8-Day Low-Budget Italy: 3 Days in Rome (Feb 15–17, 2026) → 5 Days in Florence (Feb 18–22, 2026) — Return to Rome Night Flight to Rio

Day 1: Arrive & Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on February 15, 2026

8:00AM

Arrive Fiumicino (FCO) & transfer to city

Clear passport control and collect luggage, then take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini for a fast, budget-friendly transfer; allow 45–75 minutes for arrivals and transfer.
EUR14, 1h15m.

9:30AM

Check-in or luggage drop at accommodation

Request early check-in or store luggage at a centrally located budget guesthouse near Termini/Colosseum so you can start exploring immediately.
EUR0, 0h30m.

10:00AM

Breakfast: espresso & cornetto at a local bar

Grab a quick, inexpensive Italian breakfast (espresso + cornetto) at a neighborhood bar to fuel your first day.
EUR5, 0h20m.

10:30AM

Colosseum exterior & Roman Forum walk

Walk around the Colosseum exterior and along the Roman Forum area—photos and the atmosphere cost nothing and give a strong introduction to ancient Rome; official entry is optional and ticketed (check Colosseum opening times).
EUR0, 2h0m.

1:00PM

Lunch: pizzeria al taglio or panino shop

Eat at a nearby pizzeria al taglio (pizza by the slice) or paninoteca for a cheap, filling lunch near the sites.
EUR10, 1h0m.

2:30PM

Pantheon & Piazza Navona stroll

Walk to the Pantheon (free entry) and enjoy Piazza Navona's fountains and lively street scene for a relaxed, low-cost afternoon; check opening hours of interior attractions.
EUR0, 1h0m.

4:00PM

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Continue to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps for classic Rome photo stops and people-watching; these are free public spaces (watch for temporary closures).
EUR0, 0h45m.

7:30PM

Dinner in Trastevere (budget trattoria)

Cross the Tiber to Trastevere for reasonably priced trattorie offering hearty pasta and pizza in a lively neighborhood—arrive early to secure seating.
EUR18, 1h30m.

9:30PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Rome (night 1)

Return to your centrally located budget accommodation to rest and prepare for the Vatican day tomorrow.
EUR70, 0h30m.
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Day 2: Vatican & City Walks

Rome, Italy on February 16, 2026

7:30AM

Breakfast at local bar

Quick espresso and pastry at a neighborhood cafe to start early and beat crowds at the Vatican; bars are the cheapest option for breakfast in Rome.
EUR5, 0h20m.

8:30AM

Travel to Vatican City

Walk or take a short metro/bus ride to Vatican City; arrive early to your prebooked Vatican Museums timed entry (museums often closed on Sundays—verify schedule).
EUR1.50, 0h20m.

9:00AM

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (prebooked ticket)

Prebook a timed entry to see the Vatican Galleries and Sistine Chapel to avoid long queues; museums can be busy—confirm opening times for February.
EUR20, 3h0m.

12:30PM

St. Peter's Basilica visit

Visit St. Peter's Basilica (free entry); security queues form quickly and the dome climb or necropolis tours are extra and require separate tickets and time checks.
EUR0, 1h0m.

1:45PM

Lunch: pastificio or panini near the Vatican

Choose an inexpensive pastificio (fresh pasta to-go) or panino shop to keep costs low and eat like a local.
EUR10, 0h45m.

3:30PM

Castel Sant'Angelo & Tiber riverside walk

Walk along the Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo for pleasant riverside views; entry to the castle is optional and ticketed (check winter hours).
EUR0, 1h30m.

6:30PM

Campo de' Fiori & evening snacks

Wander Campo de' Fiori and nearby streets for light shopping and snacks—markets are great for sampling local products cheaply.
EUR0, 0h45m.

8:00PM

Dinner at a family-run osteria

Pick a modest, well-reviewed osteria for traditional Roman dishes at friendly prices—go early to secure a table on busy nights.
EUR20, 1h30m.

