Epic European Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Rome, Italy on December 13, 2024

9:00AM

Explore the Colosseum

Start your adventure by visiting one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, the Colosseum, known for its rich history and stunning architecture.
Take Line B Metro to Colosseo station.
EUR 16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Savor traditional Roman pizzas and pastries at this bustling bakery.
Walk 10 minutes from the Colosseum.
EUR 10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Roman Forum

Walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, experiencing the heart of ancient Rome.
Adjacent to the Colosseum.
EUR 12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through Trastevere

Explore the charming, narrow streets of Trastevere, filled with vibrant local life.
Take bus 75 from the Forum.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Enjoy a hearty Roman meal with affordable prices in this local favorite.
Walk 15 minutes within Trastevere.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Florence and Art

Florence, Italy on December 14, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Florence

Catch an early train to Florence, soaking in the Tuscan landscapes along the way.
Walk to Roma Termini Train Station.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Experience masterpieces of Renaissance art housed in this historic gallery.
Walk from the train station (15 mins).
EUR 20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Indulge in local delicacies at the lively Central Market full of food stalls.
Walk 5 minutes.
EUR 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Climb the Duomo

Ascend the iconic dome of Florence Cathedral for breathtaking panoramic views.
Walk from the market (10 mins).
EUR 18, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dish, Ribollita, at this popular dining spot.
Walk 15 minutes.
EUR 12, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Bologna Delights

Bologna, Italy on December 15, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Bologna

Travel to Bologna, renowned for its culinary heritage.
Walk to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
EUR 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Piazza Maggiore

Discover the vibrant heart of Bologna at its main square, surrounded by historical architecture.
Pick up a bus from the station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Two Towers

Climb the Asinelli Tower for a unique perspective of the city.
Walk from the square (10 mins).
EUR 5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria dell'Orsa

Taste the local pasta dish, Tagliatelle al Ragù, in a cozy setting.
10 min walk from the towers.
EUR 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Archiginnasio

Explore this historic building that houses the Municipal Library and the Anatomical Theatre.
Walk 15 minutes.
EUR 10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Al Dosaggio

Finish your day with a delicious pizza from this local eatery.
Walk back toward the square (20 mins).
EUR 12, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Venice Magic

Venice, Italy on December 16, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Venice

Hop on a train to Venice, the city of canals.
Walk to Bologna Centrale Station.
EUR 10, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Gondola Ride

Experience a gondola ride through the enchanting canals – a must-do in Venice.
Walk from the train station to the dock (10 mins).
EUR 80 (for 6 people), 30 mins

11:00AM

Explore St. Mark's Basilica

Marvel at the stunning mosaics and architecture of this world-renowned basilica.
Short walk from the gondola drop-off.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria Al Ponte

Delight in seafood pasta while overlooking the canal.
Walk 5 minutes.
EUR 15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Doge's Palace

Discover the historical palace that was the residence of the Doge of Venice.
Adjacent to St. Mark's Basilica.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Birreria Giustiana

Sample Venetian cicchetti paired with craft beers at this local tavern.
Short walk from the palace.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Ljubljana Discovery

Ljubljana, Slovenia on December 17, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Ljubljana

Travel from Venice to Ljubljana, enjoying picturesque views along the way.
Depart from Venice Santa Lucia Station.
EUR 20, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Stroll by Ljubljanica River

Wander along the charming riverside and explore the vibrant market scene.
Walk from the train station (10 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Druga Violina

Enjoy tasty traditional Slovenian dishes, supporting local employment initiatives.
5-minute walk from the river.
EUR 10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ljubljana Castle

Take the funicular up to the castle for stunning views of the city.
Short walk from the restaurant.
EUR 13 (funicular), 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Tivoli Park

Relax in the lush green park, ideal for unwinding after your sightseeing adventure.
Take bus 2 from the castle.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Slovenska Hiša

Relish a hearty meal featuring local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
Walk 15 minutes from the park.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Zagreb Insights

Zagreb, Croatia on December 18, 2024

8:00AM

Bus to Zagreb

Catch a bus to Zagreb, known for its vibrant arts scene.
Walk to Avtobusni Kolodvor Ljubljana.
EUR 10, 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Ban Jelačić Square

Visit the bustling heart of Zagreb with shops and cafés lining the square.
From the bus station, take tram 6.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Zagreb Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Croatia's tallest church.
Short walk from the square.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bistro Apetito

Sample traditional Croatian dishes like Šopskasalata in this local bistro.
Walk 10 minutes.
EUR 12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Stroll through cobbled streets filled with history and charming cafés.
Take tram 8 from the cathedral.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Vinodol

Savor Croatian specialties in a rustic setting.
Walk back to the square and take tram 6.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Budapest Brews

Budapest, Hungary on December 19, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Budapest

Travel to Budapest, the stunning capital of Hungary.
Take a 2-hour train from Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor.
EUR 15, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Buda Castle

Explore this historic castle complex and enjoy views of the Danube River.
From the train station, take tram 19.
EUR 10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Szaze Café

Enjoy a classic gulyás while surrounded by historic décor.
Walk from Buda Castle (15 mins).
EUR 10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Unwind in one of Europe’s largest thermal baths, a quintessential Budapest experience.
Take metro line 1 from Heroes' Square.
EUR 20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Café Kör

Taste Hungarian dishes and wines at this popular restaurant.
Walk from the bath (15 mins).
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Vienna Splendor

Vienna, Austria on December 20, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Vienna

Head to Vienna via train, enjoying scenic views during the journey.
Depart from Budapest Keleti Station.
EUR 15, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Schönbrunn Palace

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy its beautiful gardens.
Take metro U4 from the train station.
EUR 20, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Café Central

Experience traditional Viennese café culture at this historic spot.
Metro U4 back toward the city center.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture and climb the tower for a view over the city.
Walk from Café Central (10 mins).
EUR 5, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Dine on classic schnitzel and other Austrian specialties.
Walk along the Karntnertor Theater.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Prague Wonders

Prague, Czech Republic on December 21, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Prague

Travel to the enchanting city of Prague.
Take a train from Wien Hauptbahnhof.
EUR 15, 4 hours

12:00PM

Explore Old Town Square

Wander through the historic and picturesque Old Town, home to the Astronomical Clock.
Walk from the station (15 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Lokál Dlouhááá

Enjoy traditional Czech meals in a lively atmosphere.
Nearby (5-minute walk).
EUR 10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Prague Castle

Explore the largest ancient castle complex in the world.
Walk across Charles Bridge (20 mins).
EUR 12, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Café Louvre

Indulge in great Czech cuisine and desserts in an elegant café environment.
Walk back to your accommodation.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Krakow Charms

Krakow, Poland on December 22, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Krakow

Travel to Krakow, known for its well-preserved medieval core.
Depart from Prague main station.
EUR 15, 7 hours

3:00PM

Explore Wawel Castle

Visit the magnificent castle and its gardens overlooking the Vistula River.
Taxis are available from the train station.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pod Wawelem

End your day with traditional Polish dishes in a historic setting.
Walk 15 minutes from the castle.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours
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