Italy has spent three millennia perfecting la dolce vita. From Rome’s imperial forums and Baroque fountains to Florence’s Renaissance palazzi and ateliers, every piazza tells a story. This one-week Italy itinerary blends headline sights with local rituals—morning cappuccini at the bar, slow lunches, twilight strolls, and late gelati.

Rome, founded (as legend goes) by twins raised by a she-wolf, became the heart of an empire and later the seat of the Papacy. Today it’s a living museum where ruins rub shoulders with trattorie, markets, and street shrines. Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, gave the world Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi—and still crafts beauty in leather workshops and tiny wine bars.

Practical notes: Italy’s high-speed trains are fast, frequent, and the best way to move between cities—book seats in advance for the best fares. Major sights require timed tickets (especially the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Uffizi, and the Duomo dome). Keep small cash for “coperto” (cover charge) at sit-down restaurants, and always order cappuccino before 11 a.m. if you want to blend in.

Rome

Rome dazzles with layers: Etruscan roots, imperial grandeur, papal splendor, and a modern culinary scene that swings from carbonara to creative street food. The best way in is on foot—ducking into churches for Caravaggios, lingering by the Tiber, and letting a side street lead you to your new favorite espresso.

• Top sights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Trastevere.
• Eat & drink: Classic Roman pastas at Felice a Testaccio; cacio e pepe at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina; pizza al taglio at Pizzarium; gelato at Giolitti; natural wines at Il Goccetto.
• Fun fact: The Pantheon’s concrete dome—nearly 2,000 years old—remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

Where to stay (Rome):

• Browse apartments and homes on VRBO Rome or hotels on Hotels.com Rome.
• Hotel de Russie (stylish classic near Piazza del Popolo): Book on Hotels.com.
• Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection (grand views near the Spanish Steps): Book on Hotels.com.
• Hotel Mascagni (solid midrange by Piazza della Repubblica): Book on Hotels.com.
• The Beehive (friendly budget boutique near Termini): Book on Hotels.com.

Getting to Rome: Fly into FCO/CIA. Compare flight options on Omio (flights). If you’re comparing long-haul deals from outside Europe, you can also search on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Within Italy/Europe, use Omio (trains) for intercity rail.

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico and the Evening Passeggiata

Afternoon: Arrive in Rome and check in. Shake off the flight with a soft loop through the historic center: the Pantheon’s marble cool, Piazza Navona’s Bernini fountains, and the Trevi Fountain (toss a coin over your left shoulder). Espresso stop at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè for a foamy “gran caffè.”

Evening: Dinner in Monti at La Carbonara (since 1906; order amatriciana) or Trattoria da Valentino for gnocchi. After, stroll to the Colonna/Quirinale area for gelato at Fatamorgana or classic Giolitti. Nightcap wine at Il Goccetto—wood shelves, Roman buzz, and a smart by-the-glass list.

Day 2: Vatican Masterpieces and Prati Bites

Morning: Fuel with a cornetto and cappuccino at Sciascia Caffè 1919 (dark wood, old Rome vibes). Then join a guided Vatican tour to skip lines and decode the galleries before the crowds peak.

Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Afternoon: Lunch like a local at Pizzarium Bonci (inventive pizza al taglio—try potato and rosemary). Walk the bridge to Castel Sant’Angelo for panoramic views, then browse Via Cola di Rienzo’s food shops (stop for tiramisù at Pompi). Coffee break at Pergamino near the Vatican walls.

Evening: Cross the river to Trastevere. Dinner picks: Da Enzo al 29 (book; artichokes when in season), Taverna Trilussa (pasta served in pans), or Pianostrada (modern Roman plates). Finish with gelato at Otaleg’ on nearby Viale Trastevere.

Day 3: Colosseum, Forum, and a Tasty Trastevere Night

Morning: Breakfast standing at the counter (like a Roman) at Panella – L’Arte del Pane. Then step onto the Colosseum’s arena floor via the gladiator gate with an expert guide—stories bring the stones alive.

Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Afternoon: Continue through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, then climb the Capitoline for a classic overlook. Lunch options: Forno Campo de’ Fiori (hot from the oven pizza bianca with mortadella) or Roscioli Caffè for suppli and maritozzi. Espresso at Tazza d’Oro by the Pantheon.

Evening: Make dinner your activity with a guided tasting stroll through Trastevere’s best bites—perfect if you want to sample lots without the guesswork.

Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe

Day 4: Markets, Borghese Art, and Nightlife

Morning: Start in Testaccio, Rome’s pantry. At Mercato Testaccio, graze on trapizzini (stew-filled pizza pockets), fresh mozzarella, and seasonal fruit. Coffee at Faro – Luminari del Caffè near Termini if you’re into specialty roasts.

