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Epic European Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Viewed by 56 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Rome

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
Find Hotels in Florence

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
Find Hotels in Bologna

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
Find Hotels in Venice

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
Find Hotels in Ljubljana

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
Find Hotels in Zagreb

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
Find Hotels in Budapest

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
Find Hotels in Vienna

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
Find Hotels in Prague

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
Find Hotels in Krakow
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