Rome, Florence, Venice –OH MY!

Italy Itinerary – Rome • Florence • Venice

Day 1 – Arrival in Rome

Base: Albergo del Senato (by the Pantheon, Rome)

Morning / Early Afternoon

• 10:30 AM – Land in Rome (FCO)

  • Go through passport control, collect luggage, and transfer into the city (taxi or pre-booked car).

• Arrive at Albergo del Senato

  • Drop bags (room may or may not be ready).

  • Freshen up in lobby/bathroom if needed.

First Coffee & Orientation

• Walk across the piazza to Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè for:

  • Espresso / cappuccino

  • Cornetto or light pastry

• Use this as my “I’ve arrived” moment and to get my bearings around the Pantheon.

Midday – Pantheon & Piazza Navona

• Pantheon (no timed ticket, just queue):

  • Visit as my first major site.

  • Spend time inside soaking in the oculus and ancient floor.

• Walk ~5 minutes to Piazza Navona

  • Enjoy Bernini’s fountain, artists, and the baroque square.

  • Optional: sit at a café for water/tea and people-watching.

Afternoon – Via dei Coronari, Trevi & Shopping Streets

• Via dei Coronari

  • Stroll this charming street of small boutiques, antiques, and leather shops.

  • Good place to look for a small early souvenir.

• Walk to the Trevi Fountain

  • See Trevi in daylight.

  • Toss my coin over my right shoulder.

• Via del Corso → Via dei Condotti

  • Window-shop along these elegant streets.

  • Enjoy the atmosphere; no pressure to buy.

Late Afternoon – Spanish Steps

• Walk to the Spanish Steps.

  • Climb a few steps for the view and photos, not necessarily to the top.

Evening – First Roman Dinner

• Dinner: Osteria dell’Ingegno (near Pantheon)

  • Light, elegant dishes; good vegetarian and pescatarian options.

  • Enjoy water with lemon and an unhurried first meal.

Night – Check-In & Rest

• Head back to Albergo del Senato.

• Officially check into my room (if I haven’t already).

• Early night to reset from travel.

Day 2 – Colosseum Arena, Forum & Evening Strolls in Rome

Base: Albergo del Senato

Morning – Walk to the Colosseum

• Leave hotel around 9:15 AM

  • Distance: ~1.2 miles (about 25 minutes at a gentle pace).

  • I will walk through the historic center toward the Colosseum.

  • Option: grab a quick coffee along the way if I’d like.

• 10:15 AM – Colosseum “Full Experience” (Arena Level) ticket

  • Enter via arena-level entrance per my booking.

  • Time inside: ~1.5 hours (including upper levels and photos).

Late Morning – Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

• Around 11:30 AM, move into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill area (same ticket complex).

  • Explore ruins, overlooks, and key viewpoints at my own pace.

  • Expect 1.5–2 hours depending on energy.

Lunch – Near the Colosseum

• ~12:45–1:00 PM – Lunch at Taverna dei Quaranta

  • Steps from Colosseum; easy and relaxed.

  • Good for pasta or something warm and simple.

Early Afternoon – Capitoline Hill (Exterior)

• Walk toward Piazza Venezia and up the ramp to Piazza del Campidoglio (Michelangelo’s square).

  • Visit the terrace behind the museums for a panoramic Forum view.

  • No need to enter museums today; this is about the viewpoint and piazza.

Afternoon – City Wander

• Continue from Capitoline/Piazza Venezia:

  • See Trajan’s Column.

  • Drift toward the Trevi Fountain (second visit if I like).

  • Pop into leather shops, paper shops, perfumeries, and gelato stops along the way.

Golden Hour – Old Town Squares

• Make my way through:

  • Pantheon (pass by or step in if I wish)

  • Piazza Navona

  • Campo de’ Fiori area

Dinner – Seafood or Elegant Pescatarian

• Choose one (or decide spontaneously based on where I land):

  • Pierluigi – elegant, candlelit.

  • Assunta Madre – vibrant, seafood-forward.

Night

• Walk back through the lit piazzas to my hotel.

Day 3 – Vatican, St. Peter’s, Dome Climb & Rome by Night

Base: Albergo del Senato

Early Morning – Vatican Museums

• Leave the hotel early by taxi (recommended) to the Vatican Museums.

