7-Day Shoestring Budget Nature & Foodie Train Trip Across Italy

Day 1: Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your day with a delicious pastry and cappuccino at Pavé, a popular café known for its fresh baked goods.
Take the metro to Centrale FS station.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore the historic Sforza Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.
Metro to Cadorna station, then a short walk.
EUR5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy some authentic Risotto alla Milanese at Trattoria Milanese, a family-run eatery.
Walk 15 minutes from the castle.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll Through Parco Sempione

Relax and take a leisurely walk through Parco Sempione, located just behind the castle.
Walk back to the park.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning architecture of Milan's famous cathedral.
Take the metro to Duomo station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria dell'Acquacheta

Savor a hearty pasta dish while mingling with locals.
Walk 10 minutes from the cathedral.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Walk 10 minutes to Milan Centrale.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Varenna

Enjoy a scenic train ride to Varenna on Lake Como.
Catch the train from Milan Centrale.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Varenna and Villa Monastero

Stroll through Varenna and visit Villa Monastero with its exquisite gardens.
Walk 15 minutes from the station to the villa.
EUR8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Il Cavatappi

Feast on fresh lake fish at this cozy, lakeside restaurant.
Head back towards the lakefront.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ferry to Bellagio

Enjoy a picturesque ferry ride to Bellagio, often referred to as the 'pearl of the lake.'
Board the ferry from Varenna.
EUR4, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Stroll Through Bellagio

Wander through charming streets and enjoy the local shops.
Explore on foot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Varenna

Catch the ferry back to Varenna for your return trip.
Wait at the ferry dock.
EUR4, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Il Caminetto

Enjoy pizza from a well-loved local place before heading back to Milan.
Walk back to the train station.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:30PM

Train back to Milan

Relax and reflect on your day by the lake as you travel back.
Catch the train from Varenna.
EUR6, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cinque Terre Adventure

Cinque Terre, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at La Bioesseria

Enjoy an organic breakfast before you head to Cinque Terre.
Walk to the nearby café.
EUR10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to La Spezia

Catch an early train to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.
Take the metro to the train station.
EUR10, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Monterosso Al Mare

Relax on the beach or hike along the trails in Monterosso.
Catch a local train from La Spezia.
EUR3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Ely

Savor some local seafood risotto at this beachfront spot.
Walk to the restaurant in Monterosso.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Vernazza

Take the train to Vernazza, where you can enjoy coastal views and colorful houses.
Catch the train from Monterosso.
EUR3, 1 hour

4:00PM

Hike to Corniglia

Embark on a scenic hike from Vernazza to Corniglia for stunning vistas.
Follow the marked trail.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Al Ristoro di Montenero

Enjoy homemade focaccia and local wine overlooking the vineyards in Corniglia.
Short walk from the trail.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Train to La Spezia

Head back to La Spezia for your night’s stay.
Catch the train from Corniglia.
EUR2, 30 minutes
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Day 4: Historic Pisa

Pisa, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Salza

Start your day with a local pastry and coffee.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Pisa

Travel to Pisa and head to the iconic Leaning Tower.
Take the train from La Spezia to Pisa.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa

Climb up the Leaning Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
Walk to the tower from the station.
EUR18, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Piazza dei Miracoli

Wander around the beautiful square housing the tower, cathedral, and baptistery.
Explore on foot.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante La Buca

Indulge in Tuscan specialities such as pici cacio e pepe.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

Discover art and historical artifacts from the cathedral complex.
Walk back to Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Florence

Head back to Florence for the evening.
Catch a train from Pisa.
EUR8, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy a hearty Florentine steak at this popular locals’ spot.
Walk to the restaurant near your accommodation.
EUR20, 2 hours
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Day 5: Florence Highlights

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Vespe

Start your day with a classic Italian breakfast of a cornetto and cappuccino.
Walk to the café near your stay.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore masterpieces of the Renaissance at the famous Uffizi Gallery.
Take a short walk from the café.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Ponte Vecchio

Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio and browse the shops.
Walk from Uffizi.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria dei 13 Gobbi

Enjoy traditional Tuscan fare at this local gem.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Florence Cathedral

Admire the stunning dome and architectural features of Duomo di Firenze.
Walk to the cathedral.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Boboli Gardens

Relax and take in the beautiful gardens and views of Florence.
Walk to the gardens.
EUR10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savor traditional pasta dishes brilliantly prepared here.
Walk back towards the city centre.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Grab a freshly baked pastry and coffee from this lively bakery.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the ancient Colosseum and learn about its history.
Take the metro to Colosseo.
EUR16, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum right next door.
Walk to the Forum.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Indulge in some of the best pizza in Rome at this bustling pizzeria.
Walk from the Forum.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Vatican City

Explore the spiritual heart of Catholicism with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica.
Take the metro to Ottaviano.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Trastevere

Wander the picturesque streets of Trastevere, soaking in its bohemian vibe.
Walk or take a tram.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo

Enjoy a traditional Roman meal, including cacio e pepe, in this cozy trattoria.
Walk to Trastevere.
EUR15, 2 hours
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Day 7: Naples and Pompeii

Naples, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Start your day where the locals gather, enjoying Neapolitan coffee and pastries.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Pompeii

Travel to Pompeii, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
Catch a Circumvesuviana train at Garibaldi station.
EUR3, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Pompeii

Walk through the ancient ruins and marvel at the preserved city.
Purchase an entry ticket at the site.
EUR18, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Da Michele

Taste the famed Neapolitan pizza at this legendary spot.
Return to Naples by train.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk along Spaccanapoli

Stroll along the narrow street filled with shops and street food.
Explore by foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Napoli National Archaeological Museum

See a vast collection of Roman artifacts and art from Pompeii.
Walk to the museum.
EUR15, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Nennella

End your trip with a memorable meal in a vibrant local eatery.
Head to the restaurant in Chiaia.
EUR15, 2 hours
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