With an endless list of places to visit in Italy, it can be hard to curate the perfect itinerary. From famous cities to charming countryside towns to picturesque beach destinations, Italy realls has it all.
After spending a month traveling around Italy with my partner, we stayed in multiple cities and learned so much about traveling around this European gem. From must visit places to iconic activities to unbeatable restaurants, this one week Italy itinerary covers it all.
A pre-planned itinerary will make your trip go smoother so you can focus on being present, instead of worrying about what train to catch next, or what hotel you’ll be staying at. Everything is organized so you can make the most of your time in Italy!
Most transportation routes will be by train. I highly suggest booking your transportation before your trip; here is our full Italy train guide. So let’s get to it…where will you be going in Italy? Take a look at our top two picks for the best 7-day Italy itinerary.
Before You Visit Italy
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7-Day Italy Itinerary
How to Spend One Incredible Week Exploring Italy Your Way!
The following Italy itineraries are for those who have 7 whole days to spend in the country excluding travel days.
If you have 7 days total including arrival and departure days, I recommend choosing your top two locations and sticking to just these. You’ll enjoy your time in Italy more and truly appreciate what each city has to offer if you’re not rushing around to squeeze every place in.
What is your travel style? I have included an iconic northern Italy itinerary along with a beachy and adventurous southern Italy itinerary.
⭐️ Trains are the best way to travel on this 7 day Italy trip!
Book your train tickets in advance on Trainline (this is what I used during the entire month I traveled around Italy and it was so convenient).
An Iconic Week in Italy
Visit some of Italy’s most famous cities in the north for an iconic unbeatable Italy vacation. These places are famous for a reason and they will invite you to enjoy the heart of Italian history and culture.
If you want to experience the true essence of Italy’s way of life, this 7-day Italy itinerary option is for you. Sip on wine in the streets of Rome, enjoy the ocean views in Cinque Terre, and learn about some of the greatest artists of Florence.
Days 1-2: Rome
There is so much to see, eat, and do in Rome. This bustling city is very walkable, which is great for those who enjoy exploring on foot. You see so much more of a city this way!
Need inspiration for how to spend your time here, check out our 1-Day Rome Itinerary! This covers the best monuments, sights, and foods to try.
You can’t visit Italy without exploring ancient Roman ruins and the famous monuments in Rome, Italy’s capital.
The airport in Rome is great to fly into for international flights; it’s generally cheaper because it’s bigger with more flights coming in and out.
If you are able to, I recommend getting a flight that arrives in the morning. You can hit the ground running, see more of Rome, and also beat jet lag easier this way.
⭐️ Hotel Recommendation: Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800 | $$ | 9.1/10 rating | Check Availability
What to Do in Rome
There is an endless list of things to see and do and eat in Rome, but these are highlights you do not want to miss!
- Must Do: Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Iconic Sites: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon.
- Foodies: Take a Rome food tour and try local specialties; Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe are must tries in Rome. Go to Life Ristorante, Pasta in Corso, and Obica Mozzarella Bar.
P.s. If you’re a foodie check out the best experiences in Rome for foodies and complete your itinerary!
Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum
This is absolutely a must do in Rome. If you book any tour tickets, let them be for the famous Colosseum and Roman Forum. A tour will include so many historical facts and local influence. Book Colosseum tour tickets here.
Self Guided Walking Tour
One great reason to visit Rome is that so much of it is walkable. While some sites are closer together than others, you can still easily take yourself on a self guided walking tour to the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Go on a Rome Food Tour
If you’re a fellow foodie, the best way to get a good grasp on local food scenes is by taking a food tour guided by a local. Try many different Roman specialties and know what you want to try more of! Book a Rome food tour here.
Day 3-5: Cinque Terre
Hop on the train from Roma Termini to make your way to Cinque Terre. Situated on the northern coast, this dreamy region is made up of five villages of Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
It is easy to get to Cinque Terre from Rome. If you leave in the morning from Rome, you will arrive in Cinque Terre in the afternoon. You can put your bags down at your accommodation, grab a late lunch, stroll around your base town, and make a reservation at IL PORTICCIOLO Ristorante Pizzeria.