  • Aim to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before my timed entry.

• Visit highlights including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.

  • Plan ~2.5–3 hours total depending on pace.

Late Morning Snack – Maritozzo

• After exiting the Museums, stop nearby for a Roman maritozzo (cream-filled bun) and coffee.

  • This is my sweet reset between museums and basilica.

St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome

• Walk to St. Peter's Basilica.

  • Visit the basilica interior.

  • Climb the dome (stairs) for a panoramic view of Rome.

  • Expect ~1.5–2 hours for basilica + dome.

Early Afternoon – Optional Castel Sant’Angelo & River Walk

• If energy allows, walk toward Castel Sant'Angelo and across the angel-lined bridge.

  • I can simply view the exterior and bridge or go inside if I feel like it.

Afternoon – Via dei Coronari & Old Town

• Make my way back toward the historic center through Via dei Coronari:

  • Dip in and out of boutiques, leather shops, paper shops, and artisan windows.

Evening – Dinner & Gelato

• Dinner (near Pantheon):

  • Armando al Pantheon – classic Roman pasta.

  • Pizzeria da Baffetto – lively Roman pizza.

• Giolitti Gelato on the way or after dinner for dessert.

Night

• End the day back at the Pantheon, beautifully lit at night, then return to Albergo del Senato.

Day 4 – Jewish Ghetto, Campo de’ Fiori & Galleria Borghese

Base: Albergo del Senato

Morning – Jewish Ghetto

• Walk 8–10 minutes from my hotel to the Roman Jewish Ghetto:

  • See Portico d’Ottavia ruins.

  • Pause at the Turtle Fountain.

  • Atmosphere is calm and historic.

• Treat: Pasticceria Boccione

  • Try the burnt ricotta tart (iconic local specialty).

Late Morning – Campo de’ Fiori

• Short 5-minute walk to Campo de’ Fiori:

  • Enjoy the market stalls (fruit, flowers, herbs).

  • Grab fresh berries or fruit for a light snack.

Late Morning / Midday – Vittoriano & Piazza Venezia

• Walk toward Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia:

  • Optional: take the glass elevator to the rooftop for panoramic views.

Midday – Tiber Island

• From Vittoriano, walk along Via del Teatro di Marcello toward the river.

• Cross Ponte Fabricio to Tiber Island for a quiet, grounding pause by the water.

Lunch – Roscioli

• Late lunch at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (10–12 minutes from Campo de’ Fiori):

  • Famous cacio e pepe and excellent pastas.

  • Enjoy a slow, satisfying meal.

Afternoon – Via dei Coronari & Toward Villa Borghese

• From lunch, wander through Via dei Coronari again for shopping and cafés.

• Gradually make my way toward Villa Borghese Gardens:

  • Aim to arrive around 4:45 PM.

  • Enjoy the gardens, small lake, and Pincio Terrace viewpoint over the city.

Evening – Galleria Borghese & Dinner

• 6:45 PM – Galleria Borghese entry (timed ticket)

  • 1.25-hour slot; admire Bernini, Caravaggio, Canova.

• Late Dinner – Osteria del Pegno

  • Cozy, romantic, small trattoria perfect after an emotional art evening.

  • Stroll back through the nighttime streets to my hotel.

Day 5 – Baths of Caracalla, Trastevere & a Farewell to Rome

Base: Albergo del Senato

Morning – Baths of Caracalla

• Taxi from hotel to Baths of Caracalla near opening time.

  • Explore the vast ruins, grassy courtyards, and mosaic fragments.

  • Plan 1.5–2 hours for a peaceful, unhurried visit.

Late Morning – Piazza del Popolo Area & Snack

• Taxi from Caracalla to Piazza del Popolo area.

• Quick bite at La Vita è un Mozzico (near Piazza del Popolo):

  • Caprese-style or vegetarian sandwich; possible tuna/salmon options.

  • Enjoy sitting outside if weather is nice.

Late Morning – Walk Down Via del Corso to Pantheon

• Stroll down Via del Corso toward the Pantheon.

• Optional: pop into shops, revisit Trevi for another coin toss if desired.

• Make a return visit to the Pantheon for a last quiet moment there.

Afternoon – Walk to Trastevere

• From the Pantheon:

  • Walk to Campo de’ Fiori, enjoy a final look at the market.

