One Week in Italy: Your Ultimate “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing” Guide

So you’re thinking about spending one week in Italy and you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed, right? Trust me, I get it! With all those incredible destinations calling your name – ancient Roman ruins, mind-blowing Renaissance art, pasta that’ll make you weep with joy, and coastlines that look like they’re straight out of a movie – Italy’s got enough amazing stuff to keep you busy for about ten lifetimes.

Here’s the thing though: you’ve only got seven days, and that’s where this guide comes in. I’m gonna help you plan the perfect Italy 7 day itinerary that hits all the good stuff without making you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation.

Why Italy Should Be Your First Euro-Trip (Obviously)

Look, Italy’s basically Europe’s greatest hits album. You’ve got history that’ll blow your mind, art that makes you question everything you thought you knew about beauty, food that’s so good it’s practically illegal, and landscapes that range from rolling hills that look like Windows screensavers to coastlines that make the Caribbean jealous.

But here’s where most people mess up: they try to see EVERYTHING. Don’t be that person! My philosophy? Quality over quantity, always. Instead of running around like a headless chicken trying to check off every single tourist trap, let’s focus on really experiencing fewer places. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when you’re not completely exhausted.

Real Talk: What Can You Actually See in 7 Days?

Let’s be honest here – you’re not gonna see all of Italy in a week. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or has figured out how to clone themselves. But that’s totally fine! This one week Italy itinerary is all about making smart choices that give you the biggest bang for your buck.

The secret sauce? Planning your route so you’re not spending half your trip on trains. And speaking of trains – they’re absolutely your best friend in Italy. Forget about renting a car for city hopping (seriously, don’t do it). Italian trains are fast, cheap, and they drop you right in the heart of each city. Plus, you get to see the countryside whiz by while you’re sipping an espresso. It’s pretty magical.

Stuff You Gotta Sort Out Before You Go

The Boring But Important Stuff

Check Your Passport: Italy’s part of the Schengen Area, so if you’re American, Canadian, Australian, or from New Zealand, you can hang out for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport won’t expire anytime soon (like, within 6 months).

When to Go (This Actually Matters)

Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October are absolute gold. You’ll get decent weather, fewer crowds, and you won’t have to sell a kidney to afford a hotel room. Summer? It’s hot, crowded, and expensive. Winter? Unless you’re into skiing, probably skip it.

Money Stuff

Bring Some Cash: Yeah, cards work pretty much everywhere, but you’ll want about €10-20 in coins for public bathrooms (they’re not free!), gelato from those tiny stands, and random market purchases. Also, don’t change money at the airport – they’ll rip you off.

Book Stuff Early (Seriously, Don’t Wait)

Popular Attractions: The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi Gallery – book these babies online BEFORE you go. Nothing ruins a good Italy vibe like standing in line for three hours.

Other Random But Important Stuff

• Get travel insurance (trust me on this one)
• Grab an Italian SIM card when you land so you can actually use Google Maps
• Pack comfy walking shoes – you’ll be doing A LOT of walking on cobblestones
• Bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for churches (they’re serious about this)
• Don’t forget sunglasses – the Italian sun is no joke

Pick Your Adventure: Which Italy Trip Are You?

I’ve got four different Italy 7 day itinerary options for you, depending on what kind of traveler you are:

Trip Style	What You’ll Do	How Crazy Is It?	Perfect If You’re…	Where You’ll Go	How You’ll Get Around	How Much $$$
Classic Tourist	Hit all the famous stuff	Pretty intense	A first-timer who wants the hits	Rome, Florence, Venice	Trains everywhere	Medium to pricey
Countryside Lover	History + pretty views + coast	Chill but varied	Into nature, food, and variety	Rome, Tuscany, Amalfi/Cinque Terre	Trains + some driving	Medium to pricey
Fancy Pants	Art, shopping, fancy lakes	Relaxed luxury	Looking for some glamour	Florence, Milan, Lake Como	Trains	Medium to expensive
Island Life	Beaches, history, chill vibes	Super relaxed	Want to really unwind	Sardinia (the whole island)	Definitely need a car	Medium

Which One Sounds Like You?

• Love museums and want to see the “must-sees”? Go Classic or Countryside
• Dream about wine country and coastal towns? Countryside or Island Life
• Want some luxury and Instagram-worthy lake views? Fancy Pants all the way
• Just want to chill and soak up one amazing place? Island Life is calling

Option 1: The “I Want to See Everything Famous” Trip (Rome, Florence, Venice)

This is the one week Italy itinerary that most first-timers pick, and honestly, it’s pretty great. You’ll be moving fast, but you’ll hit the three cities everyone talks about.

