Rome, Florence and Venice in eight days: what should you cut?
Cut one city. Rome and Florence make the best first route for most travellers. Florence and Venice work well for a northern trip, while Rome and Venice suit people who want the greatest difference between the two stops. Trying to visit all three in eight days leaves only about two full days in each city.
Full answer
Rome, Florence and Venice can be connected easily by train.
That does not mean they fit comfortably into eight days.
After arrival and departure, an eight-day trip usually leaves about six full days to explore. Add two hotel changes and the train journeys, and each city receives roughly two days. That is enough for the famous sights, but not enough to settle into any of the cities.
Cut one.
Rome and Florence
This is the best first route for most visitors.
Rome needs four nights. The Colosseum, Forum and Vatican can fill separate days, and the city is better when there is also time for a long lunch, a walk through Trastevere or an evening around the fountains and piazzas.
Florence needs three nights. The historic centre is compact, but museums require bookings and the city is more pleasant when every hour is not spent inside one. Walk across the Arno in the evening, climb for a view if you want to, and leave time for a simple meal rather than another rushed attraction.
A possible split is four nights in Rome and three in Florence, with the final night determined by the flight.
Florence and Venice
Choose this for a shorter northern journey.
Florence provides Renaissance art, churches and a city that can largely be explored on foot. Venice changes the entire feel of the trip: no roads, boats moving through the canals and quiet streets once you leave the routes between the station, Rialto and St Mark’s.
Spend three or four nights in Florence and at least two nights in Venice. Use the remaining time for Bologna, Verona or a slower final day rather than adding Rome.
Rome and Venice
Choose this when the two cities themselves matter more than an easy route.
Rome is large, noisy and layered with ancient sites. Venice is compact, water-bound and most beautiful early or late in the day. The train journey is longer than Rome–Florence, but the two stops could not feel more different.
Spend four nights in Rome and three in Venice. Do not add Florence as a day trip between them.
Why all three feels rushed
A typical plan gives Rome three nights, Florence two and Venice two. Arrival afternoon is partly lost, the middle cities involve checkout and luggage, and Venice may receive only one full day.
The result is often a trip organised around timed entries and trains. Rome becomes the Colosseum and Vatican. Florence becomes the Uffizi and Duomo. Venice becomes St Mark’s and a crowded walk to Rialto.
All three cities deserve more than that.
When all three can work
If eight days means eight full days on the ground, with flights outside the period, a fast route can work:
- three full days in Rome;
- two full days in Florence;
- two full days in Venice;
- one travel or flexible day.
Choose it only if you enjoy moving quickly and may not return soon. Book major sights in advance and stay near stations or convenient transport.
For most travellers, two cities will be the better trip.