Dreaming of pasta, gelato, and iconic landmarks?
This carefully crafted Italy 7 day itinerary hits all the highlights while keeping a manageable pace.
From ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces, we’ve distilled the best of Italy into one unforgettable week.
Quick Itinerary Overview: Rome-Florence-Venice (Classic First-Timer’s Route)
We recommend a maximum of two bases for your week in Italy. This trip covers the classic trio (Rome, Florence, and Venice) while staying only in Rome and Florence.
- Day 1: Arrive in Rome – afternoon exploration
- Day 2: Rome – Ancient Rome
- Day 3: Rome – Vatican and Renaissance highlights
- Day 4: Travel to Florence – afternoon exploration
- Day 5: Florence full day
- Day 6: Day trip to Venice
- Day 7: Last Moments in Florence, departure
Classic First-Timer’s Italy 7 Day Itinerary Detailed Outline
One week in Italy gives you just enough time to experience the country’s most iconic cities while maintaining a relaxed pace.
Here’s how to make the most of your adventure:
Day 1: Arrival in Rome
Quick Overview:
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)
- Transportation: Leonardo Express train or taxi to your accommodation in central Rome
- Evening: Light exploration of the area around your hotel
- Stroll through Piazza Navona
- Visit the Trevi Fountain (less crowded in the evening)
- Enjoy a traditional Roman dinner in Trastevere
More Detailed Info:
Your 1 week in Italy begins in the Eternal City. The Leonardo Express train offers the quickest route from the airport to Roma Termini station in just 32 minutes.
After settling into your accommodation, resist the urge to nap and instead start exploring.
Piazza Navona comes alive in the evening with street performers and artists, while the Trevi Fountain ((just a 15-minute walk from Piazza Navona) is magical when illuminated at night.
In Trastevere, which is a 25-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, seek out smaller, family-run trattorias away from the main squares for more authentic and reasonably priced meals.
Day 2: Ancient Rome
Quick Overview:
- Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
- Transportation: Metro Line B to Colosseo station
- Tip: Book a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in advance
- Lunch: Near the Roman Forum
- Afternoon: Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda
- Transportation: 20-minute walk or bus from the Colosseum area
- Evening: Campo de’ Fiori for dinner
More Detailed Info:
For day two of your 7 days in Italy, get up early and hop on the Metro Line B train to the Colosseo station.
Start early at the Colosseum (opening time 8:30 AM) to beat the crowds. A guided tour ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is highly recommended.
After exploring ancient Rome, head to the perfectly preserved Pantheon with its remarkable dome, about a 25-minute walk from the Colosseum.
The surrounding Piazza della Rotonda offers plenty of cafes for a coffee break. Or head a few streets away from the Pantheon for a delicious lunch.
End your day at Campo de’ Fiori, just a 10-minute walk from the Pantheon, which transforms from a bustling daytime market into a perfect evening dining destination.
Day 3: Vatican and Renaissance Rome
Quick Overview:
- Morning: Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Transportation: Metro Line A to Ottaviano station
- Tip: Book early morning skip-the-line tickets to avoid crowds
- Lunch: Near Vatican City
- Afternoon: Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese Gardens
- Transportation: Metro Line A from Vatican to Spagna station
- Evening: Dinner in the historic center
More Detailed Info:
No Italy in one week itinerary would be complete without visiting the Vatican.
The museums open at 9:00 AM, but arriving by 8:30 AM helps beat the worst crowds. Make sure you pre-book these skip-the-line tickets.
When entering St. Peter’s Basilica, remember that modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered). Don’t miss the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms.
After lunch, the Spanish Steps and the elegant Villa Borghese gardens offer a more relaxed pace.
If time permits, consider booking tickets to the Borghese Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio (advance reservation required).
