The Ultimate 10-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice

When it comes to visiting Italy, the classic three stops of Rome, Florence, and Venice are a must for a 10-day itinerary. As someone who has visited Italy nearly a dozen times, I’ve put the very best of these three destinations with day-by-day recommendations for your trip.

The combination of its warm and welcoming culture, food, and landscape across its cities and landscapes is nearly impossible to beat. Italy is one of those countries that has so much to see and do, from its unique cities chock-full of world-famous art to its countryside, lakes, and beaches that bring a slower, more intentional pace. Italy is especially family-friendly and truly has something for everyone.

You’ll find each region in this itinerary offers a unique experience with its own flavors in culture, art, food, and wine. A trip to Italy really doesn’t feel complete without at least one combination of city plus something nearby, which is why I’ve included thoughtful day trips throughout.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to plan a thoughtful 10-day trip that takes you from the iconic city of Rome, up to Florence with nearby day trips to the Tuscan countryside, and then to the sparkling city of Venice with its canals. It’s an Italian itinerary that has the very top highlights of a trip there; read on to plan your time.

Short on Time? Here’s the Ultimate 10-Day Italy Itinerary:

Where to Stay

1. Rome — 3 nights
   Hotels: Palazzo Talia ($$$$ / Where I Stayed), Orient Express La Minerva ($$$$), Navona Essence ($$ / Where We Stayed), Hotel De’Ricci ($$$), DOM Hotel ($$$), Casa Monti ($$$), or Casa Tre Sarte ($$)
   Airbnbs: 1 Bedroom Elegant Apartment or 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment
2. Florence — 4 nights
   Hotels: Hotel Savoy ($$$$), Hotel Number Nine ($$ / Where I Stayed), The Artists’ Palace Florence, Plaza Hotel Lucchesi ($$), La Maison du Sage ($$), Residenza La Musa, Hotel Lungarno ($$$), Hotel Palazzo Guadagni ($$), and SoprArno Suites ($$)
   Airbnbs: 2 Bedroom Casa Cosi Apartment (Where I’ve Stayed), 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartment with Duomo View, or 2-Bedroom Penthouse Duomo View
3. Venice — 2 nights
   Hotels: Splendid Venice ($$$), The Venice Venice Hotel ($$$$), Baglioni ($$$$), and Palazzo Morosini Degli ($$)
   Airbnbs: 2 Bedroom Historic Palazzo with Canal-View Balcony or 3 Bedroom Beautiful Apartment in San Marco

Italy in 10 Days by Train

Here’s my at-a-glance itinerary showing where to stay, what to book ahead, and how I’d group each day.

Italy 10-day itinerary organized around Rome Florence and Venice

Base yourself		Rome (3 nights at Palazzo Talìa), Florence (4 nights at Hotel Number Nine), and Venice (2 nights at Splendid Venice), three bases, nine nights, and ten days.
Book ahead		Colosseum and Roman Forum tour, Vatican early access tour, Pantheon, Galleria Borghese, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Uffizi Gallery, Siena Cathedral, Doge’s Palace with Basilica di San Marco, standout restaurants, and high-speed trains on Trenitalia or Italo, reserve major sights and restaurants early as possible, then book train seats
Rome3 nights	Day 1: Ancient Rome	Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, followed by Monti, Gigi Rigolatto Rooftop, and Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina guided morning, neighborhood lunch, and sunset drinks and dinner
	Day 2: Centro Storico and Borghese	Trevi Fountain, Galleria Sciarra, Pantheon, Regola, and Galleria Borghese start by 6:30 am, pre-purchase Pantheon entry, and reserve Galleria Borghese for 4 pm
	Day 3: Vatican and Trastevere	Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by Trastevere, Trattoria Da Teo, and the Jewish Ghetto early access tour, long lunch, and neighborhood walk
Florence4 nights	Day 4: Rome to Florence	High-speed train from Rome, then Scuola del Cuoio, Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, and Piazzale Michelangelo choose Slow Cafe, Galleria Doria Pamphilj, or Palazzo Altemps before the train, then end with sunset
	Day 5: Duomo and art	Brunelleschi’s Dome and Duomo Complex, followed by Centro Storico, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio 8 am climb, timed museum entry, and sunset
	Day 6: Siena day trip	Piazza del Campo, Via di Città, Siena Cathedral, and Facciatone arrive early and use the OPA SI Pass before dinner at Osteria Permalico
	Day 7: Oltrarno	Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, followed by Via Romana, Santo Spirito, and the Oltrarno sunset food tour go at opening, then finish with the food tour
Venice2 nights	Day 8: Florence to Venice	High-speed train from Florence, then Dorsoduro, Punta della Dogana, Cantine del Vino già Schiavi, and a private gondola ride just under 2.5 hours, then canals, cicchetti, and sunset
	Day 9: San Marco to Cannaregio	Caffe del Doge and Rialto Market, followed by Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco, then Castello and Cannaregio start early, then finish with cicchetti at Enoteca Al Volto and dinner at La Colonna
	Day 10: Loose Ends	Ponte dell’Accademia and Grand Canal, Museo Correr Cafe, or Fondamenta della Misericordia canal views, coffee, or a neighborhood walk

