Italy Travel Itinerary 7 Days: How to Plan the Best Week
So you’re thinking about Italy, huh? Smart choice! I mean, we’re talking about a country that’s basically a living, breathing work of art with thousands of years of history, culture that’ll blow your mind, and honestly, some of the best food you’ll ever put in your mouth. But here’s the thing – with so many incredible places to see, planning a week-long trip can feel totally overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Here’s what I learned the hard way: less is definitely more. I know, I know – when you’ve got limited time, your brain screams “VISIT ALL THE PLACES!” But honestly? You’ll have way more fun (and way less stress) if you pick 2 main spots and really get to know them, maybe throw in a day trip or two.
This guide is all about realistic itineraries that actually work – the kind I wish I’d had on my first trip. Because let’s be real, your vacation should leave you refreshed, not needing another vacation to recover from your vacation!
Table of Contents
When Should You Actually Go?
Best bet: Spring (March-May) or fall (September-mid October). The weather’s gorgeous, crowds are manageable, and you won’t break the bank on hotels. Plus, you can actually enjoy walking around without melting into a puddle.
Summer (June-August): Look, if you love crowds, crazy heat, and paying premium prices for everything, knock yourself out. But seriously, Italian summers can be brutal, especially down south. You’ll be sweating buckets and fighting for space at every tourist spot.
Winter: Surprisingly pleasant! Cities stay relatively mild, and you can experience the magical Christmas markets. As a bonus, attractions will be less crowded, and you’ll save money.
Consider planning your trip around these cool events: The Venice Carnival in February is an unforgettable spectacle, Siena’s summer horse race is a thrilling experience, and the Christmas markets are absolutely exquisite.
Visa Stuff (The Necessary Evil)
EU folks: You’re golden, just bring your ID.
Americans and Canadians: No visa needed for up to 90 days.
Everyone else: You’ll probably need a Schengen visa. Start the paperwork early – it takes forever.
Money Talk (Because We All Care About This)
Let’s be honest – Italy isn’t exactly budget backpacking territory, but you don’t need to sell a kidney either. For a decent trip without going full luxury, budget around $100-150 per day per person. That covers a nice place to stay (sharing a room), some tours, and plenty of good food.
Accommodation: Hostels start around $35-50, decent hotels are $80-150. Oh, and heads up – there’s this annoying tourist tax (a few euros per night) that hotels collect.
Food hack: Skip the touristy restaurants near major attractions. They’re overpriced and usually pretty mediocre. Instead, find where the locals eat – you’ll get better food for half the price!
What to Pack (AKA Don’t Be That Tourist)
Italians are stylish people, so try not to look like you just rolled out of bed. Think nice jeans, decent shoes, and skip the loud tourist t-shirts. You’ll blend in better and honestly, you’ll feel more confident.
Church visits: Cover up those shoulders and knees, folks. It’s just respectful.
Seasonal stuff:
- Summer: Light, breathable clothes (linen is your friend)
- Spring/Fall: Layers, layers, layers
- Winter: Warm coat and waterproof shoes
Must-haves: Comfortable walking shoes (seriously, your feet will thank you), phone charger adapter, and travel insurance. Trust me on the insurance – better safe than sorry!
Getting Around (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Trains are awesome: Italy’s high-speed trains are honestly fantastic. They’re fast, comfortable, and way less stressful than flying. Plus, train stations are usually right in city centers, so you’re not dealing with airport nonsense.
Renting a car: Great for places like Tuscany where you want to explore tiny villages, but be warned – Italian drivers are… let’s call them “enthusiastic.” And don’t even get me started on those restricted driving zones in city centers.
Flying: If you’re covering long distances, sometimes it makes sense. Rome and Milan have the biggest airports, Florence has a smaller one that’s super convenient.
Where to Crash
Pro tip: Stay somewhere central. Plus, you can stumble back to your hotel after too much wine without worrying about the last train.
Booking.com is solid for hotels, VRBO for apartments. Just pin your must-see spots on Google Maps and find somewhere nearby.
The Perfect First-Timer’s Week: Rome + Florence
This is my go-to recommendation for people who want to see the “greatest hits” without losing their minds. You’ll get ancient history AND Renaissance art, plus amazing food in both places.
