Italy has a way of turning everyday moments into memories—an espresso at the bar, a sunlit piazza, a glimpse of Renaissance genius. Over seven days, you’ll walk in the footsteps of emperors and Medici patrons, then toast the day with Chianti as the Arno turns gold.

Rome, the Eternal City, layers millennia of history: the Colosseum and Forum, Baroque fountains, lively markets, and trattorie that have perfected recipes over generations. Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, dazzles with the Duomo, Botticelli’s Venus, and Michelangelo’s David—plus artisan workshops in the Oltrarno and hearty Tuscan cooking.

Practical notes: reserve the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi, and Accademia in advance; many museums are closed on Mondays or vary seasonally. Pack comfortable shoes for cobblestones, carry small euro coins for coffee bars, and use trains between cities—fast, frequent, and scenic. For flights to or within Europe and intercity trains, compare options on Omio (flights) and Omio (trains).

Rome

Rome is a living museum where ancient stones meet espresso bars. Start in the Centro Storico—Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain—then drift into Monti and Trastevere for wine bars, street shrines, and trattoria tables that spill outdoors.

Top highlights: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museums, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Borghese Gallery, and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. Local gems include the Appian Way by bike, the Testaccio food market, and sunset on the Capitoline Terrace.

Where to stay (Rome): Centro Storico for walkability; Monti for indie boutiques and wine bars; Trastevere for nightlife and charm; Prati for quieter, elegant streets near the Vatican. Browse stays on VRBO Rome or compare hotels on Hotels.com Rome.

Getting there: Fly into FCO or CIA; compare fares on Omio (flights). From FCO, the Leonardo Express to Termini takes ~32 minutes; taxis have a fixed city-center fare. Within Rome, metro/bus tickets are ~€1.50 (100 minutes) or a 24-hour pass ~€7.

Day 1: Arrival and the Historic Heart

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle loop: Pantheon (ancient Roman temple with a perfect dome), Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains, and Trevi Fountain—toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder to promise a return.

Evening: Espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (caramel crema, old-school ritual), then dinner at Armando al Pantheon (classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and abbacchio; book ahead) or Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cult pasta and burrata from their next-door salumeria). Gelato at Fatamorgana (inventive, natural flavors) before a slow stroll past the softly lit columns of the Pantheon.

Day 2: Colosseum, Forum, and Monti

Morning: Coffee and a maritozzo (sweet cream bun) at Pasticceria Regoli. Tour the Colosseum (consider the Arena or Underground access for context on gladiators), then walk the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Combined tickets run ~€18–30 depending on access.

Afternoon: Lunch in Monti at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (family-run, Roman favorites) or Pasta Chef Monti (fast, fresh). Visit the Capitoline Museums—Rome’s best sculpture collection and a terrace with city views designed by Michelangelo.

Evening: Aperitivo at Ai Tre Scalini (Monti’s beloved wine bar). Dinner at Trattoria Monti (Le Marche cuisine, excellent tortelli) or Cesare al Casaletto (short tram ride; superb fried starters and pastas). Nightcap near the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona.

Day 3: Vatican Masterpieces and Trastevere Nights

Morning: Early entry to the Vatican Museums (reserve a time slot). Don’t miss the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel—look for the dynamic “Creation of Adam” and prophetic sibyls. Climb St. Peter’s dome for panoramic views (~€8–10).

Afternoon: Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci near Cipro (focaccia-like pizza al taglio with seasonal toppings). Cross the Tiber to Trastevere: visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, then explore ivy-clad lanes and artisan shops.

Evening: Dinner at Da Enzo al 29 (tiny, beloved; carbonara is textbook) or Taverna Trilussa (pasta served in metal pans; lively courtyard). Gelato at Otaleg. For cocktails, try Freni e Frizioni (creative, aperitivo buffet) or seek out Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (reservations required; classic mixology).

Florence

Florence is compact and walkable, its skyline crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome. Renaissance palaces hold world-changing art, while the Oltrarno’s workshops keep leather, marbled paper, and goldsmith traditions alive.

Top highlights: the Duomo complex, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (David), Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Santa Croce, and sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Neighborhoods to savor: Santo Spirito’s cafés, Sant’Ambrogio’s market streets, and the artisan-rich Oltrarno.

Where to stay (Florence): Duomo/Signoria for first-timers; Santa Croce or Sant’Ambrogio for markets and food; Oltrarno for artisans and a local vibe. Browse on VRBO Florence or compare on Hotels.com Florence.

Getting from Rome to Florence: Take a morning high-speed train from Roma Termini to Firenze S. Maria Novella: ~1h30, frequent departures, ~€25–€50 if booked ahead. Compare schedules and fares on Omio (trains).

