Rome, Perugia & Florence - 7 Days
Highlights
- Stand at the site of Rome's founding on the slopes of Palatine Hill
- Discover a hidden world of art and history on a tour of the Vatican
- Spend a night in Umbria at the hilltop medieval city of Perugia
- Stroll along the River Arno and cross the historic Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rome, Explore | Rome |
| Day 2 | Self-Guided Visit of the Colosseum & Forum | Rome |
| Day 3 | Vatican Tour: Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica | Rome |
| Day 4 | Train to Perugia, Explore | Perugia |
| Day 5 | Train to Florence, Explore | Florence |
| Day 6 | Florence Self-Guided City Tour | Florence |
| Day 7 | Depart Florence |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rome, Explore
Welcome to Rome, the "City of the Seven Hills." According to legend, Rome was founded by brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE atop Palatine Hill. As the longtime center of the powerful Roman Empire, you'll find nearly 3,000 years of architecture, history, and culture throughout the city. After arriving at one of Rome's airports, you'll transfer to your hotel in the historic center. Settle in and relax, then head out for a stroll and your first look at the "Eternal City."
The next few days will involve lots of sightseeing, so spend your first few hours enjoying some of the highlights. Start with a stroll through the tangle of narrow streets of the Centro Storico to see classical Roman and Baroque architecture, and stop to see the Colonna di Marco Aurelio, a Doric column erected in the second century CE to celebrate the victories of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
You could also head to the Colle Aventino, one of Rome's famous seven hills, and take a stroll through the Roseto Comunale, the rose garden which sits on the site of a former Jewish cemetery. Then continue to Parco Savello (Orange Tree Park), where you can find the famous keyhole that gives visitors a direct view of the Vatican. Grab a cappuccino and snack from one of the adjacent cafés.
Day 2: Self-Guided Visit of the Colosseum & Forum
Start today bright and early to beat the crowds as you step back in time to the days of the Roman Empire with a self-guided visit to the Colosseum. Learn about its illustrious citizens, such as Julius Caesar, Emperors Augustus and Nero, and the Flavian Emperors who built the Colosseum. Keep an eye out for the Arch of Constantine, which was constructed to honor Emperor Constantine's victory in the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 CE.
A short walk from here is the Roman Forum, where you'll see excavations dating back 2,000 years that reveal the ruins of temples, squares, religious sites, and other buildings. These were the venues for public speeches, processions, elections, and gladiator matches. Historians and archaeologists refer to the Roman Forum as the most prominent place in world history, and you'll see why as you admire its grounds.
Complete your self-guided tour of ancient Rome at Palatine Hill, located 131 feet (40 m) above the city. Take in the incredible views of the city, with the Forum on one side, Circus Maximus on the other, and the Vatican in the distance. After all this exploring, venture to the nearby Monti neighborhood, less than a 10-minute walk, and tuck into a well-deserved meal.
Day 3: Vatican Tour: Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Today you'll visit the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel, as well as other top sights, in a three-hour guided tour of the world's smallest city-state. The tour will start early at the Vatican, entering the museums at 8 am and giving you a one-hour head start on the rest of the crowds. See the Pio Clementio Museum, Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of the Geographical Maps.
Continue on to the magnificent Raphael Rooms, ending in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, to see Michelangelo's Genesis ceiling frescoes and his "Last Judgment" altar fresco. Finally, end the tour at St. Peter's Basilica and Square and experience the magic of Renaissance art as you learn about the secret details and untold stories of these masterpieces.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. For an authentic market experience, stop by the Mercato dei Fiori, where locals shop for fresh vegetables, flowers, meats, and cheeses. Browse for authentic Italian pasta and other souvenirs, then take a break with coffee and a pastry at one of the many cafés surrounding the market.
Day 4: Train to Perugia, Explore
Leave Rome behind today as you discover the lesser-explored Umbria region of central Italy. Easily connected to both Rome and Florence by frequent trains and equidistant between these two larger cities, the region's capital of Perugia makes for the perfect stop to complement your travels. With its hilltop location and medieval architecture, the city is also home to one of Italy's oldest universities as well as an annual chocolate festival and summer jazz festival—giving it a new fresh vibe and plenty of cafés and boutiques to explore.
Set out by train for the two-hour ride to Perugia, get settled into your hotel, then take the afternoon to explore the historic center on your own or with a guided tour. Often overshadowed by the more famous towns in neighboring Tuscany, this Etruscan/medieval city is one of Italy's hidden gems. You'll feel one with the locals as you stroll among the ancient architecture and explore its many plazas, alleys, and archways. Venture to the Piazza IV Novembre in the center of the city, where time seems to stand still as locals sit on the steps of the Gothic-style Cathedral to soak up the sun or have a drink with friends.
Day 5: Train to Florence, Explore
Your adventures continue this morning as you make your way to Perugia's station and catch a two-hour train north to Florence. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and settle in before setting out to get your bearings in Tuscany's regional capital. Long considered a cultural capital and the "Jewel of the Renaissance," Florence is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, including the iconic Duomo and the Galleria dell'Accademia.
Channel some of the city's artistic flair and head to Studio Artemisia for a class in ancient fresco painting techniques, or visit the Mercato Centrale, a 19th-century open-air market, to browse for a wide selection of vegetables, fruits, meats, and cheeses. For something more sedate, take a walk through the peaceful Boboli Gardens to see the oval-shaped Isolotto, a small island surrounded by various sculptures and lots of greenery.
As evening falls, make for La Terrazza Continentale next to the Ponte Vecchio bridge for a predinner cocktail on the terrace while you enjoy the sunset, then continue to the Sant'Ambrogio neighborhood for dinner accompanied by a glass of Tuscan wine.
Day 6: Florence Self-Guided City Tour
Spend the day strolling the streets of Florence and exploring this incredible city with a suggested self-guided route. Altogether, the route is just a couple of miles, but take your time to enjoy the sites along the way for a full-day experience. Start your day at the Duomo, the earlier, the better! Also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, this Florentine icon is the third-largest church in the world. Entrance into the main sanctuary is free, but keep in mind a modest dress code. As there is often a line to get in, give yourself an hour to properly visit this popular spot.
Make your way to the Piazza della Republica next, and take a moment to pass through Piazza della Signoria, where replicas of famous statues, including that of Michelangelo's David, line the square. Across this same piazza, you'll find the entrance to the Uffizi Gallery. Even if you decide not to make a stop to peruse the expansive art collection, you can cross through its courtyard, Piazzale degli Uffizi, to make your way to the Ponte Vecchio. This famed bridge is now dotted with jewelry shops and is an iconic sight in the Florence cityscape.
Cross the bridge and get a glimpse of the River Arno underneath from its many angles. End your day with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, a bit of an uphill climb, or a quick taxi ride away. This spectacular viewpoint offers a panoramic vista over the city and is the perfect place to watch the sunset before you head over to Piazza Santo Spirito for some predinner aperitivos.
Day 7: Depart Florence
Your exploration of Italy will end after breakfast, with a transfer to the airport to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!
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