7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy

Need some destination inspiration for a trip to Italy? Here’s my guide to spending one week in Italy, with 12 sample itineraries.

One week in Italy might not seem like much time. But, with some advance planning and ambition, you can definitely have a bucket list adventure.

aerial view of Il Campo and Palazzo Publicco in Siena
aerial view of Il Campo and Palazzo Publicco in Siena

There’s nowhere more romantic (or popular) than Italy. The word “Italy” conjures visions of crumbling Roman ruins, rolling cypress-studded landscapes, and secret canals.

Italy is rich in history, culture, and food. Italy’s beautiful towns boast some of the world’s best churches, palaces, museums, and historic landmarks.

I’ve been to Italy many times. Italy always blows my socks off (except maybe in the uber crowded high season). I love it and am already making a return trip next month.

There’s so many things to do and see in Italy and so little time, at least for most of us. How to choose between the myriad options?

Pinterest pin for 1s sample itineraries for spending 1 week in Italy

To help you get started prioritizing and give you some destination inspiration, I’ve picked my top 11 itineraries for spending one perfect week in Italy.

Some of these itineraries include Italy’s most popular cities and sites. Others give you more off the beaten path options and hidden gems in Italy.

You can pick a sample itinerary to match your own interests — whether you want a glamorous city, historical and cultural options, outdoor scenery, or beaches.

You can also combine itineraries for a 2 week (or longer) stay in Italy. And I suggest possible combinations.

Of course, you can always adjust and tweak these itineraries to suit your needs. When you’ve settled on an itinerary (or two), be sure to read my must know tips for visiting Italy.

the Grand Canal in Venice
the Grand Canal in Venice

12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy

I’m a rather obsessed itinerary planner and I can personally vouch for these particular one week in Italy itineraries.

For each 1 week in Italy itinerary, I also give you options for extending your trip, if you want to expand a 7 day itinerary into a 10 day itinerary for Italy or combine these sample open week itineraries.

There are essentially two ways to structure a 1 week in Italy trip.

You can move around 2-3 times for a fast paced trip that checks off Italy bucket list items. Or, you choose a single base or region for a week and take day trips from there.

These sample 7 day Italy itineraries offer both options. I’d be excited to take any of these trips again.

view from the Arnolfo Tower of  Florence's Palazzo Vecchio
view from the Arnolfo Tower of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio

I’ve written more than 100 blog posts about Italy. I’ve linked some of them to the relevant Italy itinerary to help you along.

Here are my picks for the best ways to spend one week in Italy:

  1. 1 Week Italian Renaissance Tour
  2. 1 Week in Tuscany
  3. 1 Week in Italy’s Major Cities
  4. 1 Week in Rome + Day Trips
  5. 1 Week in Venice + Day Trips
  6. 1 Week in the Italian Lake District Itinerary
  7. 1 Week Dolomites Itinerary
  8. 1 Week in Rome + Amalfi Coast
  9. 1 Week in Northern Italy Venice to Milan
  10. 1 Week in Rome + Umbria
  11. 1 Week Milan to Rome
  12. 1 Week in Sicily
the iconic Ponte Vecchio in Florence
the iconic Ponte Vecchio in Florenc

1. One Week Italian Renaissance Tour: Florence, Tuscany, and Venice

Tuscany has some of the world’s best cathedrals, art galleries, museums. It’s celebrated for its Medieval and Renaissance art.

Tuscany is even regarded as the birthplace of one of mankind’s greatest adventures, the Italian Renaissance.

Florence is an overwhelmingly beautiful city, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” With the best Medieval and Renaissance art in Europe, Florence is a veritable art lovers paradise.

the gorgeous setting of the Pitti Palace
the gorgeous setting of the Pitti Palace

Florence has some of Europe’s best museums — the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello Museum, and the Galleria dell’Accademia. And some of Italy’s most opulent palaces — the Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio.

If you want to see these lovelies, you need to book them in advance. Here’s my guide to what attractions you need to pre-book in Florence.

READ: Florence Art Bucket List

Venice had its own Renaissance, distinct from Renaissance hotspots like Florence. Venice’s artists produced images that were less religious, more libertine, and more creative.

