Italy 7-Day Itinerary: Best of Italy in One Week

7 Days in Italy

Though one week in Italy may seem short, with careful planning, there’s actually a lot you can discover. Use this Italy 7-day itinerary to move around the country, exploring the ancient remains of Rome, the canals of Venice, and the colorful Italian Riviera coast.

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 most iconic landmarks in the world. 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. 

However, in between the ancient remains and colorful, busy streets, you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine. Dine on delicious pizza and pasta, or refresh your palette with a flavorful gelato.

After you’ve had your Italian breakfast, you’re 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.

You can expect to walk around 4 km per day, passing small alleys and beautiful fountains (don’t miss the famous Trevi fountain) and soaking up the historic atmosphere. Explore by yourself or join one of the amazing Rome guided tours to see the key highlights.

The Colosseum 

The biggest draw to Rome is the well-preserved and 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.

You’ll find the Colosseum in the center of Rome, which is easily accessible by the subway. Explore all the different levels, learn about its fascinating past, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding city. 

Where to Stay in Rome

Rome offers accommodation for every type of traveler, from budget-friendly hostels to beautiful BnBs and hotels downtown. The best areas to stay in are around the Vatican City or near the Termini Station.

Hotels in Rome 😴

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Colosseum Palace Star

Rome

Casa Modelli

Rome

Sentho Roma

Rome

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Rome

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Day 3: Florence

From Rome, it’s only a short journey to get to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence, the next stop on your 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. Like Rome, it’s one of those cities that you cannot miss when traveling through the country.

You can do quite a lot in just one day, as most of the highlights of Florence lie around its UNESCO center. Take your time to roam the city’s charming streets, marveling at the fascinating artworks on every new corner.

Make sure to stop at the masterpiece Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the world’s biggest cathedrals, with a stunning colorful marble exterior (book your tickets here). Afterward, admire it 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 various pasta dishes and local specialties in the city. Make sure to also book dinner at Trattoria San Pierino! 

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. 

How to Get from Rome to Florence

Getting from Rome to Florence only takes 80 minutes with the high-speed railway line from the main train station (Termini).

By bus, it takes about 3,5 hours to get to Florence, driving through the lush countryside. You can get your tickets online. 

If you’re looking for a bit more flexibility in your plan, then renting a car in Italy is also a great way to get around the country. This is because Florence is accessible by car and less difficult to navigate than busier cities.

Where to Stay in Florence

Florence has plenty of accommodation options, depending on your budget and style. 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.

Hotels in Florence 😴

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Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites

Florence

Santa Croce 14

Florence

Casa Botticelli

Florence

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Florence

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Day 4 + 5: Cinque Terre (Must-See on Your Italy 7-Day Itinerary)

The next morning, you’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 Meditteranean 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. With 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. These five villages, perched along the dramatic coastline, draw in over 2.4 million visitors a year! You can visit all the villages within a single-day trip from Florence, but if you’re into hiking, spending two or more days in this area is worth it.

How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre

To get to Cinque Terre from Florence takes 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 get into the villages, and parking fees are really 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 (4.40 USD), a day pass (16 EUR/17.60 USD), or a two-day pass (29 EUR/32 USD). This also includes entrance to the hiking routes.

Alternatively, you can use the Cinque Terre Ferry (a day pass is 25 EUR/27.50 USD) or join a guided tour. 

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Most accommodations inside Cinque Terre National Park are booked far in advance. Hotels are mostly available in Riomaggiore and Monterosso but expect to pay a premium per night.

On the other hand, a more affordable option is to stay in La Spezia, where hotels start at 35 EUR (38,50 USD) a night. 

Hotels in Cinque Terre 😴

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Agriturismo Belvedere 9

Cinque Terre

Manuel’s Guest House

Cinque Terre

LA RIPA

Cinque Terre

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Cinque Terre

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You can also stay in the most picturesque village, Vernazza. However, remember that this is also the most visited village so accommodation is limited. (See all hotels)

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.

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 unique and romantic way to see the city and cost about 80 EUR (88 USD) per 40-minute ride. 

Everything goes by boat here, though you can easily spend your days strolling along the canals or crossing bridges 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.

How to Get from Cinque Terre to Venice

To get to Venice, take the train from La Spezia, which is a 5-hour journey with one transfer in between.

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.

Where to Stay in Venice

Venice is one of the most visited cities in Italy, meaning that there’s also quite a price tag. However, if you keep this in mind, you can splurge a little on a nice hotel in the middle of the city. If you’re on a tight budget, your best option is to stay outside of Venice on the mainland. 

Hotels in Venice 😴

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Novecento Boutique Hotel

Venice

Giò and Giò Venice B&B

Venice

Casa Flora

Venice

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Venice

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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, it makes the perfect location to go on a few day trips. 

With its rolling hills and many vineyards, Tuscany is one of the most picturesque regions in Italy. Escape the city craze, 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

If you’re starting 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, jump on the express train from Fiumicino to Rome’s main train station (14 EUR/15.40 USD). 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. Luckily there are many different options for getting around.

Italy by Car

For full flexibility and to go off the beaten path, choose to rent a car in Italy. Though all major cities in Italy are well connected by train, you’ll need a car to explore Tuscany and the outer regions. However, avoid parking inside bigger cities, as parking costs are sometimes the price of a train ticket.

Italy by Train

The train is incredibly convenient in Italy and one of the best you will see in Europe. They are also extremely fast (up to 350 km/h!), affordable, and much better for the environment than an airplane. 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 options when it comes to accommodation 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 costs of traveling in Italy for 7 days depend on where you eat, sleep, and how you travel around. Italy is a popular tourist destination, and as a result, prices will 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 Italy 7-day itinerary is outside the high season. This is 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, there’ll still be comfortable temperatures that are perfect for sightseeing. 

The bigger cities are great to visit year-round. However, the rolling hills of Tuscany and the stunning shoreline of Cinque Terre are best to visit during warmer weather.