Italy is a dream destination filled with history, food, art, and breathtaking architecture. But what if you only have 5 days? Good news: with smart planning, you can explore the highlights of Rome, Florence, and Venice — the classic Italian trio — in under a week.

This guide breaks down the ultimate 5 days in Italy itinerary for first-time visitors, covering iconic landmarks, how to travel between cities, where to eat, and essential tips to make the most of your Italian getaway.

Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon

Arrive in Rome, Italy’s capital and one of the most historic cities in the world. Check into your centrally located hotel or Airbnb near Piazza Navona or Trastevere for easy access to key sights.

• Start your morning at the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic amphitheater. Book skip-the-line tickets to save time.
• Explore the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where ancient Rome once ruled.
• In the afternoon, visit the Pantheon, a nearly 2,000-year-old temple-turned-church.
• End the day at the Trevi Fountain — toss a coin to ensure your return to Rome.
• Where to eat: Try local favorites like cacio e pepe or carbonara at a trattoria in Trastevere.

Highlights: St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Florence Duomo

Begin the day in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope.

• Tour the Vatican Museums, including the famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece.
• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
• By late afternoon, take a high-speed train to Florence (1.5 hours from Rome Termini to Firenze S.M.N).

Check into your Florence accommodation near the Duomo or Santa Croce area.

Evening tip: Enjoy a gelato while strolling along the Arno River at sunset.

Highlights: Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, is compact and walkable — perfect for a one-day deep dive.

• Start early with a visit to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo). Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for 360-degree city views.
• Head to the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s iconic bridge lined with jewelry shops.
• In the evening, walk or taxi up to Piazzale Michelangelo — the best sunset spot in the city.

Where to eat: Have Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) at a local osteria.

Highlights: Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, Gondola Ride

Catch a morning train from Florence to Venice (2 hours). Once you arrive, Venice will feel like another world: no cars, only canals and bridges.

• Drop your bags at your hotel or guesthouse near San Marco or Cannaregio.
• Explore the Rialto Bridge, bustling with shops and market vendors.
• Cruise down the Grand Canal via Vaporetto (public ferry) for a scenic city overview.
• Opt for a gondola ride (optional but iconic), especially beautiful at sunset.

Dinner tip: Dine at a canal-side restaurant and try seafood risotto or sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines).

Highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Murano or Burano (optional)

Make the most of your final day in Venice:

• Visit St. Mark’s Basilica — go early to beat the crowds.
• Explore the Doge’s Palace, a Gothic wonder that once housed Venice’s rulers.
• Walk through the Bridge of Sighs, filled with romantic legend.
• Optional: Take a half-day trip to Murano (famous for glass-blowing) or Burano, a colorful fishing island that’s very photogenic.

Final stop: Enjoy a farewell espresso or Aperol Spritz by the canal before heading to the airport.

• Train: Italy’s high-speed trains (Trenitalia or Italo) connect Rome, Florence, and Venice quickly and efficiently.
• Walking: All three cities are pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.
• Public Transit: Use buses or vaporettos (Venice) when distances are longer.
• Luggage Tip: Travel light to easily navigate cobblestone streets and Venice’s bridges.

• Comfortable walking shoes (for cobblestone streets)
• Lightweight layers (Italy’s weather can vary)
• Power adapter (Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs)
• Reusable water bottle (public fountains are common in Rome and Florence)
• A small day bag for daily essentials

Spending 5 days in Italy is a whirlwind, but entirely doable with the right plan. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance beauty of Florence and the romantic canals of Venice, you’ll experience three distinct Italian cities full of culture, food, and unforgettable sights.

With high-speed trains and well-connected cities, Italy makes it easy to cover a lot in a short amount of time. Just remember to pace yourself, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy every espresso, fresco, and fountain you come across.