5 days in Italy itinerary

Short on time but still keen to discover dozens of Italy's delights? Covering some of the most beautiful places in Italy—namely, Rome, Florence, and Venice—following the fabulous 5 days in Italy itinerary detailed below will have you living your best dolce vita and, in all likelihood, leave you longing to return. So, read on to be informed — and inspired—by arguably the best five days in Italy itinerary for first timers.

5 days in Italy overview

This short itinerary moves quickly through three major cities. You’ll start with two days in Rome, then take the train to Florence for two nights, and finish with a day in Venice. It’s a fast-paced trip, but manageable if you’re focused on seeing the highlights. Train travel keeps things efficient, and staying near the city centers will help you make the most of your time.

• Day 1: Rome
• Day 2: Rome
• Day 3: Florence
• Day 4: Florence
• Day 5: Venice

Is 5 days enough in Italy?

In all honesty, if you can spend longer in bella Italia, seize the chance, to paraphrase the carpe diem saying uttered by Roman poet Horace over 2000 years ago.

That said, as mentioned above—and revealed below—if you’re limited to five days in Italy, with smart planning, it is possible to enjoy some of the country’s top attractions and experiences in just five days. 

Think ancient history, incredible art, fine food, and magical cityscapes in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Here's what you can see during your Italy trip depending on how long you go:

*Indicative price per person for a fully arranged tailor-made trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome, explore iconic attractions

With any luck, you’ll land in Rome early enough to have time to start exploring right after checking into your accommodation.

What to do in Rome

For example, to push back any jet lag, head straight to the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) to down an energy-boosting coffee, admire Bernini’s Barcaccia Fountain Baroque masterpiece, and explore luxury shops on nearby Via dei Condotti.

From here, take a walk to the Trevi Fountain—another beautiful Baroque landmark and icon of the city—and then press on to the nearby Pantheon.

Now a church, this ancient Roman temple is (you guessed it!) another must-see icon of the Eternal City.

Round off your first day in Rome on Piazza Navona. Depending on what time you get here, enjoy a refreshing gelato or pre-dinner drink while watching the world go by.

Taken with the idea of spending a little longer in Rome? Read our Rome itinerary for three days. 

Where to stay in Rome

With just a couple of nights in the Eternal City, you’ll want to choose where to stay in Rome very wisely. 

• Centro Storico: Rome’s historic center, ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to major landmarks like the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. Expect elegant hotels, designer shops, and plenty of dining options.
• Trastevere: A lively, character-filled district across the river with cobbled streets, local trattorias, and buzzing bars. It’s perfect if you want a more authentic neighborhood feel while staying within easy reach of central Rome.

Day 2: Discover Rome’s ancient attractions

Rise early on day two to devote a full day to discovering key ancient attractions, beginning with the Colosseum—the largest amphitheater ever built, no less. Traveling as a family? Find out about the best things to do in Rome with kids. 

What to do in Rome for a second day

To avoid the biggest crowds, it’s best to pre-book a ticket—or guided tour—for the earliest time slot.

Nearby, the Roman Forum—a sprawling complex of temples, basilicas, and arches that date back to the 7th century BC—is another must-visit. Once the center of Roman public life, the ruins here today are a joy to ramble, so try to devote a couple of hours

Come the afternoon, head to the Vatican Museums to see masterpieces by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo's iconic ceiling and Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel. As with the Colosseum, you really should pre-book this very popular experience.

Ahead of dinner, head to St. Peter’s Basilica to make your last sightseeing stop for the day—and your time in Rome.

Aside from seeing Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture, you could climb the basilica’s dome to enjoy panoramic views over St. Peter’s Square and the wider city, or else take the elevator, which will leave you with only having to climb a mere 320 steps inside the dome! Want more Rome inspiration? Read up on the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome.

Day 3: Transfer to Florence, see central sights

On day 3 of this 5 days in Italy itinerary, we suggest rising early to transfer to Florence. In our view, the sooner you arrive, the better. That way you can start exploring Florence’s historic center right after checking into your accommodation.

When it comes to getting from Rome to Florence, you have a few options—train, high-speed train, bus, or car.  The quickest and most convenient option is to take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa) from Rome Termini Station. Depending on the route, you’ll arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella in between 1.5 and 3.5 hours.

What to do in Florence

Start out at Piazza del Duomo—home to the magnificent red-domed Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore).

Next, take a stroll along Piazza della Signoria and visit the Palazzo Vecchio—Florence's handsome town hall.

Finally, end your first day in Florence with dinner at a local trattoria to sample authentic Tuscan cuisine. You will want to make sure you hit as many must-try foods in Florence as possible.

Where to stay in Florence

As revealed in our guide to the best area to stay in Florence, Florence has accommodation options to suit all tastes.

• Duomo: Central and convenient, this area puts you in the middle of Florence’s historic core. You’ll be steps from major landmarks, cafés, and shops—perfect if you’re short on time and want to see it all.
• Uffizi: Best for art and culture lovers, with world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio nearby. It’s a scenic, walkable area with plenty of character and riverside views.

Day 4: Uncover art and food in Florence

Day 4 of this Italy itinerary is devoted to visiting some of Florence’s best museums and galleries.

What to do in Florence for a second day

You'll start out at one of the world’s greatest art museums—the Uffizi Gallery, which is packed with masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

Next, visit the Accademia Gallery to see stacks of remarkable Renaissance art, including Michelangelo’s David sculpture.

Come the afternoon, for a shift in experience type and scenery, take a stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens, perhaps working up an appetite to enjoy fresh local food in Mercato Centrale.

If you have more time, you can extend your stay here to take some great day trips from Florence.

Want your trip to flow smoothly? Our local travel experts create itineraries with every detail in mind.

Day 5: Transfer to Venice and explore

The final day of this 5 days in Italy itinerary will see you transfer from Florence to Venice — the Floating City of masks and magic. Take a high-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia — a journey that’ll take around two hours.

What to do in Venice

On arrival, after checking into your hotel, head straight out to start experiencing some of the best things to do in Venice, beginning at the beautiful Basilica di San Marco on Piazza San Marco.

Next, take a tour of the Doge’s Palace to learn about Venice’s political history and walk across the Bridge of Sighs before strolling to the Rialto Bridge. 

After checking out Rialto Market, take a vaporetto (water bus) ride along the Grand Canal for remarkable views of the city’s palaces and historic buildings.

Come the evening, enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the quieter canals before rounding off your time in Italy in a traditional Venetian trattoria.

Where to stay in Venice

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Venice, with just one night in the city, we suggest:

• Piazza San Marco: The most central area, perfect for a short stay. You’ll be steps from Venice’s top landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, with plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants nearby.
• Dorsoduro: A quieter, more artistic neighborhood close to the Accademia Gallery and Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Ideal if you prefer a less touristy base that’s still within walking distance of major sights.

Turn your plans into reality with itineraries crafted by our Italy travel experts.