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10-Day Shoestring Foodie Experience in Italy by Train

Viewed by 99 travelers

Day 1: Explore Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Panificio Paradiso

Start your day with a delicious cornetto and an espresso at this local bakery.
Walk to the Colosseum from the bakery.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Colosseum

Step into history with a guided tour of the ancient amphitheater.
Metro Line B to Colosseo.
EUR18, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Da Enzo al 29

Savor traditional Roman pasta such as Cacio e Pepe at this popular trattoria.
Walk from the Colosseum.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore the Roman Forum

Wander around the heart of ancient Rome, with splendid ruins and stunning views.
Short walk from the restaurant.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Pantheon

Marvel at the architectural beauty of this ancient Roman temple.
Metro to Barberini, then walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Relax at Piazza Navona

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and beautiful fountains of this iconic square.
Short walk from the Pantheon.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

End your day with a classic Roman pizza at this local favorite.
Walk to the Trastevere neighborhood.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rome

Day 2: Cultural Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Grab a quick breakfast pastry and cappuccino before your day of exploration.
Walk to the Vatican City.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Vatican Museums

Spend your morning discovering world-renowned art and the stunning Sistine Chapel.
Metro Line A to Ottaviano.
EUR17, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Enjoy a light lunch of pizza al taglio in a vibrant atmosphere.
Bus from Vatican City.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30 PM

St. Peter's Basilica

Marvel at the grandeur of this iconic church and consider climbing to the dome for incredible city views.
Walk to St. Peter's Basilica.
Free; EUR10 to climb dome, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Tiber River Walk

Stroll along the scenic banks of the Tiber River, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Walk from St. Peter's.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Carlone

Taste hearty Roman dishes, with rich flavors to close your Roman experience.
Culinary walk back to the city center.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rome

Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with cereal and pastries from your hotel.
Get to the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Florence

Make your way to Florence, a city famous for its Renaissance art.
Train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Check into the hotel

Settle into your accommodation and freshen up.
Walk to your hotel.
EUR50, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore the food market and sample local delicacies including ribollita and lampredotto.
Walk to Mercato Centrale.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Uffizi Gallery

Discover masterpieces by renowned artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo.
Walk from the market.
EUR20, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Ponte Vecchio

Spend time at this picturesque bridge lined with shops selling jewelry and art.
Walk from the Uffizi.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Savor the local Florentine steak, a must-try dish in Florence.
Short walk back to the city center.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Florence

Day 4: Art and Culture in Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Enjoy pastries and fresh juices in this historic café.
Walk to the gallery.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Accademia Gallery

Home to Michelangelo's David, this gallery is a must-see for art lovers.
Walk from the café.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Boboli Gardens

Wander through these beautiful gardens, filled with sculptures and greenery.
Walk towards the Palazzo Pitti.
EUR10, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Dine at this hidden gem known for its homemade pasta.
Walk from the gardens.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Florence Cathedral

Visit this stunning cathedral famed for its dome designed by Brunelleschi.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free; EUR10 to climb dome, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Walk around Piazza della Signoria

Take in the beauty of this famous square, home to many sculptures.
Short walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Sabatino

Enjoy Tuscan specialties like Pici cacio e pepe in a cozy ambiance.
Walk back to the city center.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Florence

Day 5: Travel to Bologna

Bologna, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start with bread, butter, and jam.
Make your way to the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Bologna

Travel to Bologna, known for its rich culinary history.
Train from Florence to Bologna Centrale.
EUR15, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Check into accommodation

Drop off your bags at your hotel.
Walk to your hotel.
EUR50, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Indulge in homemade tortellini, a regional specialty.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Piazza Maggiore

Discover the largest square in Bologna, filled with historic buildings.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Visit Basilica di San Petronio

Explore this stunning basilica located in the main square.
Walking distance from Piazza Maggiore.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Nello

Experience Bolognese cuisine with a local pizze dish and tagliatelle al ragù.
Short walk from the basilica.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bologna

Day 6: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and pastries.
Walk to the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Venice

Enjoy scenic views as you head to Venice.
Train from Bologna to Venezia Santa Lucia.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Check into accommodation

Settle into your hotel in the dreamy canals of Venice.
Walking distance from the train station.
EUR55, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Venetian cuisine.
Short walk from the hotel.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Rialto Bridge

Stroll across this iconic bridge and explore the bustling market nearby.
Walk from Osteria alle Testiere.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore the Doge's Palace

Tour the magnificent Doge's Palace and learn about Venice's history.
Take a waterbus if necessary.
EUR25, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Fiore

End your day with traditional Venetian dishes in a cozy setting.
Short walk from the Doge's Palace.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Venice

Day 7: Discover Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Feast on croissants and coffee.
Walk to St. Mark's Square.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

St. Mark's Basilica

Marvel at this iconic basilica and its stunning mosaics.
Walk from the hotel.
Free; optional EUR5 for audio guide, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

Gain unique insights into the history of Venice through secret rooms and passages.
Head back to the Doge's Palace.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bacareto Da Lele

Enjoy cicchetti, local Venetian tapas, in a quaint spot.
Walk from the Doge's Palace.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s canals from the water with a shared gondola ride.
Board at the nearest gondola station.
EUR25, 30 minutes

4:00 PM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art in this intimate museum located on the Grand Canal.
Walk from the gondola station.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini da Artisti

Savor Venetian dishes in a delightful atmosphere to round off your day.
Head back to the main part of Venice.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Venice

Day 8: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple breakfast at your accommodations.
Make your way to the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Milan

Catch the train to Milan, fashion capital of Italy.
Train from Venice to Milano Centrale.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into your hotel in Milan.
Walking distance from the station.
EUR55, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Spontini

Try a slice of Milanese style pizza at this local favorite.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore the magnificent cathedral and its rooftop views.
Walk to the Duomo.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Walk around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Italy's oldest shopping mall, featuring stunning architecture.
Adjacent to the Duomo.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Savor traditional dishes like Risotto alla Milanese in a cozy setting.
Walk back from the Galleria.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milan

Day 9: Cultural Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before a day of exploring.
Walk to Santa Maria delle Grazie.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30 AM

See The Last Supper

Visit Leonardo da Vinci's famous mural; booking in advance is essential.
Walk from hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Castello Sforzesco

Explore this historic castle and its surrounding park.
Metro from Santa Maria to Castello.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Grab a famous lucini, a stuffed pastry, for a quick yet delicious lunch.
Walk from the castle.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Brera District

Enjoy the art galleries and charming streets of this lively area.
Walk from Luini's.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover notable works of art, including pieces by Caravaggio and Raphael.
Walk in Brera.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Osteria della Gera

End your Milan experience with a homemade pasta dish full of flavor.
Walk from the gallery.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milan

Day 10: Departure from Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a restful breakfast with goodies prepared by the hotel.
Check out and prepare for departure.
EUR0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Last-minute shopping

Enjoy some shopping at Corso Buenos Aires - a famous shopping street.
Walk from hotel.
Variable; based on purchases., 2 hours

12:30 PM

Farewell Lunch at Ristorante da Giacomo

Indulge in a delightful farewell meal with Milanese specialties.
Short walk from the shopping area.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Departure

Head to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Taxi or metro to airport/train.
Variable, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Milan
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