How to Spend a Week in Italy: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Italy, the land of art, history, delicious food, and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. With just one week to explore, you can cover a mix of iconic cities and charming countryside spots. Here’s a comprehensive 7-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.
Day 1: Rome – The Eternal City
Start your Italian adventure in Rome, a city brimming with history and culture.
- Morning: Begin at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, where ancient Rome comes to life.
- Afternoon: Visit the Pantheon, stroll through Piazza Navona, and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
- Evening: Enjoy authentic Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara at a local trattoria.
Day 2: Vatican City & Trastevere
- Morning: Spend the morning exploring Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
- Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of Trastevere, known for its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque alleys.
- Evening: Savor a leisurely dinner in Trastevere’s bustling piazzas.
Day 3: Florence – The Heart of the Renaissance
Take a morning train to Florence (1.5 hours from Rome).
- Morning: Visit Piazza del Duomo to see the Florence Cathedral and Giotto’s Campanile.
- Afternoon: Explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo, and cross the Ponte Vecchio.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with local wine.
Day 4: Tuscany – Countryside Charm
- Morning: Rent a car or join a tour to explore the Tuscan countryside. Visit San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers, or Siena, known for its stunning piazza and cathedral.
- Afternoon: Stop by a winery in the Chianti region for wine tasting.
- Evening: Return to Florence or stay overnight in a rustic villa.
Day 5: Venice – The Floating City
Take a morning train to Venice (2 hours from Florence).
- Morning: Arrive in Venice and head straight to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the Rialto Bridge, and enjoy a gondola ride through the canals.
- Evening: Dine on fresh seafood and risotto by the Grand Canal.
Day 6: Cinque Terre – Coastal Beauty
Take a morning train to the Cinque Terre (around 3 hours from Venice).
- Morning & Afternoon: Spend the day hiking between the colorful cliffside villages or relaxing by the sea in towns like Vernazza or Monterosso al Mare.
- Evening: Savor Ligurian specialties like pesto pasta and seafood by the coast.
Day 7: Milan or Lake Como – A Glamorous Finale
End your trip in style with a visit to Milan or Lake Como.
- Option 1: Milan: Visit the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
- Option 2: Lake Como: Relax in the scenic lakeside town of Bellagio or take a boat ride across the lake.
- Evening: Celebrate your final night with aperitivo and a decadent Italian dessert like tiramisu.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: Use Italy’s efficient train network for intercity travel; book high-speed trains in advance for better prices.
- Packing: Comfortable shoes are a must for cobblestone streets and long walks.
- Timing: Aim to visit during spring (April–June) or fall (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
With this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Italy’s iconic cities, scenic countryside, and coastal gems. Buon viaggio!