14-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Paris to Zagreb

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a classic Parisian breakfast of croissants and café au lait at the iconic Café de Flore.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Louvre

Explore the vast collections of the Louvre and marvel at the Mona Lisa.
EUR17, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Saint Régis

Enjoy a budget-friendly, hearty meal at this charming bistro next to Île de la Cité.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Stroll through Île de la Cité

Visit the striking Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows.
EUR10 for Sainte-Chapelle, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Montmartre

Venture up to the artistic Montmartre district and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Savor an affordable yet delicious traditional French dinner at this popular eatery.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

Day 2: More Parisian Wonders

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Indulge in a famous hot chocolate and pastries at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Eiffel Tower

Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and ascend for breathtaking views of the city.
EUR26, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walk along the Seine

Stroll along the picturesque Seine River, enjoying the sights and sounds of Paris.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at L'As du Fallafel

Try some of the best falafel in the Marais area for a quick and budget-friendly lunch.
EUR8, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Musée d'Orsay

Delve into the world of Impressionist art at this beautiful museum housed in a former railway station.
EUR14, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Stroll on the famous avenue to the majestic Arc de Triomphe.
EUR13 (optional climb), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chez Janou

Wrap up your day with a rustic Mediterranean meal in Le Marais.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Travel to Como

Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a simple breakfast before checking out.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Como

Catch an early train from Paris to Como via Milan, which will take about 7 hours.
EUR50, 7 hours including transfers

4:00PM

Check-in and Refresh

Settle into a budget hotel or hostel in Como.
EUR30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Walk around Lake Como

Relish a leisurely stroll along the stunning shores of Lake Como as the sun sets.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Rita

Enjoy authentic Italian pasta dishes at a local eatery without breaking the bank.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Discover Como

Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Galli

Start your day with Italian pastries and coffee at this lovely bakery.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Como Cathedral

Explore the stunning architecture of the Como Cathedral in the city center.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Funicular to Brunate

Ride the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views of Lake Como and its surroundings.
EUR5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Al Lago

Enjoy a lakeside lunch featuring fresh seafood and local wines.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Boat Tour on Lake Como

Take a budget-friendly boat tour to admire the picturesque villages around the lake.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return and Relax

Spend some time relaxing at a local park or café.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Il Gallo

Enjoy a cozy dinner with some comforting risotto or pizza at this quaint place.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or hostel.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Milan

Catch a short train ride from Como to Milan, taking approximately 30 minutes.
EUR5, 0.5 hours

10:00AM

Check-in and Explore

Check into a budget hostel and quickly refresh before heading out.
EUR30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning cathedral and, if budget allows, climb to the rooftop for city views.
EUR15 for rooftop, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy Milan’s famous panzerotti for a filling and affordable lunch.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore the stunning shopping gallery with its beautiful architecture.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Castello Sforzesco

Visit this historic castle and stroll through its lush surrounding parks.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Indulge in traditional Milanese cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Travel to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Grab a quick breakfast at a local café before departing.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Cinque Terre

Take the train from Milan to La Spezia, followed by a local train to your chosen Cinque Terre village.
EUR20, 3 hours including transfers

12:00PM

Check-in at Budget Accommodation

Settle into your budget lodging in one of the picturesque villages.
EUR30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Da Ercolino

Savor fresh seafood and pasta at this local favorite eatery.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Monterosso Al Mare

Spend your afternoon on the stunning beaches of Monterosso.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at L'Osteria della Storia

Enjoy a delightful dinner while overlooking the beach.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Hiking Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before your hike.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike from Monterosso to Vernazza

Embark on a scenic hiking adventure along the famous Cinque Terre trails.
EUR7 (Cinque Terre Card), 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Vernazza

Take time to explore the charming village of Vernazza with its vibrant harbor.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gelateria Vernazza

Grab a light lunch and enjoy delicious gelato while enjoying the views.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike from Vernazza to Corniglia

Continue hiking to Corniglia, absorbing more stunning coastal views.
Free with Cinque Terre Card, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Accommodation

After a long day of hiking, return to your accommodation to relax and wind down.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Pizzeria Da Antonio

