Italy at a glance
where to visit
Best Time to Visit
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
7 Day Italy Itinerary at a Glance
Italy is filled with captivating history, magnificent landscapes, legendary landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine, and is the perfect place to spend a 7-day vacation. From the main cities to the rural villages, each destination offers immersive and enjoyable experiences that quickly become wonderful lifelong memories.
Regions
There are 20 different regions that make up the Italian peninsula, and each one is unique with its own customs, food, and culture. Some of the most popular regions are Lazio, Tuscany, and Veneto. Lazio is where Italy’s capital city of Rome is located, and awe-inspiring historical landmarks are found around every corner of the city. Tuscany is home to rolling hills and gorgeous vineyards, and the beautiful city of Florence highlights the region. Veneto is located in northeastern Italy, and its main city of Venice is a truly amazing destination.
Climate
Italy has a Mediterranean climate, and experiences various temperatures throughout the year. The northern regions of the country, such as Piedmont, tend to be overall colder than southern regions and the island of Sicily. Snow is also possible in these northern areas during the Winter. In the Summer months, temperatures get quite warm, especially in the southern regions such as Calabria.
Population
Italy has a large population, and is home to over 60 million people. Much of the population is centered around some of the major cities, such as Rome and Milan. The very northern region of Aosta Valley and the separate island of Sardinia are some of the more sparsely populated sections of the country.
Religion
Roughly 70% of Italians identify as Roman Catholic, and this is the predominant religion of the country. The head of the Roman Catholic faith, the Pope, resides in Vatican City, just outside Rome.
Language
Italian is the official language of Italy, and you will hear this widely spoken throughout the country. Local dialects can also be heard from one region to the next. In main cities and at tourist attractions you may also come across people who can communicate in English.
Currency
The European Euro is the national currency of Italy and the most common form of payment. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in many areas.
Where to Visit in 7 Days
Seven days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Italy, as you can discover some of its amazing cities and attractions without feeling rushed. Rome, Florence, and Venice are the perfect places to visit during your vacation, and each city will immerse you in the rich history and culture of the country. During three days in Rome, you can explore the ancient Colosseum, Roman Forum, and nearby Vatican City. With two days each in Florence and Venice, you will have the chance to explore the main landmarks, such as the Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio in Florence, and St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge in Venice.
Best Time to Visit Italy
Italy is truly beautiful year-round, but if you would like to visit when the weather is ideal, the months of May, first half of June, September, and October are the best times to travel. The weather is usually mild, in the 70s Fahrenheit in many areas, and cities tend to be less crowded. The Summer months of July and August are the hottest as well as the busiest months. Another important note about August is that much of Italy closes for vacation during the first half of the month, so keep this in mind if planning on visiting during that time.
Essential Experiences in Italy
The culture and history of Italy are best felt through some of the country’s unparalleled landmarks and attractions. Here are some of the essential experiences you will not want to miss during your 7-day trip.
Colosseum & Roman Forum in Rome
An immersive tour of the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum is the ideal way to learn about the history of the city and feel transported back to the times of Ancient Rome.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence
Commonly referred to as the Florence Cathedral, this grand church is known for its amazing dome, impressive architecture, and works of art by Renaissance masters.
St. Mark’s Square and Basilica in Venice
Venice’s famous St. Mark’s Square is the perfect place to enjoy the city’s sumptuous cuisine at an outdoor cafe, admire the colorful gondolas, and visit the gorgeous Basilica, which is filled with stunning gold details and mosaics.
Travel Considerations
Weather
To avoid the extreme heat as well as the coldest months of the year, the best times to visit Italy in regards to weather are the Spring, early Summer, and early Fall. During this time you will find moderate and comfortable temperatures. Rain can be encountered in most cities, but the greatest chances for this are the months of April and November. Many indoor attractions, such as St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, as well as some outdoor ones, such as the Roman Forum in Rome, can still be enjoyed even if the weather is not ideal. Your Zicasso travel specialist can help with further planning for any day the weather is a concern.
Transportation
Italy is very accessible and offers travelers multiple transportation options. Trains are available to get from one region to the next, and many cities offer public bus service, taxis, and rental cars. Escorted travel is another option you may want to consider, so you do not have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out logistics. Navigating the changing landscapes and traffic of Italy can sometimes get tricky on your own, but you can feel confident when traveling with Zicasso that all your transportation needs will be taken care of so you can enjoy every minute of your trip.
Packing
When packing for your 7-day trip to Italy, it is recommended to bring a variety of clothing. A good mix of shirts, pants, shorts (if traveling in late Spring and Summer), and lightweight jackets or sweatshirts should cover most of your needs. If planning on using a hotel pool or visiting the beach, swimwear is also essential. It is important to bring at least one pair of pants and a shawl or jacket even if traveling during the Summer, as some churches and venues require shoulders and knees to be covered in order to visit. Comfortable walking shoes are also suggested for touring and seeing multiple attractions in one day. If you plan on traveling on your own from one city to the next, try and keep your luggage to a minimum, as large and bulky bags can become a hassle on trains and in busy tourist areas.
Weather Considerations:
Since you never know if you may encounter rain during your trip, it is suggested that you bring umbrellas and either raincoats or ponchos. In the Summer, the sun gets quite strong during the day, so hats, visors, and sunblock are also great items to bring with you.
Electrical Considerations:
Italy utilizes European standard electrical outlets, so it’s a good idea to pack 1-2 adaptors and converters. These will be needed to charge and use any electronics you bring from home, including cell phones and digital cameras.
Pharmaceutical Considerations:
Pharmaceutical needs can sometimes be a concern for tourists, but many Italian cities, such as Rome and Venice, have pharmacies readily available. Since not all medications may be accessible, it is important to pack and bring ample amounts of all prescriptions and medications with you on your vacation.
Cultural Considerations
Aside from the many famous attractions, Italy is also home to gorgeous parks and outdoor areas that you can visit and enjoy. It is common for many stores to close for an hour or two during lunch, and most Italians do not eat dinner until later in the evening, so these can be important considerations when planning meals. While out touring, restrooms are usually available at tourist sites and restaurants. Any other public restrooms you come across may charge a small fee to use them.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Travel Documents
When traveling abroad, it is essential to have the necessary travel documents with you. Doing so will help ensure a smooth and easygoing trip. Here is a list of the most important documents you should have with you during your vacation to Italy:
- Passport
- Airline reservations/tickets
- Hotel accommodations/reservations
- All required customs forms
- Emergency contact information, including names and phone numbers
- Personal medical information, including health conditions and list of medications
- Travel and medical insurance (see above regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide requirements that are specific to your trip, though responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can and do often change, so it is wise to stay updated as your trip approaches.
Finances & Tipping
Banks and ATM machines can easily be found around Italy’s major cities. Price negotiations and bartering is common with outdoor vendors and souvenir shops, but it is not standard practice at formal shops and boutiques. Tipping is not essential in most instances, but a few euros for waitstaff at restaurants is considered acceptable, if a service charge has not already been included. Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide further guidance for hotel staff and tour guides you may also wish to tip.
Safety and Accessibility of Resources
Italy is very safe, and you can feel secure while traveling around its various cities and towns. Hospitals and law enforcement are easily accessible in most tourist areas if needed, and many attractions often have extra security as well.
Crime Rate
Italy has reported decreases in crimes over the past few years, and is widely considered one of Europe’s safest locations. Since there are so many tourists that visit, they can unfortunately become targets for petty thefts, so always be observant of your surroundings.
Things to look out for
Pickpocketing has been found to occur at tourist attractions and train stations. You should always keep your personal items close to you and secure while out in public to reduce the chance of this occurring.
Medical & First Aid
If needed, hospitals are located around Italy’s major cities, including Rome, Florence, and Venice. Some smaller clinics may also be available. Outside the cities, ambulances are typically able to transport those in need to the city with the closest hospital. If an emergency takes place while on your trip, you will want to notify authorities (including the local embassy) and safely get to the nearest hospital. This information is not a substitute for personalized guidance from a doctor, and it is highly recommended that all travelers consult with a physician prior to traveling overseas.
Water & Food Safety
Italy’s food and water is safe to eat and drink, and the cuisine of the country is some of the best in the world. Water from drinking fountains is also safe to enjoy. It is always a good idea to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before eating, especially if you have been at tourist sites and other public places. If you have any food allergies, you should discuss these with your Zicasso travel specialist and keep a list of these allergies with you.
Travel with Zicasso
When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We will match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. They know their country better than anyone, and each travel specialist in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators, comprising the top tier of the industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.
