Maximize your time in Italy with just 7 days!

by Katelyn Bozada

The reality is you could spend weeks meandering through the incredible streets of Italy and still feel like it wasn’t enough time to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this country. But what happens when you only have 7 days? Is it even worth a trip?

The answer is... absolutely! In this guide, we’ll explore a perfect 7-day itinerary that includes several locations, all the top spots, and still allows time to relax and soak in the essence of Italy.

Let’s Start with the Hotel

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For a first-time trip to Italy, deciding on a 'home base' is often one of the first questions to address. Venice, Milan, Rome, Florence... there are so many enticing cities to choose from. For this guide, we’ll focus on Rome as our main destination. With only 7 days in this itinerary, the reality is that we don’t have much time for moving luggage, and we want to ensure there’s enough time to settle in and relax.

Once you’ve chosen Rome for this itinerary, you’ll find hundreds of hotel options within the city walls, which can quickly become overwhelming. Let’s break this down into categories to make the process easier.

Budget Options

Are there budget options in Rome? Yes, and the right budget option can ensure you’re in a great location, safe, and comfortable. These properties are typically under $150 USD Per Night and are located in the heart of Rome. Popular destinations such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon can be reached by foot.

Even with budget-friendly properties, it’s important to include breakfast in the rate. This adds convenience and ease, which are essential when navigating a new destination on vacation!

Here’s a list of some 3 & 4 Star Budget Options:

Hotel Cortina Rome
Giuturna Boutique Hotel
Hotel Delle Nazioni
Hotel Memphis
Hotel La Residenza

This is by no means a comprehensive list but simply a selection of highly rated options in excellent locations that provide breakfast, walkability, and comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

Moderate Options

This category offers larger rooms, amenities such as balconies in some cases, more spacious bathrooms, and special views depending on the room type.

These properties range from $150 to $250 USD per night. Here are a few excellent examples:

Hotel Barocco
THE ONE Boutique Hotel & SPA Rome
Hotel Regno
9Hotel Cesari
The Glam

Deluxe and Luxury Options

When it comes to Rome, there are endless options of deluxe and luxurious options. This category is where you’ll find more traditional hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Intercontinental, etc.

Don’t be fooled by this category, though - it’s essential to choose a property that best fits the amenities most important to you. These hotels are often priced higher simply because of their brand name, but when it comes to charm and that authentic "Italian" feel, many smaller boutique properties provide an ambiance that larger hotels simply can’t replicate.

For a truly special experience, these five-star properties offer stunning rooms, prime locations, sweeping views, and more. Prices typically range from $300 to $450 USD per night, though some start at $250+. Here are a few examples:

Rome Cavalieri
A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
The Westin Excelsior
W Rome
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
Baglioni Hotel Regina

Next Step: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary

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You’ve booked your flight and chosen your accommodations… but now what?

We’ll make the most of your time with a mix of unique experiences, must-see attractions, and plenty of moments to wander Rome’s charming streets, sip wine, and savor gelato.

Day 1: Arriving in Rome

Afternoon and Evening

Your Italian adventure begins in Rome! Most international flights arrive in the morning, so to ensure a smooth arrival, consider arranging a private airport transfer. Upon landing, you’ll meet your driver at Terminal 3’s Meeting Point 1, where they’ll be holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

Head over to your hotel, drop off your bags, and soak in the excitement! Spend the day at your leisure. Rest in your room once it’s ready, and then get ready for your first dinner in Rome!

Day 2: Day Trip to Frascati with Pasta Making Class!

Morning

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to head to Frascati! Walk or take a taxi to the train station to catch the 8:54am train (tickets are available at kiosks or counters). You’ll arrive with just enough time to explore a bit before your tour begins.

Take part in an authentic Italian cooking class with a local family. Tour a wine cave, taste two types of wine, and create your own fresh pasta from scratch in a charming 15th-century cellar.

After class, explore the stunning town of Frascati! It is known as the City of Wine and is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day, yet at the same time it is an important European cultural center for the number of scientific research institutes located here

Evening

Take your time returning to Rome by train, reflecting on the authentic Italian experience you’ve just had. Back in the city, settle in for a relaxing evening and get ready for another wonderful dinner in Rome.

Day 3: Exploring Rome’s Historical Gems - Colosseum and Trevi Fountain

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Morning

Start the day with a 9:40am entry to the legendary Colosseum. Be sure to bring water, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking. After soaking in the grandeur of the Colosseum, head over to the Enoteca Colosseo Wine Shop for a taste of local wine and some souvenir shopping.

Afternoon

After a lovely morning of wine and the Colosseum, walk to the famous Trevi Fountain!

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. Its origins date back to 19 B.C., when it marked the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. The fountain's final design was completed in 1762, after years of work by Nicola Salvi, with the finishing touches added by Giuseppe Pannini.

Evening

For dinner, indulge in another delectable Italian meal after a long day of exploring.

Day 4: Full day of Pompeii and the Italian Coast

Morning

Bright and early, grab a taxi (or enjoy a 20-minute walk) to Piazza del Popolo to meet your group for a full-day tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. This day trip takes you on a journey through time, with visits to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Prepare to be mesmerized by both the history and the views.

Pompeii: The city was destroyed by a huge eruption from Mount Vesuvius that covered the city in ash and pumice. The eruption killed many of the city's 10,000–20,000 residents. The city's ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore excavated streets and houses, including the Villa of the Mysteries and the city's amphitheater. This is an experience like no other. For those seeking history and unique experiences, Pompeii is one not to be missed!

Afternoon & Evening

After a fulfilling and historic visit to Pompeii, you’ll venture to one of the most iconic coastal towns in Italy: Positano. Soak in the spectacular strip of coastline with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea as the perfect companion to drinks by the sea, and coastal shopping.

Day 5: Vatican City

Morning

After breakfast at your hotel, make your way to Vatican City to meet your tour guide. You’ll enjoy a private tour of Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

As you gaze up at Michelangelo’s ceiling, your guide will reveal the secrets behind his masterful paintings. During your tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, your guide will share the fascinating history of the basilica, from its origins as a burial ground to its current state of splendor and international significance.

Evening

End the day with a final Italian feast and raise a glass to an incredible journey!

Day 7: Departure from Rome

Early Morning

Pack up and prepare for your transfer to the airport around 7:00am. As you bid farewell to Rome and board your flight back to the US, remember all the flavors, sights, and memories that made your Italian adventure unforgettable.

Dining in Rome

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What would a trip to Italy be without the food? Endless handmade pasta and tall mounds of Gelato will entice you on every corner. With a few helpful tips though, you can ensure you don’t find yourself in a tourist trap.

With a little research ahead of time, make sure you have a dining reservation every night of your reservation. Restaurants are small, with limited seating, and without a reservation you can find yourself wandering aimlessly and dealing with long waits. Having a reservation can ensure you always have a well reviewed restaurant, and there’s no risk should you end up unable to make your reservation.

For a quick reference, here’s a few of the top restaurants and Gelato spots to fill your week:

Trattoria La Rosetta - Ristorante di Pesce
Osteria de Memmo
Forno del Ghetto
Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi - Trevi
Il Vicolo Nel Corso
Pizzeria Ostiense
Fatamorgana
Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti
Gelato San Lorenzo
Ristorante Grano
Sbanco

Activities for your special week in Italy

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There are endless possibilities of how to spend your time in Italy. While this itinerary is a great mix of history, relaxation, and unique activities. Should you choose to skip the full day trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Cost, here are some great suggestions for a full day trip from Rome:

Day Trip to Florence and Tuscany with a Wine Tasting and Lunch at San Gimignano

Day Trip to Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Italy?

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Shoulder season (Spring and Fall) are beautiful times to visit Rome! October is a particularly beautiful time to visit, offering pleasant weather, stunning colors, and smaller crowds compared to the more popular summer months.

In March and April, temperatures are typically in the mid-60s, while summer sees highs in the 80s. Fall temperatures drop back to the mid-70s.

November is the rainiest month in Rome, but don't let that deter you - the rain won't interfere with any of the major attractions or monuments around the city.

Book your dream vacation to Italy!

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Maybe you’ve always thought you needed weeks to explore Italy, and haven’t put it on your destination list because you don’t have enough time to explore. But as you can see… Italy can be a great destination when you have a week to dedicate to a fabulous vacation!

Whether you’re a wine lover, a carb lover, or passionate about ancient history, Italy will never disappoint!

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