Italy wears its history in the open: emperors’ arches, Renaissance domes, hilltop towns, and family-run osterie. This 7-day itinerary focuses on Rome and Florence—two essential cities—balanced with a generous slice of Tuscan countryside for hiking, wine tasting, and iconic photo-ops.

In Rome, walk in the footsteps of gladiators and popes, then pedal along ancient roads lined with aqueducts. In Florence, meet the Renaissance up close, wander artisan workshops, and sail a traditional boat along the Arno at golden hour.

Expect excellent trains, seasonal cuisine, and warm hospitality. Pack comfortable shoes, pre-book major museums, and carry a reusable water bottle (public fountains are abundant and safe to use). Spring and fall offer mild temps and lighter crowds—perfect for an adventurous, mid-range budget trip.

Rome

Rome is a living museum with a beating heart—ancient forums and neighborhood trattorias share the same streets. Marvel at the Colosseum, toss a coin in Trevi Fountain, and linger in piazzas over espresso like a local. For a dash of nature, the Appian Way and Parco degli Acquedotti deliver wide skies and history underfoot.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trastevere.
• Why go now: Off-peak seasons mean easier museum access and gentler weather for urban hikes and biking.
• Where to stay: For walkability and food, Trastevere and Monti are excellent bases.

Getting there and around: Fly into Fiumicino (FCO). Compare flights on Omio. From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini takes ~32 minutes, ~€14. In-town, walk, use metro/buses, or rideshares for late nights.

Suggested stays: Mid-range charmer Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere), modern comfort near the Forum at Kolbe Hotel Rome, or budget-friendly The Beehive. Browse more: VRBO Rome and Hotels.com Rome.

Day 1: Arrival and the Centro Storico

Afternoon: Arrive and check in, then stretch your legs through the Centro Storico. See the Pantheon’s perfect dome, Bernini’s fountains at Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain—great for first photos. Coffee stop: Tazza d’Oro for strong, affordable espresso.

Evening: Cross the Tiber to Trastevere. Aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni (great spritzes and a generous snack spread). Dinner at Da Enzo al 29 (Roman classics—carbonara, carciofi alla giudia; book or go early). Nightcap craft beer at Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà or gelato at Otaleg.

Day 2: Gladiators, Forums, and Monti

Morning: Step inside history with a guided Colosseum Arena Floor visit, then continue through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with your guide. It’s the most time-efficient and vivid way to understand ancient Rome.

Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Afternoon: Explore Monti’s cobbled lanes and independent boutiques. Lunch at Al42 by Pasta Chef (great value fresh pasta) or La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (classic Roman). Coffee at Faro for third-wave brews.

Evening: Sunset at the Capitoline Hill overlook (gorgeous Forum views). Dinner near Campo de’ Fiori: Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina for cacio e pepe and an excellent wine list; reserve ahead.

Day 3: The Vatican and the Ancient Appian Way

Morning: Beat the queues with a skip-the-line guided visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Raphael Rooms are highlights; your guide will streamline the route.

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

Afternoon: Go adventurous: rent bikes in the Appio/Parco degli Acquedotti area (shops near Giulio Agricola metro) or start near Porta San Sebastiano and ride the cobbled Via Appia Antica past tombs and aqueducts. Pack water; surfaces are uneven—great for photos and a countryside feel within Rome.

Evening: Golden-hour views from Terrazza del Pincio above Piazza del Popolo. Dinner in Prati: Pastasciutta (quick, affordable fresh pasta) or Trattoria al Lampione for a sit-down meal. Gelato at Gelateria La Romana.

Florence (and the Tuscan Countryside)

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance—compact, walkable, and overflowing with art. Cross the Ponte Vecchio to the artisan-filled Oltrarno, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset, and fuel up on schiacciata sandwiches and Tuscan reds.

• Top sights: Duomo complex, Uffizi, Accademia (Michelangelo’s David), Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Oltrarno workshops.
• Local flavor: Nose around San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale for street eats and specialty stalls—great for budget-conscious lunches.
• Countryside escapes: Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa are within day-trip range.

Getting there: Ride a high-speed train from Rome Termini to Firenze S. M. Novella (~1h30, €25–60). Compare and book on Omio Trains. Buses can be cheaper but slower; check Omio Buses.

