Epic 1 Week In Italy Itinerary: Top Destinations You Can’t Miss

1 Week In Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival In Rome

Kick off your one week in Italy with Rome, the Eternal City! Explore iconic landmarks, soak in ancient history, and start your adventure in style. For easy airport pickup, I recommend Welcome Pickups—I’ve used them in over 10 countries. It’s fast, hassle-free, and perfect if you don’t want to lug your bags around.

Top Attractions To Visit In Rome

1. Colosseum

Explore this magnificent amphitheater, a symbol of ancient Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours to admire its architecture and learn about its history. I recommend booking a private tour, it was the highlight of my trip!

1. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the heart of ancient Roman life at the Forum and climb Palatine Hill for panoramic views of the ruins. These sites are often paired with the Colosseum on ticket bundles.

1. Piazza Venezia and Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Walk through this bustling square and marvel at the grandeur of the “Altar of the Fatherland,” which offers rooftop views of the city.

1. Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin into this iconic fountain to ensure your return to Rome. The fountain lights up beautifully after sunset, perfect for evening photos.

1. Vatican City (if time allows)

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums if you arrive early enough. Online reservations reduce long waiting times at these attractions.

Where To Stay In Rome

1. Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Staying in this area puts us close to key attractions like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. Hotels here combine central convenience with historic charm.

1. Trastevere

This charming neighborhood offers boutique accommodations and easy access to authentic Roman dining. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a mix of culture and local life.

1. Termini Station Area

Budget travelers find plenty of affordable stays here, and the location ensures excellent transport links to the airport and other cities. I stayed at Yellow Square, only a 5 minute walk from the station.

Day 2-3: Exploring Florence

Next on this 1 week in Italy itinerary is Florence. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, offers unparalleled art, history, and charming streets. We recommend dedicating two days to immerse ourselves in Florence’s timeless beauty and cultural treasures.

Must-See Sights in Florence

• The Duomo and Baptistery: Florence’s iconic cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, features Brunelleschi’s dome, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Climbing the dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower offers breathtaking views of the city. The nearby Baptistery showcases stunning mosaics on its ceiling.
• Uffizi Gallery: Housing works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, this gallery represents a must for art lovers. Booking skip-the-line tickets in advance saves significant time.
• Ponte Vecchio: This historic bridge over the Arno River is lined with jewelry shops and offers fantastic views, especially at sunset.
• Piazza della Signoria: This central square is home to statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David, and the majestic Palazzo Vecchio.
• Accademia Gallery: Visiting this museum lets us marvel at Michelangelo’s original David sculpture, a global icon of Renaissance art.
• Boboli Gardens: These intricately designed gardens behind Pitti Palace provide a peaceful escape and panoramic views of Florence.

Day Trips From Florence

Taking a day trip enriches the experience and showcases Tuscany’s charm.

• Pisa: A quick train ride (about 1 hour) brings us to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and its surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli. This is perfect for photos and exploring the historic area.
• Chianti Region: We can take a wine tour in Chianti to savor Tuscany’s renowned wines and picturesque vineyards. Many guided tours start from Florence and include tastings and visits to local wineries.
• San Gimignano: Known as the “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano is famous for its preserved medieval architecture. It’s ideal for walking tours and enjoying gelato from award-winning Gelateria Dondoli.
• Siena: Less than 1.5 hours away by train or bus, Siena dazzles with its Gothic cathedral, Piazza del Campo, and historic Palio horse race traditions.

Day 4-5: Discovering Venice

Iconic Spots In Venice

Next on this 1 Week in Italy itinerary is Venice. Exploring Venice’s famous landmarks is essential to appreciate its rich history and culture. St. Mark’s Basilica, located at Piazza San Marco, showcases intricate mosaics and Byzantine architecture. The adjacent Doge’s Palace offers insights into Venice’s political history and impressive art collections.

A gondola ride through the Grand Canal reveals views of historic palaces and iconic bridges like the Rialto Bridge. For panoramic views, we climb the Campanile di San Marco or visit San Giorgio Maggiore’s bell tower. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection introduces us to modern art, providing a contrast to the city’s historic sites.

Best Places To Eat In Venice

Day 6: Scenic Drives In Tuscany

Day 6 immerses us in the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany. Known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historical towns, the region offers some of Italy’s most picturesque roads.

Wine Tasting And Countryside Highlights

Exploring Tuscany’s countryside blends scenic beauty with rich cultural experiences. The Chianti region, famous for its world-class wines, features countless wineries, where we can enjoy tastings and guided tours. Notable vineyards, such as Castello di Ama and Antinori nel Chianti Classico, provide immersive wine experiences.

Along the way, medieval villages like San Gimignano, with its iconic towers, and Montepulciano, known for its Vino Nobile wine, enhance the journey. These towns showcase impressive architecture, quaint streets, and artisan shops. For panoramic views, we recommend taking the winding roads toward Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area’s golden fields and cypress-lined roads create iconic Tuscan vistas.

Day 7: Wrapping Up In Milan

The final day of our Italian adventure takes us to Milan, where elegance, history, and modernity converge. This bustling metropolis offers impressive landmarks, unparalleled shopping, and world-renowned dining options to end the trip on a high note.

Key Landmarks In Milan

Start the day at the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), an architectural masterpiece that took nearly six centuries to complete. Explore the cathedral’s breathtaking interiors and climb to the rooftop terraces for sweeping views of the city. Just a short walk away, visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping galleries, known for its stunning glass dome and luxurious boutiques.

Head to the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), a historic fortress housing multiple museums and Leonardo da Vinci’s unfinished masterpiece, the “Trivulzio Madonna.” If time permits, tour the Santa Maria delle Grazie church to admire Da Vinci’s renowned “The Last Supper,” though advanced reservations are necessary to secure entry.

For a relaxed afternoon, enjoy a stroll through Parco Sempione, adjacent to Sforza Castle, featuring lush greenery and peaceful walking paths. End the sightseeing at the Brera district, known for cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, a gallery with an impressive collection of Italian art.

1 Week In Italy Itinerary: Shopping And Dining Recommendations

Milan provides unmatched shopping opportunities, from luxury fashion to local artisans. The Quadrilatero della Moda, or Fashion Quadrilateral, includes streets like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, offering designer stores such as Gucci, Prada, and Armani. For more budget-friendly options, visit the Corso Buenos Aires or Outlets at Vicolungo, ideal for deals on Italian brands. Don’t miss out on the VAT refund! Click here to learn how to claim it.

For dining, indulge in Milanese specialties like risotto alla milanese and cotoletta alla milanese. Iconic restaurants such as Ratanà and Paper Moon deliver elevated experiences featuring local ingredients. Explore the Navigli District at night for a vibrant ambiance, lined with canal-side trattorias like Trattoria Milanese and stylish wine bars serving aperitivo.

1 Week In Italy Itinerary

A week in Italy offers an unforgettable journey through history, art, and breathtaking landscapes. From ancient ruins to scenic coastlines, every destination brings its own charm and flavor. By balancing iconic landmarks with authentic experiences, this itinerary ensures we make the most of our time without feeling overwhelmed.