Italy rewards curiosity. From ancient Roman forums to Renaissance workshops, every piazza and palazzo tells a story. In one well-paced week, you’ll stand on the Colosseum arena floor, gaze up at the Sistine Chapel, and toast Chianti vines under Tuscan skies.

Rome began as the seat of an empire whose roads and laws shaped Europe; Florence ignited the Renaissance, nurturing minds like Leonardo and Michelangelo. Today, both cities offer exquisite museums, vibrant markets, and a food culture where a “simple” plate—cacio e pepe or bistecca alla fiorentina—can be transcendent.

Practical notes: book major attractions in advance (Vatican, Uffizi, Duomo dome). Churches require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered). Trains are the fastest way between cities. Espresso is sipped at the bar, aperitivo bridges day and dinner, and gelato is a twice-a-day affair by unspoken local decree.

Rome

Rome is a living museum layered with forums, Baroque fountains, and trattorie that have perfected recipes over generations. Start early, wander often, and let the city surprise you—an ivy-draped alley, a Caravaggio in a quiet chapel, a perfect maritozzo from a beloved bakery.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Neighborhoods to explore: Monti (indie boutiques, wine bars), Trastevere (medieval lanes, trattoria heaven), Centro Storico (landmarks, lively evenings).
• Travel to Rome: Compare flights into FCO/CIA via Omio. If flying from outside Europe, also check Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini takes ~32 minutes.

Where to stay (Rome): Browse apartments on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com. Standouts:

• Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel — an elegant city resort near Piazza del Popolo with lush gardens and a destination bar.
• Hotel Santa Maria — Trastevere hideaway centered on a fragrant citrus courtyard, perfect for peaceful nights.
• Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel — hilltop views, sprawling pools, and a renowned art collection.
• The Beehive — stylish budget option with a community vibe near Termini.

Day 1: Arrival in Rome, golden-hour strolls

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Refuel with espresso at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (classic crema-topped shot) or a whipped-cream maritozzo at Pasticceria Regoli, a century-old favorite.

Evening: Walk the Centro Storico: the Pantheon’s oculus at dusk, Trevi Fountain’s marble glowing under lamplight, Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains. Dinner at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (carbonara with aged pecorino, exceptional wine list) or Armando al Pantheon (reservation essential; Roman classics done right). Finish with gelato at Gelateria del Teatro—try sage–raspberry or Sicilian pistachio.

Day 2: Ancient Rome and the Monti neighborhood

Morning: Step onto the gladiator stage with the Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour (special arena access offers a jaw-dropping perspective).

Afternoon: Explore the Forum’s Victory arches and Palatine’s imperial gardens. Grab a pizza al taglio at Pizzarium Bonci near the Vatican or a square slice at Forno Campo de’ Fiori if you’re back in the center; both showcase airy, creative toppings.

Evening: Aperitivo in Monti: sip a Negroni or a natural wine at wine bars around Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. Dinner at Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (homemade pastas; book ahead) or La Carbonara in Monti (old-school Roman spirit). Gelato at Fatamorgana Monti—unusual flavors like basil–walnut–honey.

Day 3: Vatican treasures and Trastevere tastes

Morning: Beat the crowds with the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour for priority entry and expert context.

Afternoon: Climb St. Peter’s Dome for sweeping city views if time allows. Lunch on Roman-style “trapizzino” (stuffed pizza pocket) or stop by Pizzarium for gourmet slices. Walk the riverside to Castel Sant’Angelo and across Ponte Sisto into Trastevere’s cobbles.

Evening: Make dinner an experience on the Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe—VIP bites at neighborhood institutions, from supplì and porchetta to artisanal gelato.

Florence

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance: a compact, walkable city where domes and bell towers punctuate a skyline of red roofs. Art spills from museums into the streets, and artisan workshops keep centuries-old crafts alive.

• Top sights: Duomo and Brunelleschi’s dome, Baptistery doors, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (Michelangelo’s David), Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Oltrarno artisans.
• Food highlights: bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, peposo, schiacciata sandwiches, Tuscan wine bars pouring Brunello and Chianti Classico.
• Getting there from Rome: High-speed trains take ~1h30; compare times and fares on Omio. Expect ~€25–€65 for Frecciarossa/Italo; Regionale is slower and cheaper.

