7-Day itinerary in Italy: what to do and see

Planning a 7-day itinerary in Italy means diving into a country where every stop reveals centuries of history, art, and authentic flavors. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, a week in Italy can give you a taste of everything that makes this country so special. This itinerary will help you discover what to do in Italy for a week, balancing cultural highlights, food experiences, and scenic landscapes — all perfectly connected by Italo’s high-speed trains.

Why Spend One Week in Italy

The perfect length to explore the country’s highlights

One week in Italy is just enough to experience its most iconic cities without feeling rushed. In seven days, you can move from the artistic masterpieces of Florence to the ancient heart of Rome, the fashionable streets of Milan, and the romantic atmosphere of Venice. Thanks to Italy’s efficient high-speed train network, traveling between cities is quick and comfortable, giving you more time to explore rather than commute.

7-Day Italy Itinerary Overview

The best way to travel around Italy

The train is undoubtedly the best way to experience Italy in a week. It allows you to move quickly between city centers, avoiding traffic and long waits at airports. With Italo high-speed trains, you can travel from Rome to Florence in just over an hour, reach Milan in under three hours, and even continue to Venice or Naples comfortably seated with stunning views from your window.

Where to start your journey

Most travelers begin their journey in Rome, Italy’s capital, as it’s well-connected to major international airports. From there, you can head north to Florence, Verona, and Bologna, before reaching Milan and Venice. Finally, wrap up your Italian week in the south with a taste of Naples and Pompeii — a perfect circle of culture and beauty.

Day 1 – Rome: Ancient Wonders and Dolce Vita

Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Start your Italian adventure in Rome, the Eternal City. Visit the Colosseum, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and wander through the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient political life. Don’t miss the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, both free to visit and full of timeless charm.

Stroll through Trastevere and enjoy authentic cuisine

In the evening, cross the Tiber River and explore Trastevere, one of Rome’s most authentic districts. Its cobblestone alleys, lively trattorias, and candlelit restaurants perfectly capture the Dolce Vita spirit. Try a classic carbonara or cacio e pepe, paired with a glass of local wine.

Day 2 – Florence: Renaissance Art and Tuscan Flavors

Visit the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio

Board your Italo train to Florence and step into the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to works by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, then walk across the Ponte Vecchio, lined with traditional jewelry shops. Don’t miss the Duomo, with its magnificent dome by Brunelleschi.

Discover Tuscan dishes in local trattorias

End your day with a Tuscan dinner in one of Florence’s trattorias. Enjoy bistecca alla fiorentina or handmade pici pasta, and soak in the city’s vibrant yet intimate atmosphere.

Day 3 – Bologna: Art, Porticoes and Culinary Traditions

Discover the heart of Emilia-Romagna

After exploring Florence, board your Italo high-speed train to Bologna, the lively capital of Emilia-Romagna. Famous for its endless porticoes—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the city invites you to wander beneath elegant arcades that stretch for more than 38 kilometers.
Start your day in Piazza Maggiore, the vibrant heart of Bologna, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo del Podestà. Climb the Asinelli Tower for a breathtaking panorama of the city’s red-tiled rooftops, or stroll through the Quadrilatero Market, where local vendors sell cheese, fresh pasta, and regional wines.

Taste authentic Bolognese cuisine

No trip to Bologna is complete without indulging in its culinary traditions. Try the iconic tagliatelle al ragù (known abroad as “Bolognese”), tortellini in brodo, or a platter of mortadella IGP paired with a glass of Lambrusco.
For dessert, stop at a family-run café to enjoy a slice of rice cake or a scoop of artisanal gelato—the city is, after all, home to the world’s first gelato university!

Day 4 – Verona: Romance, Opera and Timeless Beauty

Walk through Shakespeare’s city

From Bologna, your next stop is Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, easily reachable by Italo’s high-speed trains.
Begin your day at the Arena di Verona, an astonishing Roman amphitheater still used today for world-famous opera performances. Wander through Piazza delle Erbe, surrounded by colorful medieval houses and lively cafés, and continue toward Juliet’s House to stand beneath the most romantic balcony in literature.
Every corner of Verona tells a story—from the Castelvecchio Bridge to the Piazza dei Signori, where the spirit of the Renaissance is still alive.

