Seven Epic Days Exploring Rome, Vatican City, Pisa and Florence

From the Colosseum to the leaning tower of Pisa, Explore Rome, Vatican City, Pisa and Florence in just seven days with this itinerary.

Language: Italian

Population: 59 million

Currency: Euro €

Average price of a coffee: €1,50

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Italy is a large country with a lot of history and culture to offer. Just in the North alone you have Milan, Venice and the Dolomites - and that doesn't even touch the beaches! Within Italy, you also have two of the world's three enclaves (countries within countries) which have their own distinguished culture and history. Too much going on!

If you're lucky with a lot of holidaying time, we recommend four to six weeks in the country. Six if you want some time to visit some of the islands and sunbathe in the summer or some hiking time in the Autumn, Winter and Spring in the Dolomites. At the end of the guide, we advise you on where to travel to next.

We aren't blessed with unlimited holiday time sadly, and usually 7 days at a time is the maximum amount of time we get. While seven days doesn't give you much time to explore Italy, it most definitely allows you to scratch the surface and gives you a solid taste of Italian culture. Not to mention, you get to explore the capital of Rome in good detail.

You're in for a treat!

ITINERARY

Day 1-3: Rome

Day 4: Florence

Day 5: Pisa

Day 6: Florence

Day 7: Travel day

Arrival day - Get lost.

A family wedding took us to Rome and we are quite embarrassed to admit that we hadn't heard of the Trevi fountain before. We stayed in this gorgeous Airbnb down a quaint street and went for a little walk after settling in and literally stumbled upon the Trevi fountain. Mouths open, we were so pleased that we had been so naive as it was truly the most magical experience.

Rome is truly a magical place and for that reason, on your first night there, we strongly recommend you to just get lost. Sure, having an itinerary and checking off things on your to-do list has its place but in Rome, just walk. Walk down the tiny Italian streets, talk to locals, eat gelato and have an Aperol Spritz. Leave the sightseeing until tomorrow.

Day 1 - Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona.

Good morning, Rome! First stop, coffee and an Italian pastry. You'll need your walking shoes on today. Let them take you to the Spanish Steps, where your first day in Rome begins.

Next up, head to the Trevi Fountain, that is if you haven't naively bumped into it already! Take a coin and throw it over your right shoulder and make a wish.

Now is probably a good time to stop for some lunch or an ice cream. If you want some tips and tricks on where to eat and drink in Rome, check out our food and drinks guide.

Head over to the Pantheon. You can enter the building if Church services aren't happening, which is worth it as the building is stunning. However, it is an active religious building and used for prayer by the Roman people so please be considerate as a tourist.

Your final stop of the day is the Piazza Navona. A gorgeous but very busy public square with fountains and stunning Roman architecture.

Enjoy your evening meal and don't forget to try an Aperol or Limoncello Spritz!

Day 2 - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Altar of the Fatherland and the keyhole.

First thing, you want to head to the Colosseum - the iconic image of Rome. You can get your tickets online (please verify the provider - some people are selling tours or fake tickets!) or from the official ticket office at the arena. Please note, the only place you can legitimately buy tickets is from the office. Be wary of those ticket sellers all around the Colosseum. When we went in 2022, entry was free on the last Sunday of the month but we did have to start queuing at 6am.

You want to ensure your ticket includes the Roman Forum, where you will visit next.

Either read up on the Colosseum before you visit, buy the audiotours with your tickets, or simply stick in Rick Steeves' podcast through your earphones. We did this and the guy is awesome! He will take you all around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in a few hours whilst telling you the history.

Our favourite fact was that one of the uses of the Colosseum after the Roman Empire fell was a swimming pool! How that thing is still standing is beyond us.

Next up, visit the Roman Forum.

You must be thirsty by now, so feel free to stop for a drink or some lunch if it is time.

Your next stop is the Altar of the Fatherland, arguably Rome's biggest and noisiest monuments. There is a nice cafe at the top where you can get a nice cup of coffee or slush.

If time is on your side, head to the Marcellus Theatre. We didn't have the time so we skipped it.

Take the walk, taxi, bus or even hire a Vespa (Rome is just that place!) to Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta. Here you can peak through the keyhole and view the Church of Santa Maria del Priorato. It's a little novel but super fun. Our picture is blurred on purpose! Don't want to spoil the experience for you.

In the evening for dinner, go to Trastevere - a stylish modern part of the city with vibrant nightlife and locals.

Day 3 - Vatican City

You're crossing borders! Don't worry, you don't need your passports. Head over to St Peter's Basilica where you can buy tickets and explore St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica and of course, the Sistine Chapel. Allow a good 3-4 hours here as there is so much to take in. Do check the Pope's calendar though as sometimes this area is closed for appearances and religious activities.

After some lunch, head to Castel Sant'Angelo and explore how the castle was used to defend the Roman city. The rest of the day is up to you.

Day 4 & 5 - Florence

It is time to head to Florence! Say goodbye to the lovely Rome and jump on a short 90-minute train ride to Florence. Buy your tickets online, we did it via Trainline and you can reserve your seat. There are vending machines on board with fresh cool water which makes the journey that extra bit enjoyable. Bare in mind, in Florence, they do siesta so most businesses (including restaurants) close in the afternoon.

Once in Florence, you will notice it is much more laid back. Rome is a busy place but Florence has a more chilled vibe with much less tourism. There is a lot to do in Florence but it's different. There are more art galleries, parks, gardens and rooftop bars. Spending 2 full days here is absolutely plenty.

As art and parks may not be enjoyed by all, instead of dictating what you should do hour by hour, we have given you the next few days to make your own plan to your own preferences.

Note: Check the opening times of all the things you wish to do as for example, the Uffizi gallery is closed on Mondays but open til late on Tuesdays. In peak seasons, you will need to get to the gallery early for tickets (available to buy from the kiosk opposite the gallery).

Florence options:

Uffizi gallery - one of the largest art galleries in the world with outstanding collections of middle age paintings and sculptures.

2. Fontana del Porcellino - the bronze fountain of a boar

3. Arnolfo Tower on Palazzo Vecchio - viewing tower for amazing views of Florence

4. Boboli Gardens - gorgeous gardens that opened to the Florence public nearly 300 years ago

5. Pitti Palace - renaissance palace in the heart of Florence

6. Stroll along the Arno River

7. Piazza Santa Croce - main plaza with gorgeous Tuscan-style buildings and great cafés.

Day 6 - Pisa

Today is the day you're going on a day trip to Pisa! Pisa is only a 50 minute train journey and we bought our tickets on Trainline but there are machines at the Florence station.

Once you arrive in Pisa, set your Google Maps to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and enjoy a full day/afternoon here. There are lots of great places to grab a drink/coffee and take in the culture of Pisa.

Don't forget to take a stereotypical picture!

We recommend sleeping another night in Florence rather than in Pisa due to the convenience of a day trip to save you lugging all your stuff to another city. If you're travelling back home tomorrow or moving on to your next destination, doing so from Pisa or Florence is a great option. We were travelling back home from Rome, so we actually split our Florence trip up by visiting Pisa on day 5 instead of 6 - it made for easier travelling home on day 7.

Day 7 - Travel day

For us it was back to Rome for a final explore before a late night. What are your plans?

Next stops:

If you're lucky with more time to explore Italy or other places in Europe, here are recommendations on where to travel to next:

1. Hire a car and explore Tuscany

Tuscany is a gorgeous part of Italy with gorgeous architecture, history, culture and scenery. Hiring a car is the best way to navigate this part of the country.

2. Milan

Take the 1 hour 45 minute train from Florence to Milan and explore the modern fashionable city.

3. San Marino

Visit Italy's second enclave. San Marino is a really interesting country that completely self-identifies as nothing to do with Italy. Rent a car and drive 3 hours to the country, perhaps stopping off in Bologna for some lunch. We are so jealous if you do this!

4. Venice

Move onto Venice by taking a 3-hour direct train.

5. Move onto Switzerland or Slovenia.

Either by train or car, both Switzerland and Slovenia are excellent next stops on your tour.

6. The Dolomites

At this stage in our lives, we are not avid hikers so we have no advice for you. The scenery looks absolutely gorgeous so if this is your next stop, please share your experience with us!