⭐️ Hotel Recommendation: AWroom Guest House | $$ | 9.5/10 rating | Check Availability
What to Do in Cinque Terre
See the best of each town, enjoy mountain views, ocean waves, and more incredible food, grab lunch by the sea, eat multiple gelatos, pop in some local shops, and have dinner with a view at La Regina.
- Must Do: Town hop on the train, book a boat tour, hike in the mountains, and take a pesto making class.
- Iconic Sites: Vernazza’s harbor, view of Manarola from Nessun Dorma, and Riomaggiore “beach”.
- Foodies: Try Sciacchetrà, a dessert wine, Trofie al Pesto (basil pesto pasta), and sardines. Visit IL PORTICCIOLO Ristorante Pizzeria, La Regina, and Nessun Dorma.
Visit the Five Towns
With 2 to 3 days in Cinque Terre, you can explore all five villages, and I recommend doing so. While they’re all small and equally charming, they’re also unique. Take the Cinque Terre train for the most convenient access or opt for hiking between the towns.
They are all about sea level except Corniglia, which requires a rather lengthy stair climb to access. However, if you’re physically able and have the time, I suggest you still visit the quietest town.
Take a Boat Tour
A fun way to see the villages of Cinque Terre is by water. While boat tours tend to get pricey, they’re a unique experience worth the splurge. This Cinque Terre boat tour offers a sunset, small group tour with a fantastic guide who shares so much knowledge about the region.
Swim in the Summer
While there aren’t large beaches outside of Monterosso in Cinque Terre, the ocean is gorgeous here in the summer. If you’re visiting during the warmest months, plan to spend a morning or afternoon swimming in the sea. Visit Monterosso for sandy beaches or jump off the rocks like the locals do in the other towns.
Cinque Terre Travel Guides:
Day 6-7: Florence
Step back in time to the 15th century and immerse yourself in the Renaissance art period. Florence is often called the birthplace of the Renaissance, and even if you don’t consider yourself an art lover, you’ll fall in love with Florence.
Alongside the famous Duomo and cathedral, explore the Accademia Gallery and admire famous works like David by Michelangelo. Stroll through Boboli Gardens and walk across Ponte Vecchio with its shops and street performers.
Florence is filled with tons of activities, restaurants, gelaterias, and high-end shopping. If you enjoy designer clothes and stores, the streets surrounding the Duomo are filled with shops for you.
⭐️ Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Dali | $ | 9.5/10 rating | Check Availability
What to Do in Florence
Florence is filled with stunning architecture and amazing restaurants. The museums here are top tier and Boboli Gardens makes for a beautiful walk.
- Must Do: Climb the Cuppola and visit the cathedral, stroll through Boboli Gardens, and admire the David.
- Iconic Sites: Duomo and cathedral, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, and Ponte Vecchio.
- Foodies: Try tiramisu and a sandwich with lampredotto, and take a pasta making class. Go to Osteria del Pavone and I’Pizzachhiere.
See Michelangelo's David
Visit the Cathedral and Climb the Duomo
Florence’s most iconic site is the cathedral and Duomo. These are simply must visits while in the city and if you’re not too scared of heights I recommend climbing to the top of the Duomo.
Take a Pasta Making Class
If you’re a foodie, I recommend taking at least one cooking class while in Italy. Florence is a great place to do so; take a look at this pasta and tiramisu making class.
Tour Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace
From the sprawling gardens of Boboli to the intricate interior design of Pitti Palace, walk back in time when you visit this part of Florence. Pitti Palace holds original artifacts along with galleries and museum exhibits. Book your tickets here.
Return to Rome
After a whirlwind trip through a few of the best places to visit in Italy, it’s time to return to Rome for your trip back home. If you find yourself with more time, take a day trip from Florence to Pisa!
The city of Pisa is quite small, and all the famous sights are within walking distance of each other. Another bonus? There are many cool free places to visit in Pisa so you don’t even have to spend a dime exploring the city.
A Unique 7 Days in Italy
Looking to enjoy Italy’s best beaches and stunning volcanic vistas? You’ve found the right place. Italy boasts some of the best beaches in Europe, and Mt. Etna in Sicily is an adventure hotspot.
Grab a good book and a towel and head to the beaches of the Amalfi Coast. Dress up and treat yourself to fine dining. And have the adventure of a lifetime in Sicily.
If you plan on swimming or sunbathing, plan an early summer trip to Italy for warm weather before the summer crowds arrive.
Days 1-2: Rome
Home of incredible ancient ruins, famous monuments, and endless options of mouth-watering food, Rome simply has to be on your Italy itinerary.
It’s the capital of Italy and houses the largest international airport in Italy. It’s a great start to your trip because the main train station, Roma Termini, makes it so easy to travel around.
If you are able to, book a flight that arrives early in the morning so you have the rest of your day available for Roman adventures.
⭐️ Hotel Recommendation: Boutique Hotel Atelier ‘800 | $$ | 9.1/10 rating | Check Availability
Things to Do in Rome
Spend your first full day in Italy exploring the best of Rome. There are so many incredible sites to see here; check out the best things to do in Rome for first time visitors.
If you would rather take it slow and enjoy the slow pace of life the Italians boast, stroll around the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Stop for a refreshing gelato or a cappuccino.
- Tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Visit Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Spanish Steps
- Go to Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Take a food tour or cooking class
Day 3-5: The Amalfi Coast
Grab a cappuccino and pastry in Rome, then head to the train station to catch a train to the Amalfi Coast. I recommend going to the Roma Termini station; this is the main station in Rome.
To get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, you will catch a train and then a ferry. Check out our full guide on getting from Rome to Amalfi here!
I recommend booking your accommodation in Amalfi or Ravello as they are centrally located and each has restaurants, shops, hotels, etc.
Before you go, check out our guide to getting around the Amalfi Coast! There are buses and ferries to hop on that will allow you to travel around the region fairly easily.
⭐️ Hotel Recommendation: B&B Valentì | $$ | 9.3/10 rating | Check Availability
Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a coastal region in southern Italy made of several small towns. You can explore multiple towns in one day, or stay and relax in just one.
Read about all the best things to do in Amalfi here!
- Must Do: Stroll through Amalfi and Ravello, take a day trip tour to a neighbor town, sip an Aperol spritz on the beach, and go to Villa Rufolo.
- Iconic Sites: The Duomo di Amalfi, Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano.
- Foodies: Try lemon or seafood pasta, Caprese salad, and sfogliatella. Go to Sensi Restaurant, Ristorante L’Abside, and Pizzeria Donna Stella. Take a mozzarella making class.
Explore Amalfi Town
While the Amalfi Coast is a region made up of multiple towns, Amalfi itself is a sinlge town. It’s one of the biggest, and it’s centrally located.
Walk down Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, visit the Duomo di Amalfi, stroll to the beach, and enjoy dinner with an ocean view in Amalfi.
Take a Day Trip to a Neighbor Town
I recommend visiting at least two towns while on the Amalfi Coast. You can take the ferry or the local buses to cheaply get between towns, or you can opt for a tour.
Some of the best day tours in Amalfi are:
Go Beach Hopping
Spend the next day enjoying the best beaches on the Amalfi Coast. With a plethora of beaches to choose from, you can take the bus or ferry to neighboring towns, to stay near Amalfi and still have a great time.
Some of the best beaches here are:
If you prefer to stay in one place and relax all day, head to Castiglione de Ravello. There is a small beach club here with chairs, drinks, and snacks available.
Enjoy Hiking
A popular activity on the Amalfi Coast is hiking. There are many hikes that offer incredible views of the coast below you. One of the most famous is the “Hike of the Gods.”
