KimsItaly.com Easy DIY Guides
ITINERARY GUIDE
2026
Rome | Florence | Venice
CLASSIC ITALY
7-NIGHT
FLORENCE
VENICE
# NIGHTS IN
EACH LOCATION
ROME
This ebook contains a well-planned,
comprehensive itinerary for a thorough and in-
depth experience that covers a lot of ground in
a short amount of time. Everyone travels
differently; if you find this itinerary
overwhelming, that’s okay. Pick and choose
the travel components from this itinerary that
are more in line with your travel style.
Tour Intensive
Itinerary
Vatican Museums
St. Peter’s Basilica
Sistine Chapel
Castel Sant'Angelo
Make Pasta
Arrive
Pages 6-13
Rome Tour
Dinner in Trastevere
Rome
Pages 14-29
Colosseum with
Palatine HIll & Roman Forum
Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain,
Pantheon & Piazza Navona
Florence
Pages 38-45
Train to Florence
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
Piazzale Michelangelo
Rome
Pages 30-37
Venice
Pages 54-63
Train to Venice
Gondola Ride
Rialto Market
Florence
Pages 46-53
Uffizi Gallery
Accademia Gallery (David)
Pitti Palace
Boboli Gardens
Wine Windows
Venice
Pages 64-72
Doges Palace
St. Mark’s Square
Jewish Ghetto
Sunset Cruise
DAY
Depart
Ciao! I’m Kim, an accredited Travel
and Tourism Professional with over
30 years of experience and I live in
Calabria, Italy with my husband and
our 2 little dogs, Sam and Sylvie.
Living here in Italy has afforded me
the opportunity to explore the entire
country in depth, without the
constraints of time.
Why trust my recommendations?
Personal experience. I've stayed at
or toured every hotel in this
itinerary guide, ensuring they meet
high standards of quality and
comfort. When it comes to tours,
I've experienced them firsthand,
allowing me to provide you with
insights to help you choose what's
right for you.
My mission for this guide is to
assist you in crafting your Italian
vacation on your own with
confidence, ensuring you can DIY
your trip efficiently, within your
budget, and without missing
anything important.
Certified by
The Italian National Tourist Board
More Info
74-83
73
Quick Links
Itinerary Dining Guide
Itinerary Tips / Basics / Language
Packing
Shopping for Your Trip
84-89
90-91
The best time to visit Italy, considering both
the weather and crowd levels, is usually in
the spring (April to May) and fall (September
to October). During these months, the
weather is mild and enjoyable and you'll
generally find fewer tourists.
Summer (June to August) can be quite hot
and there’s more crowds and higher prices.
Winter (December to February) is the low
season. It’s cooler, and you’ll avoid the
crowds. The North can get very cold and
snowy, though.
Page
Topic
Timing
How to Use This Guide
Moderate Budget Edition
The mid-range budget is the most popular choice for travelers.
I include recommendations for hotels that are typically 3 or 4-
star rated, offering decent amenities and convenient locations.
Local and day tours and excursions are usually with a group
of varying sizes, while some attractions are easily self-guided.
In instances where a tour isn't necessary, I provide a walking
map and detailed information. Restaurant recommendations
are mostly mid-range in price, allowing you to enjoy a nice
meal without having to be fancy. And lastly, transportation
options consist of trains and ferries. This is how I enjoy
traveling, too!
I created itinerary guides that offer a day-by-day plan, making it effortless to plan
your dream vacation in Italy. You'll find recommendations for hotels, tours, and
transportation, complete with links to help you book these travel components
without overpaying. Whether you follow the itinerary as suggested or use it to
complement your existing plans, you'll find it incredibly useful. As you browse
through the pages, click on the icons to access additional photos, videos, links,
and audio, to enhance your experience. For customized itineraries, visit
KimsItaly.com, I’m happy to assist with that as well.
DAY 1 ROME
AM
PM
DROP OFF BAGS
ROME GOLF CART
TOUR
TRASTEVERE
FOOD TOUR
Rome Arrival Day
ROME
Following the transformative 2025 Jubilee Year that concludes on January 6,
2026, Rome emerges as a renewed city with significantly enhanced infrastructure
and visitor amenities. The city invested billions of euros in upgrading its transport
networks and cleaning up monuments during the Jubilee preparations, leaving
lasting improvements for your next visit!
Travelers can now enjoy upgraded piazzas, restored historic fountains and
bridges (including the famed Trevi Fountain), new parking structures, and an
expanded bus fleet. The redeveloped and pedestrianized Piazza Pia connects
Castel Sant'Angelo to Vatican City, creating improved pedestrian access to major
attractions. The remodeled public spaces, including the area at the end of Via
della Conciliazione, represent hundreds of improvements that enhance the visitor
experience.
The post-Jubilee period offers a unique opportunity to experience Rome's
enhanced beauty without the crowds that marked 2025. Visitors in 2026 and
beyond will benefit from these permanent upgrades while enjoying a more relaxed
atmosphere as the city settles into its refreshed state.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
Why I love this hotel!
My favorite hotel in Rome! Excellent location,
clean and comfy rooms, and great breakfast.
Relais Trevi 95
Boutique Hotel
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
The hotel is housed in an 18th-century building in the historical center. It offers
spacious and elegantly furnished rooms, providing a blend of history and comfort.
