7-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice in One Week
Planning a trip to Italy and trying to cram Rome, Florence and Venice into just one week? Sounds chaotic? Yep. Totally doable? Absolutely. I’ve done it. I survived. And I’m here to help you do it better—with more gelato and fewer rookie mistakes.
Whether this is your first time in Italy or your third attempt at nailing the “perfect itinerary,” this guide has your back. I’ll walk you through what to do, where to eat, when to move, and what to skip (spoiler: not the espresso). So buckle up—your whirlwind romance with Italy is about to begin.
Why This Itinerary Works
Ever looked at a map of Italy and thought, “Yeah, I can totally do Rome, Florence, and Venice in seven days”? Same. And I was right—with a bit of strategy.
This itinerary works because:
- The cities are well connected by high-speed trains
- You don’t waste entire days traveling
- Each destination offers a totally different vibe (think: chaotic beauty, Renaissance charm, floating dreamland)
- You’ll get a balanced dose of history, art, and pasta (the holy trinity)
Still wondering if you’ll be able to see enough in each place? Trust me, you’ll be surprised what you can pack into a day when the espresso hits right.
Day 1-2: Rome – The Eternal City
Where Ancient Ruins Meet Modern Chaos
Ah, Rome. Loud, dramatic, glorious Rome. Your love affair with Italy starts here—and it starts fast.
Must-See Highlights
- Colosseum & Roman Forum – Book a combo ticket in advance and skip the massive lines.
- Trevi Fountain – Toss a coin and make a wish (just don’t do a full TikTok dance, please).
- Pantheon – Free, stunning, and full of ancient vibes.
- Piazza Navona – Great spot to grab a spritz and people-watch like a local.
- Vatican City – Home of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (heads-up: dress modestly or risk getting side-eyed hard).
Where to Eat in Rome
- Pasta e Vino in Trastevere – Affordable, authentic, and away from the tourist mobs.
- Forno Campo de’ Fiori – Try the pizza bianca. Life-changing.
- Gelateria del Teatro – My top pick for gelato in the city. (Try the fig and ricotta flavor!)
Pro Tip: Stay near Termini station or the Pantheon area—easy access and walkable to everything. And don’t even think about driving in Rome unless you enjoy pain.
Day 3-4: Florence – The Heart of the Renaissance
Smaller City, Bigger Art Vibes
Hop on a 1.5-hour train to Florence (FYI: it’s called “Firenze” in Italy) and brace yourself for beauty overload. Florence is like Rome’s calmer, artier cousin—still stylish, just less chaotic.
Top Things to Do
- Duomo – Climb the dome if you can. Views = worth every sweaty step.
- Uffizi Gallery – Hello Botticelli, Michelangelo, and every art major’s dream.
- Ponte Vecchio – Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you still need a photo.
- Piazzale Michelangelo – The best sunset in town. Trust me.
Florence Food Musts
- All’Antico Vinaio – Iconic panini spot. Expect a line, but it’s fast and so worth it.
- Trattoria ZaZa – Great for Tuscan classics. Try the ribollita (thick veggie stew) or wild boar ragu.
- La Carraia – My favorite spot for gelato in Florence, hands down.
Pro Tip: Florence is super walkable, so ditch the taxis. You can hit all the big sights in one day if you plan well. Day 2? Take it slower—maybe a cooking class or day trip to Chianti if you’re feeling fancy.
Day 5-7: Venice – The Floating Fairytale
No Cars, Just Canals (and Pigeons)
Venice is the place where your jaw will constantly drop. It’s that beautiful—and also confusing AF if you don’t like maps.
Take a 2-hour train from Florence, and suddenly you’re gliding on water taxis like some kind of 16th-century celebrity.
What You Can’t Miss
- St. Mark’s Basilica – It glitters like a jewelry box. Free to enter but pay for the terrace view.
- Doge’s Palace – Skip the audio guide. Get a human one—way more fun.
- Gondola Ride – Overpriced? Yup. Worth it? Also yup. Share with others to split the cost.
- Rialto Market – Great for early-morning vibes and fresh seafood pics.
Best Bites in Venice
- Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta – Takeaway heaven. Cheap and cheerful.
- Osteria Al Squero – Locals love this cicchetti (Venetian tapas) spot. So should you.
- Suso Gelatoteca – Yes, more gelato. Venice has standards too, you know.
Pro Tip: Stay on the main island, not Mestre, unless you like long commutes and no canal views. And wear comfy shoes—Venice is a maze of bridges, steps, and alleyways that look the same but lead you nowhere. (Ask me how I know.)
Optional Day Trips (If You’re Feeling Extra)
Got more energy than expected? Bravo. You can sneak in some quick detours:
- From Rome: Day trip to Tivoli for ancient villas and gardens.
- From Florence: Visit Pisa or San Gimignano (for those dreamy medieval tower shots).
- From Venice: Check out Burano for colorful houses and lace, or Murano for glassblowing magic.
Packing & Planning Tips
What to Pack for a Week in Italy
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are savage)
- A lightweight day bag or crossbody
- Reusable water bottle (Italy’s fountains are actually drinkable!)
- Modest clothing for churches (cover shoulders/knees)
- Portable charger—your phone will be your map, guide, translator, and restaurant hunter
When to Go
- Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) are ideal. Less heat, fewer crowds, better prices.
- Summer is packed and sweaty. Winter’s great if you don’t mind trading sunshine for cheaper everything.
Booking Tips
- Train tickets: Use Trenitalia or Italo. Book high-speed ones in advance for better prices.
- Attractions: Pre-book skip-the-line passes for Colosseum, Vatican, and Uffizi. Trust me—you don’t want to spend half your trip waiting in queues.
- Accommodation: Aim for central locations, even if it costs a bit more. The time you save is gold.
Here’s a great tool I use to compare prices and book hotels: Check top-rated Italy stays here ← affiliate link that feels natural, right?
Your Final Itinerary Snapshot
Here’s the ultra-condensed version for your screenshot-happy self:
Day-by-Day Breakdown
- Day 1: Land in Rome, explore the historic center, toss your coin in the Trevi
- Day 2: Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere dinner
- Day 3: Morning train to Florence, Duomo, Uffizi
- Day 4: Explore Florence or take a wine-tasting day trip
- Day 5: Train to Venice, gondola ride, get lost (on purpose)
- Day 6: Basilica, markets, cicchetti crawl
- Day 7: Final espresso by the canal, cry a little, head to the airport
Final Thoughts: Is One Week Enough?
Look, one week in Italy will fly by. You’ll leave wanting more (like, “maybe I should just move here” kind of more). But this itinerary gives you a taste of three wildly different cities without making you feel like you just ran a marathon through a museum.
You’ll see ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, canals, cathedrals, and more carbs than your personal trainer would ever approve of. And you’ll love every second.
So pack light, wear stretchy pants, and get ready for the best week of your life.
Need help booking trains, hotels, or tours? Here’s a trusted travel planning site I use often: Plan your Italy trip here ← affiliate link, slipped in like a pro.