Italy's Greatest Cities
Italy's three greatest cities — Rome, Florence and Venice — represent 2,500 years of human artistic achievement compressed into a 9-day journey through the world's most beautiful country.
Rome is the eternal city — ancient monuments, baroque fountains and the Vatican all within walking distance. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, where Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci produced the art that changed the world. Venice is simply unique — 118 islands connected by 400 bridges, with no cars, no noise, just water.
This itinerary moves south to north by high-speed train, including a day trip to the Cinque Terre coastal villages and an afternoon drive through the Tuscan hills for wine tasting.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Rome
Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Transfer to hotel in the historic centre near Campo de'Fiori. Evening walk: Trevi Fountain (toss a coin), Spanish Steps, Pantheon. Classic Roman dinner. Overnight in Rome.
Ancient Rome — Colosseum & Roman Forum
Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum — the greatest amphitheatre ever built, completed in 80 AD for 80,000 spectators. Walk through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill where Rome was founded. Afternoon: Borghese Gallery. Evening in Trastevere. Overnight in Rome.
Vatican City
Full morning in Vatican City — St Peter's Basilica (climb the dome for views), Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Book well in advance to avoid queues. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Rome.
Rome to Florence
Morning Frecciarossa high-speed train to Florence (1.5 hours). Check in. Afternoon: the Duomo (Brunelleschi's dome), Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower. Evening in the Oltrarno neighbourhood across the Arno. Overnight in Florence.
Uffizi Gallery & Tuscany
Morning at the Uffizi Gallery — Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Primavera, Raphael's portraits and Leonardo's Annunciation. Afternoon drive through the Chianti hills to a family vineyard for wine tasting and dinner. Overnight in Florence.
Cinque Terre Day Trip
Train to the Cinque Terre — five impossibly picturesque fishing villages clinging to Italy's Ligurian coastline. Hike the coastal path between Vernazza and Corniglia. Swim in the sea. Return to Florence. Overnight.
Florence to Venice
Morning train to Venice (2 hours). Water taxi from Santa Lucia station to hotel. Afternoon: St Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs. Evening gondola ride on the Grand Canal at sunset. Overnight in Venice.
Venice — Murano, Burano & Rialto
Morning boat to Murano Island (glassblowing demonstrations) and Burano (brightly painted houses, lace-making). Afternoon at the Rialto Market and the Frari Church (Titian's masterpiece). Farewell dinner at a canalside ristorante. Overnight in Venice.
Departure from Venice
Transfer by water taxi to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your departure flight.
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