Where to stay (Florence): See citywide options on VRBO and Hotels.com. Excellent picks:

• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze — a frescoed urban resort amid botanical gardens.
• Grand Hotel Minerva — rooftop pool and Duomo views on Piazza Santa Maria Novella.
• Hotel Davanzati — warm, boutique hospitality steps from Via Tornabuoni.
• Hotel Della Signoria — unbeatable location between the Arno and Piazza della Signoria.
• Hotel Santa Croce — friendly base near artisans and the leather school.

Day 4: Train to Florence, Duomo and Renaissance squares

Morning: Depart Rome for Florence on a Frecciarossa or Italo (~1h30; book via Omio). Taxis at Firenze SMN are metered; most sights are walkable from central hotels.

Afternoon: Orient yourself around the Duomo complex: exterior marbles, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery’s gilded “Gates of Paradise.” For a quick, beloved bite, join the queue at All’Antico Vinaio for stuffed schiacciata sandwiches (porchetta, pecorino, truffle cream).

Evening: Sunset over the Arno from the Ponte Santa Trinita. Aperitivo at La Terrazza (Continentale hotel) or a glass of Chianti at Le Volpi e L’Uva. Dinner at Buca Lapi (historic cellar, bistecca alla fiorentina) or Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken and artichoke omelet; book ahead). Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri—hazelnut is a standout.

Day 5: Full-day Tuscany highlights tour

Let someone else do the driving on the Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery. You’ll stroll Siena’s shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, sip Chianti among vineyards, wander medieval lanes in San Gimignano, and snap that classic Leaning Tower shot in Pisa. It’s a comprehensive, well-paced overview of the Tuscan countryside with a convivial lunch and tastings included.

Day 6: Uffizi, Oltrarno artisans, Boboli twilight

Morning: Timed-entry at the Uffizi to meet Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo’s Annunciation, and Titian’s Venus of Urbino. Coffee at Ditta Artigianale (specialty roasts) and a sweet from Pasticceria Nencioni.

Afternoon: Cross the Ponte Vecchio’s goldsmith shops into the Oltrarno. Visit the Boboli Gardens (Renaissance landscaping, grottoes, city views). Duck into artisans’ studios along Via Maggio and the Leather School near Santa Croce to watch craftspeople at work.

Evening: Wine flights at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina overlooking Palazzo Pitti. Dinner at Trattoria Camillo (old-Florentine dishes; reserve) or La Casalinga (family-run, hearty Tuscan fare). Finish with gelato at La Carraia—pistachio and ricotta-fig are perennial favorites.

Day 7: Markets and a fond farewell

Morning: Step into the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for historic scents and herbal elixirs. Then graze your way through Mercato Centrale: lampredotto panini from a seasoned trippaio, fresh pasta stalls, and Tuscan cheeses to take home (vacuum-sealed).

Afternoon (departure): Last espresso at Caffè Gilli on Piazza della Repubblica. For onward travel, Florence Airport (FLR) is 20–30 minutes by taxi; Pisa (PSA) is ~1h by train; Rome is ~1h30 by high-speed rail—compare options on Omio (trains/buses) and flights via Omio. If flying outside Europe, also check Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Optional add-ons or swaps

• Prefer another Rome highlight? Consider the Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour: Beyond the Landmarks for an efficient overview of hidden corners and panoramas.

Logistics and local tips

• City transit: A single Rome metro/bus ticket is valid for 100 minutes; validate upon boarding. Florence is best on foot; taxis are plentiful at stands.
• Museums: Mondays can mean reduced hours/closures (especially in Florence). Book Uffizi/Accademia/Duomo dome ahead.
• Dining: Dinner reservations are key for popular trattorie. Coperto (cover charge) is normal; tipping is modest and optional for exceptional service.

This 7-day Rome and Florence itinerary balances blockbuster sights with neighborhood flavors—ancient arenas, Renaissance galleries, street markets, and wine-soaked hills. You’ll leave with a camera full of masterpieces and a palate tuned to Italy’s simple, perfect ingredients.