The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Rome & Florence

Advisor - Kasia Sosin
Curated By

Kasia Sosin

Icon Share

SHARE

  • Italy

  • Florence

  • Rome

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • International Travel

  • Local Food

  • Local Culture

  • Museums

large buildings during sunset
Curator’s statement

Five days, two cities - one unforgettable trip. Rome and Florence are fantastic destinations for any city explorer coming to Italy. With this trip, you can get a bit of everything: history through museums, architecture and art, access to the classic and charismatic Italian culture, and of course - excellent food and wine that you'll rave about for years to come.

The Fora Difference

Book with Kasia to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Previous slide

Hotel Campo de' Fiori

Elegant property located in the old town in a baroque building with individually-decorated, refined rooms and apartments.

25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino

Quirky property inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy with luxurious and bright themed rooms.

Hotel Chapter Roma

The pick for design hounds, with Art Deco touches in the oversized rooms and a ground-floor bar for the style set.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Next slide
Advisor - Kasia Sosin

Unlock perks by contacting Kasia to book your trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

blue fountain next to stone wall and carvings

After you arrive, transfer to your hotel and get settled in. Once you feel refreshed, follow this trek to walk and enjoy a number of amazing points in Rome:

  • Piazza Navona.

  • The Pantheon.
    The Trevi Fountain.

  • The Spanish Steps.

  • Villa Borghese.

    There are a number of restaurants near each of the above locations - ask your hotel what they recommend. They won’t steer you wrong!

Day 2: Explore Vatican City & Trastevere

tables on a cobblestone street during daytime

After breakfast (either at the hotel or nearby cafe), head over early to Vatican City to explore St. Peter’s Square & Basilica, as well as the classical and Renaissance art masterpieces located in the Vatican Museums. Note that a papal audience occurs on Wednesdays if the Pope is in Rome.

Later in the evening, explore the Trastevere neighborhood. Enjoy an apertivo (pre-meal drink meant to “open the stomach”) before dining at Essenza Wine Bar or Freni e Frizioni. Then, move on to the main feast at Tonnarello or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29.

Day 3: Visit the Colosseum & Roman Forum/Palatine Hill

large buildings and green areas during daytime

On your third and final day in Rome, walk past Piazza Venezia and move east to take a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This allows you to learn the many facts surrounding the area.

For your final dinner here, walk back to any area you have explored to hit a restaurant you may have missed.

Day 4: Travel to Florence

two people standing next to tall sculpture

I recommend taking a train to Florence from Rome, which will take between 1.5 - 2 hours. After getting settled into your hotel, take the time to explore various piazza, including Piazza Republica and Piazza della Signoria (near Ufizzi gallery).

Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio bridge and enjoy lunch - I recommend Gusta Pizza. At sunset, be sure to go to Piazzale Michaelangelo to see an incredible view of the city.

In the evening, enjoy a food & wine tour to eat as the locals do and learn about food culture in Florence and the Tuscany region. Come hungry!

Day 5: Enjoy David and the Duomo

large castle during sunset

After a cappuccino and breakfast, start your walk to Galleria dell’Academia to see David. From there, you can explore two markets: Mercato San Lorenzo (leather market) and/or Mercato Centrale (indoor food market).

Walk onwards to Catedral de Santa Maria del Fior - more commonly known as the Duomo. The Duomo is free to enter, but the bell tower, baptistry, and cupola all require a ticket.

Finish your time in Florence with a meal at Acqua al 2, located in the center of the city.

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out this guide by Fora Advisor Wendy Wallace: A Local’s Guide to Florence, Italy.

Advisor - Kasia Sosin

Travel Advisor

Kasia Sosin

Get in touch with Kasia

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Kasia within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Rome and travel to Florence, which are part of our larger series on travel to Italy.