5 days in Italy itinerary

Short on time, but still keen to discover dozens of Italy's delights? Covering some of the most beautiful places in Italy — namely, Rome, Florence and Venice — following the fabulous 5 days in Italy itinerary detailed below will have you living your best dolce vita and, in all likelihood, leave you longing to return. So, read on to be informed — and inspired — by arguably the best five days in Italy itinerary for first timers.

Is 5 days enough in Italy?

In all honesty, if you can spend longer in bella Italia, seize the chance, to paraphrase the carpe diem saying uttered by Roman poet Horace over 2000 years ago.

That said, as mentioned above — and revealed below — if you’re limited to five days in Italy, with smart planning, it is possible to enjoy some of the country’s top attractions and experiences in just five days. 

Think ancient history, incredible art, fine food and magical cityscapes in Rome, Florence and Venice.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to do a deeper dive into Rome and can visit for a little longer, check-out our 7 days in Italy itinerary, which kicks off with two nights in the Eternal City. 

Looking to visit Italy for longer than 7 days? See our 10 days in Italy itinerary, and our suggested 14 days in Italy itinerary.

Or, if you fancy focussing on particular regions of the country, browse our North Italy itinerary, and take inspiration from our Amalfi Coast itinerary.

Still undecided about your vacation duration? Browse all our Italy itineraries, or talk to our local Italy experts to have them curate your perfect vacation for any duration.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome, explore iconic attractions

With any luck, you’ll land in Rome early enough to have time to start exploring right after checking into your accommodation.

For example, to push back any jetlag, head straight to the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) to down an energy-boosting coffee, admire Bernini’s Barcaccia Fountain Baroque masterpiece, and explore luxury shops on nearby Via dei Condotti.

From here, take a walk to the Trevi Fountain — another beautiful Baroque landmark, and icon of the city — and then press on to the nearby Pantheon.

Now a church, this ancient Roman temple is (you guessed it!) another must-see icon of the Eternal City.

Round off your first day in Rome on Piazza Navona. Depending on what time you get here, enjoy a refreshing gelato or pre-dinner drink while watching the world go by.

Taken with the idea of spending a little longer in Rome? Read our Rome itinerary for three days. 

Where to stay

With just a couple of nights in the Eternal City, you’ll want to choose where to stay in Rome very wisely. 

For example, you might want to read up on the best things to do in Rome, make a list of the attractions you most want to see, and pick an area that overs easy access to most of them. 

That way, you’ll be able to cut down on travel time, and max out your short stay in the city. 

Accommodation in the Centro Storico fits the bill when it comes to being close to stacks of top sights, with places to stay near the Spanish Steps being largely of the upscale variety.

Alongside having easy access to tons of attractions, it’s loaded with shops, hotels and restaurants.

Meanwhile, accommodation in Trastevere will suit travelers who are seeking a more authentic vibe. The district is packed with local restaurants and bars, and within pretty swift reach of the center.

On a budget? You’ll find less expensive places to stay in Termini and Esquilino.

Day 2: Discover Rome’s ancient attractions

Rise early on day two to devote a full day to discovering key ancient attractions, beginning with the Colosseum — the largest amphitheater ever built, no less.

To avoid the biggest crowds, it’s best to pre-book a ticket — or guided tour — for the earliest time slot.

Nearby, the Roman Forum — a  sprawling complex of temples, basilicas and arches that date back to the 7th century BC — is another must-visit.

Once the center of Roman public life, the ruins here today are a joy to ramble, so try to devote a couple of hours

Come the afternoon, head to the Vatican Museums to see masterpieces by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo's iconic ceiling and Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel.

As with the Colosseum, you really should pre-book this very popular experience.

Ahead of dinner, head to St. Peter’s Basilica to make your last make your last sightseeing stop for the day — and your time in Rome.

Aside from seeing Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture, you could climb the basilica’s dome to enjoy panoramic views over St. Peter’s Square and the wider city, or else take the elevator, which will leave you with only having to climb a mere 320 steps inside the dome!

Want more Rome inspiration? Read up on the best places to get off the tourist trail in Rome.

Traveling as a family? Find out about the best things to do in Rome with kids. 

Day 3: Transfer to Florence, see central sights

On day 3 of this 5 days in Italy itinerary, we suggest rising early to transfer to Florence. In our view, the sooner you arrive, the better. 

That way you can start exploring Florence’s historic center right after checking into your accommodation, perhaps starting out at Piazza del Duomo — home to the magnificent red-domed Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore).

Next, take a stroll along Piazza della Signoria and visit the Palazzo Vecchio — Florence's handsome town hall.

Finally, end your first day in Florence with dinner at a local trattoria to sample authentic Tuscan cuisine.

Love fine food? Find out about must-try foods in Florence.

How to get from Rome to Florence

When it comes to getting from Rome to Florence, you have a few options ­— train, high-speed train, bus or car. 

The quickest and most convenient option is to take a high-Speed Train (Frecciarossa) from Rome Termini Station.

Depending on the route, you’ll arrive at Firenze Santa Maria Novella in between 1.5 and 3.5 hours.

Where to stay

As revealed in our guide to the best area to stay in Florence, Florence has accommodation options to suit all tastes.

If you’re short on time, places to stay in the Duomo area come most recommended, as you'll be right in Florence’s historic heart.  

Meanwhile, accommodation in the Uffizi area is ideal for art and culture lovers.

Day 4: Uncover art and food in Florence

Day 4 is devoted to visiting some of Florence’s best museums and galleries, starting out at one of the world’s greatest art museums — the Uffizi Gallery, which is packed with masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Next, visit the Accademia Gallery to see stacks of remarkable Renaissance art, including Michelangelo’s David sculpture.

Come the afternoon, for a shift in experience type and scenery, take a stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens, perhaps working up an appetite to enjoy fresh local food in Mercato Centrale.

Fascinated by Florence? See our itinerary for the perfect weekend in Florence, and discover the best day trips from Florence.

Day 5: Transfer to Venice and explore

The final day of this 5 days in Italy itinerary will see you transfer from Florence to Venice — the Floating City of masks and magic.

How to get from Florence to Venice

Take a high-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia — a journey that’ll take around two hours.

On arrival, after checking into your hotel, head straight out to start experiencing some of the best things to do in Venice, beginning at the beautiful Basilica di San Marco on Piazza San Marco.

Next, take a tour the Doge’s Palace to learn about Venice’s political history and walk across the Bridge of Sighs before strolling to the Rialto Bridge. 

After checking out Rialto Market, take a vaporetto (water bus) ride along the Grand Canal for remarkable views of the city’s palaces and historic buildings.

Come the evening, enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the quieter canals before rounding off your time in Italy in a traditional Venetian trattoria.

Where to stay

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Venice, with just one night in the city, we suggest checking out places to stay around Piazza San Marco. 

That way St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the grand Doge's Palace will be right on your doorstep, along with plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and make merry.

Accommodation in Dorsoduro is another good option — you’ll be close to the Accademia Gallery and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Final thoughts: ahead of booking your trip, arm yourself with tips on how to plan a trip to Italy, and take inspiration from all our Italy itineraries.

Not keen on planning? Simply contact our local experts to have them take care of every last detail.