It’s the classic first-timer’s Italy route, and for good reason: three unmissable cities, all joined by fast, frequent trains. In five days you can stand in the Colosseum, gaze up at Michelangelo’s David and drift down the Grand Canal — without ever feeling rushed off your feet, if you plan it right.
Here’s a realistic day-by-day itinerary, the train logistics that make it work, and the bookings worth sorting in advance.
How the route works
Travel north: Rome → Florence → Venice. Italy’s high-speed trains (Frecciarossa / Italo) make the connections quick and painless, and city centres are walkable once you arrive.
| Leg | High-speed train | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Rome → Florence | ~1h 30m | Rome: 2 |
| Florence → Venice | ~2h 10m | Florence: 2 |
| Venice (depart) | — | Venice: 1 |
Book high-speed tickets a few weeks ahead for the best fares, and fly into Rome (FCO) and out of Venice (VCE) to avoid backtracking.
Days 1–2: Rome
Colosseum, Forum & the centre
Start big: the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning (timed entry essential), then wander to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Dinner in Trastevere. Full details in our Rome city guide.
Vatican Museums & St Peter’s
Dedicate the morning to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (book the earliest slot), then St Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon free for the Borghese Gallery or simply soaking up the city before your train north.
Days 3–4: Florence
Duomo, Uffizi & the Oltrarno
Climb (or admire) the Duomo, then lose yourself in the Uffizi Gallery. Cross the Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno for sunset over the city. See our Florence city guide for timings and tickets.
The David, or a Tuscan day trip
Morning with Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. With the afternoon, either explore Florence’s markets and churches or take a half-day trip into the Tuscan hills before your evening train to Venice.
Day 5: Venice
St Mark’s, the Grand Canal & getting lost
Make for St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace early, before day-trippers arrive. Ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal, then deliberately get lost in the quiet back canals. Our Venice city guide covers the must-sees and the traps to avoid.
Make it easy
Three things to book ahead: high-speed train tickets, timed entry for the Colosseum and Vatican, and the Accademia (David) and Doge’s Palace. Everything else can be flexible.
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