The Classic Italian Trio: Rome, Florence and Venice by High-Speed Rail
Experience the defining treasures of Italy across 8 well-paced days. Spend 3 days exploring ancient Rome and the Vatican, 2 days immersed in Renaissance Florence with a Tuscan side trip, and 3 romantic days wandering car-free Venetian canals and bridges.
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Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Forum
RomeTour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum with morning advance tickets. Walk past the Capitoline Hill and Piazza Venezia into the Monti quarter for evening trattoria dining.
Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s
Vatican CityVisit Saint Peter’s Basilica in the early morning at zero cost. Tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with official pre-booked tickets. Evening walk across Ponte Sant’Angelo into Trastevere.
Baroque Rome: Pantheon and Trevi
RomeEnter the Pantheon dome (€5), throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and admire Piazza Navona. Enjoy artisan gelato at Giolitti and sunset drinks on Piazza di Spagna.
Frecciarossa to Florence and Duomo
FlorenceTake the 1h36 high-speed train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella. Marvel at Brunelleschi’s Duomo dome, wander through Piazza della Signoria, and cross Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno quarter.
Uffizi Gallery and Piazzale Michelangelo
FlorenceTour the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Eat schiacciata sandwiches from All’Antico Vinaio. Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the iconic free sunset panoramic view.
High-Speed Train to Venice Santa Lucia
VeniceBoard the 2h15 train into Venezia Santa Lucia. Step directly out onto the Grand Canal. Check into Cannaregio and stroll the quiet alleys of the Jewish Ghetto with cicchetti and wine.
Saint Mark’s Basilica and Rialto Bridge
VeniceExplore Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica interior. Cross the Rialto Bridge and explore the Rialto food markets. Take a €2 traghetto gondola across the Grand Canal.
Dorsoduro Art Walk and Lagoon Departure
VeniceExplore Dorsoduro quarter, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or Punta della Dogana viewpoint, and catch the ACTV waterbus or airport bus to Marco Polo Airport.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
Drop 1 day from Venice and 1 day from Rome to compress this into a fast 6-day sprint.
Make this trip cheaper
These options use the current typical minimum fare in our route records. They are not guaranteed quotes, and prices can change before booking.
Make the itinerary fit your trip
Change the days in each city, leave out stops, and update the estimate without changing the published itinerary.