An Italian Art and Culture Odyssey – the Ultimate First-Time Travel Guide to Venice, Florence, and Rome
Who doesn’t dream of exploring Italy with its timeless cities, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes? Yet, who among us has the luxury of endless time? I’ve been fortunate to explore Italy on several trips, but for those who live far away or are short on time, a week-long journey can still offer a rich taste of the Dolce Vita. This guide is crafted for first-time travellers eager to experience Venice, Florence, and Rome in just seven days. It’s a curated blend of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, designed to immerse you in Italy’s art, history, and everyday beauty. From gondolas gliding through Venetian canals to Renaissance masterpieces and Roman ruins, each stop offers its own rhythm and charm. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or sipping espresso in quiet piazzas, this itinerary invites you to savour Italy one unforgettable moment at a time.
If you look for more detailed travel ideas for Venice, Florence or Rome, please read the respective blog posts on my website.
The Journey at a Glance
This itinerary begins in Venice and ends in Rome, spanning 7–8 days. You can extend your trip with detours to Padova, Verona or Bologna before Florence, or to Naples after Rome. But if you only have one week, I recommend focusing on Venice, Florence, and Rome.
To make the most of your time, spend two days in Venice, two to three days in Florence, and finish with three days in Rome.
Italy is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit, balancing weather and crowds, are April to June or September to October.
The most convenient and easiest way to travel between the cities is by train. It also provides the most scenic views of the landscape while travelling. Today there are two train operators with very good service and reasonable prices. The companies are the state-owned Trenitalia (with it’s Frecciarossa trains) and Italo which is privately owned. Check their websites for the best deals and prices. If your budget allows for it go for the business class (Trenitalia and Italo) or premium (Trenitalia). Economy on both is very competitive as well, but it will be more crowded and noisier.
Rialto Bridge in Venice
Venice Unveiled – Days 1 and 2
Arriving in Venice is like stepping into a dream. With no cars and canals instead of streets, the city invites you to slow down and soak in its magic. Stay near Santa Lucia train station for convenience or choose a charming spot in San Marco or Dorsoduro for easy access to the main sights.
Begin your journey in Piazza San Marco, the city’s ceremonial heart and one of the most iconic squares in Europe. Surrounded by elegant arcades and the rhythmic sound of orchestras, it’s a place where time seems to pause. Step into St. Mark’s Basilica, a dazzling fusion of East and West, with golden mosaics, marble columns, and a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views over the lagoon. The basilica’s interior glows with centuries of devotion, and its domes shimmer like a Byzantine crown above the city.
Just next door, the Doge’s Palace invites you into its labyrinth of grand halls, council chambers, and hidden prisons. Its ornate ceilings and Tintoretto masterpieces speak of a republic that ruled the seas with elegance and intrigue, while the Bridge of Sighs offers a haunting glimpse into the lives of those who passed through its stone corridors.
After soaking in the grandeur of Venice’s political and spiritual heart, take a vaporetto across the lagoon to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The church, designed by Palladio, stands in serene contrast to the bustle of San Marco, its classical façade mirrored in the still waters. Climb the Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore for one of the most breathtaking views in the city, an uninterrupted panorama of domes, rooftops, and canals stretching all the way to the mainland. From this quiet perch, Venice reveals itself in layers, its beauty unfolding with every turn of the bell tower. The afternoon light casts a golden hue over the lagoon, and the silence above the city offers a moment of reflection. It’s a peaceful interlude before returning to the rhythm of the streets, a chance to see Venice not just as a place, but as a living canvas.
On your second day, begin at Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a hidden architectural treasure tucked away in a quiet courtyard near Campo Manin. Its whimsical spiral staircase winds upward to a panoramic terrace, offering a unique perspective over Venice’s rooftops and bell towers. The structure itself is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and its secluded charm makes it feel like a secret whispered by the city.
From there, head to the Rialto Bridge, Venice’s oldest and most famous crossing over the Grand Canal. Arrive early to see it bathed in morning light, when the market nearby is just waking up and the canal traffic is at its most poetic. Pause at the top to watch gondolas glide beneath you and admire the symmetry of the surrounding palazzi. The nearby Rialto Market is a feast for the senses, with fresh produce, seafood, and spices spilling from every stall.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Dorsoduro, housed in a former palazzo along the Grand Canal. This intimate museum showcases modern masterpieces by Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, and more, offering a refreshing contrast to Venice’s classical art. The sculpture garden is a tranquil retreat, perfect for reflection after the sensory overload of the city. Before leaving, linger on the museum’s terrace, where the water laps gently against the stone and the spirit of artistic rebellion feels very much alive. If you have time before your train, consider a quiet gondola ride through the lesser-known canals or a final espresso in Cannaregio.
For travelling to Florence, you can either take the train in the late afternoon (there are few trains between 5pm and 8pm) or early in the morning (there are plenty of options between 6am and 8am). The train ride itself will take a bit more than two hours with the highspeed train, longer with the Intercity trains.
Duomo in Florence
Three Days in Florence – Where Art Meets Light and History
After Venice’s ethereal beauty, Florence welcomes you with Renaissance grandeur and Tuscan warmth.
The most convenient area to stay in Florence is near the historic centre around Piazza della Signoria or Santa Maria Novella. Both offer easy access to all the attractions and are close to the train station.
As in Venice, start your stay with a visit to the central cathedral. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is made up of three buildings: the cathedral itself, the Baptistery, and the Bell Tower. All of them are stunning and serve as masterful examples of Renaissance architecture, each with its own story etched into stone. After visiting the interior of the church, make your way up either the Cupola or the Bell Tower. The views from up there are breathtaking, offering a sea of terracotta rooftops and distant Tuscan hills. If you have some more time, make sure to visit the Baptistery, whose golden mosaics and bronze doors are among the city’s most treasured artworks.
After the Duomo, walk through the old town to the Uffizi Gallery, passing narrow alleys and sunlit piazzas that echo with centuries of history. Spend some time in this former administrative office of the Medici family and enjoy masterpieces by Botticelli, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The building itself is vast, with long corridors and vaulted ceilings that guide you through the evolution of Italian art. Each room feels like a chapter in a story, unfolding the genius of Florence’s golden age. For both the Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery, you need to book your tickets well in advance, as queues can be long and time slots fill quickly.
For the evening and the finish of your first day in Florence, enjoy the sunset with incredible views over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. The panorama from this hilltop terrace is unforgettable, with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio glowing in the golden hour light. Musicians often play here, adding a soundtrack to the fading day as locals and travellers gather to watch the sky change. Then take the bus back to the centre and find a local trattoria for dinner, where candlelight and Chianti set the tone for a slow, satisfying meal. Florence’s evenings are made for lingering, so take your time and let the city wrap around you.
You should start off the second day with an Italian breakfast, espresso and a pastry, in one of the many bars in town, where locals stand at the counter chatting over their morning ritual. Then make your way to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see the original David by Michelangelo, a sculpture so powerful it seems to breathe. There are copies close to the Uffizi Gallery and Piazzale Michelangelo you should have seen the day before, but nothing compares to the real thing. The museum also houses a rich collection of paintings and musical instruments. Afterwards, take a walk across the Ponte Vecchio with its many jewellery shops, a bridge that has survived wars and floods and still sparkles with life.
On the other side of the river is the Oltrarno district, home to the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and many artisan workshops tucked into quiet lanes. This part of Florence feels more intimate, with fewer crowds and a slower pace that invites exploration. The gardens behind the palace are beautifully landscaped, perfect for a mid-afternoon stroll among fountains and sculptures. When heading back to the hotel, make sure to stop by Piazza di Santo Spirito for dinner, where the atmosphere is lively and the food is rustic and heartfelt.
If you have time to stay one more day, you have various options to fill it. You can take a day trip to visit Pisa or the Chianti wine region. Or if you want to stay in the city, check some other sights like the Bargello Museum or the San Lorenzo Market.
Your next stop after Florence is Rome and to get there take a train either late afternoon or early evening. Again, there are frequent trains, and the travel time is around 1.5 hours.
St. Peter's Basilica at night
Rome as the Grand Finale – Days 6 to 8 in the Eternal City
Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world and it’s no surprise that you need more time here. As in Venice staying close to the main train station (Roma Termini) is the most convenient as it allows you to explore the city easily. Alternatively, you can also stay in Centro Storico, and here specifically near Piazza Navona or the Pantheon.
Start your stay in Rome with the most iconic, and probably the most famous building in Italy, the Colosseum. It’s the ruin of the elliptical amphitheatre built in 72 AD and truly mind-blowing. After the Colosseum, or before depending on your time slot, explore the Forum Romanum and the Palatine Hill. For all three you get tickets together, but the ticket for the Colosseum is timed and you need to select a time slot. As some slots are more popular than others, make sure to book well in advance.
In the afternoon, visit the Capitoline Museums close to the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II and the Forum Romanum. The museums house a remarkable collection of Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and archaeological treasures that offer deeper insight into the city’s layered past. For the end of the day, take a walk, while enjoying a delicious gelato, from the Trevi Fountain via the Pantheon to Piazza Navona. The route winds through some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, each glowing in the soft evening light. Around Piazza Navona you will find plenty of great trattorias for a tranquil dinner, where the scent of garlic and basil drifts through the air and street performers add a touch of magic to the night.
Your second day in Rome will all be about the Vatican and its surrounding neighbourhoods. After your breakfast make your way to St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica. St. Peter’s Bascilica is impressive from the outside as much as from the inside. To visit the church, you don’t need a ticket but come early as there’s always a queue. Going up the roof-top of the Basilica requires a ticket and I would recommend taking the elevator. The views from the Copula are stunning. After the church make sure to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. For both you need tickets and as usual you need to book well in advance.
In the afternoon walk around the Borgo district and visit the Castel Sant’Angelo. Don’t forget to cross the bridge in front of the Castel with its many angel sculptures. For the evening and dinner time explore and indulge Trastevere neighbourhood known for its lively atmosphere and many trattorias. Hands down one of the best places in Italy to get some amazing Italian food.
On the last day in Rome (and unfortunately your trip to Italy) you should either explore more of the many churches, like Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva or Basilica di San Giovanni. Or you can also stop by the Villa Borghese, the urban park with its landscaped gardens, lakes and villas. If your budget allows it, you can also go shopping on Via del Corso.
Final Reflections on the Journey
For sure one week in Italy is not enough to see everything, but it’s enough to give you a glimpse of the history, the culture and the life in Italy, the Dolce Vita. Even though there are many things to do in any of the three cities, make sure to enjoy as much Italian food as you can, be it Pizza, Pasta or Gelato.
With the itinerary in this blog I tried to provide a balanced mix of art, history, culture, and leisure, making it a memorable first-time trip to Italy.
I hope with all the above, I could help you planning your next trip to Italy. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out if you need help with your travel planning.
If you have more time and want to explore the cities more, read the blogs for the individual cities. Here are the links to:
For some visual inspiration, here are the links to my Venice, Florence and Rome sites which hopefully gives you some ideas of what to expect.
