7 Days in Italy: 9 Amazing One Week Italy Itineraries
Are you so excited to plan a one-week trip to Italy? Let's make the most of your 7 days in Italy. In this post, we are going to plan your one-week Italy itinerary.
7 days in Italy might not seem like enough time, but don't worry as long as you have a plan ready in advance you will be surprised at how much you can get done.
In this post,I have come up with nine examples of sample Italy itineraries that hopefully help you decide what part of Italy you want to see.
No matter which locations you add to your one-week Italy itinerary it will be an amazing 7-day Italy trip. You really can't go wrong in Italy.
My family has been to Italy many times and always wants to go back. There is a rich culture, architecture, art, history, and amazing landscapes to explore. We love all of it!
I created an amazing Italy Travel Guide that has nine itineraries, food recommendations, and safety tips that you need to grab before you head to Italy! I promise this is good information that you do not want to miss out on!
Let's create the best itinerary in Italy!
If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest!
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Planning a 1 Week in Italy Trip
Italy is an amazing country. There are many questions you have to ask yourself when you get ready to plan your 1 week Italy itinerary.
What Is The Best Month to Visit Italy?
May, June, September, and October are considered the best times to go to Italy. You will get to experience the tourist season with wonderful weather. I think that September may still be too hot.
We went in August once and we about melted. It was so hot! Also, August is the “month of holiday” where the Italians get almost the entire month off.
A lot of places are closed, on the bright side crowds are typically lower because all the Italians tend to be on vacation. Personally, I would not recommend it.
Where Am I Going to Spend 7 Days in Italy?
The first question I like to ask is which part of Italy should I visit? Do I want to stay in Northern Italy? Do I want to see Tuscany? Is Southern Italy the best? Do I want to get a taste of it all?
There are so many options when planning your one-week Italy itinerary, trying to decide can be tough. Think about which cities are on the top of your list! What activities, museums, or buildings are a top priority?
How am I Going to Get From One Place to the Next?
What transportation options are there? This is the next question I would consider when planning my one-week Italy itinerary. Am I going to rent a car, fly, take a train, or join a tour group?
We did a combination of trains, rental cars, and airplane travel. We really wanted to see the majority of the country in the short amount of time we had.
What are the Best Hotels or Accommodations in Italy?
Where am I going to stay in Italy? This is probably one of the first questions you need to ask after you book your flight.
Each city is going to be a little different. I can't make this decision for you because everyone is different. Not to mention there are a lot of options out there. I would start with a site like Booking.com. Hotels.com or VRBO.
If you are a booking.com fan, you might want to get a membership to Wayaway Plus because they will give you discounts on both Booking and Viator.
I also like staying at Marriott as well.
A Week in Italy – Top Cities to Visit
Most Popular Cities in Italy
We have to start with the most well-known and most visited places in Italy. These cities include Venice, Florence, Milan, and Rome.
Venice is unlike any other city in the entire world because it is actually built on tiny islands and uses water canals for transportation. Florence is a city full of renaissance art. Milan is the fashion capital of the world. Rome was the capital of the Roman empire and is the most visited city in Italy and the world.
Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
Obviously, this is a matter of opinion and I haven't been to every city in Italy. If you are going to Italy to enjoy the intense beauty of the country, I would recommend the Amalfi Coast and the Islands of Capri and Ischia.
Also in the southern area is Puglia which is so amazing. Venice is so beautiful that it needs to make this list. I also visited the east coast in a city called Gaeta which was spectacular.
I have not been to Cinque Terre but if you have looked at pictures it fits into this category.
If you have been to Italy and want to add to the list of the most beautiful cities comment below and let us know!
One Week in Italy Tour Group Options
Before you get started creating your one-week in Italy itinerary, you might want to consider booking a complete already planned tour.
I have done a lot of research and found a company I trust and also I thought was reasonably priced. Travelstride has a lot of great options!
Top Group Tours
- 12 Days Wonder of Italy Tour
- Italy in 10 days Tour
- Amalfi Coast to Puglia Southern Italy Tour
- Taste of Italy Tour
- Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre
- 7-Day Southern Itlay Tour
Now, if tour groups aren't your thing, don't worry. We are going to explore which cities in Italy you want to add to your one-week in Italy itinerary.
The first 4 samples Italy itineraries are going to be fast-paced. You will see as much as you can in your 7-day Italy trip.
Northern Italy – 7 Day Italy Itinerary
Our first sample itinerary will include Venice, Verona, Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa, and Florence.
Some of these places can be seen in just 1 day or less others you may want to spend more time exploring.
Important Tip for Planning the Best Italy Itinerary
Remember, anything in blue is a link to a more detailed post on the area or a tour. You will be able to click and find out more information on what to do in each area.
One Week Italy Itinerary – Choice Number 1
Day 1 – Day Trip – Venice
- Heading to Venice is a great idea. If you want a romantic Venice experience that is totally possible too! Venice is a great place to start your Northern Italy itinerary. You will want to spend at least one day in Venice.
Day 2 – Day Trip – Verona and get to Milan by sunset
- Romeo and Juliet put Verona on the map. Take a day trip and explore! A day in Verona is plenty of time to see some of the most impressive sites.
Day 3 – Milan
- Book the “Last Supper” at least 4 months in advance. A Day in Milan is a great choice and if you are lucky enough to book the Last Supper even better!
Day 4 – The Dolomites or Lake Como
Day 5 – Cinque Terre – Lucca – Pisa
- Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal town you will love, and then after you explore them jump on the train and check out Lucca and Pisa.
Day 6 Florence
- There is so much to do in Florence. Florence is a great place to end your trip. Some people prefer to spend a lot more time in Florence so it may be best to save Florence for another trip.
Day 7 – Travel back to the airport
This is just one idea for your 7 days in Italy trip. What I like about this itinerary is that you can add or take away any of these cities if you want to stay longer in one area. Let's explore some more one-week in Italy itineraries!
Northern Italy Travel Itinerary – Choice Number 2
This Northern Italy travel itinerary is for those who like to travel at a slower pace. You can spend more time in each area and enjoy a few day trips.
Day 1
- Venice is your home base. You will tour Venice on day one and then do day trips from Venice to the Dolomites and Verona. (Romeo and Juliet)
Day 2
- Explore the Dolomites with a tour from Venice.
Day 3
- Explore Verona and the Romeo and Juliet sites from Venice. From Verona take a train to Milan.
Day 4
Milan now becomes your home base. Book a Last Supper ticket and enjoy a hop on hop off or complete Milan tour.
Day 5
- Book a day trip to Cinque Terre
Day 6
- Book a day trip from Milan to Lake Como.
Day 7
- If you have time book a train ride to the Alps then get ready to go home.
Tours In Northern Italy
This next section will be dedicated to helping you know what the major highlights are in each area of Italy. As you plan your 1 week in Italy itinerary you will want to include some tours.
One thing that I found difficult about planning my Italy itinerary is realizing that sometimes staying in one area and taking a lot of day trips is okay too.
I wanted to see everything in our trip. I loved seeing all the different cities and going on adventures. If you want to take it slower just stay in one area and do as many tours as you can.
Let's start with the best tours in Northern Italy.
1. Lake Como and Bellagio
The Lake Como tour begins in Milan. You are picked up and transported north of Milan to the lake country. This is a 10-hour tour and includes a cruise in the summer.
Lake Como Tour Options
2. Verona and Lake Garda
The Verona and Lake Tour leaves from Milan and includes Shakespeare and scenery. The tour lasts about 12 hours. If you love Romeo and Juliet you need to do this.
Best Verona Tour Options
3. Venice Grand Canal Cruise
Cursing in Venice is a must! This tour is in Venice will take you to hidden canals and waterways that most tourists never see. It is about a 1-hour private tour.
Best Venice Tours
4. The Dolomites
The Dolomites Tour allows you to see a section of the most amazing mountain range, the Alps! It is an eight-hour beautiful escape from the city. The Dolomites make for great hiking in Italy adventure!
Best Tours of the Dolomites
5. Milan- Last Supper Tickets
Last Supper Tickets and Milan Sightseeing Tour is a one of the best things to do in Milan. Besides just being a great tour I have read that you need to book your Last Supper tickets months in advance.
Best Milian Tours
Central Italy – 7-Day Italy Itinerary
Florence is your home base in this itinerary. There is enough to keep you busy for days in this area of Italy! This Italy itinerary begins in Northern Italy but focuses mostly on Tuscany.
One Week Italy Itinerary – Choice Number 3
Day 1 -2 – Venice or Milan
- The most common places to fly into Northern Italy are Venice and Milan. Pick some tours listed above for these days. You can also fly directly to Florence if you do not want to add Venice or Milan to your 7-day Italy itinerary,
Day 2 – 6 – Florence
There are many things to do in Florence that could keep you busy for days. However, I suggest you go on day trips throughout Tuscany. I would consider doing day trips to the following cities:
With this one-week Italy itinerary, you have a lot of options to see a lot of great cities.
The same train stops at Pisa, Lucca, and Cinque Terre. It may be hard to do this on a one-day trip, but you have the choice to stay the night in one of these cities.
Travel back to the airport to end these 7 days in Italy!
If you plan to visit Tuscany, this is a great option for your 7 day Italy itinerary. Do more research on each city.
One Week in Italy Itinerary – Choice Number 4
This is a more slow-paced itinerary of Italy central region. You will split your Italy trip partly in Florence and partly in Cinque Terre.
Day 1 – 2
Explore Florence and visit the museums and art collections.
Day 3 – 4
Pick two day trips to the countryside or surrounding cities. (Pisa, Lucca, Siena)
Day 5 – 7
Head to Cinque Terre and spend your last days exploring this area.
Tours in Central Italy
Central Italy includes Tuscany and wine country. There are some amazing cities to explore in this area. You could easily spend a week in Tuscany.
Let's explore some tours in central Italy!
1. Pisa and Lucca
Pisa Tour from Florence is a great way to see Pisa. This tour includes transportation and entrance to the cathedral.
Best Tours of Pisa and Lucca
2. Florence
Bike Tour of Florence is a great way to see Florence! I love biking tours! This tour allows you to see much more than a bus tour.
Best Florence Tours
3. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre Tour from Florence takes about 12 hours. Cinque Terre is a must-see. It is so beautiful.
Best Tours of Cinque Terre
4. Tuscany
The charm of Tuscany Tour is for wine, bread, and cheese lovers. Experience Tuscany in this 10-hour tour!
There is also a Treasures of Tuscany Tour which is a journey through Medieval cities. I have visited all of these cities and it was amazing!
Best Tours of Tuscany
Southern Italy – 7 Day Italy Itinerary
Southern Italy is beautiful. This Italy travel itinerary will explore three areas: Rome, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast.
One Week Italy Itinerary – Choice Number 5
This Italy travel itinerary has a home base of Rome for a few days and then the Amalfi Coast.
Day 1-3 – Rome
- Start in Rome. 3 Days in Rome Itinerary will probably be enough time. There are so many historical, religious, and architectural sites to see. Once you have explored Rome it is time to visit a few more Southern Italian cities.
Day 4 – Pompeii
- Pompeii is a archeological sites. Over 2000 years ago Mt. Vesuvius exploded and its ash preserved the entire town of Pompeii. Make a Day trip.
Day 5-7 – Amalfi Coast
There are actually 13 towns along the Amalfi Coast but about 5 must-see stops. After you conclude your 7 days in Italy itinerary head back to Rome or Naples to fly home!
This area is absolutely beautiful! The Mediterranean Sea is gorgeous! You may want to consider going even further south to Calabria or Sicily if you have any extra time.
One Week In Italy Itinerary – Number 6
This sample Italy travel itinerary is slower-paced. It does not include Rome.
Day 1 – 2
- You will start this Italy vacation itinerary in Naples. You can explore the city on day one and then do a day trip to Gaeta or Pompeii.
Day 4 – 5
- You can take a ferry to Capri and spend the night on the island. We did this and it was incredible! Spend two days exploring the island.
Day 6 – 7
- Take a ferry to Sorrento and explore the Amalfi Coast. Sorrento will be your home base. You can check out all the major cities and do a few tours.
