7 Days in Italy

Pamela,
Start with Rick's Rome 2008 book and see what interests you most. The things that I enjoyed may not be all that interesting to you - but Rick does a good job of spelling out what you'll find in the different places.
Will you only be in Rome, or do you have other cities planned?

I am not a fan of short stays where you're is trying to cram three or four places in,, remember your first day or two you are a bit jet lagged, so you don't want to be doing the death march through sites!
NOte there is a thread on right now about hilltown choices.

For only 7 days I would most likely stay in Rome with a day trip out of the city, Pompeii would be one of my picks, haven't been but I want to,, mind it will be roasting in July, but so will Rome.
Another idea would be a day trip or even an overnight to a smaller town, my friend swears by Assini,, but I have seen others on this forum suggest some other nearby by picturesque choices.
Do just keep it simple though, Italy is best savoured not gulped, LOL

Note there is a thread on right now about jaunts to a few hilltowns, Cortona and or Orvieta,, sounds nice, 4 days in Rome, big city, and then 2 or 3 in small town.. nice.

Have you purchased Rick Steves latest book on Italy yet? It has all the information you are looking for.