The country of pizza and pasta, beautiful medieval towns, incredible scenery, and world-famous cities – welcome to Italy! It’s one of the most traveled countries in Europe, and for very good reason. We indulged in art, history, food, wine, and nature against the backdrop of Rome’s ancient ruins, Venice’s charming canals, or Tuscany’s rolling hills. Follow the ultimate Italy itinerary for 7 days with this complete guide.
Day 1 + 2: Arrival in Rome
Start your Italy itinerary (7 days) in the capital city of Rome. This city is steeped in history and boasts some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The Roman Forum, the Vatican City, and the famous Colosseum, where once extensive gladiator battles took place, are just a few of the highlights that draw in millions of visitors each year.
Between the ancient ruins and the colorful, bustling streets, we love to indulge in delicious pizza and pasta, or a flavorful gelato.
Tip: Start your days off early with a delicious espresso and a brioche on a terrace in town. It’s the perfect way to people watch!
After our Italian breakfast, we were more than ready to tackle this charismatic city. Because everything is located within walking distance from one another, Rome is great to discover on foot. Explore on your own or join an amazing Rome walking tour to see the key highlights.
The Colosseum
The biggest draw in Rome is the well-preserved, largest amphitheater ever built, the Colosseum. This oval-shaped masterpiece survived earthquakes, fires, and wars, earning it the well-deserved title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Doors open at 8.30 AM, but we recommend to be early to avoid the bigger crowds. Make sure to buy a ticket in advance and skip the line.
Day 3: Florence
From Rome, it’s only a short journey to get to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence, the next stop on our 7-day Italy itinerary. Located in the lush Tuscany region, it’s a relatively small city but epitomizes Italian culture with its incredible architecture and amazing food. You cannot miss it!
You can do quite a lot in just one day, as most of the highlights of Florence lie around its UNESCO center.
- Roam the city’s charming streets with fascinating artworks on every new corner.
- Stop at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the world’s biggest cathedrals, with a stunning, colorful marble exterior (book your tickets here).
- Admire the cathedral from a rooftop bar and then head to the city’s oldest bridge, Ponte Vecchio.
Just like the first few days, food must also make an appearance on your trip here. Dive into the rich Tuscan cuisine, trying pasta dishes and local specialties in the city. Make sure to book dinner at Trattoria San Pierino as well!
Florence is also a beautiful place to go shopping as it’s full of little boutiques and artisan shops. You’ll find beautiful handcrafted goods such as ceramics and many clothing and jewelry stores tucked in the cobblestone streets.
Getting from Rome to Florence: It takes only 80 minutes by high-speed train from the main train station (Termini). By bus it is 3,5 hours (get your tickets here). For the most flexibility, we like renting a car in Italy to get around!
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to stay: Florence has plenty of accommodation options. We recommend booking a hotel in the Santa Croce neighborhood. Not only is it close to the center, but it also has a lively atmosphere with lots of little cafes and bars!
Day 4 + 5: Cinque Terre (Must-See on Your Italy 7-Day Itinerary)
The next morning, we’re off to one of the most stunning parts of Italy. Welcome to Cinque Terre, a beautiful national park that stretches along the northwestern coastline of Italy.
Here, five picturesque fishing villages cling to the rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The iconic and colorful houses, narrow alleys, and beautiful sea views of Cinque Terre make it a must-visit on any trip to Italy.
The area is perfect for hiking, swimming, and relaxing along the rocky cliffsides. We loved the stunning views of the turquoise sea and terraced vineyards surrounding the villages; it’s a beautiful place to unwind after sightseeing in the cities.
Enjoy a boat tour on the crystal-clear waters or relax near the beach with a delicious cup of local wine while you soak up this side of Italy for a day or two.
From North to South, you’ll find Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. You can visit all the villages on a single-day trip from Florence, but if you’re into hiking like us, two or more days in this area are worth it.
Getting from Florence to Cinque Terre: 2.5 hours by train and the same by car. However, we wouldn’t recommend visiting Cinque Terre by car, as it’s difficult to access the villages and parking fees are very expensive.
