7-Day Shoestring Budget Tour of Venice, Rome, Palermo, Florence, Milan & Paris

Day 1: Venetian Delights

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

St. Mark's Basilica

Start your day with a visit to the stunning St. Mark's Basilica, known for its opulent design and Byzantine art. The morning light adds a magical touch to the mosaics.
Free entry, but consider a small donation, 1-2 hours

11:00AM

Rialto Market

Head to the Rialto Market to experience the bustling atmosphere and vibrant colors of local produce. It's a great place to find affordable snacks and souvenirs.
Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Trattoria Antiche Carampane

For a budget-friendly yet authentic Venetian lunch, try Trattoria Antiche Carampane. Their seafood dishes are a must-try, and the prices are reasonable.
$15-20 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gondola Ride

Take a budget-friendly gondola ride along the smaller canals of Venice to experience the city from a unique perspective. Bargain with the gondoliers for a good deal.
Negotiable, aim for around $30-40 for 30 minutes, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Trattoria Da Fiore

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Trattoria Da Fiore, known for its homely atmosphere and affordable Venetian cuisine. Try their risotto or pasta dishes for a satisfying meal.
$20-25 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Venetian Exploration

Venice, Italy

9:00AM

Doge's Palace

Start your day with a visit to the Doge's Palace, an architectural marvel filled with history and art. Consider purchasing a combined ticket with other attractions for savings.
Around $20 for combined ticket, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Bacareto Da Lele

For a quick and budget-friendly lunch, head to Bacareto Da Lele for their delectable cicchetti (small snacks) and a glass of local wine. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
$10-15 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Rooftop Terrace at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Take in panoramic views of Venice for free from the rooftop terrace of T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a luxury department store. It's a great photo spot without spending a dime.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Neighborhoods

Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming neighborhoods of Venice, such as Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, to soak in the local culture and architecture.
Free, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Osteria Al Squero

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Osteria Al Squero, a cozy eatery known for its affordable Venetian specialties. Try their sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) for a unique taste of Venice.
$20-25 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Roman Wonders

Rome, Italy

9:00AM

Colosseum

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an impressive ancient amphitheater. Opt for a guided tour or use the Roma Pass for access to multiple attractions.
Roma Pass: €28 (valid for 48 hours), 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Campo de' Fiori Market

Explore the vibrant Campo de' Fiori Market for an array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and affordable souvenirs. It's a great place to grab a quick and budget-friendly lunch.
Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours

2:00PM

Pantheon

Visit the magnificent Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple. Entry is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly attraction with awe-inspiring architecture.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Trevi Fountain

Make a wish at the stunning Trevi Fountain and enjoy people-watching in this iconic Roman square. It's a popular spot for budget-friendly entertainment and relaxation.
Free, 30 minutes - 1 hour

7:00PM

Trattoria Der Pallaro

Savor a traditional Roman dinner at Trattoria Der Pallaro, a family-run eatery offering a set menu of classic dishes. The atmosphere is lively and the prices are wallet-friendly.
Fixed menu: around €25 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Roman Exploration

Rome, Italy

9:00AM

Vatican Museums

Embark on a morning visit to the Vatican Museums, home to an extraordinary collection of art and history. Consider booking in advance to save on entry fees.
Around €17-21 for online booking, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Pizzarium

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at Pizzarium, a renowned pizzeria offering a wide selection of gourmet pizza by the slice. It's a favorite among locals and budget-conscious travelers.
Around €5-10 for a filling meal, 1 hour

2:00PM

St. Peter's Basilica

Marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Entry to the basilica is free, making it a must-visit for budget travelers.
Free entry, small fee for dome climb, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Janiculum Hill

Take a leisurely stroll to Janiculum Hill for panoramic views of Rome without spending a dime. It's an ideal place to unwind and capture stunning sunset photos.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Da Enzo Al 29

End your day with a delightful dinner at Da Enzo Al 29, a cozy trattoria known for its authentic Roman cuisine at reasonable prices. Try their cacio e pepe for a taste of Rome.
Around €20-25 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Palermo's Charms

