If you are considering going to Italy, Rome and Florence are likely top contenders, whether it’s your first time, second or third.
You have two options. You can stay in either Rome or Florence, and take a day trip to the other city. Or you can split your time between the two, and book two accommodations.
If you are sure you want to split your time between the two, that’s great. Keep reading and I will share with you an easy 7 Day Rome and Florence Itinerary to have an unforgettable time in Italy.
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How Many Days Do You Need In Rome & Florence?
The more the better, of course, but we all have life and work commitments, right?
I am suggesting 7 days because it’s ideal both if you are coming from the US, or another far country, and want to spend two to three weeks in Europe. That will give you time to explore Northern and Southern Italy – you could do one week in each part of Italy. Or you could do another week in two European cities.
Seven days is equally perfect if you come to Italy from another European country, since most people like that length of stay. It’s long enough to feel like you are having a proper break from your routine, but short enough not to disrupt most life situations.
As to how long to spend in each city, I am splitting the time fairly between the two. Overall, Rome needs more time than Florence, if sightseeing is your main priority. However, Florence has many breathtaking museums you can visit, and there are so many day trips you could take.
If you need more help picking the right time for each of those cities, read these posts:
How Many Days In Rome Is Enough?
How Many Days In Florence Should You Plan For?
Rome & Florence Itinerary – How To Do Rome & Florence In 7 Days
I already told you I suggest splitting your time equally. That means the first 3 full days will be in Rome. Then you will have one day of traveling, divided between the two cities. Finally, you’ll spend the last 3 days in Florence.
Below I am suggesting an itinerary for each day.
To get the details on each activity and attraction we visited during our time in Rome and Florence, read these articles:
5 Day Rome Itinerary
Part 1 – Rome (Day 1-3)
Day 1 – Follow this Rome In One Day itinerary + Pantheon Visit
Day 2 – Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Villa Borghese in the afternoon
Day 3 – St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Castel Sant’Angelo
Day 1 in Rome
8 am – I suggest picking one of these Best Breakfast Spots in Rome.
For the rest of this first day, you can follow my Rome In One Day Itinerary above, step by step.
Day 2
9 am – Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
You can book one ticket for all 3 here. It’s the official website.
12.30 pm – Lunch at Antica Salumeria al Pantheon or Godo dal 1861 (I reviewed both here. One is much better!)
2 pm – Walk to Villa Borghese
The park is gorgeous inside, and you can also visit the museums. Just keep in mind that throughout 2024 they will be refurbishing them, so not everything is accessible.
5.30 pm – Visit Trastevere
Trastevere is a foodie area of Rome’s historic center, so many visit it at night. I suggest you take the time to explore it in daylight too. Follow my itinerary and restaurant recommendations in my Trastevere Food Guide.
I suggest aperitivo at l’Elementare & dinner at Ivo a Trastevere, or you could do both in just one of these. You will find all the details in my guide.
Day 3 in Rome
7 am – St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
Try to get an early start if you want to beat the crowds and make the most of your day. The Basilica opens at 7 am, so if you can go early.
8.30 am – Quick breakfast
9 am – Vatican Museums
Make sure to book your tickets online, do it here. The queue is another never ending one. The Vatican Museums are one of the largest in the world and they are worth visiting. I also suggest spending some time on the terrace, in the courtyard and gardens. There’s also a cafeteria, in case you don’t have time to have breakfast before.
1 pm – Lunch or Aperitivo
Find a spot near the Vatican to have lunch or an indulgent aperitivo. There’s a charming street, called Borgo Pio, that’s full of good places to eat.
3.30 pm – Castel Sant’Angelo
Again, make sure to book your tickets. This attraction is not only gorgeous outside and inside but also gives you one of the best views in Rome. Read this article to know which is the Best View in Rome.
7 pm – Pizza Time
There are various types of pizzas you can try in Rome. Read this article – Pizza in Rome, to find out about all the types and the best places to enjoy each of them.
Part 2 – Florence (Day 5-7)
Day 5 – Caffè Gilli, Duomo & Surroundings, Uffizi Gallery + Ponte Vecchio & Piazzale Michelangelo
Day 6 – Palazzo Vecchio, Street Food Lunch, Via Roma Window Shopping, Accademia Gallery + Arno River Walk at night
Day 7 – Breakfast, Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens & Lucca half-day trip
Day 1
8 am – Breakfast at Gilli Cafe (read my review to know what to order)
9 am – Walk to Duomo and admire the surroundings.
PS: You don’t need a ticket for the Cathedral, but you’ll need to wait in a super long line.
While you are there make sure to explore these other attractions: Santa Maria del Fiore, Battistero di San Giovanni, and Basilica di Santa Croce.
11 am – Uffizi Gallery
Be sure to book your tickets online and go 15 minutes early to pick them up from the office. Once you have got your ticket, you don’t need to wait in a long line. Instead, ask the security person and he will let you in, where you’ll queue to pick up your tickets.
1 pm – Walk to Ponte Vecchio bridge & Gelato at Gelateria della Passera
There are many other ice creams but I suggest this very artisanal ice cream shop which has a few high-quality ice cream flavors. Gambero Rosso recommends it too!
3 pm – Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo
It’s a 20 minute walk to reach the best viewpoint of Florence in the city.
PS: If you have the time, a slightly further viewpoint is the neighboring town of Fiesole.
7 pm – Dinner
I suggest you choose one of these 2 hidden gems Florence restaurants I tried and reviewed.
Day 2
9 am – Palazzo Vecchio
Book tickets online or buy them right before (only if you are visiting in off-peak seasons).
11 am – Early Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio
Noon – Walk along Via Roma
Do some window or real shopping, and consider stopping for an aperitivo at the Rinascente rooftop bar.
3 pm – Visit Galleria dell’Accademia
Make sure to book tickets in advance, and go early because the queue for this museum is the worst I have seen in all of Florence (apart from the Cathedral).
7 pm – Pizza Time
I recommend choosing among these Best Pizzerias in Florence.
9 pm – Arno River nighttime walk & Gelato
Gelateria La Carraia is right on the river and makes delicious ice cream. I loved the Marmo di Carraia flavor.
Day 3 in Florence
7.30 am – Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale
8.30 am – Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
This was my favorite museum in Florence, along with the Uffizi Gallery. The gardens are spectacular but prepare for several stairs.
Noon – Train to Lucca
Spend the rest of the day in Lucca. I share all the best sights to see, and some fun activities in my Lucca Day Trip.
7 pm – Dine in Lucca or train back to Florence
If you decide not to have dinner in Lucca, don’t forget to try the other hidden gem restaurant I suggest here.
More Resources For Your Time In Rome & Florence
If you are still not sure whether split your time between the two, or choose one as your base, I suggest you check out this other article – Rome vs Florence. That one will help you figure out which city you’ll likely love the most.
I have written plenty of guides for both cities, covering everything from food to the best walks. You can find them all under each category.
I really hope this article helped you clear your mind, and give you more direction into how to spend your time in these two iconic Italian cities. You are going to have the best time ever. Enjoy!
