Venice to Rome in 10 Days: A Food & Wine Lovers Trip

We took a red-eye flight from Florida, landing in Venice around 11:30 am. We opted for the scenic water taxi to reach our accommodations. Note that airport water taxi lines can be lengthy. For a quicker experience, consider arranging a private water taxi through your travel agent.

Upon disembarking, our first order of business was to check into our hotel. After regrouping, we indulged in a late lunch at the historic La Caravella, conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the iconic Piazza San Marco. I recommend the homemade ravioli, which our server paired expertly with an impressive selection of wines.

The city of Venice provides the perfect opportunity for leisurely strolls and relaxing gondola rides through the picturesque canals. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of St. Mark’s square while sipping an espresso and taking in the exquisite architecture. As the sun set, we made our way to Bar Dandola in the elegant Hotel Danieli, enjoying aperitifs and relishing the classic Aperol Spritz.

Following a quick refresh, we made our way to Ristorante Sant' Angelo. Here, we were treated to a delightful spread of traditional Venetian cuisine, complemented by a luscious Brunello di Montalcino. The evening concluded with a leisurely stroll along the Grand Canal, punctuated by a stop for cannolis, allowing us to savor the captivating nighttime views of Venice.

After a slow morning, you'll want to grab an espresso and chocolate croissant before taking a water taxi back to the airport. Here, you will pick up your rental car, which you will drive to your next destination. We opted for a charming medieval village and winery located just 20 minutes outside of Florence, Hotel Salvadonica. We wisely timed our two-hour commute to allow for a pit stop in Bologna for a quick bite to eat.

After settling into our hotel, we ventured into the vineyards and uncorked a bottle of the vineyard’s exquisite Chianti Reserva. Amidst the rolling hills and lush landscape, we savored the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside, taking in the flavors of the region’s renowned wines. After exploring the grounds, we were ready for an exciting evening in Florence.

Parking in Florence can be tricky, but most hotels are happy to help you arrange a taxi. Your travel advisor can also connect you with a private driver for a worry-free evening. Our night unfolded with the exploration of back streets and local eateries, where we paired our bites with the finest regional wines. To wrap up the evening, we enjoyed the camaraderie of Daunbailo’ Irish Pub as we watched our team back home, Florida State, play and WIN an American football game.

Day three unfolds with an entire day dedicated to savoring Tuscan wines. Some flexibility in the day allows the opportunity to indulge in the region's finest offerings. At the heart of Tuscany lies the legendary Antinori Winery, a name woven into the very fabric of Tuscan viticulture. A visit to Antinori Winery is the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the authentic flavors of the region. Whether you aspire to enhance your culinary skills through a cooking class, indulge in a delectable Italian lunch and wine pairing or delve into the winery's robust cellars, your dedicated travel advisor stands by to help you curate the perfect experience.

We enjoyed a captivating wine and olive oil tasting session at our hotel. The setting was nothing short of enchanting, with the hotel's wine cellar revealing secrets from the medieval period. The tasting culminated with a late dinner, set against the backdrop of the serene Tuscan countryside. Our evening concluded on a sweet note, savoring complimentary biscotti paired harmoniously with dessert wine.

On day four, you’ll bid farewell to Tuscany and set off to explore the picturesque landscapes of Umbria. Our accommodation in Umbria was at a wine resort, nestled outside of the charming city of Orvieto. After check-in, we indulged in a leisurely afternoon picnic amid the resort’s vineyards.

When in Umbria, you can’t miss a visit to Orvieto and explore the historic streets. Renowned for its mysterious caves and tunnels hidden beneath the surface, Orvieto provides an enchanting change of pace. The town, which is perched on a cliff, exudes the air of an ancient fortress. We walked the streets and found a spot for an aperitivo, allowing time for people-watching and striking up a conversation with newfound friends.

Our hearts were captured by the flavors of Umbrian cuisine. For dinner, we stumbled upon the family-owned Il Giardino de Giovanni. One dish that stole the spotlight was the Norcia pecorino cheese baked with honey and walnuts. Paired with a silky Umbrian Pinot Noir suggested by the owner, this was a combination to remember.

Day five calls for a full day of wine exploration in Umbria. Opt for a slow morning at your hotel, enjoying breakfast, fresh espresso and a morning walk around the grounds. Decugnano Dei Barbi stands as a testament to Umbria’s rich winemaking heritage and is one of the esteemed wineries you may choose to explore this day. We embraced the organic wines at our resort and opted for a wine tour and lavish four-course wine and lunch pairing. We gained valuable insights into the region's growing processes and distinct flavors from the passionate winemakers and chefs themselves. Your dedicated travel advisor is ready to help you choose the perfect Umbrian wine experience for you.

Eager to revisit the enchanting streets of Orvieto for dinner, we secured a reservation at the coveted La Palomba. This renowned Michelin Star restaurant, steeped in history and tradition, has been under the stewardship of the same family for three generations. The menu showcased Umbrian specialties and exquisite homemade pastas. Their dedication to authenticity and tradition shines through in every dish we tried. Our knowledgeable waitress helped us select a Brunello that would stand up to the flavors of our selected dishes. La Palomba is a must-stop for anyone in Orvieto. Be sure to secure reservations in advance; this restaurant fills up fast!

On day six, it’s time to make the leisurely drive back to Rome. Days six through nine offer the freedom to tailor your Roman experience to your preferences, with the city boasting a plethora of accommodations and neighborhoods to suit every taste. Among them, Hotel Hoxton stands out as a personal favorite, offering not only luxurious amenities but also delectable bites, a cozy coffee bar and a charming outdoor terrace.

Our itinerary included must-visit landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican. Utilizing Viator for our tour experiences enhanced our explorations, with their friendly and knowledgeable guides adding depth and insight to our visits. Your Fora travel advisor can help you decide which tours will fit your needs best.

Exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Testaccio and Trastevere provided the perfect respite from sightseeing, offering leisurely strolls and delightful aperitifs. Our culinary adventures led us to Da Bucatino, where we savored authentic Roman specialties and an impeccable wine selection amidst the inviting ambience of the veranda.

A highlight of our stay in Rome was a guided food tour led by a local expert who grew up in the Jewish Ghetto. Sampling Italian wines, pizza and local delicacies, we delved into the heart of Roman cuisine, its unique flavors and the stories that make them special. This immersive experience is an example of one that can be arranged by your trusted travel advisor and elevate your trip to new heights.

Just beyond the Jewish Ghetto, you will find Roscioli, a haven for Italian wine enthusiasts. Their extensive wine selection perfectly completes each dish, including the must-try cacio e pepe. Reservations are essential for this culinary gem, where we even became members of their esteemed wine club.

For breathtaking views of Rome, Oro Bistrot proved to be an unforgettable experience. Opting for the tasting menu, we indulged in a variety of new flavors, paired with a bottle of red selected by the sommelier. We saved the sunset view and slow dinner for our last night, and I’m so glad we did. I am still dreaming of the watermelon and salted chocolate hazelnut shaved ice.

Day 10 means it’s time to head home. We grabbed breakfast and espressos at a spot right outside of our hotel for one final morning in Rome. I suggest arranging private transport to the airport for a seamless experience as you wrap up your trip.