Rome → Florence → Venice, Italy
Embark on a 10-day backpacking adventure through Italy's most iconic cities: Rome, Florence, and Ven
About this trip
Embark on a 10-day backpacking adventure through Italy's most iconic cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. This relaxed-pace itinerary is perfect for the budget-conscious explorer, blending world-famous historical sites with authentic local experiences. Stay in social hostels, savor delicious and affordable Italian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of each unique city.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
4 stopsBar Fondi
9:00 AMStart your Roman adventure with a classic Italian breakfast of coffee and a pastry at this local cafe near your hostel.
Restaurant1 hrBar FondiColosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
10:30 AMStep back in time and explore the heart of Ancient Rome. Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, see the emperor's palaces on Palatine Hill, and marvel at the iconic Colosseum.
Activity3 hrColosseumThe YellowSquare Rome
3:00 PMCheck into your vibrant and social hostel, a perfect base for exploring the city and meeting fellow travelers.
Lodging1 hrThe YellowSquare RomeTrattoria Da Enzo al 29
7:30 PMEnjoy an authentic and highly-acclaimed Roman dinner in the charming Trastevere neighborhood. Be prepared to queue for their delicious classic dishes.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minTrattoria Da Enzo al 29
Day 2
4 stopsBar Fondi
9:00 AMGrab a quick and delicious breakfast at a local cafe before heading to Vatican City.
Restaurant1 hrBar FondiVatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
10:00 AMSpend the day exploring the treasures of Vatican City. Discover masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, gaze at Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, and admire the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica. Book tickets well in advance.
Activity4 hrVatican MuseumsPizzarium Bonci
2:30 PMRefuel with some of Rome's best pizza 'al taglio' (by the slice) at this legendary spot near the Vatican, known for its creative and high-quality toppings.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minPizzarium BonciOsteria da Fortunata
7:30 PMWatch pasta being handmade in the window before you sit down to enjoy a delicious and traditional Roman meal near Campo de' Fiori.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minOsteria da Fortunata
Day 3
5 stopsBar Fondi
9:00 AMEnjoy breakfast at a local cafe before a day of art and iconic sights.
Restaurant1 hrBar FondiBorghese Gallery and Museum
10:30 AMExplore one of the world's most beautiful art galleries, featuring masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Stroll through the surrounding Borghese Gardens afterward. Reservations are mandatory.
Activity2 hrBorghese Gallery and MuseumPane e Salame
1:30 PMA popular spot near the Trevi Fountain for delicious and affordable panini and charcuterie boards.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minPane e SalameTrevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
3:30 PMVisit two of Rome's most famous landmarks. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome, then relax on the iconic Spanish Steps.
Activity2 hrTrevi FountainTrapizzino | Trilussa
7:30 PMTry a unique Roman street food, the 'trapizzino' - a pizza pocket filled with traditional sauces. A fun, casual, and budget-friendly dinner in Trastevere.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minTrapizzino | Trilussa
Day 4
4 stopsBar Fondi
9:00 AMEnjoy your last Roman breakfast before a day exploring the city's historic center.
Restaurant1 hrBar FondiPantheon & Piazza Navona
10:00 AMMarvel at the architectural genius of the Pantheon, a nearly 2000-year-old temple, then stroll to the beautiful Piazza Navona to admire Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Activity2 hr 30 minPantheonArmando al Pantheon
1:00 PMSavor a classic Roman lunch at this historic trattoria right next to the Pantheon. A perfect spot for authentic cuisine.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minArmando al PantheonLa Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
7:30 PMEnjoy a fantastic final dinner in Rome at this family-run restaurant known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere, located near the Roman Forum.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minLa Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Day 5
4 stopsThe YellowSquare Rome
10:00 AMCheck out from your hostel in Rome before traveling to Florence.
Lodging30 minThe YellowSquare RomePLUS Florence
3:00 PMArrive in Florence and check into your new hostel, which features a rooftop pool and bar with great views.
Lodging30 minPLUS FlorencePiazzale Michelangelo
5:30 PMTake a walk up to this famous square for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence as the sun sets over the city.
Activity1 hr 30 minPiazzale MichelangeloTrattoria Mario
7:30 PMExperience a true Florentine institution. This bustling, no-frills trattoria serves incredible, authentic Tuscan food. Expect to share a table and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minTrattoria Mario
Day 6
5 stopsSimbiosi Organic Cafè
9:00 AMStart your day with a healthy and organic breakfast at this cozy cafe near the city center.
