7-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Florence & Venice 🇮🇹
Here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary for exploring three of Italy’s most iconic cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. This plan balances history, culture, and leisure, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Rome ✈️
Morning:
- Arrive atLeonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
- Transfer to your hotel in central Rome (30-40 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by Leonardo Express train).
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Luxury: Hotel Hassler Roma (Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6).
- Mid-range: Hotel Artemide (Via Nazionale, 22).
- Check-in and relax.
Afternoon:
- Explore theColosseum(1.5 hours with a guide) and theRoman Forum.
- Tip: Pre-book skip-the-line tickets 🎫.
- Walk to the Piazza Venezia and Altare della Patria.
Evening:
- Stroll through theTrevi Fountainand toss a coin for good luck.
- 🍽️ Dinner at Ristorante Il Chianti (Via del Lavatore, 81) for Roman specialties like cacio e pepe.
Day 2: Rome – Ancient and Vatican City 🌅
Morning:
- VisitVatican City(3-4 hours):
- Tour St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Opt for an early morning guided tour for fewer crowds.
- Climb the St. Peter’s Dome for panoramic views of Rome.
Afternoon:
- Lunch atPizzarium Bonci(Via della Meloria, 43) for gourmet pizza slices 🍕.
- Explore Castel Sant’Angelo and its gardens.
Evening:
- Stroll along theTiber Riverand enjoy the lively atmosphere ofPiazza Navona.
- 🍽️ Dinner at La Carbonara (Via Panisperna, 214) for authentic Roman cuisine.
Day 3: Rome to Florence 🚄
Morning:
- Take a high-speed train (1.5 hours) from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella station.
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Luxury: Hotel Brunelleschi (Piazza Santa Elisabetta, 3).
- Mid-range: Hotel Spadai (Via dei Martelli, 10).
- Check-in and refresh.
Afternoon:
- VisitFlorence Cathedral (Duomo), climbBrunelleschi’s Dome, and seeGiotto’s Bell Tower.
- Explore the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio.
Evening:
- 🍽️ Dinner atOsteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori(Via dei Magazzini, 3) for Tuscan flavors.
- Optional: Evening walk along the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio.
Day 4: Florence – Art & Tuscany 🌄
Morning:
- Tour theUffizi Gallery(2 hours) to admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
- Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
Afternoon:
- Take a half-day trip toChianti wine region(1 hour drive).
- Enjoy wine tasting 🍷 and a traditional Tuscan lunch at a vineyard.
Evening:
- Return to Florence and dine atTrattoria Mario(Via Rosina, 2r) for hearty, authentic Tuscan dishes.
Day 5: Florence to Venice 🚄
Morning:
- Take a high-speed train (2 hours) from Florence to Venice’sSanta Lucia Station.
- 🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Luxury: The Gritti Palace (Campo Santa Maria del Giglio).
- Mid-range: Hotel Antiche Figure (Santa Croce, 687).
- Check-in and freshen up.
Afternoon:
- Take agondola ride(30 minutes) through Venice’s canals.
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in Piazza San Marco.
Evening:
- 🍽️ Dinner atAntiche Carampane(San Polo, 1911) for incredible seafood.
- Enjoy a night stroll across the Rialto Bridge.
Day 6: Venice – Islands and Hidden Gems 🌊
Morning:
- Take a vaporetto (water bus) toMuranoto see glassblowing demonstrations.
- Continue to Burano to admire colorful houses and enjoy a peaceful walk.
Afternoon:
- Lunch atTrattoria al Gatto Nero(Via Giudecca, 88, Burano) for fresh seafood.
- Return to Venice and explore the Jewish Ghetto area.
Evening:
- 🍽️ Dinner atAl Covo(Castello, 3968) for Venetian classics.
- Optional: Attend an opera or classical music performance at Teatro La Fenice.
Day 7: Departure from Venice ✈️
Morning:
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and last-minute shopping nearRialto Market.
- Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) (20 minutes by water taxi or 1 hour by vaporetto and bus).
Optional:
- If your flight is later, visitPeggy Guggenheim Collectionfor modern art.
Additional Tips & Notes
Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Packing Tips: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as cobblestone streets are common in all three cities.
Transportation: Book train tickets in advance on Trenitalia or Italo for the best prices.
Local Customs: Italians value politeness; greet with “Buongiorno” (good morning) or “Buonasera” (good evening) when entering shops or restaurants.
Enjoy this cultural and culinary journey through Italy!