5-Day Adventure in Switzerland, Paris and Italy on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Exploring Zürich

Zürich, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Haus Hiltl

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Haus Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant, renowned for its buffet.
Located in the city centre, walking distance from the train station.
CHF25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Old Town (Altstadt)

Stroll through Zürich's charming Old Town, with its well-preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets.
Walk around 20 minutes from Haus Hiltl.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Markthalle

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Markthalle, where you can sample various local and international foods.
A 15-minute walk from Old Town.
CHF15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Swiss National Museum

Dive into Switzerland's rich cultural history at the Swiss National Museum, featuring a plethora of exhibits.
10-minute walk from Markthalle.
CHF10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Take a Boat Ride on Lake Zürich

Relax with a scenic boat ride on Lake Zürich, taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Board from the Rathaus pier, 15 minutes walk from the museum.
CHF8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Dolder Grand

An elegant yet budget-friendly dinner at The Dolder Grand's restaurant terrace, where you can enjoy local dishes.
Take the tram from the lake back to the city centre and then a short walk.
CHF35, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature in Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Ditsch

Grab a quick breakfast at this local bakery famous for its pretzels and pastries.
Located near the train station.
CHF10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Train to Lucerne

Take a scenic morning train ride from Zürich to Lucerne, enjoying the picturesque Swiss landscapes.
Board at Zürich Hauptbahnhof (main station).
CHF25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Discover the iconic Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe celebrated for its historical paintings.
A short walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Fritschi

Savour traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Fritschi, known for its fondue.
Backtrack a 10-minute stroll from the bridge.
CHF20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Day Trip to Mount Pilatus

Take the cogwheel train up to Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views and exhilarating hiking trails.
Essentials are available at the station; take a local bus or walk to the base.
CHF55, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus Taube

Enjoy a comforting dinner at Wirtshaus Taube, where you can opt for hearty seasonal dishes.
Take the bus back to Lucerne and walk to the restaurant.
CHF30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Paris

Paris, France

7:00AM

Breakfast at a local Boulangery

Indulge in a flaky croissant and café au lait from a nearby bakery, authentic to start your day.
Near your accommodation in Lucerne.
EUR5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train to Paris

Catch an early train from Lucerne to Paris, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
From Lucerne train station.
EUR70, 4 hours

12:00PM

Explore the Eiffel Tower

Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and, if possible, enjoy an elevator ride up for a stunning view of Paris.
Take the metro from Gare de Lyon to Champ de Mars.
EUR25, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Café de Flore

Treat yourself to lunch at Café de Flore, an authentic Parisian experience with delicious salads and pastries.
Within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.
EUR20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Explore the extensive art collections at the Louvre Museum, including the famous Mona Lisa.
A 15-minute metro ride from Café de Flore.
EUR17, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Enjoy a classic French steak frites at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte with their secret sauce.
A 10-minute walk from the Louvre.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Art and History in Florence

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Gilli

Start your day with a delightful cappuccino and pastry at Gilli, the oldest café in Florence.
Short walk from your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Florence

Head to the train station to take an early morning train to Florence.
From Gare de Lyon.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Duomo

Marvel at the majestic Florence Cathedral and the intricate details of its dome.
A 10-minute walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Uffizi Gallery

Explore art masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important art museums in the world.
A 15-minute walk from Duomo.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Satisfy your hunger with delicious Tuscan cuisine in an authentic trattoria setting.
About a 10-minute stroll from the museum.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:30PM

Take a walk across Ponte Vecchio

Walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio, lined with shops and offering stunning views of the Arno River.
A mere 5-minute walk from the trattoria.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Indulge in authentic Florentine dishes at this renowned restaurant, perfect for budget travellers.
A 15-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Culinary Adventures in Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Bonci

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast of cornetto and cappuccino at this famous bakery.
Near your accommodation in Florence.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Train to Rome

Catch a quick train from Florence to Rome, immersing yourself in the charming Italian countryside.
From Florence's main train station.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Step back in time at the Colosseum, an iconic landmark that is must-see in Rome.
A 15-minute metro ride from the train station.
EUR16, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Enzo

Savour authentic Roman cuisine at this beloved local trattoria, known for its pasta dishes.
A 10-minute walk from the Colosseum.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Vatican City

Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, home to some of the world’s most revered artworks.
20-minute metro ride from Trattoria Da Enzo.
EUR20, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Experience Rome's famous thin-crust pizza at Pizzeria Ai Marmi, an informal and lively pizzeria.
Close to Vatican City, around a 15-minute walk.
EUR15, 1 hour
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