If you can choose when to see Italy, choose May. Here's why spring beats summer for a first trip, and how to make the most of one week.
The weather is on your side
May days are usually warm but not hot, ideal for long walks through Rome, Florence and Venice. By July, midday heat in the cities can make sightseeing hard work.
Fewer crowds, shorter lines
The summer rush builds through June. In early May, the Colosseum, the streets around the Uffizi and St. Mark's Square feel calmer, and hotels are easier to book.
Long days
Daylight lasts into the evening, so there's time for a slow dinner after a full day of touring.
The countryside is green
Tuscany's vineyards and hills are at their freshest in spring, perfect for a wine lunch in Montepulciano.
How to see seven cities in one week
A well-paced escorted tour does the driving for you: Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice and Tuscany, with guides where they matter most. Not sure an escorted tour is for you? Read Is an Escorted Italy Tour Worth It? for an honest look at the pros and cons, or Italy in 7 Days for a first-timer's itinerary.
Join our spring group
Our Spring in Italy 2027 group departs on May 2, 2027 for eight days, from $2,639 per person (double occupancy, land only), with flights available from your US city. Five food experiences, guided tours in Florence and Venice, and skip-the-line Vatican Museums are all included. See the itinerary and reserve your spot →
