Italian Grand Tour: Rome to Venice
A comprehensive journey through the heart of Italy, covering iconic cities, rolling Tuscan landscapes, and the historic canals of Venice.
Rome → Civita di Bagnoregio → Val d'Orcia → Pienza → Siena → San Gimignano → Florence → Pisa → Venice
Eternal City Beginnings
Grab an early entry slot to beat the heat and the crowds. Walking through the tiers where gladiators once stood is heavy, but incredible. Give yourself at least 3 hours here and at the Forum next door.
Colosseum
Grab an early entry slot to beat the heat and the crowds. Walking through the tiers where gladiators once stood is heavy, but incredible. Give yourself at least 3 hours here and at the Forum next door.
Pantheon
Grab a quick pizza al taglio nearby and walk into the best-preserved building from Ancient Rome. Look up at the oculus; if it rains, the floor drains still work after 2,000 years.
Piazza Navona
This is the spot for people-watching. The fountains are masterpieces, and the street performers keep the energy high as the sun starts to dip.
Vatican Treasures
Vatican Treasures (0km, 0h drive)
Vatican Museums
Pre-book these months in advance or you'll spend half your day in line. The Sistine Chapel is the finale, but the map gallery is actually my favorite part.
St. Peter's Basilica
It’s free to enter, but the security line moves slow. Climb the dome (cupola) if your legs are up for it; the view of the square is the best in the city.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Walk across the bridge lined with angels. The terrace at the top offers a killer view of the Tiber River as the city lights start to flicker on.
Roman Fountains & Piazzas
It’s a cliché for a reason. Toss your coin in early before the midday selfie-stick swarm reaches its peak.
Trevi Fountain
It’s a cliché for a reason. Toss your coin in early before the midday selfie-stick swarm reaches its peak.
Spanish Steps
Do some window shopping on Via dei Condotti nearby, then rest your feet at the base of the steps (remember, no sitting on the actual steps anymore or the police will whistle at you!).
Villa Borghese
Rent a rowboat on the little lake or just wander the gardens. It’s the "green lung" of Rome and the perfect sunset spot.
The Road to Tuscany
Pick up your rental car near Termini or the airport to avoid the ZTL (restricted driving zones) in the center.
Depart Rome
Pick up your rental car near Termini or the airport to avoid the ZTL (restricted driving zones) in the center.
Civita di Bagnoregio
This is the "dying city" perched on a crumbling plateau. You have to walk across a long pedestrian bridge to get in. It’s hauntingly beautiful and very quiet.
Val d'Orcia
This is the "Gladiator" landscape—cypress trees and rolling gold hills. Stop by the Vitaleta Chapel for that iconic photo.
Pienza
A tiny Renaissance town famous for Pecorino cheese. The smell of truffle and aged cheese hits you the moment you walk through the gates.
Siena’s Medieval Heart
Siena’s Medieval Heart
Piazza del Campo
The shell-shaped main square where they hold the Palio horse race. Grab a gelato and sit on the warm bricks like a local.
Duomo di Siena
The striped marble interior is mind-blowing. Don't skip the Piccolomini Library inside; the frescoes look like they were painted yesterday.
Monteriggioni
A perfectly circular walled village on a hill. You can walk the ramparts for views of the vineyards below.
Renaissance Arrival
The "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" because of its stone towers. Climb the Torre Grossa for a panoramic view of the Tuscan sprawl.
San Gimignano
The "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" because of its stone towers. Climb the Torre Grossa for a panoramic view of the Tuscan sprawl.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Drive into Florence and head straight here. It’s the classic postcard view of the Duomo and the Arno River.
Ponte Vecchio
Drop the car at a garage (Florence is a nightmare to drive in) and walk across the bridge of gold shops before the jewelers close up.
Florentine Art
Florentine Art (0km, 0h drive)
Uffizi Gallery
Say hi to Botticelli’s *Venus*. Even if you aren't an "art person," the architecture and the history here are staggering.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Better known as the Duomo. The green and white marble facade is dizzying. Even if you don't go in, walk the entire perimeter.
Accademia Gallery
You’re here for one thing: Michelangelo’s *David*. He’s much bigger in person than you expect.
Leaning Towers & Fast Trains
It’s an hour drive from Florence. Do the cheesy photo, admire the Baptistery, and then head to the train station.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
It’s an hour drive from Florence. Do the cheesy photo, admire the Baptistery, and then head to the train station.
Pisa Centrale
Drop the rental car here.
Venezia Santa Lucia
Take the train from Pisa (usually via Florence) to Venice. The moment you walk out of Santa Lucia station and see the Grand Canal, your jaw will drop.
Grand Canal
Take the Line 1 water bus down the Grand Canal to your hotel. It's the best "cheap" tour of the city's palaces.
Venetian Islands
Get here early to see the Basilica and the Doge's Palace before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
St. Mark's Square
Get here early to see the Basilica and the Doge's Palace before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
Burano
Take the ferry out to the island of neon-colored houses. It’s a photographer’s dream. Grab some bussolai cookies while you're there.
Rialto Bridge
Head back to the main island to watch the gondolas pass under the bridge as the sun sets.
The Floating City
The Floating City
Doge's Palace
Walk across the Bridge of Sighs from the inside. The history of the Venetian Republic is fascinatingly dark.
Santa Maria della Salute
A massive domed church at the entrance of the Grand Canal. It’s quieter than St. Mark’s and very peaceful.
Venice
It’s expensive (fixed rates, usually €80-100), but doing it on your last evening through the narrow back canals is the perfect goodbye to Italy.
- Buy a 'Venezia Unica' pass for the water buses if you plan to visit the islands; individual tickets are pricey.
- In Florence and Rome, book your museum slots at least 2-3 months out!