  • Continue toward the river and cross the Ponte Sisto pedestrian bridge.

• On the far side, I will enter Trastevere:

  • Visit Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere (gold mosaics).

  • Wander ivy-covered lanes, artisan shops, and piazzas.

Late Afternoon – Wander Back Toward Hotel

• Options on the walk back:

  • Revisit Via dei Coronari.

  • Sit again in Piazza Navona.

  • Walk along the Tiber for river views.

Evening – Farewell Rome Dinner

• Possible choices:

  • Le Mani in Pasta (Trastevere; noted for sea bass ravioli and good pasta).

  • Da Fortunata (near Campo de’ Fiori; handmade pasta like lemon linguine).

Night

• Last evening walk through Rome’s lit streets.

• Begin light packing; I will fully check out tomorrow.

Day 6 – Rome to Florence (Travel Day)

From: Albergo del Senato (Rome)

To: Hotel L'Orologio Firenze

Morning – Last Rome Moments

• Breakfast at the hotel, one more look at the Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda.

• Short farewell stroll toward Piazza Navona or around familiar cobblestone streets.

Late Morning – To Roma Termini

• ~11:00 AM: Check out of Albergo del Senato.

• Taxi to Roma Termini (no walking with luggage).

  • Arrive with plenty of time for my 12:40 PM Italo train.

Midday – Train to Florence

• 12:40 PM – Italo train to Florence (Firenze S. M. Novella)

  • Duration ~97 minutes.

• 2:17 PM – Arrive Florence

  • Walk from station (SMN) to Hotel L’Orologio (~5–7 minutes with suitcase).

  • Check in (2:00 PM check-in time fits perfectly).

Late Afternoon – First Walk in Florence

• Explore Piazza Santa Maria Novella right by my hotel.

• Walk along:

  • Via dei Fossi (antiques)

  • Via Tornabuoni (elegant shopping street)

  • Piazza della Repubblica

  • First glimpse of the Florence Cathedral (exterior only today).

• Continue toward the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio for sunset.

Evening – Dinner in Florence

• Dinner: La Bussola

  • Pescatarian-friendly, warm service, good for a relaxed first night.

Night

• Walk back to the hotel; rest before a big climb tomorrow.

Day 7 – Florence: Brunelleschi’s Dome & Palazzo Vecchio Tower

Base: Hotel L’Orologio Firenze

Morning – Duomo & Dome Climb

• 8:30 AM – Leave hotel on foot

  • 10–12 minute walk to the Duomo complex.

• 9:00 AM – Brunelleschi’s Dome (timed entry)

  • Climb between the inner and outer shells of the dome.

  • Enjoy 360° city views at the top.

  • Allow ~1.5 hours total.

Late Morning – Duomo Complex (Flexible Order)

• Using my Duomo ticket (valid multiple days), visit:

  • Opera del Duomo Museum – originals of the “Gates of Paradise,” Michelangelo’s Pietà, Donatello sculptures.

  • Baptistery of San Giovanni – mosaics and bronze doors.

  • Santa Reparata (archaeological site beneath the cathedral).

  • Duomo interior (if not done earlier).

• I may save Giotto’s Campanile for another day if I prefer – or I may just go for it today!

Lunch – Near the Duomo

• Panetteria e Stuzzicheria De Neri

  • Fresh, casual sandwiches/pizzas and quick bites. Recommended by my daughter.

Afternoon – Walk to Palazzo Vecchio

• Stroll through Florence’s historic center to Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria.

  • Stop for photos in the square (Loggia dei Lanzi, fountain, statuary).

• 4:00 PM – Torre di Arnolfo (Palazzo Vecchio Tower)

  • Climb the tower for another set of spectacular views (with Duomo in skyline).

Evening – Piazza della Signoria & Dinner

• Spend time in Piazza della Signoria at dusk.

• Dinner: Lo Sprone (near Ponte Vecchio) – recommended by my daughter; cozy and local.

Night

• Walk along the Arno back toward my hotel; rest.

Day 8 – Florence: David, Uffizi & Farewell Dinner

Base: Hotel L’Orologio Firenze

Morning – Accademia & David

• 8:15 AM – Galleria dell’Accademia

  • See Michelangelo’s David and the rest of the collection.

  • Plan ~1–1.5 hours; early slot is quieter.

Late Morning – Sweet Pause & Stroll

• Treat options:

  • Gelateria Edoardo (organic gelato near Duomo).

  • Cibrèo Caffè (pastries and coffee).

• Short walks:

  • Piazza Santissima Annunziata

  • Via dei Servi back toward the Duomo

Afternoon – Uffizi Gallery

• 1:30 PM – Uffizi Gallery

  • Highlights: Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael, and more.

  • Plan ~2–3 hours, depending on how I feel.

Late Afternoon – Arno at Dusk

• After leaving the Uffizi, walk along the Arno River:

  • Cross Ponte Santa Trinità or Ponte Vecchio.

  • Enjoy the honey-gold light over the water.

Evening – Final Florence Dinner

• Dinner: Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (Oltrarno side):

  • Warm, welcoming; perfect for a solo diner.

  • Consider:

    • White beans with olive oil

    • Tuscan bread salad

    • Tortelli di patate with pumpkin cream

    • Ravioli with butter and sage

    • Taglierini with prawns and zucchini

    • Crema mascarpone for dessert

Night

• Walk home; begin light packing for tomorrow’s travel.

Day 9 – Florence to Venice (Travel Day)

From: Hotel L’Orologio Firenze

To: H10 Palazzo Canova

Morning – Last Walks & Souvenirs in Florence

• ~7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.

• Morning wander with no strict agenda:

  • Quiet streets near the river or piazzas.

  • Stop into a leather shop for a small gift.

  • Visit Officina de’ Tornabuoni for perfume samples.

• Be back at hotel by 11:00 AM to gather belongings.

Midday – Walk to Station & Train to Venice

• 12:00 PM – Check out.

• ~12:15 PM – Walk (~10 minutes) to Firenze S. M. Novella with my suitcase.

• 1:39 PM – Italo 8971 to Venice

  • Seat: Coach 3, Seat 3.

• 3:55 PM – Arrive Venezia Santa Lucia

Arrival in Venice – To the Hotel

• Step out of station onto the Grand Canal.

• Choose my transfer:

  • Vaporetto Line 1 – slower, scenic; ride to Rialto stop.

  • Private water taxi – faster, cinematic; drop near Rialto/H10 Palazzo Canova.

• Aim to arrive at H10 Palazzo Canova around 4:30–5:00 PM; check in and freshen up.

Evening – First Night in Venice

• Stroll to and around the Rialto Bridge; watch the colors change over the canal.

• Walk (if I feel up to it) toward St. Mark’s Square in the evening light, or keep it closer to Rialto.

Dinner – Light Venetian Welcome

• Options near Rialto:

  • Osteria Bancogiro – pasta and fish with views.

  • Cantina Aziende Agricole – cicchetti and wine bar atmosphere.

  • Al Merca – quick stand-up cicchetti for a very light meal.

Night

• Back to H10 Palazzo Canova by ~9:00 PM to rest.

Day 10 – Venice: San Marco “Power Day”

Base: H10 Palazzo Canova

Morning – Walk to St. Mark’s Square

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Walk from Rialto to St. Mark’s Square (~10–12 minutes, likely longer with stops).

  • Browse shops and canals along the way.

10:30 AM – Doge’s Palace

• Enter Doge's Palace with my timed ticket.

  • Highlights: Golden Staircase, Grand Council Hall, Bridge of Sighs interior.

  • Plan 1.5–2 hours.

Midday – Lunch / Snack Near San Marco

• Options:

  • Osteria da Carla – chic, tucked-away, refined.

  • Rossopomodoro San Marco – simple pizza/pasta near the square.

  • Or cicchetti from a nearby bàcaro plus a fruit cup or pastry.

Early Afternoon – St. Mark’s Basilica

• 1:30–2:00 PM – St. Mark’s Basilica “Complete Experience”

  • Visit the basilica, Pala d’Oro, and the museum/loggia.

  • Step out onto the terrace/balcony for sweeping views of the square.

Optional – Museo Correr

• ~3:30 PM – Museo Correr (if energy allows; included with ticket)

  • Quieter, elegant museum at the far end of St. Mark’s Square.

Late Afternoon – Walk Back Toward Rialto

• Drift back through central Venice toward Rialto:

  • Stop for Murano glass, masks, art shops, and gelato along the way.

• Optional cicchetti stop near the hotel, e.g. Osteria al Portego.

Evening – San Marco at Twilight

• Return to St. Mark’s Square near sunset:

  • Hear the orchestras, watch the marble glow.

Dinner

• Choose based on where I am:

  • Near hotel: Osteria al Portego (cicchetti), or a similar small spot.

• Walk home by canal paths; rest.

Day 11 – Venice: Dorsoduro & Peggy Guggenheim

Base: H10 Palazzo Canova

Morning – Walk to Dorsoduro

• Breakfast at hotel.

• Around 9:30 AM, start walking from Rialto toward Dorsoduro (~30 minutes direct, ~45 with wandering).

  • Enjoy quiet bridges, canals, and small shops.

11:00 AM – Peggy Guggenheim Collection

• Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection on the Grand Canal.

  • Enjoy the garden, sculptures, and modern art.

  • Plan 1.5–2 hours.

Early Afternoon – Dorsoduro Wandering & Lunch

• Stroll through Dorsoduro:

  • Squero di San Trovaso (gondola workshop view).

  • Campo Santa Margherita for relaxed, local atmosphere.

  • Artisan mask/jewelry/book shops.

• Lunch options:

  • Cantinone Già Schiavi – cicchetti and wine by the canal.

  • Osteria Al Squero – cicchetti facing the gondola workshop.

Mid / Late Afternoon – Vaporetto Grand Canal Ride

• Board Vaporetto Line 1 at Salute or Zattere.

  • Slowly ride up the Grand Canal toward Rialto.

  • Use as my “poor man’s Grand Canal cruise.”

Evening – Dinner in Dorsoduro & Walk Back

• Dinner options:

  • Taverna San Trovaso – classic, cozy, good for solo diners.

  • Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti – refined, intimate (if I find a table).

• Walk back from Dorsoduro to Rialto in the evening (~25–30 minutes), crossing bridges and enjoying the calm.

Night

• Return to H10 Palazzo Canova around 8:30–9:00 PM.

Day 12 – Venice: “Imprint Day” & Departure Prep

Base: H10 Palazzo Canova

Morning – Accademia Bridge & Salute

• Breakfast at hotel.

• 9:00–9:30 AM – Leave for the Accademia Bridge (~20 minutes from Rialto).

  • Enjoy one of the iconic Grand Canal views from the bridge.

• Walk to Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute:

  • Visit the church; quiet and contemplative.

  • Take in views back across to St. Mark’s and the lagoon.

Lunch – Near Salute / Zattere

• Options:

  • Ristorante Lineadombra – water views, peaceful, slightly elevated.

  • Or any inviting trattoria/bàcaro nearby that feels right.

Afternoon – Dorsoduro Drifting & Gondola Option

• Continue wandering Dorsoduro’s calm lanes and canals.

• Possible gondola ride in the late afternoon:

  • The ideal time is when the light softens, but before sunset.

  • Choose a quiet canal near Dorsoduro or near my hotel.

Snack Options

• Gelateria Nico on the Zattere (gianduiotto specialty).

• A cappuccino or small pastry from a café.

Sunset – Zattere Waterfront

• Watch the sun set over the water from the Zattere promenade.

  • Locals strolling, boats moving slowly, beautiful light over the lagoon.

Evening – Final Dinner in Venice

• Dinner options:

  • Taverna San Trovaso – classic, relaxed.

  • Ristorante La Zucca – vegetarian-friendly, seasonal dishes (book if I can).

  • Ristorante Al Vecio Marangon – tiny, local, low-key.

Return to Hotel & Packing

• Be back at H10 Palazzo Canova by around 7:30 PM.

• Pack, shower, and lay out clothes for travel.

Day 13 – Very Early Departure from Venice

Private Water Taxi to the Airport (VCE)

• 3:45 AM – Water taxi pickup from hotel area

  • Ask the hotel to book this in advance; they’ll provide exact meeting-point instructions.

  • Ride time: ~25–35 minutes to Venice Airport (VCE).

At the Airport

• ~4:15 AM – Arrive at VCE

  • Ample time for check-in, bag drop, security, and finding my gate for a 6:30 AM flight.