Plan Your 7-Day Trip to Italy 2024 (5 Top Itineraries)

By Chris Quan | Updated Feb. 4, 2024

If you are a first-time visitor to Italy, with 7 days for your trip, you should consider its top three cities — Rome, Florence, and Venice in central/northern Italy. Classic itineraries include two or three of them.

If you are not a first-timer or want to explore something different, we recommend two further itineraries covering Italy's southern coastal regions and islands.

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1. Rome, Florence, and Venice 7-Day Itinerary (the Classic for First-Timers)

  • Days 1–2: Venice (city sightseeing with a boat ride and a special Aperitivo food tour)
  • Days 3–4: Florence (visit artistic heritage with a food tour)
  • Days 5–6: Rome (visit classic attractions including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican)
  • Day 7: Departure

This is a time-smart itinerary for seeing the best of Italy in a limited 7 days. If you are a first-time visitor to Italy and want to get a fast understanding of the country, you could take this itinerary into consideration.

Sightseeing in the three cities is mainly comprised of walking tours. By strolling through the streets and interacting with locals, you could better immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city and also check out the must-see landmarks. A pair of comfortable shoes would be essential.

Your local guide would design the best walking routes and tell you the stories and history behind the architecture. You could also ask your guide any questions about aspects you are interested in, including Italian customs, culture, and daily life.

Besides experiencing its history, you could also have some culinary experiences. In Florence, explore the renowned San Lorenzo Food Market to taste traditional Florence food. In Venice, explore different bars along the lagoons to enjoy Venetian aperitifs (wines and local snacks).

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in this itinerary. All of our tours can be adjusted/customized based on your requirements.

2. 7-Day Rome and Florence Itinerary (for Couples)

  • Days 1–3: Rome (visit ancient Rome and go city sightseeing)
  • Day 4: Rome to Florence by high-speed train
  • Days 5–6: Florence (city sightseeing with trips to towns for wine and well-preserved medieval architecture)
  • Day 7: Departure

This itinerary is recommended for couples, especially retired couples, as it is more relaxed, and besides the history and cultural experiences, you would have the opportunity to explore some rural towns for wine tasting, rustic scenery, and some private time.

During the touring in Rome and Florence, you would visit historical ruins, museums, galleries, and squares to learn about Italy's history and culture, as well as its food culture through a food tour.

The special feature of this tour, which is highly recommended for couples, is going to small towns in Tuscany to spend some peaceful and leisurely time.

You would enjoy a leisurely stroll in San Gimignano to discover its medieval towers. Then, go to Chianti to explore a family-run winery and have a tasting paired with local delicacies.

3. Rome and Venice in 7 Days (for Families)

  • Days 1–3: Rome (visit historical ruins, squares, a chapel, and the Vatican)
  • Day 4: Rome to Venice by high-speed trains
  • Days 5–6: Venice (city sightseeing with a boat ride and island-hopping with an experience to witness glassblowing)
  • Day 7: Departure

This itinerary is suitable for families with children.

The itinerary features two Italian cities — Rome for history and culture and Venice for family-friendly activities. The pace of the trip is easy with only one change of hotel. It is family-friendly, especially if you take a lot of luggage.

In Rome, explore its iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, piazzas, etc. accompanied by your local guide. Your guide would share the history with a simple and lively explanation.

In Venice, take a family gondola ride to learn about the charm of this City of Water. Besides the city sightseeing, go island-hopping to Murano (famous for glassmaking) and Burano (renowned for its colorful houses). Kids could witness the glassblowing process firsthand and they could also take a lot of beautiful Instagram pictures.

All our tours can be adjusted based on your requirements. Feel free to contact us.

4. 7 Days in Rome and the Amalfi Coast

  • Days 1–3: Rome (explore old Rome and take a walking tour of the squares)
  • Days 4–6: The Amalfi Coast (explore two seaside towns)
  • Day 7: Departure

If you not only want to experience the cultural charm of Italy but also have an interest in Italy's coastal scenery and a desire for a relaxing vacation, you could consider this itinerary.

In Rome, immerse yourself in the splendid remnants of the ancient Roman Empire by exploring landmarks including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Discover artistic and architectural masterpieces, such as the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

After experiencing Italy's profound historical culture, head to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. With your private driver and guide by your side, visit Positano and Ravello, two iconic coastal towns. There, enjoy leisurely strolls and take in the sights of historical buildings, gardens, and the magnificent coastline.

If you are interested in this itinerary, you can check more details in our 7-Day Rome and Amalfi Coast Tour. Our tours can be adjusted based on your requirements or we can also customize an itinerary according to your idea. Just contact us.

5. Sicily in 1 Week

  • Days 1–3: Palermo (city sightseeing with some beach time)
  • Days 4–6: Taormina (city highlights, a trip to a volcano, and free time for exploration)
  • Day 7: Departure

If you would be making a return trip to Italy or you would prefer to explore the culture and scenery of southern Italy, then this itinerary is one to consider.

Explore two iconic towns in Sicily — Palermo and Taormina.

In Palermo, visit the must-see landmark, the Cathedral of Palermo, to see how many cultural styles collide. Appreciate the stunning panorama of Palermo against the backdrop of the sea from the top of Monte Pellegrino. Explore the bustling Arab-influenced open-air market. And head to the beach at Mondello for some relaxation time.

In Taormina, take a half-day walking tour to explore the highlights. Explore the well-preserved ancient Greek theater and the Cathedral of Taormina, dating back to the 13th century. Wander along the medieval main street — Corso Umberto, enjoy some gelato, and explore the local boutiques.

For a more adventurous activity, you could climb up Mount Etna to see the lunar landscapes of Europe's highest active volcano and witness the remnants of ancient lava flows.

If you are interested in a trip to Sicily, you could see our 7-Day Best of Sicily Tour.

Tour Italy with Us

All our tours can be customized or adjusted based on your interests and needs. Feel free to tell us your requirements. Our travel consultant will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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