Are you headed for a trip to Italy this year? Then check out this guide to put together the ultimate itinerary for one week in Italy.

Are you about to take a trip to Italy? You’re not alone, an average of 50 million people visit Italy each summer. It’s not hard to see why it’s such a popular destination: beaches, delicious food, historical sights, and gorgeous views make Italy one of the top destinations in the world. But where do you start? Italy is a big country filled with history, activities, food, and fun. One week in Italy might not seem like enough time to get to all the good stuff, but trust us, it is. If you follow this itinerary of activity options and ideas, you’ll get to see the best of Italy in seven days. Keep reading to learn more.

Days 1 and 2: Rome

Rome Itinerary - AssistAntStart off your trip in Italy’s capital city. Rome is home to some of Italy’s most famous historical landmarks and destinations, so use these days in Rome to check those out.

Activities

The first, and most famous, stop should be the Colosseum. Try to buy your tickets in advance or you’ll be stuck in a long line for hours in order to get in. The tickets to tour the Colosseum include tours of the Forum and Palatine Hill as well, so allow 2-3 hours in your schedule for this entire excursion. You’ll also want to be sure to visit the Vatican City Museum. This museum is home to some of the most famous artwork in the world, including works like Raphael’s Transfiguration, the Sistine Chapel, and the Tapestries Hall. To get a full view of everything Rome has to offer, consider a guided tour of the city. They’ll point out famous landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Spanish steps. Or you can find all these places yourself with a map and some basic Italian! We recommend splitting these activities between your two days in Rome. They’ll each take a lot of walking and several hours to complete. Doing it all on one day (especially on a travel day!) will lead to a tired group and hunger-fueled crankiness.

Food

Speaking of hunger, let’s go over some of the restaurants you should visit in Rome. Let’s get the big one out of the way: if you want a classic, Italian pizza, head to Panificio Bonci for some of the best pizza you’ll ever have. Osteria Bonelli will give you very traditional Roman foods for a price that’s easy on your wallet (traveling isn’t cheap after all!). If you want a nicer meal, check out L’arcangelo for a fine dining experience with classic Italian delicacies.

Day 3 and 4: Florence

Head north by train to get to your next Italian destination: Florence.

Activities

Some of the most popular attractions in Florence, besides that classic Italian landscapes and views, are the art and architecture. Be sure to check out the famous Michelangelo David statue, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the Piazza del Duomo. The art and museums here are also interesting stops to make in Florence. There’s the Dante museum, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Galleria dell’Accademia (the home of the famous David statue). As with the Rome attractions, these popular tourist destinations lead to huge lines, so try to get your tickets in advance to avoid wasting precious hours in line. Take the time to walk around the city and appreciate the architecture and the gorgeous views. Also take the time to walk around Mercato Centrale, a market filled with delicious local foods.

Food

If you want more than market food, check out the Yellow Bar. You’ll be served fresh pasta, delicious wine, traditional pizza, and traditional Florentine fare.

Day 5: Cinque Terre

After four days of non-stop tourism and travel, stop by Cinque Terre on your way north for a day of relaxation. This area is situated right on the seaside, so you can breathe in the fresh salty air, take a boat cruise, and visit each of the villages. This is the perfect day to take it easy, go on leisurely walks, and take in the beautiful views of magnificent Italian buildings hugging rocky cliff coastlines.

Day 6 and 7: Venice

After a day of relaxation on the coast of Italy, it’s time to get going to one of the most famous tourist destinations in Italy, and in the world: Venice.

Activities

First and foremost, hop on the gondola for a tour of the city’s famous canals. You’ll leisurely see some of the 400 bridges, gorgeous buildings, and hundreds of tiny islands that make Venice what it is. Once you’ve toured via the canals, consider stopping at some of the other famous attractions Venice has to offer. St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge Palace, and the Correr Museum are all great options for day one in Venice. On your second day, venture out to some of the other islands of Venice. Burano has some of the most interesting and most colorful buildings and homes in all of Italy, which will make for some great photos. You can also check out some of the quieter islands, explore the local neighborhoods, and look at some local art (some of the best in all of Italy).

Food

Food Venice Italy - AssistAnt TravelVenice is located right on the sea, so it makes sense that many traditional Venetian dishes are fish-based. Visit Osteria Boccadoro for some of the best seafood dishes you’ll ever have, including the traditional cod and marinated sardines. They also have an extensive wine cellar filled with every possible Italian wine you could ever want. Looking for something more casual? Impronta Cafe serves quick and simple fare that will power you through the last couple days of your vacation.

Are You Ready for Your One Week in Italy?

While this itinerary is far from completely comprehensive, it gives you a great backbone to follow for your one week in Italy. You can follow it exactly or throw in locations and destinations that you’ve been dying to see. Whether you use it exactly or simply use it as a guide, you’re going to have an amazing time in Italy. If you have any questions or want some help with your travel arrangements, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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