Italy Express: the 7 Days Essential Itinerary

Only have one week to spare? With this itinerary in Italy of 7 days, you can enjoy a condensed adventure through some of the country’s most incredible wonders: art, history, culture and, of course, a touch of style.

In partnership with McArthurGlen Designer Outlets – an outstanding destination where the elegance of design meets fashion at competitive prices, in refined outlets near Italy’s main cities – we’ve created an express guide for those who want to experience the very best of Italy in just a short time.

Discover unmissable stops, iconic cities and dreamlike landscapes, with relaxing shopping breaks that let you bring home a true piece of made in Italy. An intense, well-balanced adventure designed for those who don’t want to miss a thing, even when time is tight.

Shall we go?

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 charming McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, or basking in the golden sunset at the Colosseum in Rome.

Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples: a truly special journey through Italy, an itinerary of 7 days that unveils the essential stops among the most beautiful cities of the Peninsula, finding the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. A true express guide designed for those who want to discover the best of Italy in a short time.

Let’s start our journey in beautiful Venice, ideal gateway to begin our 7 days Italy itinerary, exploring artistic masterpieces and magical places. The city deserves to be explored over several days, but even with an essential one-day visit, there’s still plenty to see and do.

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. Not far from Venice’s old town, you can find the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave. It's an elegant interlude to your cultural exploration.

Continue your journey to the fashion capital of the world, Milan, which is about a 3-hour drive and 2.5 hours by train from Venice. Enjoy the city (and its vibrant nightlife) by staying for a night. Here are some tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in.

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, you can 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.

You can 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. From Milan, you'll need about 4 hours by car to reach it, while by high-speed train, you'll arrive in the historic heart of Tuscany's capital in just 2 hours.

Either way, you'll spend practically your entire morning traveling. Once in Florence, reward yourself by dedicating the afternoon to exploring magnificent Piazza del Duomo - marvel at Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral with Brunelleschi's monumental dome, climb Giotto's bell tower, and admire the Baptistery's famous bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. In the evening, take time for dinner to enjoy typical Florentine cuisine, including the famous Florentine steak and ribollita.

On your second day, race through Florence’s greatest hits of art: the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David will leave you speechless, and the Uffizi Gallery, 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. 

Keep in mind that even on a packed 7-day Italy itinerary, visiting the Uffizi to admire just the masterpieces requires dedicating at least 3 hours to the experience. Finally, step out of the museum and wander over to the nearby 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.

Continue your journey by leaving Florence early in the morning to reach Rome, the Eternal City, after a drive of just over 3 hours or a 1.5-hour train ride.

Rome is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, with a unique cultural and artistic heritage. For an express-style visit to the Capital’s main attractions, you can start your visit by walking through the historic center, admiring the churches and 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. In the evening, relax in one of the typical trattorias in the charming Trastevere neighborhood, and try traditional and delicious Roman dishes like Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, or Coda alla Vaccinara.

The next day, spend another morning in the heart of Rome, discovering more unique spots like Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain, or the Pantheon.

Then, in the afternoon, 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 the city, 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.

If you have time left after shopping, 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 stop.

Finally, let's arrive in the bustling city of Naples, the birthplace of pizza and gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The drive takes over two hours, while the train takes just over 1 hour, leaving us with almost the entire day to explore the city.

Start your 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.

History lovers can spend some time at the National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world's most important collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. Alternatively, 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. 

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

So what can one expect from this express tour of 7 days in Italy? Expect a sensory journey that transcends mere tourism and becomes an unforgettable experience.

Then, get ready for the unimaginable. This 7-day itinerary promises a short but comprehensive Italian experience, encompassing the country's most famous art cities and major tourist attractions. With the added benefit of McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, you can indulge in some well-deserved shopping therapy while discovering Italy's rich culture and history.

Now all you have to do is pack your bags and embark on a memorable journey through Italy's fascinating landscapes and most enchanting cities.