Italy Express: the 7 Days Essential Itinerary

A week in Italy gives you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, incomparable art, and exquisite cuisine of this country. Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked pastries from a Neapolitan café, shopping at a chic McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, or basking in the golden sunset at the Colosseum in Rome. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures a smooth trip, finding the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation.

Let's start our journey from the beautiful city of Venice. We recommend you stay there at least a couple of days to enjoy its wonderful atmosphere, both by day and by night. There are so many things to do and see in Venice, here we have collected the best ones to do in a short time.

Let's start with the beautiful city of Venice. Take the opportunity to take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. This is one of Venice's most romantic and iconic experiences, allowing you to view the city from a privileged vantage point. The gondola will glide between the most beautiful bridges and palaces in Venice while you can observe the exquisite architecture of this romantic city.

After the gondola ride, visit St. Mark's Basilica, one of Italy's most beautiful and important churches, with its golden mosaics and Byzantine architectural style. During your stay in Venice, be sure also to visit the Doge's Palace, originally built as the residence of the Doge.

After a day of sightseeing, indulge yourself in some relaxing shopping. Near Venice is the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave. It's an elegant interlude to your cultural exploration.

We continue our journey to the fashion capital of the world, Milan. Enjoy the city by staying there at least one night. Here are some tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in.

Let's continue on to the fashion capital of the world, Milan. You will admire the beauty of Milan Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic-style sacred buildings in the world, famous for its sharp spires and extraordinary stained glass windows. Then, through Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, we reach the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a spectacular example of 19th-century architecture known as "the drawing room of Milan." This open-air shopping mall is home to some of the city's best-known fashion stores and upscale restaurants.

We continue the tour by visiting the Sforza Castle, an imposing 15th-century fortress that was once the residence of the Sforza family, lords of Milan. Inside, you will find numerous museums and art collections. Finally, if you are a Renaissance art lover, don't miss the opportunity to admire Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," one of the world's most famous masterpieces, housed in the Refectory of the Convent of St. Mary of Graces.

To satisfy shopping cravings as you head to your next stop, Florence, consider taking a break at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Serravalle. Here you'll find more than 200 stores, and a wide range of high-end brands, with a setting inspired by classic Italian architecture.

Next, let's head to the beautiful city of Florence, considered one of Italy's artistic and cultural treasures.

As we venture into the heart of Tuscany and the fascinating city of Florence awaits, don't forget to make a stop at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Barberino for a leisurely shopping spree amidst the picturesque Tuscan scenery. The outlet is about a 30-minute drive from Florence and offers a wide selection of clothing, accessories, footwear, and home goods stores.

Head to the historic center in the afternoon to visit the Uffizi Gallery. This is one of the most important museums in the world for Italian Renaissance painting, housing masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Consider that to visit the gallery at a leisurely pace, admiring the principal works of art and those that catch your attention, you need to devote at least 3-4 hours to the visit. This is precisely why we recommend at least two days to the magnificent city of Florence.

After visiting the Gallery, take time for dinner to enjoy typical Florentine cuisine, including the famous Florentine steak and ribollita.

On the following day, visit the main monuments of Florence: the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, also known as the Duomo, with its imposing dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the Baptistery, famous for its bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

Finally, head to the Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence's most famous landmarks, with its characteristic jewelry and goldsmith stores. Stroll along the Arno, feeling the warm breeze on your face and admiring the colors of the sunset over the city.

Let's continue our journey to Rome, the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, with a unique cultural and artistic heritage. Start your visit by walking through the historic center, admiring the churches and historic buildings, before reaching the Colosseum, the largest Roman amphitheater ever built. This is one of the most famous monuments in the world and a symbol of the greatness of the Roman Empire.

Next, visit the Roman Forum, the center of political and social life in ancient Rome, and Capitoline Hill, where Rome's City Hall, designed by Michelangelo, stands.

And while Rome captivates you with its ancient narrative, give yourself a break at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Castel Romano. This modern shopping plaza is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, a haven where you can indulge in a few fashion whims. Here, between your immense love of Roman history and indulging in the pleasures of shopping, you will find a perfect balance in your Italian journey.

Then, continue to the Tenuta di Castelporziano. This majestic nature reserve, located a short distance from the Outlet, offers a spectacle of natural beauty, including forests, meadows, and lagoons. A dip into the tranquility of Italian nature, a perfect ending to your Roman day.

Finally, let's arrive in the bustling city of Naples, the birthplace of pizza and gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Again, we recommend waiting at least two days for this stop.

Let's start the tour from the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a labyrinth of narrow, crowded streets that holds architectural wonders such as the Sansevero Chapel, known for its stunning Veiled Christ, and the Duomo, dedicated to San Gennaro, the city's patron saint.

Spend time at the National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world's most important collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. In the afternoon, discover the greenery of Virgiliano Park, from which you can enjoy splendid panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. Then, visit the Castel dell'Ovo, an ancient fortress overlooking the sea, which offers spectacular views of the city and Mount Vesuvius. End the day by savoring the famous Neapolitan pizza, particularly the Margherita, a timeless classic with tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. 

The following day, a short distance from Naples, our itinerary takes you to discover the Royal Palace of Caserta. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century at the behest of Bourbon King Charles III, the Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the largest royal residences in Europe. Enjoy its gardens and the fountain of Diana and Actaeon. 

Before saying goodbye to Italy, make one last stop at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet La Reggia for some last-minute shopping and unbeatable deals.