Rome & Venice Travel Guide

There’s nothing quite like the rush of stepping onto new soil, knowing you have just a few days to soak in its magic. This March, I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing both Rome and Venice in a whirlwind 72-hour adventure. Work obligations dotted my itinerary, but if anything, they only enhanced the experience - offering glimpses of local life most tourists never see.

If you, like me, only have a short window to explore these two magnificent cities, here’s how to make the most of every moment.

A Roman Welcome

Touching down at FCO just before 9 a.m., I was immediately greeted by the city’s effortless grandeur. A private transfer whisked me to the Baglioni Hotel Regina, where a perfectly brewed Italian coffee set the tone for the days ahead. Bags stored, I wasted no time - Rome was calling, and my guide, Joseph, was waiting.

My first stop? The Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the Italian President, a regal introduction to the city’s layered history. From there, we wandered toward the Trevi Fountain, its waters sparkling under the soft March sun. Traveling in the off-season was a blessing - it was still busy, but nothing like the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos of summer. I even managed to snap some photos without the peril of a rogue selfie stick invading the frame.

A true jaw-dropper was the Sant’Ignazio Basilica, a breathtaking Baroque church adorned with 3D frescos so masterful, they practically reach out to you. A few steps away, I found myself marvelling at the ancient Pantheon before settling into the lively energy of Piazza Navona. Framed by Sant’Agnese in Agone and its commanding fountains, once a chariot-racing arena, now a vibrant hub of cafes and street artists.

As dusk settled, I couldn’t resist one last round of sightseeing - because why limit adventure to business hours? But first, dinner: a feast at the Baglioni Regina featured a creamy cacio e pepe, followed by a Giudi-style artichoke with a tender beef fillet. The finale? The hotel’s signature tiramisu, with its dark chocolate and espresso heart centre.

The perfect blend of simplicity and flavour—authentic Italian pasta at its best from Baglioni Hotel Luna

The evening ended with the Colosseum and Spanish Steps, both beautifully illuminated and blissfully quiet (it was midnight, after all). While stunning to see both in the evening and without any tourists, next time, I’ll make sure to venture inside the Colosseum to explore its epic history up close and personal.

The Vatican & Hidden Rome

No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican. Even in the early hours, it was brimming with visitors, a testament to why pre-booking is a must. I wound my way through the Vatican Museum, past marble and bronze sculptures and centuries-old tapestries, before arriving at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s masterpiece will leave you in awe (note - photos are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel as flash can damage the art work).

For those with extra time, Rome has no shortage of hidden gems. The Aventine Keyhole offers a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica through a garden-lined path. The Baths of Caracalla, grander than one might expect from Roman public baths, feel like a secret frozen in time. And if you don’t mind a touch of the macabre, the Capuchin Crypt, ornately decorated with the bones of monks, provides a chilling but unforgettable experience.

The grandeur ceilings of the Vatican

From Rome to Venice:

When it comes to getting between these two cities, there are a couple options. A quick one-hour flight is the fastest, but for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the high-speed train is the way to go. First-class seats, countryside views, and a glass of wine in hand? No complaints here. Four hours later, I was gliding through Venice’s canals on a water taxi, the grand facades of centuries-old palazzos reflecting in the water.

Venice: Where Time Stands Still

I awoke to a misty morning, only adding to Venice’s allure. My walking tour began in St. Mark’s Square, where the Basilica’s golden mosaics shimmered even in the subdued light. A climb up the Bell Tower (don’t worry, there’s a lift as well) offers sweeping views of this iconic piazza. I then made my way to Doge’s Palace, its opulent halls giving way to the eerie Bridge of Sighs and the ancient prison beyond. The graffiti left by prisoners still lingers on the walls, whispering stories of its not so distant past. Among the infamous inmates? Venetian explorer Giacomo Casanova, who infamously escaped the prison by hiding in a heaping plate of pasta (yes, really), exiting through the ceiling, and heading to Paris via Gondola. I suppose there’s far less delicious ways to escape incarceration (cues Shawshank Redemption).

A seafood-focused lunch was had at LPV Ristorante & Bistrot, with its postcard-perfect Grand Canal views, and it was an absolute delight - sea bass tartare, Mediterranean seared tuna, and of course, another round of tiramisu (adding notches to the belt as we speak).

Later, I carved out some time to unwind at the Baglioni Hotel Luna’s spa before heading out for a final Venetian feast at Osteria Oliva Nera, a cozy family-run gem, serving up local delicacies like creamy Baccalà Mantecato and Saor con polenta. But the undeniable star of the meal? A layered yet delicate lasagne, crafted from Nona's time-honoured recipe.

A Farewell to Remember

For my last night, I attended Musica a Palazzo, an intimate opera performance staged in a historic, Renaissance palace. Moving from room to room for each act felt like we were flies on the wall of a centuries-old drama, watching love and betrayal unfold in candlelit opulence to the poignant melodies of piano, harp, and mandolin.

My final morning brought clear skies and the perfect farewell: a gondola ride through Venice’s winding canals. At €90 for a half-hour, it’s an indulgence - but one absolutely worth it. My gondolier was brimming with knowledge and anecdotes, making each turn an exploration of Venice’s soul. One last crisp white wine in the sunshine, and just like that, it was time to go home.

For those with more time, I recommend visiting Libreria Acqua Alta, where books are stacked in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from the frequent floods. Or take a vaporetto ride to the fishing village of Burano, the rainbow-hued island famous for its lace-making. And of course, no visit to Venice is complete without admiring its legendary glass art. Many of the dazzling glass sculptures and delicate chandeliers displayed in shop windows come from Murano, an island with a fiery past (quite literally). In the 13th century, Venice exiled its glassmakers there to prevent their furnaces from setting the main city ablaze (Venetians had a terrible fear of fires). Today, Murano remains the epicentre of Venetian glassmaking, where artisans continue to transform molten sand into shimmering works of art. If I could afford to decorate my entire house with Murano glass art, I would.

The Magic of Italy

From Rome’s timeless splendour to Venice’s romantic charm, this trip was an unforgettable blend of history, indulgence, and adventure. As I watched the sun glisten over the canals one last time, I knew this wasn’t goodbye - just arrivederci. Because one thing is certain: Italy always calls you back.

-Teaghan