Venetian artists painted female nudes and erotic scenes, without the censure other artists like Michelangelo received.

READ: A Nutshell History of Venice

Florence cityscape
Florence cityscape

Siena is one of the best cities to visit in Tuscany for its rustic beauty, tasty food, and luscious chianti. Siena Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful churches. Click here to book a ticket.

The greatest artists of the Renaissance contributed master works to the cathedral, including Donatello, Pinturicchio, Duccio, Ghiberti, Pisano, and Michelangelo.

Pisa and Lucca are also great for Renaissance art and architecture. You’ll want to discover the monuments on the magnificent UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles, which is so much more than just the famous Leaning Tower. Lucca is a town of a 100 churches.

READ: Tips for Visiting Pisa

In Arezzo, you can see Piero della Francesca’s greatest masterpiece. It’s the Legend of the Cross frescos in the Cappella Maggiore of the Church of San Francesco.

the Field of Miracles in Pisa
the Field of Miracles in Pisa

Padua is home to one of Italy’s must see wonders, the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Wallpapered with exquisite frescos by Giotto, the chapel is one of the world’s greatest art works.

It’s currently a candidate for the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy immersing yourself in the Italian Renaissance:

  • Day 1: Arrive in and explore Florence
  • Day 2: Explore Florence
  • Day 3: Day trip to Siena
  • Day 4: Day trip to Pisa and Lucca or to Arrezo
  • Day 5: Drive to and explore Venice
  • Day 6: Explore Venice
  • Day 7: Day trip to Padua

For this itinerary, you’ll only have two bases: Florence (4 nights) and Venice (3 nights).

If you have more time in Italy, itinerary # 9 has the perfect one week itinerary for taking a road trip from Venice to Milan. If you want a nature break, you could head to the Dolomites with itinerary #7.

the Bridge of Sighs in Venice
the Bridge of Sighs in Venice

Need more information about this one week Italian Renaissance road trip? Check out these Tuscany and Venice travel guides for specific details.

cypress-lined road in Tuscany
cypress-lined road in Tuscany

2. One Week in Tuscany Idyll

There’s nowhere more romantic in Italy than the stunning region of Tuscany. Tuscany is like a painting.

With its cypress-lined roads, golden wheat fields, and medieval hilltop towns, Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian village experience, complete with fine wine and delectable food.

I’ve discussed Florence and Siena above.

But this Tuscany itinerary also takes you to some of Italy’s most beautiful small towns — Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano, Lucca, and Pisa.

In these quaint towns, you’ll find showstopper public squares, stunning churches, and cobbled lanes.

the UNESCO town of San Gimignano
the UNESCO town of San Gimignano

San Gimignano is the romantic glamor girl of Tuscany. Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is famous for its “Bella Torres” or “Beautiful Towers.” 

Here’s how to spend one week in Tuscany:

  • Day 1: Arrive and explore Florence
  • Day 2: Explore Florence
  • Day 3: Day trip to Arrezo or Cortona
  • Day 4: Drive to and explore Siena
  • Day 5: Day trip to San Gimignano
  • Day 6: Drive to Lucca and explore
  • Day 7: Day trip To Pisa from Lucca

For this 1 week in Tuscany itinerary, your overnight bases will be Florence (3 nights), Siena (2 nights), and Lucca (2 nights). If you want more details on this itinerary, check out my comprehensive one week in Tuscany itinerary.

More time in Italy? If you want to extend your Tuscany road trip and move at a more leisurely pace, check out my 10 day itinerary for Tuscany.

It covers all the destinations on this shorter 1 week Tuscany itinerary, and more, with much more detail.

cityscape of Lucca
cityscape of Lucca

Or, head south to Umbria and follow itinerary #10. If you’re ready for a city break, head to Rome and follow itinerary #4.

Need more information on Tuscany? Check out these other articles:

the Colosseum in Rome
the Colosseum in Rome

3. One Week in Italy’s Major Cities | Greatest Hits

Are you a city person? If you want to explore Italy’s greatest hits, this fun one week itinerary takes you to the “big three” — Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Endlessly inspiring and ethereal, Rome is the magical mecca of carbs and ancient architecture. It’s a grand showcase of Western civilization, full of Imperial pomp and circumstance.