The plan:
- Days 1-3: Rome
- Days 4-7: Florence + day trips
A smart move is to fly into Rome and depart from Florence, eliminating the need for backtracking.
Days 1-3: Rome (Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown)
Rome is intense – it’s huge, crowded, and there’s literally history everywhere you look. But man, is it incredible.
To get there: The Leonardo Express train from the airport is incredibly convenient, taking you to the center in just 30 minutes, easy peasy.
Day 1: Rome’s Iconic Landmarks Spend your first day seeing the classics: the Trevi Fountain (don’t forget your coin!), Piazza Navona, the Pantheon (it’s free!), and the renowned Spanish Steps. Conclude your day in Trastevere, which boasts the city’s best food.
Day 2: Colosseum and Roman Forum day. A guided tour is worth it – otherwise it’s just a bunch of old rocks (amazing old rocks, but still).
Day 3: Vatican time! The museums are incredible, the Sistine Chapel will give you chills, and St. Peter’s Basilica is jaw-dropping. Climb the dome if you’re not afraid of heights – the views are insane.
Where to stay: Trastevere is my favorite – great food, lively at night, and not too touristy. Centro Storico is more central but pricier. Monti is cool if you want a younger vibe.
Days 4-7: Florence (Renaissance Paradise)
Florence is Rome’s sophisticated cousin – smaller, more refined, and absolutely packed with art.
Getting there: High-speed train from Rome takes about 1.5 hours.
Day 4: Arrive and immediately start exploring. The Duomo is stunning, and climbing that dome is a workout but so worth it. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo is mandatory – bring wine!
Day 5: Art day! The Uffizi is mind-blowing (book a guide – trust me), and seeing Michelangelo’s David in person is one of those life moments.
Day 6: Day trip options:
- Tuscany wine tour: Because when in Rome… wait, wrong city. When in Tuscany, drink wine!
- Siena: Gorgeous medieval city with an amazing cathedral
Day 7: More day trip fun:
- Bologna: My personal favorite – the food here is absolutely incredible
- Cinque Terre: Super pretty but it’s a long day, so you’ll be tired
- Pisa: Quick and easy if you want that classic leaning tower photo
Where to stay: Santa Croce is chill with great restaurants, Oltrarno feels more local, Centro Storico puts you in the middle of everything.
Other Cool Options (For Your Second Trip)
Northern Italy: Milan, Lake Como & Venice
Perfect if you want fashion, lakes, and canals. Milan’s got style, Lake Como is ridiculously beautiful, and Venice is… well, it’s Venice.
Southern Italy: Naples & Amalfi Coast
For the beach lovers and pizza purists. Naples has the best pizza on earth (fight me), and the Amalfi Coast is Instagram heaven.
Off the Beaten Path: Cave Cities and Fairy Tale Houses
Rome, then Matera (those cave houses are wild), then Alberobello with its weird conical houses. Super unique!
Island Life: Sicily or Sardinia
If you want beaches, different culture, and fewer crowds. Sicily’s got history and amazing food, Sardinia’s all about those pristine beaches.
How to Not Mess Up Your Trip
Don’t try to see everything: This is the biggest mistake people make. Pick a few things you really want to see and enjoy them properly.
Book tickets ahead: Seriously, just do it. Standing in line for hours is nobody’s idea of fun.
Eat where locals eat: If the menu’s in 5 languages, keep walking. If it’s full of Italians arguing loudly, you’ve found gold.
Take a walking tour: Great way to get oriented and learn stuff you’d never figure out on your own.
Leave room for spontaneity: Some of the best travel memories come from just wandering around and discovering random awesome stuff.
Don’t backtrack: Fly into one city, out of another. Your future self will thank you.
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
Look, Italy‘s going to spoil you. The food, the art, the people, the sheer beauty of it all – it’s addictive. A week isn’t nearly enough, but it’s enough to fall in love and start planning your next trip.
Pick the itinerary that sounds most fun to you, book those tickets, and get ready for some serious pasta-induced happiness. And hey, if you mess up or miss something, that’s just an excuse to come back, right?
So, what’s calling to you? Ancient Rome’s gladiator vibes or Florence’s artistic soul? Drop a comment and let me know what you’re most excited about!
