Essential Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice in 7 Days

7 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

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Trip Map
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7 Days 6 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

History Buffs

This captivating 7-day travel itinerary brings you to Rome, Florence, and Venice, where you'll toss a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, explore the artistic masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery, and stroll along the canals of Venice. In Rome, you'll experience ancient history on visits to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. After visiting the Vatican City, you'll travel by train through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to reach Florence, the quintessential Renaissance city. Conclude your journey in Venice, as its picturesque canals create an unforgettable atmosphere. A Gondola ride at sunset will put the icing on the cake of your epic vacation.

Includes an airport transfer, private guided tours in Rome and Venice, and a Florence tasting tour
Tour the Vatican City and see the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica with your own eyes
Wander the Uffizi Gallery marveling at Renaissance masterpieces from Botticelli and Raphael
Explore the Boboli Gardens: A lush Renaissance oasis in Florence's heart
Delight in Venice's unique atmosphere on the Piazza San Marco and venture into the Doge's palace
Cross the Grand Canal on Venice's Rialto Bridge, an iconic stone archway offering breathtaking views
Enjoy detailed travel guidance with the Go Real Travel mobile app, ensuring a stress-free trip

Includes an airport transfer, private guided tours in Rome and Venice, and a Florence tasting tour
Tour the Vatican City and see the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica with your own eyes
Wander the Uffizi Gallery marveling at Renaissance masterpieces from Botticelli and Raphael
Explore the Boboli Gardens: A lush Renaissance oasis in Florence's heart
Delight in Venice's unique atmosphere on the Piazza San Marco and venture into the Doge's palace
Cross the Grand Canal on Venice's Rialto Bridge, an iconic stone archway offering breathtaking views
Enjoy detailed travel guidance with the Go Real Travel mobile app, ensuring a stress-free trip

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Historic Landmarks

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Must see sights

Vatican City

Churches & Monasteries

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Historic Landmarks

Piazza del Duomo

Churches & Monasteries

Galleria dell'Accademia

Museums & Galleries

Grand Canal

European History

Saint Mark's Basilica

Architecture

Starting from

$2139

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

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Colosseum

Afternoon/Late Afternoon:

Forum (Ancient Rome)

Day 1

Arrive Rome

Day 1

Arrive Rome

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel

Mid-Day/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/Late Afternoon

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.

Mid-Day/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.

Afternoon/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.

Late Afternoon

Discover the Jewish Ghetto

The Ghetto is an area of confusing switchback streets and alleys which is currently undergoing a resurgence with lots of kosher cafes and restaurants. The highlight is the huge synagogue built in 1904, which includes the Museo Ebriaca recounting the history of Roman Jews, many of whom died in the Holocaust. Immediately across the road is the Teatro di Marcello built by Julius Caesar and Augustus. The remains of the first Roman bridge to cross the Tiber are also nearby.

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

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.

3:10 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Roma Termini 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. You can also reach the station by public bus, but admittedly this can be an unpleasant and difficult experience if traveling with bags. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

16:10 - 17:46

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.

5:46 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.

Early Evening/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 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Day 4

Florence

Morning

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.

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.

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

Piazza Santa Maria Novella & Surroundings

You can step back in time as you explore the narrow streets near the River Arno, around the Piazza Santa Trinita. This area of Florence best retains its former medieval character and taking a stroll here will give you some idea of how Florence felt in when every big house was an urban fortress (although the tall defensive towers that rich families built to protect against attacks from their neighbors have long gone). You'll squeeze your way through streets with names like Via dell'Inferno and Via del Purgatorio. Once done exploring, admire the fresco masterpieces of the Church of Santa Maria Novella juxtaposed next to the 1930s Italian rationalist architecture of the railway station of the same name. A few minutes' walk away there's also the church of Ogissanti where you can see masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli.

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Florence Sunset Food Tour

Set off as the sun dips over the horizon and be introduced to the very best restaurants and wine bars Florence has to offer on this guided 3.5-hour group tour. See the perfect cocktail being constructed then sip it down at aperitivo o’clock as you watch the world go by on the cobblestone Santo Spirito streets. Savour artisanal truffle cheese and cured local meats paired with the perfect local vino.

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

Day 5

Florence to Venice

9:20 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.

10:20 - 12:34

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.

12:34 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.

1:15 PM - 4:15 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.

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.

5:45 PM - 6:15 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!

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 6

Venice

Day 6

Venice

Day 6

Venice

Day 6

Venice

Morning

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

Visit the San Marco Sestiere

The sestiere (district) of San Marco is much more than just St Mark's Square. It's also home to some of Venice's more unusual churches and stunning alfresco artwork, and the world-famous concert venue, La Fenice, which you can visit during the day prior to performances. As the district surrounded the political center of the Venetian Republic, St. Mark's Square, the neighborhood also has more than its fair share of impressive palaces which were owned by many of the most powerful families. Neither is St. Mark's Square the only square in the district. Wander about and you'll discover several nice squares in San Marco, including the large and pleasant Campo Santo Stefano (Santo Stefano Square), which has a much more relaxed vibe than St. Mark's. The statue in the middle of it is of Niccolo Tommaseo, an eminent man of letters who attacked censorship laws. However, the unfortunate positioning of the pile of books behind (representing his voluminous literally output) has earned the statue the nickname il Cagalibri - the Book-Shitter.

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.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert Evening

Venice is a city with a number of amazing concert venues, and what better way to spend an evening than listening to the melodies of one of Italy's great composers, or watching a famous Italian opera. Two very popular venues include The Pieta and the Teatro La Fenice, one of the world's greatest opera houses. Tickets for both venues sell out fast, so it is advisable to book well in advance and dress accordingly. Venice is the city of Vivaldi, so there are always multiple Vivaldi concerts being staged throughout the year. Several of Venice's palaces, churches and scuola act as concert venues, so you're sure to find something to your liking and in the most exquisite setting imaginable.

Day 7

Depart Venice

Day 7

Depart Venice

Day 7

Depart Venice

Day 7

Depart Venice

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

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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Essential Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice in 7 Days

7 Day Tour of Rome, Florence and Venice

$2139

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.