7 Days in Italy Itinerary

Fiumicino to City Centre

The express train runs every 15 minutes to Termini station. Taxis cost around 45 GBP fixed fare to city centre.

Hotel Check-in & Explore

Settle in and wander your neighbourhood. Get oriented with a leisurely walk. Jetlag recovery takes priority today.

Piazza Navona & Pantheon

Start with two iconic squares within walking distance. The Pantheon dome still amazes after 2000 years.

Trevi Fountain & Dinner

Throw coins in Trevi Fountain, then find a trattoria away from the tourist crowds. Head to Via del Governo Vecchio for authentic options.

Colosseum

Book skip-the-line tickets well in advance. The underground tours fascinate older children. Arrive at 9am opening for smallest crowds.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Your Colosseum ticket includes both sites. Walk through the heart of ancient Rome where emperors ruled.

Monti Neighbourhood

Just north of the Colosseum, Monti has trendy trattorias and artisan shops. Less touristy than areas around the ruins.

Rest Time

Return to hotel for Italian riposo. Recharge before evening adventures.

Trastevere Dinner

Cross the Tiber to this charming neighbourhood. Cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and authentic Roman cuisine. Da Enzo is worth the queue.

Vatican Museums

Book the earliest entry slot available. The museums are vast - focus on highlights with children. The Sistine Chapel awaits at the end.

Sistine Chapel

Michelangelos ceiling remains breathtaking. No photos allowed. Take time to absorb the masterpiece despite crowds.

St Peters Basilica

The worlds largest church awes everyone. Climb the dome for panoramic Rome views if legs are willing.

Prati Neighbourhood

Walk into the residential Prati area north of Vatican for authentic trattorias at local prices.

Castel Sant Angelo

Former fortress with excellent city views and interesting history. Kids enjoy the ramparts.

Final Rome Dinner

Treat yourselves in Campo de Fiori area. Tomorrow you travel to Florence.

Train to Florence

Frecciarossa trains from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella run every 30 minutes. First class includes snacks and more space.

Hotel Check-in

Most Florence hotels allow luggage drop before check-in. The historic centre is compact and walkable.

Duomo & Piazza della Signoria

Marvel at Brunelleschis dome from outside (reserve dome climb for tomorrow). Walk to Piazza della Signoria for open-air sculpture.

Mercato Centrale

The upstairs food hall has excellent Italian cuisine from various stalls. Kids can choose their own dishes.

Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno

Cross the famous bridge lined with jewelers. Explore Oltrarno neighbourhood for artisan workshops and fewer tourists.

Florentine Dinner

Try bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) at a traditional trattoria. Shared between two, it feeds a family. Ribollita soup is excellent for children.

Uffizi Gallery

Book 8:15am entry for smallest crowds. Botticellis Birth of Venus and Primavera are unmissable. Focus on highlights - the gallery is vast.

Accademia Gallery

Home to Michelangelos David. The scale amazes everyone. Smaller museum, quicker visit.

Sant Ambrogio Market Area

Local neighbourhood with authentic trattorias. Trattoria Mario serves classic Florentine cuisine at shared tables.

Piazzale Michelangelo & San Miniato

Take the 13 bus or walk uphill for the best Florence panorama. Continue to San Miniato church for Romanesque beauty and Gregorian chants at 5:30pm.

Gelato Quest

Florence gelato rivals Rome. Try Vivoli (oldest) or Gelateria della Passera (authentic). Taste ricotta and fig flavours.

Farewell Florence Dinner

Splurge on final Florentine meal. Buca Mario in the basement vaults serves traditional Tuscan feasts.

Train to Venice

Frecciarossa trains pass through Bologna and across the lagoon. The approach over water signals youve arrived somewhere special.

Vaporetto to Hotel

Water buses are Venice public transport. Take Line 1 down the Grand Canal for the scenic introduction. Line 2 is faster.

Hotel Check-in & Explore

Drop bags and get wonderfully lost. Venice rewards wandering - every corner reveals something beautiful.

Bacaro Hopping

Venetian cicchetti bars serve small plates and wine. Try baccala mantecato (creamed cod) and sarde in saor (sardines). Kids enjoy choosing from counters.

St Marks Square & Basilica

The mosaic-covered basilica dazzles with Byzantine gold. The square fills with pigeons and tourists - arrive early or late for atmosphere.

Campanile Views

The bell tower lift provides panoramic lagoon views. The only place to see Venice from above.

Venetian Dinner

Seafood is the speciality. Try risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or fritto misto. Cannaregio has excellent local options.

Murano & Burano Islands

Murano for glass-blowing demonstrations (many are free). Burano for rainbow-coloured houses and lace making. Lunch on Burano is magical.

Burano Seafood

Trattoria al Gatto Nero serves excellent fresh fish by the canal. The colourful houses make incredible photos.

Gondola Ride

Yes, its touristy. Yes, its expensive. Yes, its still magical. Share a gondola to reduce costs.

Dorsoduro Wandering

The quietest sestiere with Peggy Guggenheim Collection for modern art lovers. Walk along Zattere waterfront for local atmosphere.

Final Italian Dinner

Splurge on final night. Antiche Carampane or Alle Testiere for unforgettable seafood. Book ahead.

Night Walk to St Marks

Venice empties after 9pm. Walk through quiet streets to St Marks Square. The basilica lit up at night is extraordinary.