5 Days in Italy: The Express Highlights
Five days for a whole country is tight, but doable with high-speed trains. This 'Introduction to Italy' route hits the big three: Rome, Florence, and Venice. It's a whirlwind of art, food, and canals, perfect for first-timers.
Day-by-Day Snapshot
Rome Arrival
Land in Rome, evening at the Colosseum.
Rome to Florence
Morning train, afternoon at the Duomo.
Florence Art
Uffizi Gallery or Michelangelo's David.
Venice
Train to Venice, gondola ride, and St. Mark's Square.
Departure
Morning espresso and flight out.
- •Overpacking (train travel with big bags is hard).
- •Not validating train tickets.
- •Trying to add Amalfi Coast (too far for 5 days).
- •Ordering latte thinking it's coffee (it's milk).
May or September.
San Miniato al Monte in Florence for sunset.
- Near Termini (Rome): Practical for trains.
- Santa Croce (Venice): Less crowded, authentic.
Getting Around
Trenitalia high-speed trains connect the cities. Book on Trainline or Omio. Rome-Florence: 90 mins, €30-50. Florence-Venice: 2 hours, €25-45.
Where to Eat
Eat where locals eat (ask your hotel). Avoid restaurants near train stations. Each city has its specialty: Rome for carbonara, Florence for bistecca, Venice for cicchetti.
Common Questions
Is 5 days too rushed?
It's fast-paced but doable if you're strategic.
Should I add more cities?
No. Three cities in 5 days is already tight.
What about luggage storage?
Every train station has lockers or storage services.
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