Rome has spent centuries accumulating layers of beauty, history, and romance — just waiting for its admirers to arrive.

READ: History of Ancient Rome

the Trevi Fountain
the Trevi Fountain

Begin with the Imperial tour of Rome, which includes the iconic Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Be sure to book skip the line tickets in advance!

Then, take a stroll through the historic center of Rome. There, you’ll find the stunning Piazza Navona the Pantheon, beautiful churches, and the Trevi Fountain.

Next, move on to visiting the Vatican Museums, the unparalleled world class museums in Rome, and Rome’s opulent palaces.

To see the Vatican you MUST book a skip the line ticket or wait hours in line. You can check out my guide to Vatican tours to see which appeal.

I’ve already discussed Florence above. Your last major city stop, Venice, is the most unique city in the world. I’ve written a one day in Venice itinerary that you can follow.

cityscape of Florence
cityscape of Florence

It’s an almost physical and mystical experience when you see Venice for the first time. The glimmering watery streets are right is front of you.

Venice defies logic; it’s a city that almost shouldn’t exist. Venice is a mind boggling maze of canals, lacy palaces, and artistic treasures.

READ: Must see sites along Venice’s Grand Canal

Here’s how to spend one week in Italy’s major cities:

  • Day 1: Arrive and explore Rome
  • Day 2: Explore Rome
  • Day 3: Drive or high speed train to Florence
  • Day 4: Explore Florence
  • Day 5: Day trip to Siena or to Pisa & Lucca
  • Day 6: Drive or high speed train To Venice
  • Day 7: Explore Venice

More time in Italy?

From Venice you can follow itinerary #9 and road trip from Venice to Milan. Alternatively, you can head to the Italian Lake District (itinerary #6) or the Dolomites (itinerary #7).

St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice

Need more information about this one week city-based Italy itinerary?

Check out these city travel guides:

the Trevi Fountain in Rome
the Trevi Fountain in Rome

4. One Week Rome City Break + Day Trips

One of my favorite vacations in Italy was just spending 8 days in Rome. I didn’t move my base from the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood.

I just explored Rome at slower pace and took plenty of easy day trips. You don’t need a car. You can book a day tour or just hop on the train.

I’ve discussed Rome above. But on this Rome itinerary, you’ll also visit some of beautiful towns near Rome.

Tivoli is a charming small town just a half hour from Rome. It’s home to two amazing UNESCO sites: Hadrian’s Villa (Roman ruins) and Ville d’Este (a Renaissance mansion with incredible gardens and fountains).

You should definitely book a day trip tour to see them.

the ruins of Hadrian's Villa
the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa

Pompeii is Italy’s most famous archaeological site, a living museum. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash. The city was entombed and preserved for many centuries.

Beginning in 1748, archaeologists began painstakingly excavating the ruins. The ruins are a remarkable evocation of everyday Roman life, which you can see on a guided tour from Rome to get all the history.

Charming Orvieto, the capitol of Umbria, is an easy day trip from Rome. It’s set high above a volcanic outcropping and chock full of medieval buildings.

Nothing much has changed in this rustic fairytale town in 500 years. Orvieto’s piece de resistance is its magnificent cathedral.

the ruins of Pompeii
the ruins of Pompeii

Here’s how to spend 1 week in Rome:

  • Day 1: Explore Rome
  • Day 2: Explore Rome
  • Day 3: Explore Rome and Vatican City
  • Day 4: Day Trip To Tivoli
  • Day 5: Day Trip to Pompeii
  • Day 6: Day Trip to Orvieto
  • Day 7: Explore more of Rome and/or half day trip to Ostia Antica

Want more information about this trip? Here are some of my other articles:

the Grand Canal in Venice
the Grand Canal in Venice

5. One Week in Venice + Day Trips

Another one week itinerary where you don’t have to move bases is just to stay in Venice. You can enjoy the city at your leisure and take day trips from there by car, train, or ferry.

You could also base yourself in Verona the entire time and day trip to Venice and other destinations. Verona is less crowded and less expensive than Venice.

