12-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Paris, Como, Milan, Cinque Terre, Venice

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a classic French breakfast of croissants and coffee at this iconic café.
Metro Line 4 to Saint-Germain-des-Prés station.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Louvre

Spend your morning exploring the world-famous art in the Louvre Museum; don't miss the Mona Lisa!
Walk from Cafe de Flore to the Louvre.
EUR17, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at L'As du Fallafel

Indulge in some of the best falafel in the Marais district, perfect for a quick and affordable bite.
Metro Line 1 to Saint-Paul station.
EUR9, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wander through Montmartre

Stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre and see the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning views of Paris.
Metro Line 11 to Arts et Métiers station, then transfer to Line 2.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Seine River

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Seine, perhaps stopping at a riverbank bookstall.
Walk to the Seine River.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte

Savor a simple and delicious steak-frites dinner with their secret sauce.
Metro to Saint-Michel, then walk.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More Parisian Delights

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Du Pain et Des Idées

Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee at this local bakery known for its croissants.
Metro to Canal Saint-Martin.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral

Admire the gothic architecture of Notre Dame, although the interior might be under renovation.
Walk to Notre Dame.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Latin Quarter

Wander the picturesque streets of the Latin Quarter, filled with shops and cafés.
Walk to the Latin Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chez Janou

Try some provincial cuisine at this quaint restaurant with a delightful courtyard.
Metro to Bastille.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Musée d'Orsay

Enjoy the extensive impressionist collection in this beautiful museum housed in a former railway station.
Walk to the museum.
EUR14, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Grab some snacks from a local shop and enjoy a relaxing picnic in this beautiful park.
Metro Line 7 to Buttes-Chaumont.
EUR6, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy affordable French dishes at this charming bistro with a lively atmosphere.
Metro back to Pigalle.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Paris to Como

Como, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Check out and go to the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel from Paris to Como

Catch your bus or flight to Como, soaking in the landscape of Northern Italy as you travel.
Book in advance for cheaper fares.
EUR40, 6 hours

2:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle in at your budget-friendly accommodation in Como.
Walk or take a bus to your accommodation.
EUR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Da Rocco

Savor some authentic Italian pizza in the charming town of Como.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Como Cathedral

Explore the intricacies and beauty of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Walk to the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Ride Funicolare to Brunate

Take the funicular to Brunate for stunning views of Lake Como.
Walk to the funicular station.
EUR5, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Il Gallo

Delight in traditional Lombard cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Walk to the osteria.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Como

Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bar D'Italia

Begin your day with a cappuccino and a pastry at this local bar.
Walk to the bar.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Villa Olmo

Explore the gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the lake from Villa Olmo.
Walk to Villa Olmo.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll Lakeside Promenade

Take a peaceful walk along the lakeshore and snap pictures of the stunning scenery.
Walk along the promenade.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Il Volo

Enjoy a tasty pasta dish and local wines at this modest trattoria.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Take Boat around Lake Como

Catch a ferry and soak in the breathtaking views of the lake from the water.
Walk to the ferry terminal.
EUR10, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Unwind at the public beach or check out local shops for souvenirs.
Walk to the beach area.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Costa

Try traditional Italian seafood dishes at an affordable price.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
Check out of accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel from Como to Milan

Take a local train to Milan and enjoy the ride through the Italian countryside.
Head to Como train station.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-in at Accommodation

Arrive in Milan and check in to your budget accommodation.
Walk or take a short metro ride to your accommodation.
EUR0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Milan Cathedral

Marvel at the intricate architecture of the iconic Duomo di Milano and the surrounding square.
Walk to the cathedral.
EUR3, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Panzerotti Luisa

Grab a delicious homemade panzerotto, a local specialty, from this famous eatery.
Walk to the shop.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through the stunning shopping gallery, even if you're just window shopping.
Walk to the gallery.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Castello Sforzesco

Explore the castle grounds and visit its museums, which feature artwork and historical exhibits.
Walk to the castle.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Pino

Enjoy classic Italian dishes like risotto at this affordable trattoria.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explore Milan's Culture

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your day energized with a freshly baked pastry and a good coffee.
Walk to the bakery.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie

View Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, in this UNESCO site - be sure to book in advance.
Metro to Conciliazione station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll in Sempione Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Sempione Park and take in the beautiful scenery.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciao Dalla Maria

Delight in an inexpensive pizza or pasta meal at this cozy eatery.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping in Navigli District

Explore the fashionable Navigli district with its unique shops and picturesque canals.
Metro to Porta Genova station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Brief Stop at Museo del Novecento

A quick visit to this museum highlighting 20th-century art.
Walk back to the museum.
EUR10, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Experience local cuisine, including osso buco, at this affordable restaurant.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before checking out.
Get ready to check out.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel from Milan to Cinque Terre

Take a train to La Spezia, then transfer to Cinque Terre.
Direct train from Milan to La Spezia.
EUR20, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Accommodation

Arrive in Cinque Terre and settle into your budget accommodation.
Walk to your accommodation.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Antonio

Enjoy a classic Italian pizza after your travel - the perfect way to refuel.
Walk to the pizzeria.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Riomaggiore

Wander through the colorful streets of Riomaggiore and take photos of the picturesque harbor.
Take the local train to Riomaggiore.
EUR4, 2 hours

4:30PM

Hike to Manarola

Enjoy a scenic hike between Riomaggiore and Manarola, taking in spectacular views of the coast.
Follow signs for the path.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Manarola

Savor local seafood dishes at a rustic restaurant with ocean views.
Walk to a seafood restaurant.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cinque Terre Adventures

Cinque Terre, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation.
Check out before departing.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Corniglia

Catch a train to Corniglia, and explore this beautiful village situated high on a cliff.
Board the local train.
EUR4, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike to Vernazza

Hike along the trail from Corniglia to Vernazza, marveling at the majestic coastal views.
Follow trail markers.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Il Pirun

Stop for some ravioli or seafood pasta in Vernazza, known for its fresh catch.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR14, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Vernazza

Take your time exploring the boutique shops and quaint streets of this charming coastal town.
Wander around Vernazza.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Beach Time at Vernazza

Enjoy the sun and relax at the beach before heading back.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Sandro

End your day with a delicious dinner, featuring homemade pasta in a family-run trattoria.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and heading to Venice.
Check out and pack.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel from Cinque Terre to Venice

Catch a train to Venice, enjoying the scenery along the way.
Train from Monterosso to Venice Santa Lucia.
EUR25, 4 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into your affordable stay in Venice.
Walk to your accommodation.
EUR0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria al Vecio Marangon

Dig into delicious local dishes like cicchetti in this quaint osteria.
Walk to the osteria.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore St. Mark's Square

Visit the famous Piazza San Marco and marvel at St. Mark's Basilica.
Walk to St. Mark's Square.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Gondola Ride

Take a classic gondola ride through Venice’s charming canals.
Find a gondola station nearby.
EUR80 for a shared ride, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Fiore

Savor Venetian cuisine, including seafood risotto, whilst overlooking the canals.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Discover Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before adventure.
Check out of your room and get ready.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore the stunning architecture and history of the former ruling palace.
Walk to Doge's Palace.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Cross the Rialto Bridge

Visit this iconic bridge and enjoy the vibrant market scene.
Walk to the bridge.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Dine on local specialties like spaghetti nero in this hidden gem.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Murano Island

Take a vaporetto to Murano and watch artisans create beautiful glassworks.
Board vaporetto at Fondamente Nove.
EUR10, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some time relaxing at the Lido di Venezia beaches before evening activities.
Vaporetto to Lido.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Osteria alla Madonna

Savor the incredible seafood dishes at this traditional osteria.
Vaporetto back to Venice.
EUR20, 2 hours
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Day 11: Last Day in Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have one last breakfast in Venice at your accommodation.
Check your flight times.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore this picturesque museum filled with modern art.
Walk to the museum.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Last-minute shopping in Venice

Browse through shops for unique souvenirs before your departure.
Wander through the streets.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Enjoy a final local meal featuring cicchetti on Burano Island.
Take the vaporetto to Burano.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Burano Island

Wander through the colorful streets of Burano with its lace shops.
Wander around Burano.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Venice

Travel back to Venice and prepare for your departure.
Vaporetto back to Venice.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Final Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring local favorites in a cozy setting.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 12: Departure from Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast to start your final morning.
Check out of your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Airport

Head to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your departure.
Take the bus or vaporetto to the airport.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Final Farewell

Depart from Venice, reflecting on an incredible journey through Italy and France.
Finalize your travel arrangements.
EUR0, Varies
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