Italy rewards curiosity. In Rome, layers of history stack from ancient forums to Baroque piazzas, with espresso bars fueling long walks across cobblestones that emperors, artists, and popes once crossed. In Florence, the Renaissance still hums through studios and palaces, and sunset paints the Arno while locals gather for aperitivo.

You’ll split this 7-day itinerary between Rome and Florence, connected by a fast train. Expect adventurous days—arena-floor access at the Colosseum, an early Vatican visit, artisan alleyways in the Oltrarno, and a full-day Tuscany loop through Siena and San Gimignano with winery lunch. The pacing balances “wow” moments with unhurried time for neighborhoods and street food.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for churches (shoulders/knees covered). Book major sites in advance. Tap water is safe; fill your bottle at public fountains. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas. For Europe flights and trains, search and book on Omio (flights) and Omio (trains); buses can be great for savings via Omio (buses).

Rome

Rome is a living museum with a raucous appetite. One minute you’re tracing gladiators’ footsteps; the next you’re perched at a tiny counter inhaling supplì (fried rice balls) and a perfect espresso. Neighborhoods like Monti and Trastevere offer the city’s most authentic mix of trattorias, artisan shops, and nightlife.

Top sights include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. For an adventurous twist, walk the Appian Way at golden hour or climb the Vittoriano terrace for sweeping views.

• Stay: Search stays on VRBO Rome or Hotels.com Rome. Mid-range favorites with great locations: Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere) for leafy courtyards and quiet nights; Hotel Mascagni near Via Veneto; solid-budget The Beehive (friendly, stylish hostel).
• Getting in: From FCO airport, take the Leonardo Express (32 min, ~€14) to Termini or a fixed-fare taxi (~€50–55). Compare options on Omio trains or Omio buses. For international tickets to Rome, see Omio flights.

Day 1: Arrival in Rome, Pantheon to Trastevere

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with an easy loop: Piazza Navona’s fountains, the Pantheon’s marbled hush, then toss a coin at Trevi Fountain. Coffee stop at Tazza d’Oro for a granita di caffè or Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè for old-school espresso.

Evening: Cross Ponte Sisto into Trastevere. Dinner at Da Enzo al 29 (reserve; classic carbonara and amatriciana) or Taverna Trilussa (big Roman portions). Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro. Nightcap at Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (craft beer) or Freni e Frizioni (breezy aperitivo by the river).

Day 2: Ancient Rome with Arena-Floor Access

Morning: Cappuccino and cornetto near the Colosseum at Caffè Propaganda. Then join this arena-floor experience:

Rome: Colosseum with Arena, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour

Walk through the Gladiator’s Gate onto the arena, then explore the Forum and Palatine with context that brings ruins to life.

Afternoon: Quick, tasty lunch at La Prezzemolina (pizza al taglio) or Alle Carrette (thin-crust Roman pizza) in Monti. Browse Monti’s indie boutiques and vintage shops. Climb the Capitoline Hill for a perfect Forum overlook.

Evening: Aperitivo at Ai Tre Scalini (crowd favorite for Italian craft wines) or Blackmarket Hall. Dinner at Trattoria Vecchia Roma (famous tonnarelli cacio e pepe with guanciale flambéed in a cheese wheel) or Urbana 47 (modern Roman plates). Gelato at Fatamorgana Monti.

Day 3: The Vatican, then a Foodie Night in Trastevere

Morning: Espresso at Sciascia Caffè 1919 in Prati, then this skip-the-line deep dive:

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Admire Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo’s ceiling, then step into St. Peter’s. Dress code enforced; book early for the first slots to beat crowds.

Afternoon: Simple, delicious pasta at Pastasciutta (fast, cheap) or Pizzarium Bonci (gourmet pizza by the slice near Cipro). Stroll Via Cola di Rienzo’s shops or walk along the Tiber to Castel Sant’Angelo for views.

Evening: Make dinner your adventure with this award-winning walk-and-taste:

Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Expect Roman street food, pasta, cured meats, and gelato across beloved local spots—no guessing, just feasting.

Florence

Florence is compact and walkable, but its impact is huge: Brunelleschi’s Dome, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and masterpieces in marble and light. Across the river, the Oltrarno brims with artisans hammering gold, carving wood, and binding leather.

Beyond headline museums, your adventure is tactile—climbing the Duomo, sunset steps to Piazzale Michelangelo, or a day into rolling vineyards and medieval towers. Fuel up with schiacciata sandwiches, ribollita soup, and Tuscan reds.