Several hiking trails start in the town of Amalfi including:
Valle delle Ferriere e dei Mulini | 3.1 mile loop
Amalfi – Villa Cimbrone – Ravello – Torre Dello Ziro | 6.8 mile loop
Amalfi – Pogerola – Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie | 2.9 mile out and back
Amalfi Coast Travel Guides:
Day 6-7: Catania and Mt. Etna
Time to head to Sicily! Take the ferry from Amalfi to Salerno, and hop on an overnight train to Catania. This will allow you to wake up in Sicily ready for a full day of adventures.
I personally stayed in Nicolosi at the base of Mt. Etna and took the bus into Catania for a day. I loved doing this because the town of Nicolosi was quiet and very charming.
⭐️ Hotel Recommendation
- Catania: Palazzo Costarelli – Bed and Breakfast | $$ | 9.5/10 rating | Check Availability
- Nicolosi: Etna Cottage Bed & Breakfast | $ | 10/10 rating | Check Availability
Things to Do in Catania & Mt. Etna
I recommend spending a day in Catania and a day enjoying Mt. Etna and Nicolosi. Enjoy all the free things to do in Catania. From Nicolosi, you can book a mountain biking tour or drive a rental car to Mt. Etna. Or from Catania, you can book a guided tour of Mt. Etna.
- Must Do: Mountain biking tour or guided tour of Mt. Etna, explore Catania on a budget, and relax in the quaint town of Nicolosi.
- Iconic Sites: Mt. Etna (it’s a volcano!), Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, and Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena.
- Foodies: Try arancini, Pasta alla Norma, and cannolis. Go to Osteria 1877, Frittosù Sicilian Streetfood, and Bistro Uzeta. Check out the best food tours in Sicily!
Bike or Hike on Mt. Etna
There are several ways you can tour Mt. Etna. Many guided tours leave from and return to Catania for convenience. You can go mountain biking on Mt. Etna for an extreme adventure, or opt for a guided hike to really admire the volcano.
Explore the Best of Catania
Catania has no shortage of free sights, fun activities, and great museums. Get a feel for the city and check out some of the best things to do in Catania. Visit Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena, and more on foot.
Go on a Catania Food Tour
Some of Italy’s best dishes originate in Sicily. If you’re not sure where to take a food tour during your Italy trip, let it be in Sicily. You can book the best Catania street food tour here. There are 6 stops on this food tour, and you’ll get to try some amazing foods, like the famous arancini in Sicily.
Return to Rome
Time to head back to Rome. If you have more time in Italy, spend another day exploring some of the towns on the Amalfi Coast. There are tons of cute shops, viewpoints, restaurants, and fun things to do in Amalfi.
Ravello is located further up the mountain and has a botanical garden with views of the expansive coast below. There are also amazing restaurant options for dinner in Ravello, such as Enotavola Wine Bar.
Italy has so much to offer, it would be impossible to experience it all in a week. However, my 7-day Italy Itinerary options are perfect for those wanting to see a lot and still enjoy their time in each city.
What kind of travel do you enjoy most? Choose the option that best fits your style above and start booking your trip! I highly recommend booking accommodation, train tickets, and any Michelin star or super high-end restaurant reservations ahead of time.
With a 7-day Italy itinerary to follow and help you plan your Italy trip, you don’t have to worry about figuring out where to go or how long to stay in one place. Just focus on being in the amazing country, soak in the views and culture, and eat as many carbs and gelato as you can.
Not sure which itinerary to pick? If it is your first trip, I recommend going with the first option so you can experience a little bit of everything in Italy’s most iconic destinations.
Immerse yourself in the bustling capital of Rome and admire ancient ruins and famous monuments. Learn about art and history in Florence while soaking in the Tuscan charm.
Feel the sea breeze on your face while you have a relaxing dinner on the mountainside of Manarola in Cinque Terre.
Whatever 7-day Italy itinerary option you choose, you will fall in love with Italy and want to book another trip before you leave. This country is magical and will leave you wanting to come back to experience more.
Buon viaggio, enjoy la dolce vita in Italy! Come back to Alpacka My Bags for more tips on Italy travel.
