Rome, Florence and Venice form Italy's classic first-time route, and it is easy to see why. In a single week you can walk through ancient Roman ruins, stand before Renaissance masterpieces and drift along the canals of a city built on water. High-speed trains link all three cities in just a few hours, making this one of the easiest multi-city trips in Europe.
Here is a practical seven-day itinerary, along with tips on tickets, transport and timing.
Itinerary Overview
- Days 1 to 3: Rome
- Days 4 to 5: Florence (with an optional Tuscany side trip)
- Days 6 to 7: Venice
For the smoothest trip, book an open-jaw flight: arrive in Rome and fly home from Venice, so you never have to backtrack. Search multi-city routes on SkylineSparrow flights.
Days 1 to 3: Rome
Day 1: Ancient Rome
Start with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are covered by a combined ticket. Entry is timed, so reserve online well ahead of your visit, especially in spring and summer. In the evening, walk to Piazza Venezia and up the Capitoline Hill for a sunset view over the Forum.
Day 2: Vatican City
Spend the morning at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, then visit St. Peter's Basilica. Book museum tickets in advance and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. The Vatican Museums are generally closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month.
Day 3: Historic Center
Explore Rome's famous squares and fountains on foot: the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Finish in the Trastevere neighborhood for dinner among cobbled lanes and ivy-covered buildings.
Getting From Rome to Florence
High-speed trains run frequently between Roma Termini and Firenze Santa Maria Novella, taking about an hour and a half. Booking in advance often secures lower fares. Read our Europe by train guide for tips on tickets and seat reservations.
Days 4 to 5: Florence
Day 4: Renaissance Florence
Visit the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. Both require timed reservations. In the afternoon, admire the Duomo, climb Giotto's Bell Tower or the dome itself, and stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.
Day 5: Views and Tuscany
Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the classic panoramic view of the city. If you want to see the countryside, take a half-day trip to the Chianti wine region, Siena or the hill town of San Gimignano.
Getting From Florence to Venice
High-speed trains connect Florence to Venezia Santa Lucia in roughly two hours. Make sure your ticket is for Santa Lucia, which is right on the Grand Canal, rather than Venezia Mestre on the mainland.
Days 6 to 7: Venice
Day 6: St. Mark's and the Grand Canal
Ride vaporetto line 1 down the Grand Canal for a slow, scenic introduction to the city. Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, then cross the Rialto Bridge. In the evening, get deliberately lost in the quiet back streets away from the main crowds.
Day 7: The Islands
Take a vaporetto to Murano, famous for glassmaking, and Burano, known for its brightly painted houses and lace. Return to Venice for a final evening, or head to Marco Polo Airport for your flight home.
Note that Venice has introduced an access fee for day-trippers on selected peak days. Overnight hotel guests are generally exempt but may need to register. Check the official city website before your visit.
Where to Stay
- Rome: the Centro Storico, Monti or Trastevere for walkability.
- Florence: near the Duomo or across the river in the Oltrarno.
- Venice: Cannaregio or Castello for a quieter, more local feel.
Italian cities charge a small city tax per person per night, usually paid at the hotel. Compare stays in each city with SkylineSparrow hotels.
Tips for Traveling in Italy
- Validate regional train tickets before boarding if they do not show a specific train and time.
- A coperto, or cover charge, on restaurant bills is normal.
- Drink standing at the bar for cheaper coffee than sitting at a table.
- Carry a refillable bottle: Rome's public drinking fountains provide free, fresh water.
- Churches require covered shoulders and knees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one week enough for Rome, Florence and Venice?
Yes, seven days covers the highlights of all three cities. With ten days, you could add the Cinque Terre, Tuscany or Lake Como.
What is the best time to visit Italy?
April to June and September to October bring warm weather and fewer crowds than July and August. See our guide to the best time to visit Europe.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Yes, for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Uffizi and Accademia. Advance booking saves hours of waiting in line.
Start Planning
Rome, Florence and Venice together offer an unforgettable introduction to Italy's history, art and food. Compare flights and hotels on SkylineSparrow and begin building your Italian adventure.
