Central Italy offers diverse landscapes, historical cities, fashion capitals, culinary delight, delicious wine, art, culture, and charming cities.
Rome, Florence, and Venice are three famous cities that each provide their own experience, making them all a must-visit.
This guide will take you through a 10-day, fully guided itinerary to plan a complete trip to Rome, Florence, and Venice. Each city features curated activities to ensure you take advantage of all of your time in each city. Learn about where to go, what to do, and how to get around in this 10-day Itinerary for Rome, Florence, and Venice.
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What to pack for Italy?
Depending on where you are in Italy, the temperature can vary based on region, altitude, and time of year. When visiting central Italy during the popular summer months, it is best to pack clothes for warm weather as it can get very hot.
If you plan on staying in a hotel, most areas offer laundry service, so that you don’t have to pack new clothes for each day. However, if your luggage allows, you can pack as many clothes as you’d like.
Make sure to bring a sunglasses and hat to keep the harsh afternoon sun out of your eyes. Depending on where you are in central Italy it may suddenly rain. Make sure to keep a rain jacket handy.
What is the weather like in Rome, Florence, and Venice?
Summer is by far the most popular tourist season in Italy. During this time temperatures range from warm to hot with the average between 77 to 86°F during the day. Sometimes, heat waves can push temperatures higher, especially during July and August. Although summer is drier than other seasons, rainstorms in Rome, Florence, and Venice are common. Be sure to pack adequate rain gear.
In the fall temperatures start to drop, offering a much more comfortable time in Italy. Better yet, tourist season tends to drop off toward the end of September, although recently more people are coming to Rome, Florence, and Venice during this time.
The average temperature during the fall season is around 60 and 70° during September and 40-55°F during November. In terms of rain, fall is one of the wettest seasons in central Italy.
Winter and spring are the least common times to go to Italy. During this time you can expect very little crowds. However, the weather isn’t as good as summer and fall months.
Winter temperatures are very cold, ranging from 40 to 50 around Rome, Florence, and Venice, although snow is not common. In the spring temperatures tend to warm up from 50 to 60 in March and 60 to 70 around May.
Getting to Central Italy
The price of flying to Italy depends heavily on which season you decide to travel. Summer will offer the warmest weather, good for hitting the coastal areas, but comes with the highest price tag. The average price for a flight from New York City to Rome during the summer is around $1000 to $1500. However, traveling to Italy in the fall offers much more affordable fees, with ticket prices ranging from $700 to $800. In my opinion, I believe that traveling in the fall is much better for touring Italy, as it comes with a cheaper flight price, fewer crowds, and fewer wait times.
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Day 1-4: Rome, Italy
Day 1: Finding your way around town
Arriving in Italy is a very exciting experience. Once you step off the plane, you are surrounded by a multitude of historical and cultural wonders. However, It is a good idea to get yourself oriented with the city and everything it has to offer.
There are many ways to get from the airport to your hotel in Rome, including taxis, Uber, the metro, and the bus. Each method of transportation can be used based on your preference, but make sure to follow these tips to make sure your ride goes smoothly and so you don’t end up getting overcharged:
- Shuttling to Rome: there is a public transportation shuttle that will take you directly to Rome from the airport. If you prefer paying a cheaper price and using public transport, just stop at one of the ticket terminals in the Rome airport and buy a ticket for the Leonardo express train. This is a nonstop service from Fiumicino airport to Roma Termini station in the city center. It only costs €14 per person.
- Private taxi transfer: if you decide to ride privately to your destination, many taxis will be waiting to take you from the airport to your destination. Keep in mind that these fares may be much higher than public transport. A taxi from the airport to our hotel in Rome costs us around €55. A taxi takes around 45 minutes to get from Rome airport to the center of Rome.
Once you have arrived at your hotel, use your day to get yourself checked in and unpack your luggage. It will be a little difficult for some to adjust to the time difference in Italy, especially coming from the United States where the time difference may be 6 to 9 hours ahead. 3 days in Rome is plenty of time to explore most of the monuments and historical sites.
For now, stop by a local café to grab a coffee and a snack and if you have more time, try some dinner at a local restaurant.
Here’s a local-owned cafe with delicious pizza and pastries: Rosciolis
Day 2: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Alter of the Fatherland, Spanish steps, Trevi fountain
Day two will be spent exploring some of the historical monuments throughout Rome. Keep in mind that there will be many ways to get around and see these monuments. You can take a bus tour, walk bike or even drive.
It is best to either walk, bike, or take a bus tour. We decided to take a Big Bus tour which stopped at each monument. This allowed us to explore every site on our own time as the buses came to each site every couple of minutes.
For those who want a little more exercise, you can walk to each of the historical sites, although this will cover several miles and might be difficult for some.
You can also use a taxi or Uber to get around Rome to visit each site which can be a much more comfortable option. However, keep in mind that this may cost much more than taking a bus.
Colosseum
The mighty colosseum stands under a blue, cloudless sky
The first stop and definitely the most popular will be the Colosseum of Rome. This ancient amphitheater is known for its gladiator contest in public spectacles. It was constructed as far back as 70 A.D.!
It features an oval-shaped arena that measures over 600 feet long and 500 feet wide. It was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world and could hold up to 50,000 spectators. Some events that used to take place in this arena, were gladiator fights, animal hunts, and mock sea battles.
It is important to know that during the summer months tours are often very exclusive and sold out during the day. To make sure that you can see inside the Colosseum and explore all that has to offer, make sure to book your ticket in advance before visiting this site. I would even recommend this during September October in November.
Tickets can be purchased for the Colosseum here.
Roman Forum
Across the street from the Roman Forum
After the Colosseum, head to the heart of ancient Rome, where government, commerce, and public life flourished. The Roman Forum includes important ruins like the temple of Saturn and the ark of Titus. It is located just a few steps away from the Colosseum.
The Roman Forum dates back to the seventh century BC. Over the centuries it evolved from a marketplace to a network of temples, basilicas, and public spaces. It became the main location for political, gatherings, religious ceremonies, legal trials, and everyday activities.
Emperors Like Julius Caesar and Augustus contributed to the Forum’s development.
You do not need tickets to visit the Roman Forum but keep in mind that crowds may still be heavy here. Going early in the day or later at night may be a good idea when traveling during peak season.
Pantheon
A view of the Pantheon in the evening sky
Once you are finished marveling at the ruins of the Roman form, it is time to make your way north to the Pantheon. It is one of the best-preserved and most influential buildings in ancient Rome.
The Pantheon was originally built as a temple for the Roman gods, but it has since become an architectural marvel, a place of worship, and a significant historical site.
The origins of the pantheon start in 25 BC under emperor Augustus. The building is known for its massive concrete dome, which spans 142 feet. The Pantheon also has 16 massive granite Corinthian columns, which span the front of the building.
Fun fact: the Pantheon dimensions were chosen to represent perfect harmony. Its 43.3 m diameter and height create a perfect sphere that symbolizes the connection between Earth and the Heavens.
Altar of the Fatherland
Alter of the Fatherland Monument
Located Between the Pantheon and the Colosseum, the altar of the Fatherland Is part of the Victoriano monument in Rome and is a powerful symbol of Italian unity, pride, and respect for those who sacrifice their life for Italy.
The altar was designed as part of the Victoriano monument to honor King Victor Emmanuel the Second, the first king of a unified Italy.
Construction of the monument finished in 1925 was intended to be a space for celebrating Italian identity and unity.
Spanish steps
The Spanish Steps stay crowded even in November!
The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The steps are known for their beauty, architecture, elegance, and cultural vibrancy they bring to the city.
The steps were commissioned in the early 18th century to connect the Spanish embassy with the Trinità dei Monti church.
Fun fact: The Spanish steps got their name by being located close to the Spanish embassy.
The Spanish steps are located north of the Pantheon, closer to the Vatican City. The walk from the Pantheon to the Spanish steps is 15 minutes.
Trevi Fountain
The dry Trevi Fountain!
The Trevi fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It was built in 1732 and stands at the end of the Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by Agrippa, which supplied water to ancient Rome.
The Trevi fountain is located in the Trevi district and is near the Spanish steps and Pantheon. You do not need tickets to see the Trevi fountain and it can be accessed at all times of the day.
One of the things we ran into on our trip was that the water was drained from the Trevi fountain due to preparation for the Jubilee festival in 2025. This caused many monuments in Rome to be under construction. However, after 2025, most monuments will be up and running again for all visitors to see.
Make sure you take a coin to throw into the fountain and make a wish!
Day 3: Campo de’ Fiori, shopping, Castel, Saint Angelo, Basilica de Santa Maria Majori
Campo de’ Fiori
A man drives by in an “Ape” Car in Campo De’ Fiori
Start your third day in Rome by heading to the Campo de’ Fiori. Merchants tend to set up shop around 8 AM for the day. The bustling marketplace provides an authentic glimpse into Roman daily life in history.
Campo De’ Fiori was originally a field of flowers, hence the name. It became a focal point of urban development in the 15th century.
Typically, you can find meat, cheeses, olive oil, and other souvenirs such as clothing being sold at the market. It is also surrounded by café bars and restaurants that provide outdoor seating to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
At night Camp de’ Fiori transforms into a lively social scene with bars and pubs, making it a popular nightlife spot in Rome.
In the morning, you can expect to find fresh fruit and local delicacies to enjoy before going to explore the rest of Rome.
Shopping
Trying roasted Chestnuts in the shopping district
After your time in the square, you can head to Rome’s shopping district to pick up some Italian fashion and souvenirs.
For luxury shops, head to Villa de Condotti, where you can find top Italian and international luxury brands like Gucci, Louis, Vuitton, Fendi, and Cartier. Lots of these stores feature beautiful interiors with many expensive items.
For more affordable shopping, head to Villa Del Corso. It is a long, busy street that runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza Del Popolo. It’s more affordable than via Del Corso and offers a mix of Italian stores, local boutiques as well as brand name clothing from H&M and OVS.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Looking out to Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is a perfect destination to visit after you are done picking up some Italian goods. Make sure you stop in and enjoy the views of the Tiber River on the way to this site.
The Castel Sant’Angelo is a historically rich landmark. It served many roles, such as a fortress, prison, and papal residence. It was designed by Augustus in featured Roman engineering techniques, such as using concrete and marble.
The Castel Saint Angelo is open daily, but the hours may be depending on the season. Arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon afternoon can help avoid the crowd.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. If you are going in the summer, make sure to book tickets in advance. During the off-season, you can buy tickets at the gate. If you want to learn more about this site, guided tours are also available for purchase online.
Castel Sant’Angelo is a visit for anyone interested in Rome’s history or architecture.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggorie
One of the largest and most important churches in Rome is the Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore. It is located on Escquiline Hill and offers a stunning blend of ancient Roman architecture with early Christian art and Baroque opulence.
The church was built in the fifth century and is one of Rome’s oldest and most significant churches. The church is also one of the best-preserved basilicas from early Christian Rome.
The Santa Maria Maggiore is open daily, but it is important to check the day before you go as the hours of the church may vary. At the Santa Maria Maggiore You can attend mass explore the basilica art, and view its relics and chapels.
Pro tip: make sure to always abide by the dress code when entering a church in Rome. Shoulders and knees should be covered at all times, And men should always remove their hats when entering a church in Rome.
The Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore is located by the Roma Termini train station, and can easily be accessed by bus, taxi, or a short walk.
Day 4: Vatican City and Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
It is impossible to visit Rome without visiting the Vatican City. There is so much history and culture to be explored in the world’s smallest independent country.
The Vatican City holds an immense influence as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It features iconic religious sites and incredible art with a rich history.
To view Vatican City in one day, you will want to head there early in the morning. I suggest grabbing an Uber or taking a taxi depending on how far away you are. Most people will cross the Tiber River to get to the Vatican City so make sure to keep an eye out and snap a picture!
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Stunning interior of St. Peters Basilica
One of the most famous sites in the Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is one of the largest and most important churches in the world and is renowned for its architecture and religious significance.
If you would like to visit Saint Peter Basilica, make sure it is the first thing you do when arriving in Vatican City.
It is an extremely popular destination in lines may take more than one hour to enter. If you are going for prayer or confession you can skip the line to enter the church.
Once you enter the church, I recommend heading to the underground portion where you can see tombs of important figures in the Roman church. The path will lead you upstairs where you can admire the grand ceilings and artwork of the Basilica.
Saint Peters Square
Fountain St. Peters Square
After touring the church, you can hang out in Saint Peters Square and grab a gelato or snack. It is a large open space in front of the basilica designed in the 17th century. The center of the square holds an Egyptian oblique and two fountains by Carlo Moderno and Bernini.
Pro tip: look out for the Swiss guard. They are a small military force responsible for protecting the pope in the Vatican City. The military was established in 1506 and is one of the oldest and most colorful military units in the world. The Swiss guards wear colorful Renaissance-style uniforms with Blue, Yellow, red, and orange.
The Swiss Guard defends the entrance to St. Peters Basilica
Da Vinci Museum
If you want to do something, a little off the beaten path, try the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome. The museum celebrates the genius of da Vinci who is one of the world, greatest inventors, artists, and thinkers.
It is located in the heart of Rome and close to major landmarks like the Vatican Museum in Saint Peters Basilica. In the museum, you can explore da Vinci’s themes of engineering, anatomy, art, and military innovations.
The thing that I thought was fascinating was Leonardo’s extremely detailed depictions of anatomy. Da Vinci drew stunning reproductions of anatomical drawings, which uncovered his understanding of the human body, muscles, and organs. These drawings contributed significantly to medical knowledge.
The Museum is open daily, but hours may vary depending on the season. It is a good idea to check in advance. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.
Day 5 and 6: Florence Italy
Day 5: Train to Florence, Italian cooking class
Boarding the Train
Once you are ready to head to Florence it is time to board the train. Most trains leave for Florence out of the Rome Termini station.
There are many different train companies that you can take to get to Florence. We decided to take the Frecciarosa train, and we had a great experience in the business class where we were served food and drink in a quiet atmosphere.
Tickets for the trains can be booked either online or in person, but it is highly recommended to book tickets online during peak season. To book in person simply head to the train station where you can find kiosks to purchase tickets. Staff members are also nearby to assist you if needed.
Click here to book tickets from Rome to Florence by train.
Italian Cooking Class
Allesandro shows me how to whip the batter for Tiramisu!
Instead of letting the rest of the day, go to waste, why not go ahead and try an Italian cooking class?
This activity ended up being one of our favorite classes we tried during our time in Italy!
The cooking class consisted of making tiramisu, tortellii, and ravioli with fresh dough prepared by hand.
Our cook was kind enough to prepare all of the ingredients beforehand so we had the fun of mixing everything without the hassle of measuring any of the ingredients.
During our crafting of the tiramisu, the chef showed us the “head test”. To see if our cream was thick enough for the cake, we had to test it by putting the bowl over one of the group members’ heads. Although it didn’t spill on anyone, it definitely made for a good laugh!
The best part was being able to enjoy our pasta that was cooked by the restaurant chefs. The pasta came out way better than we thought.
Day 6: Exploring Florence and the Galleria Dell’academia Museum
Dell’Academia Museum
David stands in glory!
One place Florence is most known for is the Galleria Dell’academia. It is one of Italy’s most famous museums and is renowned for housing Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David.
This gallery was founded in 1784 by Grand Duke Leopold Academy of Fine Arts Florence.
The gallery became a museum dedicated to the Italian Renaissance, particularly highlighting the works of Michaelangelo, who was an iconic artist of Florence.
