How to Spend 6 Days in Italy: Florence, Tuscany & Rome

As you will likely arrive in Florence around midday, check into your hotel before heading to Osteria Vecchio Cancello to begin your Italian journey. Osteria Vecchio Cancello is a quaint, beloved spot among both locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of Tuscan cuisine.

Later, seize every opportunity to experience Florence by embarking on an evening introductory tour of the city center. Guided by an expert, you'll delve into the captivating stories and hidden secrets of Renaissance landmarks, witnessing a side of Florence only visible in the serene glow of twilight.

End your first day in Florence with a dinner reservation and glass of wine at Ristorante Natalino, housed in the former Church of San Pier Maggiore.

If you are looking for how to spend six days in Italy without sacrificing destinations, the answer is to take full advantage of this unforgettable Florence in a day tour. This tour, meticulously curated and led by experts with a deep passion for Florence's heritage, promises an enlightening journey through the city's most celebrated landmarks. From the majestic silhouette of the Duomo to the art-laden corridors of the Uffizi Gallery, the excursion is a deep dive into the artistic soul of Florence. Tailored for those eager to absorb the city's historic ambiance in a single day, the tour skillfully blends educational insights with the joy of discovery, offering a memorable foray into the heart of Tuscan culture.

End the day with a cocktail at SE·STO on Arno, which provides a unique 360-degree view over the city, before dinner at La Giostra.

Even though booking your trip through Fora can provide you with a late check-out, you will want to depart your hotel early to make the most of your visit to the beautiful countryside of Tuscany.

Choose to check in at Castello di Reschio, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, or Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, and I promise, you will not be disappointed. Alternatively, stay at Il Falconiere & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property just outside of Cortona. (Tuscany has so many dreamy bucket list hotels!)

Spend the afternoon exploring some of Tuscany’s oldest wineries and medieval towns, immersing yourself in history and beauty.

Contrary to Florence, enjoy a later check-out and enjoy a tranquil morning in Tuscany before venturing onwards towards the vibrant and bustling city of Rome.

Once in Rome, enjoy a late afternoon strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets of Trastevere. Book a table (way in advance!) at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina for an iconic dining experience that celebrates authentic local products born from meticulous research and tradition.

Is it possible to do Rome in a day? While you certainly won’t hit every must-visit attraction, it is entirely possible to experience some of the best of Rome in a day if you are strategic. If you only have six days in Italy, I recommend securing one of the top tours in Rome: LivTours Private Tour of Rome in a Day. This personalized tour unfolds Rome's storied past and dynamic present in an intimate setting, ensuring a deep connection with the Eternal City's most iconic landmarks.

For your final meal, say goodbye to Rome and Italy with a pizza and wine at Vico Pizza & Wine, a new and still relatively hidden gem that arguably serves some of the best pizza in the world. No matter how much you indulge, there will always be room for gelato. A few blocks away is my personal favorite, Giolitti, but halfway through the few minute stroll you will also encounter another popular shop, Gelateria Della Palma. Is two gelato cones too many?

If you are lucky enough to have your flight canceled (remember, always purchase travel insurance - my favorite is Faye), continue your Italian journey for as long as possible. However, if it is truly time to depart after six days in Italy, conclude the morning in Rome with an early visit to Belvedere del Gianicolo. Watch the sunrise over the city from this off-the-beaten-path viewpoint.