7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Italy

Day 1: Exploring Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Bonci

Start your day with a delicious piece of pizza bianca from this famous bakery, perfect for an on-the-go breakfast.
Located in the Prati district.
EUR5, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, an iconic symbol of Rome's grandeur.
Take Metro Line B to Colosseo.
EUR12 (book online for discounts), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Roman Forum

Wander through the heart of ancient Rome and imagine life in the bustling Forum.
Adjacent to the Colosseum; walk there.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria da Teo

Enjoy affordable traditional Roman pasta dishes such as Cacio e Pepe.
Take bus number 87 from Colosseo.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Pantheon

Marvel at the architectural brilliance of this ancient temple, still remarkably preserved.
Walk from lunch location (20 min walk).
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Stroll through Piazza Navona

Relax in this vibrant square, featuring beautiful fountains and street performances.
A short 10 min walk from the Pantheon.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Gelato at Giolitti

Treat yourself to some of the best gelato in Rome at the historic Giolitti.
5-minute walk from Piazza Navona.
EUR3, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

End your day with an authentic Roman pizza, made with fresh ingredients.
Walk 7 minutes from Giolitti.
EUR12, 1 hour
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Day 2: Ancient and Modern

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local cafe

Enjoy a cappuccino and cornetto at a nearby cafe, a classic Italian breakfast.
Find a cafe within walking distance.
EUR5, 30 mins

9:00AM

Vatican Museums

Explore the incredible art and history housed within the Vatican.
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano.
EUR17 (book online for discounts), 2 hours

11:30AM

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit this stunning basilica and climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
Walk from the Vatican Museums.
Free (dome climb EUR8), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Old Bridge Gelateria

Grab a quick lunch here and try their famous gelato afterwards.
A 15-minute walk from St. Peter's.
EUR8 for lunch, 1 hour

2:30PM

Borough of Trastevere

Explore this picturesque neighborhood and its narrow cobblestone streets.
Take the Tram number 8 to Trastevere.
EUR1.50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere

Check out this beautiful church with stunning medieval mosaics.
Walk 10 minutes from Trastevere.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Coffee Break at Caffè Delle Arti

Enjoy a coffee in a cozy atmosphere before dinner.
5-minute walk from the church.
EUR3, 30 mins

6:30PM

Dinner at Tonnarello

Finish your Roman adventure with delicious pasta and a lively ambiance.
Walk 10 minutes from the cafe.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 3: To Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have a light breakfast included with your stay before heading out.
N/A
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Train to Florence

Take a regional train from Rome to Florence.
Head to Roma Termini station.
EUR20 (book in advance), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Duomo

Admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Walk from the train station (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Climb Giotto’s Campanile

For one of the best views of Florence, climb the bell tower next to the Duomo.
Located next to the Cathedral.
EUR18, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Taste traditional Tuscan dishes at this local eatery known for its authentic fare.
10-minute walk from the Duomo.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Uffizi Gallery

Explore Renaissance art in one of the most famous galleries in the world.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across the iconic medieval bridge lined with shops and jewelry stores.
A 10-minute walk from the gallery.
Free, 30 mins

5:30PM

Gelato at Gelateria della Passera

Cool off with a scoop of gelato from this quaint local shop.
A 5-minute walk from Ponte Vecchio.
EUR3, 30 mins

6:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor a cozy dinner with home-cooked Tuscan specialties.
10-minute walk from the gelato shop.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discovering Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nella

Indulge in a fresh pastry and cappuccino to fuel your day.
Walk from accommodation.
EUR5, 30 mins

9:00AM

Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David in person and admire more Renaissance artworks.
Walk from the bakery (10 mins).
EUR12, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit San Lorenzo Market

Browse through local goods and food stalls for a taste of Florence's culture.
Adjacent to the gallery.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Enjoy varied Tuscan food from different stalls inside this vibrant market.
A 5-minute walk from the San Lorenzo Market.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boboli Gardens

