Ultimate 12-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence, Venice & Milan
Italy is a dream destination filled with ancient history, world-class art, romantic canals, and high-end fashion. If you’re planning a 12-day trip to Italy, this itinerary covers Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, food, and scenic beauty.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Italy!
Italy is hands down one of my favorite places in the world. I love it so much that I just keep going back and have traveled there nearly a dozen times (in addition to living there for a year when I was a teenager). In March of 2025, my boyfriend and I recently to Italy, with quick stops in London and Switzerland, where we visited Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. Below is our full itinerary, with recommendations for hotels and restaurants. I am giving you our exact itinerary, with notes regarding where we stayed and how many points I used for hotels, along with restaurant and activity recommendations for each place.
In this post you get some bonus recommendations for London and Switzerland since we had short stops there too!
Saturday, March 9:
Depart LAX at 8:50 pm
Sunday, March 10:
Arrive at 3:10 pm LHR
Stay in London: The Waldorf
Booked using 80k Hilton points
Bars:
Stereo
The Prince (club)
The Vault, Soho
Mr. Fogg’s
Ivy Asia
Rome isn’t just a city; it’s a living museum, a place where ancient history and modern life blend seamlessly. Walking its cobbled streets, you’ll pass centuries-old ruins, bustling piazzas, and cozy cafés serving the best espresso you’ve ever had.
The Colosseum stands as a reminder of Rome’s gladiatorial past, while the Pantheon showcases the city’s architectural genius. Wander through the Vatican to marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return. There is so much to see and do in this city, and I'm certain you will love it.
Monday, March 11: Arrival in Rome
LHR to FCO: BA0546
Car service arranged by W: 129.50 € from Airport, 324€ Cittavecchia
Stay at W Rome
1 night, free night certificate used with Marriott Bonvoy
Restaurant: Tullio (recommended by our driver--delicious!)
Things to Do:
Since our hotel was walking distance to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain, we walked to both.
Visit Piazza di Spagna and climb the Spanish Steps.
Toss a coin into Trevi Fountain (early morning for fewer crowds).
Admire the stunning Pantheon, one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient sites.
Other Restaurants:
Osteria da Fortunata
Mr. 100 Tiramisu
Alfredo alla Scrofa (where fettuccine Alfredo was created--highly recommend)
Mariuccia
Tonarello
Cecchino dal 1887
Osteria del Sostegno (near Pantheon)
Il Ciociaro (near Vatican City)
Ambasciata d’Abruzzo
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
Gelato at Frigidariun
The Court of Piazzo Manfredi (view of Colosseum)
The Sanctuary (club)
Piccolo Buco (pizza)
Tuesday, March 12: Exploring Ancient Rome
Things to Do:
Visit the Colosseum – book a guided tour to skip the lines. We used this one: Direct Entry into Colosseum
Check out Oppio Cafe for views of the Colosseum
Explore the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill for a glimpse of ancient Roman life.
Stroll through Piazza Venezia and enjoy an aperitivo at Terrazza Borromini for stunning views.
Explore Villa Borghese Gardens and visit the Borghese Gallery (pre-book tickets).
Sunset at Giardino degli Aranci for a breathtaking city view.
Night 2 in Rome
Stay at Sina Bernini Bristol
Piazza Barberini, 23, Rome, Italy 00187
385€/night (702€ total)
Dinner at Roma Sparita
One of my favorite restaurants of all time! This was featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.
Wednesday, March 13: Vatican City & St. Peter’s Basilica
Things to Do:
Start early at the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. We used this company for skip the line tickets: Direct Entry into Vatican & Sistine Chapel
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for panoramic city views.
Walk to Castel Sant’Angelo for history and great views over the Tiber River.
End the day with a dinner in Trastevere, known for its lively streets and traditional trattorias.
Campo dei Fiori Market
Church of Santa Maria
Night 3 in Rome: Sina Bernini Hotel
Dinner at Cecchino dal 1887
This is also one of my favorites. It's very touristy--which I'm not normally into--but worth the wait in line. The food and the experience (make sure to get their famous fettucine alfredo) was absolutely worth it.
Florence is a city that feels like stepping into a masterpiece. The birthplace of the Renaissance, it overflows with art, history, and timeless beauty. From the moment you arrive, the red-tiled rooftops, the Arno River, and the grandeur of the Duomo captivate you.
A visit to the Uffizi Gallery puts you face-to-face with works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, while Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia leaves you in awe. Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, explore hidden trattorias, and indulge in a scoop of gelato as you soak in the city’s magic.
Florence isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. Whether you're admiring Brunelleschi’s dome or sipping Chianti in a quiet piazza, the city’s charm stays with you long after you leave. Ready to fall in love with Florence?
Thursday, March 14:
Take bullet train to Florence - 1 hr 35 mins
12:10 pm - 1:46 pm Trenitalia
$100.38
Night 1 in Florence - Stay at St. Regis
Booked on Points with Marriott Bonvoy
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo for the best panoramic view of Florence
Dinner: Buttero Wines for an authentic Bistecca Fiorentina Experience (Highly recommend!)
