5-Day Shoestring Budget Travel Itinerary for Italy

Day 1: Exploring Rome's History

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Visit the Colosseum

Start your day by exploring the iconic Colosseum, immersing yourself in the ancient history of Rome.
Take the metro to Colosseo station
€12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, imagining life in ancient Rome amidst the grand structures.
Short walk from the Colosseum
€12, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trastevere

Enjoy a budget-friendly Roman meal in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, known for its authentic eateries.
Take a bus or tram to Trastevere
€10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Pantheon

Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple.
Walk from Trastevere or take a bus
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Trevi Fountain

Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this popular landmark.
Walk from the Pantheon
Free, 0.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Campo de' Fiori

Enjoy a casual dinner at the Campo de' Fiori market square, savoring traditional Roman street food.
Walk to Campo de' Fiori
€15, 1 hour
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Day 2: Art & Culture in Florence

Florence, Italy

9:00AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Start your day with a visit to the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
Walk from the city center
€12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Indulge in Tuscan delicacies at Mercato Centrale, a vibrant indoor food market offering budget-friendly options.
Short walk from Uffizi Gallery
€10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ponte Vecchio

Take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, lined with charming shops and stunning views of the Arno River.
Walk from Mercato Centrale
Free, 0.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Duomo

Admire the grandeur of Florence's Duomo Cathedral and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Short walk from Ponte Vecchio
€18, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria All'Antico Vinaio

Savor delicious and affordable panini at Osteria All'Antico Vinaio, a popular spot among locals and tourists.
Walk to Via dei Neri
€10, 1 hour
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Day 3: Canal Exploration in Venice

Venice, Italy

9:00AM

Take a Gondola Ride

Embark on a budget-friendly gondola ride to experience the charm of Venice's intricate canal network.
Start at a gondola station near St. Mark's Square
€20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the stunning Byzantine architecture of St. Mark's Basilica, a symbol of Venice's rich history.
Walk from the gondola station
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Bacaro

Enjoy a Venetian-style tapas lunch at a local bacaro, sampling small plates and local wines.
Stroll through the streets of Venice
€15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Rialto Market

Wander through the bustling Rialto Market, where you can admire fresh produce and local goods.
Walk from lunch spot
Free, 0.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in an elegant palazzo along the Grand Canal.
Vaporetto ride to the museum
€15, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Santa Marina

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Osteria Santa Marina, known for its delicious Venetian cuisine at affordable prices.
Walk to Campo Santa Marina
€20, 1 hour
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Day 4: Modern & Fashionable Milan

Milan, Italy

10:00AM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore the historic Sforza Castle, now a museum complex showcasing art, history, and culture.
Short walk from the city center
€10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Luini

Grab a delicious and budget-friendly panzerotto (fried calzone) at Luini, a staple of Milan's street food scene.
Walking distance from Sforza Castle
€5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Browse luxury boutiques and admire the stunning architecture of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping arcade.
Walk from Luini
Window shopping is free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Discover Street Art in Isola District

Explore the vibrant street art scene in Milan's Isola district, known for its colorful murals and artistic flair.
Take the metro to Isola
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Aperitivo at Navigli District

Experience the Milanese tradition of aperitivo by enjoying drinks and snacks along the picturesque Naviglio Grande canal.
Take the tram to Navigli
€10, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Osteria del Treno

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Osteria del Treno, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Lombard cuisine.
Walk to Via San Gregorio
€25, 1 hour
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Day 5: Coastal Delights in Naples

Naples, Italy

9:00AM

Explore Spaccanapoli

Stroll along Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that cuts through the historic heart of Naples, lined with shops and eateries.
Start at Via San Biagio dei Librai
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

Discover ancient artifacts and sculptures at the Naples National Archaeological Museum, offering insights into the city's past.
Walk from Spaccanapoli
€10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba

Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza at Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, one of the oldest pizzerias in Naples.
Short walk from the museum
€8, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Castel dell'Ovo

Take in panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples from Castel dell'Ovo, a seaside castle with a rich history.
Bus or walk from the pizzeria
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Lungomare Caracciolo

Unwind along Lungomare Caracciolo, Naples' picturesque waterfront promenade, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.
Walk from the castle
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Michele

Savor a classic Margherita pizza at Ristorante Da Michele, a legendary pizzeria featured in 'Eat Pray Love'.
Walk to Via Cesare Sersale
€12, 1 hour
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