Rome · Florence

Day 1 · Thu 19.11 · A day of history, markets and views in Rome

Morning at Mercato di San Cosimato and the Aventine Keyhole, then the Roman Forum and Campo de' Fiori in the evening.

Walking today: about 6.1 km, 1 h 40 min in all (estimate)

1. 109:00–09:55 · 55 minMercato di San CosimatoMarketA local market that suits food, markets and local life.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Market in Rome, on a list of markets by an international city magazine.

2. about 20 min walk · 1.3 kmDirections to Aventine Keyhole (Knights of Malta)
   210:20–11:15 · 55 minAventine Keyhole (Knights of Malta)Historic site
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A historic spot on the Aventine Hill known for its keyhole you peek through at a view, for history and architecture lovers.

   Open this day: 00:00–24:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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3. about 10 min walk · 0.4 kmDirections to Orange Garden
   311:30–12:45 · 1 h 15 minOrange GardenParkA garden with views that also suits local life.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A small garden on the Aventine Hill, designed in 1932 to open the hillside view to the public, with an excellent outlook over the city.

   Open this day: 07:00–18:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   More about this place
4. about 10 min walk · 0.7 kmDirections to Retrobottega
   413:00–14:15 · 1 h 15 minRetrobottegaMeal
   Worth checkingWorth bookingBook a table
   About this place

   Restaurant in Rome, recommended by 4 sources.

   Open this day: 08:30–23:30 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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5. about 10 min walk · 0.7 kmDirections to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
   514:30–16:20 · 1 h 50 minRoman Forum and Palatine HillHistoric siteSuits the history of ancient Rome.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A rectangular plaza at the centre of ancient Rome, ringed by the ruins of the city's key government buildings. It began as a marketplace. Above it rises the Palatine, the centremost of Rome's seven hills and one of the oldest parts of the city.

   Open this day: 09:00–16:30 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   Colosseum ticket (€18) or Forum Pass SUPER €18; free 1st Sunday

   Place's website
6. about 5 min walk · 0.2 kmDirections to Fori Imperiali
   616:30–16:50 · 20 minFori ImperialiOn the way · Monument
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Monument in Rome, recommended by 3 sources.

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7. about 10 min walk · 0.6 kmDirections to Vittoriano
   717:05–18:00 · 55 minVittorianoMonumentSuits history, views and art.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A huge national monument to Victor Emmanuel II, first king of unified Italy, built between 1885 and 1935. It holds Italy's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

   Open this day: 09:30–18:30 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   Free (monument); terrace + museums + Palazzo Venezia €18

   Place's website
8. about 20 min walk · 1.4 kmDirections to Campo de' Fiori
   818:25–18:50 · 25 minCampo de' FioriOn the way · Square
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A rectangular square just south of Piazza Navona whose name, 'field of flowers', goes back to the Middle Ages, when it was a meadow. Today a spot for a market and city life.

   Open this day: 00:00–24:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

9. about 15 min walk · 0.8 kmDirections to Armando al Pantheon
   919:30–21:00 · 1 h 30 minArmando al PantheonMeal
   Worth checkingWorth bookingBook a table
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant a well-known food critic recommends, also singled out by an Italian food guide.

   Open this day: 12:30–15:00, 19:00–23:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   Book online only, a month ahead; closed Sat dinner and Sunday

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Day 2 · Fri 20.11 · Mercato Esquilino

Morning at Mercato Esquilino and Porta Alchemica, then the Vatican Museums in the afternoon.

Walking today: about 11 km, 2 h 35 min in all (estimate)

1. 109:00–09:55 · 55 minMercato EsquilinoMarketA lively local market that suits food experiences, everyday life and markets.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Market in Rome, reviewed by an international city magazine and recommended by a local Rome magazine.

2. about 5 min walk · 0.3 kmDirections to Porta Alchemica
   210:05–10:25 · 20 minPorta AlchemicaOn the way · Monument
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A mysterious gate built in 1678 to 1680 at the Marquis Palombara's villa on the Esquiline Hill, near Piazza Vittorio. It is the only one of the villa's five gates still standing.

3. about 10 min walk · 0.4 kmDirections to Esquilino
   310:40–11:35 · 55 minEsquilinoHistoric site
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Historic site in Rome, recommended by 3 sources.

