Italy in One Week

Planning a trip to Italy with only one week to spare? It may not be enough time to see everything, but it is enough to experience some of the country’s most iconic cities and unforgettable highlights. We live in Italy and often travel around the country, so we want to share a practical itinerary to help you make the most of a short trip.

If this is your first time in Italy and you only have one week, this is what I recommend.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome and Start Exploring

Rome is probably the most iconic city in Italy. It is the birthplace of Western civilization, the capital of Italy, and one of the easiest cities to reach from North America, South America, and Asia. Plan to spend at least three nights here.

Rome’s main airport is Leonardo da Vinci Airport, located in the town of Fiumicino about 30 kilometers west of the city center. From the time your plane lands to the time you actually arrive in the city, you should allow at least two hours to clear customs, collect your bags, and make your way into town.

To get from the airport to the city center, you have a few options. The most direct is the Leonardo Express train, which takes you from the airport to Roma Termini station. The ride takes 32 minutes nonstop. As of 2026, the cost is €14 per person each way, and trains generally depart every 15 minutes, though some time slots run less frequently.

Your second option is a taxi, which takes you directly to your hotel in Rome. Taxis to and from the airport have a flat fee of €50, including bags, at the time of recording. The ride usually takes between 40 minutes and one hour, depending on traffic.

For this itinerary, let’s assume your plane lands in Fiumicino at 10:00 a.m. If you take the Leonardo Express, you should arrive at Roma Termini around noon. Add another 10 minutes for a taxi ride to your hotel, and another 15 minutes for check-in and dropping off your bags. That means you should be ready to grab a quick lunch before you start exploring Rome.

For lunch, try typical Roman pizza al taglio. This style of pizza is cut into slices and sold by weight. You can find small places serving it all over the city, and there is usually a huge variety of toppings to choose from.

On your first afternoon in Rome, explore the area around Teatro Marcello. It is a beautiful part of the city and usually not too crowded. Nearby, you can also visit the Campidoglio, the stunning square designed by Michelangelo. After that, walk through the Jewish Ghetto, where you can stop at one of the many traditional Roman Jewish restaurants for dinner.

Day 2: See Rome’s Iconic Landmarks

The next day, start early at the Trevi Fountain, ideally around 7:00 a.m., to avoid the crowds. Take a few photos at this iconic spot and maybe throw a coin over your shoulder for good luck.

From there, walk about 10 minutes to the Spanish Steps. If you arrive before 8:00 a.m., you’ll get to enjoy them while the area is still quiet. Then take a short metro ride to the Colosseum and try to get there before 9:00 a.m. to beat the crowds.

Local tip: If you want one of the most iconic photo spots of the Colosseum, head right next to the metro station exit. On the right, you’ll see some steps. Walk up them, and you’ll reach one of the best places to take photos of the Colosseum.

After visiting the Colosseum, head to the Roman Forum, which is included in the same ticket. These two sites will likely take up most of your morning.

After lunch, take a stroll through the Pantheon area and visit Piazza Navona, which was once a Roman stadium. In the center of the square, stop and admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. Later, enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Day 3: Visit the Vatican and Trastevere

Your third day in Rome can be dedicated to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. For these sites, buying tickets in advance is essential. Technically, tickets may be available on site, but it is almost always extremely busy.

Visiting the Vatican can easily take three to four hours or more. Once you are done, take a walk down Via della Conciliazione toward Castel Sant’Angelo. This enormous fortress was built on top of Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and served as a papal stronghold for many centuries.

For your final night in Rome, head to Trastevere for dinner. It is one of the best places to enjoy authentic, delicious Roman food.

Day 4: Travel to Florence and Explore the City

The next morning, it’s time to travel to Florence. The train ride takes about one hour and 36 minutes, so if you catch a 9:00 a.m. train, you’ll arrive at 10:36 a.m.

One of the best things about Florence is its walkability. Most of the main attractions are very close to one another, and the train station is right in the city center, only about a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. I suggest spending two nights in Florence.

After dropping your bags at the hotel, go grab lunch at the beautiful San Lorenzo Market, where you’ll find a great variety of options. Walking through the market is a pleasure in itself, and it is a great place to see local products.

After lunch, walk a few minutes to the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.

Day 5: Discover Florence’s Top Sights

Start your next day in Florence bright and early with a visit to the Duomo. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, and possibly in the world. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to book your ticket in advance.

After visiting the Duomo, walk down Via dei Calzaiuoli to reach Piazza della Signoria. This square was the political center of Florence during the Renaissance. The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio was once the seat of the Florentine government.

Next to the palace, you’ll find the famous Galleria degli Uffizi. This is Italy’s most important painting museum, home to masterpieces by Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

After the Uffizi, take a stroll across Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence. It is one of the city’s most beautiful sights and a perfect place for photos.

To finish your exploration of Florence, take a short taxi ride to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city. From there, walk back down to the center for dinner.

While in Florence, do not miss the famous bistecca alla fiorentina. This huge T-bone steak is cooked medium rare and served sliced for sharing. It is absolutely worth trying.

Day 6: Take a Day Trip or Stay in Florence

The following day, you have a few choices.

You can stay in Florence and continue exploring the city.

Option two is taking a train to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. The train ride takes about an hour. From Pisa Centrale station, it is about a 20-minute walk to the tower, and the walk itself is very pleasant. The old city center is also quite charming.

Your last option is a tour of Tuscany with wine tasting included. Tuscany is Chianti country, and it would be a shame to visit without sampling some of the best wines Italy has to offer.

Day 7: Finish Your Trip in Venice

The following morning, it is time for the final leg of your one-week itinerary: Venice.

An early train from Florence to Venice takes about 2.5 hours. If you leave at 9:20 a.m., you will arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia just before lunch.

Depending on where your return flight departs from, you can spend either one or two nights in Venice.

If your flight leaves from Venice Marco Polo Airport, I strongly recommend spending two nights in Venice if possible. That gives you more time to explore the city and enjoy a fuller experience.

If you need to return to Rome for your flight home, then I suggest spending one night in Venice, taking a late train back to Rome, and staying your final night there before flying out. The train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Roma Termini takes about four hours.

If you only have one night in Venice, focus on the city’s main highlights and make the most of your limited time.

If you do have two nights in Venice, you can also take a side trip to Murano to see glassblowing or visit Burano, the colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon.

Final Thoughts

One week is not enough time to fully experience Italy, but it is enough to get a meaningful introduction to the country and see some of its most iconic destinations.

With this itinerary, you can experience Rome, Florence, and Venice in a way that feels efficient without being rushed every second. You’ll see world-famous landmarks, eat incredible food, and get a glimpse of the variety that makes Italy such a special place to visit.

It may only be one week, but it is more than enough to make you want to come back.

Ciao!