Rome 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Rome

Arrive at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and transfer to your hotel in the city center.

Settle in and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Step back in time with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, followed by a walk through the vast ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Immerse yourself in the heart of ancient Rome.

Book tickets well in advance online to secure your entry time and avoid long queues. Consider a combined ticket for all three sites.

Dinner in Monti

Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner in the charming Monti district, known for its trattorias and artisan shops, just a short walk from the Colosseum.

Explore via Urbana or via dei Serpenti for a selection of local eateries.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Spend your morning exploring the extensive collections of the Vatican Museums, culminating in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Plan for significant walking.

Pre-book skip-the-line tickets online well in advance. Dress code enforced (knees and shoulders covered).

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the majestic St.

Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Admire Michelangelo's Pietà and ascend to the dome for panoramic views of Rome.

Entry to the Basilica is free, but expect security queues. Climbing the dome has a separate fee. Dress code strictly enforced.

Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Discover the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, followed by a leisurely stroll through Piazza Navona, admiring Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers.

The Pantheon is free to enter, but booking a timed slot is now required on weekends and holidays.

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome, then ascend the iconic Spanish Steps and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner in City Center

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near Piazza di Spagna or the Pantheon, savoring classic Roman dishes.

Explore Trastevere

Wander through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Trastevere, a charming medieval neighborhood. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica and discover local artisan shops.

Lunch in Trastevere

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional trattoria in Trastevere, famous for its authentic Roman cuisine.

Janiculum Hill Views

Ascend Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) for breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, perfect for photos and a moment of reflection.

Relax & Prepare for Florence

Return to your hotel for some relaxation, perhaps some last-minute souvenir shopping, and begin preparations for your train journey to Florence tomorrow.

Arrive in Rome

Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) after your direct flight from Porto.

Transfer to your accommodation and check in before starting your exploration.

Ensure you have your hotel address and directions readily available.

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Begin your Roman adventure with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, followed by a walk through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Book your tickets online well in advance to avoid long queues. Consider a combined ticket for all three sites.

Dinner in Monti

Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner in the charming Monti neighborhood, known for its authentic trattorias and artisan shops.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore the extensive collections of the Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.

Pre-book tickets online to skip the long entry lines. Remember to dress respectfully (knees and shoulders covered).

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the awe-inspiring St.

Peter's Basilica, including Michelangelo's Pietà. Consider climbing the dome for panoramic views of Rome.

Entry to the Basilica is free, but security lines can be long. There is a fee to climb the dome. Dress code applies.

Trevi Fountain & Pantheon

Toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain (with your back to it!

) and then visit the remarkably preserved Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple transformed into a church.

Piazza Navona & Dinner

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona with its beautiful fountains and street artists, followed by dinner at a restaurant overlooking the square or in a nearby alley.

Galleria Borghese

Visit the stunning Galleria Borghese, home to masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio, located within the beautiful Borghese Gardens.

Booking is required well in advance, as entry is timed. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens afterwards.

Spanish Steps & Lunch

See the famous Spanish Steps and enjoy lunch in the elegant area around Piazza di Spagna, perfect for some last-minute Roman ambiance.

Train to Florence

Take a high-speed train from Rome Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.

Enjoy the scenic Italian countryside as you journey to the heart of Tuscany.

Book train tickets in advance (e.g., Frecciarossa) for better prices and to secure your preferred time.

Check into Florence Hotel

Arrive in Florence, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Settle into your new Renaissance surroundings.

Dinner in Oltrarno

Dine in the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and traditional trattorias, offering classic Florentine dishes.

This area offers a more local feel. Consider trying a Bistecca alla Fiorentina!

Piazza della Signoria & Loggia dei Lanzi

Start your day in the political heart of Florence.

Admire the exterior of Palazzo Vecchio and the open-air sculpture gallery of Loggia dei Lanzi with its famous replicas like David.

This square is an open-air museum, perfect for a Monday when some major museums (like the Uffizi) are typically closed.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, Florence's oldest bridge, famous for its unique shops built directly along its edges, mainly selling jewelry.

It can be crowded, but the views of the Arno River and the charming shops make it worthwhile.

Lunch near the Arno

Enjoy a casual lunch at a trattoria or cafe close to the Arno River, perhaps with a view of the Ponte Vecchio.

Basilica of Santa Croce

Visit the 'Temple of Italian Glories,' the Franciscan basilica that serves as the burial place of many prominent Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini.

This basilica is typically open on Mondays. Entry fee applies.

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a bus or walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, the Arno River, and the Duomo, especially beautiful as the afternoon light softens.

A popular spot for sunset views. You can take a public bus (lines 12 or 13) or a taxi for convenience.

Dinner in Central Florence

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant closer to your hotel in the historic center, savoring local Tuscan flavors.

Uffizi Galleries

Immerse yourself in Renaissance masterpieces, including iconic works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

Book tickets online well in advance, as this is one of Florence's most popular attractions. Entry is timed. The Uffizi is open on Tuesdays.

Duomo & Giotto's Bell Tower

Marvel at the grandeur of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Climb Brunelleschi's Dome or Giotto's Bell Tower for incredible panoramic city views (separate bookings recommended).

Book dome/tower climb tickets far in advance, as time slots sell out quickly. Consider the 'Brunelleschi Pass' for access to multiple sites including the Dome, Baptistery, and Bell Tower.

Lunch near Duomo

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a cafe or trattoria in the bustling area around the Duomo.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

Discover incredible Renaissance sculpture, including Donatello's David and other works by Michelangelo, in this former prison turned museum.

A fantastic, often less crowded, alternative to the Accademia, focusing on sculpture. Open on Tuesdays.

Farewell Florentine Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Florence, indulging in local specialties and a glass of Chianti to celebrate your Italian adventure.

Consider reserving a table at a highly-rated restaurant for your final night.