9-Day Family Friendly Italy Rail Trip on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Rome, Italy

10:00AM

Colosseum Tour

Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, where kids can marvel at the history of gladiators and the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Take Metro Line B to Colosseo station.
EUR 18, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Boccaccia

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal of delicious Roman-style pizza at La Boccaccia.
Walk 10 minutes from the Colosseum.
EUR 8 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Roman Forum Exploration

Stroll through the Roman Forum and let the kids engage in a treasure hunt for different historical landmarks.
Located adjacent to the Colosseum; entrance included with Colosseum ticket.
Included, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll to Piazza Navona

Wander through the streets of Rome to beautiful Piazza Navona, where kids can enjoy the fountains.
Walk 30 minutes from Roman Forum.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri

Treat the family to some of the best gelato in Rome to cool off after a day of sightseeing.
A short 10-minute walk from Piazza Navona.
EUR 3 per person, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Explore Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio

Kick start the day with fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery.
Walk 5 minutes from accommodation.
EUR 5 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Vatican City

Tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, beneficial for kids to learn about art and history.
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano station.
EUR 17, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Loffredo

Grab a quick slice of pizza from this renowned spot that is family friendly and budget conscious.
5-minute walk from Vatican.
EUR 7 per person, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore St. Peter's Basilica

Admire the architecture and if you’re up for it, climb to the dome for stunning views of Rome.
Short walk from lunch spot.
Free; dome climb EUR 8, 2 hours

5:00PM

Walk along the Tiber River

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river with plenty of spots to take family photos.
Head towards the riverbank from St. Peter's.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Carloni

Experience authentic Roman cuisine at this family-friendly trattoria.
Take public transport back to the accommodation.
EUR 12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Train to Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start the day with a hearty breakfast of omelets and freshly brewed coffee.
Located 10 minutes from accommodation.
EUR 7 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Florence

Board a train from Rome to Florence, an efficient journey perfect for family travel.
Termini to Santa Maria Novella train station.
EUR 30 per adult, kids under 12 travel free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Arrive in Florence & Check-in

Settle into your budget accommodation and take a moment to rest.
Walk 10 minutes from the train station to accommodation.
EUR 40 per night for family room, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

This bustling spot offers local dishes like ribollita at wallet-friendly prices.
15-minute walk from the accommodation.
EUR 10 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Piazzale Michelangelo

Take in the stunning panoramic views of Florence with family photos.
Bus 12 or 13 from the city center.
EUR 1.50 for bus, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Boboli Gardens

Let the kids run around in the beautiful gardens, a perfect spot for a break.
Walk 10 minutes from Piazzale Michelangelo.
EUR 10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at All’ Antico Vinaio

Famous for their schiacciate, this casual eatery is a must-try for families on a budget.
Walk back to town center.
EUR 8 per person, 1 hour
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Day 4: Explore Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Indulge in a classic Italian breakfast with pastries and espresso.
5-minute walk from hotel.
EUR 5 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore famous artworks that captivate both kids and adults, turn this into a family art lesson!
Walk 10 minutes from breakfast spot.
EUR 20 for adults, free entry for under 18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Choose from a variety of local dishes at this gourmet food market, perfect for picky eaters.
Short walk from Uffizi.
EUR 10 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Climb the Duomo

Conquer the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo for unforgettable views of Florence.
Walk to the Duomo in 5 minutes.
EUR 20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gelato Tasting at Gelateria dei Neri

Savor some of the finest gelato in Florence while the kids will enjoy a sweet break.
Located 15 minutes away, walk through the charming streets.
EUR 3 per person, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Walk in Piazza della Signoria

Relax and let the kids explore the open square filled with sculptures and fountains.
Just a 10-minute walk from gelato stop.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Osteria All’ Antico Vinaio

Finish the day with a family-friendly meal at this great pizzeria known for its quality and atmosphere.
Walk back towards the accommodation.
EUR 12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa

Pisa, Italy

7:30AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Have a light breakfast at a nearby café before heading out.
Walk 5 minutes from accommodation.
EUR 5 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Pisa

Take a local train to Pisa to visit the iconic Leaning Tower.
Train from Santa Maria Novella station.
EUR 8 per adult, kids under 12 travel free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Make your way to the famous Leaning Tower for some fun family photos.
Walk 20 minutes through Pisa to Campo dei Miracoli.
EUR 20 for tower entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Botanical Garden

Grab some groceries and have a picnic in the beautiful botanical gardens nearby.
Walk 15 minutes from the Leaning Tower.
EUR 5 per person for groceries, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Pisa

Wander through Pisa’s historic streets and enjoy local sights, making it a fun family stroll.
Walking tour around the city.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria De’ Coltelli

Stop for some refreshing gelato before heading back to Florence.
Walk to nearby gelato shop.
EUR 3 per person, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Train back to Florence

Head back to Florence with plenty of stories and memories!
Return train from Pisa Centrale.
EUR 8 per adult, kids under 12 travel free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria I' Cugino

Finish with a cozy and affordable dinner at I' Cugino, offering classic Tuscan meals.
Walk from the station 10 minutes.
EUR 10 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Train to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before heading to your next destination.
Located within hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Cinque Terre

Take an early train to Cinque Terre and soak in views of the Ligurian coast.
Train from Santa Maria Novella.
EUR 15 per adult, free for under 12, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Arrive in Monterosso

Get settled in Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages.
Walk to accommodation.
EUR 50 per night for a family room, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Bella Napoli

Dine by the coast with local seafood dishes and pasta.
Walk around the main beach promenade.
EUR 12 per person, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time

Enjoy some family time at the beach, allowing kids to play and relax.
Short walk from restaurant.
Free (beach access may vary), 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Vernazza

Take a short train ride to beautiful Vernazza for stunning views and quaint shopping.
Train is 5 minutes from Monterosso.
EUR 4 for train, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Billy

Enjoy an affordable meal with a view of the harbor in Vernazza.
Walking distance from the train station.
EUR 12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy

7:30AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up at your accommodation for a day of exploration.
Included.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Venice

Head to Venice via train for a day filled with memorable landmarks.
Train from Monterosso to La Spezia; then speed train to Venice.
EUR 25 per adult, free for under 12, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Al Timon

Savor traditional Venetian cicchetti (small plates) at this delightful eatery.
Walk from train station to the restaurant.
EUR 10 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore St. Mark’s Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture and mosaics with a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica.
Short walk from lunch.
Free for entry., 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic gondola ride through the canals of Venice for an unforgettable family memory.
Board gondola near St. Mark's.
EUR 80 for 30 minutes (up to 5 people), 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit the Rialto Bridge

Stroll to the iconic Rialto Bridge for great photo opportunities and shopping.
Walk alongside the Grand Canal.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gelato Fantasy

More gelato? Yes, please! Indulge in a dessert to cap off the day.
Short walk from Rialto Bridge.
EUR 3 per person, 30 minutes
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Day 8: Final Day in Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Kick off your day at the hotel before your adventures begin!
Included.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Doge’s Palace

Take the family to see the historical Doge’s Palace and learn about Venice's fascinating history.
Short walk from hotel.
EUR 25 per adult, free for under 18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Oliva Nera

Delight in a hearty Venetian lunch in a charming atmosphere.
5-minute walk from Doge’s Palace.
EUR 10 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Murano for Glassmaking

Take a ferry to Murano to explore the art of glassmaking and maybe pick up a souvenir!
Ferry from San Zaccaria.
EUR 15 return trip for adults, free for under 12, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Venice and afternoon Gelato

Satisfy your sweet tooth one last time with gelato in Venice.
Return ferry from Murano.
EUR 3 per person, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Alla Madonna

Savor traditional Venetian dishes for dinner in a family-friendly restaurant.
Short walk from the gelato shop.
EUR 12 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Venice.
Included.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Milan

Catch the train from Venice to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy.
Train from Santa Lucia station.
EUR 20 per adult, free for under 12, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Arrive in Milan

Settle into a budget accommodation in Milan for your last night.
Walk to accommodation from the train station.
EUR 50 per night for family room, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Pino

Indulge in a delicious meal at this family-friendly trattoria known for its homemade pasta.
Walk 15 minutes from accommodation.
EUR 10 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Milan's cathedral, a must-see for every traveler.
Take the metro from lunch to Duomo station.
Free to enter, tower EUR 12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Walk through the famous shopping gallery and take the family on a window shopping adventure.
Short walk from the Duomo.
Free, shopping optional, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Al Mercatino

Finish your Italian adventure with a delightful meal at this casual and cozy eatery.
Walk back towards accommodation.
EUR 10 per person, 1.5 hours
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