You can easily explore the region by train, hopping from one village to another. The train runs every couple of minutes, and you can either get a single ticket for 4 EUR, a day pass (16 EUR), or a two-day pass (29 EUR). This also includes entrance to the hiking routes!
Alternatively, you can use the Cinque Terre Ferry (a day pass is 25 EUR) or join a guided tour.
Where to stay: Most accommodations inside Cinque Terre National Park are booked far in advance. You’ll find most in Riomaggiore and Monterosso (a premium price!), or choose to stay in La Spezia, where hotels start at 35 EUR a night.
Day 6 + 7: Venice
On the northeastern shore, you’ll find the last stop of your 7-day Italy itinerary, Venice. Known as the ‘City of Water’, this Italian gem stands out from the rest and is one of the most unique in the world. Built on a group of islands, it stands in the middle of a lagoon full of beautiful canals, magical palaces, and charming piazzas.
Read more: the complete travel guide for Venice, Italy
Discover Venice’s hidden alleys, romantic bridges, and vibrant markets as you gently move through the water on a gondola boat tour. These gondola rides are a romantic way to see the city and cost about 80 EUR per 40-minute ride.
Everything goes by boat here, though we easily spent our days strolling along the canals, sipping Italian coffee. The best time to head out is in the mornings or late afternoons, as the city center gets very busy midday, especially in the peak season.
Getting to Venice: Take the train from La Spezia; the journey takes 5 hours with one transfer. Alternatively, you can get there by car in 4,5 hours or by bus (book your tickets here). However, note that cars cannot enter the city.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Alternative Route on Your Italy Itinerary (7 Days)
If you’re looking for a bit more laid-back Italy itinerary for 7 days, consider skipping Rome and spending more time around Florence instead. Since this Renaissance beauty lies in the lush region of Tuscany, we think it’s the perfect place to take a few day trips.
With its rolling hills and many vineyards, Tuscany is one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. Rent a car, and spend your days hopping around medieval villages, sunbathing at shimmering lakes, and soaking in natural hot springs.
How to Visit Italy for 7 Days
Getting to Italy
We started out in Rome. There are two airports you can fly into, Ciampino (CIA) and Fiumicino (FC). Flights arrive here from all over the world.
After you arrive, we took the express train from Fiumicino to Rome’s main train station (14 EUR). Ciampino also has shuttle buses that will drop you at the subway in the middle of Rome. (book your tickets online here)
Getting Around
Transport plays a big role in your experience traveling through stunning Italy.
Italy by car: For full flexibility and to go off the beaten path, choose to rent a car in Italy. You’ll need a car to explore Tuscany and the outer regions. However, avoid parking in larger cities, as parking costs can be as high as a train ticket.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By train: The train is so convenient in Italy, and one of the best you will see in Europe. They are also extremely fast (up to 350 km/h!) and affordable. If you’re traveling by train during the peak season, make sure to book your tickets a few days in advance.
Our Favorite Accommodations
There are many accommodation options in Italy. From boutique hotels, beautiful beach resorts, or lively hostels, you’ll find it all. Below are our favorites per destination.
- Rome: Colosseum Palace Star, Casa Modelli, and Sentho Roma
- Florence: Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites, Santa Croce 14, and Casa Botticelli
- Cinque Terre: Agriturismo Belvedere 9, Manuel’s Guest House, and LA RIPA
- Venice: Novecento Boutique Hotel, Giò and Giò Venice B&B, and Casa Flora
How Much Do 7 Days in Italy Cost?
The cost of traveling in Italy for 7 days depends on where you eat and sleep, and how you get around. Italy is a popular tourist destination, so prices increase during the summer. If you’re on a tighter budget, stay in hostels, eat at local trattorias or pack a lunch, and skip the pricier attractions.
Best Time to Visit Italy
Since it’s one of the most visited countries in the world, the best time to complete your 7-day Italy itinerary is outside the high season.
- Best season(s): In spring, from April to June, and in fall, from September to October. During this time, prices are lower, and you’ll see fewer tourist crowds. However, the temperatures are still perfect for sightseeing!
- Tip: The bigger cities are great to visit year-round. However, we think the rolling hills of Tuscany and the shoreline of Cinque Terre are better during warmer weather.
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Italy via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.