Italy compresses three millennia of culture into one delicious journey. In seven days, you can stand where emperors ruled, gaze at masterpieces that reinvented art, and taste regional dishes that define “la dolce vita.” This itinerary focuses on Rome and Florence—two cities that reward every step—plus a day roaming Tuscan hills and medieval towns.

Rome layers Republic, Empire, Papal power, and contemporary life into a living museum. Florence birthed the Renaissance; its churches, palazzi, and workshops feel like an open-air art textbook. High-speed trains make moving between them smooth and scenic, so you spend more time exploring and less time commuting.

Expect espresso that tastes like courage, pasta shaped by grandmothers’ wisdom, and aperitivo hours that slide into memorable dinners. Book key sites in advance (Vatican, Colosseum, Uffizi), wear comfortable shoes, and carry small bills for cafes. Trains are efficient; taxis and rideshares are plentiful; and most historic centers are walkable.

Rome

Rome was founded, as legend goes, by Romulus and Remus; it grew into Caput Mundi—the capital of the world. Today, the city is a collage: ancient forums, baroque fountains, neighborhood trattorias, and lively markets. Wander, look up often, and let the city surprise you at every piazza.

• Top sights: Colosseum and Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Trastevere, Appian Way.
• Local flavors: Cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, supplì, artichokes alla romana, maritozzi, and Roman-style pizza al taglio.
• Fun fact: The Pantheon’s concrete dome—still the world’s largest unreinforced—has survived nearly 2,000 years of history and weather.

Where to stay (Rome):

• Splurge: Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection or Hotel de Russie
• Stylish mid-range: Kolbe Hotel Rome or Hotel Mascagni
• Great value: The Beehive or Hotel Santa Maria
• Browse more stays: VRBO Rome | Hotels.com Rome

Getting to Rome: Fly into FCO or CIA. Compare flights via Omio (flights to/from Europe). Coming from outside Europe? Check Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Leonardo Express train gets you from FCO to Termini in ~32 minutes.

Day 1: Arrival, Pantheon to Piazza Navona

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Kickstart your week with espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (near the Pantheon). Stroll to the Pantheon—go inside if the queue is short—then meander to Piazza Navona to admire Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Evening: Aperitivo in the atmospheric alleys off Via della Pace. Dinner options: Armando al Pantheon (classic Roman pastas), Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere (book ahead), or Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cured meats and Roman staples). Finish with gelato at Gelateria del Teatro.

Day 2: Colosseum, the Forum, and Monti, plus a Trastevere food crawl

Morning: Step onto history with a special-access tour that enters via the Gladiator’s Gate and the arena floor.

Book: Rome—Colosseum with Arena, Forum & Palatine Guided Tour

After the Colosseum, continue through the Roman Forum and up Palatine Hill for sweeping views of imperial ruins.

Afternoon: Lunch in Monti: Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (Roman recipes with a modern touch) or La Prezzemolina (excellent pizza al taglio). Explore Monti’s boutiques; grab a pick-me-up at Faro – Luminari del Caffè.

Evening: Taste Rome dish by dish in Trastevere with a local expert.

Book: Trastevere Food Tour (Evening)

Day 3: The Vatican, hidden Rome by golf cart, and a hands-on cooking class

Morning: Enter the Vatican Museums early to stand beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling before the big crowds, then continue to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Book: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Guided Tour

Optional: climb St. Peter’s dome for a city panorama. Quick lunch nearby: Pastasciutta (fresh pasta bowls) or Panino Divino (hearty sandwiches).

Afternoon: Cover more ground with a breezy private golf cart tour—perfect for seeing Aventine Keyhole, the Orange Garden, the Appian Way, and lesser-known corners without clock-watching.

Book: Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour

Evening: Learn to make pasta and tiramisù near Piazza Navona, then eat what you cooked—one of the most satisfying souvenirs you can bring home.

Book: 3-in-1 Cooking Class near Navona

Florence

Florence is the Renaissance distilled: Brunelleschi’s dome, Botticelli’s grace, Michelangelo’s force, and streets lined with workshops where artisans still hand-craft leather, gold, and paper. The Arno divides the city into the historic center and the artisan-rich Oltrarno.

• Top sights: Duomo complex and Baptistery, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (David), Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo and Mercato Centrale, Boboli and Bardini Gardens.
• Local flavors: Bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, schiacciata sandwiches, Tuscan wines (Chianti Classico, Brunello, Vernaccia).
• Fun fact: Florence’s “wine windows” (buchette del vino) reopened in recent years—tiny stone portals once used to sell wine directly from palazzi.