• Stay: Search on VRBO Florence or Hotels.com Florence. Budget-to-mid picks: Hotel Dali (simple, steps from the Duomo), Hotel Davanzati (friendly, central), and for a splurge with a rooftop pool, Grand Hotel Minerva.
• Getting there from Rome: Take the Frecciarossa high-speed train (1h30–1h40). Typical fares €25–€60; book early on Omio trains. Depart Rome Termini/Tiburtina, arrive Firenze S. M. Novella—walkable to most sights.

Day 4: Train to Florence, Duomo and Oltrarno

Morning (Travel): Depart Rome after breakfast; aim for a 9–10 a.m. train to arrive by late morning (1h30–1h40). Grab seats with a window for Tuscan countryside views. Book via Omio.

Afternoon: Drop bags and walk the historic core: the Duomo, Baptistery doors, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. For an active climb, reserve Brunelleschi’s Dome (timed entry). Quick lunch: All’Antico Vinaio (famous schiacciata; expect a line) or I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti (excellent sandwiches).

Evening: Cross the Ponte Vecchio to the Oltrarno. Aperitivo at Volume on Piazza Santo Spirito. Dinner at Trattoria 13 Gobbi (iconic rigatoni in a clay pot) or Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (Tuscan game and pappardelle al cinghiale). Gelato at La Carraia by the bridge.

Day 5: Uffizi, Boboli Gardens, and Artisan Alleys

Morning: Espresso at Ditta Artigianale (specialty coffee). Reserve a morning slot for the Uffizi—Botticelli, Leonardo, Caravaggio. Keep it focused: highlight rooms 10–14 for early Renaissance treasures.

Afternoon: Lunch at Mercato Centrale: try Da Nerbone (lampredotto sandwich) and Il Tartufo (truffle pasta). Then wander the Boboli Gardens’ shaded avenues and climb to the Knight’s Garden for views. Explore artisans along Via Maggio and Borgo San Frediano—leather, bookbinding, and small ateliers.

Evening: Sunset steps to Piazzale Michelangelo (or quieter San Miniato al Monte above it for Gregorian chants). Dinner back in town at Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken and bistecca; book) or Trattoria Mario (lively, lunch-focused; simple Tuscan classics). Nightcap at Rasputin (speakeasy) or negroni at Caffè Gilli.

Day 6: Full-Day Tuscany—Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa + Winery Lunch

All day tour (no need to split by morning/afternoon/evening):

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery

Tick off medieval skylines, striped cathedrals, lean into vintages at a countryside winery, and end with the Leaning Tower. It’s a big, adventure-filled loop perfect for a 7-day itinerary.

Post-tour dinner suggestion: Keep it easy with pizza at Gusta Pizza in Santo Spirito or La Bussola near the center. Gelato at Vivoli (old-school) before bed.

Day 7: Sunrise Over Florence, Markets, and Departure

Morning: Early climb to San Miniato al Monte for sunrise over terracotta roofs. Coffee and a sweet at Pasticceria Nencioni. Browse the San Lorenzo Market for leather goods and foodie souvenirs (Tuscan olive oil, finocchiona salami).

Afternoon (Departure): Simple lunch at I’ Trippaio del Porcellino (street panini) or Trattoria Zà Zà (quick classics). Walk to Santa Maria Novella station or take a short taxi to the airport. For trains and airport transfers, compare on Omio; for flights out of Florence or Pisa to Europe, see Omio flights.

Optional Add-Ons if You Have Extra Energy

• From Rome: Day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast for a long, scenic adventure. Start before dawn; pack snacks and layers.
• Rome’s Appian Way by bike: Ancient paving stones, catacombs, and aqueduct views—a quiet, active escape within the city.
• Florence e-bike into the hills of Fiesole: Olive groves, villa views, and breezy descents back to town.

Quick-Book Corner: Featured Tours in This Itinerary

• Colosseum with Arena + Ancient Rome

  

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s

  

• Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

  

• Tuscany Day Trip + Winery Lunch

  

Budget tips (score 50): Mix sit-down trattorias with stand-up counters; opt for house wine; pre-book combo tickets; carry a refillable bottle; consider buses for some routes via Omio; choose centrally located hotels to save on taxis; and target lunch for your bigger meal where many trattorias offer better-value menus.

Where to sleep—at a glance:

• Rome: Hotel Santa Maria (quiet, Trastevere), Hotel Mascagni (mid-range, central), The Beehive (budget).
• Florence: Hotel Dali (budget, Duomo area), Hotel Davanzati (value and location), Grand Hotel Minerva (rooftop pool, splurge).

This week in Italy blends headline icons with neighborhood soul—arena-floor thrills in Rome, early Vatican magic, Renaissance masterworks in Florence, and a day under the Tuscan sun. Come hungry, walk far, and let each piazza surprise you.