Grand Tour of Italy
14-day high-speed rail tour of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan
14 days
•
Challenging difficulty
•
Est. €1,000
Day 1: Rome: Ancient Wonders and Baroque Splendor
Arrive in Rome and explore the heart of the ancient world, followed by the iconic Baroque fountains.
-
09:00
Visit the Pantheon
Explore the ancient Roman temple with the world's largest unreinforced dome. Book tickets in advance.
-
12:30
Lunch in Historic Center
Enjoy traditional Roman pasta at a local trattoria near the Pantheon.
-
14:00
Trevi Fountain
Visit the 18th-century Baroque fountain. Throw a coin to ensure your return to Rome.
Meals:
Lunch at Historic Center , Dinner at Trastevere
Where to stay: Stay in Centro Storico or Trastevere for easy access to main sights.
Getting around: Walking is sufficient for Day 1. Use metro for longer distances.
Day 2: Rome: The Colosseum and Roman Forum
Dedicate the day to the Imperial Rome ruins, the largest ancient amphitheater ever built.
-
08:30
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Pre-booking essential.
-
12:30
Lunch near Monti
Casual lunch in the trendy Monti neighborhood.
-
14:30
Vatican City Exploration
Walk through St. Peter's Square and visit the Vatican Museums (if time permits) or just the exterior.
Meals:
Lunch at Monti , Dinner at Vatican Area
Where to stay: Continue staying in Rome.
Getting around: Metro Line B to Colosseum. Walking for Vatican.
Day 3: Rome to Florence: High-Speed Train
Travel north to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, via high-speed train.
-
09:00
Train to Florence
Take the Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
-
12:00
Lunch in Florence
Arrive and grab a quick lunch near the station.
-
14:00
Piazza della Signoria
Explore the Renaissance square with its open-air sculpture museum, including the replica of David.
Meals:
Lunch at Florence Station Area , Dinner at Historic Center
Where to stay: Stay in Florence Historic Center for easy walking access.
Getting around: High-speed train required. Walk within Florence.
Day 4: Florence: Art and Architecture
Immerse yourself in Renaissance art and architecture in Florence.
-
09:00
Uffizi Gallery
World-renowned art museum housing works by Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
-
12:30
Lunch near Ponte Vecchio
Light lunch with a view of the Arno River.
-
14:30
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
Visit the iconic cathedral and climb the dome for panoramic views.
Meals:
Lunch at Ponte Vecchio Area , Dinner at Oltrarno
Where to stay: Continue staying in Florence.
Getting around: Walking is best for Florence center.
Day 5: Florence: Accademia and Sunset Views
See Michelangelo's David and enjoy the city from above.
-
09:00
Galleria dell'Accademia
View Michelangelo's original David and other unfinished sculptures.
-
12:30
Lunch in Oltrarno
Explore the artisan workshops area for lunch.
-
15:00
Piazzale Michelangelo
Hike or take a bus to the square for the best panoramic view of Florence.
Meals:
Lunch at Oltrarno , Dinner at Historic Center
Where to stay: Continue staying in Florence.
Getting around: Bus 12 or 13 to Piazzale Michelangelo, or walk.
Day 6: Day Trip: Siena and Chianti Wine
Explore the medieval hill town of Siena and taste Chianti wines.
-
08:00
Bus to Siena
Take a SITA bus or tour from Florence to Siena.
-
10:00
Piazza del Campo
Visit the shell-shaped square and the Siena Cathedral.
-
14:00
Chianti Wine Tasting
Visit a local winery in the surrounding hills for a tasting.
Meals:
Lunch at Siena , Dinner at Florence
Where to stay: Return to Florence for the night.
Getting around: Bus or organized tour to Siena.
Day 7: Florence to Venice: Grand Canal Arrival
Travel to Venice, the floating city, and explore the Grand Canal.
-
09:00
Train to Venice
High-speed train from Florence to Venezia Santa Lucia.
-
12:00
Lunch near Station
Quick lunch before heading into the city.
-
14:00
Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride
Take a water bus along the Grand Canal to see palaces and bridges.
Meals:
Lunch at Venice Station Area , Dinner at San Marco
Where to stay: Stay in San Marco or Dorsoduro for central access.
Getting around: High-speed train to Venice. Vaporetto and walking within city.
Day 8: Venice: St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace
Explore the political and religious heart of the Venetian Republic.
-
09:00
Doge's Palace
Tour the former residence of the Doge and seat of government.
-
12:30
Lunch near Rialto
Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine near Rialto Bridge.
-
14:00
St. Mark's Basilica
Visit the stunning Byzantine cathedral with golden mosaics.
Meals:
Lunch at Rialto Area , Dinner at Cannaregio
Where to stay: Continue staying in Venice.
Getting around: Walking is the primary mode of transport.
