Here’s a perfect one-week Italy itinerary that balances history, culture, and stunning landscapes:
Day 1: Rome – The Eternal City
- Morning: Arrive in Rome, check in to your hotel. Start at the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Afternoon: Visit the Pantheon and have lunch in Piazza Navona.
- Evening: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, then enjoy dinner in Trastevere.
🔹 Must-Try Food: Cacio e pepe, gelato
Day 2: Vatican City & More of Rome
- Morning: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel).
- Afternoon: Explore Castel Sant’Angelo, then walk along the Tiber River.
- Evening: Sunset at Pincian Hill, then dinner in the Campo de’ Fiori area.
🔹 Tip: Book Vatican tickets in advance to skip the lines.
Day 3: Florence – Renaissance Beauty (1.5-hour train from Rome)
- Morning: Take a high-speed train to Florence. Visit Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.
- Afternoon: See Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia.
- Evening: Enjoy Bistecca alla Fiorentina with local wine.
🔹 Must-See: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 4: Florence & Tuscany
- Morning: Visit Duomo di Firenze and climb Brunelleschi’s Dome.
- Afternoon: Take a day trip to Chianti or Siena for wine tasting.
- Evening: Return to Florence for a relaxed dinner.
🔹 Alternative: If you love art, spend more time in Uffizi Gallery instead of a day trip.
Day 5: Venice – The Floating City (2-hour train from Florence)
- Morning: Arrive in Venice. Start at Piazza San Marco, visit St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Afternoon: Take a gondola ride, explore Rialto Bridge, and wander through the canals.
- Evening: Dinner by the Grand Canal, enjoy Venetian seafood.
🔹 Must-Try: Cicchetti (Venetian tapas), tiramisu
Day 6: Day Trip to Burano & Murano
- Morning: Visit Murano for glass-blowing and Burano for colorful houses.
- Afternoon: Return to Venice, explore hidden alleys, or visit Doge’s Palace.
- Evening: Enjoy a classical music concert or a romantic dinner.
🔹 Alternative: Take a Prosecco wine tour if you prefer a countryside experience.
Day 7: Milan – The Fashion Capital (2.5-hour train from Venice)
- Morning: Take an early train to Milan. Visit the Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Afternoon: See Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” or explore Sforza Castle.
- Evening: Farewell dinner in Brera before heading to the airport or staying overnight.
🔹 Optional: If you have time, visit Lake Como for a relaxing final day.
Travel Tips:
✔ Book train tickets in advance for cheaper fares (use Trenitalia or Italo).
✔ Stay centrally in each city to maximize sightseeing time.
✔ Pack light – cobblestone streets make rolling luggage difficult.
✔ Learn basic Italian phrases – “Grazie” (thank you), “Buongiorno” (good morning).