1-Week Italy Itinerary: Rome, Milan, Lake Como & Florence for the Perfect Summer Escape
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Italy or returning for more, you’re guaranteed to enjoy this perfectly paced journey through Rome, Milan, Florence and Lake Como which balances history, food, and relaxation with iconic landmarks and hidden gems. From gelato stops at every turn to scenic train rides between cities, here’s the ultimate 1-week Italy itinerary.
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Day 1: Roman Classics & Hidden Gems
- Church of Sant’Ignazio of Loyola is a magnificent hidden gem with an iconic illusion ceiling.
- Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Square. Make sure to arrive early in the day or by late afternoon to beat the crowds.
- The Pantheon is only a short walk from the Vatican, with museums and ancient Roman architecture at its finest.
- Enjoy dinner at Diddi, a cozy local spot in Trastevere with classic Roman dishes. *Pro tip: Book Vatican Museum tickets in advance to skip the line.
Day 2: Explore the best of Rome’s iconic spots on foot, with delicious breaks in between
- Arrive early in the morning to toss your coin into Trevi Fountain for good luck.
- Then grab an authentic Roman sandwich at Pane & Salame, and then Amorino’s gelato to try their signature flower-shaped cones – no judgement here, you’re on vacation!
- Walk a few minutes to the Spanish Steps, one of the city’s most beloved attractions that is great for a little break and people-watching, before heading to The Colosseum, one of the seven wonders of the world and definitely the most iconic spot in Rome in my opinion.
Day 3: Scenic Train Ride to Milan
Travel from Rome to Milan using a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours), enjoying countryside views.
Check into your Milan accommodation and spend the rest of the evening strolling near the Navigli canals or sipping wine in any one of Milan’s buzzing neighborhood bars.
Day 4: Exploring Milan
- Visit Duomo di Milano, arguably the top attraction in Milan. If you have the time, climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.
- Then walk a few meters to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a quick bite and some luxury shopping. Make sure to stop and spin at the famous mosaic bull for good luck!
- What’s better than learning to make fresh, authentic food in its place of origin? Try a pasta and tiramisu making class with a local chef in the heart of Milan?
Day 5: Escape the city with a breathtaking Lake Como Day Trip
- Take a 1-hour train from Milan to Varenna, and a ferry to Bellagio. You can choose to explore Bellagio by foot or hop on the cute Bellagio Explorer Train. Visit the Villa Melzi botanical garden, a peaceful lakeside beauty to behold.
- Then, hop on the ferry back to Varenna to wander its cobbled streets, making sure to pop by Villa Monastero for amazing Lake Como views.
Day 6: Art, Food & Shopping in Florence
- Take a morning train to Florence (Firenze) and dive straight into its Renaissance beauty.
- Start the day by admiring the architecture of Florence’s Cathedral, called Piazza del Duomo.
- Then, walk to Uffizi Gallery, home to works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more (grab a caricature sketch outside for a fun souvenir!)
- Grab lunch at the viral panini joint called All’Antico Vinaio, before jewelry shopping along Ponte Vecchio or at Marlù Firenze for affordable, stylish pieces.
Day 7: Taking it all in
Spend your final full day in Italy discovering local favorites, exploring local markets and street food, or just unwinding with a glass of wine in a quiet piazza, taking in the beautiful sunset.
Essential Travel Tips for a Trip to Italy
Best Time to Visit Italy
Italy has its charm all-year round but visiting in springtime (April–June) or in the fall (September–October) is usually the best time for great weather and fewer crowds.
What to Pack for One Week in Italy
Where to Stay in Italy
Stay in Trastevere (Rome), Navigli (Milan), Oltrarno (Florence), and Varenna or Bellagio (Lake Como) for the best combo of charm, culture, and convenience.
Currency & Payment Tips
The official currency for Italy is the Euro (€). While debit and credit cards are widely accepted, I suggest you have some cash on hand for local spots. Use bank ATMs to withdraw and avoid changing currency at airports if you can.
Getting Around Italy
The easiest way to get around Italy is by using the high-speed train systems (Trenitalia or Italo) to hop between cities and then walk within those cities. There are also regional trains, buses and taxis to cover any other transport needs on your trip.
Perfect Travel Combos with Italy
You can pair your Italy trip with its border countries like France, Austria & Switzerland, or other nearby countries like Greece & Croatia for an unforgettable multi-country adventure.
Final Thoughts
Buon viaggio!
Joba