Is 7 days enough for the Rome-Florence-Venice route?

Italy travelitinerary planningEurope trip
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Martin_O
Joined:
05.09.2020
Posts: 1941
Topic Starter
21.02.2025 17:28
I'm planning my first trip to Italy and want to hit the big three cities in one week. I'm worried that trying to see Rome, Florence, and Venice in just seven days will feel like I'm just spending the whole time on trains. Should I cut one city out to actually enjoy the atmosphere, or is this pace manageable for a first-timer? I'd love to hear from anyone who has done this classic loop recently.
13 replies in this topic
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Bobi_J
Joined:
13.08.2023
Posts: 958
30.04.2025 20:47
Honestly, 7 days is very rushed for those three. You'll spend more time in train stations and hotels than actually exploring.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
02.04.2023
Posts: 2458
13.05.2025 19:22
I did this exact trip last year. It’s doable, but you have to be very disciplined with your time. Don't expect to see everything in the museums.
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NqkoiNesh
Joined:
13.10.2024
Posts: 1320
29.08.2025 01:08
In reply to a previous post
To the OP, I agree with the first reply. If I were you, I’d stick to Rome and Florence and leave Venice for a future trip. You'll thank yourself later when you're not rushing.
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ChernaKotka
Joined:
04.12.2021
Posts: 2297
15.09.2025 06:44
In reply to a previous post
I disagree. If you just want a taste of the 'big three', it's perfectly fine. Just pick two main sights per city and enjoy the food in between.
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Denis_P
Joined:
25.04.2022
Posts: 1616
20.10.2025 17:28
It really depends on your travel style. Do you like 'checking off' sights, or do you prefer sitting in a piazza with a glass of wine? If the latter, cut one city.
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ChernaKotka
Joined:
14.10.2025
Posts: 1036
18.11.2025 08:17
In reply to a previous post
Exactly what @user5 said. Rome alone deserves at least 4-5 days to really see it properly.
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nov_tuk
Joined:
20.08.2020
Posts: 1448
27.11.2025 11:47
Seven days is way too short. You'll be exhausted by day four.
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Hani_B
Joined:
30.04.2022
Posts: 303
03.12.2025 11:48
I did the 7-day loop and it was the best week of my life. Sure, it was busy, but seeing the Colosseum, the Duomo, and the canals in one trip was a dream.
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Martin_85
Joined:
13.07.2020
Posts: 494
27.12.2025 09:04
In reply to a previous post
If you do it, book your high-speed train tickets in advance. It saves so much time and stress.
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agata_k
Joined:
13.11.2025
Posts: 204
10.02.2026 07:04
In reply to a previous post
Don't listen to the people telling you to cut a city. If you're young and have energy, go for it! You can always go back to Italy later.
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star_vulk
Joined:
08.06.2021
Posts: 1536
13.02.2026 00:15
I'd skip Venice if you're going in the summer. It's way too crowded and hot. Rome and Florence are better to focus on.
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ZlatnaRuka
Joined:
26.11.2021
Posts: 759
04.03.2026 06:30
In reply to a previous post
I think the 'classic loop' is a trap for first-timers. Pick two cities and do a day trip to a smaller town nearby instead.
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monika_p
Joined:
08.04.2023
Posts: 128
17.03.2026 16:44
Just make sure you stay near the train stations if you only have 7 days. It makes moving between cities much smoother.

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