8-Day Low-Budget Italy: Rome & Florence with Day Trips + Return Flight to Rio de Janeiro

Day 1: Arrive & Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on February 15, 2026

8:00AM

Arrive Fiumicino (FCO) & transfer to city

Clear arrivals and take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini for the fastest budget transfer into central Rome; allow time for passport control and luggage.
EUR14, 1h15m.

9:30AM

Check-in or luggage drop

Drop luggage at your centrally located budget guesthouse or hostel near Termini/Colosseum so you can start exploring immediately.
EUR0, 0h30m.

10:00AM

Breakfast: espresso & cornetto at local bar

Grab a quick espresso and cornetto at a neighborhood bar to fuel your first day—bars are the cheapest and fastest breakfast option in Rome.
EUR5, 0h20m.

10:30AM

Colosseum exterior & Roman Forum walk

Walk around the Colosseum exterior and along the Roman Forum area for free panoramic views and atmosphere; entering the Colosseum is optional and ticketed (check opening times, usually ~8:30–16:30 in winter).
EUR0, 2h0m.

1:00PM

Lunch: pizzeria al taglio

Choose pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) or a panino shop for a cheap, filling lunch near the historic center.
EUR10, 1h0m.

2:30PM

Pantheon & Piazza Navona stroll

Walk to the Pantheon (free entry) and enjoy Piazza Navona's fountains and street atmosphere — great for photos and inexpensive wandering.
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 (check for any 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; staying central reduces extra transport costs and simplifies tomorrow's Vatican visit.
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 (Vatican Museums are usually 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 the Sistine Chapel to avoid long queues; confirm opening times for your date as they can vary in low season.
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 with limited slots.
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, adjacent to the archaeological site.
EUR3, 0h40m.

9:00AM

Pompeii Archaeological Park

Explore the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii—site opening times can vary seasonally so check the official calendar; wear comfortable shoes and allow 3–4 hours to see the main highlights.
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; allow buffer time for connections and ticket validation where required.
EUR30, 2h30m.

7:30PM

Light dinner near accommodation

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

9:00PM

Overnight at budget guesthouse — Rome (night 3)

Rest up in Rome before tomorrow's train 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 ahead brings the cheapest fares—high-speed travel is ~1.5–2 hours.
EUR25, 2h0m.

10:30AM

Check-in / luggage drop

Drop luggage at a centrally located budget guesthouse near the Duomo or SMN station to explore Florence 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 simple trattoria pasta near the Accademia to taste Tuscan flavors without a large bill.
EUR10, 0h45m.

2:00PM

Duomo exterior & optional climb

Admire the Duomo, Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile from outside; if you want city views, buy a combined timed ticket for the dome/campanile/museum—slots are limited, especially in low season.
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 for seating.
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 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 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; February can be cool but 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 your travel date.
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 much more budget-friendly than a gondola and still memorable; check vaporetto timetables for your 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 day trip.
EUR60, 0h30m.
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Day 7: Siena + San Gimignano then Uffizi & return to Rome

Florence → Siena → San Gimignano → Florence → Rome, Italy on February 21, 2026

6:45AM

Train Florence (SMN) → Siena (regional)

Take an early regional train from Florence to Siena (some services change at Empoli; total journey ~1h30–1h50). Check Trenitalia timetables and validate tickets if required.
EUR12, 1h40m.

8:30AM

Piazza del Campo (Siena) & Duomo quick visit

Wander Piazza del Campo and visit the Duomo complex if open—check morning opening hours and consider a combined ticket for cathedral sections.
EUR8, 1h15m.

10:30AM

Bus Siena → San Gimignano

Board a regional SITA/Tiemme bus to San Gimignano (about 50–75 minutes); confirm schedules the day before and buy tickets at official vendors.
EUR6, 1h15m.

12:00PM

Lunch in San Gimignano

Have an affordable lunch at a side-street trattoria or panino shop—touristy main streets are typically pricier.
EUR12, 1h0m.

1:15PM

Explore towers & gelato

Wander the medieval streets, admire the skyline of towers and enjoy gelato at Gelateria Dondoli—climbing Torre Grossa is optional and requires a ticket if open.
EUR4, 1h15m.

2:45PM

Return to Florence (bus + train via Poggibonsi)

Take bus to Poggibonsi then regional train back to Florence; allow transfer time and buy local tickets in advance when possible.
EUR8, 1h45m.

4:45PM

Uffizi Gallery (late afternoon visit — timed ticket)

Visit the Uffizi in the late afternoon with a prebooked timed ticket to see key Renaissance masterpieces; verify winter closing times and book the earliest available afternoon slot if morning slots were missed.
EUR20, 1h30m.

6:30PM

Early dinner & collect luggage

Have an early inexpensive dinner in Florence and return to your guesthouse to collect luggage ahead of the train to Rome.
EUR15, 1h0m.

8:00PM

Train Florence → Rome (high-speed/economy)

Board an evening train back to Rome Santa Maria Novella or Termini; book in advance for the best fares and expect ~1.5–2 hours travel time on high-speed services.
EUR25, 2h0m.

10:15PM

Arrive Rome, check-in and overnight

Arrive in Rome and check into a budget guesthouse near Termini or city center for convenience; rest before your final day in Rome and the late-night flight tomorrow.
EUR70, 0h30m.
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Day 8: Final Rome day & depart to Rio

Rome, Italy → Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 22, 2026

8:00AM

Breakfast near accommodation

Enjoy a final simple Italian breakfast at a local bar—espresso and pastry or a panino to keep costs low while you prepare for a relaxed last day.
EUR5, 0h30m.

9:00AM

Villa Borghese & Terrazza del Pincio (free walk)

Stroll Villa Borghese gardens and the Terrazza del Pincio for panoramic views over Rome; this is a budget-friendly way to enjoy green space and city vistas (Borghese Gallery requires prebooked tickets and extra cost).
EUR0, 1h30m.

11:00AM

Last-minute sightseeing: Campo de' Fiori or market visit

Visit Campo de' Fiori market or nearby streets for souvenirs, local snacks, and the chance to buy affordable gifts before departure.
EUR0, 1h0m.

12:30PM

Lunch: affordable trattoria or market fare

Have a final budget-friendly lunch—market stalls or a small neighborhood trattoria offer filling meals without high tourist prices.
EUR12, 1h0m.

2:00PM

Pack, rest, and check-out

Return to your accommodation to pack, check out, and leave any last-minute items at reception if available.
EUR0, 1h30m.

4:00PM

Optional: quick visit to Trastevere or shopping

If time and energy allow, take a short walk in Trastevere for a relaxed atmosphere and final photos; otherwise use this time to rest before heading to the airport.
EUR0, 1h30m.

7:00PM

Depart city center to Fiumicino (FCO)

Leave central Rome with ample time for check-in and security—for a 23:00 international flight aim to arrive at FCO by ~20:00–20:30; take the Leonardo Express from Termini or an airport bus depending on budget and schedule.
EUR14, 1h30m.

9:30PM

At airport: check-in & security

Complete airline check-in, security and any passport control; international flights recommend arriving 3 hours before departure, so arriving earlier avoids stress.
EUR0, 1h30m.

11:00PM

Flight departs Rome → Rio de Janeiro

Overnight international flight from Rome Fiumicino to Rio de Janeiro—confirm terminal and boarding time with your airline and allow extra time for any late changes.
EUR450, 11h0m.
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed