So, you’re finally planning your first trip to Italy? About time.
Let me guess—you’ve seen photos of the Amalfi Coast that made your eyes tear up (not allergies, right?), or you’ve been fantasizing about sipping wine in Tuscany like you’re in a Netflix rom-com. Whatever the reason, welcome to the club. Italy is the kind of place that grabs you by the taste buds, dances you through centuries-old ruins, and leaves you wondering why you didn’t book a few extra days.
But here’s the thing: Italy is PACKED with amazing stuff. You’ve got art, architecture, beaches, mountains, pizza… I mean, how does anyone even pick where to go? That’s where I come in—with a stress-free, 7-day Italy itinerary that’ll give you a little bit of everything, especially if it’s your first time. It’s part culture, part carbs, all unforgettable.
Let’s break down this dream week in Italy, shall we?
Day 1: Rome – Welcome to Chaos and Gelato
Ah, Rome. The Eternal City. And, FYI, it’s also the city where traffic rules are more of a suggestion than a law.
You’ll likely fly into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, so it makes sense to kick off your journey here. Trust me, there’s no better way to say “ciao, Italy!” than standing in front of the Colosseum at sunset with a gelato in hand.
What to do on Day 1:
- Check into your hotel (Trastevere or Centro Storico are great beginner-friendly neighborhoods).
- Walk to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain—you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists, but it’s kind of part of the charm.
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain so you’ll “guarantee” your return. (Spoiler: You’ll want to come back anyway.)
- Grab dinner in Trastevere. Find a tiny trattoria. If your waiter doesn’t speak English and there’s no menu, you’ve probably found a winner.
Pro Tip: Jetlag is real. Keep it light today and resist the urge to nap—unless you want to be wide awake at 3 a.m., scrolling Instagram under hotel sheets.
Day 2: Rome – Ancient Ruins & Vatican Vibes
Rome in the daylight hits different. You’ll spend your second day diving into some heavy-hitters, and yes, comfy shoes are a must. You’re about to rack up those steps like your life depends on it.
Your Must-See Spots:
- Colosseum – Walk inside this beast and imagine the gladiator fights (or Russell Crowe’s dramatic stares).
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill – Right next door and packed with ruins older than your entire country.
- Lunch nearby—carbonara, anyone?
- Vatican Museums – The Sistine Chapel will make your neck hurt from looking up too long, but it’s worth it.
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Go all the way up the dome if you’re not afraid of stairs… or heights.
Heads up: Book those tickets online and in advance, unless you enjoy spending your afternoon in a line that feels like it leads to another dimension.
Day 3: Florence – Renaissance, Vino & Views
Time to hop on a high-speed train to Florence—only 1.5 hours from Rome, but it feels like you’ve entered a different world. Less chaos, more elegance. And maybe the best gelato in Italy. Yeah, I said it.
Top Things To Do in Florence:
- Climb the Duomo – Your thighs will hate you, but your camera roll will thank you.
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery – Even if you’re not an art nerd, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is iconic.
- Ponte Vecchio – Aka the prettiest jewelry shop bridge in the world.
- Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo – Bring wine. Bring snacks. Bring tears of joy.
Florence = fancy. But in a laid-back, sipping-Chianti-on-a-balcony kind of way.
Day 4: Tuscany Day Trip – Wine Not?
You didn’t think we’d just sit in Florence all day, did you? It’s time to escape to the Tuscan countryside, aka the part of Italy that looks like it was designed by Pinterest.
Options for Your Day Trip:
- Chianti wine tour – Because yes, wine at 10 a.m. is totally a thing here.
- Visit Siena and San Gimignano – Two medieval towns with more charm than a Hallmark movie.
- Rent a car or book a guided tour if you don’t want to deal with Italian road signs (and trust me, you probably don’t).
By the end of this day, you’ll be tipsy, sun-kissed, and convinced you need to move to Tuscany immediately. Don’t worry, we all go through it.
Day 5: Venice – Gondolas & Getting Lost
Wake up, grab a quick espresso, and hop on a train to Venice. It’s about 2 hours from Florence, and yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also one-of-a-kind. Nowhere else in the world feels quite like it.
Your Perfect Venice Afternoon:
- Check in to a hotel near the Grand Canal.
- Ride a Vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal—cheap, scenic, and great for lazy sightseeing.
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
- Wander aimlessly – getting lost is literally the best thing to do here.
- Dinner by a canal – Pasta + prosecco + boats floating by = 😍
Hot Tip: Gondola rides are iconic but pricey. IMO, do it if you’re feeling fancy or with someone special. If not? Save your €80 and buy yourself something shiny.
Day 6: More Venice – Murano, Burano & Vibes
Venice is more than just canals and masks. Day 6 is perfect for a day trip to the islands—and these little gems are straight-up magical.
Where to Go:
- Murano – Famous for glass-blowing. Watch someone make a horse out of molten glass. It’s cooler than it sounds.
- Burano – The place with rainbow houses. Bring your camera. And your inner Instagrammer.
- Back to Venice – Walk the quieter streets at night. The crowds disappear and it’s pure magic.
Venice feels like a dream. A little overpriced dream? Sure. But a dream nonetheless.
Day 7: Back to Rome – Pizza, Shopping, and Goodbyes
Alright, deep breath—it’s your last full day. Time to circle back to Rome, either by train or flight depending on your plans. If your flight’s the next day, use this time to unwind and grab those last-minute souvenirs.
Chill Day Ideas:
- Visit Campo de’ Fiori or Piazza Navona – Sit with a coffee and people-watch like a pro.
- Do a food tour – Pizza, pasta, gelato, repeat.
- Hit up a local market for souvenirs that aren’t “Made in China.”
- One last dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Because you’re classy like that.
Warning: You will start plotting your next Italy trip while eating your final slice of Margherita. That’s normal. Welcome to the club.
Bonus Tips to Not Mess It All Up
Let’s be real, Italy is incredible, but first-timers make a few classic blunders. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Don’t overpack – Cobblestone streets + rolling suitcases = chaos.
- Carry cash – Especially in small towns. Cards aren’t always a thing.
- Avoid restaurants with picture menus – Unless you want reheated pasta from 2003.
- Keep your valuables close – Pickpockets are sneaky, especially in crowded areas.
- Book big attractions early – Vatican, Colosseum, Uffizi, etc. Sell out fast.
Conclusion: One Week, Countless Memories
So, there you have it—the perfect 7-day Italy itinerary for first-time visitors who want a little bit of everything: ancient ruins, Renaissance art, pasta dreams, coastal magic, and enough espresso to fuel a small army.
Will you be exhausted at the end? Probably.
Will your camera roll explode? Definitely.
Will you crave more? Without question.
Italy has this annoying little habit of stealing hearts and refusing to give them back. But hey, worse problems to have, right?
Your mission now? Pack light, charge your phone, and prepare for the best week of your life. Buon viaggio, amico. You’re about to fall in love with Italy—and there’s no cure for it.
