Italy rewards the curious: every piazza tells a story, every bite carries centuries of tradition. In one week, this Rome and Florence itinerary gives you the greatest hits—Vatican treasures, the Colosseum, Florence’s Duomo and David—plus time to taste cacio e pepe, Tuscan wine, and gelato made the old-fashioned way.

Rome, capital of the Roman Empire and the Papal States, is a palimpsest of eras—Republican temples tucked beside Baroque fountains and 19th‑century boulevards. Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, condenses genius into a walkable center where Brunelleschi’s dome crowns the skyline and artisan workshops still hammer silver and leather by hand.

Practical notes: book key sites in advance (Vatican, Colosseum, Accademia), and dress modestly for churches (shoulders and knees covered). High-speed trains make city-hopping simple; reserve popular restaurants where possible. Pickpockets work in crowded spots—carry bags in front and use zippers.

Rome

Rome dazzles with contrasts: espresso bars buzzing beneath domes, ivy-draped lanes in Trastevere, and sunsets gilding the Tiber bridges. Top sights include the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Save time by grouping sights by neighborhood and walking between them.

Where to stay (handpicked options near major sights):

• Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere) — quiet courtyards, cobbled-lane charm steps from trattorie.
• Kolbe Hotel Rome (by the Forum) — garden views and ancient-Rome proximity.
• The Beehive (Termini) — stylish budget rooms, friendly lounge.

Browse more stays: VRBO Rome or Hotels.com Rome.

Getting to Rome: compare flights into FCO/CIA on Omio (flights). If you’re originating outside Europe, also check Kiwi.com. From FCO, the Leonardo Express train to Termini takes ~32 minutes (about €14); taxis have a fixed fare to the city center (about €50).

Day 1: Arrival, Trastevere Stroll, and a Roman Welcome

Morning: Fly into Rome. If you arrive early, reset with a smooth cappuccino and maritozzo (whipped-cream brioche) at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon or Roscioli Caffè for Roman pastries.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs with a gentle loop: Campo de’ Fiori’s market stalls, the sculpture-crowded Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon’s perfect dome and oculus. Grab a quick lunch—pizza al taglio at Forno Campo de’ Fiori or supplì (fried rice balls) at Supplì in Trastevere.

Evening: Cross the Tiber to Trastevere for golden-hour lanes and dinner. Book Da Enzo al 29 (Roman classics like carbonara and amatriciana), or try Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio for cacio e pepe and guanciale-rich mains. Finish with gelato at Gelateria del Viale or Gelateria del Teatro, then a nightcap at Freni e Frizioni (creative cocktails, lively piazza vibe).

Day 2: Colosseum, Forum, Monti Aperitivo

Morning: Walk in gladiator footsteps with this small-group experience: Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Guided Tour (exclusive access to the underground and arena when available). Expect rich storytelling and skip-the-line entry.

Afternoon: Continue into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, then climb to Capitoline Hill for a panoramic sweep of ruins. Lunch in the Monti district at Trattoria Monti (reservations recommended) or a quick gourmet panino at Zia Rosetta.

Evening: Aperitivo on Via del Boschetto (try spritzes at La Casetta) and dinner at Urbana 47 or Osteria al 42. If you love speakeasies, ring the bell at The Jerry Thomas Project (book ahead) for Prohibition-style cocktails.

Day 3: Vatican Masterpieces and Baroque Rome

Morning: See the Vatican with priority entry: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour. Your guide leads you through highlights—Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel ceiling—and into St. Peter’s. Dress code enforced (shoulders/knees covered).

Afternoon: Walk Via della Conciliazione to Castel Sant’Angelo’s ramparts for Tiber views. Lunch in Prati at Pizzarium Bonci (inventive pizza squares) or Pastasciutta for fresh pasta to-go. Wander to Piazza di Spagna, toss a coin in Trevi Fountain, and admire Bernini’s fountains in Piazza Navona.

Evening: Roman-Jewish flavors in the Ghetto: fried artichokes at Nonna Betta or Giggetto. For a refined finale near the Pantheon, Armando al Pantheon serves seasonal Roman dishes with care; reserve ahead. Gelato at Frigidarium or Fatamorgana before tomorrow’s train north.

Florence

Florence is intimate yet monumental: Brunelleschi’s dome, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and Michelangelo’s David all within a stroll. Cross the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, then slip into the Oltrarno for artisan workshops, wine windows (buchette del vino), and candlelit osterie.