Most people come to see the David, created by Michelangelo between 1501 and 1504. The statue stains at 17 feet tall portrays the biblical hero before his battle with Goliath.
Even in the off-season, lines for the gallery can be very busy. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance before visiting. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, with closures on Mondays and certain holidays.
Make sure to check the website before visiting to make sure you can go.
If taking photos, keep in mind that flash is prohibited.
Exploring Florence
After exploring the Galleria Dell’academia museum, take some time to explore the detail and beauty of the rest of the city.
You could visit Porto Vecchio, one of Florence’s oldest bridges that dates back to Roman times around the 14th century. The bridge is unique for the shops built on it. They were originally housed by butchers and replaced by goldsmiths and jewelers by the degree of the Medici Family.
For More on Florence, Read 3 Stops You Can’t Miss in Florence!
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Day 7-10: Venice, Italy
Day 7: train to Venice and explore the city, Food and wine tour
Heading to Venice
View from the Santa Lucia station in Venice
The train from Florence to Venice takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and can be accessed by high-speed trains such as the Frecciarossa or Italo. You can depart from the Santa Maria Novello station in Florence and arrive at the Santa Lucia station in Venice.
The important thing to know about Venice is that there are no cars or bikes within the city. If you arrive in the city with lots of luggage, you will have two options: haul your luggage to your hotel on the bumpy cobblestone streets, or pay for a porter to load a walk your luggage to your hotel. If your budget allows, I recommend having a porter take your luggage for you. It will save you LOTS of hassle and energy.
READ: 4 Things You Must Know When Booking a Hotel in Florence
Food Tour
After arriving in the city, checking into your hotel, and unpacking, you might be a little hungry. What better time than to learn about the history of Venice and enjoy a variety of Italian cuisine with a food and wine tour with a local!
This tour started at a “Cicchetti” shop where we ate a couple of different Venetian tapas. We then headed to a restaurant from the 15th century to dine on Sarde in Saor, which is one of Venice’s most iconic dishes of sardines marinated in sweet and sour sauce with onions and pine nuts. This dish definitely isn’t for everyone…
We then had some seafood pasta and calamari with Prosecco and Soave white wine. Our food tour also featured prosciutto, permesano reggiano, pasteries, and corretto (espresso with Grappa).
Buy tickets for the local food and wine-tasting tour here.
Day 8: City sightseeing tour, and Basilica de San Marco tour, Gondola ride
The second day in Venice begins early with a city sightseeing tour starting at St. Marks Square.
This tour is great for first-timers in Venice as it features a tour of some of the main landmarks, explores the history of the city, and ends with a relaxing gondola ride through the canals of Venice all in one package.
Start with Sightseeing
At 9:00 am, our tour started with a walk through the square where we learned about the history of the “Big Daddy”, aka the Bell Tower in the square. We then explored the district of San Marco and Castello which is located next to San Marco.
The district of San Marco is the most famous and central district of Venice and is home to St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and St. Mark’s Campanile among others.
San Marco is always bustling and popular during the tourist season. You can also find luxury shopping and restaurants in this area.
Castello is Venice’s largest district but is much quieter than San Marco. It is home to mostly residential buildings and features attractions like the Arsenale, the historic shipyard and military complex of Venice, and the Riva degli Schiavoni, a bustling waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and views of the lagoon.
After the tour of two of Venice’s neighborhoods, there is a 20-minute break to grab a caffe latte and a bite to eat.
Pro tip: St. Marks Square has a couple of places to sit, relax, and eat. However, these cafes are extremely expensive and should be avoided unless you truly want to pay top prices to sit in the square Prices for coffee and soda in the square range from 15 to 20 Euros, no joke!
Touring St. Mark’s square
11:00 am is when the tour of St. Mark’s Basilica begins. Our tour guide took the time to inform us about the history and stories of the murals featured on the outside of the churches.
The best part about booking this tour is that you get to skip the line of the Basilica. Even during the off-season, long lines form to enter the church before it opens. Make sure to book a guided tour not only to learn more but to skip entrance queues for the church.
