Art at the 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.

Mid-Day/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/Early Evening

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.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert Evening

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 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

9:00 AM - 12:00 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.

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

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.

6:20 PM

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.

19:20 - 21:23

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.

9:23 PM

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.

Day 6

Venice

Day 6

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.

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.

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.

Early Evening/Evening

Dining Out In 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 7

Venice

Day 7

Venice

Day 7

Venice

Day 7

Venice

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

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.

4:00 PM - 4:30 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 8

Depart Venice

Day 8

Depart Venice

Day 8

Depart Venice

Day 8

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

8 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

$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.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

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.