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful and captivating cities, a natural movie set. No other place looks quite like it. Venice is a medieval city built on water that shouldn’t exist in real life. It’s a mind boggling maze of architectural and artistic treasures.

There are so many thing to do and see in Venice. You can take a gondola ride, ogle the opulent palaces, take in some world class museums, or stroll the stunning floating city.

the colorful island of Burano
the colorful island of Burano

From Venice, you have so many day trip options. You can tour the Venetian lagoon islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

You can day trip to Padua to admire Giotto’s groundbreaking frescos at the Scrovegni Chapel. If you want less crowded canals, head to nearby Treviso. Treviso is an elegant little canal town, only a 30 minute train ride from Venice.

Fair Verona is for romantics and medievalists. It’s a pretty Italian town full of red and peach colored medieval buildings and Roman ruins.

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Once you’ve made the obligatory pilgrimmage to Juliet’s Balcony, you’ll also want to tour the doughty Roman Arena in the Piazza Bra.

the beautiful town of Verona
the beautiful town of Verona

Ravenna was once the epicenter of the Western World, when the Byzantine Empire made Ravenna its capitol.

The Byzantine rulers blanketed Ravenna’s churches with gorgeous mosaics. This artistic legacy rivals Venice or Istanbul, making Ravenna a UNESCO site worth visiting.

Here’s how to spend one week in Venice:

  • Day 1: Explore Venice
  • Day 2: Explore Venice
  • Day 3: Day trip to Venetian lagoon islands
  • Day 4: Day trip to Padua
  • Day 5: Day trip to Verona
  • Day 6: Day Trip to Ravenna
  • Day 7: Day Trip to Bologna or another day in Venice

More time in Italy? Head to the Dolomites with itinerary #6 or road trip to Milan with itinerary #9.

main square in the pretty city of Padua
main square in the pretty city of Padua

Need more information about this area of Italy?

Check out these Venice travel guides and resources:

Rocca Scaligera Castle in Sirmione near Lake Garda
Rocca Scaligera Castle in Sirmione near Lake Garda

6. One Week Italian Lake District Itinerary

Northern Italy is home to the seductively beautiful Lake District, set in the shadow of the Alps. Though just an hour north of Milan, this area feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s second city.

In this romantic region, 19th century villas are covered in vines and set amid stunted palm trees. It’s a bliss-y area made for nature lovers.

You have several lakes to choose from and they all have their charms —Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore.

Lake Como offering a heady mix of scenery, opulent palazzi, and relaxing vistas. Lake Maggiore doesn’t have quite the panache of Lake Como, but still has a faded elegance.

Lake Orta is smaller and less developed, a hidden gem of quietude without the crowds. It’s a favorite escape of the Milanese, who’ve nicknamed it Cinderella.

the gorgeous town of Bellagio on Lake Como
the gorgeous town of Bellagio on Lake Como

Here’s a breakdown of how to spend one week in the Italian Lake District:

  • Day 1: Arrive in and explore Milan
  • Day 2: Explore Lake Como, base in Varenna
  • Day 3: Explore Lake Como, ferry to Bellagio
  • Day 4: Explore Lake Maggiore, base in Stresa
  • Day 5: Explore Lake Maggiore
  • Day 6: Explore Lake Orta, stay in Villa Crespi
  • Day 7. Explore Lake Orta

More time in Italy?

From the Lake District, head east to Venice. Here’s my two day itinerary for Venice.

the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore
the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore

Alternatively, head back to Milan and follow itinerary #11, which takes you on an amazing road trip from Milan to Rome.

Want more information about this itinerary? Check out these Milan travel guides:

the Dolomites in northern Italy
the Dolomites in northern Italy

7. One Week Dolomites Itinerary

Italy’s dramatic rocky rooftop is the Dolomites. This region of Italy offers some of the best mountain thrills in Europe.

The Dolomites feature flower speckled meadows, turquoise lakes, jagged gray cliffs, and spectacular driving routes.

Here, the region doesn’t even seem like Italy. It’s more Austrian and German in a felt-hat-with-feathers way. You can tour by car or go on a hiking tour.