Did you know that you can store luggage with Vertoe? Search storage facilities in cities across the world--including Florence!--then reserve your storage by time and date, allowing you to store luggage while you explore the city. This is great for long layovers or short stays in cities where you aren't staying overnight.
Friday, March 15:
Night 2 in Florence - Stay at St. Regis
Things to Do:
1:45 pm Accademia Gallery
3:15 pm The Uffizi Gallery
Note: these were stacked pretty close to one another, but IMHO, you can do the Accademia Gallery pretty quickly. Even though the Uffizi gallery tour was late, we got through everything we wanted in a couple of hours, just in time to do a little more walking around and eat some dinner.
Evening stroll along the Arno River, which took us back to the St. Regis
Restaurants/Bars:
Rasputin (speakeasy)
Trattoria Za’Za’
La Menageré
Mercato Centrale (for takeaway lunch)
Osteria Pastella
Gusta Pizza
La Carraia Gelato
Golden View
Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827
Vivoli (affogatos)
il Profeta
Venice is unlike any other city in the world—a labyrinth of canals, historic bridges, and timeless romance. Built on water, it enchants visitors with its gondola rides, stunning architecture, and mysterious alleyways waiting to be explored.
Start in St. Mark’s Square, where the Basilica and Doge’s Palace showcase Venetian grandeur. Cross the Rialto Bridge for breathtaking views of the Grand Canal, then lose yourself in the charm of hidden streets and quiet cafés. Sip a spritz by the water, indulge in fresh seafood pasta, and watch the sunset paint the city in golden hues.
Venice isn’t just a place—it’s a dream. Whether you visit during Carnival or a quiet autumn evening, the magic of Venice lingers long after you leave.
Saturday, March 16:
Take train from Florence to Venice
9:20 am - 11:34 am Trenitalia
2 hrs 15 mins by train
$108.96
Water Taxi to St. Regis
Stay in Venice: St. Regis
Booked on Marriott Bonvoy points (or 992 €/night)
Things to See:
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and climb the Campanile for an aerial view.
Explore Doge’s Palace and walk across the Bridge of Sighs.
Gondola ride at sunset or take a Vaporetto along the Grand Canal.
“Vitruvian Man” is at Galleria dell’Accademia in Venice
Explore the Jewish Ghetto and local cicchetti bars.
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for modern art.
Walk along Zattere Promenade for a sunset view over Giudecca Island.
Restaurants/Bars:
Antico Forno (focaccia pizza)
Dorsoduro neighborhood for cicchetti - we did this for lunch and absolutely loved hopping around to all the different bars for food and beers.
Ristorante Sempione
Ai Barbacani
Harry’s Bar
Ristorante Al Vagon
Note: this itinerary technically has two nights in Verbier, Switzerland. We did this so we could ski and snowboard. My boyfriend is a snowboarder and we were there over his birthday, so that's why we added a couple days in Switzerland. However, if you want to stay in Italy, this itinerary is still perfect by simply adding one extra night in Venice and one extra night in Milan. I've been to Venice and Milan a ton, so I don't need that much time there. But first timers should absolutely spend more time in each. If you can, spend three days in Venice. Or on your way to Milan, take a trip to Lake Como and explore Bellagio and Varenna.
Sunday, March 17:
Venice to Milan by train: 2.5 hours
08:18 am - 11:52 am
Venice Santa Lucia 9716 arrives at 10:45
Milan Porta Garibaldi 2938 at 11:05
Rent car and drive to Verbier, Switzerland (3.5 hours) Hertz Rental
Pickup and drop off at Milan Malpensa Airport
Audi Q5 - pick up at 12 pm
641€
Night 1 Verbier. Stay at W Verbier
Booked using Marriott Bonvoy points
992 €/night
Restaurants/Bars:
Le Rouge (bar)
Restaurant La Marmotte
Monday, March 18:
Ski Verbier
Night 2 at W Verbier
Milan is Italy’s heartbeat—a city of fashion, finance, and centuries-old charm. It blends modern elegance with historic beauty, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking both culture and sophistication.
Start your journey at the iconic Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with breathtaking rooftop views. Stroll through the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where designer boutiques and classic cafés capture Milan’s stylish essence. For art lovers, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is an unforgettable sight.
Beyond the landmarks, Milan is about experiences—sipping an aperitivo in the Brera district, catching an opera at La Scala, or exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re here for fashion, history, or simply la dolce vita, Milan promises a trip to remember.
Tuesday, March 19:
We had actually planned to ski Verbier again but the conditions were so bad the day before that we decided to leave in the morning and have more time in Milan.
Drive from Verbier to Milan
Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and its rooftop terraces.
Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall.
See Da Vinci’s The Last Supper (book well in advance!).
End the day in Navigli, Milan’s trendy canal district, for drinks.
Drive back to Milan in the morning
Stay in Milan - Westin
$388.88/night
Wednesday, March 20:
Return rental car at MXP (Milan Malpensa)
Flights: American:
MXP —> JFK —>LAX
Depart MXP at 10:15 am
Arrive in LA at 7:56 pm
And that's it! Have questions? Feel free to email me: info@travelisthecure.com
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