Explore Italy by train in one week, visiting landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing rich history with Italo’s efficient connections.
How to Spend a Week in Italy
Traveling through Italy by train offers a unique and enriching experience that combines convenience with the beauty of Italy’s landscapes and the charm of its cities. In one week, you can explore iconic landmarks, indulge in culinary delights, and immerse yourself in Italy’s rich history and culture. High-speed trains like Italo connect major cities efficiently, making it possible to visit multiple regions in a single trip.
7-Day Itineraries in Italy
A Traditional 7-Day Itinerary in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
A classic week-long itinerary in Italy typically includes Rome, Florence and Venice. These cities, connected by efficient rail services, offer a tapestry of experiences, from the historical depth of Rome with its ancient ruins and Vatican City, to the artistic allure of Florence, and the romantic canals of Venice. Each city is compact enough to offer a fulfilling experience even with a limited stay, making them perfect for a dynamic 7-day tour.
So if you want to see more than one city in just 7 days, we recommend starting with Rome, continuing to Florence and ending your trip in Venice, as we detail everything for you in this Guide: How to see Rome, Florence and Venice with a few days to spare
However, for some of these cities, 7 days is only the minimum to fully enjoy their beauty and appreciate the Italian spirit, characteristic in each of them.
7-Day Itineraries in Italy – in One City
A Week In and Around Rome
Exploring Rome for a week offers a comprehensive immersion into the city’s storied past and vibrant present. Beyond the iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, delve into the charming Trastevere neighborhood, where the rhythm of daily Roman life plays out against a backdrop of ivy-draped buildings and cobblestone streets.
Venture by train to Ostia Antica, an exemplary archaeological site that offers a peek into ancient Roman commerce and domestic life through its well-preserved ruins and mosaics. For a change of pace, the tranquil town of Castel Gandolfo, with its picturesque lake and the historic Papal Palace, provides a serene day trip. These excursions enrich the Roman experience, revealing the layers of history and culture that define the Eternal City.
Travel from and to Rome with Italo’s High-Speed Train
One Week In and Around Florence
Spending a week in Florence allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Renaissance spirit that defines this iconic city. Beyond the renowned Uffizi Gallery and the majestic Duomo, Florence serves as a gateway to the Tuscan landscape, famous for its rolling hills and vineyard-dotted countryside.
Easy train connections make day trips to medieval towns like Siena, known for its fan-shaped piazza and historic horse race, and Pisa, with its world-famous leaning tower, both feasible and rewarding. These nearby towns offer unique glimpses into Tuscany’s rich history and architectural beauty, complementing the artistic treasures of Florence. This balance of urban exploration and rural discovery provides a deeply satisfying Tuscan experience.
Travel by high-speed train to and from Florence
One Week In and Around Venice
Spending a week in Venice opens up a world of exploration beyond its well-trodden paths. The city is not only about gondola rides along the Grand Canal, but also about discovering its famous islands, each with its own unique charm.
- Murano, world-renowned for its exquisite glass-blowing artistry, offers live demonstrations that showcase centuries-old techniques.
- Burano, a visual delight, is adorned with brightly colored fishermen’s houses and is famous for its lace-making tradition.
- The much quieter island of Torcello, with its ancient basilica and tranquil rural landscapes, offers a peaceful retreat from the busier islands.
This array of experiences combines the artistic and historical heritage of Venice with the serene beauty of its lesser-known islands.
Travel from and to Venice with Italo’s High-Speed Train
One Week In and Around Naples
Spending a week in and around Naples offers a vibrant exploration of both ancient history and contemporary Italian culture. Within the city, the historic center bursts with life, featuring narrow alleyways lined with traditional pizzerias and lively markets such as Pignasecca.
Naples is also your gateway to remarkable archaeological sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, where the ruins poignantly narrate the life and sudden destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius. The latter can also be visited, offering a pleasant walking route to the top to take in the Gulf of Naples from above.
Just a short ferry ride away, the stunning Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri beckon with their breathtaking landscapes and charming coastal towns. Another day could be devoted to visiting the island of Ischia to enjoy a day at the sea or in the relaxation of its spas.
This rich blend of experiences – from savoring authentic Neapolitan pizza to wandering through ancient cities frozen in time –makes Naples a captivating base for a week-long adventure in Southern Italy.
Travel from and to Naples by Italo’s high-speed trains
One Week In and Around Turin
Spending a week in and around Turin allows you to soak in the regal history and scenic beauty of Northern Italy. Turin, the first capital of the modern Italian state, is renowned for its refined architecture, grand boulevards and royal residences, such as the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama.
Just a short train ride from the city, the Langhe region invites wine enthusiasts to experience its renowned vineyards, which produce some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, like Barolo and Barbaresco. The area is also famous for its truffles and boasts picturesque rolling hills that offer both scenic beauty and a taste of the local culinary delights.
This blend of royal history, scenic landscapes and gastronomic excellence makes Turin and its surroundings a compelling destination for a week-long visit.
Travel from and to Turin with Italo’s High-Speed Train
One Week in Milan and the Surrounding Areas
Spending a week in and around Milan offers a deep dive into a world where modern fashion and historical art collide. Milan itself is a bustling metropolis renowned for its high fashion and design.
Highlights include viewing Leonardo da Vinci‘s Last Supper, exploring the gothic splendor of the Duomo and indulging in its luxury shopping districts like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Just beyond the city, the serene Lakes Como and Garda are easily accessible for day trips, offering stunning alpine views and charming villages nestled along their shores. These picturesque settings are perfect for relaxing after the urban excitement. Milan’s blend of cultural richness and nearby natural beauty provides a varied itinerary that perfectly balances city exploration with tranquil retreats.
