Itinerary
- Day 1
Rome
You'll arrive in Rome and get settled into your accommodation. The city has layers of history, so taking some time to walk around your neighborhood and get your bearings makes sense. Grab lunch at a local spot, wander through a few streets near where you're staying, and just soak in the atmosphere. This first day is about orienting yourself and resting up after travel.
Optional Activities
- Explore Rome's monuments and buildings
- Visit artworks and galleries
- Experience local dining and cuisine
- Day 2
Rome
Your rail trip kicks off with included tickets to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Start at the Colosseum early if you can, as it gets crowded. You'll see where gladiators fought and understand the engineering of ancient Rome. After that, head to the Forum, which spreads across several blocks of ruins. You can spend a few hours here walking through what was once the heart of the empire. By evening you'll have a solid sense of ancient Roman life.
Included Activities
- Colosseum tour
- Rome Forum tour
Landmarks Colosseum Rome Forum 
- Day 3
Rome
Today you're exploring Rome at your own pace and just experiencing how locals live. Find a café, order an espresso, and watch people go by. Walk through neighborhoods like Trastevere where the pace feels slower. Stop for lunch around 1 or 2 PM, take a break in the afternoon like Romans do, then continue exploring. The goal here is to feel the rhythm of the city rather than checking boxes off a list.
Optional Activities
- Explore Rome's neighborhoods and local hotspots
- Experience local cafes and restaurants
- Discover hidden gems and cultural sites
- Day 4
Rome to Florence
You'll take a train from Rome to Florence, which runs frequently and takes about 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, get to your accommodation and drop your bags. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city center. Florence is compact, so you can actually cover a lot on foot. See the Duomo, walk across the Ponte Vecchio, and get a feel for the Renaissance architecture everywhere. Note that you'll do a day trip to Pisa at some point during this stay.
Included Activities
- Day trip to Pisa
Optional Activities
- Explore Florence's art galleries and museums
- Discover fashion boutiques and shopping
- Visit hidden romantic spots throughout the city
- Day 5
Florence to Pisa
Today you're heading out early to Pisa, which is about an hour by train from Florence. The Leaning Tower is the obvious draw, and it really does lean. Spend a few hours walking through the Piazza dei Miracoli, checking out the Cathedral and Baptistry too. Grab lunch in the city, then catch a train back to Florence in the evening. It's a straightforward day trip that gives you a break from Florence and shows you another side of Tuscany.
Included Activities
- Day trip to Pisa
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Landmarks Leaning Tower of Pisa - Day 6
Florence to Venice
You'll take a train from Florence to Venice, which takes about 2 hours. When you arrive, you'll step out of the station and see water and boats instead of streets and cars. Get to your accommodation and take time to orient yourself to the maze of canals and alleys. Venice is disorienting at first, so just wander a bit. Find a café near where you're staying and watch the activity on the water. The city has a completely different feel from Rome and Florence.
Optional Activities
- Explore Venice's canals and bridges
- Visit local bars, cafes, and restaurants
- Discover architectural landmarks and churches
- Day 7
Venice
An included gondola ride is part of your stay, and this is the day to do it. Your guide will handle the arrangements. You'll glide through the canals, seeing the city from the water, and it really does give you a different perspective on Venice. The gondolier might sing or tell you about the buildings you pass. After the ride, you'll have time to explore more neighborhoods, check out local shops, and try some Venetian specialties for dinner.
Included Activities
- Gondola Experience
- Day 8
Venice to Rome (Optional)
This is your final day. If you want to return to Rome, there's an optional free train available and you just need to request it beforehand. Otherwise, you'll depart from Venice. Either way, depending on your flight time, you might have a few hours in the morning to grab coffee one last time or do a bit of last-minute shopping before heading to the airport or station.
Optional Activities
- Optional free train back to Rome