4. about 20 min walk · 1.3 kmDirections to Piazza Di Spagna
   412:00–12:25 · 25 minPiazza Di SpagnaOn the way · Square
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Square in Rome, recommended by 3 sources.

5. about 10 min walk · 0.7 kmDirections to Fafiuché
   512:40–13:55 · 1 h 15 minFafiuchéMeal
   Worth checkingWorth bookingBook a table
   About this place

   Italian restaurant in Rome, recommended by 5 sources.

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6. about 1 h 5 min walk · 4.9 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to Vatican Museums
   615:10–18:50 · 3 h 40 minVatican MuseumsArt museumRich museums that combine history and art, especially suitable for the start of the day.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 1500s. The route passes through the Raphael Rooms and ends in the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's ceiling.

   Open this day: 08:00–20:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   €20 at the door; €25 booked online; free last Sunday of the month

   Place's website
7. about 45 min walk · 3.3 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to Salumeria Roscioli
   719:45–21:15 · 1 h 30 minSalumeria RoscioliMeal
   Worth checkingWorth bookingBook a table
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant food critics and travel guides recommend.

   Open this day: 09:00–24:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   Book ahead; ask for a table upstairs or outside, not the basement

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Day 3 · Sat 21.11 · A day of history, art and markets in Rome

Palazzo Colonna and Galleria Spada in the morning, Museo Barracco and Mercato dell'Unità in the afternoon.

Walking today: about 8.4 km, 2 h 10 min in all (estimate)

1. 109:00–10:50 · 1 h 50 minPalazzo ColonnaPalaceA historic palace with art collections, suitable for lovers of history and art.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   Palace in Rome, recommended by 3 sources.

   Open this day: 09:00–13:15 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   Sat morning €15 (short) / €25 (full tour); Fri guided €35

   Place's website
2. about 15 min walk · 0.9 kmDirections to Fontana delle Tartarughe
   211:10–11:25 · 15 minFontana delle TartarugheOn the way · Statue or fountain
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Fountain in Rome, recommended by 3 sources.

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3. about 10 min walk · 0.7 kmDirections to Galleria Spada
   311:40–12:35 · 55 minGalleria SpadaGalleryA small gallery with impressive museum-quality artworks.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A museum in Palazzo Spada with 16th- and 17th-century paintings, best known for Borromini's forced-perspective gallery, an optical illusion of depth.

   Open this day: 08:30–19:30 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   Entry €6; reduced €2; free 1st Sunday; no booking needed

   Place's website
4. about 15 min walk · 0.8 kmDirections to Terrazza Borromini
   412:55–14:10 · 1 h 15 minTerrazza BorrominiMeal
   Worth checkingWorth bookingBook a table
   About this place

   Italian restaurant in Rome, recommended by 5 sources.

   Open this day: 09:00–17:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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5. about 5 min walk · 0.4 kmDirections to Museo Barracco
   514:20–15:35 · 1 h 15 minMuseo BarraccoMuseumHistory and art with an impressive and intimate collection of ancient sculptures.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   Ancient sculptures collected by politician Giovanni Barracco on his travels and donated to the city in 1902, in a small Renaissance palace with a Roman house excavated beneath.

   Open this day: 10:00–16:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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6. about 35 min walk · 2.3 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to Mercato dell'Unità
   616:20–17:15 · 55 minMercato dell'UnitàMarketA local farmers' market that suits food experiences, markets and a local lifestyle.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Market in Rome, on a list of markets by a local food tour company and on a list of markets by an international city magazine.

   More about this place
7. about 35 min walk · 2.3 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to Via Margutta
   718:00–18:55 · 55 minVia MarguttaHistoric streetA historic artists' street that combines history with an authentic local atmosphere.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Historic street in Rome, on a list of things to do by a local food tour company and reviewed by an international city magazine.

8. about 15 min walk · 1.1 kmDirections to Poldo e Gianna Osteria
   819:30–21:00 · 1 h 30 minPoldo e Gianna OsteriaMeal
   Worth checkingWorth bookingBook a table
   About this place

   Italian restaurant in Rome, listed by a well-known international restaurant guide and on a list of places to eat by a restaurant review site.

   Open this day: 19:30–22:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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Day 4 · Sun 22.11 · Medici Chapels

Move to Florence, then the Medici Chapels, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the Vasari Corridor.

Travel to Florence: about 155 minutes door to door. This is an estimate not yet checked against a timetable, and the day starts after it.