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

Planning an Italy trip? Start with my guide to the most beautiful cities in Italy. I also have everything you need for Rome (itinerary, where to stay, and things to do), Florence (itinerary, where to stay, things to do, Florence with young kids guide, and Oltrano neighborhood guide), Tuscany (itinerary, where to stay), and Sardinina (itinerary, where to stay, things to do, and best beaches)

Travel Tip: Having mobile data is a must when traveling to Italy. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.

The 10-Day Italy Itinerary
Rome to Florence (+ Siena) and Venice

---

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Italy?

10 days gives you enough time to experience three of its best destinations while also hopping out to the countryside for a day. It’s the perfect length of time to feel like you can do and see enough of Italy without feeling like you’re missing anything major, but will leave you wanting to come back. It will give you enough of a taste to develop a sense of where you might want to linger longer or allocate more time on a return trip.

What Is the Best Way to See Italy?

For a 10-day itinerary, the most efficient way to see Italy would be to take advantage of the convenience of the high-speed trains to get from one city to the next. In addition to some of the best food, wine, art, and history (the list goes on), Italy has some terrific public transit options, notably its train systems. The entirety of this trip can truly be car-free, even if you choose to venture out to a Tuscan town from Florence, which I highly recommend. Within the cities in this itinerary, you’ll be able to reliably walk or utilize local public transit to hit all the spots.

What’s the Best Airport to Fly Into for Italy?

This itinerary starts you in Rome, so your best choice will be flying into Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) if you’re arriving internationally. It’s a major international airport just 20 miles from the center of Rome, easily accessed by train or prearranged transfer. Alternatively, Ciampino Airport (CIA) or Naples International Airport (NAP) are solid options if you will be arriving from within Europe.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

The most ideal time to visit Italy is outside of its peak season, which stretches from the end of March to mid-May and then September through to the end of October. You’ll find fewer crowds, more reasonable prices, and lovely weather closer to these bookend months. But the truth is that because they’re one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe (for a reason!), these cities are almost always busy. Spring also brings pleasant weather but is one of the busiest times, especially around Easter week (and in Rome). Summer is hot, humid, and busy, but don’t let it deter you if that’s your only option!

What to Know About Getting Around Italy With Their Train System

Italy has incredible high-speed trains that can get you from one city to the next in a super comfortable, cost- and time-efficient way. This itinerary calls for getting from Rome up to Florence and onto Venice via train, so I’ve included here a little bit about how the train system in Italy works. 

Booking early will save you a bit of money, as prices do fluctuate based on demand and availability. You can opt to purchase your train tickets individually, and I’d highly recommend reserving a seat in advance as they do fill up (especially in the summer). If you think you’re going to use a few trains, a rail pass may be your option, but know that you still need to reserve seats in advance. Tren Italia or Italo is where you’ll want to have a look for booking your reservations. I’d recommend checking out this post here, which covers the train system really well.

---

Editor’s Note: How I Structured This 10-Day Itinerary in Italy

As someone who has visited Italy over a dozen times, I’ve pulled together the very best of Italy into this itinerary for a first-time trip. It utilizes major cities with the opportunity to do day trips, cutting down on unnecessary hotel switches. I’m a big believer in maximizing your time by not having to constantly change accommodations. So with three home bases, it gives you ample time to see the destination and then take a day trip or two.

I would call this Italy itinerary the highlights of the country, with Rome, Florence, and Venice being at the forefront. I’ve added in day trips as well from Florence that bring you to beautiful small towns to experience the slower-paced countryside. Italy is large, so with 10 days you’ll get to see the must-sees plus have those day trips. The best part? This is an entirely car-free trip, which makes it wonderfully easy to get around.