Tours in Southern Italy
There are some amazing tours in Southern Italy to add to your 1 week Italy tour. From Rome to the Coast, there is something for everyone.
1. Classic Rome Tour
A Classic Rome Tour will guide you all over the city hitting the sightseeing spots.
Best Rome Tours
2. Capri and Naples
Capri and Naples Tour is a great adventure. The Island of Capri is absolutely magical. Having a guide in Naples will really be helpful too!
Best Capri and Naples Tours
3. Pompeii
Pompeii is a city that has been preserved from volcanic ash.
Tours of Pompeii
4. Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast Tour is one of the most amazing sites in Italy! Undoubtedly, I would include this in my one-week in Italy Itinerary for sure! It is absolutely stunning!
Best Amalfi Coast Tours
Take On Italy – 7 Day Italy Itinerary
This last sample 1 week Italy itinerary will start in the north (Venice) and go all the way down to the Amalfi Coast. It will hit the major cities with a few detours.
This is a fast-paced way to see a lot of Italy!
One Week Italy Itinerary – Choice Number 7
Day 1 – Venice
- Venice is a great way to start your trip. Spend a complete day exploring.
Day 2 – 3 – Train to Florence
- Check out Florence
- Day Trip to Pisa, Lucca, and Cinque Terre
- (2 hours for Pisa, 2 hours for Lucca, and the rest of the day for Cinque Terre)
Day 4 – Rent a car and drive to Rome
- Stop in Siena for lunch
- Head to Rome and spend a complete day (take a tour)
Day 5 – Drive to Naples airport return car take the ferry to Capri
- Hang out in Naples if you have time.
- Capri is an amazing island with grottoes all around it!
Day 6 – Amalfi Coast – Pompeii
- Travel Down the Amalfi Coast. Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Ravello and Paestum.
- Visit Pompeii
Day 7 – Fly back to Venice to return home
- You can fly pretty cheaply on Easy Jet within the country.
One Week in Italy Itinerary Without Rome – Choice Number 8
This is a southern Italy travel itinerary without Rome.
Day 1
- Spend your first day exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum. These are archaeological sites.
Day 2 – 3
- Explore the Amalfi Coast.
Day 4 – 5
Day 6 – 7
- Head to Bari – Mare Caves. Get ready to head back.
One Week in Italy Itinerary – The Boot of Italy – Choice Number 9
This is a super southern Italy travel itinerary! We like to call this the boot of Italy.
Day 1 – 3
- Spend some time in Rome and then fly to Palermo. (There is a direct flight from Rome to Palermo)
Day 4 -5
- Explore Palermo and do a few tours,
Day 6 – 7
- Spend the rest of your time Island hopping in Sicily and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Are You Ready for One Week in Italy?
I hope thesesample Itlay itineraries help you plan out your one-week in Italy trip! There are so many options! No matter which direction you decide to go, you will have a wonderful time!
I highly recommend getting an Italy Travel Guidebook before planning your trip. There are so many great reasons for you to visit Italy! Make sure you review the Italy safety tips and be prepared for your trip.
Oh yes, don't forget your Italy gifts and Italy souvenirs!
Facebook Community
Above all, if you have any questions be sure to join my Facebook Travel Community. This great community can help answer any questions you may have about your upcoming trips. Plus, I try to add any great deals or promotions that companies send me!
If there is another tour in mind be sure to ask me because I have access to a lot of fun options!
Free Italy Guide
9 Itineraries
Food Recommendations
Safety Tips
I would love to make it to Italy some day. Thanks for the inspiration!
It is a really awesome place to visit!
Your Italy posts inspire me to return as there is so much more to discover!
Venice is high on the list, but so isn’t going back to Capri. So many places….
I haven’t done the northern part so I would do that on my next trip!
I definitely want to make it to Italy at some point! These itineraries are amazing!!!!
Thanks! Italy is worth a trip!
Love Italy, been to many of these sites and enjoy the reminders
I have to go back and do the northern part of Italy!
I love learning about itineraries. They help me to follow the same path and see as much as possible.
I love making Itineraries!
I love following itineraries. Thanks for sharing!
