11-Day Adventure and Cultural Immersion in Europe: Discovering Hidden Gems on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Florence

Florence, Italy on February 12, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start your Italian adventure with a rich coffee and a delicious croissant at one of the trendiest cafes in Florence.
Walk to Ditta Artigianale, 10 minutes from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit to the Uffizi Gallery

Explore the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and immerse yourself in the stunning works of Renaissance artists.
Take Bus 14 from your accommodation to the gallery.
EUR20, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample a variety of local specialties at this bustling market filled with delicious food stalls.
Walk 15 minutes to Mercato Centrale.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Boboli Gardens

Relax and soak up the sun in the beautiful Boboli Gardens, with stunning views of the city.
Walk 10 minutes to Boboli Gardens.
EUR10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Burde

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in a cozy, family-run restaurant.
Take Bus 14 to the restaurant.
EUR25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploration of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on February 13, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before departing for Cinque Terre.
Travel to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Cinque Terre

Catch an early train to the picturesque Cinque Terre, famous for its colorful villages.
Buy a train ticket to Riomaggiore.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hike between Villages

Embark on a picturesque hike through vineyards and coastal paths, connecting the charming villages of the Cinque Terre.
Follow the coastal trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola.
EUR10 (for trail pass), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria dal Billy

Savor fresh seafood pasta with a view overlooking the vibrant harbor of Manarola.
Stroll through the village to the restaurant.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Vernazza

Wander through the charming streets of Vernazza and relax by the seaside.
Continue hiking or take the train to Vernazza.
Included in trail pass, 2 hours

5:30PM

Train back to Florence

Head back to Florence to end your day filled with adventure.
Return train ticket to Florence.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Za Za

Enjoy a hearty Tuscan meal, perfect after a day of hiking.
Walk to the restaurant from your hotel.
EUR25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Culture and Style in Milan

Milan, Italy on February 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Grab a fresh pastry and coffee from a local bakery before heading out.
Walk to the bakery near your hotel.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit to the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning architecture of Milan's iconic cathedral.
Take Metro Line 1 from your hotel to Duomo.
EUR15, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Enjoy window shopping in one of the world's oldest shopping malls.
Adjacent to the Duomo.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Luini

Try a famous panzerotto, a delicious deep-fried Italian pastry filled with tomato and mozzarella.
Walk to Luini, 10 minutes from the Galleria.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Sforza Castle

Explore Milan's historic castle and its surrounding gardens.
Walk 15 minutes to the castle.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Conchetta

Indulge in a Milanese risotto while enjoying the rustic ambiance of this hidden gem.
Take tram 10 from the castle to the restaurant.
EUR20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Gondolas and Canals in Venice

Venice, Italy on February 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before departing for Venice.
Travel to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Venice

Board a train to the enchanting city of canals.
Train from Milan to Venice.
EUR25, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore St. Mark's Basilica

Visit the breathtaking basilica and experience its beautiful mosaics.
Walk to St. Mark's Square from the train station.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Nono Risorto

Dine on local Venetian specialties while enjoying views of the canals.
Short walk from St. Mark's Square.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience the iconic gondola ride through Venice's serene waterways.
Board a gondola at the designated station.
EUR80 (shared), 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit the Rialto Bridge

Explore the famous market and snap photos of the stunning bridge.
Walk to Rialto Bridge from the gondola stop.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Al Squero

Savor cicchetti, delectable Venetian tapas, at this charming osteria.
Walking distance from your hotel.
EUR25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Capital Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia on February 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Ljubljana.
Travel to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Ljubljana

Embark on a scenic train ride to Slovenia's charming capital.
Purchase a ticket from Venezia Santa Lucia to Ljubljana.
EUR30, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Druga Violina

Taste local Slovenian dishes at this social enterprise eatery near the river.
Walk to the restaurant from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ljubljana Castle Visit

Explore Ljubljana Castle and take in stunning panoramic views of the city.
Take the funicular from the center.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll around the Old Town