Enjoy amenities like free WiFi and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
Why I love this hotel!
This hotel has an upscale feel without the upscale
price. It’s only a 5-minute walk to the Pantheon.
Hotel Nazionale
Roma
Relais Trevi 95 Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Rome, just a minute's
walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The hotel features modern
rooms with nice furnishings and parquet floors. Enjoy amenities like free WiFi, air
conditioning, and an affordable mini-bar in each room. The rooftop terrace offers
views and a place to relax with a cocktail. See my additional notes on this hotel!
DAY 1 ROME
DAY 1 ROME
afternoon Golf Cart Tour
The perfect way to see Rome after traveling all night! A golf cart tour provides
an overview of the city so you know what to expect for your visit.
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DAY 1 ROME
Trastevere is a neighborhood in Rome, located on the west bank of
the Tiber River, directly south of the Vatican. Its name comes from the
Latin phrase "Trans Tiberim," meaning "beyond the Tiber," reflecting
its location across the river from the historical center of Rome.
Trastevere has ancient roots, with its origins dating back to the days
of the Roman Republic. It was initially a settlement for Etruscans and
later became home to Roman craftsmen, traders, and foreigners. In
the Middle Ages, Trastevere evolved into a working-class
neighborhood, and its narrow, winding streets and medieval houses
still remain today.
Visitors come to Trastevere for its unique blend of history, culture, and
lively atmosphere. The district is known for its picturesque streets,
bustling piazzas, and lively nightlife. It is a hot spot for food
enthusiasts, offering a variety of traditional Roman trattorias,
pizzerias, and trendy bars.
Trastevere is home to several important landmarks, including:
Basilica of Santa Maria: One of the oldest churches in Rome,
known for its beautiful mosaics and serene interior.
Piazza di Santa Maria: A popular gathering spot with a fountain at
its center.
Villa Farnesina: A Renaissance villa featuring stunning frescoes
by artists like Raphael.
TRASTEVERE
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DAY 1 ROME
Evening Trastevere tour
Your first dinner in Rome should be in this neighborhood that’s highly regarded
for its delicious cuisine! Plus, it will help you stay awake to fight jet lag.
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AM
PM
DAY 2 ROME
COLOSSEUM
ROMAN FORUM
PALATINE HILL
SPANISH STEPS
TREVI FOUNTAIN
THE PANTHEON
PIAZZA NAVONA
GO UNDERGROUND
ROME CATACOMBS
CAPUCHIN CRYPTS
Rome
THE COLOSSEUM
Visiting the Colosseum in Rome offers a glimpse into ancient history and
architectural marvels. Built in 70-80 AD, the Colosseum was used for gladiator
contests and public entertainment. Today, visitors can explore the massive
structure, including the arena floor and underground chambers where gladiators
once prepared for battle.
Expect to see the impressive arches and tiers of seating that once held up to
50,000 spectators. Guided tours often include access to restricted areas, providing
deeper insights into the Colosseum's history and construction.
Interestingly, the Colosseum could be flooded for mock naval battles, showcasing
Rome's engineering capabilities. The structure is elliptical, measuring 189 meters
long and 156 meters wide. Over 100,000 cubic meters of travertine stone were
used in its construction.
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DAY 2 ROME
Morning Colosseum Tour
Booking a Colosseum tour for early morning helps you avoid those long afternoon
lines and crowds, making the experience more enjoyable. Choose a tour that
includes Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum to complete your ancient experience.
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DAY 2 ROME
afternoon Walking tour
This walking tour is self guided, no formal tour required! My walking tour map
provides the best route to see the most iconic landmarks in Rome. This is an easy
walk that’s mostly flat but plan on a few hours for leisurely sightseeing.
SPANISH
STEPS
TREVI
FOUNTAIN
THE
PANTHEON
PIAZZA
NAVONA
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DAY 2 ROME
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DAY 2 ROME
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) are located in the heart of
Rome, connecting Piazza di Spagna at the base with Piazza Trinità dei Monti at
the top. The area around the Spanish Steps is great for high-end shopping and
dining, with numerous boutiques and cafes.
The steps were constructed between 1723 and 1725 and were designed by
Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis. The project was funded by French
diplomat Étienne Gueffier and aimed to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy
(hence the name) with the Trinità dei Monti church. The steps have since
become a symbol of Baroque Rome.
What’s Around
Trinità dei Monti: At the top of the steps, you'll find the Trinità dei Monti
church, which dates back to the 16th century. The church offers beautiful
interiors and impressive views of the city.
Piazza di Spagna: At the base of the steps, this square is home to the
Fontana della Barcaccia, a fountain designed by Pietro Bernini and his son
Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Keats-Shelley Memorial House: Located on the right side of the Spanish
Steps, this museum is dedicated to the Romantic poets John Keats and
Percy Bysshe Shelley, who both lived in Rome.
Please Note
Sitting on the steps is prohibited to preserve the landmark and you’ll hear the
police yelling at people to get up.
Begin at the spanish steps
Here are some movies that offer a glimpse of the Spanish Steps...
Roman Holiday (1953), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), To Rome with Love (2012)
La Dolce Vita (1960), The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (2003), Jumper (2008),
Spectre (2015), Angels & Demons (2009), Fast X (2023), Eat Pray Love (2010),
Book Club: The Next Chapter (2020), and The Girl from Missouri (1934).
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