The Perfect One Week in Italy Itinerary

Planning to spend one week in Italy? Read on for our unforgettable Italy itinerary of 7 days, perfect for first-timers. Informed by personal experience, this will have you enjoying a fulsome flavor of one of the most beautiful countries in the world in just seven days.

Italy itinerary for 7 days

While I really wished I’d been able to stay longer for my first-time trip, I also felt I made the most of my time in Italy through following this one-week Italy itinerary.

While it was tricky to make decisions about which cities and sights to focus on, on balance I felt I’d made the right choices. So, before going into day-by-day detail, here’s a handy overview of my 7 day Italy itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrive in Rome.
• Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and Vatican City.
• Day 3: Train to Florence.
• Day 4: Day trip to Verona, Pisa or Siena.
• Day 5: Explore Florence.
• Day 6: Train to Venice.
• Day 7: Explore Venice.

Editor’s tip: you might also want to browse our customizable Italy itineraries.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

With any luck, you’ll land in Rome early enough to have time to take a wander after checking into your hotel.

I decided to ignore my impending jet-leg in favor of working through my personal list of the best things to do in Rome, starting by heading to the Spanish Steps to grab an energy-boosting coffee. A great start to my 7 days in Italy.

Next, I headed to the Pantheon before rounding off my evening with a meal back at my Trastevere base.

Editor’s tip: if you’re taken with the idea of spending longer in Rome, check-out our Rome itinerary for three days. 

Where to stay

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

I went for accommodation in Trastevere, as recommended by a Roman friend. Loaded with local restaurants and bars, it’s a great area in which enjoy the best pizza in Rome, for example, and to soak up more more of a local vibe.

For an upscale stay in the Centro Storico, check out places to stay near the Spanish Steps. You’ll have easy access to tons of attractions, shops, hotels and restaurants, and Villa Borghese.

Or, if you’re on a budget, you’ll find less expensive places to stay in Termini and Esquilino.

Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and Vatican City

I rose early on day two, set on exploring Rome’s key ancient attractions as part of my Italy trip itinerary.

My plan was do-able, but pretty ambitious, so I was glad I’d had time to see the Pantheon on my first afternoon. 

Things to do

My day began with an early-morning visit to the Colosseum and Forum, rounded off with doing a deep dive into Vatican City's art treasures.

Discover the Colosseum

Unmissable in any 7 day Italy itinerary. An iconic symbol of ancient Rome — and of Rome today, for that matter — the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built, as I discovered during my guided tour.

I also discovered that I’d been wise to visit early. By the time I left (around 11am), a site that once hosted fierce gladiatorial games packed with cheering spectators was now totally packed with tourists…

But, despite the growing crowds, it lived up to my expectations.

Ramble the Roman Forum

Super-close to the Colosseum, next I headed to the sprawling complex of temples, basilicas and arches that make up the Roman Forum.

Dating back to the 7th century BC, the ruins here today — the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, and House of the Vestal Virgins — were once the center of Roman public life.

I have to say, wandering the Forum was a highlight of my whole 7 days in Italy. There was a calm majesty to the place, and I wished I'd allocated more time to this part of my day.

Vist the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Come the afternoon, I headed to the Vatican Museums to see masterpieces by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, and — of course — Michelangelo's iconic ceiling and Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel.

I strongly recommend pre-booking this, and looking to bag yourself a specific time slot — the line is very long.

Explore St. Peter's Basilica

My last stop for the day was St. Peter’s Basilica, where I saw Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture before climbing the dome for panoramic views over St. Peter’s Square and Rome.

If you don’t fancy climbing all 551 steps to the top, take the elevator, which will leave you with "just" having to climb 320 steps inside the dome.

Editor’s tip: read up on the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome before making your own decisions about what you most want to do. 

And, if you’re traveling as a family, discover the best things to do in Rome with kids. 

Day 3: Train from Rome to Florence

Travel time: 1.5-3.5 hours

Come day 3, I rose early (again!) to take a train to Florence., No Italy trip is complete without visiting Florence. I was determined to have enough time to visit at least some of its best museums. When it comes to getting from Rome to Florence, you have a few options.

Where to stay

Though far from a sprawling metropolis, Florence has accommodation options to suit all tastes. Make sure to check our article about the best area to stay in Florence.

If you’re a first-timer — and short on time — the pretty places to stay in the Duomo area come most recommended, as you'll be right in Florence’s historic heart.  

Accommodation in the Uffizi area is also great for art and culture lovers.

Day 4: Day trip to Verona, Pisa or Siena 

As hard as it might be to resist diving straight into exploring Florence, on day four we suggest taking a day trip to one of a trio of terrific locations. 

While I opted for Verona (I’d long been allured by its romantic reputation), you can also easily visit Pisa and Siena from Venice.

If you feel like it will make your Italy 7 day itinerary a bit too rushed, stay in Florence.

Verona

Travel time from Florence by train: 1.5–2 hours

Famed for being the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is as rich in history as it is in romantic charm. It's an unmissable stop during your 7 days in Italy.

I headed straight for Piazza Bra to see its 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, and then took a stroll through Piazza delle Erbe to find someplace nice for a late breakfast.

Impossibly pretty — it’s lined with frescoed buildings — this lively square has lots of cute cafés and market stalls. 

I also walked along the Adige River and crossed the beautiful Roman Ponte Pietra bridge, and (of course) visited Juliet’s House to see its iconic balcony and statue.

Pisa

Travel time from Florence by train: 1 hour

Given that it’s very easy to get from Florence to Pisa to see its iconic UNESCO-designated leaning tower, many tourists opt to take this day trip.

On arrival in Pisa, beyond seeing the wonky wonder its known for, climb the tower for rather special views.

If you’re into art, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo houses incredible sculptures and art from the cathedral complex, while shoppers should save time to stroll Borgo Stretto.

Siena

Travel time from Florence by train: 1.5 hours

I found it very tricky to decide whether to visit Siena or Verona on my first trip to Italy and, much as I loved Verona, I’m still torn between which I prefer (I visited Siena second time round).

Compact and captivating, Siena’s medieval charms are utterly magical. In fact, its Piazza del Campo is oft hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, while the grand Siena Cathedral (Duomo) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. 

If you have time, make sure to add this city to your 7 day Italy itinerary.

Day 5: Explore Florence

On day five of this Italy itinerary, I headed out to see some of Florence’s top attractions. Though I had just a day here, I picked places that would cover as much of its art and history as possible.

Things to see

Here’s a run-down of the attractions I decided to focus on — unsurprisingly, they have a bias towards the architecture and art Florence is so famous for.

Visit the Duomo

I started out at Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore — AKA the Duomo. One of the best places to visit in Italy for the first time.

After finding myself stopped in my tracks by its marble facade and Gothic grandeur, I headed inside and climbed the 400+ steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for breath-taking views over Florence.

After I’d caught my breath, I headed to the nearby Giotto Bell Tower — another Florence icon.

Explore the Uffizi Gallery

Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Renaissance art — including Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and Michelangelo’s “Doni Tondo" — Florence’s Uffizi Gallery is an absolute must-visit in your Italy itinerary 7 days.

Booking tickets in advance is also strongly recommended — the lines are usually very long.

Editor’s tip: art lovers will also want to visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s “David”, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. 

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio to Piazza della Signoria

After the intensity of seeing so much art, I spent the afternoon strolling across the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, taking time to browse the boutiques and jewelry shops. 

I timed my walk to wind up at Piazza della Signoria at the end of the day. Home to a replica of David — and other statues — it’s basically a beautiful open-air museum.

Editor’s tip: if you fancy spending longer in Florence, read our itinerary for the perfect weekend in Florence.

Day 6: Train to Venice 

On the morning of day six, it’s time to transfer from Florence to Venice for the last leg of your trip.

Travel time: 1.5 - 2 hours by train

Make sure to read all about how to get from Florence to Venice.

Where to stay

If you’re not on a budget and want to be close to stacks of top attractions, check out places to stay around Piazza San Marco. 

St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the grand Doge's Palace will be right on your doorstep, as will lots of high-end places to shop and eat.

Another good option — especially for art lovers — is to browse accommodation in Dorsoduro — you’ll be close to the Accademia Gallery and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Editors tip: read more on where to stay in Venice.

Things to do on your first day

While you might want to adapt the order in which you do the following — it’ll most likely depend on where you decide to stay — here’s how I spent my first afternoon in Venice after arriving at the enchanting San Marco station.

Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal

A great way to throw yourself into Venice’s magic is to hop on a vaporetto (Line 1 or 2) to cruise the Grand Canal along the way to Piazza San Marco.

Roam the Riva degli Schiavoni

Having decided to save doing a deep dive into St. Mark’s Square for my last day in Venice (covered below), I opted to spend the rest of the afternoon strolling Riva degli Schiavoni.

Lined with shops and cafes, this lively waterfront promenade is another great way to soak up more lovely views of the Venetian Lagoon.

Editor’s tip: keep your eyes peeled for scenic spots to rest up in along the way, and don’t miss the chance to try a spritz — the classic Venetian aperitivo.

Day 7: Explore Venice

The last day of this one week Italy itinerary is devoted to uncovering Venice’s most iconic sights.

Things to do on your second day

Hoping to avoid the worst of the crowds, I decided to start with the most obvious attractions, ahead of rounding off my one week in Italy with a pre-dinner gondola ride.

Discover the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica

I’d pre-booked early tickets to visit the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Once the seat of Venetian power, it’s a bedazzlement of ornate stonework and Renaissance art.

St. Mark’s Basilica didn’t disappoint on the dazzling front, either, but I was glad to have got in early.

Get lost in Cannaregio

Next, I headed to the Cannaregio district for more sight-seeing, and to find someplace pretty to eat lunch. 

The route along Fondamenta della Misericordia and Fondamenta degli Ormesini offers pretty canalside views, with plenty of cute little cafes to stop off in.

After eating, I headed for Cannaregio’s Ghetto Vecchio (Jewish Quarter).

Sunset gondola ride and Dorsoduro district stroll

It might be a cliché, but I couldn’t resist the romantic allure of taking a gondola ride just ahead of sunset.

After my trip, I walked the Dorsoduro district — a wonderful way to work up an appetite as the city shifts to enchanting twilight mode.

Editor’s tip: find out more about the best things to do in Venice. 

How to plan a one week Italy itinerary

Now you’re armed with an itinerary that’ll have you enjoying an unforgettable week in Italy, we turn our attention to practical matters that’ll help you hone the finer details of your trip.

Best time for a 7-day Italy itinerary

On balance, the best time to visit Italy is either just before the peak period summer period (July and August), or just after it.

The height of summer in Italy is very hot, and very crowded, and with that comes higher costs for flights and accommodation.

Better, in our view, to visit in spring or early autumn — for what it’s worth, May and October are my preferred months.

How to get around Italy

Here’s an overview of ways you can travel around Italy, with more detail in our guide to getting around Italy.

By train

Italy’s extensive train network is by far the most convenient way to travel between cities. 

High-speed trains (like Frecciarossa and Italo) connect major cities in a few hours, while regional trains cover smaller towns. 

By bus

Long-distance buses (like FlixBus and Itabus) offer affordable travel across Italy and reach smaller towns that aren’t served by the train network.

By car 

While renting a car offers flexibility, and roads are well-maintained, it’s worth being aware that traffic in cities can be challenging, and parking is often limited. 

By plane

Flying within Italy is fast for covering longer distances, with Alitalia and budget airlines like Ryanair connecting cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Palermo. 

While you will save time on longer routes (such as flying from Rome to Sicily), note that airports are outside city centers, which means flying might not end up being faster.

Cost of one week in Italy itinerary

• Accommodation: $100–$150 night to stay in mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
• Food: $15–$30 per meal to eat in decent local restaurants.  
• Activities: across the week you’re looking at a cost of $100–$200 to cover entrance fees and a tour or two.
• Transport: if you’re traveling within a city using local buses and the metro, expect to pay $35–$70 for the week. High-speed train tickets between cities like Rome, Florence and Venice will set you back $30–$50 each way.

Adding that up, you’ll need to allow for $1,500–$2,500.

Do you need a visa?

If you’re staying in Italy for less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa.

Just note that your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date, and you might be asked to show proof of return or onward travel, such as a round-trip ticket.

Is an Italy itinerary for 7 days enough?

In all honesty, while seven days will give you a tantalising taste of Italy, if you can stretch your trip longer, don’t hesitate to seize the chance. 

Italy in 10 days

If you have ten days, you could, for example, linger longer in each of the cities covered above, or use them as your base for exploring other top spots. 

For example, given that you can easily visit Pisa, Siena and Verona from Florence, it might be a good idea to extend your time there. 

Alternatively, as detailed in our best 10 day Italy itinerary, you could include the incredible Cinque Terre in your trip plan. 

Sublimely scenic, the five towns that make up with UNESCO-esteemed area are connected by wonderful hiking trails, and packed with pretty places to eat and drink. 

Italy in 14 days

If you have 14 days in Italy, things really open up.

For example, you could focus in on northern Italy on a Grand Tour that takes you from Venice and the Cinque Terre, to Milan and Florence.

Or how about heading south to explore Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast?

Personally, I can’t recommend using Naples as a base more highly — I got to visit Vesuvius, Pompeii, Sorrento and a couple of beautiful islands (Ischia was my favorite, pipping Capri to the post), while also having the chance to experience some of Naples’ more unusual side.

 So, there we have it — an unforgettable one-week Italy itinerary for first-timers that’s guaranteed to give you a satisfying taste of this captivating country.