Relax in these beautiful gardens filled with sculptures and fountains.
Walk 20 minutes from lunch.
EUR10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Palazzo Pitti

Take a guided tour of the former royal palace of the Medici family.
Located next to Boboli Gardens.
EUR16 (if you skip the garden), 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Aperitivo at Riva Lofts

Enjoy a cocktail and appetizer before dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
Take a 15-minute walk back to the city center.
EUR8, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

Delight in homecooked Tuscan meals in a charming setting.
A 10-minute walk from the bar.
EUR15, 1 hour
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Day 5: To Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Fuel up with the free breakfast provided at your hotel.
N/A
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Train to Venice

Travel on a regional train from Florence to Venice.
Leave from Santa Maria Novella train station.
EUR25 (book in advance), 2 hours

11:00AM

Arrival in Venice

Delight in the beautiful canals and vibrant atmosphere upon your arrival.
Walk from the train station to your accommodation.
Free, 30 mins

11:30AM

Lunch at Dal Moro's

Savor fresh, authentic pasta from this popular street-food spot.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore St. Mark's Basilica

Visit this breathtaking cathedral that showcases intricate mosaics and stunning architecture.
Walk from lunch (20 min).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Doge’s Palace

Discover the history and art of Venice within the Doge's Palace.
A short walk from St. Mark's Basilica.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic Venetian gondola ride along the canals.
Find a gondola station near St. Mark's Square.
EUR80 (split with friends if you can), 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Dine on fresh seafood in an intimate setting.
A 15-minute walk from the Gondola station.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Living Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Grab a pastry and coffee at this beloved local bakery to start your day.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR5, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit Rialto Market

Immerse yourself in Venetian life by exploring the bustling market.
A 15-minute stroll from your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Grand Canal

Take a Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal for stunning views of the city.
Find a Vaporetto stop at Rialto.
EUR7.50, 45 mins

11:30AM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Admire modern art in this beautiful museum along the Grand Canal.
Walk from the Vaporetto stop.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria da Fiore

Have a delightful Venetian meal featuring cicchetti, small plates to share.
15-minute walk from the museum.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Accademia Gallery

Discover an extensive collection of Venetian Renaissance art.
A 10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Jewish Ghetto

Learn about the historical roots of Venice’s Jewish community.
15-minute walk from the gallery.
Free., 1 hour

5:00PM

Coffee at Caffè Rosso

Enjoy a break with a local coffee in a charming cafe.
A 10-minute walk from the ghetto.
EUR3, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Indulge in Venetian specialties paired with a local wine.
Vaporetto to Burano (EUR7.50) and then walk 10 mins.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Ending in Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy the last breakfast included at your hotel as you prepare for Milan.
N/A
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Train to Milan

Travel from Venice to Milan on a regional train.
Depart from Santa Lucia train station.
EUR30 (book in advance), 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Arrival in Milan

Get ready to explore fashion-forward Milan, enjoying the bustling energy of the city.
Walk from the train station to the city center.
Free, 30 mins

12:00PM

Lunch at Luini

Savor a famous panzerotto, a flaky pastry filled with tomato and mozzarella.
A 15-minute walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of Milan's iconic cathedral.
A 10-minute walk from lunch.
Free to enter (roof climb EUR12), 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through the elegant shopping arcade with historic charm.
Adjacent to the Duomo.
Free, 30 mins

3:30PM

Visit Castello Sforzesco

Discover the history housed in this medieval castle, complete with a beautiful park.
A 15-minute walk from the Galleria.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Caffè Cova Montenapoleone

Relax with a coffee in this renowned cafe and soak up the Milanese atmosphere.
Walk back 10 minutes.
EUR5, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Spontini

End your Italian adventure with a slice of Milan’s famous pizza in a casual environment.
A 15-minute walk from Caffè Cova.
EUR10, 1 hour
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