Two years ago we were in Italy and flew to Venice and then to Rome. This time we are flying into Milan, driving to Stresa and then Como. After that, one night in Florence, one night in Assisi, and then down to the Amalfi coast. We found a hotel on the coast with parking, so we planned on bringing the car back to Naples after our time on the coast. Hopefully this will work.
Sounds amazing! I think you have a great plan!
There is so much to see and do. I think I will need all these tours!
I want to do everything when I travel!
I seriously love that you did this. It’s so handy and will help with so many travels. Thank you!
Thank you!
I appreciate the planning out for people like me who wouldn’t have a clue where to start
It is kind of nice to have a place to start.
Wow!! So much great info!! I feel like I could actually tackle planning a trip without being totally overwhelmed.
You totally should!
What great suggestions! They all sound wonderful! Thanks for putting this together!
I hope it helps start the planning process for everyone!
There is a small town not too far outside Rome that is isolated and cool to visit.
That sounds awesome!
Wow, such an amazing place! I would love to visit one day.
It was such a surprise, to find a place like this!
What a great itinerary. This is definitely so helpful for people visiting a new place. I am always afraid I am going to miss something important.
Thanks
Wow, that’s an extensive list. Some great scenery views of Italy that I’d like to photograph
Some many great options!
We’ve never thought of Italy. Your pictures have us wanting to be there right now! Thank you for sharing.
Italy is amazing!
You have put together such a wonderful guide. I would absolutely love to see Italy someday. It’s become #1 on my bucket list. My daughter is going to Casalmaggiore in northern Italy this summer to study violin. I doubt she will have time to do any of these tours, but I just think she’s so fortunate that she gets to go at all. Lovely photos as always!
That will be so awesome!
Love this. Can’t wait to visit!
We have been a few times but are planning a trip back.
Wow, what a great thought out list! I’ll be sure to come back to read this again if we are ever going to Italy!
You should pin it to pinterest for sure!
Great mix of itineraries Lisa! Driving in Italy is not for the timid that’s all I can say. And a super fun tour I took in Florence was a 2.5 hour segway tour, so much fun! And Florence really should be on the most beautiful list 🙂
I loved running in Florence and seeing the whole city!
This is an amazing itinerary…my dream vacation…One day soon!
It is a dream!
Italy is definitely on my bucket list! Charm of Tuscany Tour sounds right up my alley!
It would be a great tour! I loved Tuscany!
Looks like an amazing and beautiful place to visit!
It really is so beautiful!
This looks amazing and very time consuming to plan. You have made it sooo much easier though.
Yes, Too many decisions!
Italy is hands down the best place I’ve ever visited! We are constantly daydreaming about taking another trip some day to Tuscany. When we went, we drove from Rome, to Sienna, Florence, Pisa, Bologne, all the way to near Venice. We also went to Milan too for some shopping!
I still want to see the rest of Italy. It’s such a gorgeous country!
OH yes, you need to go the opposite direction towards the Amalfi Coast! That was unbelievable.
Your photos are beautiful!
Thanks!
What a great itinerary! I am saving this for when I go. Thanks!
Oh good!
I love Italy. I was there for a month last Summer and did not want to leave. I plan to do the Amalfi Coast next. Great photos!
Love the Amalfi Coast. I loved Capri and wish I could have went to the other islands.
Beautiful and amazing pictures and trip! Italy is on my bucket list!
Italy is so amazing!
Wow! What a helpful post. So thorough and thought through.
Thanks!
Well now I need to do a 1 month trip to Italy to do all of this!!
That would be amazing!
This looks fantastic. Italy has always been one of my favorite places to travel.
Me too! I can’t wait to go back!
Hello. I am italian and i live in Bologna, in northern italy, but i come from southern italy, a region called Puglia. I think that everyone should visit romanic cathedral of Puglia, if you like medieval time. They are incredible. And food and sea too.
Some towns with astonishing cathedrals and medieval castles and monuments in Puglia and Basilicata(you can check on google) that you can t find anywhere in italy.
Trani. Foggia. Bari. Troia. Lecce. Matera.
Enjoy! And if you come to Bologna i will teach you how to make original italian pasta, because i take cooking classes!