Day 4: Train to Florence, Duomo, and Signoria

Morning: Depart Rome on a high-speed train (~1h30). Grab a standing cappuccino at the station bar; you’ll arrive in the city center.

Afternoon: Check in, then explore the Duomo complex: the cathedral, Giotto’s bell tower, and the Baptistery’s gilded doors (a combo pass is ~€15–€30; dome climbs are timed). Wander to Piazza della Signoria to see the open-air sculpture gallery at the Loggia dei Lanzi.

Evening: Aperitivo at Le Volpi e l’Uva (smart wine list with Tuscan crostini). Dinner at Trattoria 13 Gobbi (rigatoni in a clay pot, cozy rooms) or Buca Lapi (historic cellar near Via Tornabuoni for bistecca alla fiorentina). Post-dinner stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.

Day 5: Uffizi, Oltrarno Artisans, and Boboli Gardens

Morning: Coffee at Ditta Artigianale, then the Uffizi Gallery (reserve ahead). Seek Botticelli’s “Primavera” and “Birth of Venus,” Leonardo’s early works, and Caravaggio’s drama.

Afternoon: Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio (famous schiacciata panini; go early or late). Cross to the Oltrarno: visit artisan studios (leather at Scuola del Cuoio, marbled paper, goldsmiths), then unwind in Boboli Gardens behind Palazzo Pitti.

Evening: Dinner at Trattoria Sostanza (a.k.a. Il Troia; legendary butter chicken and bistecca; book by phone) or Osteria All’Antico Ristoro di Cambi (classic Tuscan comfort). Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia on your way back.

Day 6: Siena and San Gimignano (Tuscany Day Trip)

Morning: Bus from Florence to Siena ~1h15 (direct and frequent; ~€8–€12). Check options on Omio (buses) or take a regional train (~1h30–1h45). In Siena, visit the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the striped Duomo with its inlaid marble floor.

Afternoon: Continue to San Gimignano via bus through Poggibonsi (~1h). Climb Torre Grossa for countryside views and try gelato from Gelateria Dondoli, a world-champion maker known for creative flavors.

Evening: Return to Florence (~1h15–1h30 by bus). Dinner near Mercato Centrale at Trattoria Mario (lunch-only; if closed, try Trattoria ZaZa for Tuscan soups and steaks) or La Giostra (white-tablecloth romance, pear-and-pecorino ravioli). Nightcap at Procacci on Via Tornabuoni (truffle panini and wine).

Day 7: David, Markets, and Farewell

Morning: See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia (time-slot entry; ~€12–€16). Walk to Santa Croce to visit the basilica—tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo—and the leather school. Browse Sant’Ambrogio Market for seasonal produce and pecorino.

Afternoon: Early lunch at Mercato Centrale upstairs (handmade pasta stands, pizza, lampredotto). If time allows, climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for a last panoramic photo before your onward train or flight. Compare routes to your next stop on Omio (trains) or Omio (flights).

Practical Dining and Coffee Shortlist

• Rome Coffee & Breakfast: Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè; Tazza d’Oro (near the Pantheon); Pasticceria Regoli (maritozzi).
• Rome Lunch & Snacks: Pizzarium Bonci (pizza al taglio); Mercato Testaccio (stalls for supplì, porchetta); Trapizzino (pocket pizzas).
• Rome Dinner: Armando al Pantheon; Roscioli; Da Enzo al 29; Taverna Trilussa; Cesare al Casaletto.
• Florence Coffee & Breakfast: Ditta Artigianale; Caffè Gilli (Belle Époque institution); Pasticceria Nencioni.
• Florence Lunch: All’Antico Vinaio; Trattoria Mario (steakhouse vibes at lunch); Central Market food hall upstairs.
• Florence Dinner: Buca Lapi; Trattoria Sostanza; Osteria All’Antico Ristoro di Cambi; La Giostra.

Tickets and Transport Tips

• Reserve early: Colosseum special access, Vatican Museums, Uffizi, and Accademia time slots can sell out days ahead—especially spring–fall.
• Train basics: High-speed trains (Frecciarossa/Italo) require seat reservations; prices vary by time and advance purchase. Check and book via Omio (trains).
• Day trip logistics: Siena is faster by bus than by train; San Gimignano requires a change at Poggibonsi. Compare departures on Omio (buses).

In one week you’ll move from imperial arches to Renaissance domes, from carbonara in Rome to bistecca in Florence. The rhythm of espresso, art, and evening strolls will carry you through Italy’s greatest hits—and leave you plotting the next return.