Italy by train: Rome, Florence & Venice

The arena where gladiators fought, plus the ruined heart of ancient Roman government next door — a combined ticket covers both.

Miles of papal art collections ending in Michelangelo's ceiling — book an early or late slot to avoid the worst crowds.

The largest church in the world, with Michelangelo's Pietà inside and a dome worth the climb for the view over Rome.

A near-perfectly preserved Roman temple with a 9-metre oculus open to the sky, free to enter.

Baroque fountain where tossing a coin over your shoulder is said to guarantee a return to Rome; go after 10pm for space to breathe.

A Baroque square built over an ancient stadium, a short walk from the morning produce market at Campo de' Fiori.

Ivy-covered lanes across the river, quiet by day and full of trattorias and wine bars once the sun goes down.

Artisanal gelaterie a few steps apart — look for muted, natural colours as a sign of real fruit and less sugar.

Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in a small, unhurried museum — entry is timed to two-hour slots, so book ahead.

A famous keyhole framing St. Peter's dome perfectly, and a nearby garden terrace looking over the whole city.

Rome's least touristy food market and the neighbourhood that invented much of Roman cuisine — offal dishes included.

Renaissance fountain gardens at Villa d'Este and Emperor Hadrian's sprawling ruined estate, an hour from Rome by bus or train.

Climb 463 steps inside the red-tiled dome for views over the rooftops, then see the cathedral, baptistery and bell tower.

Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo, Caravaggio and Raphael in the greatest collection of Renaissance art.

The 17-foot marble David, along with Michelangelo's unfinished prisoners; reserve timed tickets.

Medieval bridge lined with jewelers; walk across at dusk and watch the light on the river.

Workshops where craftspeople still make leather, paper and furniture, plus the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

Classic hillside view of the whole city with the Duomo and the river, best at golden hour.

Two-floor food hall with stalls for pasta, lampredotto and truffle dishes, below a street market selling leather goods.

Medieval towns, Chianti vineyards and a Tuscan lunch, easily done by tour or rental car.

Make fresh pasta and tiramisu with a local chef after shopping at the market.

Basilica holding the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, with a leather workshop tucked behind.

Bistecca alla fiorentina and Chianti in a friendly neighborhood trattoria, a Florence essential.

Golden Byzantine mosaics inside and the grandest piazza in Europe; go first thing to beat queues.

Gothic palace of Venice's rulers with grand halls, the Bridge of Sighs and the prison.

Ride line 1 slowly from the station to St. Mark's for a floating tour of the palaces.

Traditional gondola through quiet side canals; agree the price before boarding.

Historic bridge, fish and produce market in the morning, and a maze of wine bars nearby.

Glassblowing demonstrations on Murano and rainbow-colored houses and lace on Burano.

Venetian painting from Bellini to Tintoretto in a former convent.

Hop between bacari (wine bars) for small snacks and a spritz, the local way to eat.

Modern art in a canalside palazzo, with Picasso, Pollock and Dali.

The world's original ghetto, with museum, synagogues and quiet campos.

Short ferry to a long sandy beach, good for a quiet half day in summer.