7 Days In Italy: A Simple Rome And Florence Itinerary For First-Timers and Seasoned Travelers
Watch The Vlog Of My Week In Italy!
When I went to Italy, I had only 6 days to prepare, so I did not have the luxury of putting together the ULTIMATE, BEST, or PERFECT itinerary. Italy is a country rich in history, with so much to see. It is impossible to do everything in 7 days, and choosing what to do can be overwhelming, so I kept this itinerary simple and minimal, like my travel style. Here is my 7-day Rome and Florence itinerary, simple enough for first-time travelers and robust enough for seasoned travelers.
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itinerary breakdown
Day One: Travel Day, Arrive In Rome
Day Two: Big Bus Tour & The Colosseum
Day Three: Florence Day Trip: Uffizi Gallery
Day Four: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Day Five: Gray Bus Tour: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps
Day Six: Florence Day Trip: Accademia Gallery
Day Seven: St Peter’s Basilica
Day Eight: Travel Home
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Day One: Travel Day, Arrive In Rome
I recommend a red-eye flight if you are flying from the US to Rome, as I did. I left JFK around 7 PM and arrived in FCO around 9 am the next morning. Then spend the rest of the day adjusting to the time zone.
Related Blog Posts:
Tips:
I recommend getting a class higher than Main Cabin/Economy if you can, because it was very uncomfortable and the food wasn't that good.
Consider taking a taxi or ride share from the airport to your hotel, as it is difficult to travel with luggage through the streets of Rome
GET A DIRECT FLIGHT. LAYOVERS SUCK.
Day Two: Big Bus Tour & The Colosseum
Your first full day in Rome should be about exploring and wandering to grasp the city's layout. I recommend booking a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. And this is the perfect time to visit the Colosseum. I recommend focusing on it as the sole attraction for the day, since it is a Wonder Of The World and you could spend hours there.
Related Blog Posts:
Tips:
Italy’s metro accepts contactless payments!
Find the site of Julius Caesar's assassination and check it out. We did not get to see it, but we were near it!
Visit the Colosseum at the end of the day. It is less crowded
Have a Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees. Small businesses in Rome do not accept AMEX because it is too expensive.
Day Three: Florence Day Trip: Uffizi Gallery
Florence is only a 90-minute high-speed train ride from Rome, and you must fit it into your itinerary. Spend the day exploring the various Piazzas, visit the Duomo if you are able, and then also see the Uffizi Gallery.
Related Blog Posts:
Rome And Florence Trip Log Day 3: Florence Day Trip Part One - Visiting the Uffizi Gallery
What To Know Before You Visit The Uffizi Gallery And The Top Seven Must-See Works.
Tips:
If you are visiting on a Sunday, you may not be able to go into the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore due to Mass being held
Be cautious of the seating chart. Some seats look like they are together, but they may have a table in the middle, and you are directly facing a seat of two people who would share the table with you.
It is possible to do a one-day trip to Florence to visit the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, but I don’t advise it, as the Uffizi is so large that you'll need most of the day to explore.
Day Four: Vatican Museums And The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a must-do while in Italy. No exceptions, you MUST see this feat of art. Take the whole day to visit this museum, as it is massive and absolutely stunning.
Related Blog Posts:
Tips:
Michaelnglo’s Pietá is not located in the Vatican Musuems it is located inside St. Peter’s Basilica
The original Laocoön and His Sons is located here
Dress modestly when visiting
Do not visit in the middle of the day, it is very chaotic
You may need more than one day to see every part of the museums
Day Five: The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
Spend the day going to all of the must-see sights in Rome. The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are my recommendations, but of course, there are more sights to be seen. I recommend doing a Hop On Hop Off bus tour for this, but you can also use the metro or walk.
Related Blog Posts:
Tips:
Hop On Hop Off Buses are less crowded during the week
Use the provided headphones for the audio because it provides interesting information
Dress modestly and take off your hat before entering the Pantheon, as it is a tomb.
Go to the Trevi Fountain early in the morning for fewer crowds
Day Six: Florence Day Trip: Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David, and in my opinion, it is a must-see. You don’t need much time here, as it is a small museum, so plan to wander around Florence afterwards.
Related Blog Posts:
Rome And Florence Trip Log Day 6: Florence Day Trip Part Two - Visiting the Accademia Gallery
What To Know Before You Visit The Accademia Gallery And The Top three Must-See Works
Tips:
Even though it’s small, I do recommend spending at least 90 minutes in the museum to admire Michelangelo's work
Day Seven: St Peter’s Basilica
Your last day in Rome should be spent seeing one more iconic sight, St. Peter’s Square, and then taking in the city one last time before you depart for your flight back home the next day.
Related Blog Posts:
Tips:
If you are using Tiqets to purchase tickets to attractions, read my Trip Log Day Seven blog post to see why I didn't go inside and what you can do to avoid making the same mistake.
Day Eight: Travel Home
The Hotel
I stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park. It's a nice hotel outside of the city of Rome. I recommend this hotel, especially for first-timers, because the staff was accommodating and understanding. However, since it is located outside of Rome, you have to factor in more travel time to the City center.
Food RECOMMENDATIONS
Moscati Bistro Restaurant
Speedy Pinsa
La Nuova Piazzetta
I Fratellini
Hard Rock Cafe
All’Antico Vinaio
More Tips
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Use Tiqets to book tickets to museums, sights, and attractions
You have to pay to use the bathroom. Most are only 1 Euro
If you can afford it, stay closer to the city center, as it makes commuting easier
Learn basic phrases in Italian
Cash is still King
Hi! I’m Andrea, the creator of Cinematic Excursions.
I am a video editor, photographer, travel and events vlogger, and blogger who likes to write movie analyses and yap about fandom. I also have a useless film degree.
I have been creating videos since 2018. In 2023, I started Cinematic Excursions to share my unfiltered experiences traveling, cruising, going on excursions, and using city cards that are supposed to save money.
I also use my platform to document my experience attending events like New York Comic-Con, MCM Comic-Con London, and the Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival, advising others and covering news from these events.