Italy is a popular tourist destination and it is easy to see why. There is so much history, the food is great, and there is a lot to see. Far too much for just one trip! But if it’s your first time, why not check out the classics? Read on to plan the perfect itinerary for the Italian Classics of Rome, Florence, and Venice in just over 1 week. Follow along below for itinerary suggestions for what to do, what to see, what to eat, and where to stay.
Getting Around Italy
I usually enjoy renting a car in a foreign country, but if you’re traveling through the Italian classics on this perfect itinerary, it is not necessary. The high speed trains that rush from city to city, make it incredibly convenient and easy to get around. There are two main train lines that offer high speed service between cities. You can book your ticket easily online with either ItaliaRail or Italo. I travelled on both and they are very similar. And if you can spare an extra five bucks, get yourself a business class seat for a bit more room.
When arriving in Rome, there is a 30 minute train to Roma Termini, which is the main railway station in Rome. It’s called the Leonardo Express and you can buy tickets in advance or just as easily when exiting the airport for only $14 EUR. It leaves every 20 minutes or so.
The Italian Classics Tour: Start in Rome
Rome is a no brainer for a place to kick off your Italian journey. This is the epicenter for Roman history, beautiful piazzas, and delicious Roman food. Plan for three days to soak up the history and beauty of the Eternal City.
Where to stay in Rome
Rome is a huge city and there are a lot of options of where to stay. Here are a few suggestions and locations:
NH Roma Palazzo Cinquecento: This hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Roma Termini, which is the main train station in Rome. This makes for a convenient jump off point for traveling within Rome, getting in from the airport, and as you make your way to Florence. Other main sites, like the Coliseum and the Pantheon are within a 20-30 minute walk from this location as well. While this hotel claims to be a five star property, in my opinion it is not. The dining options are lacking but the rooms are nicely appointed.
W Hotel Rome: This hotel is within a 5 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, making the location unbeatable. There is also a great restaurant in this hotel, Giano, making it a convenient dinner spot if your feet are worn out from all the walking!
Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria: This is a beautiful hotel offering stunning views of Rome, a lovely pool, and several delicious restaurants. The only caveat to this hotel is that it is not walkable to the main city, so you will have to rely mostly on taxis to get to the attractions.
What to do in Rome
There is so much to do and see so it really depends on what your goals are when visiting Rome. I personally did not care to see the Vatican or the Sistine Chapel, but you could certainly add this stop in. Just beware, the lines are extremely long as they are at many of the attractions in Rome, so get your tickets in advance. Here are my suggestions to make the most of your time in Rome:
Day 1: Take yourself on a self guided walking tour to get a feel for the city. Start near the Spanish Steps which is situated near a posh Roman shopping district. Continue on to the Trevi Fountain and throw a few coins in for romance or travel, maybe grabbing a bite at Maccheroni for handmade pasta. Continue to the Pantheon, recognized as the most well preserved ancient building in Rome. Perhaps. buy yourself an entry ticket and check out the skylighted interior. Next, head to Piazza Navona, which is a beautiful square known for gladiator games and public executions. This walk is about a mile and will take anywhere between 1 and 2 hours.
Day 2: Now that you have had a chance to walk around the city, today is the day for seeing the ancient part of Rome including the Coliseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. The Coliseum requires a ticket which usually includes entry into the Palatine hill as well. Be sure to get your skip the line ticket which could save you up to an hour. However, this area tends to get very congested, so I recommend going early! If you go early, this afternoon could be the perfect time to visit the Vatican if you choose.
Alternatively, you could go to the Vatican in the morning and head to the Coliseum later. Going in to the Coliseum is overhyped and like I said, super crowded, so booking an aperitivo at The Court for stunning views is another great option.
Day 3: Now it is time to get off the beaten path and check out Appia Antica Archaeological park. The best way to see this park is by renting an ebike and riding through the most important streets leading to Rome, built in 191 BC. Admire the ancient aqueducts, ruins of roman bath houses and palaces, and the Catacombs of San Sebastian.
Next Stop on Your Italian Classics Tour: Florence
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and is home to renaissance masterpieces works of art and architecture. It is surely worth a stop on your journey and I would plan 3 days to see the sights and indulge in the delicious foods.