Palermo, Italy

9:00AM

Palermo Cathedral

Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Palermo Cathedral, a blend of architectural styles and historical significance. Entry is free, allowing you to admire its beauty on a budget.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Street Food at Ballarò Market

Indulge in Palermo's vibrant street food scene at Ballarò Market, where you can find a variety of affordable and delicious local specialties. Try arancini, panelle, and sfincione.
Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Palazzo dei Normanni

Explore the Palazzo dei Normanni, a historic palace with stunning architecture and the famous Capella Palatina. Budget-friendly entry allows you to delve into Sicily's rich heritage.
Around €10 for combined ticket, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Trattoria Biondo

Enjoy a warm and welcoming dinner at Trattoria Biondo, known for its delectable Sicilian cuisine at affordable prices. Don't miss their pasta con le sarde or cassata for dessert.
Around €20-25 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 6: Florentine Delights

Florence, Italy

9:00AM

Galleria dell'Accademia

Start your day at the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's iconic David sculpture. Opt for the budget-friendly early bird entry to avoid crowds and save on ticket fees.
Around €12 for early bird entry, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

All'Antico Vinaio

Savor a budget-friendly lunch at All'Antico Vinaio, a popular sandwich shop offering an array of mouthwatering panini filled with Tuscan flavors. It's a local favorite for a reason.
Around €5-10 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with charming shops. You can enjoy the views and take memorable photos without spending a dime.
Free, 30 minutes - 1 hour

4:00PM

Uffizi Gallery

Visit the Uffizi Gallery during the last hour of entry, when tickets are discounted, to admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and more on a budget.
Discounted entry fee in the last hour, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Trattoria Mario

Conclude your day with a satisfying dinner at Trattoria Mario, a no-frills eatery beloved by locals and visitors for its hearty Tuscan fare at affordable prices. Try their ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina.
Around €15-20 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Milanese Charms

Milan, Italy

9:00AM

Duomo di Milano

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece. Climb to the rooftop for panoramic views or attend a budget-friendly early morning mass.
Cathedral entry: around €3-4, rooftop access additional, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Luini

Satisfy your hunger with an affordable panzerotto (savory filled pastry) from Luini, a historic bakery near the Duomo. It's a beloved local spot for a quick and budget-friendly snack.
Around €2-5 per panzerotto, 30 minutes

2:00PM

Sforza Castle & Sempione Park

Explore the grounds of Sforza Castle and the adjacent Sempione Park, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Enjoy the castle's courtyards and the park's green spaces for free.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Navigli District

Stroll along the picturesque canals of the Navigli district, admiring the unique atmosphere and browsing the budget-friendly vintage shops and art galleries in the area.
Free, shopping costs vary, 1-2 hours

8:00PM

Trattoria Madonnina

End your Milanese adventure with a delightful dinner at Trattoria Madonnina, a cozy eatery offering classic Milanese dishes at reasonable prices. Try their ossobuco or risotto milanese.
Around €20-25 per person, 1-2 hours
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Day 8: Parisian Marvels

Paris, France

9:00AM

Louvre Museum

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art including the iconic Mona Lisa. Opt for the budget-friendly evening entry on certain days.
Discounted evening entry fee, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Local Boulangerie

Grab a budget-friendly lunch at a local boulangerie, where you can enjoy a freshly baked baguette, croissant, or quiche. It's a quintessential French experience without breaking the bank.
Budget-friendly, 1 hour

2:00PM

Seine River Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Seine River, admiring the city's iconic landmarks and soaking in the charming Parisian atmosphere. It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy the city.
Free, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Montmartre

Explore the artsy neighborhood of Montmartre, known for its bohemian vibe and stunning views from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur. Enjoy the street art and budget-friendly souvenir shopping.
Free, shopping costs vary, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Le Relais Gascon

Conclude your Parisian adventure with a delightful dinner at Le Relais Gascon, a charming bistro offering affordable prix-fixe menus with classic French dishes. Indulge in their crème brûlée for a sweet ending.
Around €20-25 per person, 1-2 hours
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