Last updated: 17 October 2026
Here are practical Italy itineraries for different trip lengths. All assume you arrive and leave via a major airport (usually Rome or Milan) and use trains between cities. Adjust the pace to your style — these are realistic rather than exhausting.
5-Day Italy Itinerary (Rome + Florence)
Ideal for a short break or first-time visitors with limited time.
- Days 1–3: Rome
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, and explore the historic centre (Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona). Evening in Trastevere.
Day 2: Ancient Rome — Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (book a combined ticket). Afternoon free for neighbourhoods or the Capitoline Museums.
Day 3: Vatican City — St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (book timed entry). Afternoon free or shopping. - Days 4–5: Florence
Take a morning high-speed train (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Duomo area, Ponte Vecchio and either the Uffizi or Accademia. Day 5 can include a half-day trip to Pisa or Siena, or more time in Florence before departing.
7-Day Italy Itinerary (Classic: Rome – Florence – Venice)
The most popular first-time route. High-speed trains make the connections easy.
- Days 1–3: Rome — Same as the 5-day plan.
- Days 4–5: Florence — Art, Duomo, and an optional Tuscany day trip (Chianti, Siena or Pisa).
- Days 6–7: Venice — Train from Florence (about 2 hours). Explore St Mark’s, the Doge’s Palace, a Grand Canal vaporetto ride, and one of the islands (Murano or Burano) if time allows.
7-Day Alternative (Rome + Amalfi Coast)
- Days 1–3: Rome
- Days 4–7: Sorrento / Amalfi Coast — Train or transfer to Sorrento (or Naples then local transport). Base in Sorrento or Positano. Visit Amalfi, Ravello, Pompeii and possibly Capri. Return to Rome or fly out of Naples.
10-Day Italy Itinerary
- Days 1–3: Rome
- Days 4–5: Florence / Tuscany
- Days 6–7: Venice
- Days 8–10: Choose one
– Milan + Lake Como
– Amalfi Coast (fly or train via Naples)
– Bologna and the north for food lovers
Tips for Building Your Own Itinerary
- Don’t try to see everything. Two or three bases are usually better than constant moving.
- Book high-speed train tickets in advance for better prices and seat reservations.
- Leave buffer time for delayed trains or long museum security lines.
- In summer, schedule outdoor sights for early morning or evening to avoid heat and crowds.
- Pack light — cobblestones and stairs make heavy luggage difficult.
For more on each destination, see Best Places to Visit in Italy and Where to Stay.