Where to stay in Florence
The Four Seasons Firenze: If money is no object, this is the place to stay. Nestled in a Palace in the University District with sprawling lawns complete with a sculpture garden outside and a small art gallery inside. It is a centrally located with only a short walk to Il Duomo.
IQ Hotel: Also in the University District but with a much more palatable price tag, the IQ Hotel is a perfect location for exploring Florence. The hotel has a plunge pool, nice onsite restaurant, and a spa that is open for guests to enjoy.
Hotel Degli Orafi: Brings you closer to the action on the banks of the Arno River and adjacent to Ponte Vecchio. Complete with a rooftop bar with stunning view of Il Duomo.
What to do in Florence
There is not a shortage of things to do in and around Florence and Tuscany. Because this trip is mostly based on using public transportation, most of the suggestions will keep you inside the city. However, no trip to Florence would be complete without a ride out to Tuscany! Here are some suggestions to plan your perfect 3 days in Florence.
Day 1: I love a good self guided walking tour on the day I arrive in a new city and Florence is no exception. Start at Santa Maria Novella to admire the church and gardens before heading to central Florence. Here you will see the Basilica of San Lorenzo and of course, Brunelleschi’s Duomo. If time allows, get yourself a ticket and see the museum and head to the top of the belltower. Next, Head to Piazza della Signoria and walk past the Uffizi on the way to Ponte Vecchio for some window shopping of all the jewelry you could imagine. You must be hungry by now, so grab a bite or a wine tasting at Forneria with great views of the bridge.
Day 2: By now, you might be ready to get out of the city. So, plan on renting a car or taking a tour out to the Chianti region. Castello di Verrazzano offers an amazing tour with wine and lunch. Or keep it simple and book an organized day trip like this one. Make sure to have dinner and get your bistecca alla firenze. Locanda was delicious!
Day 3: Start the day off with a trip to the Uffizi Museum to see the breathtaking renaissance art. If you are not an art history buff, a guide can help make sense of the experience. This ticket includes a skip the line pass to both Uffizi and the Academia to see David. After you had your fill of the art, learn how to make pasta and indulge in it with some regional wines. End the evening at one of the wine windows for a proper night cap!
Final Stop on your Italian Classics Tour: Venice
Venice is relatively small, so plan on staying either one or two nights here depending on what you want to do and see. Because the city is literally a web if canals, accomodations can be on the pricier end, so keep that in mind as you plan your time.
Where to Stay in Venice
Hilton Molino Stucky: This is avery nice hotel with a great rooftop bar and several nice restaurants. It is across from a waterway from the main attractions in Venice. There is a ferry for hotel guests that shuttles you over every 30 minutes or so. Guests can use this boat unlimited for 15 EUR per person per stay.
Palazzo Veneziano: This hotel is the perfect location near the ferry terminals and a 15 minute walk from St, Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
What to Do in Venice
For the purpose of this trip, I am just going to stick to a simple walking tour because Venice is relatively small and you can see a lot on foot. However, if you are fan of Murano glass, there are tours you can take to the factory. There are also other tours you can take of outlying islands around Venice.
Day 1: You guessed it, time for a walking tour! There are so many restaurants and shopping, making this the perfect activity to get acquainted with Venice. Maybe even treat yourself to some designer duds! Some key stops include Ponte dell’Accademia, Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sigh, and the Rialto Bridge. Overall, I recommend getting off the beaten path and just getting lost on the winding, canal adjacent sidewalks. Be sure to take a gondola ride down the grand canal for different viewpoints of the city.
Day 2: Time to say arrivederci to Italia! Public transportation can take you to the airport by water, but a water taxi is the most efficient way to make your getaway. However, it is a lot pricier. It’s a lot of fun and saves time and this company was super helpful.
Perfect Itinerary for the Italian Classics
And there you have it; the perfect tour of the Italian classics in just over a week. It’s the perfect itinerary for Italy, especially if it’s your first time. It’s jam packed with things to do and see while you travel through Italy. Stay tuned for more travel inspiration coming soon. Next stop Amsterdam!
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