Restaurant45 minSimbiosi Organic CafèFlorence Cathedral
10:00 AMExplore the magnificent Duomo complex. Admire Brunelleschi's dome, climb Giotto's Bell Tower for stunning views, and see the famous bronze doors of the Baptistery.
Activity3 hrCattedrale di Santa Maria del FioreMercato Centrale
1:30 PMDive into Florence's vibrant food scene at the Central Market. The ground floor is a traditional market, while the upstairs is a modern food hall with numerous delicious and affordable options.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minMercato CentraleGalleria dell'Accademia
3:30 PMVisit the home of Michelangelo's iconic statue of David. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Activity2 hrGalleria dell'AccademiaOsteria Santo Spirito
7:30 PMCross the river to the Oltrarno district for dinner at this popular osteria, famous for its truffle gnocchi and lively piazza setting.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minOsteria Santo Spirito
Day 7
5 stopsSimbiosi Organic Cafè
9:00 AMEnjoy another wholesome breakfast before a day filled with Renaissance art.
Restaurant45 minSimbiosi Organic CafèUffizi Gallery
10:00 AMImmerse yourself in one of the world's greatest art museums, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Pre-booking is essential.
Activity3 hr 30 minUffizi GalleryAll'Antico Vinaio
2:00 PMGrab one of the world's most famous sandwiches for lunch. These massive, delicious creations are a Florentine must-try.
Restaurant1 hr 15 minAll'Antico VinaioPonte Vecchio and Oltrarno
3:30 PMWalk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, lined with jewelry shops, and spend the afternoon exploring the artisan workshops and charming streets of the Oltrarno district.
Activity2 hrPonte VecchioLa Giostra
7:30 PMEnjoy a magical farewell dinner in Florence at this romantic and atmospheric restaurant, known for its beautiful decor and delicious Tuscan cuisine.
Restaurant2 hrLa Giostra
Day 8
4 stopsPLUS Florence
10:00 AMCheck out from your hostel in Florence to begin your journey to Venice.
Lodging30 minPLUS FlorenceGenerator Venice
3:00 PMArrive in Venice and check into your stylish hostel on the island of Giudecca, offering amazing views of the main city.
Lodging30 minGenerator VeniceRialto Bridge & Market Area
5:00 PMTake a vaporetto to the heart of Venice. Experience the hustle and bustle of the Rialto Market area and walk across the iconic Rialto Bridge for classic canal views.
Activity2 hrRialto BridgeOsteria Al Squero
7:30 PMHave a classic Venetian experience with cicchetti (small snacks) and a glass of wine at this beloved spot, located opposite a traditional gondola repair shop.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minOsteria Al Squero
Day 9
5 stopsMajer-Venezia Giudecca Palanca
9:00 AMEnjoy a waterfront breakfast on Giudecca island before taking the vaporetto to St. Mark's Square.
Restaurant45 minMajer-Venezia Giudecca PalancaSt. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace
10:00 AMExplore Venice's most famous square, Piazza San Marco. Visit the stunning St. Mark's Basilica with its golden mosaics, and tour the opulent Doge's Palace, crossing the infamous Bridge of Sighs.
Activity3 hrPiazza San MarcoDal Moro's Fresh Pasta to Go
1:30 PMA perfect lunch for a backpacker. Grab a box of fresh, delicious, and affordable pasta to eat on the go while exploring Venice's streets.
Restaurant1 hrDal Moro's Fresh Pasta to GoVenice Gondola Ride
4:00 PMIndulge in the quintessential Venice experience with a gondola ride through the city's charming and narrow canals.
Activity45 minStazio Gondole DanieliCantina Do Spade
7:00 PMDine at one of Venice's oldest osterias, tucked away in a small alley. Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes and more delicious cicchetti in a historic setting.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minCantina Do Spade
Day 10
4 stopsMajer-Venezia Giudecca Palanca
9:00 AMHave a final Venetian breakfast with a view before your island-hopping adventure.
Restaurant45 minMajer-Venezia Giudecca PalancaMurano and Burano Islands
10:00 AMTake a vaporetto to the nearby islands. In Murano, watch a glass-blowing demonstration. In Burano, get lost in the maze of streets lined with brightly colored fishermen's houses.
Activity6 hrBuranoTrattoria da Romano
1:30 PMEnjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the picturesque island of Burano, famous for its risotto.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minTrattoria da RomanoOsteria all'Arco
7:30 PMFor your farewell dinner, enjoy one last round of authentic cicchetti and wine at this tiny, popular bar near the Rialto Bridge, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Restaurant1 hr 30 minOsteria all'Arco
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