The city of Bolzano is the gateway to the Dolomites. There’s yogurt and yodeling for breakfast. The Dolomites are especially beautiful in the fall.

And more hiking than you can imagine. Probably the most stunning hike is Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike.

aerial view of Trento
aerial view of Trento
  • Day 1: Arrive and explore Trento
  • Day 2: Day trip to Rovereto and Lago di Tenno
  • Day 3: Drive to Bressanone, stop at Lago di Carezzo en route
  • Day 4: Day trip to Secede
  • Day 5: Drive to Lago di Braies, overnight in Misurina
  • Day 6: Explore Lake Misurina
  • Day 7: Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike

This Dolomites itinerary has three bases: Trento (2 nights), Bressanone (2 nights), and Misurina (3 nights).

The nearest airport is Venice Treviso and Venice Marco Polo.

If you want to visit Venice before the Dolomites, here’s my two day itinerary for Venice. After leaving Venice, you’ll head to Trento, a very underrated city in Italy. Trento is frescoed and surrounded by mountains.

More time in Italy? Head to the Italian Lake District. Lake Garda is about 3 hours away. See itinerary #6.

Piazza Navona in Rome
Piazza Navona in Rome

8. One Week in Rome (or Naples) and the Amalfi Coast

This 1 week in Italy itinerary begins in Rome. From Rome, it’s over 3 hours to the drool-worthy Amalfi Coast. If you’ve been to Rome and would rather skip the drive or train ride, you can spend you first two days in Naples instead.

Like Rome, Naples is a big city that can be chaotic. But Naples’ historic center is rich and will give you a taste of the quintessentially Neapolitan lifestyle.

Naples’ finest attractions are its treasure chest Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum.

With its stunning scenery, hill towns, and historic ruins, the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most scenic rides.

From Sorrento to Salerno, the vistas will leave your mouth gaping and your camera’s memory card full. Villas cling to cliffs and sandy coves beckon below.

the Capodimonte Museum in Naples
the Capodimonte Museum in Naples

Over the centuries, the spectacular scenery has been a siren call for the rich and famous, luring Roman emperor Tiberius, Richard Wagner, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal, and others to the Amalfi Coast’s special brand of la dolce vita.

Wedged on a ledge over the sea, the serene cliff top town of Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast.

From Sorrento, you can book day trips to Pompeii, Positano, Capri, and even Naples.

There’s a saying that Positano “bites deep,” it’s so dreamy. Positano is the star of the Amalfi Coast. Strolling the town comes complete with sherbet colored cliffside homes, stunning beaches, and tiny cobbled lanes.

town of Sorrento, a great base for the Amalfi Coast

Rugged mountainous Capri is one of the world’s most glamorous island. Capri was made famous as the vacation hideaway of Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius.

Today, it’s crowded. But even with the crowds, it’s drop dead gorgeous, set on a glittering blue sea and you should definitely book a guided boat tour to see it.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman town, which was stopped in its tracks by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Once buried under ash, the well preserved ruins of Pompeii offer you the best look anywhere at what life in Rome was like 2,000 years ago.

Here’s how to spend one week in Rome and the Amalfi Coast:

  • Day 1: Arrive and explore Rome
  • Day 2: Explore Rome
  • Day 3: Explore Rome
  • Day 4: Day Trip to Tivoli (Hadian’s Villa & Villa d’Este)
  • Day 5: Train or drive to Sorrento, explore Sorento
  • Day 6: Day Trip to Positano
  • Day 7: Day Trip to Pompeii or Capri
the glamorous island of Capri
the glamorous island of Capri

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary?

Check out these guides:

the Colosseum in Verona
the Colosseum in Verona

9. One Week in Northern Italy: Venice to Milan

This one week road trip from Venice to Milan in northern Italy is a popular tourist route.

It’s only a 3 hour drive from Venice to Milan.

But this route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and secret hidden gems of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of great destinations to explore along the way.

This northern Italy road trip begins in Venice, the starting point for your road trip.

It assumes you’ve explored the heady attractions of the world’s most romantic floating city, and are embarking to explore more of Italy.

cityscape of Mantua
cityscape of Mantua

From Venice, you can explore Verona, a town for romantics, and visit Mantua, a town for Renaissance lovers. You’ll also stop in Brescia and Bergamo before landing in Milan.

