10-Day Shoestring Foodie Experience in Italy by Train

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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