Walking today: about 2.6 km, 50 min in all (estimate)

1. 111:45–13:00 · 1 h 15 minMedici ChapelsMuseumSuits lovers of history and art.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   Two chapels added to the Basilica of San Lorenzo in the 16th and 17th centuries to honour the Medici. One, the New Sacristy, was designed by Michelangelo.

   Open this day: 08:15–18:15 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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2. about 5 min walk · 0.2 kmDirections to Mercato Centrale
   213:10–14:25 · 1 h 15 minMercato CentraleMeal · Deli
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Florence's central market, recommended by many travel guides and by an international food guide.

   Open this day: 09:00–23:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

3. about 20 min walk · 1.2 kmDirections to Piazza della Signoria
   314:50–15:30 · 40 minPiazza della SignoriaOn the way · Square
   Worth checking
   About this place

   The square in front of Palazzo Vecchio, where the Florentine Republic was born. It is still the city's political focus and a meeting place for locals and visitors.

   Open this day: 00:00–24:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

4. about 5 min walk · 0.1 kmDirections to Palazzo Vecchio
   415:40–17:30 · 1 h 50 minPalazzo VecchioHistoric siteSuits lovers of history and art.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Florence's town hall, overlooking Piazza della Signoria. It once housed the government of the Florentine Republic, hence its original name, Palazzo della Signoria.

   Open this day: 09:00–19:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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5. about 5 min walk · 0.4 kmDirections to Vasari Corridor
   517:40–18:55 · 1 h 15 minVasari CorridorHistoric site
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A 16th-century raised, enclosed passage linking Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti, designed by Vasari so Duke Cosimo I could move between the palaces unseen.

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6. about 15 min walk · 0.8 kmDirections to Enoteca Spontanea
   619:30–21:00 · 1 h 30 minEnoteca SpontaneaMeal
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Italian restaurant in Florence, recommended by 3 sources.

Day 5 · Mon 23.11 · Stibbert Museum

Stibbert Museum in the morning, then Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Museo degli Innocenti, ending at the Bargello Museum.

Walking today: about 5.8 km, 1 h 30 min in all (estimate)

1. 110:00–11:50 · 1 h 50 minStibbert MuseumArt museumSuits lovers of history and art.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A museum on Montughi hill with over 36,000 objects, including a vast collection of armour from East and West.

   Open this day: 10:00–14:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

   More about this place
2. about 40 min walk · 2.7 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to Trattoria Mario
   212:40–13:55 · 1 h 15 minTrattoria MarioMeal
   Worth checking
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant recommended by a well-known food critic, an Italian food guide and a local travel guide.

   Open this day: 12:00–15:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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3. about 5 min walk · 0.3 kmDirections to Palazzo Medici Riccardi
   314:05–15:20 · 1 h 15 minPalazzo Medici RiccardiHistoric siteSuits lovers of history and art.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A 15th-century Renaissance palace built for Cosimo de' Medici to Michelozzo's design. Today it holds a museum and the metropolitan city's offices.

   Open this day: 09:00–19:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

4. about 10 min walk · 0.6 kmDirections to Museo degli Innocenti
   415:35–16:50 · 1 h 15 minMuseo degli InnocentiMuseum
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A building Brunelleschi designed in 1419 as a foundling hospital, a landmark of early Renaissance architecture with a nine-bay loggia facing the square.

   Open this day: 11:00–17:30 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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5. about 15 min walk · 1 kmDirections to Bargello Museum
   517:10–19:00 · 1 h 50 minBargello MuseumArt museum
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A 13th-century building, once police headquarters and a prison, now a national museum with Italy's main collection of Renaissance sculpture.

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6. about 20 min walk · 1.1 kmDirections to L'Ortone
   619:30–21:00 · 1 h 30 minL'OrtoneMeal
   Worth checking
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant recommended by a well-known food critic and by food guides, Italian and international.

   Open this day: 12:15–15:15, 19:00–23:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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Day 6 · Tue 24.11 · A day in Pisa: history, art and views

Day trip from Florence: Ancient Ships Museum and Santa Maria della Spina in the morning, then the Leaning Tower and Camposanto.

Day trip to Pisa: about 60 minutes each way. This is an estimate not yet checked against a timetable. The day starts after the ride and ends in time to get back; dinner back in town is yours to choose.

Walking today: about 2.8 km, 50 min in all (estimate)

1. 110:00–11:30 · 1 h 30 minAncient Ships MuseumMuseumA museum displaying ancient ships, ideal for history lovers.
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A museum of ancient ships and finds, set in the old halls of the Medici Arsenals.

   Open this day: 10:00–14:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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2. about 10 min walk · 0.5 kmDirections to Santa Maria della Spina
   211:45–12:05 · 20 minSanta Maria della SpinaOn the way · Church
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A small Pisan Gothic church, built around 1230 and enlarged after 1325.

   Open this day: 10:00–14:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

3. about 10 min walk · 0.7 kmDirections to Vineria di Piazza
   312:30–13:45 · 1 h 15 minVineria di PiazzaMeal
   Worth checking
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant listed in a travel guide.

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4. about 10 min walk · 0.5 kmDirections to Piazza dei Cavalieri
   414:00–14:25 · 25 minPiazza dei CavalieriOn the way · Square
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Pisa's second main square and its political centre in the Middle Ages. Today it is home to the Scuola Normale, a university institution.

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5. about 10 min walk · 0.7 kmDirections to Leaning Tower of Pisa
   514:40–15:35 · 55 minLeaning Tower of PisaHistoric siteThe famous tower combines history with a stunning view from the top.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Pisa Cathedral's bell tower, leaning nearly four degrees because of unstable foundations, and drawing over five million visitors a year.

6. about 5 min walk · 0.3 kmDirections to Camposanto Monumentale
   615:45–16:40 · 55 minCamposanto MonumentaleAttractionAn impressive historic site that blends history and art throughout the visit.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   A historic cemetery on the edge of the Cathedral Square, said to be built around sacred soil from Golgotha brought back from the Third Crusade.

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7. about 5 min walk · 0.2 kmDirections to Walls of Pisa
   716:50–17:45 · 55 minWalls of PisaHistoric siteThe city walls offer history and views along the way.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Pisa's city walls, for history and view lovers.

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Day 7 · Wed 25.11 · Market, history and art in Florence

Giardino dell'Orticultura and San Marco Museum in the morning, Santa Croce and via dei Serragli in the afternoon, then Mercato Di Santo Spirito in the evening.

Walking today: about 9.3 km, 2 h 15 min in all (estimate)

1. 109:00–10:15 · 1 h 15 minGiardino dell'OrticulturaPark
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Park in Florence, on a list of parks and gardens by a local food tour company and recommended by a Florence resident's blog.

   Open this day: 07:00–20:00 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

2. about 20 min walk · 1.5 kmDirections to San Marco Museum
   210:40–12:10 · 1 h 30 minSan Marco MuseumArt museum
   Worth checkingTickets and tours
   About this place

   A museum in the Dominican convent of San Marco, designed by Michelozzo in the 1400s. It holds the world's largest collection of Fra Angelico, who lived there for some years.

   Open this day: 08:15–13:50 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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3. about 30 min walk · 2 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to Trattoria Cammillo
   312:45–14:00 · 1 h 15 minTrattoria CammilloMeal
   Worth checking
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant recommended by an international food guide and several travel guides.

   More about this place
4. about 20 min walk · 1.5 kmDirections to Basilica of Santa Croce
   414:25–15:40 · 1 h 15 minBasilica of Santa CroceChurchA historic church with art, suits history and art.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Florence's main Franciscan church. Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried here, which earned it the name Temple of the Italian Glories.

   Open this day: 09:30–17:30 From OpenStreetMap, not verified

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5. about 35 min walk · 2.3 km · a long walk, public transport or a taxi also worksDirections to via dei Serragli
   516:25–17:20 · 55 minvia dei SerragliHistoric streetA historic street that blends history with the city's local life.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Historic street in Florence, recommended by an international city magazine.

6. about 10 min walk · 0.6 kmDirections to Mercato Di Santo Spirito
   617:35–18:50 · 1 h 15 minMercato Di Santo SpiritoFlea marketSuits neighborhood life and markets, with a truly local atmosphere.
   Worth checking
   About this place

   Flea market in Florence, on a list of markets by a local food tour company.

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7. about 20 min walk · 1.5 kmDirections to Ristorante del Fagioli
   719:30–21:00 · 1 h 30 minRistorante del FagioliMeal
   Worth checking
   About this place

   An Italian restaurant recommended by an international food guide and travel guides.