Enjoy a cozy dinner of pizza or pasta after a rewarding day.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Explore More of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at a bakery

Savor Italian pastries and coffee as fuel for your day of exploration.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Riomaggiore

Spend the morning in Riomaggiore, the most southern village of Cinque Terre.
EUR7 (Cinque Terre Card), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Manarola

Stroll through the colorful streets of Manarola and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Included with Cinque Terre Card, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Il Porticciolo

Enjoy fresh seafood pasta while gazing at the sea.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax on the Beaches

Spend your afternoon lounging on the beaches of Manarola or Vernazza.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Accommodation

Head back to your lodging to unwind and freshen up.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Il Casello

Enjoy a delicious dinner of local dishes while admiring the sunset.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Venice.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Venice

Take a train from La Spezia to Venice in about 4 hours.
EUR25, 4 hours

1:00PM

Check-in to Budget Accommodation

Settle in a budget-friendly hotel or hostel in Venice.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria al Ponte

Enjoy affordable Venetian cuisine at a local trattoria.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Piazza San Marco

Visit the iconic San Marco Square and Saint Mark's Basilica, soaking in the atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Gondola Ride

Take a budget-friendly gondola ride as the sun sets over the canals.
EUR20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Indulge in exquisite local seafood dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Discover Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local bakery

Start your day with a traditional pastry and coffee.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore the stunning Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venice's power.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Bridge of Sighs

Continue to the famous Bridge of Sighs and take photos at this iconic spot.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cantina Do Spade

Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and local wines for a light lunch.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Rialto Market

Explore the bustling Rialto Market, soaking in the vibrant local culture.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Wander the Canals

Spend the afternoon wandering the lesser-known canals and bridges of Venice.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Da Fiore

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a renowned restaurant focusing on local ingredients.
EUR30, 2 hours

Day 11: Travel to Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia

8:00AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Get fueled up before the travel ahead.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Ljubljana

Take a budget bus from Venice to Ljubljana, approximately 3 hours long.
EUR15, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in to Budget Accommodation

Check into a budget-friendly hostel in the city center.
EUR30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Čokl

Enjoy a traditional Slovenian meal in this cozy café.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Ljubljana Castle

Take a walk up to the castle for panoramic views of the city.
EUR10, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll along the Ljubljanica River

Enjoy the scenic river views and charming architecture along the banks.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Druga Violina

End your day with a delightful dinner at this popular eatery known for local delights.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

Day 12: Discover Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Petit Café

Start your day in this charming café with a hearty breakfast.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Tivoli Park

Spend the morning in Tivoli Park, the largest park in Ljubljana.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Trip to Metelkova

Explore the vibrant cultural district of Metelkova with its street art and alternative spaces.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Zlata Ribica

Enjoy some delicious Slovenian cuisine.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Central Market

Wander through the local market and try some local delicacies.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit National Gallery

Admire the impressive art collection in Slovenia's national gallery.
EUR7, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Accommodation

Head back and take some time to unwind.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Špajza

Enjoy another local dinner at this cozy eatery in the heart of the city.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 13: Travel to Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up for the journey ahead.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Zagreb

Catch an affordable bus from Ljubljana to Zagreb, which takes about 2 hours.
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in to Budget Accommodation

Arrive and check into budget accommodation.
EUR30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bistro Apetit

Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring Croatian specialties.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Upper Town

Explore the charming streets of the Upper Town, including St. Mark’s Church.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax in Zrinjevac Park

Take a moment to relax and people-watch in Zrinjevac Park.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Vinodol

End your day with a delicious dinner at this highly-rated restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

Day 14: Last Day in Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Savor a traditional Croatian breakfast before departure.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Museum of Broken Relationships

Dive into unique exhibits at this quirky museum dedicated to failed love stories.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Tkalciceva Street

Wander the lively street filled with cafes and shops, perfect for last-minute souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mali Bar

Enjoy a light lunch at this local gem known for its friendly service.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax in the Lotrščak Tower

Climb the tower for views of Zagreb and reflect on your journey.
EUR4, 1 hour

3:00PM

End of Itinerary

Prepare for departure, cherishing the memories from your trip.
N/A, 1 hour