Days 1-3: Rome (Where History Comes Alive)

Getting There: Fly into either Fiumicino (the big airport) or Ciampino (the smaller one). From Fiumicino, take the Leonardo Express train to the city center (€14, 30 minutes) – way easier than dealing with Rome traffic. From Ciampino, grab a bus (€6-ish, 40 minutes).

Day 1: Ancient Rome is Mind-Blowing Start with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Book tickets online beforehand (around €18) or you’ll be standing in line forever. Get a guided tour if you can – these places are way cooler when someone explains what you’re looking at.

Later, wander around the historic center. The Pantheon is free and absolutely incredible. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain (it’s touristy but whatever, do it anyway), climb the Spanish Steps, and people-watch in Piazza Navona. Everything’s prettier at night with fewer crowds.

Day 2: Vatican City (It’s Actually Its Own Country) Dedicate your morning to Vatican City – seriously, it’s the world’s smallest country! St. Peter’s Basilica is free but has a strict dress code (cover those shoulders and knees). The Vatican Museums cost about €20 plus €5 booking fee, but the Sistine Chapel is worth every penny.

Pro tip: Book an early morning tour to skip the insane crowds. And definitely climb St. Peter’s Dome for the views (€8-10) – your legs will hate you, but your Instagram will thank you.

Day 3: Neighborhoods and Views Hit up the historic center early when it’s quiet, then spend your evening in Trastevere. This neighborhood is absolutely charming with narrow cobblestone streets and amazing local restaurants.

Where to Stay: Trastevere if you want charm, near Piazza Navona if you want convenience, or Monti if you want a hip, younger vibe.

Days 4-5: Florence (Art Overload in the Best Way)

A high-speed train from Rome to Florence will get you there in about 1.5 hours, with tickets ranging from €20-55. Book early for better prices.

Day 4: Renaissance Art Attack The Duomo is absolutely stunning – definitely climb Brunelleschi’s Dome if you can handle stairs (€30 for the “Brunelleschi Pass”). The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see for art lovers (€25 + €4 booking fee) – this is where you’ll see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and feel all cultured.

Day 5: Michelangelo’s David and Chill Vibes See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery (€16 + €4 booking fee). It’s bigger than you think and way more impressive in person.

Then explore Oltrarno, which is across the river and has this great local feel with artisan shops. End your day at Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views over the city – it’s a bit of a hike but totally worth it.

Where to Stay: Santa Croce for local vibes, Oltrarno for quiet charm, or historic center for convenience.

Days 6-7: Venice (Floating City Magic)

Travel Tip: Catch a direct train from Florence to Venice. The trip is only 2.5 hours and costs between €26-59.

Day 6: St. Mark’s Square and Gondola Time St. Mark’s Square is touristy but iconic. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (€3) and climb the bell tower for views (€10). The Doge’s Palace is pretty cool too (€25-30) – you’ll see the famous Bridge of Sighs.

And yes, do the gondola ride. It’s expensive (€80 during the day, €100 at sunset) but it’s Venice – when else are you gonna do this? Walk across the Rialto Bridge for great Grand Canal views.

Day 7: Island Hopping or Getting Lost Either take a boat to Murano (famous for glass) and Burano (colorful houses), or just wander Venice’s back streets. Honestly, getting “lost” in Venice is half the fun – you’ll stumble upon the coolest little cafes and squares.

Getting Out: Venice’s airport has water buses (€15, 1.25 hours), regular buses (€10, 25 minutes), or taxis (€40, 30 minutes).

Option 2: The “Countryside + Coast” Adventure

This one week in Italy gives you the best of everything – ancient history, gorgeous countryside, and stunning coastlines. You’ll need different types of transport, but the variety is amazing.

Days 1-3: Rome (same as Option 1)

Days 4-5: Tuscany is as Pretty as Instagram Says Train from Rome to Florence (1.5 hours), then explore the countryside. Visit Pienza for amazing cheese and Montalcino for incredible wine.

Siena and San Gimignano are these perfect medieval hilltop towns that look like they’re from a fairytale. The Chianti region is perfect for wine tasting – because when in Italy, right?

Days 6-7: Coast Time For the Amalfi Coast: Train to Naples (1 hour), then figure out transport to towns like Positano (lots of stairs but gorgeous), Amalfi (more accessible), and Ravello (amazing views).

