Italy’s holy trinity—Rome, Florence, and Venice—forms the backbone of most first-time Italy trips. But squeezing three cities into seven days requires smart planning. This itinerary balances major attractions with breathing room, so you’re not running on fumes by day five.
Days 1-3: Rome
Land in Rome and spend your first day recovering from jet lag while exploring the historic center. Start at the Colosseum early, before crowds arrive. Skip the tour guides hawking tickets at the entrance—book online the night before.
On day two, hit the Vatican early. Yes, really early. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica are worth the 7 AM wake-up call. Grab lunch in the Trastevere neighborhood, where cobblestone streets shelter authentic trattorias far from tourist traps. Spend the afternoon wandering the neighborhood’s labyrinthine alleys.
Day three is for the best of Rome’s second-tier attractions: the Pantheon, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. End with sunset drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
The Rome to Florence Train
Two main options compete for your attention: Trenitalia and Italo. Italo is faster and slightly more comfortable (around 2 hours), but Trenitalia is cheaper. Either way, book direct on their apps to avoid marked-up third-party sites. The 2:30 PM departure on day three gets you to Florence by 5 PM.
Days 4-5: Florence
Florence rewards slow exploration. Skip the Uffizi Gallery on day four—lines are brutal. Instead, spend morning hours at the Accademia Museum (book skip-the-line tickets for the David), then climb the Duomo’s dome for panoramic views. Lunch at Mercato Centrale, the central market’s food hall, then explore the Oltrarno district’s artisan workshops and galleries.
Day five is your museum day. The Uffizi Gallery houses an incomparable collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Book tickets online and arrive right when they open. Spend three hours here, grab lunch, then visit Palazzo Vecchio or the Boboli Gardens depending on energy levels.
Florence to Venice Train
The 2-hour direct train departs Florence around 3 PM, arriving in Venice by 5 PM. This evening arrival works perfectly—you’ll check in, walk the city, and grab a simple dinner near your accommodation.
Days 6-7: Venice
Venice operates on its own rules. Get lost deliberately—that’s the point. Day six: Explore San Marco Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride through lesser canals (the Grand Canal is overrated), then cross the Rialto Bridge and explore the residential neighborhoods beyond.
Day seven means quality time in Dorsoduro, home to small museums and genuine Venetian atmosphere. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection if modern art interests you, or just wander. Watch the sunset from the Zattere waterfront, grab aperitivo with locals, then head to the airport.
Budget Breakdown (per person, excluding flights)
- Accommodation: $60-100/night (budget to mid-range) = $420-700
- Train tickets: $150 total (Rome-Florence, Florence-Venice)
- Major attractions: $100-150 (Vatican, Uffizi, Accademia, gondola)
- Food: $40-60/day = $280-420
- Total: $950-1,420
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer perfect weather without peak summer crowds. Avoid July-August when temperatures soar and tourists swarm. Winter is cheaper but gray and wet. Spring feels like Italy’s sweetest season.
Where to Stay
In Rome, the historic center around Campo de’ Fiori offers both location and charm. Florence’s Oltrarno district balances atmosphere with walkability. In Venice, book accommodations on the main islands—the train station area is overpriced and touristy.
Plan Your Italian Adventure with Aitinery
Skip the hours of research. Aitinery builds your personalized Italy itinerary in seconds — with real train times, local restaurants, and daily schedules you can actually follow.
👉 Start planning for free at aitinery.com.