7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary

Friday, April 5: Rome, Italy

In the morning, explore the ancient wonders of Rome including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica and marvel at the art in the Vatican Museums. In the evening, wander through the charming streets of Trastevere and enjoy traditional Roman cuisine.

• Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill: €15 (estimated cost), 4 hours
• Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums: €20 (estimated cost), 3 hours
• Trastevere: €10 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Saturday, April 6: Como Lake, Italy

Start your day with a boat ride on the picturesque Como Lake, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside towns. In the afternoon, explore the town of Como and visit the beautiful Villa Olmo. As the evening approaches, take a funicular to Brunate and admire the panoramic sunset views.

• Como Lake boat ride: €20 (estimated cost), 4 hours
• Town of Como, Villa Olmo: €10 (estimated cost), 3 hours
• Brunate funicular: €5 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Sunday, April 7: Dolomite Alps, Italy

Spend the day surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomite Alps. Take a scenic drive through the mountain passes, stopping at picturesque villages along the way. Enjoy hiking or simply relax and soak in the stunning alpine landscapes. End the day with a delicious South Tyrolean dinner.

• Dolomite Alps scenic drive: €15 (estimated cost), 6 hours
• Hiking or leisure time: Free, flexible
• South Tyrolean dinner: €15 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Monday, April 8: Vienna, Austria

Start your day by exploring the grand Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, visit the historical center of Vienna and admire the stunning architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral. End the day by enjoying a classical music concert in one of the city's renowned concert halls.

• Schönbrunn Palace: €14 (estimated cost), 4 hours
• Vienna city center, St. Stephen's Cathedral: Free, 3 hours
• Classical music concert: €20 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Tuesday, April 9: Prague, Czech Republic

Start your day by exploring the iconic Prague Castle and its beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of the Old Town and visit the famous Astronomical Clock. End the day by enjoying traditional Czech cuisine and live music in a local pub.

• Prague Castle: €10 (estimated cost), 4 hours
• Old Town, Astronomical Clock: Free, 3 hours
• Traditional Czech dinner and live music: €15 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Wednesday, April 10: Bratislava, Slovakia

Take a short train ride to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Explore the charming Old Town, visit Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, and enjoy a boat ride along the Danube River. In the evening, savor traditional Slovak cuisine and try local beers in a cozy pub.

• Bratislava Old Town: Free, 3 hours
• Bratislava Castle: €10 (estimated cost), 2 hours
• Danube River boat ride: €10 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Thursday, April 11: Budapest, Hungary

Start your day by exploring the majestic Buda Castle and enjoying the panoramic views of Budapest. In the afternoon, visit the famous Hungarian Parliament Building and take a relaxing thermal bath in one of the city's renowned spas. End the day with a cruise along the Danube River, admiring the city illuminated at night.

• Buda Castle: Free, 4 hours
• Hungarian Parliament Building: €10 (estimated cost), 3 hours
• Thermal bath: €20 (estimated cost), 2 hours
• Danube River cruise: €15 (estimated cost), 2 hours

Restaurants

• A charming café near Buda Castle, offering freshly baked pastries and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 10€ per person.
• A cozy bistro in the heart of Budapest, known for its traditional Hungarian dishes and friendly service. Average cost for a meal is about 15€ per person.
• A trendy restaurant located by the Danube River, serving contemporary Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 20€ per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For shoestring budget travelers, don't miss the hidden gem of Trastevere in Rome, where you can find authentic local trattorias and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. In Prague, explore the lesser-known neighborhood of Žižkov, known for its quirky bars and stunning views from the TV Tower. In Budapest, visit the ruin bars, unique bars set up in abandoned buildings, for a truly local experience without breaking the bank.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.