Day 9: Venice: Murano and Burano Islands
Visit the famous islands known for glassmaking and colorful houses.
-
09:00
Boat to Murano
Take a vaporetto to Murano to see glass blowing demonstrations.
-
10:30
Murano Glass Factory
Watch master glassblowers create intricate pieces.
-
13:00
Burano Island
Visit the island famous for its brightly colored fishermen's houses and lace.
Meals:
Lunch at Burano , Dinner at Venice
Where to stay: Continue staying in Venice.
Getting around: Vaporetto lines to Murano and Burano.
Day 10: Venice: Hidden Gems and Gondola Ride
Discover the quieter side of Venice and enjoy a classic gondola ride.
-
09:00
Marciana Library
Visit the historic library and its beautiful reading room.
-
12:30
Lunch in Dorsoduro
Lunch near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
-
15:00
Gondola Ride
Experience a traditional gondola ride through smaller canals.
Meals:
Lunch at Dorsoduro , Dinner at Venice
Where to stay: Continue staying in Venice.
Getting around: Walking.
Day 11: Day Trip: Verona
Visit Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, via train from Venice.
-
08:30
Train to Verona
Short train ride from Venice to Verona Porta Nuova.
-
10:00
Verona Arena
Visit the well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
-
12:30
Lunch in Piazza delle Erbe
Lunch at the historic market square.
-
14:00
Casa di Giulietta
Visit the house associated with Shakespeare's Juliet.
Meals:
Lunch at Verona , Dinner at Venice
Where to stay: Return to Venice for the night.
Getting around: Train to Verona and back.
Day 12: Venice to Milan: Fashion and History
Travel to Milan, Italy's fashion capital, and see the Duomo.
-
09:00
Train to Milan
High-speed train from Venice to Milano Centrale.
-
12:00
Lunch near Duomo
Lunch in the city center.
-
14:00
Milan Duomo
Visit the Gothic cathedral and climb to the terraces for views.
Meals:
Lunch at Milan Center , Dinner at Brera District
Where to stay: Stay in Milan near the Duomo or Navigli.
Getting around: High-speed train to Milan. Metro for city travel.
Day 13: Milan: The Last Supper and Fashion
See Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece and explore the fashion district.
-
09:00
The Last Supper
Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo's mural. Book months in advance.
-
12:30
Lunch in Brera
Lunch in the artistic Brera neighborhood.
-
14:00
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Shop and admire the historic arcade and glass dome.
Meals:
Lunch at Brera , Dinner at Navigli
Where to stay: Continue staying in Milan.
Getting around: Walking and Metro.
Day 14: Milan: Lake Como Day Trip
End the tour with a scenic day trip to Lake Como.
-
08:00
Train to Como
Regional train from Milan to Como San Giovanni.
-
09:30
Lake Como Exploration
Take a boat tour or walk around the lake towns like Bellagio.
-
14:00
Lunch in Bellagio
Lunch with a lake view.
Meals:
Lunch at Bellagio , Dinner at Milan
Where to stay: Return to Milan for final night.
Getting around: Train to Como and boat on the lake.
Practical Information
The optimal time to visit Italy for a 14-day Grand Tour is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). These periods offer mild temperatures ideal for walking and sightseeing, avoiding the intense heat and crowds of peak summer. Winter can be chilly, particularly in the north, while summer brings overwhelming tourist density and higher prices.
Transportation between major hubs is most efficiently handled via Italy’s high-speed rail network, connecting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan in just a few hours. This minimizes travel fatigue and allows for a smooth south-to-north progression. Within cities, walking is the best way to explore historic centers, though public buses and trams are available for longer distances. For day trips, such as visiting Siena from Florence or Murano and Burano from Venice, regional trains and ferries are reliable. Renting a car is generally unnecessary and often impractical due to restricted traffic zones (ZTLs) in historic centers and difficult parking.
Accommodation should be booked in central locations to maximize time. In Rome, stay in the Centro Storico, Trastevere, or near the Vatican for easy access to major sites. Florence accommodations should be in the Historic Center to walk to the Uffizi and Duomo. Venice requires staying on the main island or nearby Mestre for better value, while Milan offers options in the city center or near the Duomo. Booking major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Uffizi Gallery well in advance is mandatory to avoid long lines and sold-out slots.
Budgeting should account for higher costs in major cities and during peak seasons. While Italy offers diverse price points, expect to pay more for central accommodations and dining in tourist-heavy areas. Carry some cash for small vendors, tips, and smaller establishments, though cards are widely accepted. Pack light, versatile clothing suitable for train transfers and walking. Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) for visiting churches and cathedrals, and a power adapter for Type L plugs. Always keep digital and physical copies of important documents, and be aware of common pickpocketing risks in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
Book your stay
More Itineraries
10 days
Italy First-Timer's Guide
10-day train journey through Rome, Florence, Venice, and Lake Como
View Itinerary →