Italy Itinerary: 10 Days in Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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• Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.

• • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.

Get lunch

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.

• • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.

Get lunch

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.

• • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.

Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum

• • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.

• • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.

Get lunch

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.

• • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.

Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum

• • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.

• • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.

Get lunch

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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• Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
• Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.

Colosseum self-guided tour

• • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.

• • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.

Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum

• • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.

• • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.

Get lunch

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
  • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.

Colosseum self-guided tour

• • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.

• • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.

Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum

• • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.

• • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.

Get lunch

• • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.

Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest

Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel

• • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.

• • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.

Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy

• • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
  • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
    • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
• Colosseum self-guided tour
  • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
  • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
• Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
  • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
  • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
• Get lunch
  • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
• Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
• Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
  • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
  • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
• Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
  • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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• Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!

Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

• • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.

Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!

Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

• • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.

Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.

• • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.

Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner

• • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!

Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

• • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.

Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.

• • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.

Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner

• • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!

Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

• • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.

Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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Vatican tour

• • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.

• • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.

Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner

• • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!

Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

• • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.

Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Walk to the Vatican
  • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

• Vatican tour
  • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
  • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
• Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
  • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
• Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
  • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
• Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.

Feast on pizza for lunch

• • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.

Feast on pizza for lunch

• • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.

• • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.

Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in

• • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.

Feast on pizza for lunch

• • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.

• • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.

Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in

• • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.

Feast on pizza for lunch

• • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Train to Rome

• • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.

• • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.

Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in

• • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.

Feast on pizza for lunch

• • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)

Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner

Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere

• • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.

• • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.

• • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)

8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.

• • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.

• • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)

8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.

• • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.

• • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso

• • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)

8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.

• • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.

• • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.

Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch

• • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.

Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little

Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso

Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore Beach Time

• • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.

• • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.

Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner

Eat dinner in Riomaggiore

• • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine

• • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti

Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes

• • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti

Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes

• • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.

Check into your Airbnb

Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks

• • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti

Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes

• • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.

Check into your Airbnb

Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks

• • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti

Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes

• • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale

• • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.

• • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.

Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train

• • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.

Check into your Airbnb

Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks

• • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti

Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes

• • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre

• • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!

Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Prepare to leave Florence
  • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

• Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
  • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
  • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
• Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
  • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
• Check into your Airbnb
• Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
  • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
• Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
  • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
• Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
  • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
• Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence

• • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.

Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day

• • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
  • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence

• • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.

Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day

• • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
    • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence

• • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.

Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day

• • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Full-day wine tour of Tuscany

• • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
    • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence

• • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.

Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day

• • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany
    • • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
        • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence
    • • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.
  • Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day
    • • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany
    • • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
        • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence
    • • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.
  • Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day
    • • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Relax at the top and soak up the city’s best views during sunset. Worth every step!

Walk back into town and enjoy a leisurely dinner

• • Recommendation: Stop in to eat at one of the many small, local spots back towards town.

DAY FOUR: TUSCAN WINE TOUR & FLORENCE SUNSETS

Fun fact: Tuscany is a region (like a state), not a city! Florence is located in central Tuscany (spelled Toscona in Italian), so a stop to their iconic wine region is a must while visiting.

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany
    • • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
        • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence
    • • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.
  • Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day
    • • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• • Relax at the top and soak up the city’s best views during sunset. Worth every step!

Walk back into town and enjoy a leisurely dinner

• • Recommendation: Stop in to eat at one of the many small, local spots back towards town.

DAY FOUR: TUSCAN WINE TOUR & FLORENCE SUNSETS

Fun fact: Tuscany is a region (like a state), not a city! Florence is located in central Tuscany (spelled Toscona in Italian), so a stop to their iconic wine region is a must while visiting.

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany
    • • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
        • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence
    • • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.
  • Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day
    • • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

• Recommended: Babae, especially as it’s already in the Oltrarno area where you need to be for the next activity!

Forty minutes before sunset, walk/hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo

• • Relax at the top and soak up the city’s best views during sunset. Worth every step!

Walk back into town and enjoy a leisurely dinner

• • Recommendation: Stop in to eat at one of the many small, local spots back towards town.

DAY FOUR: TUSCAN WINE TOUR & FLORENCE SUNSETS

Fun fact: Tuscany is a region (like a state), not a city! Florence is located in central Tuscany (spelled Toscona in Italian), so a stop to their iconic wine region is a must while visiting.

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany
    • • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
        • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence
    • • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.
  • Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day
    • • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

•  

  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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• • Recommended: Babae, especially as it’s already in the Oltrarno area where you need to be for the next activity!

