7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Italy

Day 1: Exploring Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Start your day with a delicious slice of pizza bianca and a cappuccino from this famous bakery.
Walk from your accommodation towards Campo de' Fiori.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Marvel at the iconic Colosseum, exploring its ancient ruins as you imagine gladiators battling for glory.
Take Metro Line B from Termini to Colosseo.
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Baffetto

Indulge in a classic Roman pizza at this bustling pizzeria loved by locals.
Walk from the Colosseum to the pizzeria.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the ruins of ancient Rome, connecting history and culture in the heart of the city.
Enter the Forum from the Colosseum with your ticket.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Pantheon

Discover the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, one of the world's best-preserved ancient buildings.
Walk to the Pantheon (about 20 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes such as Cacio e Pepe in a cozy trattoria atmosphere.
Walk to Trattoria da Enzo in Trastevere.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Art and Culture in Florence

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Grab a cornetto and espresso to fuel up for the day ahead.
Walk to the bakery from your accommodation.
EUR3, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore art masterpieces, including works by Botticelli and Michelangelo, in this world-famous gallery.
Walk from the bakery to the Uffizi.
EUR12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Savor a feast of local Tuscan specialties at this vibrant food market.
Walk from the Uffizi to Mercato Centrale.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the Duomo

Climb the steps to the top of the Duomo for stunning views over Florence.
Walk from the market to the Duomo.
EUR18, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across this historic bridge, lined with charming jewelry shops.
Walk from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

End your day with authentic Florentine dishes in a tucked-away restaurant.
Walk towards your dinner spot.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Famous Leaning Tower

Pisa, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Il Peccato di Gola

Enjoy a simple pastry and espresso before heading to Pisa.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR3, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Pisa

Travel to Pisa to see its iconic Leaning Tower.
Take a regional train from Florence to Pisa (about 1 hour).
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Leaning Tower

Take photos and marvel at the Leaning Tower's architecture.
Walk from Pisa Central Station to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR20 for climbing, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante da Mario

Savor a hearty Tuscan meal at this family-run restaurant.
Walk from the tower to the restaurant.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wander the Piazza dei Miracoli

Explore the surrounding beautiful Cathedral and Baptistery.
Walk around the piazza.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Train back to Florence

Return to Florence for the evening.
Take a train from Pisa to Florence.
EUR8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy another simple yet delicious Tuscan meal to recharge after your day.
Walk to the trattoria from the train station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Canals and History in Venice

Venice, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and a cappuccino before heading to Venice.
Walk to the bakery from your accommodation.
EUR3, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Venice

Travel to Venice, crossing the picturesque landscapes of Italy.
Take a train from Florence to Venice (about 2 hours).
EUR20, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore St. Mark's Square

Take in the sights of St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile in this bustling square.
Take Vaporetto (water bus) from the train station to St. Mark's.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Al Portego

Savor cicchetti (Venetian tapas) for an authentic taste of the area.
Walk to the restaurant from the square.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water as you take a scenic gondola ride.
Find a gondola station near St. Mark's Square.
EUR80 (shared boat), 30 minutes

3:00PM

Visit the Rialto Bridge

Explore the iconic bridge and local shops in the surrounding area.
Walk to the Rialto Bridge.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Gino

Enjoy a wonderful seafood meal in this quaint restaurant by the canal.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Shakespeare's Verona

Verona, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Italia

Enjoy your cappuccino and a pastry in this charming café.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR4, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Verona

Travel to Verona, where romance and history blend beautifully.
Take a train from Venice to Verona (about 1.5 hours).
EUR15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Juliet's House

Explore the famed balcony of Juliet Capulet and leave a love note.
Walk from the train station to Juliet's House.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria al Pompiere

Savor delicious local dishes in a cozy setting.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Verona Arena

Marvel at this ancient amphitheater, a spectacular testament to Rome's influence in the region.
Walk to the Arena.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Piazza delle Erbe

Wander through this vibrant market square and enjoy a gelato from a local shop.
Walk to the Piazza.
EUR3, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Antica Pizzeria Brogli

Feast on traditional pizza as the sun sets on the lovely city.
Walk to the pizzeria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Fashion Capital Milan

Milan, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Enjoy coffee and a fresh pastry in this local favorite.
Walk to the bakery from your accommodation.
EUR3, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Milan

Head towards Milan, the capital of fashion and design.
Take a train from Verona to Milan (about 1.5 hours).
EUR15, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Ascend to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city skyline and its intricate Gothic architecture.
Walk from the train station to the Duomo.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Luini

Try the famous panzerotti, a local delight, at this popular eatery.
Walk to Luini.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this ornate shopping gallery, perfect for window shopping.
Walk to the Galleria.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore this historic castle and its surrounding grounds.
Walk to Sforza Castle from the Galleria.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Conclude your day with delicious risotto alla Milanese in this warmly lit restaurant.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Beautiful Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bar Sport

Kickstart your final day with a light breakfast and coffee at this local café.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR3, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Lake Como

Travel to Lake Como, known for its stunning scenery.
Take the train from Milan to Como (about 1 hour).
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Town of Bellagio

Take a ferry from Como to Bellagio, famous for its picturesque waterfront.
Ferry ride from Como to Bellagio.
EUR20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo

Feast on local fish dishes and pasta with lake views.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Wander through the beautiful gardens and enjoy stunning views of the lake.
Walk from the trattoria to the gardens.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax by the Lake

Spend your final hours enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Como before heading back.
Find a spot by the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Mistral

Celebrate your final evening with special Italian fare at this restaurant overlooking the lake.
Walk back to the ferry terminal.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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