Italy greets you with “ciao” and a thousand years of stories. In Rome, emperors engineered amphitheaters and aqueducts while Renaissance popes filled palaces with genius. In Florence, guilds funded artists who changed how the world sees beauty. In one week you’ll trace the arc from antiquity to the Renaissance—on foot, fork in hand.

Expect headliners—the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Duomo, Uffizi—and time for cobbled backstreets where laundry flutters and trattorias hum. Coffee culture is a ritual: stand at the bar for a quick espresso, then reward yourself later with gelato made on-site. Trains zip between cities in under two hours, making travel smooth and scenic.

Practical notes: book major museums and the Borghese Gallery in advance, and wear comfortable shoes for uneven stones. Dinner reservations are wise; many kitchens reopen around 7–7:30 pm. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. With that, and a hearty appetite, you’re set.

Rome

Rome is a living palimpsest: layers of empire, papal power, and modern life stacked into one intoxicating city. Mornings here start with crema-capped espresso; evenings spill into piazzas where fountains murmur and street musicians play.

Top sights span millennia: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the Borghese Gallery. Between landmarks, linger in Monti’s boutiques, Trastevere’s ivy-draped lanes, and along the Tiber’s golden-hour paths.

• Where to stay (Rome): For atmosphere and easy walks, look at Centro Storico (near Pantheon), Monti (bohemian, near the Forum), or Trastevere (village feel, nightlife). Browse stays on VRBO Rome and Hotels.com Rome.
• Getting there: Fly into Rome FCO or CIA. Compare options on Kiwi.com (global flights), Trip.com (global flights), or if you’re flying within/to Europe, Omio Flights (Europe). From FCO, the Leonardo Express to Termini takes ~32 minutes (~€14) or taxis are a fixed fare (~€50–55 to central Rome).

Day 1: Arrival and Rome at Blue Hour

Morning: In transit. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab a standing espresso and cornetto at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (cult-favorite roast) or Roscioli Caffè for buttery maritozzi.

Afternoon: Shake off jet lag with an easy loop: Pantheon (the oculus floods light inside), Piazza Navona’s baroque fountains, and Largo di Torre Argentina’s ruins. Gelato break at Gelateria del Teatro (seasonal fruit flavors, pistachio from Bronte).

Evening: Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain, then dinner near the Jewish Ghetto at Nonna Betta (Roman-Jewish artichokes, fried cod) or Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cacio e pepe, exceptional wine list). Nightcap at Drink Kong—creative cocktails in a neon-tinged space.

Day 2: Ancient Rome—Gladiators to Emperors

Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Book the first entry if possible; combined tickets run ~€18–24. Breakfast at Panella (historic bakery) before you go. Imagine triumphal marches as you stroll the Via Sacra.

Afternoon: Climb the Capitoline Hill for Michelangelo’s piazza and the Capitoline Museums (bronze Marcus Aurelius, the Capitoline Wolf). Coffee at Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon if you need a pick-me-up.

Evening: Aperitivo in Trastevere at Freni e Frizioni (canalside vibe, snack buffet). Dinner at Da Enzo al 29 (book ahead; carbonara is textbook) or Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio (amphora-lined walls, hearty Roman classics).

Day 3: The Vatican and Riverfront Stroll

Morning: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel—reserve timed entry (~€20–30). Start with the Raphael Rooms, finish under Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Coffee and a maritozzo at Pasticceria Siciliana Roma in Prati.

Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica (free; dress modestly) and optional dome climb for sweeping views. Walk to Castel Sant’Angelo for bridge angels and panoramas. Lunch at Pastasciutta (fast, fresh pasta) or Mama Eat (great for gluten-free, tasty for all).

Evening: Stroll the Tiber paths at sunset, then dinner in Prati at Trattoria Da Cesare (creamy gricia, fried gnocchi) or near Campo de’ Fiori at Armando al Pantheon (classic room, refined Roman dishes). Gelato at Fatamorgana (creative, natural ingredients).

Day 4: Appian Way, Catacombs, and Local Markets

Morning: Rent bikes on the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) and roll past tombs and aqueducts. Tour the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto (early Christian burial tunnels).

Afternoon: Testaccio Market for lunch: try Mordi & Vai (Roman sandwiches with slow-cooked beef), CasaManco (creative pizza al taglio), and fresh produce stands. Then see the Aventine Keyhole (perfectly framed St. Peter’s) and relax at the Orange Garden.

Evening: Consider a hands-on Roman pasta class (amatriciana, cacio e pepe) or dine at Cesare al Casaletto (destination-worthy; crispy gnocchi and seasonal contorni). Nightcap at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (reservations required; classic cocktails).

Florence

Florence is the Renaissance in high relief: Brunelleschi’s brick dome cutting the sky, Botticelli’s Primavera flowering in the Uffizi, and Michelangelo’s David standing impossibly alive. Compact and walkable, it rewards slow exploration and frequent gelato breaks.