Where to stay (Florence):

• Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze or The St. Regis Florence
• Stylish mid-range: Grand Hotel Minerva or Hotel Brunelleschi
• Great value: Hotel Davanzati or Hotel Santa Croce
• Browse more stays: VRBO Florence | Hotels.com Florence

Getting to Florence from Rome: Take a high-speed Frecciarossa/Italo train from Roma Termini to Firenze S. M. Novella (~1h30; ~$28–$65 depending on class and how early you book). Compare and book via Omio (trains in Europe). Morning departures make for an easy hotel check-in and a full afternoon in Florence.

Day 4: Rome → Florence by train, Duomo district, and sunset views

Morning: Train to Florence (aim for a 9–10 a.m. departure). Drop bags, then grab a light lunch at Mercato Centrale—try lampredotto from Da Nerbone or fresh pasta at Pastificio Toscanini inside the market.

Afternoon: Orientation walk: Piazza del Duomo, exterior of the Cathedral and Baptistery, then Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria. Coffee at Ditta Artigianale (specialty roaster). Explore the leather stalls of San Lorenzo.

Evening: Golden-hour walk over Ponte Vecchio to Piazzale Michelangelo and the quieter Rose Garden or Bardini Garden (lovely wisteria in spring). Dinner options: Trattoria Mario (lunch-only most days; check hours), Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken and bistecca), or Buca Lapi (historic cellar steakhouse).

Day 5: Uffizi, the Duomo complex, and a food-and-wine evening

Morning: Uffizi Gallery highlights: Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo’s Annunciation, Michelangelo’s Holy Family. Reserve timed entry. Snack at Caffè Rivoire on Piazza della Signoria (classic hot chocolate) or a quick schiacciata at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti.

Afternoon: Visit the Duomo Museum (superb originals from the cathedral façade), then climb Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Campanile for views. Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri or Vivoli.

Evening: Join a guided food and wine walk that explores wine windows, enotecas, and artisan bites in the golden-hour glow.

Book: Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour

Day 6: Full-day Tuscan countryside—medieval towns and a winery lunch

Spend a day among Siena’s Gothic grandeur, San Gimignano’s towers, and Pisa’s famous Campo dei Miracoli, with a leisurely lunch at a Tuscan winery. It’s a scenic sampler if you have only one day for the countryside.

Book: Tuscany Day Trip from Florence (with Winery Lunch)

Day 7: Oltrarno artisans, Santa Maria Novella, and departure

Morning: Coffee at La Ménagère or Ditta Artigianale. Explore Oltrarno workshops: leather ateliers on Via de’ Serragli, goldsmiths near Ponte Vecchio, paper marblers around Santo Spirito. Visit the Brancacci Chapel for Masaccio’s game-changing frescoes (reserve ahead).

Afternoon (departure): If time allows, pop into the Officina Profumo–Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for historic perfumes and soaps. Farewell lunch at Il Santo Bevitore (seasonal Tuscan plates) or Osteria dell’Enoteca (excellent bistecca). Walk to the station for your train or head to the airport; compare routes on Omio (trains) and Omio (flights).

Optional Rome enhancements (if you want to swap or add)

• Prefer a self-paced ancient Rome visit? Consider this ticket with audio guide for Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine.

Book: Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Admission with Audio Guide

Food & coffee shortlist (save this list)

• Rome coffee/breakfast: Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè; Panificio Bonci for cornetti; Pasticceria Regoli for maritozzi.
• Rome lunch/dinner: Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina; Da Enzo al 29; Armando al Pantheon; Pizzarium Bonci (pizza al taglio); Cesare al Casaletto (classic Roman fare slightly off-center).
• Florence coffee/breakfast: Ditta Artigianale; Caffè Gilli; Rivoire (historic café); La Ménagère.
• Florence lunch/dinner: Trattoria Mario; Trattoria Sostanza; Buca Lapi; Il Santo Bevitore; Osteria All’Antico Ristoro di Cambi; All’Antico Vinaio (takeaway schiacciata).

Getting around & practical tips

• Trains: Book high-speed routes on Omio. Typical fares Rome–Florence run ~$28–$65; 1st class adds space and a quieter carriage.
• Local transport: Rome Metro/Buses for longer hops; Florence is walkable. Taxis are metered; ask for official white cabs.
• Reservations: Reserve Vatican, Colosseum, and Uffizi well in advance. Popular trattorias also book out—call or use their booking systems.
• Etiquette: Pay at the cashier before ordering at some bars; cappuccino is typically a morning drink, while espresso rules the day.

Alternative day trip ideas from Florence: Prefer wine-focused? Join a small-group Tuscan wine afternoon instead of the grand countryside loop.

Book: Tuscan Wine Tasting (Half-Day)

In one week, you’ll trace Rome’s imperial avenues, admire Florence’s Renaissance genius, and toast the good life among Tuscan vines. This itinerary balances must-see icons with local neighborhoods and memorable meals—the Italy people return for, again and again.