Here’s how to spend one week on a road trip from Venice to Milan:

  • Day 1: Leave Venice, stop in Padua and Vicenza, overnight in Verona
  • Day 2: Explore Verona, overnight in Verona
  • Day 3: From Verona, day trip to Mantua
  • Day 4: Drive to Brescia, stopping in Sirmione on the way, overnight in Brescia
  • Day 5: Explore Brescia, overnight in Brescia
  • Day 6: Drive to Bergamo, explore Bergamo, overnight in Milan
  • Day 7: Explore Milan

Need more information for this one week Italy itinerary? Check out these guides:

the hilltop town of Orvieto
the hilltop town of Orvieto

10. One Week in Rome + Umbria

I’ve covered Rome above and you’ll be there two days on this particular one week Italy itinerary.

Beautiful Umbria is quite similar To Tuscany. It’s just as sublimely picturesque, but less crowded. You can enjoy Italy’s scenic medieval hill towns and countryside.

Charming Orvieto is one of Italy’s most striking hill towns. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically atop a big chunk of volcanic stone amid cypress-dotted plains.

As I mentioned above, Orvieto’s walking highlights are its colorful-inside-and-out cathedral and pretty cobbled old town.

The stunning hill town of Assisi is a destination for art lovers. Because Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis, it’s also a pilgrimage destination that you’ll want to tour. In fact, the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s best known churches.

the town of Assisi in Umbria
the town of Assisi in Umbria

The tiny towns of Umbria — Spello, Spoleto, Perugia, and Gubbio — are utterly charming. This is where you’ll really get a taste of real Umbrian culture.

Here’s how to spend one week exploring Rome and Umbria:

  • Day 1: Explore Rome
  • Day 2: Explore Rome
  • Day 3: Drive to Orvieto, stop en route in Civita di Bagnoregio
  • Day 4: Explore Orvieto
  • Day 5: Drive to Assisi and explore, overnight in Assisi
  • Day 6: Day trip to Spello and Spoleto
  • Day 7: Day trip to Perugia and/or Gubbio

In this one week Italy route, you’ll start in Rome. For a base, you’ll be in Rome (2 nights) Orvieto (2 nights), and Assisi (3 nights). For more details, check out my comprehensive one week in Umbria itinerary.

More time? Head north to Tuscany with itinerary #2.

the flamboyant Gothic Duomo in Milan
the flamboyant Gothic Duomo in Milan

11. One Week Milan to Rome Itinerary

The journey from Milan to Rome is a popular tourist route. It’s only a 6 hour drive from Milan to Rome.

But this well-traveled road trip route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and sublime treasures of the Renaissance.

You start with Italy’s exciting northern capital of Milan and end in Rome, Italy’s ancient southern capital of Rome. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Italy’s most beautiful towns in northern Italy. You’ll experience a near overdose of art, from Ancient Rome to treasures of the Renaissance in Florence.

With this itinerary, you’ll get to visit Bologna. Nicknamed La Grassa, or the Big Fat, for its delicious food, Bologna just oozes medieval charm. And you should definitely take a food tour in Bologna.

Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem in Italy. But it shouldn’t be. Bologna is a historic city filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, a swathe of palaces and towers, and gourmet restaurants. Eat, eat, and eat more!

the beautiful city of Bologna
the beautiful city of Bologna

Situated atop three hills, Siena is Italy’s ultimate rustic hill town.

Its thriving historic center, with movie set lanes cascading every which way, offers Italy’s best medieval city experience.

Here’s how you can spend one week on a road trip from Milan to Rome.

  • Day 1: Explore Milan
  • Day 2: Pick up car drive to Bologna and explore
  • Day 3: Drive to Florence and explore
  • Day 4: Explore Florence and optional half day trip to Pisa
  • Day 5: Stop in Siena en route Rome
  • Day 6: Explore Rome
  • Day 7: Explore Rome

In this busy 7 day Milan to Rome travel itinerary, you’ll have three bases: Milan (1 night), Bologna (1 night), Florence (2 nights), and Rome (3 nights).

the beautiful town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast
the beautiful town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast

More time in Italy? Spend more time in Bologna, one of Italy’s most underrated cities.

