Budget Traveler's Guide to Italy: 7 Days of Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tazzina

Start your day with a delicious cornetto and cappuccino at Tazzina, a cozy café near the Pantheon.
Walk to the Pantheon.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic Colosseum, where history resonates through its ancient stones.
Take bus line 75 from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum.
EUR18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Baffetto

Savor authentic Roman pizza at this popular local eatery, known for its thin crust.
Walk from the Colosseum.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Piazza Navona

Admire the stunning fountains and vibrant street artists at this famous square.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Vatican Museums

Marvel at world-renowned art and history within the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.
Take metro line A from Spagna to Ottaviano.
EUR17, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunato

Enjoy traditional Roman cuisine with a view of the Vatican, perfect for winding down after a full day.
Walk from the Vatican Museums.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Florence Art & Culture

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Travel to Florence

Catch an early train from Rome to Florence to start your exploration of this art-filled city.
Take the Trenitalia train from Roma Termini to Firenze SMN.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Indulge in some sweet pastries and a strong coffee at this local favorite.
Walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Climb to the dome for panoramic views of Florence, an unforgettable experience.
Walk from the café.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample local delicacies at Florence's vibrant food market, where you'll find various stalls.
Walk from the Duomo.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Uffizi Gallery

Take a journey through Renaissance art in one of the most famous galleries in the world.
Walk from the market.
EUR20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Mario

Savor Florentine steak in this bustling and beloved trattoria.
Walk from the Uffizi.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Pisa and the Leaning Tower

Pisa, Italy

7:00AM

Travel to Pisa

Take an early train from Florence to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower.
Take the Trenitalia train from Firenze SMN to Pisa Centrale.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Salza

Enjoy a typical Italian breakfast with delicious pastries and espresso.
Walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb the famous tower for unique views and memorable photos.
Walk from the café.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Piazza dei Miracoli

Take photos in the stunning square featuring the Duomo and Baptistery.
Walk around the square.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria dei Cavalieri

Try local Tuscan dishes at this charming restaurant nearby.
Walk from Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Travel to Venice

Catch a train to Venice for the next leg of your journey.
Take the Trenitalia train from Pisa Centrale to Santa Lucia.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at All’ Arco

Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) with a glass of local wine in a quaint tavern.
Walk from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discovering Venice

Venice, Italy

7:30AM

Breakfast at Roe

Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at this popular café near St. Mark's Square.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the stunning architecture and artwork of this iconic basilica.
Walk to St. Mark's.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water with a scenic gondola ride.
Board near St. Mark's Square.
EUR80 (split with up to 6 people), 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria al Bacco

Taste authentic Venetian cuisine at this cozy eatery overlooking a canal.
Walk from the gondola station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Rialto Market

Wander through this vibrant market full of fresh produce and local goods.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Admire modern art in this beautiful gallery located in Peggy Guggenheim's former home.
Take a vaporetto from Rialto to Accademia.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Fiore

Settle for a lovely dinner featuring Venetian specialties in a classic setting.
Take a vaporetto or walk back.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Romantic Verona

Verona, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Verona

Depart Venice early to explore the romantic city of Verona.
Take the Trenitalia train from Santa Lucia to Verona Porta Nuova.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Caffè Cavour

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this charming café near the Arena.
Walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Verona Arena

Explore this Roman amphitheater renowned for its impressive architecture.
Walk from the café.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Lo Pontalon

Dine on local cuisine and fine wines in this inviting atmosphere.
Walk from the arena.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Juliet's House

Snap a photo at this iconic landmark and enjoy the romantic vibe of Verona.
Walk from the restaurant.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Piazza delle Erbe

Wander around this vibrant square, full of shops and history.
Walk from Juliet's House.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Sottoriva

Relax over traditional Veronian dishes in an intimate setting.
Walk from the piazza.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Chic Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Milan

Head to the fashion capital of the world, Milan, embarking on your latest adventure.
Take the Trenitalia train from Verona Porta Nuova to Milano Centrale.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Delight in scrumptious pastries and artisan coffee available at this hip bakery.
Walk from the train station.
EUR6, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan's iconic cathedral with its stunning gothic architecture.
Walk from the café.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Taste the famous Panzerotti at this takeaway spot that's beloved by locals.
Walk from the Duomo.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this stunning shopping gallery, taking in Milan’s luxurious vibes.
Walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Discover the history behind this landmark, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Walk from the gallery.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Conclude the day with traditional Milanese fare in a warm atmosphere.
Walk from the castle.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Culinary Bologna

Bologna, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Bologna

Catch a train to Bologna, renowned for its exceptional cuisine.
Take the Trenitalia train from Milano Centrale to Bologna Centrale.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Terzi

Enjoy a strong espresso and freshly baked pastries in this local café.
Walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Piazza Maggiore

Marvel at the grand architecture and vibrant life of this main square in Bologna.
Walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria da Gianni

Taste classic Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù at this local favorite.
Walk from the square.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the University of Bologna

Stroll through the world's oldest university, with beautiful architecture and rich history.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Archiginnasio of Bologna

Discover the historical seat of the University, renowned for its beautiful frescoes.
Walk from the university.
EUR5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Osteria dell'Orsa

Conclude your Italian adventure with hearty pasta dishes in this lively, rustic atmosphere.
Walk from the Archiginnasio.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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