Shoestring Budget Adventure in Italy, France & London

Day -15: Arrival in Rome

Rome, Italy on July 15, 2024

10:00 AM

Colosseum Visit

Immerse yourself in ancient history at the iconic Colosseum, marveling at its grandeur and learning about the gladiatorial battles.
Take the metro to Colosseo station. Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time and money.
EUR 12, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Pasta Lunch at Trastevere

Enjoy a delicious plate of traditional Italian pasta in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its quaint streets and authentic eateries.
Walk or take a short bus ride to Trastevere. Look for local trattorias for budget-friendly options.
EUR 10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Vatican City Exploration

Visit St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums to admire priceless art, history, and the stunning architecture of the Vatican.
Take a bus or walk to Vatican City. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for both attractions.
EUR 20, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner near Trevi Fountain

Indulge in a budget-friendly meal while enjoying the magical ambiance of the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome's most famous landmarks.
Stroll to Trevi Fountain area and look for local eateries offering affordable Roman dishes.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day -14: Exploring Rome's Hidden Gems

Rome, Italy on July 16, 2024

9:00 AM

Roman Forum Visit

Step back in time at the Roman Forum, wandering through ancient ruins, temples, and arches that once formed the heart of Rome.
Walk from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum. Consider getting a combined ticket with the Colosseum for savings.
EUR 12, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Campo de' Fiori Market

Grab a quick and tasty bite at the vibrant Campo de' Fiori Market, sampling fresh produce, street food, and local delicacies.
Stroll to Campo de' Fiori Market from the Roman Forum. Try the pizza bianca or panini for a budget-friendly meal.
EUR 8, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Capitoline Hill Views

Climb up Capitoline Hill for panoramic views of Rome and visit the Capitoline Museums to see ancient artifacts and art collections.
Walk from Campo de' Fiori to Capitoline Hill. Enjoy the free access to the hill and consider the museums for a small fee.
EUR 10, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Relaxing at Villa Borghese

Spend a peaceful evening in the lush Villa Borghese Gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll, picnicking, and enjoying nature within the city.
Take a bus or walk to Villa Borghese from Capitoline Hill. Entry to the gardens is free, bring snacks for a budget-friendly picnic.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day -13: Traveling to Florence

Florence, Italy on July 17, 2024

8:00 AM

Train to Florence

Take a budget-friendly train ride from Rome to Florence, enjoying scenic views of the Italian countryside along the way.
Head to the train station in Rome and book a ticket on a regional train to Florence. Opt for early booking to save on fares.
EUR 30, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Savor a variety of Tuscan specialties at Mercato Centrale, a bustling food market offering affordable and authentic Italian dishes.
Walk to Mercato Centrale from the train station. Explore the stalls and choose from different vendors for a budget-friendly meal.
EUR 15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Duomo & Bell Tower Visit

Marvel at the magnificent Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, and climb Giotto's Bell Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
Walk from Mercato Centrale to the Duomo. Purchase a combined ticket for the Cathedral, Bell Tower, and Baptistry.
EUR 18, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Ponte Vecchio Stroll

Take a leisurely walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge, lined with historic shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs.
Walk from the Duomo to Ponte Vecchio. Admire the views and browse the shops without making any purchases for a free experience.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day -12: Discovering Florence's Art & Culture

Florence, Italy on July 18, 2024

9:00 AM

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Explore one of the most famous art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Book tickets online in advance to skip the lines and save money. The gallery is located a short walk from the Duomo.
EUR 16, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Piazza della Signoria

Dine al fresco at Piazza della Signoria, a picturesque square surrounded by historic buildings and statues, enjoying budget-friendly Italian fare.
Walk from the Uffizi Gallery to Piazza della Signoria. Look for small cafes offering affordable lunch menus.
EUR 12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Medici Chapel & San Lorenzo Market

Visit the opulent Medici Chapel to admire its intricate design, then explore the vibrant San Lorenzo Market for souvenirs and local products.
Walk to the Medici Chapel from Piazza della Signoria. Shop for affordable gifts at the market known for leather goods and more.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

Capture panoramic views of Florence at sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, a popular spot to watch the city light up as dusk falls.
Take a bus or hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a free and unforgettable experience.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day -11: Roaming Venice's Canals

Venice, Italy on July 19, 2024

9:00 AM

St. Mark's Square & Basilica

Begin your day at St. Mark's Square, admiring the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica and the intricate architecture of the Doge's Palace.
Take a water bus or walk to St. Mark's Square. Consider purchasing a Museum Pass for access to multiple attractions.
EUR 15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Cicchetti Lunch

Sample Venetian cicchetti, small plates of delicious seafood and local specialties, at a traditional bacaro to taste the flavors of Venice.
Explore the back alleys for authentic bacaros offering a wide variety of cicchetti at affordable prices.
EUR 10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Gondola Ride

Experience an iconic gondola ride through Venice's picturesque canals, enjoying views of historic buildings, bridges, and hidden gems.
Haggle for a reasonable price for a gondola ride at the nearest gondola station. Consider sharing the ride with other travelers.
EUR 20, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Rialto Bridge Exploration

Stroll across the famous Rialto Bridge, browsing the shops and market stalls for souvenirs, jewelry, and local products.
Walk from the gondola station to the Rialto Bridge. Bargain with vendors for budget-friendly purchases.
Variable, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day -10: Departing to Paris

Paris, France on July 20, 2024

8:00 AM

Flight to Paris

Catch a budget flight from Venice to Paris, saving time and money on travel between countries.
Head to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your flight to Paris. Book in advance for the best deals on budget airlines.
EUR 50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Montmartre

Dine in the artsy Montmartre district, enjoying French cuisine at charming cafes while soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.
Take the metro to Montmartre from the airport. Look for smaller eateries away from the main tourist areas for affordable meals.
EUR 15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Sacré-Cœur & Artist Colony

Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of Paris, then explore the nearby artist colony of Montmartre with its charming streets and studios.
Walk from the restaurant to Sacré-Cœur. Keep an eye out for street artists selling their works in Montmartre.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Seine River Cruise

Hop on a budget-friendly Seine River cruise to see Paris' iconic landmarks from the water, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Louvre.
Catch a boat near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. Opt for a one-hour cruise for the best value and views.
EUR 12, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability