For a first trip of 5–7 days, choose one corridor and two bases: Rome + Florence (the most common recommendation) or the north — Milan + Venice, Verona or Lake Como. Add a third city only with 7 days and only if it’s a priority. Travellers repeatedly warn against Rome → Florence → Venice → Rome in six days: arrival and transfer days are not full sightseeing days.
Checked 2026-09-23 · Italy · Itineraries
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Central · 5 days | Rome 3 + Florence 2 |
| Central · 7 days | Rome 4 + Florence 3 — or Rome 4 + Venice 2 if Venice is a must |
| North · 5–7 days | Milan + one of Venice, Verona or Lake Como |
| Fast trains | Rome → Florence ~1 h 30 · Rome → Naples ~1 h · Rome → Milan ~3 h |
| Rule | Count nights, not days — arrival and transfer days are half days |
Pick one corridor
Central Italy: Rome + Florence
7 days: extend both stays before adding a city; add Venice only if it’s a priority and you accept another transfer.
Northern Italy: Milan + one second base
What travellers recommend
- Source
- Community tip — Threads threads with 28 and 2,300 replies, not an official rule
What to avoid
Four cities in six days
- Source
- Community tip — Threads threads with 28 and 2,300 replies, not an official rule
Count nights, not days
Compare the whole transfer
One base with day trips
Train times between the main cities
| Route | Typical fastest train | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rome → Florence | ~1 h 30 | High-speed, Frecce or Italo |
| Rome → Naples | ~1 h | High-speed |
| Rome → Milan | ~3 h | High-speed |
| Milan → Lake Como | about 1 h | Regional train to Como or Varenna; check the station for your town |
Typical fastest times from our city guides; check the exact train for your date. High-speed tickets include a seat; paper regional tickets must be stamped before boarding.
Quick answers
Is 6 days enough for Rome, Florence and Venice?
It’s possible but rushed. Most travellers recommend two bases — Rome + Florence — or Rome + Venice if Venice is a must.
What are the best cities to visit in Italy in 5 days?
Rome and Florence for a first trip; in the north, Milan plus Venice, Verona or Lake Como.
How many days in Rome and Florence?
For 5 days: Rome 3 and Florence 2. For 7 days: Rome 4 and Florence 3.
Should I take the train between cities in Italy?
Yes — high-speed trains link Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan; a car is mainly useful for the countryside and the islands.
Go deeper in our guides
Related answers
Sources: Trenitalia ↗ · Italo ↗