---

Italy Itinerary Overview (10 Days)

• Days 1-4: Rome (3 nights)
• Days 4-8: Florence (4 nights)
• Days 8-10: Venice (2 nights)

---

Stop 1: Rome

There is nowhere more iconic to start in Italy than its capital city, Rome. From an early morning walk along historic streets in Centro Storico, to the impressive dome of the Pantheon, to the best guided tour of the Vatican, you have an epic three full days to spend in the city. Even after two personal visits, Rome is somewhere I’m easily nostalgic for to re-experience its layers of history and art.

Rome’s several neighborhoods, like Monti, Regola, and Trastevere, are chock-full of not only incredible landmark places like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Borghese Gallery but also some iconic trattorias and eateries. The whole city is easily walkable, so it’s quite easy to see and do a lot in just a few days, making it a jam-packed experience.

Recommended Time: 3 Nights

Where to Stay in Rome

I highly recommend Centro Storico, Regola, or the Monti neighborhoods after countless hours researching where to stay in Rome for our trips. For proximity to iconic sights, you’ll want to be in the Centro Storico. Consider Palazzo Talia, which we loved, or the Orient Express La Minerva for a true luxury stay, or this 1 Bedroom Apartment Next to the Pantheon for an apartment stay. For piazzas, shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the city, check out Navona Essence (we stayed here, too), Hotel De’Ricci, or the DOM Hotel. If you’re looking for something more local and laid back, you’ll want to be in Monti at Casa Monti, Casa Tre Sarte, or somewhere like this 2 Bedroom Apartment.

Getting Into Rome from the Airport

From FCO, the center of Rome is an easy 30–40 minutes via various transport options. While it’s a bit less convenient from CIA and longer from NAP, both are still totally doable.

• Private Transfer: I highly recommend pre-booking a private transfer, which will be your most convenient and direct way into the city from any of the airports. We use Welcome Pickups for all our private transfers to and from the airport. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.
• Taxi on Arrival: There are taxis right outside FCO and CIA, but queues can be long. If you opt for a taxi, make sure it’s an official white one, which operates on a flat fee into the Aurelian Walls.
• Train: The Leonardo Express, which runs every 15 minutes nonstop from FCO to Roma Termini is an easy, affordable, and predictable option if you don’t have too much luggage to manage.

Favorite Things to Do in Rome

• Take a Guided Tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum — An expert guided tour will get you the incredibly detailed and fascinating history of these historical sites. From gladiator battles to how society worked, and the architectural history, you’ll get to learn so much all while avoiding the logistics and time of tickets and lines. I personally recommend this Walks of Italy tour we did on our trip.
• Take a Guided Tour of the Vatican — I highly recommend taking advantage of a guided tour for the Vatican, specifically for early access, ease of entry, and a ton of information that will give you perspective on this incredible place. Book as soon as you know your dates, as they limit the number of tour groups that get this early access. Also be sure to check and follow visiting rules and dress requirements — they’re quite strict! I can’t recommend enough this Walks of Italy tour we did, our guide was incredible.
• Visit the Pantheon — Plan to arrive at the Pantheon by 9 am if possible and plan for about 30 minutes. While the history is interesting, truthfully, the wonder here is the architectural masterpiece that is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. I recommend opting for this self-guided audio tour with tickets that you pre-purchase so you can get in quickly without having to wait in the long ticket lines.
• See Hidden Galleries — Don’t skip over some of these incredible lesser-known galleries, even with just a brief visit to Rome. My favorites were Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Palazzo Altemps, and Galleria Sciarra, which are crowd-free and don’t require any pre-booking. But seriously, each of these left me in awe for different reasons.
• Get Sunset Rooftop Drinks — Ending the day with a skyline view of Rome from a terrace or rooftop is a must. One of my favorite memories was sunset drinks at Gigi Rigolatto Rooftop at the Orient Express Hotel. We spent two hours enjoying cocktails and some small snacks, as the sun set over the Pantheon to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II. If you can’t get a reservation there, check out nearby places like Cielo at Hotel de la Ville, the iconic The Court Bar at Palazzo Manfredi, with unparalleled views of the Colosseum, and the Vista Rooftop.
• Spend Sunrise at the Trevi Fountain — It’s not a trip to Rome without seeing the Trevi Fountain at least once. Your best bet is to go early, some time between 6 and 7 am. It’ll virtually be empty, and after 9 am, you need a ticketed entry to access the lower basin and do like the Romans and throw a coin over your shoulder.
• Visit the Galleria Borghese — Pre-book your tickets for this incredible museum, ideally for a later entry (~4:00 pm). By then, most group tours and school groups have departed from the museum, and you only need about two hours to see it. If you’re visiting in the summer months, by 6 pm, you will be able to go for a stroll through the Borghese Gardens afterward during golden hour.

Best Restaurants in Rome

• Trattoria Da Teo — A classic Roman trattoria in Trastevere known for its pasta dishes, especially the cacio e pepe. Highly recommend calling for reservations in advance at least a month in advance.
• Da Francesco — One of my favorite restaurants in Rome (so good we went twice!) for its carbonara, wood-fired pizzas, and local feel. Snag reservations on their website for lunch or dinner about one week in advance.
• Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina — An ever-changing menu of classic Roman cuisine inside a salumeria or deli. Afterward, take a stroll, or passegiata, through Campo de Fiori! (Book 3 weeks in advance).
• Emma Pizzeria — For Roman-style pizza, from the classics to seasonal favorites, like their white cheese pizza, topped with squash blossoms. Reservations are recommended via telephone and given higher priority; book three weeks in advance.
• La Matriciana — An 1870s historic Roman restaurant known for their bucatini all’amatriciana. I highly recommend online reservations, which you can book 15 days in advance.
• Nino — fantastic Tuscan restaurant for seafood, house-made pasta, but especially known for their Roman artichokes, and somewhere you can usually grab a last-minute reservation.

Best Coffee Shops in Rome

• Forno Conti, phenomenal house-made pastries and coffee
• Roscioli Caffe, get your maritozzo here!
• Regoli Pasticceria, classic early morning pastry shop
• Caffe Peru, old-school, local’s espresso bar
• Slow, modern, hip breakfast cafe
• Bar San Calisto, longstanding espresso bar

Sample Itinerary for Rome (Read My Full 3-4 Day Rome Itinerary)

• Day 1
  • Morning: Start with a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with Walks of Italy for Arena Floor access and a skip-the-line entry into the Forum.
  • Afternoon: Walk over to Monti for sandwiches at Mizios Street Food or Mercato Rionale, gelato at Fatamorgana, and a stop at Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli to see Michelangelo’s Moses.
  • Evening: Sunset drinks at Gigi Rigolatto on the rooftop of the Orient Express, followed by dinner at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina near Campo de’ Fiori.
• Day 2
  • Morning: Start early at the Trevi Fountain (by 6:30 am to beat the crowds), wander to Galleria Sciarra and Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, then take a self-guided audio tour of the Pantheon.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through Piazza Navona to Da Francesco for carbonara, then shop the artisan streets of Regola and visit Galleria Spada.
  • Early Evening: Pre-book a 4 pm entry to the Borghese Gallery (don’t miss Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne), then walk through Borghese Gardens at golden hour.
  • Evening: Dinner at Matricianella or Ristorante Nino near the Spanish Steps.
• Day 3
  • Morning: Spend the morning on a Pristine Sistine early access tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with Walks of Italy (avoid Wednesdays so you can use the special passageway).
  • Afternoon: Taxi straight to Trastevere for a long lunch at Trattoria Da Teo, then wander to Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti, F. LLI INNOCENZI, and Basilica di Santa Maria. Aperitivo at Bar San Calisto or Ristorante Sabatini.
  • Evening: Dinner at Emma Pizzeria for Roman pizza, Pierluigi for fresh seafood, or Nonna Betta in the Jewish ghetto for Carciofi alla giudia.
• Day 4 — Final Morning, Transfer to Florence
  • Morning: Coffee and pastries at Slow Cafe near the Pantheon, followed by a local farmer’s market (Campo de’ Fiori or Testaccio) if you have time. If you’ll be heading to Florence later in the day, you may want to try a Rome food tour or pay a visit to Galleria Doria Pamphilj or Palazzo Altemps before heading to Rome Termini to catch a train to Florence.
  • Transfer to Florence

---

Stop 2: Florence & Day Trips to Siena and More

My second trip to Florence solidified it as one of my favorite Italian cities, with so much to offer across architecture, history, culture, and food. It’s especially great because everything is mostly concentrated in a 30-40 minute walking radius, and its proximity to Tuscany makes for a perfect dual city-countryside trip.

Florence, in comparison to Rome, feels more open and spread out — there are not as many grand historic sights to see, but rather more experiences around culture, food, and artisans. I find Florence to be more atmospheric in terms of its Tuscan culture and the way the neighborhoods feel. But what really draws me into Florence is that after a few days in the city, just outside of it lie incredibly charming hilltop towns and rolling hills of famous vineyards (Montalcino, Pienza, Siena, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano to name a few!). This is the spot to get the day trips in because it’s fantastically located for exploring the region at greater depths.

Recommended Time: 4 Nights

Where to Stay in Florence

I personally recommend Centro Storico, Santa Croce, or Oltrarno for a few nights in Florence. While each neighborhood has its own feel and charm, you can stay in most places and only be about a 15-20 minute walk to most sights.

For iconic sights and an ultra-central stay close to the Duomo, you’ll want to be in the Centro Storico at Hotel Savoy, Hotel Number Nine, The Artists’ Palace Florence, or this 2 Bedroom Luxury Apartment with Duomo View. For a local feel and the city’s best dining and markets, Santa Croce has Plaza Hotel Lucchesi, La Maison du Sage, Residenza La Musa, or this 2 Bedroom Casa Cosi Apartment (Where I’ve Stayed). For artisan studios, fewer crowds, and relaxed evenings across the river, I especially love the Oltrarno neighborhood, which has gems like Hotel Lungarno, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, or SoprArno Suites.

Getting to Florence from Rome

From Rome Termini

• Take the Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station, Florence’s main train station. The trip takes about 1.5 hours, is super comfortable, and will get you into the heart of Florence. I recommend booking in advance for best pricing and reserved seating.

On Arrival

• From Santa Maria Novella, you can reach most neighborhoods (see below for where I suggest staying) by taxi or private transfer in about 5-10 minutes. There is a taxi stand right outside the station, but booking a private transfer in advance may help make the trip more convenient and get you closer to your accommodations.

Travel Tip: For easy, reliable private transfers, we always book with Welcome Pickups. It’s a seamless way to arrange a private driver in advance for airport rides, day trips, or hotel-to-hotel transfers across Europe.

Favorite Things to Do in Florence (Read my full guide to the Best Things to Do in Florence)

• Visit the Centro Storico — Start yourself in the historic center of the city in the Piazza della Repubblica and meander through the side streets. Pop into Odeon Theatre, an amazing bookstore and cinema, and a very quiet space within the busiest part of the city. If you need a pick-me-up, grab hot chocolate at Rivoire or get a coffee at Cafe Gilli. After, walk over to Piazza della Signoria for open-air sculptures before heading over to catch the sunset from Ponte Vecchio.
• Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome and see the Duomo Complex — The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is home to Brunelleschi’s Dome and one of the must-do experiences if you’re not afraid of heights, can walk 400+ steps, and are NOT claustrophobic; the views of Florence are so worth it. I’d book an 8 am timed slot and budget around 1.5 hours to do the climb to Brunelleschi’s Dome, see the views from the top terrace around it, and then descend.
• Take a Food Tour in Oltrarno — I personally find that the best way to experience a city’s culture, especially in a short visit, is through a food tour. The Oltrarno neighborhood really has some of the best Florence food on offer, and while there are some restaurants you’ll want to properly dine at, I highly recommend this sunset food tour through Oltrarno. It took us to about 5 locations, giving us a sense of the variety and history of the Florentine cuisine, from wine (and a wine window!) to classic Florentine dishes and gelato.
• Visit the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens — One of my favorite mornings in Florence was spent exploring the grand halls and rooms of the Pitti Palace and then strolling the attached Boboli Gardens. Plan to arrive at the former Medici Family home when it opens (~8:15 am) to beat the crowds and avoid the garden during the hottest parts of the day. In the palace, you’ll find everything from a modern art gallery and the Palatine Gallery with incredible Renaissance masterpieces, to a can’t-miss costume gallery. Give yourself at least 3 hours to do both, if not 4 hours.
• See the Museums Gallerie degli Uffizi — Pre-reserve a time slot to enter and be prepared for it to be quite packed. I recommend buying a combined pass that includes entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens, or opt for this entry ticket with an optional tour, or this VIP Small Group Tour that skips the line.
• Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze — Best known as the home of Michelangelo’s David and the largest concentration of his other sculptures. A timed entrance slot is necessary to enter, so book in advance.
• Museo Nazionale del Bargello — One of the world’s great collections of Italian Renaissance art. It’s typically not busy, can be seen relatively quickly, and was one of my favorites.
• Museo Sant’Orsola Firenze — A contemporary art museum housed in an old convent with several exhibit spaces, big open spaces, and virtually no crowds.
• Basilica of Santa Maria Novella — The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is often less crowded, with open, private grounds and galleries to explore. Don’t miss the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the world’s oldest operating pharmacy, which is connected to the Basilica courtyard.
• Catch the Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo — Find your way over to Piazzale Michelangelo to snag a seat on the steps for an iconic sunset, with views of the Arno, Ponte Vecchio, and Duomo.