10:00PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Rome (night 2)

Return to your accommodation to rest and prepare for the Pompeii day trip tomorrow.
EUR70, 0h30m.
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Day 3: Pompeii Day Trip

Pompeii (day trip from Rome), Italy on February 17, 2026

6:00AM

Early train Rome → Naples (high-speed or intercity)

Take an early high-speed or intercity train to Napoli Centrale; book in advance for the best fares—journey time ~1–1.5 hours depending on service.
EUR30, 1h15m.

8:00AM

Circumvesuviana train Naples → Pompeii Scavi

Transfer to the local Circumvesuviana train for a cheap direct ride to Pompeii Scavi station, which is adjacent to the archaeological site.
EUR3, 0h40m.

9:00AM

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Explore the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii—site opening times in winter are usually similar but check the official calendar; allow 3–4 hours for main highlights and walking, bring water and comfortable shoes.
EUR16, 3h30m.

1:00PM

Lunch: pizzeria or cafe near the site

Refuel with an economical pizza or pasta at a nearby cafe before returning to Naples and then to Rome.
EUR12, 1h0m.

2:30PM

Return Circumvesuviana → Naples & train to Rome

Head back to Napoli Centrale and board a prebooked intercity/high-speed train to Rome; include transfer buffer time for connections.
EUR30, 2h30m.

7:30PM

Light dinner near accommodation

Have a relaxed, budget-friendly dinner close to where you're staying—after a long day it's best to keep it simple.
EUR15, 1h0m.

9:00PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Rome (night 3)

Rest up in Rome before tomorrow's transfer to Florence.
EUR70, 0h30m.
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Day 4: Travel to Florence & Accademia

Florence, Italy on February 18, 2026

7:30AM

Breakfast & train Rome → Florence

Quick breakfast then board an early economy/intercity train to Florence Santa Maria Novella; booking in advance brings the cheapest fares—travel ~1.5–2 hours on high-speed.
EUR25, 2h0m.

10:30AM

Check-in / luggage drop

Drop luggage at a centrally located budget guesthouse near the Duomo or SMN station so you can explore on foot all day.
EUR0, 0h30m.

11:00AM

Galleria dell'Accademia (David) — prebooked

See Michelangelo's David at the Accademia; prebooked timed-entry tickets minimize lines—gallery hours vary in winter so confirm for your date.
EUR16, 1h30m.

12:45PM

Lunch: Tuscan panino or small trattoria

Enjoy an affordable panino or a simple trattoria pasta near the Accademia to taste Tuscan flavors without a large bill.
EUR10, 0h45m.

2:00PM

Duomo exterior & optional climb (booked separately)

Admire the Duomo, Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile from outside; if you want panoramic city views buy a combined timed ticket for the dome/campanile (book ahead as slots in February can fill).
EUR0, 2h0m.

4:30PM

Ponte Vecchio & Oltrarno wandering

Cross the Arno to browse artisan workshops and scenic streets in Oltrarno—this is free and offers a quieter, authentic Florentine vibe.
EUR0, 1h0m.

7:30PM

Dinner at a budget trattoria

Dine at an unpretentious local trattoria offering hearty Tuscan dishes at reasonable prices—reserve or arrive early.
EUR18, 1h30m.

9:30PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Florence (night 1)

Settle into your Florence accommodation for a multi-night stay to use as a base for nearby day trips and museum visits.
EUR60, 0h30m.
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Day 5: Pisa Day Trip

Florence, Italy (day trip to Pisa) on February 19, 2026

7:30AM

Breakfast & regional train Florence → Pisa

Have a quick breakfast and take an early regional train to Pisa Centrale (about 1 hour); regional trains are inexpensive and frequent—buy tickets at the station or online.
EUR8, 1h15m.

9:15AM

Piazza dei Miracoli: Leaning Tower & Cathedral

Visit the compact Piazza dei Miracoli to see the Leaning Tower and the cathedral; climbing the tower requires a timed ticket and is optional—verify tower opening hours before booking (winter hours may be shorter).
EUR0, 1h0m.

10:30AM

Baptistery and Camposanto

Explore the Baptistery and Camposanto in the square for their architecture and frescoes—entry fees are modest and combined tickets are often available.
EUR10, 1h0m.

12:30PM

Lunch near the square

Enjoy an affordable lunch of pasta or pizza close to the site to maximize your time in Pisa before returning to Florence.
EUR12, 1h0m.

2:00PM

Return to Florence & optional Boboli Gardens

Take a regional train back to Florence; if you have energy and time, stroll the Boboli Gardens (check seasonal hours; in February weather may be cool but the views remain lovely).
EUR8, 2h0m.

7:30PM

Dinner: pizza, panino or osteria

Choose a casual pizzeria, panino shop or local osteria in Florence for a budget-friendly meal after the day trip.
EUR15, 1h0m.

9:00PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Florence (night 2)

Return to the same Florence accommodation to rest and prepare for tomorrow's Venice day trip.
EUR60, 0h30m.
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Day 6: Venice Day Trip

Venice, Italy (day trip from Florence) on February 20, 2026

6:45AM

Early train Florence → Venice Santa Lucia

Catch an early intercity/regional train to Venice Santa Lucia; book in advance for cheaper fares—journey typically 2–3 hours depending on service.
EUR25, 3h0m.

10:15AM

Piazza San Marco & St. Mark's Basilica (exterior)

Arrive in St. Mark's Square for iconic views; interior entry to the basilica may have limited hours—check opening times for February before planning interior visits.
EUR0, 1h0m.

12:00PM

Lunch: cicchetti hopping in a bacaro

Sample cicchetti (Venetian small plates) at local bacari for an affordable, varied lunch experience typical of Venice.
EUR12, 1h0m.

1:30PM

Rialto Bridge & market stroll

Explore the Rialto area and market stalls—wandering is free and gives a good sense of Venetian daily life.
EUR0, 0h45m.

2:30PM

Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal

Take a vaporetto (water bus) for scenic views along the Grand Canal—single rides are far more budget-friendly than a gondola and still memorable; check vaporetto timetables for your travel day.
EUR8, 0h45m.

4:00PM

Wander Cannaregio or Dorsoduro & early dinner

Head to Cannaregio or Dorsoduro neighborhoods to find more affordable dinner options away from the busiest tourist zones.
EUR18, 1h30m.

6:30PM

Return train Venice → Florence

Board an evening train back to Florence (booked in advance) so you are based there for the next day's Siena + San Gimignano excursion.
EUR25, 3h0m.

10:00PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Florence (night 3)

Return to your Florence accommodation to rest after a long but rewarding day trip.
EUR60, 0h30m.
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Day 7: Siena & San Gimignano (loop)

Florence, Italy (excursion to Siena & San Gimignano) on February 21, 2026

6:45AM

Train Florence (SMN) → Siena (regional train)

Take an early regional train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Siena (some services require a change, commonly at Empoli; total journey time ~1h40). Check Trenitalia timetables and validate paper tickets if required.
EUR12, 1h40m.

8:30AM

Piazza del Campo (Siena) & morning stroll

Arrive in Siena and wander the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo to appreciate the medieval civic heart of the city—walking the square is free and especially pleasant in the morning.
EUR0, 0h45m.

9:15AM

Siena Cathedral (Duomo) complex

Visit the Duomo di Siena and the cathedral complex (Museo dell'Opera / Baptistery); the complex generally opens in the morning—check exact hours and consider a combined ticket for multiple parts.
EUR8, 1h0m.

10:30AM

Late breakfast / light snack in Siena

Enjoy a coffee and pastry or a quick panino in Siena's historic center to refuel before catching the regional bus to San Gimignano.
EUR6, 0h30m.

11:15AM

Bus Siena → San Gimignano (regional bus)

Board a regional SITA/Tiemme bus from Siena to San Gimignano (direct buses run several times daily); the journey is typically 50–75 minutes—confirm the timetable the day before and buy the ticket at the station or authorized vendor.
EUR6, 1h15m.

12:45PM

Arrive San Gimignano & lunch

Arrive in the medieval hill town and have lunch at an affordable trattoria or panino shop—San Gimignano can be touristy, so choose side-street spots for better prices.
EUR12, 1h0m.

2:00PM

Explore towers & historic center

Wander the compact historic center, admire the skyline of medieval towers, enter small museums or climb Torre Grossa if open (check tower opening hours; climbing requires a ticket).
EUR6, 1h30m.

3:45PM

Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli & viewpoints

Treat yourself to the famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli and stroll to nearby viewpoints or ramparts for classic Tuscan panoramas—affordable and iconic.
EUR4, 0h30m.

4:30PM

Bus San Gimignano → Poggibonsi (short regional bus)

Catch a short local bus from San Gimignano down to Poggibonsi (bus schedules connect to regional trains back to Florence); buy tickets locally and confirm times the day before.
EUR2, 0h20m.

5:00PM

Train Poggibonsi → Florence (regional train)

Board a regional train from Poggibonsi-San Gimignano station to Florence SMN; journey time ~1h20—verify connections and allow time for transfers.
EUR6, 1h20m.

6:30PM

Arrive back in Florence & brief rest

Return to your Florence guesthouse to rest and freshen up after the day of travel—central location helps minimize last-mile transport costs.
EUR0, 0h30m.

7:30PM

Dinner in Florence: modest osteria

Enjoy a low-budget dinner at a neighborhood osteria or pizzeria to celebrate the day's sights—ask locals for recommended affordable spots.
EUR18, 1h30m.

9:30PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Florence (night 4)

Return to your accommodation to pack light for tomorrow's final Florence morning and travel back to Rome.
EUR60, 0h30m.
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Day 8: Uffizi Morning & Return to Rome — Flight to Rio

Florence → Rome → Flight to Rio (departing Rome Fiumicino), Italy/Brazil on February 22, 2026

7:30AM

Check-out or luggage storage at accommodation

Check out and either leave luggage at the guesthouse or use a luggage storage near SMN so you can move freely for the morning Uffizi visit.
EUR0, 0h20m.

8:15AM

Breakfast: quick coffee & pastry

Grab a quick coffee and pastry near your accommodation to arrive at the Uffizi on time; many cafes open early but check local opening hours.
EUR5, 0h20m.

9:00AM

Uffizi Gallery — morning visit (prebooked)

Visit the Uffizi in the morning to see masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo and others; prebooked timed tickets are strongly recommended and opening times vary—confirm and book ahead.
EUR20, 2h0m.

11:15AM

Quick lunch near the Arno

Choose an inexpensive panino, focaccia or small trattoria near the Arno to save time before the train—avoid dining in tourist-heavy spots to keep costs down.
EUR10, 0h45m.

12:30PM

Collect luggage & transfer to Santa Maria Novella station

Return to your accommodation or luggage storage, collect belongings and head to Florence SMN station for the afternoon train to Rome (allow time for lines and station navigation).
EUR0, 0h30m.

1:30PM

Train Florence → Rome (fast train)

Board a high-speed train to Roma Termini; book an early-afternoon service so you arrive in Rome with several hours before your international flight—journey ~1h30–1h45.
EUR25, 1h45m.

3:15PM

Arrive Rome Termini & store luggage if needed

Arrive at Termini and either store luggage (short-term lockers) or proceed to explore nearby (Trevi/Spanish Steps) briefly—keep an eye on time to ensure comfortable arrival at the airport later.
EUR6, 0h30m.

4:00PM

Afternoon: light sightseeing or rest

Use this window to visit any missed Rome highlights (quick return to Pantheon/Trevi) or rest in a cafe; always check opening hours as some places close early in winter.
EUR0, 2h0m.

6:30PM

Dinner near Termini: budget trattoria or panini

Have an early, budget-friendly dinner near Termini to avoid last-minute rush—opt for tried local spots rather than tourist traps for better prices and portions.
EUR15, 1h0m.

8:00PM

Leonardo Express Roma Termini → Fiumicino (to airport)

Board the Leonardo Express to Fiumicino to reach the airport in ~32 minutes; plan to arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before an intercontinental flight (flight departs 23:00).
EUR14, 0h40m.

8:45PM

Arrive Fiumicino — check-in & security

Arrive at airport, check in for your flight to Rio, pass security and complete departures procedures; allow time for possible queues and additional checks.
EUR0, 2h15m.

11:00PM

Flight departs Rome (FCO) → Rio de Janeiro

Board your overnight flight departing at 23:00; ensure passports, boarding passes and any required health documents are ready in advance.
EUR0, —
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed