7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Italy

Day 1: Explore Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Sant'Eustachio

Start your day with a budget-friendly espresso and cornetto at this iconic café boasting rich traditions.
Walk to Piazza Navona after breakfast, located about 15 minutes from the café.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Pantheon

Discover the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, a former Roman temple now a church.
10-minute walk from Piazza Navona.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the ruins of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum; feel the history all around you.
10-minute walk from the Pantheon.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Grab a slice of pizza or some fresh focaccia at this bustling bakery, perfect for a quick meal.
Walk 10 minutes to the bakery.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Trastevere

Venture into the charming streets of Trastevere, admiring its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Take a bus or tram for 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Vatican Museums

Marvel at the vast collections of art and history in the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.
Walk approximately 30 minutes or take bus #H.
EUR17, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

End your day with authentic Roman-style pizza at this beloved local pizzeria.
Return by bus or walk back to the center.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bar Giorgi

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast with a cappuccino and a pastry at this charming bar.
Walk 15 minutes to the bar.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:00AM

Colosseum Tour

Step back in time and explore the historic Colosseum, learning about its glorious past.
Take the metro to the Colosseo stop.
EUR14, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Palatine Hill

Ascend Palatine Hill for stunning views of the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus.
Access via the Colosseum ticket.
Included, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Da Enzo al 29

Savor traditional Roman cuisine at this cozy trattoria, featuring homemade pasta.
Take a bus or walk for 15 minutes.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk the Spanish Steps

After lunch, head to the famous Spanish Steps to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Walk 20 minutes to the steps.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Gelato at Giolitti

Cool down with some delicious gelato from one of Rome's oldest gelaterias.
Walk for 15 minutes.
EUR3, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Da Fortunata

Sample the specialty pasta at this local gem that prides itself on fresh ingredients.
Walk back 15 minutes.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Fuel up with some pastries and coffee at this friendly local bakery before heading to Florence.
Walk 5 minutes to the station.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Florence

Enjoy a scenic train ride to Florence, arriving in about 1.5 hours.
Direct high-speed train.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Check into Accommodation

Drop off your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Florence.
Walk 15 minutes from the train station.
EUR20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Duomo

Marvel at the stunning Florence Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with a dome designed by Brunelleschi.
Short walk from the hostel.
EUR15 (for dome), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample various local foods and grab a quick bite from one of the many stalls inside this central market.
5-minute walk from the Duomo.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Uffizi Gallery

Visit the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces from the Renaissance period.
10-minute walk from the market.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Ponte Vecchio Walk

Stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio, enjoying views of the Arno River and local jewelry shops.
10-minute walk from the gallery.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Indulge in hearty Tuscan cuisine at this popular trattoria, known for its warm atmosphere.
Walk 10 minutes from the bridge.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Art and Heritage

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hostel

Enjoy free breakfast provided by your hostel or grab a coffee at a nearby café.
N/A
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo's David, arguably the most famous sculpture in the world.
15-minute walk from the hostel.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Boboli Gardens

Wander through the tranquil Boboli Gardens, filled with stunning sculptures and beautiful landscapes.
20-minute walk from the gallery.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor fantastic homemade pasta at this quaint spot loved by locals.
Walk 15 minutes back towards the city center.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping in San Lorenzo Market

Explore the vibrant stalls selling leather goods, souvenirs, and local artisan products.
Walk 10 minutes from the osteria.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Santa Croce

Explore the Basilica of Santa Croce, where many famous Italians are buried.
Walk 15 minutes from the market.
EUR8, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Il Pizzaiuolo

Finish your day with delicious Neapolitan-style pizza at this cozy pizzeria.
Short walk back to the center.
EUR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa

Pisa, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Grab a coffee and a light bite offered at your hostel before the trip.
N/A
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Pisa

Take a short train trip to Pisa, known for its iconic Leaning Tower.
Train travels roughly 1 hour.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb to the top of the Leaning Tower for amazing views of the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Walk 15 minutes from the station.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:15AM

Pisa Cathedral Tour

Explore the beautiful architecture of the adjacent cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles.
Right next to the tower.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Montino

Enjoy a quick tasty pizza or pasta at this nearby eatery ideal for a budget meal.
Short walk from the cathedral.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Botanical Gardens

Discover the serene beauty of Pisa's botanical gardens, a lovely escape from the busy city.
Walk for 20 minutes.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Return train to Florence

Head back to Florence; you’ll have the evening free to explore more.
Back to the train station, about 20 minutes walk.
EUR10, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Buca Mario

Enjoy traditional Florentine steak in a historic atmosphere that gives flavor to your meal.
10-minute walk from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hostel

Enjoy a light breakfast offered by your hostel to start your journey to Venice.
N/A
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Venice

Catch a train to Venice and take in the views for a scenic 2-hour ride.
Direct train available.
EUR25, 2 hours

10:00AM

Check into Accommodation

Settle into a budget hostel in Venice once you arrive.
Walk from the train station to the hostel.
EUR25, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica, adorned with incredible mosaics.
Walk 10 minutes from your hostel.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria ai Stanti

Enjoy a filling plate of risotto or pasta at this quaint osteria known for authentic cuisine.
10-minute walk from the basilica.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Rialto Market

Wander the vibrant stalls of the Rialto Market, engaging with local vendors and sampling delicacies.
15-minute walk from the osteria.
Free to browse, 1 hour

3:30PM

Gondola Ride

Take a traditional gondola ride through Venice's enchanting canals.
Board at a nearby gondola station.
EUR20, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Fiore

Indulge in classic Venetian dishes at this cozy trattoria, celebrated for fresh seafood.
Walk back for 10 minutes.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Canal Adventures

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hostel

Savor a complimentary breakfast at your hostel to energize your day in Venice.
N/A
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Doge's Palace

Step into the opulence of Doge’s Palace, learning about Venice’s history and politics.
Walk 10 minutes from the hostel.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Bridge of Sighs

Take in the historic charm of the Bridge of Sighs, connecting Palace to prison, and capture great photos.
Located near Doge's Palace
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Al Merca

Grab a slice of ciabatta con baccala or a hearty sandwich at this local eatery.
Short walk from the bridge.
EUR8, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Delve into modern art at the prestigious Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in a stunning palace.
Take a short walk across the canal.
EUR15, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Giudecca Island

Hop on a vaporetto and take a short trip to Giudecca Island for some peaceful downtime away from the crowds.
Board from the main island.
EUR8, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Osteria da Fiore

Wrap up your Italian adventure with a farewell dinner of risotto at this charming local restaurant.
Return to the main island.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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