Best Restaurants in Florence

All of the best restaurants in Florence book quite far in advance (even for lunch!), especially during peak months, so I’d recommend booking 1 to 2 months in advance, or as soon as you know your dates.

• Vini e Vecchi Sapori — Classic small osteria in the Centro Storico known for their seasonal pasta dishes, long-standing classic rose ravioli, and fried zucchini blossoms.
• Dalla Lola — A local corner trattoria with about a dozen tables and a daily-changing menu that includes some longstanding classics like their fried ravioli and miso gnocchi. 
• Trattoria Sostanza — Classic Tuscan cuisine in a locally loved but no-frills old-school trattoria. Try the butter chicken and save room for the strawberry meringue.
• Cibreo Trattoria — A lovely can’t-miss spot near Mercato Sant’Ambrogio known for its chicken and ricotta meatballs, cibreo (classic Tuscan chicken giblets), roasted pork, and house-made pastas
• Il Latini — The staple spot for a Florentine steak, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina
• S.forno — A cozy grab-and-go for baked goods and pantry staples (to bring home!)
• Loggia Rooftop Bar — The best spot for aperitivo with stunning city views, incredible cocktails, small bites, and a lovely atmosphere.

Best Coffee Shops in Florence

• Coffee Mantra *
• Ditta Artigianale * (Several locations, we loved the Sant’Ambrogio location)
• Vivoli
• Specialty coffee, Manly The Office
• Caffè Gilli
• Cibrèo Caffè
• Vintage Cafè
• Cafe at The Hoxton
• Simbiosi Organic Cafe
• PRAE

Where to Take a Day Trip from Florence

While your time in Florence is limited, you’ll definitely want to allocate at least one day to a nearby Tuscan town. They’re all super compact, walkable, and easy to get to either by bus, train, or through a guided tour.

• Siena — Siena is hands down one of the best day trips from Florence. I spent four days here in the fall with my family, and Siena turned out to be the highlight of our two weeks in Tuscany. It’s a masterpiece of a medieval city with Roman roots that date back to the Etruscan era. Because Siena is a compact city, you can easily see it on a single day trip and cover the highlights. Be sure to get tickets to see the Duomo and Piccolomini Library inside. You can also climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views above the famous Piazza del Campo.
• San Gimignano — San Gimignano is a super popular day trip from Florence, reachable by private transfer, bus, or guided tour. It’s a smaller village, but it makes for an excellent half-day trip. In San Gimignano, check out the Duomo di San Gimignano, climb the Torre Grossa for incredible views of Tuscany, taste wine, and enjoy the historic center. There are some incredible guided tours, including ones that pair it with Siena.
• Bologna — Bologna is a true Italian gem, known as the birthplace of foods like bolognese (‘tagliatelle al ragu’) and Mortadella (‘baloney’) and home of the oldest operating university in the West. Hop on an early train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to reach the center of Bologna in just over 30 minutes. Meander through Piazza Maggiore, climb the Two Towers, stroll through the famous porticoes, and join a food tour or visit Mercato di Mezzo to try street food and local dishes.
• Lucca — Lucca is a bit further from Florence but often called the hidden gem of Tuscany. It’s an ancient walled city that is super compact, walkable (most streets are closed to traffic), and relaxed. Bike the perimeter of the city along the walls, check out the trees and the views at the top of the Torre Guinigi, and try some tordelli lucchesi, the local pasta.