Suggested stays: Excellent mid-range Hotel Davanzati, budget-friendly Hotel Dali, or stylish splurge with a rooftop pool at Grand Hotel Minerva. Browse more: VRBO Florence and Hotels.com Florence.

Day 4: Train to Florence, Oltrarno Artisans, and Arno by Boat

Morning: Depart Rome after breakfast. High-speed train to Florence (~1h30). Walk or taxi to your hotel and drop bags.

Afternoon: Explore the Oltrarno: peek into artisan workshops on Via Maggio and around Santo Spirito—goldsmiths, bookbinders, and woodworkers keep centuries-old crafts alive. Snack at Gustapanino or fresh pasta at Osteria Santo Spirito (great terrace).

Evening: Take a traditional “Renaioli” flat-bottom boat on the Arno at sunset (seasonal; cash-friendly). You’ll float under the Ponte Vecchio—prime photography. Dinner nearby at Trattoria La Casalinga (home-style Tuscan dishes) or Il Santo Bevitore (modern Tuscan, reserve).

Day 5: Renaissance Hits and a Tuscan Wine Safari

Morning: See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia (book timed entry). Continue to the Duomo area—step inside the cathedral and consider climbing the dome or Giotto’s bell tower for city panoramas. Coffee at Ditta Artigianale; quick panini at SandwiChic or schiacciata at Da’ Vinattieri.

Afternoon: Go off-road through Chianti on a small-group “wine safari” from Florence—rolling hills, cypress-lined lanes, two wineries, and a Tuscan lunch make for an adventurous countryside escape with minimal logistics.

SMALL-GROUP Wine Safaris: Tuscan Wine Tasting Tours from Florence

Evening: Back in town, stroll Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi courtyard after hours for crowd-free photos. Dinner at Trattoria Mario (Old-School Tuscan; arrive early) or Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (pappardelle al cinghiale). Gelato at La Carraia.

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

Today is a grand-slam countryside day. This guided trip strings together Siena’s Gothic grandeur, the medieval towers of San Gimignano, and Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli, with a winery lunch along the way—ideal when you want a lot in one day without driving.

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

Day 7: Hills above Florence, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Hike from San Niccolò up to Piazzale Michelangelo and the Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte for sweeping city views, or bus to Fiesole and walk the panoramic loop to Monte Ceceri. Fantastic photography and a refreshing, countryside vibe minutes from town.

Afternoon: Grab a final lunch at the Mercato Centrale (try Da Nerbone for lamprédotto or fresh pasta stands). Depart Florence by train or plane—compare routes on Omio Trains and Omio Flights.

Optional Add-On in Rome (if swapping a day): Vatican or Food Tour by Night

If you prefer an evening culinary deep dive, consider a guided food tour in Trastevere on a different night in Rome, or the Rome Golf Cart city tour for a breezy overview. For museum lovers, you can also choose a different Vatican time slot:

Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s (alternative time slots available)

Booking Pointers and Budget Tips

• Trains: Book high-speed seats early on Omio for better fares; aim for mid-morning departures to avoid rush hour.
• Museums: Pre-book timed entries for the Vatican, Colosseum, Uffizi, and Accademia. Early or late slots are quieter.
• Meals on a budget: Stand at the bar for cheaper coffee; look for “primi” (pasta/soup) and “contorni” (sides) to keep dinner prices friendly; use food halls like Mercato Centrale for variety.
• Hiking/Boating: Wear grippy shoes for the Appian Way’s cobbles; the Arno boat is seasonal—check times the day before.

Featured Rome Alternative (if you want more ancient focus)

If you want to swap in another ancient-Rome deep dive, this small-group option emphasizes special-access areas and storytelling:

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

Where to next: From Florence, consider a quick hop to Pisa or Bologna by train (Omio) if you extend your stay.

Summary

This 7-day Italy itinerary blends Rome’s icons, Florence’s masterpieces, and the Tuscan countryside for hiking, wine tasting, and unforgettable photography. With fast trains, skip-the-line tours, and local food stops, it’s equal parts practical and inspiring—ideal for an adventurous traveler with a mid-range budget.

Return home with memory cards full of golden-hour bridges, vineyard horizons, and ancient stones you could almost hear speak.