Epic Shoestring Budget Rail Adventure for Four Starting December 2024

Day 1: Arrive & Explore

Rome, Italy

9:00AM

Check-in and Breakfast

Arrive in Rome, check into a budget-friendly hostel, and start your day with an affordable breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto at 'Caffè Sant’ Eustachio'.
From the airport, take the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station, about 30 minutes.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Colosseum

Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Rome with a guided tour of the iconic Colosseum.
From your hostel, take Metro Line B to Colosseo Station.
EUR18, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria

Enjoy a traditional Roman pasta meal at 'Trattoria Da Enzo'.
Walk for 10 minutes from the Colosseum.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Roman Forum

Wander through the ruins of the heart of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum.
Very close to the Colosseum, just a short walk away.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Stroll

Take a leisurely walk to admire the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Walk approximately 30 minutes or take the bus.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante

Have a budget-friendly pizza dinner at 'Pizzeria Baffetto'.
From the Trevi Fountain, it’s a short 15-minute walk.
EUR10, 1 hour
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Day 2: Train to Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café

Grab a quick breakfast from 'La Menagere', a cozy café with pastries and espresso.
Walk to the café from your hostel.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Florence

Catch a train from Termini Station to Florence.
Take the Metro to Termini Station and board your train.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in to Hostel

Check-in to your hostel in Florence and freshen up.
Walk from the train station, about 15 minutes.
EUR25, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Enjoy a variety of affordable meals at the Mercato Centrale, filled with local delicacies.
A short walk from your hostel.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore Renaissance art at the renowned Uffizi Gallery (book ahead to save time).
About 10 minutes' walk from Mercato Centrale.
EUR23, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll Ponte Vecchio

Take an afternoon stroll along the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Walk 10 minutes from the Uffizi Gallery.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Osteria

Experience hearty Tuscan dishes at 'Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori'.
A quick 8-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bakkaro

Start your day with a fresh, delicious pastry and coffee at 'Bakkaro'.
On the way to Santa Lucia Train Station.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Venice

Take a direct train from Florence to Venice.
Board your train at Santa Maria Novella Station.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-in & Drop Bags

Check into your Venice hostel and rest before heading out to explore.
Walk from Santa Lucia Station for about 15 minutes.
EUR30, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria

Savor a classic Venetian lunch of seafood risotto at 'Trattoria da Fiore'.
A short walk through the lively streets.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ride on a Vaporetto

Take a scenic Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal for picturesque views.
Board at the nearby Vaporetto stop.
EUR7.50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

Explore the stunning mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica (free entry but donations appreciated).
Walk about 20 minutes from the Vaporetto dock.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria

Wind down with a casual dinner at 'Osteria Al Garanghelo' known for its pizzas.
About a 15-minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica.
EUR12, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discover Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Bar

Start your morning with a quick pastry and coffee at 'Pasticceria Marchesi'.
Walk towards the central station.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Milan

Catch a train from Venice to Milan.
Depart from Santa Lucia Station.
EUR17, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-in to Hotel

Check into your Milan accommodation and refresh for a bit.
Take a short walk from the main terminus.
EUR30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Panini Shop

Grab a quick lunch at 'Panini Durini', famous for delicious sandwiches.
Nearby your accommodation.
EUR7, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of the Milan Cathedral.
A leisurely stroll from the lunch spot.
EUR15, 2 hours

3:30PM

Pinacoteca di Brera

Visit the famous Brera Gallery for a fine collection of Italian master paintings.
A short 10-minute walk from the Duomo.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante

Enjoy a pasta dinner at 'Trattoria Milanese'.
Walk over from the gallery, about 15 minutes.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Nice

Nice, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café

Start with breakfast at 'Café de Flore' known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Nice

Travel from Milan to Nice by train, enjoying the stunning landscape along the way.
Board at Milano Centrale.
EUR35, 5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in to Hostel

Check-in at your Nice hostel then head out for lunch.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Lunch at Local Bistro

Savor local Nicois specialties at 'Chez Acchiardo'.
A quick stroll from your hostel.
EUR12, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Promenade des Anglais

Take a scenic walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, soaking in the Mediterranean views.
About a 20-minute walk from the bistro.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant

Have a lovely dinner with local wines at 'Le Saint Paul'.
Walk back to the restaurant, around 25 minutes.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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