Experience Verona’s flavors and atmosphere

As evening falls, enjoy an aperitivo by the Adige River or a traditional dinner featuring risotto all’Amarone and pastissada de caval, paired with a glass of Valpolicella wine from the surrounding hills.
Verona combines art, music, and gastronomy in perfect harmony, offering an experience that’s both sophisticated and deeply Italian.

Day 5 – Milan: Fashion, Design and History

The Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Brera District

Your next stop is Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital. Visit the stunning Duomo, climb its rooftop for a panoramic view, and wander through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In the nearby Brera District, you’ll find art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.

Where to shop and eat in style

Milan is a paradise for shoppers — from luxury brands in the Quadrilatero della Moda to local designers. End your day with an aperitivo in the Navigli area, where stylish bars line the canals.

Day 6 – Venice: Romance on the Canals

Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace

Board your Italo train to Venice and let yourself be enchanted by the floating city. Start at Piazza San Marco, where the Basilica and Doge’s Palace reveal centuries of history and art. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and capture unforgettable photos along the Grand Canal.

Gondola rides and island hopping to Murano and Burano

In the afternoon, enjoy a gondola ride or explore the nearby islands of Murano, famous for glassmaking, and Burano, known for its lace and colorful houses — a photographer’s dream come true.

Day 7 – Naples and Pompeii: Culture, History and Pizza

Discover the ruins of Pompeii

Conclude your Italian week in the south with a visit to Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walking through its preserved streets feels like stepping back in time.

Taste the world’s best pizza in Naples

Return to Naples, where pizza was born. Visit a traditional pizzeria to try the authentic Margherita, made with simple, fresh ingredients — the perfect finale to your 7-day Italy itinerary.

Alternative Routes for Your One-Week Italy Itinerary

For art lovers: from Florence to Turin

If you’re passionate about art and architecture, consider adding Turin to your Italian itinerary instead of heading straight north.
From Florence, take an Italo high-speed train to Turin, Italy’s first capital city and home to some of the country’s most elegant museums and royal palaces.
Stroll beneath the historic arcades of Via Roma, visit the Egyptian Museum—one of the most important in the world—and admire the Mole Antonelliana, symbol of the city and home to the National Cinema Museum.
Turin offers a perfect balance between refined culture and modern vibrancy, ideal for travelers seeking a less crowded yet deeply authentic Italian destination.

For nature seekers: from Verona to Lake Garda

For those who prefer nature and relaxation, Lake Garda is just a short train ride from Verona.
Hop on an Italo train to Desenzano del Garda, one of the lake’s most charming towns, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Spend the day exploring lakeside villages such as Sirmione, famous for its medieval castle and thermal baths, or take a ferry to Limone sul Garda to admire its colorful waterfront.
Whether you love water sports, scenic walks, or simply sipping wine by the shore, Lake Garda is a peaceful escape that perfectly complements a cultural trip through northern Italy.

Travel Tips for a Perfect Italian Week

Best time to visit Italy

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to enjoy Italy, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings festivals and lively nightlife, while winter offers peaceful cities and Christmas markets.

Getting around by train with Italo

Traveling by Italo high-speed train is the easiest and most comfortable way to move between cities. With frequent departures, modern amenities, and stations in the city center, you can make the most of your time and energy.

How to plan your stay

Book your accommodation near train stations to save time, and plan your days around walking tours or short excursions. Remember to reserve museum tickets in advance, especially in Florence and Rome.

Travel with Italo

Book your high-speed train tickets across Italy

From Rome to Milan, Florence to Venice, or Naples to Bologna, Italo Treno connects all major Italian destinations at high speed. Comfortable, sustainable, and efficient, it’s the perfect way to experience Italy in 7 days.