Forty minutes before sunset, walk/hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo

• • Relax at the top and soak up the city’s best views during sunset. Worth every step!

Walk back into town and enjoy a leisurely dinner

• • Recommendation: Stop in to eat at one of the many small, local spots back towards town.

DAY FOUR: TUSCAN WINE TOUR & FLORENCE SUNSETS

Fun fact: Tuscany is a region (like a state), not a city! Florence is located in central Tuscany (spelled Toscona in Italian), so a stop to their iconic wine region is a must while visiting.

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany
    • • Book in advance on Airbnb Experiences or Get Your Guide.
        • • Most include transportation to or from central areas of Florence
    • • Even if you’re not a big wine-drinker, we highly recommend booking a winery tour to see the best and most beautiful sides of the Tuscan country side, meet amazing locals, relax among the endless vines, and enjoy lovely, locally made bites along with the wine.
  • Return back to the hotel at the end of the beautiful day
    • • Option to find dinner near your hotel. And more wine, perhaps? 😉

DAY FIVE: FLORENCE TO CINQUE TERRE

Time for another scenic adventure! Cinque Terre is located on Italy’s northwest coast known as the Italian Riviera. The Amalfi Coast gets all the hype, but this region is our favorite coast in the country.

• • Prepare to leave Florence
    • • Wake up, pack up, clean up, check out, and grab a quick breakfast nearby. Afterwards, walk or take a FreeNow Ride share or taxi to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

  • Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale
    • • There are a few options to take here. The best, most convenient is to take a direct train between the two places, which takes about 2.5 hours and runs every few hours.
    • • Purchase train tickets from the airport station to Roma Termini on the Trainline app, from the kiosks, or in person from the ticket desks.
  • Switch trains in La Spezia, buy a ticket for Riomaggiore, then board the next train
    • • Make sure to get the validated (if you didn’t book on the Trainline app) and head to Riomaggiore, which is about 10 minutes by train.
  • Check into your Airbnb
  • Walk into the town to explore and grab lunch and snacks
    • • Recommendations: Trattoria Lagrotta or Tutti Fritti
  • Go back to Airbnb to rest, recharge, and change clothes
    • • Get boat ready! Don’t forget the swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Take a boat tour of Cinque Terre
    • • Walk down to Dau Cila to meet the Airbnb Experience group for a sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre. We booked this one with Yuri and loved every minute!
  • Grab a casual dinner in town

DAY SIX: CINQUE TERRE BEACH DAY

This is the only day I’ll tell you what time to wake up! Timing matters today if you want the best beach views in Cinque Terre. Please note – beach club and chairs are only open from mid-April until October.

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  • 7:30 a.m. – Wake up early and pack a bag for the day
    • • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a book, a water bottle, and keys.

  • 8:30 a.m. – Go to the train station, then take the train to Monterosso
    • • Watch for pickpockets on these regional, very touristy trains. (We did not experience anything like this, but it’s always good to be cautious.)
  • 8:50 a.m. – Go to Stella Marina Beach Bar by 9:00 a.m.
    • • Walk out of the train station, take a short walk to the left, and you’ll see it. Go directly out to reserve a beach lounge chair and umbrella at the Stella Marina Beach Bar stand by 9:00 a.m. There will likely already be a few people in line at this point.
    • • We paid $35 for the front beach chairs; chairs from row two to the back were $30. They take cards or cash. Plan to be there right before it opens at 9:00 a.m., these chairs go FAST (locals get seasonal seats/chairs). The views are perfect and you’ll have the beach almost to yourself for an hour in the morning.
  • Relax and enjoy the beach until lunch
    • • Recommendation: Try Il Bocconcino and order a Mixto Fritto (a mixed, fried seafood cone) to take back to the beach chair. We left most of our beach day things down on our beach chairs and just brought our keys and wallet with us, and came back to find everything was fine.
  • Continue your beach day until you’re ready to explore the town a little
  • Get snack and drink at El Dorado Wine Bar Monterosso
  • Take a ferry or train back to Riomaggiore
  • Riomaggiore Beach Time
    • • To cool off from the journey, immediately head towards the local beach in Riomaggiore, climb the stairs and keep going until there are no more stairs and you reach the smooth rocky beach.
    • • The water is cold but refreshing and so clear.
  • Go back to Airbnb, clean up, change clothes, and head out to dinner
  • Eat dinner in Riomaggiore
    • • Recommendation: Osteria La Torpedine
    • • Make sure to order the pesto! It was invented in this region.