Once in the Basilica, you can witness the fascinating frescoes painted among the domes of the church. Many of these paintings represent biblical stories such as the crucifixions and St. Mark’s journey to Egypt.
Fun Fact: One of the biggest differences in the artwork between the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica di San Marco is the medium that was used to create it. In the Palace, the flat walls allowed artists to use canvas and wooden frescoes to depict stories. However, because of the rounded domes in the Basilica, artists used tile murals to work with the contour of the rounded domes.
The tour of the church also allows you to step out to the balcony on the second floor of the church. Here you can get a close-up view of the 4 Horses of St. Mark, which are an impressive set of statues taken from Constantinople, or modern-day Istanbul.
After visiting the Basilica di San Marco, the tour provides a 3-hour break in between the Gondola ride to relax and eat lunch.
READ: 4 Things You Must Know When Booking a Hotel in Florence
Gondola Ride
Winding our way through Venice’s tight waterways on a classic Gondola ride
A trip to Venice isn’t complete without a gondola ride! This tour allows you to follow a guide that will take you directly to your boat without having to wait in crowded lines!
Just follow your guide and enjoy a relaxing ride through the canals of Venice. The ride takes you into the Canal Grande where you can see Doge’s Palace, Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore, and Campo Della Salute!
Book tickets to this tour here
Day 9: train back to Rome
When heading back to Rome, it is best to give yourself a full day of travel, or at least a half day. Interruptions and delays in departure times for trains can be common in Italy because of construction and strikes.
Booking anything close to the arrival time of your rain isn’t recommended as it may cause unnecessary headaches.
To board the train from Venice to Rome, head to Venice’s Santa Lucia station and arrive at Rome’s Termini station. Both of these stations are centrally located in both cities.
The travel time from Venice to Rome is around 5 hours on a high-speed train. There are regional or intercity trains that can take you to Rome, but these trains may take up to 8 hours to travel.
Day 10: fly home
On day 10, you’ll be missing views like this!
Unfortunately, every adventure has to come to an end. When traveling to the Rome Fiumicino Airport, keep these tips in mind:
- Wi-Fi and Charging Stations:
- Fiumicino Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals. Charging stations are available, but they can be limited during peak times.
- Lounges:
- Several lounges are accessible for a fee or through specific airline programs, providing a comfortable space to relax before your flight.
- Dining and Shopping:
- A variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops are available, including duty-free options. Note that some establishments may close during late-night hours.
- Security and Check-In:
- Arrival Time:
- For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before departure. For international flights, a three-hour advance arrival is recommended to accommodate check-in and security procedures.
- Security Regulations:
- As of September 1, 2024, the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage has been reinstated across European airports, including Fiumicino. Ensure all liquids in your carry-on are in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Mobility Assistance:
- The airport provides services for passengers with reduced mobility. It’s advisable to request assistance through your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
- Currency Services:
- Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available throughout the airport. However, exchange rates at the airport may not be as favorable as those in the city.
- Nearby Hotels:
- If you have an early flight or layover, several hotels are located near the airport, some offering shuttle services.
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Summary
Traveling to Central Italy is a great destination for anyone interested in Italy’s rich history, art, culture, and cuisine. There is so much beauty in Rome, Florence, and Venice that makes it easy to see why these cities are bucket-list destinations for so many people!
Rome, Italy’s capital, offers a dive into ancient history, with beautiful artifacts scattered through the bustling streets and walkways. Florence provides a bit of a quieter experience and a way to experience the Italian Renaissance without all the crowding. Venice speaks for itself with its unique history as a floating city. It features beautiful churches, fresh food, and intricately designed Venetian glass that makes a great souvenir!
I hope this guide was able to provide insight into traveling through central Italy. Even if you don’t follow this guide to the tee, use it for inspiration for planning your next adventure in Italy! If there is any information that you would like that I left out, please leave a comment below!
Feel free to share your experiences in central Italy by leaving a comment below! If you have a question that you would like to ask directly, feel free to contact me at [email protected].