Day 4: Rome to Florence
Quick Overview:
- Morning: Train from Rome to Florence (1.5 hours on high-speed train)
- Transportation: Depart from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella
- Tip: Book tickets in advance for better prices
- Afternoon: Check into accommodation and begin exploration
- Visit Piazza della Signoria and admire Palazzo Vecchio
- Stroll across Ponte Vecchio
- Evening: Dinner in the historic center of Florence
More Detailed Info:
Midway through your one week itinerary in Italy, transition from Rome to Florence. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa or Italo) run frequently between the cities.
After checking in, orient yourself with Florence’s compact historic center.
The Piazza della Signoria serves as the city’s political hub with its impressive collection of outdoor sculptures.
From there, wander to the Ponte Vecchio, the city’s oldest bridge lined with jewelry shops.
For dinner, the San Lorenzo or Sant’Ambrogio areas offer authentic Tuscan cuisine at reasonable prices.
Day 5: Florence Full Day
Quick Overview:
- Morning: Uffizi Gallery
- Transportation: Walking distance from central Florence
- Tip: Book tickets in advance
- Lunch: Near Piazza della Repubblica
- Afternoon: Visit the Duomo Complex (Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Baptistery)
- Transportation: 10-minute walk from Uffizi
- Evening: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views
- Transportation: Bus #12 or 20-minute uphill walk
More Detailed Info:
Day five of your 7 days in Italy immerses you in Renaissance masterpieces.
The Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo, among others. Plan for at least 2-3 hours here. Grab your skip-the-line ticket here.
After lunch, the Florence Cathedral complex deserves thorough exploration.
The combined ticket includes access to the Duomo, Baptistery, Bell Tower, Crypt, and Museum. If you wish to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome, you’ll need to reserve a specific time slot.
End your day with a breathtaking sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 6: Day Trip to Venice
Quick Overview:
- Morning: Early high-speed train from Florence to Venice (2 hours)
- Transportation: Train from Firenze S.M. Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia
- Day in Venice:
- St. Mark’s Square, Basilica, and Bell Tower
- Doge’s Palace (external view if time is limited)
- Gondola ride or vaporetto (water bus) along Grand Canal
- Transportation in Venice: Vaporetto for longer distances or walking
- Evening: Return train to Florence
- Tip: Book an evening train to maximize time in Venice
More Detailed Info:
No 1 week in Italy itinerary would be complete without experiencing Venice. While a day trip doesn’t do full justice to this unique city, it provides a tantalizing introduction.
It is a big day trip, and I suggest hopping on the earliest high-speed train. And then hopping on the last high-speed train back to Florence.
Upon arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia station, you’ll step out directly to the Grand Canal.
Begin at St. Mark’s Square (45-minute walk or 20-minute vaporetto ride) to visit the Basilica and climb the Bell Tower.
For lunch, skip tourist spots and try the quieter Cannaregio or Dorsoduro districts instead.
Next, admire the Doge’s Palace exterior, then experience Venice by gondola or vaporetto line 1 along the Grand Canal.
Day 7: Final Day and Departure
Quick Overview:
- Morning: Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David
- Transportation: Walking distance from central Florence
- Lunch: Final Italian meal near your accommodation
- Afternoon: Departure from Florence
- Transportation: Train to Florence airport or return to Rome if flying out from there
More Detailed Info:
Complete your Italy one week itinerary with a visit to Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.
The museum opens at 8:15 AM, and early arrival helps avoid the longest lines. Plan to spend about an hour here.
An alternative to going and see the David statue (which I thought was a bit boring) is to head out and see some of Tuscany on a wine tour from Florence.
If you’re flying out of Florence Airport (FLR), the Volainbus shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the central train station. Or head back to Rome on a high-speed train to catch your flight.
Final Thoughts on How to Spend One Week in Italy
This Italy 1 week itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the country’s most iconic cities while maintaining a comfortable pace.
By limiting yourself to two bases (Rome and Florence), you’ll spend less time packing and more time exploring.
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For more Italian destination articles, check out our comprehensive Italy travel guide for everything you need to know before your trip.