Where to stay (central and walkable):

• Hotel Brunelleschi — steps from the Duomo, with a fascinating museum in-house.
• Hotel Davanzati — friendly boutique between the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
• Grand Hotel Minerva — rooftop pool and terrace overlooking Santa Maria Novella.

Browse more stays: VRBO Florence or Hotels.com Florence.

Getting from Rome to Florence: take a high-speed Frecciarossa/Italo train (~1h30; ~€25–60) via Omio (trains). Slower Regionale trains cost less (~€20) but take 3–4 hours. Consider booking early for best fares.

Day 4: Train to Florence, Duomo District, Oltrarno Evening

Morning: Depart Rome early; grab espresso and a cornetto at Panella or Mercato Centrale Roma before your train. Arrive at Firenze S.M.N. station and walk to your hotel.

Afternoon: Orient yourself around the Duomo complex. Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower for terracotta-roof views (timed tickets required). Lunch ideas: I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti for Tuscan panini or Trattoria da Garibardi for ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina (share).

Evening: Cross to the Oltrarno. Start with aperitivo at Il Santino (tiny, superb charcuterie and wines) or Procacci (classic truffle bites). Dinner at Osteria dell’Enoteca (excellent steak and Brunello list) or Trattoria Casalinga (homey Tuscan plates). Gelato at La Carraia on the bridge.

Day 5: Renaissance Highlights and Sunset Flavors

Morning: Hit the essentials with skip-the-line access: Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo. You’ll see Michelangelo’s David up close and learn how the Renaissance rewired art and science.

Afternoon: Browse the Uffizi Gallery (book a timed slot; it’s vast—prioritize Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio). For a light lunch near the Arno, try I’ Trippaio del Porcellino (Florentine street food) or I Fratellini (standing-only sandwich window since 1875).

Evening: Rooftop aperitivo at La Terrazza (Hotel Continentale) with Ponte Vecchio views, then dinner at Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken and artichoke omelet; book well ahead) or Ristorante del Fagioli (traditional meat dishes). Gelato dei Neri for dessert—pistachio and ricotta-fig are standouts.

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

Let someone else handle the logistics on this beloved countryside excursion: Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery. You’ll stroll Siena’s Gothic lanes and cathedral, savor a farm-style Tuscan lunch with wine pairings, admire San Gimignano’s medieval towers, and cap the day with the Leaning Tower view in Pisa. It’s a full day, so enjoy a simple dinner back in Florence—pizza at Berberè or a plate of fresh pici cacio e pepe.

Day 7: Gardens, Artisans, and Departure

Morning: Coffee right—Ditta Artigianale (Via dei Neri) pulls excellent espresso. Wander the Boboli Gardens for Medici terraces and city views, or browse Oltrarno workshops (goldsmiths on Via Romana, leather at Scuola del Cuoio). Brunch-y bites at S.forno (stellar bread and schiacciata).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping around Via Tornabuoni or the Mercato Centrale’s upstairs food hall for edible souvenirs (olive oil, cantucci). Depart for the airport or your next Italian stop; check Omio (trains) and Omio (flights) for connections, or Omio (buses) if you’re budget-flexible.

Essential Book-Ahead Shortlist

• Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Guided Tour
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Guided Tour
• Best of Florence: Skip-the-Line David & Duomo
• Tuscany Day Trip with Winery Lunch

Getting Around & Practical Tips

• Local transport: In Rome and Florence, walk whenever possible; both centers are compact. Taxis are easiest via official ranks; carry cash and cards. In Rome, metro lines A/B/C reach most sights; buy tickets at stations or tobacconists.
• Dining culture: Book popular trattorie; dinners start ~7:30–8:30 pm. Coperto (cover charge) is normal; tipping is modest (round up or add ~5–10% for exceptional service).
• Museum closures: Many major museums in Florence close on Mondays; plan accordingly. Sunday masses affect church access—check hours.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: the Appian Way and Catacombs in Rome, a Rome-by-golf-cart overview, or a Venetian day trip by train. For more transport options, compare Omio trains, Omio buses, and Omio flights.

In seven days, you’ll trace Western history from the Colosseum to the Renaissance, and taste Italy’s regional soul in every plate and glass. It’s a classic circuit—Rome’s grandeur and Florence’s grace—made easy with fast trains, skip-the-line entries, and a few well-placed espresso stops.