Sample Itinerary for Florence (Read My Full 3-Day Florence Itinerary)

• Day 1 — Arrive From Rome
  • Afternoon: Arrive from Rome, drop bags, and explore local shops like AquaFlor perfumery, Misuri leather, and The Gallery Michelangelo, then visit the Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l. Leather school and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Lunch at Cibreo Trattoria (book ahead). After, coffee at Coffee Mantra, then take a photo at the Fotoautomatica booth on Via dell’Agnolo. End the afternoon at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello.
  • Evening: Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri, then stop by the La Buchetta Food & Wine 2 wine window. Take a cab to Piazzale Michelangelo (arrive ~40 minutes before sunset for the best light). Dinner at Vini e Vecchi Sapori, Il Latini, or Trattoria Sostanza.
• Day 2
  • Morning: Breakfast at Vintage Café (~7:30 am). Use your Brunelleschi Pass for early entry to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome. Visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, then the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. After, stop into Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for perfume.
  • Afternoon: Lunch at Trattoria Sostanza or a quick pizza at Mister Pizza. After, go to Piazza della Repubblica, browse the Odeon Theatre bookshop, and stop at Rivoire for chocolate or Caffè Gilli for coffee. After, walk to Piazza della Signoria for open-air sculptures, then tour the Uffizi Gallery.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset from Ponte Vecchio (arrive 30 minutes before sunset for best light). Have a pre-dinner drink at Picteau or Signorvino, then dinner at Trattoria Camillo or Il Latini.
• Day 3 — Siena Day Trip
  • Morning: Catch an early bus or train to arrive before the crowds and grab a coffee at Torrefazione Fiorella to stroll Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city. Walk over to the Santa Maria della Scala and soak in its facade. Before lunch, stroll down the main street of Via di Città and check out the various artisan shops like Antica Drogheria Manganelli 1879, Cappelleria Bertacchi, and Manufactus Siena. If you have time, pop into the Palazzo delle Papesse to see its current exhibits.
  • Afternoon: Grab lunch at La Taverna di San Giuseppe. After, stroll around Siena, taking in many viewpoints, such as from the Fontanina della Contrada Capitana dell’Onda or the Torre Mangia. As it starts to get busy in the city center, make your way out to Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico.
  • Evening: Once peak crowds have departed around 3 pm, use a pre-purchased official OPA SI Pass for the Siena Cathedral Complex for skip-the-line access. Start with the Santa Maria della Scala, pass through the Piazza del Duomo and make your way into the Siena Cathedral, including a stop to see the Piccolomini Library. After, make your way over to the Facciatone, for a stunning view of Siena and back to the Duomo. It’s inside the Museo dell’Opera, so consider making time to see these sights as well before grabbing dinner at Osteria Permalico.
• Day 4
  • Morning: Coffee at Ditta Artigianale Via dello Sprone Specialty Coffee or PRAE for pastries and cinnamon rolls. Tour Pitti Palace when it opens (~8:15 am) then walk through the Boboli Gardens. After, browse nearby boutiques on Via Romana and Santo Spirito, like Miato, Le Telerie Toscane di.
  • Afternoon: Lunch at Dalla Lola, then gelato at Sbrino and S. Forno bakery, then head to Basilica di Santo Spirito, then stop by the vintage shops Recollection by Albrici or Momo Vintage. End with a drink at Loggia Rooftop Bar.
  • Evening: Sunset food tour through Oltrarno or book a final dinner at Trattoria Camillo, Sabatino, or La Casalinga. End the night with a walk along the Arno River.
• Day 5 — Transfer to Venice
  • Morning: Grab a coffee at Simbiosi Organic Cafe before catching an early train to Venice.

---

Stop 3: Venice
Charmed Canals and Unique Culture

Venice is controversial but completely worth putting at the top of the bucket list. While the crowds can be terrifying, the endless canals are mesmerizing. I personally found Venice to be everything I thought it would be. Yes, the crowds were intense in the middle of the day, but Piazza San Marco empty in the morning is magical. The evening light over the Grand Canal from the Ponte dell’Accademia will take your breath away. The immense amount of character in each building and the grandeur in the ruggedness of the luxury within the city echoes a story from another time.

And then there is the unique Venetian culture — from the social tradition of time at bacari wine bars to its own Venetian Gothic architecture, Venice feels drastically different from Rome and Florence. Did you know the residents historically spoke Vèneto? It’s a language entirely different from standard Italian. Once there, you’ll see how different Venice is from the rest of Italy!

Recommended Time: 2 Nights

Where to Stay in Venice

With just two nights in Venice, you’ll want to be centrally located within the city to be able to make the most of the time without too much walking or navigating water transportation. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are some great hotel, apartment, luxury, or affordable options. I highly recommend Splendid Venice (luxury), Palazzo Morosini Degli for an apartment hotel (central/family friendly), Baglioni for top luxury views, or The Venice Venice Hotel (modern/boutique). If you’d rather be an apartment, I recommend this 2 Bedroom Historic Palazzo with Canal-View Balcony or this 3 Bedroom Beautiful Apartment in San Marco.

Getting to Venice from Florence

• Train into Venice — Grab the high-speed train via Trenitalia from Florence (Firenze Tutte Le Stazioni) to Venice, which will take you about just under 2.5 hours. Once you arrive in Venice (Venezia Santa Lucia), you’ll catch the water bus immediately outside the station.
• Using the Water Taxis in Venice — As you can imagine, there are no cars in the city, so you’ll have to plan to get around by foot, the public water bus (vaporetto), or private water taxi. Vaporetto are set prices and will run you anywhere from 6-15 euros, depending on your start and ending spot. While private water taxis are often quicker and make you feel like James Bond, they’re incredibly expensive. For example, they won’t start their engines for less than 60 euros, even if you’re just going five minutes.

Favorite Things to Do in Venice

• Tour the Doge’s Palace and see the Basilica di San Marco — You’ll definitely want to plan to see these two architectural stunners early on your first full day in Venice. From ornate apartments and halls to old prisons, torture chambers, and awe-inspiring golden ceilings. I highly recommend pre-booking a tour like this one, which will get you into both the palace and St. Mark’s Basilica without facing the lines and take you to parts otherwise closed to the public. After, grab a coffee in Piazza San Marco at Museo Correr Cafe for people (and pigeon!) watching, with incredible views of the exterior of the basilica.
• Explore the Canals — Get lost (literally). The canals go on forever, so you can easily spend hours meandering. When you hit a dead end, simply turn around and try a different way! It helps to have comfortable shoes and a gelato, of course.
• Take a Private Gondola Ride — I admittedly avoided this experience for the first three days we were in Venice. On the final night, I caved, and we rode around under the moonlight with the lit-up buildings as a backdrop. It was super beautiful and totally made the price completely worth it.
• See the Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market — Grab a coffee and stroll through the 100-year-old open-air market that will give you a glimpse of everyday life in Venice. The authentic hustle and bustle of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to fish, spices, and artisanal pasta. Be sure to arrive early because it gets super busy and vendors start to wind down before lunch.

Best Restaurants in Venice

Most of the great restaurants in Venice will have long waits for dinner with limited walk-ins or lines for lunch, so I highly recommend not taking any chances for your few days there and booking in advance via telephone or online reservation request.

• Trattoria Alla Rivetta — A home cooking-style restaurant with Venetian fare, known for its seafood
• Enoteca Al Volto — One of my favorites for a drink and a cicchetti or dinner; their black ink pasta is out of this world
• La Colonna — Set off-the-beaten path, this small restaurant was a highlight for a local’s spot that has classic dishes
• Bacaro Risorto Castello — A great local spot for cicchetti and a spritz
• Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi — Wine bar with cicchetti and a huge by-the-glass selection
• Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti — For incredible handmade pastas and super fresh ceviche

Best Coffee Shops in Venice

• Museo Correr Cafe, for coffee with a view of St. Mark’s Basilica
• Farini, for a reliably, quick coffee and croissant (multiple locations throughout the city)
• Bottega del Caffe Dersut, for a quick breakfast or lunch and a solid cappuccino
• Caffe del Doge, if you’re a coffee lover and appreciate their sourcing of beans from all over the world

Sample Itinerary for Venice

• Day 1 — Arrive from Florence
  • Afternoon: After arriving and dropping your bags, put on comfortable shoes and head out to wander the canals of the Dorsoduro neighborhood and visit Punta della Dogana. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to the Cantine del Vino già Schiavi for cicchetti and a glass of wine.
  • Evening: Private sunset gondola ride during the best light of the day near San Marco or the Grand Canal. Dinner at Trattoria Alla Rivetta or Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti if you choose to stay near the Dorsoduro and instead do a gondola ride in the light of the moon.
• Day 2
  • Morning: Grab a coffee and a pastry at Caffe del Doge and check out the Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge before heading to an early guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and see the Basilica di San Marco.
  • Afternoon: Lunch at Bacaro Risorto Castello around the corner from the palace and basilica. After, slowly work your way through Castello toward Cannaregio. Grab cicchetti and wine at Enoteca Al Volto.
  • Evening: If you’ve got time before dinner, stroll the Fondamenta della Misericordia, a lively canal lined with bars and restaurants with a super local feel and casual vibe. Dinner at La Colonna. Slowly make your way through the quieter, lamplit streets back to San Marco to see the Basilica lit up at night and the piazza with much fewer crowds.

---

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest