Shoestring Budget Rail Trip through Italy: Milan, Florence, Venice, and Bellagio

Day 1: Arrival in Milan

Milan, Italy on October 5, 2024

9:00AM

Explore Duomo di Milano

Start your day by marveling at the stunning architecture of the Duomo di Milano, the cathedral of Milan.
Take the metro red line to Duomo station.
EUR 0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Enjoy a light breakfast featuring a fresh pastry and cappuccino at this local bakery.
Walk 5 minutes to the bakery from the Duomo.
EUR 4, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Wander through the historic Sforza Castle and its beautiful surrounding parks.
Take a 20-minute walk from the bakery.
EUR 5, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria da Pino

Savor a traditional Italian pasta dish for a budget-friendly lunch.
Walk 10 minutes to the trattoria.
EUR 10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Brera District

Stroll around the artistic Brera District, filled with boutiques and art galleries.
Walk 15 minutes from the trattoria.
EUR 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria della Conca

Wind down with a hearty pizza for dinner in this cozy osteria.
Walk 10 minutes from Brera.
EUR 12, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on October 6, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi

Start your day with a delicious brioche and cappuccino at this historic pastry shop.
Take the metro to Duomo station, then walk.
EUR 5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Last Supper

See the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Ride the metro a few stops to Conciliazione.
EUR 15 (advanced booking recommended), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Wander through this stunning shopping gallery for some window shopping.
Walk 10 minutes from the church.
EUR 0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Taste one of Milan's favorite street foods, the panzerotto, for a quick but delicious meal.
Walk 5 minutes from the gallery.
EUR 6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Continue your art appreciation at the Brera Gallery, known for its Renaissance masterpieces.
Walk back to Brera district.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Savor some local risotto at this traditional trattoria.
Walk 15 minutes from the art gallery.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on October 7, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Gilli

Grab a typical Italian breakfast of espresso and cornetto before your journey.
Walk or take a short metro ride to the café.
EUR 5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Florence

Catch the train to Florence, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Catch the train at Milano Centrale.
EUR 20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Arrival in Florence

Check into your budget accommodation and drop off your luggage before exploring the city.
Walk to your accommodation nearby.
EUR 0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at All’ Antico Vinaio

Experience the famed Florentine sandwich at this renowned eatery.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR 7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Florence Cathedral

Visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and enjoy the beautiful artwork inside.
Walk 10 minutes from lunch.
EUR 0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Get lost in the masterpieces showcased in one of the most famous art museums in the world.
Walk 15 minutes from the cathedral.
EUR 20 (advanced booking recommended), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Indulge in local specialties for dinner in this popular trattoria.
Walk 10 minutes from the gallery.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Florence

Florence, Italy on October 8, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pincheria

Enjoy a filling breakfast to fuel your day ahead.
Walk or take a short bus ride to the café.
EUR 5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Ponte Vecchio

Take a stroll over the famous medieval bridge and admire the shops along the way.
Walk 15 minutes from breakfast.
EUR 0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Palazzo Pitti

Explore the former royal palace filled with art and stunning gardens.
Walk 10 minutes from the bridge.
EUR 10, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Relish exquisite Tuscan dishes for a delightful lunch experience.
Walk 10 minutes from the palace.
EUR 12, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Boboli Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens behind Palazzo Pitti.
Walk 5 minutes from lunch.
EUR 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Rocco

End your day with a simple yet satisfying meal at this trattoria.
Walk back to the main area.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy on October 9, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Filo

Grab a quick bite of pastries alongside coffee for an energizing start.
Walk to the café.
EUR 5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Venice

Catch the train to Venice, enjoying the ride through Italian landscape.
Catch the train at Santa Maria Novella train station.
EUR 20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Arrival in Venice

Check into your budget accommodation and settle in.
Walk to accommodation from Santa Lucia station.
EUR 0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Alberto

Try some local seafood delicacies at this charming trattoria.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR 12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll around St. Mark’s Square

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the lively heart of Venice.
Walk 10 minutes from lunch.
EUR 0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore the opulent Doge's Palace and learn about the history of Venice.
Walk 5 minutes from the square.
EUR 25 (advanced booking recommended), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria al Bacco

Conclude your day with refreshing cicchetti (Venetian tapas) for dinner.
Walk 15 minutes from the palace.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy on October 10, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your day with a sweet pastry and coffee at this beloved pastry shop.
Walk or take a vaporetto to the shop.
EUR 5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gondola Ride

Experience the charm of Venice from the water with an iconic gondola ride.
Head to the gondola station nearby.
EUR 80 (shared, approx. 20EUR pp), 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover a variety of modern art in Peggy Guggenheim's former home.
Take a vaporetto to the museum.
EUR 15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Osteria da Baco

Enjoy a simple yet authentic Venetian meal for lunch.
Take a vaporetto back.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Rialto Market

Explore the vibrant market of Rialto and experience local culture up close.
Walk 15 minutes from lunch.
EUR 0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

End your day enjoying fresh seafood at this elegant trattoria.
Take a vaporetto to Burano.
EUR 25, 2 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Bellagio

Bellagio, Italy on October 11, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Rosso

Fuel up for the day with a light breakfast before you leave Venice.
Walk to the café.
EUR 5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Ferry to Bellagio

Take the scenic ferry ride from Venice to Bellagio, offering breathtaking views.
Walk to the ferry terminal.
EUR 30, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check into Bellagio

Check into your budget-friendly accommodation and get settled.
Short walk from the ferry terminal.
EUR 0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Caffe Centrale

Enjoy a quick bite with beautiful lake views at this lovely café.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel.
EUR 10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Bellagio

Spend the afternoon meandering through the charming streets of Bellagio.
Walk from lunch through the colorful streets.
EUR 0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Villa Melzi

Discover the beautiful gardens and art at Villa Melzi, a must-see in Bellagio.
Walk 10 minutes from Bellagio center.
EUR 8, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Punta

Enjoy a delightful meal with lake views at this lovely restaurant.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Explore Bellagio and Travel to Rome

Rome, Italy on October 12, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bar Sporting

Start with an espresso and pastry before you depart.
Walk to the café.
EUR 5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Varenna

Take the ferry to Varenna before catching the train to Rome.
Walk to the ferry terminal.
EUR 10, 15 minutes

10:00AM

Train to Rome

Board the train to Rome, as you look forward to exploring the Eternal City.
Walk from ferry to Varenna train station.
EUR 25, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo

Once in Rome, enjoy a delicious pasta meal to refuel energy for adventuring around the city.
Walk to the trattoria from the station.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Colosseum

Marvel at the grandeur of the Colosseum and discover its history.
Walk or take the metro from lunch.
EUR 18 (book in advance), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

End your day with a special dinner overlooking the Colosseum.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR 30, 2 hours
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