9-Day Italy Itinerary
Italy is a fascinating country known for its history, architecture, monuments, art galleries, and delicious food. In this 9-day Italy itinerary, you will travel from Rome to Venice with stops at Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Florence. Of course, you will have to go back to Italy in the future to see the Dolomites, Lake Como, Milan, and the infamous Amalfi Coast. Below we cover where to stay, transportation, and tours to book!
To-Do List:
Step 1: Flights
Book your one-way flight to Rome and your one-way flight home from Venice. We recommend booking your flights through the app Hopper for the best prices.
Step 2: Book Hotels
Reserve hotels in Rome, Venice, and Florence. Below we cover where to stay and how many nights in each place. You can extend your trip and stay longer in each place if you have more time to explore. The hotels we recommend below are LUXURY options.
Step 3: Book Your Tours
We recommend tours because the professional guides give you more insight about the history and culture of a new place that you are visiting for the first time. In most cases, the tours provide transportation and allow you to skip the line. Viator, TripAdvisor, and Get Your Guide have tours available all of the world.
Step 4: Train Tickets
Book your train tickets in advance from TrenItalia.com. Book train tickets at Rail Europe if you plan to extend your trip and go to another country.
Step 5: Pack!
For this trip, we recommend packing a carry-on ONLY because you will be constantly on the road going from place to place and it can be annoying to bring a suitcase everywhere. Download our TRAVEL PLANNER below. This planner has packing lists and other details to help you plan your trip.
DISCLAIMER: I list MANY tour options to book and things to do. You can pick and choose which ones you want to do best. You will not have time to do everything in this 9-day Italy itinerary.
Day 1-2: Welcome to Rome!
Transportation:
Book Your Flight to Rome!
Where to Stay?
We recommend staying two nights at the Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel. This modern luxury Marriott hotel sits in the center of Rome within walking distance of the Pantheon.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, please compare hotels at Booking.com!
About Rome:
Rome, the capital of Italy, is located in the region of Lazio. Walking through Rome is like strolling through HISTORY, especially if you visit iconic places, including the Coliseum and Roman Forum. In every corner, you will find something beautiful to photograph.
Tours to Book:
1: Colosseum Tour
Book the Colosseum Underground-Arena and Roman Forum Tour
This tour has a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and will take you to an underground area, the Arch of Constantine, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Colosseum- The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of Rome. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and still standing today. Construction to hold 50,000 spectators began in 69 AD. Many gladiatorial fights took place at the arena. Booking the tour will enable you to SKIP the long line with access to the ARENA FLOOR. You will walk the steps the gladiators once took to enter the Colosseum.
Roman Forum- The Roman Forum has Ancient Rome’s most important structures, from shrines to government houses and monuments. Ancient ruins at the Roman Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
2: Vatican Museum Tour
Book the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, & St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
The Vatican Museum + The Sistine Chapel- The Sistine Chapel, spiral staircase, and Raphael Rooms are treasures within the Vatican Museum. You will find Greek and Roman statues and oil paintings on the walls of this Museum.
St Peter’s Basilica- At St. Peter’s Basilica, you can climb 551 steps to the summit. This panorama view of Rome’s landscape is stunning.
Where to Eat:
1- Try Gelato-
The best place to enjoy gelato in Rome is Fatamorgana. Neve di Latte is in a class by itself.
2- Campo de Fiori–
Campo de Fiori is a free market with numerous pizzerias, cafes, and gelaterias.
Things to Do:
1- Trevi Fountain-
Visiting this fountain is a must-see spot to add to your bucket list. The Trevi is a powerful example of Baroque design with a distinctly mythological character.
2-Pantheon-
The Pantheon was a former Roman temple and is now a church. You can also pay respects to the Italian kings buried inside the Pantheon.
3- Piazza Navona-
Piazza Navona is one of the best-known public squares in Rome because street performers and artists are present. Cafes, shops, and restaurants abound.
4- Spanish Steps-
The Spanish Steps, also known as Piazza di Spagna, is where visitors can tread the same stairs that writers Balzac and Byron climbed for inspiration. They are only steps; however, it is stunning during the spring because you can admire the blooming azaleas.
5- Galleria Borghese-
This museum has a massive art collection. The collection has famous works of popular sculptures.
6- The Jewish Ghetto-
The Jewish Ghetto is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city. It shows the religious, social, and cultural life of the Jews in Rome. Visiting this small neighborhood should be on your Rome Bucket List!
7- Gianicolo Hill-
Gianicolo Hill has a panoramic view of the Eternal City. At the top, you can see some of the most famous buildings in Rome. One building you can see is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not one of the seven hills of Rome because it sits right outside the ancient city.
8- Trastevere–
Trastevere is one of the most adorable neighborhoods in Rome to visit, as it is home to restaurants, bars, and cobblestone streets. This neighborhood is one that you do not want to miss out on!
Day 3-4: Rome to Florence
On your first full day in Florence, we recommend booking either the Uffizi Tour or the David and Duomo Tour. Following the tour, visit the Boboli Gardens.
Transportation:
Visit TrenItalia.com and book your trip from Rome to Florence.
Where to Stay?
Stay at the luxury Milu Hotel for 4 nights at the heart of Florence’s historical center. The hotel is an elegant 14th-century building within walking distance of the Uffizi Gallery.
Find a Hotel:
About:
Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region. The charming place has beautiful attractions to explore.
Tours to Book:
1: Hot Air Balloon Tour
What better way to see Florence than a hot air balloon ride above it?
2: Uffizi Tour
The Uffizi Gallery is the best museum in the world. If you love art and architecture, visiting this art gallery is most definitely for you.
3: David and Duomo Tour
Who does not want to skip the line? This tour takes you to the Florence Duomo and Accademia Gallery without waiting. Piazza Del Duomo is in the heart of the historic center of Florence. The square is home to various monuments and churches.
Things to Do:
1: Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore-
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore took 140 years to complete. Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze
2: Watch the Sunset at Ponte Vecchio-
This medieval stone bridge does get packed with tourists; however, it is fun to experience walking along it at least once in your lifetime because it is super historic. Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, has small, historic shops that sell jewelry or gold.
3: The Boboli Gardens-
This beautiful park has sculptures that date back to the 16th to 18th centuries.
4: The Baptistery of St. John–
This religious building is one you will not want to miss. Did you know? The eight lower panels of the south doors depict the virtues of hope, faith, charity, humility, fortitude, temperance, justice, and prudence. Address: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Where to Eat:
1–Sunset Food and Wine Tasting Tour
Set off as the sun dips over the horizon and spend an unforgettable 3.5 hours eating, drinking, and walking around the hippest neighborhood in Florence.
2- Private Food Tour
Sample signature dishes that are local favorites on this private food tour with guides from Florence!
3– Pasta Making Class
Learn how to make homemade pasta in Florence as the tour guide promises to provide the secret to making the best pasta dough!
Day 5: Day trip to Tuscany
Tours to Book:
Book one of the two tours listed below!
1-Tuscany Sightseeing Tour
This one-day tour will stop at some of the most iconic places in Tuscany. This tour covers exploring Siena, wine tasting in the Chianti region, visiting medieval San Gimignano, and snapping photos in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
2-Tuscany Wine Tour
Enjoy a stress-free day trip to the Chianti wine region. You will try different types of wine without worrying about transportation on this fun day trip from Florence!
Day 6: Day trip to Cinque Terre
Tour to Book: Cinque Terre
You will swim at Cinque Terre and visit the Leaning Tower of Piazza Dei Miracoli on this fun day trip from Florence. Cinque Terre is home to five towns along a rocky coast in the hills along the water. It is a great place to explore colorful buildings, go hiking, or relax near the water. This trip will be a nice getaway from the city.
Day 7-8: Florence to Venice
Transportation:
Visit TrenItalia.com and book your trip from Florence to Venice. The Venice Train Station is Stazione di Venezia, Santa Lucia.
Where to Stay?
You will stay 2 nights at AC Hotel Venezia, a luxury hotel in the center of Venice within walking distance of St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica.
Find a Hotel:
Tours to Book:
1–Wine Tasting in Venice
The wine in Venice is delicious. This wine tasting tour will enable you to try various types of wine in a fun environment!
2- Gondola Ride-
The best way to see the city is to go on a boat or a Gondola ride. A friendly, knowledgeable tour guide who sings is an experience you do not want to miss.
3–Dolomites Tour
The tour from Venice will enable you to see the incredible Dolomite Mountains and Cortina.
Things to Do:
1- Music Concert
Are you looking for a concert to keep you entertained? The Vivaldi Four Seasons Concert one will do just that!
2- St. Mark’s Basilica-
St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous church in Venice to visit. The church is unique, as it has a mix of influences. The beautiful domed ceilings and gold-leaf mosaics stand out the most.
3- Doge’s Palace-
Did you know? The Doge was also known as a chief magistrate elected for life by Venetian nobles. This Palace is where the Doge lived. The Palace is home to a museum today. The museum happens to be one of the most famous landmarks in Venice to date.
4- Libreria Acqua Alta Book Store-
This is perhaps the most picturesque library known to man in that there are quirky backdrops for photos around the store. All of their books are in bathtubs that have waterproof containers. There is even a full-sized gondola!
Where to Eat:
1- Private Food Tour
What better way to experience the taste of Venice than by getting advice from the locals who live there on a private food walking tour?
2- Hotel Danieli-
Grab a drink at Bar Dandolo in this 14th-century palace hotel. This 5-star hotel lobby bar is in 3 James Bond films.
Day 9: Fly home
RECAP 9-Day Italy Itinerary:
1st Day: Fly to Rome– Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and dinner at Trastevere
2nd Day: Rome– Colosseum Underground Tour or Vatican Museum Tour, Galleria Borghese, and lunch or dinner at Piazza Navona
3rd Day: Rome to Florence- Arrive early in Florence, Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore and Basilica di Santa Croce, Sunset at Ponte Vecchio
4th Day: Florence- Uffizi Tour, David and Duomo Tour, Boboli Gardens
5th Day: Day Trip to Tuscany
6th Day: Day Trip to Cinque Terre
7th Day: Florence to Venice- Venice Gondola Ride, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, The Doge’s Palace
8th Day: Full Day Venice- Libreria Acqua Alta Book Store, Ponte Di Rialto Bridge, Scala Contarini Del Bovolo, Catch a Venetian Sunset
9th Day: Fly Home
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9-Day Italy Itinerary