Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice in 10 Days
Italy
Overview
This is Italy's most-travelled route for a reason: it hits the three cities most people picture when they think of the country, connected by some of Europe's fastest trains. Rome for ancient history and the Vatican, Florence for the Renaissance, a one-night detour to Bologna for the food capital of Italy, and Venice to close it out on the water. No car needed — Trenitalia and Italo trains cover every leg in under two hours.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,250–€1,650
Route
Highlights
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums
- Florence's Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio
- A food-focused stop in Bologna, home of ragù and tortellini
- Getting lost in Venice's back canals away from San Marco
Worth knowing
- Rome and Venice are extremely crowded in peak summer
- Museum and gallery tickets need booking well ahead in high season
- Venice is the most expensive stop for food and lodging
Day by day
Day 1
RomeMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Trastevere evening walk and dinner
Optional additions
- Piazza Navona and the Pantheon at night
Day 2
RomeMain activities
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Optional additions
- Arch of Constantine
Day 3
RomeMain activities
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter's Basilica
Optional additions
- Climb St. Peter's dome
Book Vatican tickets online well ahead to skip the queue.
Day 4
Rome → FlorenceMain activities
- High-speed train (~1.5h)
- Duomo and Piazza della Signoria
Optional additions
- Climb the Duomo's dome for the skyline view
Day 5
FlorenceMain activities
- Uffizi Gallery
- Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno district
Optional additions
- Accademia Gallery for Michelangelo's David
Day 6
Florence → BolognaMain activities
- Regional train (~35min)
- Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers
- Food-focused evening — tortellini and ragù
Optional additions
- Climb the Asinelli Tower
Day 7
Bologna → VeniceMain activities
- High-speed train (~1.5h)
- St. Mark's Square and Basilica
- Sunset from the Rialto Bridge
Optional additions
- Doge's Palace
Day 8
VeniceMain activities
- Wander Dorsoduro and Cannaregio away from the crowds
Optional additions
- Vaporetto to Murano and Burano
Day 9
VeniceMain activities
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
- Final canal-side dinner
Optional additions
- Gondola ride at golden hour
Day 10
VeniceMain activities
- Departure via Venice Marco Polo Airport or train
Alternatives
Drop Bologna and go directly Florence → Venice by high-speed train.
Add Milan, Lake Como and Verona before Venice for a full northern loop.