For Cinque Terre: Train to La Spezia (2.5 hours from Florence), then explore the five colorful coastal villages. The hiking between towns is beautiful, and the swimming is pretty great too.

Option 3: The “Luxury and Lakes” Experience

This Italy 7 day itinerary is for when you want a mix of culture and some serious relaxation time.

Days 1-3: Florence (same as the Florence part of Option 1)

Day 4: Milan – Fashion Capital Charm Travel to Milan from Florence by high-speed train (1 hour 40 minutes). The Duomo is breathtaking, and booking tickets for Da Vinci’s Last Supper far ahead of time is highly recommended. For those who enjoy it, Milan boasts excellent shopping.

Days 5-7: Lake Como – Serious Relaxation Take a 1-hour train from Milan to Varenna. Settle into one of the charming lakeside towns – Varenna is lovely, Bellagio is luxurious, and Menaggio offers peace and quiet. Spend your time on boat tours to admire the incredible villas (some even featured in movies!), hiking, or simply unwinding by the lake with a glass of wine.

Option 4: The “Island Life” Deep Dive (Sardinia)

This is for people who want to really dive into one incredible place instead of rushing around.

Days 1-2: Alghero Fly into Cagliari, rent a car (you’ll need it), and drive to Alghero (3 hours). The historic center has this cool Catalan influence, and the beaches are incredible. Check out some ancient archaeological sites too.

Days 3-4: Olbia & Costa Smeralda Drive to Olbia (1.5 hours) and explore the city, then hit up Costa Smeralda. The water is this insane emerald color, and the beaches are some of the best in Europe. Porto Cervo is super fancy, but even if you’re not dropping serious cash, it’s fun to look around.

Days 5-7: Cagliari Drive to the capital (3 hours) and explore the historic neighborhoods, visit ancient Roman sites, and hit up the local markets. Great way to end your trip.

What’s This Gonna Cost You?

Here’s the real talk on money (per person, not including flights):

• Budget Backpacker: $510-970 for the week (hostels, street food, lots of walking)
• Comfortable Traveler: $1,140-2,370 (nice hotels, good restaurants, some tours)
• Living It Up: $2,220-3,390+ (boutique hotels, fancy dinners, private tours)

Ways to Save Money: Eat at local markets, use public transport, visit free attractions (like those Roman fountains – the water’s actually really good!), and book accommodations outside city centers.

Random Tips That’ll Make Your Trip Way Better

Food Culture: Don’t tip like you’re in America – service is usually included. But if someone’s awesome, throw them a few euros. Also, cappuccino is a breakfast drink – order it after noon and locals will give you looks.

Free Water: Look for “nasoni” (those green fountains) in Rome – the water’s free and cold. Way better than buying bottles everywhere.

Learn Some Italian: Even just “ciao” and “grazie” will make people smile. Italians appreciate the effort.

Watch Out For: Pickpockets around tourist sites and those guys trying to sell you stuff outside attractions. Just say “no grazie” and keep walking.

Train Tickets: If you have a paper ticket, validate it before getting on the train or you’ll get fined. The machines are usually right before the platforms.

Want to Stay Longer? Here’s What to Add

If you can swing 10+ days, add more time to your favorite cities or check out some hidden gems:

• Bologna: Italy’s food capital with fewer tourists
• Siena: Medieval perfection in Tuscany
• Puglia: The “heel” of Italy with amazing food and cute towns

Take a cooking class, do some wine tours, or go hiking in the Dolomites. Basically, there’s always more Italy to explore.

You’re Gonna Love It

Look, Italy’s one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way. Even with just one week in Italy, you’re gonna make memories that’ll last forever. Pick the Italy 7 day itinerary that sounds most like you, pack those comfy shoes, and get ready for an adventure that’ll have you planning your next trip before you even get home.

Seriously, which itinerary are you leaning toward? Let me know in the comments – I love hearing about people’s Italy plans!

Quick Answers to Stuff You’re Probably Wondering

How many days do you need for Italy? At least 7 days for a first trip if you want to see the highlights without feeling totally rushed.

Is a week enough? Yep! You can definitely see a good chunk of Italy’s highlights or really dive deep into one region in 7 days.

What’s the best way to get around? High-speed trains between cities are your best friend – fast, easy, and you don’t have to deal with Italian driving.

Do I really need to book stuff in advance? For the big attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Uffizi? Absolutely. You’ll save time and guarantee you actually get in.

What should I know about Italian food? Every region does things differently, you’ll pay for water at restaurants, and don’t expect free bread like in America. But honestly, even the “bad” food in Italy is better than most places’ good food.