7-day Trip to Italy: Enjoy Rome, Explore Florence, Experience Tuscany

Italy, known as il Bel Paese, is endlessly rich in places to see. With hundreds of cities and towns to explore, you’d need a lifetime to see them all. Realistically, though, most travelers have about a week. That’s why the key to a great adventure isn’t trying to see everything; it’s choosing a few destinations and experiencing them well. This “7-day trip to Italy” itinerary takes care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time in ‘The Boot.’ 

Read on and start planning your Italian getaway today.

7-day Trip to Italy: Suggested Itinerary

Why Rome is the Perfect Home Base

Rome is the ideal starting point for a first trip to Italy. With two international airports and some of the country’s best high-speed train connections, it’s one of the easiest cities to arrive in and travel from. 

From Rome, you can join experiences like our Rome to Florence Overnight Tour, which gives you the opportunity to spend a day and evening discovering Florence, and then have an adventure in the Tuscan countryside the next day, before returning to Rome that evening. This is what makes it the perfect base for seeing more of Italy without sacrificing time or comfort.

With Rome as a base, you can enjoy the magic of the Colosseum at night.

Day 1 – Arriving & Exploring the Eternal City

All roads lead to Rome, and so should yours. Start your 7-day trip to Italy in the Eternal City, where you’ll find a mix of historic buildings, local flavors, and vibrant piazzas.

After settling in, begin exploring. Wander through this ancient capital and check out iconic areas like Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, the Spanish Steps, or even throw a coin at Fontana di Trevi. 

Head to Trastevere and begin discovering Roman cooking with your first dinner at a traditional trattoria before calling it a night.

Try delicious traditional Italian dishes, made with the best seasonal ingredients

Day 2 – Rome’s Iconic Landmarks & Must-Sees

Once you’ve gotten your first night of beauty rest, dedicate your first full day to Rome’s greatest hits. While the city offers many, some of our favorites include: 

• The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums
• Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel 
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• The Pantheon

If time allows, continue exploring historic neighborhoods such as Trastevere or the Jewish Ghetto to get a feel for everyday Roman life.

Don´t forget to look up – inside the Pantheon is a unique sight!

Day 3 – Florence: Masterpieces, Markets, and More

On Day 3 of your 7-day trip, head to the Tuscan capital, Firenze. Thanks to Italy’s high-speed trains, traveling between major cities is straightforward, making Florence just a short journey from Rome.

The easiest way to see it all is with our Rome to Florence Overnight Tour. Upon arrival, an expert local guide will meet you and handle your luggage, letting you start exploring right away with a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed historic center and skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.

Another great way to experience Florence is through its lively mercato scene. Visit Sant’Ambrogio Market, a local favorite, to sample Tuscan cheeses, cured meats, and other regional specialties.

Insider Tip: For a comprehensive overview of Tuscan cuisine, come on tour and enjoy a guided food experience, including various tastes ranging from ribollita to fresh gelato, or even to vino from a historic wine window.

And of course, be sure to check out the Duomo, Florence’s masterpiece. On our Rome to Florence Overnight Tour, you’ll have access to its dome once the crowds have left, ending the day with breathtaking views over the city before settling into your 4-star hotel.

Get VIP access to Florence Duomo, so you can experience it´s magnificence without the crowds

Day 4 – A Taste of Tuscany: Siena, Chianti & San Gimignano

After seeing Florence, discover the hill-top towns that define La Toscana. If you join our Rome to Florence Overnight Tour, you’ll spend the day exploring some of the region’s most beautiful and historic destinations, without the hassle of planning transportation or routes.

Start in Siena and wander its medieval streets and admire landmarks like Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse race. 

Next, experience the region’s award-winning wines by visiting a vineyard. On tour, we stop at a family-run vineyard in the Chianti countryside, complete with a cellar tour, wine tasting, and a homemade lunch overlooking rolling hills and vineyards.

End the day in San Gimignano, a perfectly preserved UNESCO-declared medieval town known for its impressive panoramas of the Tuscan landscape, before taking the train back to Rome in the evening.

The wonderful medieval town of Siena

Day 5 – Roma Like a Local 

After hitting Rome’s major monuments earlier in your 7-day trip, take a slower pace and experience the city like a local, venturing into its quieter, more off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Spend the morning wandering Testaccio, home to its famous market and local bakeries, or Monti, with its charming boutiques and wine bars. Then make your way to Giardino degli Arancia, where you can stroll among citrus trees and enjoy views of the Roman skyline, including the domes of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Enjoy different tastes of Italy, by exploring the local food markets

Day 6 – Day Trip: Naples, Pompeii, or the Amalfi Coast

With Rome as your homebase, some of southern Italy’s most iconic destinations are just a short journey away. Cap off your 7-day trip to Italy with a day trip down south. 

Some great options include:

• Naples, famous for its pizza, bustling energy, and history
• Pompeii, the remarkably preserved city frozen in time
• Amalfi Coast, for dramatic cliffs, coastal villages, and sea views

All of these can be done in a day, so you can explore southern Italy and still return to Rome by evening.

The Amalfi Coast, where picture postcard cliff-side towns meet the azure sea

Day 7 – Stroll, Shop, and Say Arrivederci

To conclude your 7-day trip to Italy, keep things simple. 

Stroll past landmarks you may have missed, like the Piazza del Campidoglio, or through the Borghese Gardens. Pick out some souvenirs, whether it’s a bottle of local olive oil or some artisan leather goods, and visit one of the city’s art museums. 

Wrap things up with one last gelato and close your Italian adventure on a sweet note before heading to the airport.

There is always time for a gelato in Italy!

The Best Way to Experience a 7-Day Trip to Italy

When you only have a week, convenience becomes essential. That’s why combining independent travel with immersive guided experiences, like our Rome to Florence Overnight Tour, offers the best of both worlds. 

You get expert insight, VIP access, and easy logistics, with local guides and thoughtfully planned activities throughout, like winery visits, boat rides, and food tours, so you can focus on exploring and soaking it all in. Travel unhurried in a small group (10 people max), and enjoy quiet evenings after the crowds have left, going deeper than a day trip can offer.

Combine city and country in a guided adventure of the best Italy has to offer

FAQ´s – 7-Day Trip to Italy

Is 7 days enough for Italy?

Seven days is ideal for a first trip if you focus on a few key regions. Rome and Florence offer a perfect introduction to Italy’s history, art, and food culture.

Why base your trip in Rome?

Rome offers excellent transport connections and allows you to take day trips without constantly changing hotels, making it one of the most convenient bases in the country.

What’s Included in the Rome to Florence Overnight Tour?

• English-speaking tour leader
• Roundtrip high-speed train tickets from Rome
• Guided walking tours of Florence and Siena
• Skip-the-line access to Michelangelo’s David and the Florence Duomo
• Lunch at Sant’Ambrogio Market
• 1-night stay in a 4-star hotel
• Air-conditioned minibus through Tuscany
• Free time to explore
• Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour starts

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer the best balance of weather and crowds.

Enjoy the breath-taking view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills

Book today and let us help you make the most of your 7-day trip to Italy, with highlights that introduce you to some of the country’s most iconic sights, flavors, and history.