Afternoon: Pre-book the Galleria Borghese (Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne is a must). Afterwards, rent a bike for a spin in Villa Borghese Gardens or wander Via del Babuino’s boutiques. Lunch at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio) for rigatoni alla carbonara or oxtail stew.

Evening: Dinner near the Pantheon at Armando al Pantheon (classic, book ahead) or in the Jewish Ghetto at Nonna Betta (artichokes alla giudia). Craft cocktails at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (reservation required) or rooftop aperitivo at Minerva Roof Garden if you prefer a view.

Florence

Florence is a masterpiece you can walk through—each street framed by honeyed stone, each church a gallery. Beyond the heavy hitters (Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia), it rewards with neighborhood wine bars, artisans hammering out leather belts, and sunset light along the Arno.

• Top sights: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi’s Dome, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (Michelangelo’s David), Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens, Oltrarno workshops.
• Eat & drink: Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken since 1869), Trattoria Mario (lively lunch spot for bistecca), Il Santo Bevitore (modern Tuscan), schiacciata sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio, wines at Le Volpi e L’Uva.
• Fun fact: The Duomo dome was built without scaffolding—a Renaissance engineering leap that still confounds architects.

Where to stay (Florence):

• Browse apartments and homes on VRBO Florence or hotels on Hotels.com Florence.
• Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (historic opulence, garden oasis): Book on Hotels.com.
• Grand Hotel Minerva (stylish rooftop pool, Piazza Santa Maria Novella): Book on Hotels.com.
• Hotel Brunelleschi (in a medieval tower steps from the Duomo): Book on Hotels.com.
• Hotel Davanzati (warm, walkable base with aperitivo hour): Book on Hotels.com.
• Hotel Della Signoria (fantastic location near Ponte Vecchio): Book on Hotels.com.

Day 5: High-Speed to Florence, Duomo and Oltrarno

Morning (Travel): Depart Rome for Florence on a Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train (about 1h 30m; typical fares €25–€60 if booked early). Compare and book on Omio (trains). Grab an on-the-go espresso and a maritozzo at Roscioli Caffè before boarding.

Afternoon: Check in, then explore the Duomo complex—admire the marble facade, step into the cathedral, and, if you’ve pre-booked, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for skyline views (fewer stairs traffic than the Dome). Coffee at Ditta Artigianale (Via dei Neri) for specialty brews.

Evening: Sunset over the Arno from Ponte Santa Trinita, then dinner. Options: Trattoria Sostanza (butter chicken and torta di carciofi), Il Santo Bevitore (seasonal Tuscan plates), or Buca Lapi (oldest restaurant in town—bistecca alla fiorentina). Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri to close.

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

See Tuscany’s highlights in one curated day: medieval lanes, vineyard views, and a rustic lunch with local wines. This is a full-day tour; no need to split morning/afternoon/evening.

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

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for hilltown cobbles; bring a light layer for breezy viewpoints. If you’d rather focus solely on wine, consider a half-day Chianti tasting experience on another visit.

Day 7: Uffizi or David, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Choose one major museum. Uffizi for Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Caravaggio—plan 2–2.5 hours. Or Accademia for Michelangelo’s David (a focused 60–90 minutes). Book timed entry in advance. Breakfast at Caffè Gilli (historic pastry cases) or La Ménagère (design-forward café) before your slot. Early lunch options: Mercato Centrale’s upstairs kiosks (lampredotto panini at Nerbone) or a schiacciata sandwich at All’Antico Vinaio.

Afternoon (Departure): Walk to Santa Maria Novella station for your onward train, or head to the airport. For rail or bus to your next European stop, compare on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses); for intra-Europe flights, check Omio (flights).

Optional Add-On (Florence Evening, if you have extra time): Pasta Class and Tuscan Wines

Hands-on, sociable, and delicious—learn to roll ravioli and tagliatelle, then feast on your creations with local wine.

Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine

Practical Getting-Around Notes

• Intercity trains: Rome–Florence high-speed is ~1h 30m, frequent departures, assigned seats. Book on Omio (trains); expect €25–€60 depending on timing.
• In-city transit: Rome’s Metro is handy for Vatican/Colosseum; buses and your feet do the rest. Florence is walkable—save taxis for late nights or luggage.
• Ticketing: Reserve timed entries weeks ahead for the Vatican, Colosseum, Uffizi, and Duomo climbs. Early slots mean cooler temps and fewer crowds.
• Dining etiquette: Book popular trattorias; arrive on time. “Coperto” (cover) is normal; tip by rounding up a few euros for good service.

Summary: In one week, you’ll trace Rome’s 2,000-year arc from arenas to Baroque piazzas, then pivot to Florence’s Renaissance brilliance and Tuscan vineyards. With smart trains, timed entries, and well-placed café stops, this itinerary balances big-ticket sights with everyday Italian pleasures you’ll crave long after you’re home.