Or, head to the Amalfi Coast with itinerary #8.

Need more information for this Milan to Rome road trip? Check out these travel guides and resources:

view of Taormina from the Greek Theater
view of Taormina from the Greek Theater

12. One Week In Sicily Itinerary

Want to head to the beautiful island of Sicily? I was just there for 2 weeks and it’s divine.

Sicily is rich in history, culture, and food. It’s one of Italy’s most exotic regions, pure passion set amid wild beauty. You can enjoy diverse landscapes — rocky volcanic coastlines, pristine beaches, and clifftop villages.

Sicily will also dazzle you with ancient ruins, UNESCO sites, artistic treasures, Baroque architecture, and Italy’s most exotic street markets. 

One week in Sicily isn’t enough time to experience the island fully. Given the distances to be traveled, imperfect roads, and plethora of attractions, you should probably stick to one part of the island.

the island of Ortigia in Syracuse
the island of Ortigia in Syracuse

I’ve written 5 sample itineraries for spending 1 week in Sicily by geography or theme:

  • Eastern Sicily Itinerary
  • Western Sicily Itinerary
  • Northern Sicily Itinerary
  • Sampler Sicily Itinerary
  • Archaeological Sicily Itinerary

These one week Italy itineraries take you to Sicily’s premiere destinations — the exciting capital of Palermo, the mosaicked churches of Monreale and Cefalu, the clifftop town of Taormina, the sensation old world town of Syracuse, and the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.

cityscape of Palermo
cityscape of Palermo

For details and destination inspiration, check out my 1 week in Sicily itineraries. Or, check out some of my detailed travel guides covering the must visit sites and towns in Sicily:

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one week Italy itineraries. If so, pin it for later.

Pinterest pin for one week in Italy itineraries
Pinterest pin for 1 week in Italy itineraries

10 thoughts on “7 Days in Italy: 12 Amazing One Week Itineraries for Italy”

  1. I loved the itineraries…now I’m even more overwhelmed! My daughter and I want to spend 30 days in Italy (including Sicily). Any info on where to stay (location/safety)?

    Reply
    • I feel like Italy is pretty safe, if you take the usual precautions of staying in good neighborhoods and not being out late at night. 30 days in Italy? That’s amazing. Sicily is definitely on my bucket list.

      Reply
  2. Thank you so much these are great ideas for first time travellers!

    We fly into rome and leave rome after a week what would you suggest for one week,
    would love to see venace Florence or Milan!

    I really wanted to see the different towns through Italy without having it to rushed happy to use the trains but accomodation wise I would have no idea where to book each night!

    Thank you so much these ar very helpful!!

    Reply
    • You’re welcome! You could actually use Rome as your home base for the entire week and day trip to other places either by high speed train or guided tour. Here’s my guide to the best day trips from Rome: https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/post/day-trips-from-rome. Or you could split your time between Rome and Florence. Florence is much closer than Milan or Venice. I have lots of articles on all those cities.

      Reply
  3. Great info thank you!
    Looking for a Rome – Venice – Amalfi itinerary…. Any suggestions or is it possible in a week?
    Thanks
    CD

    Reply
    • You can do it, but you’ll be rushed. I’d probably start in Venice and only spend one day there if you only have 7 days in Italy. I do have a 1 day and 2 day itinerary for Venice and a 3 days in Rome itinerary.

      Reply
  4. By far these iterinaries were great. Were heading to Europe for 3 weeks. Were going back to Rome for 2 or 3 days then explore northern part of Italy. We would like to spend 6 days or so then would like to see Switzerland then France. Any suggestions on these places. We are traveling with our 13 year old daughter.
    Thank you in advance
    Dennis

    Reply
    • Thank you Dennis! I hope you have a fantastic time in Europe. If you use the search function on my blog page, you will find loads of itineraries for Rome and must see sites, museums, and ruins. I also have many articles on France. I haven’t been to Switzerland in a couple decades, so nothing on that country unfortunately.

      Reply

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