Breathtaking views, mouth-watering food, natural beauty, adventure activities, and famous monuments all in one place. Sounds nice, right? Then now is the time for you to plan a trip to Italy. You’ll experience all of these fantastic things in one incredible country!
Italy is known for its ancient ruins, beloved cuisine, gorgeous architecture, and laid-back way of living. This country needs to be on everyone’s travel radar, and if you’ve already been, you can keep returning and finding more amazing places.
With an endless list of places to visit in Italy, it can be hard to curate the perfect itinerary. So hi, Alpacka My Bags is here to help! We have created the ultimate 7-day Italy itinerary for three different travel styles. You get to choose your favorite and start booking!
The following Italy itineraries are for those who have 7 whole days to spend in the country (so “Day 0” and “Day 8” mean your arrival and departure days.
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 three picks for the best 7-day Italy itinerary.
Before You Visit Italy
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 (so “Day 0” and “Day 8” mean your arrival and departure days.
If you have 7 days total, 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 three options for a 7-day Italy itinerary, so pick the one that best suits you! Will it be the…
1) Adventure Option
If you are more of a go-go-go traveler who likes to participate in some kind of athletic activity on your trips, this 7-day Italy itinerary option is for you. I have included three cities that I highly recommend for adventure lovers.
Rome, because you have to visit Rome. The Amalfi Coast, because of endless swimming and hiking options. And Catania/Nicolosi, because who wouldn’t want to mountain bike on a volcano?
Arrival: Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
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.
Day 1-2: Explore the streets of Rome
There is so much to see, do, and eat 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!
For your one whole day in this amazing city, check out our 1-Day Rome Itinerary! This covers the best monuments, sights, and foods to try.
Day 2 Afternoon: Train to 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!
Day 3-4: Visit the Towns of 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.
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
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.
Day 4 Afternoon: Train to Catania and Bus to Nicolosi
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.
Once in Catania, catch the bus to Nicolosi that leaves around 8:15 am. Here is my full guide on getting from Catania to Nicolosi.
Once in Nicolosi, enjoy the adventures available on Mt. Etna. You can hike, bike, or catch a cable car, but my top recommendation is to book the best mountain biking tour on Mt. Etna.
Day 5-6: Enjoy Catania
If you are able to spend day 5 in Nicolosi and mountain biking on Mt. Etna, head back to Catania on day 6.
Store your luggage at this convenient bag storage so you can explore Catania easily. This is where we stored our bags and I recommend it because it’s easy, trustworthy, and close to the train station.
Wander the bustling streets of this port city and check out some of the best free things to do in Catania. There’s so much to do here, but I truly recommend these free activities as they are walkable, budget-friendly, and still allow you to explore some incredible parts of Catania.
Day 7: Train to Rome
Time to head back to the airport and catch your flight home. While you’ll probably be sad to leave Italy, this is only trip one! There is so much more to see, hopefully, you’ll be inspired to return after following this 7-day Italy itinerary.
If you have a morning flight on day 7, I recommend catching the train the night before and staying in a hotel near Rome Fiumicino Airport. If you have an afternoon or evening flight, you could take an early train home after staying the night in Catania.
Not leaving on day 7? Stay an extra night in Nicolosi so you can enjoy the charm of this small town. You won’t have to rush to fit in a mountain biking tour, and you can enjoy some of the local hikes.
2) Relaxing Option
Looking to relax and indulge in some of the best food in the world? You’ve found the right place. Italy boasts some of the best beaches in Europe, and the best part? They’re reachable by train so you can visit multiple in one trip!
Grab a good book and a towel and head to the beaches of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. Dress up and treat yourself to Michelin dining in Rome and feel like royalty.
If you plan on swimming or sunbathing, plan a summer trip to Italy. The water doesn’t get very warm, and you don’t want to be shivering while trying to enjoy a beach read.
Arrival: Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Home of incredible ancient ruins, famous monuments, and endless options of mouth-watering food, Rome needs to be on your itinerary.
If you’re arriving internationally, chances are you will fly into Rome. 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.
Day 1-2: Explore the City of 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.
Grab lunch at Obica, then head to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. End the day with a lovely traditional Italian dinner at Life Ristorante. If you want to splurge, make a booking before your trip for one of the Michelin-star restaurants in Rome.
Day 2: Train to Cinque Terre
From Roma Termini, you’ll make your way to the next stop. Nestled in the mountains of the northern Italian coast are the five fishing villages of Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
It is easy to get to Cinque Terre from Rome. I recommend taking the train to Manarola; it’s a great base.
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, and stroll around Manarola. While on your stroll, make a reservation so you can enjoy a nice dinner at IL PORTICCIOLO Ristorante Pizzeria.
Day 3-4: Explore the Towns or Relax in Monterosso
Easily accessible by train, it’s possible to explore every town in one day without running a million miles per hour. But if you prefer to completely relax, head to Monterosso al Mare.
While there are a few other beaches to choose from, I recommend Fegina Beach in Monterosso. Spend a lovely summer day relaxing on the beach with your favorite book or an Aperol Spritz.
In the summer, when I recommend visiting if you want to have a beach day, there are beach chairs available to rent for the day.
Day 4: Train and Ferry to Amalfi
Hop on the train to the next beach destination, the Amalfi Coast! Known for its lemons, beaches, and mountain views, this coastal region is breathtaking.
The Amalfi Coast is made up of many small towns, with the actual town of Amalfi located somewhat in the middle. I recommend staying in Amalfi or Ravello.
Day 5-6: 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.
Day 7: Train 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.
3) Little-Bit-of-Everything Option
If you want to experience the true essence of Italy’s way of life, this 7-day Italy itinerary option is for you. Enjoy la dolce vita while you sip on wine in the street of Rome. Learn bout some of the greatest artists of all time in Florence.
Visit some of the most famous monuments in Italy and see for yourself what makes them so incredible. And walk the cobble streets of old fishing villages in the quaint Cinque Terre region.
Arrival: Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Fly into Rome to start your week in Italy! Being the capital, you can’t truly experience Italy without admiring Rome and all it has to offer.
If you arrive in the morning, you’re in luck. Go leave your bags at your accommodation and start exploring!
Day 1-2: Explore Roman Ruins and Monuments
Spend the next day exploring the best of Rome. From the famous Colosseum to the breathtaking Roman Forum and Pantheon, there is so much to admire in Rome.
Try all the food you can eat while in Rome; everything is so delicious, you’ll thank me later. And it’s only a week, you can get back to your regular diet later. The pasta and pizza and cheese and gelato are waiting for you.
Day 2: Train to 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 small fishing villages.
Step into an Italian romance movie and let the coastal breeze blow through your hair as you enjoy mountain views, ocean waves, and more incredible food.
Day 3-4: The Five Villages of Cinque Terre
Because the five towns are all quite small and are easily accessible by train, you can explore all five in one day. See the best of each town, stop for lunch by the sea, grab multiple gelatos, pop in some local shops, and end the day with dinner and a view at La Regina.
When in Cinque Terre, you must try their traditional dessert wine, Sciacchetrà. It is strong and sweet and often served with a small pastry like biscotti, or with cheese.
Day 4: Train to 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.
The architecture here is stunning; the famous Duomo Cathedral attracts many admirers. It was, and is an incredible architectural feat.
Day 5-6: See the Best of Florence
Alongside the Duomo, spend a couple of hours exploring 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.
Day 7: 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.
Italy has so much to offer, it would be impossible to experience it all in a week. However, my three 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 third 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.
Bon voyage, enjoy la dolce vita in Italy! Come back to Alpacka My Bags for more tips on Italy travel.