Beyond the icons, the Oltrarno quarter hums with artisan workshops—goldsmiths, bookbinders, woodcarvers. Evenings stretch from aperitivo on tiny piazzas to bistecca alla fiorentina in vaulted trattorias.

• Where to stay (Florence): Duomo/San Lorenzo for proximity to sights, Santa Croce for dining and nightlife, Oltrarno for a local feel. Search VRBO Florence and Hotels.com Florence.
• Getting there from Rome: Take a high-speed Frecciarossa/Italo to Firenze S. M. Novella (~1h 30m). Book on Omio Trains (Europe); expect ~€20–60 depending on time and class. Morning departures make the most of your day.

Day 5: Train to Florence, Duomo, and Oltrarno Sunset

Morning: Depart Rome after breakfast; trains run frequently. Grab supplies from Forno Campo de’ Fiori or a quick espresso at Sant’Eustachio before heading to Termini.

Afternoon: Check in, then visit the Duomo complex: Cathedral interior (free), Baptistery with gilded “Gates of Paradise,” and either Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower (book the dome in advance; combined tickets ~€30). Coffee at Ditta Artigianale (specialty roaster).

Evening: Cross to the Oltrarno for golden light on Ponte Vecchio. Aperitivo at Volume in Piazza Santo Spirito. Dinner at Il Santo Bevitore (modern Tuscan; book ahead) or Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (rustic, slow-cooked wild boar). Gelato at La Carraia by the river.

Day 6: Uffizi, David, and Tuscan Flavors

Morning: Uffizi Gallery (reserve timed entry; ~€12–25 seasonally). Follow a route: Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio. Espresso at Caffè Gilli (belle époque) or La Ménagère (design-forward café) afterwards.

Afternoon: Lunch at Mercato Centrale’s upstairs food hall—try Nerbone (lampredotto sandwich) and Il Tartufo (truffle pasta). Walk to the Accademia to meet Michelangelo’s David (book ahead). Browse leather around San Lorenzo or artisan studios on Via Maggio.

Evening: Wine bar hop: Le Volpi e l’Uva (well-curated Tuscan pours) and Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina (views of Palazzo Pitti). Dinner for bistecca alla fiorentina at Buca Lapi (historic cellar) or Trattoria Sostanza (“butter chicken” and steak; old-school atmosphere). Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri (crema di Grom-like “crema” and hazelnut).

Day 7: Morning Markets and Farewell

Morning: If time allows before your afternoon departure, stroll Piazza della Repubblica to the Arno, then browse Sant’Ambrogio Market (produce, cheeses). Coffee and pastry at Cibrèo Caffè or a panino at All’Antico Vinaio (go early to beat lines).

Afternoon: Last-minute artisan shopping in the Oltrarno—paper marbling, goldsmiths—then head to Firenze S. M. Novella for onward travel. For trains or flights within Europe, check Omio Trains and Omio Flights; for longer-haul flights, compare on Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Evening: Flight day—if you’re staying one more night, catch sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo (city-wide panorama) and a casual dinner at Trattoria Mario (lunch-only most days; check hours) or La Bussola (wood-fired pizza and Tuscan mains).

Optional Tuscan Day Trip (Swap into Day 6 if you have a full extra day)

Morning: Chianti wineries: join a small-group tour or rent a car for Greve, Panzano, and Castellina (expect 45–75 minutes each way). Tastings often run ~€15–30 per winery.

Afternoon: Long lunch at a countryside osteria; sample pici pasta, peposo (peppery beef stew), and local Sangiovese. Alternatively, take the train to Pisa (50–60 minutes) and onward to Lucca (30 minutes) via Omio Trains for towers, walls, and medieval lanes.

Evening: Return to Florence for aperitivo near Santa Croce at La Vespe Café (craft beers and bites) or settle in for a quiet evening walk along the Arno.

Booking & Logistics Cheat Sheet

• Major tickets: Reserve in advance for the Vatican Museums, Colosseum (early entry or arena floor if desired), Borghese Gallery (mandatory reservations), Uffizi, and Accademia.
• Getting around: Rome’s metro and buses cover distances; Florence is walkable. Taxis are reliable; use official ranks or phone apps approved locally.
• Train planning: Rome–Florence high-speed (~1h30m, €20–60). Compare and book on Omio Trains.
• Stays: Compare neighborhoods and properties on VRBO Rome, Hotels.com Rome, VRBO Florence, and Hotels.com Florence.
• Air travel: Within/to Europe, compare on Omio Flights. For global routes, use Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

In a single week you’ve walked from Caesar’s amphitheater to Brunelleschi’s dome, tasted Rome’s carbonara and Florence’s bistecca, and watched the Arno and Tiber glow at sunset. Italy invites return trips, but this itinerary gives you a rich first chapter—art, history, and flavors you’ll crave again.