Italy 5 Day Itinerary
5-Day Italy Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)
Day 1: Rome 🇮🇹
Places to Go
- Colosseum: An iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and a must-visit site. Book tickets in advance online.
- Pantheon: Marvel at the ancient Roman temple that has survived largely intact for nearly 2,000 years.
- Trevi Fountain: Throw a coin into this famous fountain for good luck and make a wish!
- Vatican City: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Book your tickets in advance.
Things to Know
- Rome is a bustling city with lots of traffic. Consider using public transportation (metro, bus, or tram) for easy navigation.
- Many restaurants and attractions close for a few hours in the afternoon (usually from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM). Plan your day accordingly.
- Rome is hot during the summer months, so pack light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.
Visa Requirements
Check Italy’s official travel advisory website to see if you need a visa for your trip. Most Western European countries do not require a visa for stays under 90 days.
Day 2: Vatican City & Florence (Travel by Train)
Activities
- Vatican City (Morning): Continue exploring Vatican City in the morning if you didn’t finish on day one.
- High-Speed Train to Florence (Approx. 2 hours): Take a high-speed train to reach Florence from Rome.
- Florence Duomo & Piazza del Duomo: Visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for stunning city views. Book tickets in advance.
- Uffizi Gallery: Marvel at works by Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Book your tickets in advance.
- Ponte Vecchio: Stroll over this famous medieval bridge adorned with shops selling jewelry and gold.
Day 3: Florence & Pisa (Day Trip)
Activities
- Leaning Tower of Pisa: Take a day trip to Pisa to see this iconic structure. Book a guided tour.
- Florence’s Market at San Lorenzo: Browse for souvenirs, leather goods, and local food in this bustling market.
- Palazzo Vecchio: Visit the town hall of Florence and see Michelangelo’s “David” replica in the courtyard. Visit for free with a Firenze Card.
- Piazza della Signoria: Admire the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Fountain of Neptune, and David’s original home.
Day 4: Venice (Travel by Train)
Activities
- St. Mark’s Square & Basilica: Explore this iconic square, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, and climb the Campanile for stunning city views. Book your tickets in advance.
- Grand Canal: Take a gondola ride or a water bus (vaporetto) to explore Venice’s famous canals.
- Doge’s Palace: Visit this stunning Gothic palace, which once served as the residence of the Doge of Venice. Book your tickets in advance.
- Rialto Bridge: Cross the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal and explore the Rialto market.
Day 5: Murano & Burano (Day Trip)
Activities
- Murano Island: Take a day trip to Murano Island to see glassblowing demonstrations and shop for handmade glass items.
- Burano Island: Continue to the colorful island of Burano, famous for its lace-making traditions. Enjoy a traditional lunch here before returning to Venice. Book a guided tour.
Things to Know
- Venice is made up of many islands, so walking is the primary mode of transportation. Consider renting a water taxi for an unforgettable experience.
- Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas like St. Mark’s Square. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
- Venice can be very crowded during peak tourist season (June to August). Try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.