Wander through Ljubljana's charming streets and visit local shops and cafes.
Walk through the Old Town area.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Most

Enjoy a riverside dinner featuring fantastic Slovenian wines and dishes.
Walk to the restaurant from the Old Town.
EUR20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature Retreat at Lake Bled

Lake Bled, Slovenia on February 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a balmy breakfast at your hotel overlooking Lake Bled.
Check out and walk to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lake Bled

Take an early train to explore the breathtaking scenery of Lake Bled.
Purchase a ticket from Ljubljana to Bled Jezero.
EUR15, 2 hours

11:30AM

Pletna Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride to the island and visit the iconic church.
Board the Pletna boat at the shore.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Vila Bled

Dine lakeside with a selection of international and local cuisine.
Walk to Vila Bled from the boat pier.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike around Lake Bled

Take a leisurely hike around the lake for stunning views and fresh air.
Follow the lakeside hiking trail.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restavracija 1906

Experience gourmet dining by the lake featuring seasonal ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant from your hike.
EUR30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Journey in Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia on February 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast and get ready for the trip to Croatia's capital.
Travel to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Zagreb

Embark on a scenic train ride to Zagreb.
Buy a train ticket from Bled Jezero to Zagreb.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Štruk

Taste authentic Zagreb pastries while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Walk to La Štruk from the train station.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Upper Town

Wander through Upper Town’s cobblestone streets, visit St. Mark's Church and admire the view from Lotrščak Tower.
Walk through the city center to Upper Town.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mlinarica

Dine at a cozy restaurant known for its delectable local dishes.
Walk to the restaurant from Upper Town.
EUR20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Nature Marvel at Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia on February 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before a day in nature.
Travel to the bus station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Plitvice Lakes

Travel to one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe.
Purchase a bus ticket at the station.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Discover enchanting lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visit the park entrance and follow trails.
EUR20, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Lodge Korana

Refuel at a lodge restaurant serving local fare and offering lake views.
Walk to the lodge from the park.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Continued Exploration

Continue to explore the park, enjoying nature's tranquility.
Follow the trails and boardwalks.
Included in park fee, 3 hours

7:30PM

Return to Zagreb

Take the bus back to Zagreb and relax after a day of hiking.
Catch the return bus at the park entrance.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Gallo

Enjoy delicious local dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Coastal Charm of Split

Split, Croatia on February 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Delight in a fresh breakfast before heading along the coast.
Travel to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Split

Enjoy scenic views along the Croatian coast on your train journey.
Purchase a train ticket to Split.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fife

Experience local Dalmatian cuisine at this popular eatery near the waterfront.
Walk to Fife from the train station.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Diocletian's Palace

Wander through the ancient ruins and steep yourself in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Short walk from your lunch spot.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Bacvice Beach

Take some time to relax at the beach, soaking up the sun.
Walk to Bacvice Beach from Diocletian's Palace.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Konoba Matejuska

Savor fresh seafood at this beloved local restaurant near the marina.
Walk to the restaurant from the beach.
EUR30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Glimpse of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia on February 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your final journey to Dubrovnik.
Travel to the train station.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Dubrovnik

Take a scenic bus ride along the Adriatic coastline to Dubrovnik.
Purchase a bus ticket at the station.
EUR25, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Nautika

Dine with breathtaking views of the sea and city walls from this exquisite restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant upon arrival.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Old Town

Discover the rich history of Dubrovnik as you stroll through its ancient streets.
Walk into the Old Town area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the City Walls

Walk along the magnificent city walls for stunning views of the coastline and city.
Entrance at Pile Gate.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Tavulin

Enjoy delicious local cuisine at this charming bistro as you reflect on your trip.
Short walk from the Old Town.
EUR20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Departure Day

Dubrovnik, Croatia on February 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
Check out of the hotel.
Included with hotel, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last Stroll in Dubrovnik

Take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, soaking in the last moments of your trip.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Departure to Airport

Travel to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your incredible 11-day adventure.
Take a taxi or arrange a shuttle service.
EUR30, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability