ULTIMATE FLORENCE & ROME ONE-WEEK ITINERARY: Beating the Crowds & Family-Friendly Adventures

As I sit down to write this - I'm honestly embarrassed by how overdue it is, but better late than never... Michael and I were able to visit Florence and Rome in early December 2023, which is a slower time of the year for both destinations. So here's an Ultimate One-Week Florence & Rome Itinerary: Beating the Crowds & Family-Friendly Adventures including the best parts of our trips and the adjustments I would make for next time to avoid the crowds and maximize memorable experiences.

Italy can be sooo busy during the summer months, so in my mind the off-season is the way to go! "Mildish" weather, shorter lines and a more local experience make early December pretty appealing.

We flew into Rome and immediately hopped on the train to Florence. It's about 30 minutes to the Rome Central Terminal and then another 90 minutes to Florence from there. The train ride to Florence was quite nice. Once outside of the city, you'll enjoy gorgeous views of the countryside. Being high-speed but electric, the trains are very quiet while onboard.

Once we arrived in Florence, our hotel was just a short 10-minute walk from the train station.

• Quick tips on Italy train travel between Rome and Florence for seamless transportation.

Book your train tickets ahead of time and know where you're going. Look at Google maps before you get there to at least be familiar with things.

2nd: We Americans are very used to clear instructions when it comes to traveling and directions. Traveling independently in Italy requires you to use your brain and figure things out, so be prepared for that.

3rd: Platform #s are not displayed until just prior to departure from the station, so be ready to see your assigned platform and make your way there quickly.

Days 1-3: Exploring Florence Without the Crowds

Where to Stay? We stayed at the Brunelleschi Hotel and were very pleased with the rooms, service, and breakfast. The only con - occasional unpleasant aroma in the lobby area (courtesy of a historic city). This hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city on foot. I would say that overall it's a great choice for families!

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Walking Tour of Florence

• Arrival and check-in. (It was afternoon when we arrived after our overnight flight).

• Florence Walking Tour:

  • Piazza della Signoria.

  • Ponte Vecchio Bridge: The best photo spots and fun little shops. It's the only Florentine Bridge that was not bombed during WWII. It's quietest in the morning as shops don't open until 9 or 10ish.

• Gelato break at Gelateria dei Neri.

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: You will need tickets to go up in the dome or visit the museum, but entry to walk around in the main cathedral area is free.

  • Dinner at Mister Pizza - great for families and so yummy!

    
    

• Day 2: Uffizi Gallery & Family-Friendly Fun

• Morning:

  • Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets:

    • They're called Skip the Line but you're essentially just booking your arrival time in order to skip the ticketing queue.

    • Make sure you have the audio guides and get ready to see some amazing art! I have been to so many art museums and this is truly one of the best I've ever visited. It's a little surreal to see works from Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci in person! The museum is large and involves quite a few staircases, so be prepared for walking.

• Afternoon:

  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum – explore interactive exhibits for kids - Many of Da Vinci's machines that actually work!

  • Lunch at Osteria del Fiore - So good! The best Linguine & Clams

  • Piazza della Repubblica - Stunning piazza with a historic Merry go-round!

  • Evening: See the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.

    
    

Day 3: Accademia Gallery & Hidden Gems

• Morning:

  • Boboli Gardens (if weather and season are conducive). Enter at Porta Romana.

  • Piazza della Signoria

• Afternoon:

  • Train to Rome

Days 4-7: Rome’s Iconic Attractions Without the Crowds

Day 4: The Vatican & St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Dome

The Vatican Museums

Interior St. Peter's Dome

Stairs to St. Peter's Dome

View from St. Peter's Dome

• Morning:

  • Early Morning Vatican Museums Tour Before Opening:

    • I cannot tell you how great this is! You'll enjoy seeing the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) without the crowds!

    • I would suggest the Breakfast Tour which allows you into the Vatican Courtyard for a meal before the Museum opening.

    • Lunch at Pastasciutta - quick, delicious pasta bowls. Be aware that seating is quite limited.

• Afternoon:

  • St. Peter’s Basilica: Free Entry – Allow yourself enough time and consider going up in St. Peter's Dome. The view of Rome is beautiful! There are stair and elevator options.

  • Lunch at a local spot.

• Evening:

  • Explore Castel Sant’Angelo and the Spanish Steps.

    
    

Day 5: The Colosseum & Roman Forum Without the Crowds

• Morning:

  • The Best Way to See the Colosseum Without Crowds:

    • Go very early or book a tour. I've heard great things about this tour, which includes the arena floor. To do it on your own, you can purchase tickets here. And as I said, I would choose the earliest time available. Colosseum tickets include entry to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.

    • Lunch at Angelino Ai Fori dal 1947

  
  

• Afternoon:

  • Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – I would start at the Palatine Hill entrance to try to avoid some of the crowds.

    
    

  

  
  

• Evening:

  • The Pantheon & Gelato at Giolitti - a classic Italian favorite! Or try a famous frozen coffee at La Casa del Caffe Tazza d Oro.

  • End the evening at the Trevi Fountain.

    
    

Day 6: Hidden Gems & Family-Friendly Fun in Rome

• Morning:

  • Visit Borghese Gardens & Zoo – perfect for families! Be sure to buy tickets well in advance. Tickets are for a 2 hour window.

  • Lunch at Babette

• Afternoon:

  • Underground Rome

Where to Stay? We stayed at the Hotel Barocco and very much enjoyed it. It's a boutique hotel that's quiet and small, blending classic Italian elegance with modern sophistication. Nestled in the heart of the city, it offers a prime location near Piazza Barberini and the Trevi Fountain, perfect for exploring Rome’s timeless charm.

One thing to note is that the elevator is very small and the hotel is not perfectly set up for travelers needing a high level of accessibility. Also of note is that only one suite is available that sleeps 2 adults + 1 child. All other rooms sleep 2 adults.

So, while we loved our stay here, it will not be a fit for most families. Breakfast is served in a dining room each morning and staff were all friendly and helpful.

Entrance to the Hotel Barocco

Guest Room at the Hotel Barocco

Christmas Decor at the Hotel Barocco

I hope that this has been helpful and that, if you're planning a trip to Italy, you have a wonderful experience. It truly is a lovely country, and it's easy to see why so many who visit return home with a new favorite destination!