DAY SEVEN: CINQUE TERRE TO ROME

Get ready for a half-day of traveling to Italy’s most iconic city. The train ride is easy, but a little long, so pack a snack and a book and get ready for a chill day of commuting followed by amazing Roman food.

• • Prepare to leave Cinque Terre
    • • Wake up, clean up, check out, then head to the train station.

  • Train to Rome
    • • Take the regional train to La Spezia, switch trains, then take the train from La Spezia to Roma Termini.
    • • There are few options for the speed train from La Spezia to Roma Termini, so this was a crucial connection. The journey from La Spezia to Roma Termini was about 3h 45min instead of 4-5 hour regional trains with stops and changes. The train will stop at a few key terminals, but you don’t get off until the end at Roma Termini.
  • Take a white taxi from the Termini to your stay to check in
    • • Make sure to ask if they take cards -all are supposed to. We forgot to ask and lost most of our cash on this.
  • Feast on pizza for lunch
    • • Recommendation: Emma (fantastic pizza!)
  • Take your time, settle into the hotel or Airbnb, rest, and relax before dinner
  • Enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, and gelato in Trastevere
    • • Recommendation: Tonnarello and Old Bridge Gelateria.

DAY EIGHT: ROME

Today’s the day for checking off bucket list historical destinations! Get those walking shoes back on and be prepared to be wowed by the sights of the city.

• • Walk to the Vatican
    • • No direct train. Walking or biking is the best way to get around Rome!

  • Vatican tour
    • • You don’t have to buy a ticket to get in. You can pay for a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like, but admission is free.
    • • We took about 1 ½ hour to tour the church.
  • Walk back towards the city to enjoy an aperitivo and dinner
    • • Recommendation: Osteria Da Fortunata. They hand roll pasta in the restaurant. Make dinner reservations, as there is always a considerable wait at dinner. Everything is delicious, but get the gnocchi or ravioli!
  • Walk around to explore the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
    • • These most famous sights are all pretty near to each other.
  • Late night gelato stop: Frigidarium

DAY NINE: ROME

The best of Roman history continues today. Make sure to take time to take photos, relax, and savor the last full day of the trip!

• • Start the day with a 30-minute walk to Colosseum
    • • Can also rent e-bikes if you’d like to go faster yet brave Roman traffic!
      • Grab a light breakfast at a bar on the walk over.
  • Colosseum self-guided tour
    • • Tickets to see Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance – Purchase skip-the-line tickets purchased in Tiqets App in advance.
    • • Listen to Rick Steve’s Colosseum tour on his Rick Steve’s Guide to Europe app (download in advance) instead of buying an audio guide or going on a guided tour.
  • Tour Palatine Hill and Roman Forum after done with Colosseum
    • • Show the same tickets from the Colosseum in the Tiqets app at the gate.
    • • Continue Rick Steve’s audio guide on your phone.
  • Get lunch
    • • Recommendation: Voglia di Pizza offers both gluten-free and regular options. This is one of the best pizzas we had in Italy.
  • Go back to the hotel or Airbnb and rest
  • Rooftop drinks at the Martis Palace Hotel
    • • Amazing city views and great to watch the sunset, along with decent snacks and cocktails.
    • • Go inside the hotel and ask for the rooftop bar. Then, they’ll show you the elevator straight back, go up to the fourth floor, tell the wait staff what you want to order, and they’ll bring it to you on the roof.
  • Enjoy a final dinner and gelato in Italy
    • • Recommendation: ‘Gusto. Online notes will say it’s a pizza place that closes early, but it’s a full restaurant that’s delicious and stays open very late.

DAY TEN: FLY BACK HOME

• • Head to the FCO Airport
    • • Wake up, clean up, pack up, then Take a Taxi or FreeNow Rideshare to the FCO airport.
  • Check-in at the airport and kiss Italy goodbye (for now!)

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• Change into comfortable walking shoes!

Pop by one of Florence’s Wine Windows for a glass of local wine

• • Recommended: Babae, especially as it’s already in the Oltrarno area where you need to be for the next activity!

Forty minutes before sunset, walk/hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo

• • Relax at the top and soak up the city’s best views during sunset. Worth every step!

Walk back into town and enjoy a leisurely dinner

• • Recommendation: Stop in to eat at one of the many small, local spots back towards town.

DAY FOUR: TUSCAN WINE TOUR & FLORENCE SUNSETS

Fun fact: Tuscany is a region (like a state), not a city! Florence is located in central Tuscany (spelled Toscona in Italian), so a stop to their iconic wine region is a must while visiting.

• • Quick and casual Italian breakfast
    • • Typically consists of espresso and a croissant

  • Full-day wine tour of Tuscany