Rome and Florence 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Travel from Athens to Rome

Fly from Athens to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and then take a train or taxi to your hotel in the city center.

Allow time for customs and transfer.

Hotel Check-in: Sentho Roma

Check into your hotel, located conveniently for exploring Rome's attractions.

Piazza Navona & Pantheon

Begin your Roman adventure by exploring the beautiful Piazza Navona, home to Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers.

Afterwards, visit the ancient Pantheon, an architectural marvel.

The Pantheon has free entry but booking may be required for certain times. Check current requirements.

Dinner in Centro Storico

Enjoy traditional Roman cuisine in a restaurant within Rome's historic center.

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour

Embark on an insightful tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with Through Eternity Tours, delving into the heart of ancient Roman life and history.

Booking this tour is highly recommended for comprehensive understanding and skip-the-line access. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.

Lunch near Colosseum

Grab a casual lunch at one of the many trattorias or cafes near the Colosseum area.

Capitoline Museums

Visit the Capitoline Museums, located on the Capitoline Hill, offering a superb collection of ancient Roman artifacts and art, with views over the Roman Forum.

Consider pre-booking tickets, especially during peak season.

Evening in Trastevere

Cross the Tiber River to the charming Trastevere neighborhood.

Enjoy a stroll through its narrow, cobblestone streets and have dinner in a traditional Roman osteria.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Spend the morning exploring the vast Vatican Museums, home to masterpieces by Raphael and Michelangelo, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel.

Book 'skip-the-line' tickets online well in advance to save significant time. Dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered.

St. Peter's Basilica & Square

After the museums, enter St.

Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, and marvel at its grand scale and incredible art, including Michelangelo's Pietà. Explore St. Peter's Square.

Entry to the Basilica is free, but security lines can be long. Consider climbing the dome for panoramic views (additional fee).

Lunch near Vatican

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a cafe or restaurant near Vatican City.

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

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

Expect crowds at both locations. Best visited in late afternoon or evening.

Dinner in Monti

Explore the trendy Monti neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe and excellent dining options, for your evening meal.

High-speed Train to Florence

Take an early high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Florence Santa Maria Novella Station.

The journey offers scenic views and comfortable travel.

Hotel Check-in: Glance Hotel

Check into your hotel in Florence, conveniently located near the city's main attractions.

Florence Orientation Walking Tour

Join a 'Walkabout Florence Tours' experience to get acquainted with the city's key landmarks, history, and hidden gems.

This is an excellent way to start your exploration.

This small-group tour will provide an excellent overview of Florence. Check their website for meeting points and booking details.

Florence Duomo Exterior & Piazza

Admire the stunning exterior of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Giotto's Bell Tower, and the Baptistery in Piazza del Duomo, especially beautiful as dusk settles on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at a traditional Florentine restaurant.

Reservations are essential for this evening.

Many restaurants offer special Christmas menus. Book well in advance.

Accademia Gallery (David)

Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David.

Check for special Christmas Day opening hours, as they may vary.

Pre-book tickets to secure entry, especially on a holiday. Confirm Christmas Day opening hours closer to the date.

Christmas Day Lunch

Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch.

Many restaurants will offer special menus; booking is essential.

Research and book your Christmas lunch spot in advance, as options may be limited or fully booked.

Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno District

Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, admiring the shops, and then explore the artisan workshops and trattorias in the Oltrarno district.

Many shops on Ponte Vecchio may be closed on Christmas Day, but it's still a beautiful area for a walk.

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Walk or take a bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence at sunset, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Arno River.

A perfect spot for photos. Can be chilly in December, so dress warmly.

Casual Christmas Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed dinner after a full day of Christmas exploration.

Look for restaurants open in the Oltrarno or your hotel area.

Travel to Venice

Depart from Florence and travel by train to Venice Santa Lucia station.

Enjoy the scenic views.

Traditional Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from its iconic waterways with a peaceful gondola ride through the smaller canals and along the Grand Canal.

Agree on the price before starting the ride. Rides typically last 25-30 minutes. Consider sharing a gondola to reduce cost.

Stroll Grand Canal & Rialto

Walk along parts of the Grand Canal, admiring the historic palaces and vibrant activity.

Cross the Rialto Bridge for panoramic views.

The Rialto Bridge is a famous landmark offering great photo opportunities and often has street vendors.

Lunch: Venetian Cicchetti

Enjoy a traditional Venetian light lunch of 'cicchetti' (small snacks similar to tapas) at a local 'bacaro'.

Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Visit one of Venice's most important churches, home to masterpieces by Titian and Bellini, and impressive Gothic architecture.

Mask Making at Ca' Macana

Explore Ca' Macana Original, a historic workshop renowned for its traditional Venetian masks.

Witness the artistry or participate in a quick demonstration.

They also offer workshops for a more hands-on experience (booking required for workshops).

Dinner in San Polo

Enjoy a delicious Venetian dinner at a traditional trattoria in the charming San Polo district.

Gallerie dell'Accademia

Explore the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which houses a superb collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century, including works by Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

Dorsoduro Stroll & Ponte degli Scalzi

Wander through the Dorsoduro district, known for its artistic vibe and quieter canals.

Visit the Ponte degli Scalzi for views near the train station.

Farewell Lunch & Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy a final Italian lunch near the train station and pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

Departure from Venice

Head to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Venice Santa Lucia train station for your onward journey, concluding your 7-day Italian trip.