Rome, Siena & Florence

Itinerary

3 Nights – Rome
2 Nights – Siena
2 Nights – Florence

(Optional extensions or day trips to Bologna and/or Pisa)

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✈️ UK to Rome (3 nights): Your first destination is Rome, Italy’s stunning capital, where you have 3 days to explore its incredible, iconic sites.  Must-sees include the iconic Colosseum, the Pantheon, a marvel of Roman engineering, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and, of course, the Trevi Fountain. The Spanish Steps are perfect for people-watching, while the Piazza Navona is great for catching a street performer or two.  Beyond the main sights, there is plenty to see and do, whether it’s sipping an espresso in a quiet piazza, taking your time to explore side streets, or stumbling across hidden fountains. The Trastevere neighbourhood is particularly lovely at night, with cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and lively trattorias serving classic local dishes.  It’s best to book timed tickets for the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in advance, as the queues can become quite busy during peak times.

🚂 Rome to Siena (2 nights): Next, you’ll head north by train to Siena, a stunning Tuscan hill town. The Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Italy’s most beautiful squares and the stage for the famous Palio horse race, a thrilling and historic bareback race on cobbled streets.  Siena’s streets are full of hidden gems with charming cafés and tucked-away piazzas.  A must-see is the Siena Cathedral, featuring its intricate striped marble façade and spectacular interior, including the Piccolomini Library with its impressive frescoes. Climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, dotted with vineyards and olive groves.

🚂 Siena to Florence (2 nights): From Siena, it’s a short train ride to Florence, on the banks of the Arno River.  Florence is a paradise for art and architecture lovers and is renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance – the cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread across Europe. This can be seen on full display in the city’s world-famous galleries: the Uffizi houses masterpieces by Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo; the Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s iconic David; and the Palatina Gallery in the Pitti Palace boasts a stunning collection of Renaissance paintings alongside beautiful gardens to explore. For more sights, the Piazza della Signoria is a lively open-air gallery lined with statues, and the Palazzo Vecchio is Florence’s medieval town hall, featuring a fortress-like tower and beautiful interiors. Nearby, the Piazza del Duomo is dominated by Brunelleschi’s magnificent cathedral dome, along with Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, with its intricate bronze doors.  For breathtaking views, head up to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, perched on a hill overlooking the city, or climb the Piazzale Michelangelo for great sunset views.

Optional Extension (Day Trips Also Available) – Bologna (1–2 nights): If you want to extend your holiday, you could spend an extra one or two nights in the lively city of Bologna and soak up its vibrant atmosphere.  Famous for its medieval towers, extensive porticoes, and culinary scene, it’s ideal for squeezing in after Florence before heading back home.  Wander the historic centre, explore Piazza Maggiore, climb the Two Towers, and make sure you try the local specialities including tagliatelle al ragù (the ‘proper’ version of spag bol!) or tortellini in brodo.

Optional Extension (Day Trips Also Available) – Pisa (1 night): You could also consider spending a night in Pisa, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery, all clustered in the Piazza dei Miracoli. A great thing to do is climb the Leaning Tower, which gives you a unique perspective over the piazza’s architecture and the surrounding city and countryside beyond.

✈️ Return to UK: From Florence, Pisa or Bologna, head back to the airport for your flight home — carrying memories of Italy’s history, art and timeless charm.