5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Italy

  • Day 1: Rome
    Estimated time from airport: 1 hour (using public transport)

    Explore the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built. Then visit the Pantheon, one of the most significant and preserved buildings from ancient Rome. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Trevi Fountain.

  • Day 2: Florence
    Estimated time from Rome: 1.5 hours (using train)

    Start your day at the beautiful Galleria dell'Accademia, home to the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. Continue to explore the city and visit the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence that's lined with jewelry shops.

  • Day 3: Cinque Terre
    Estimated time from Florence: 2.5 hours (using train)

    Take a scenic train ride to the beautiful coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Hike the Vernazza Trail for incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and colorful, picturesque villages. End the day with some fresh seafood in any of the local restaurants.

  • Day 4: Venice
    Estimated time from Cinque Terre: 4.5 hours (using train)

    Start your day in Piazza San Marco, home to some of the most iconic landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace and the St. Mark's Basilica. Then take a gondola ride through the beautiful canals of Venice. End the day with a visit to the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Venice.

  • Day 5: Milan
    Estimated time from Venice: 2 hours (using train)

    Start your day at Il Duomo di Milano, one of the most iconic buildings in Milan, and take in the stunning views from the top. Then visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, a beautiful art gallery that is home to some of the finest artworks from the Italian Renaissance era. End the day with a visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Colosseum (2-3 hours, €12-€14)
  • Pantheon (1-2 hours, free)
  • Trevi Fountain (30 minutes, free)
  • Galleria dell'Accademia (2-3 hours, €12-€16)
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (1-2 hours, free)
  • Ponte Vecchio (30 minutes, free)
  • Vernazza Trail (2-3 hours, €7.50)
  • Piazza San Marco (1-2 hours, free)
  • Doge’s Palace (2-3 hours, €20)
  • St. Mark's Basilica (1-2 hours, free)
  • Gondola ride (30 minutes - 1 hour, €80)
  • Rialto Bridge (30 minutes, free)
  • Il Duomo di Milano (2-3 hours, €3-€5)
  • Pinacoteca di Brera (2-3 hours, €10)
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €152-€180

Transportation

Traveling in Italy can be easily and affordably done using the train. With plenty of stations and schedules, it is the most convenient way to move between cities. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, as prices are often lower. Also, consider getting a tourist card, which offers discounts on public transportation and museum entries. Overall, budget anywhere from €70-€100 for transportation costs depending on the itinerary.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day to explore Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, if you have less time, cut out Cinque Terre and extend your stay in Rome and Florence for more in-depth experiences. Consider visiting attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and higher ticket prices. Lastly, budget travelers can save money by eating local street food and using budget accommodations such as hostels.

Airports

The largest airport in Italy is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), also known as Fiumicino, located in Rome, approximately 35 km southwest of the city center. The smaller Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) serves Florence and is approximately 5 km northwest of the city center. The Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located 8 km north of Venice, and the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest international airport serving Milan, located approximately 50 km northwest of the city center.

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