7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Italy

Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Start your day with a budget-friendly cornetto and cappuccino at this iconic Roman pasticceria.
Walk or take a metro to the Colosseum.
EUR5, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the ancient amphitheater and soak in the history of gladiatorial combats.
Purchase a combined ticket with the Roman Forum.
EUR16, 2 Hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Grab a slice of pizza bianca or a sandwich, perfect for a quick and affordable lunch.
Walk to Campo de' Fiori.
EUR5, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the ruins of ancient government buildings and imagine daily life in the Roman Empire.
Follow the signs from the Colosseum.
Included in Colosseum Ticket, 1.5 Hours

3:00PM

Visit Palatine Hill

Gain incredible views of the Forum and the Circus Maximus while learning about Rome's founders.
Explore the adjacent hill.
Included in Colosseum Ticket, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Evening at Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin in the fountain and take pictures to ensure your return to Rome.
Walk from Palatine Hill to the fountain.
Free, 1 Hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo

Savor classic Roman pasta dishes at affordable prices in this rustic eatery.
Take a short bus or walk.
EUR15, 1.5 Hours
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Day 2: Art and Culture in Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Sant'Eustachio

Grab a well-known espresso and a pastry at this famous coffee shop.
Walk to the café in the city center.
EUR6, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vatican Museums

Explore one of the most important collections of art in the world, ending with the breathtaking Sistine Chapel.
Take metro line A to Ottaviano.
EUR17, 3 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Trionfale

Sample local delicacies and grab a fresh Italian sandwich at this bustling market.
Walk to the market near the Vatican.
EUR8, 1 Hour

2:00PM

St. Peter's Basilica visit

Marvel at the grandeur of this iconic church; entry is free but consider a small donation.
Walk to St. Peter’s Square.
Free / Donation, 1.5 Hours

4:00PM

Enjoy the Gardens of Vatican

Relax in the beautiful Vatican Gardens, which can be accessed via guided tour.
Book tour online beforehand.
EUR28, 1.5 Hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Enjoy some of the best pizza in Rome at this local favorite, known for its thin crust.
Walk back towards the city center.
EUR12, 1.5 Hours
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Day 3: Artistic Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Indulge in a sweet pastry with a rich cappuccino at this historic café in Florence.
Take a train from Rome to Florence (train needs to be booked in advance).
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

10:00AM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Explore masterworks from the Renaissance period, including pieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo.
Walk or take a local bus to the gallery.
EUR20, 2.5 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at All’ Antico Vinaio

Grab the famous schiacciata sandwiches at this bustling but affordable restaurant.
Walk from the Uffizi Gallery.
EUR7, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Explore the Florence Cathedral

Visit this iconic landmark and admire its stunning architecture; entry is free.
Walk to the Duomo.
Free, 1 Hour

3:30PM

Climb the Duomo

Climb the 463 steps to the dome for breathtaking views of Florence.
Pay at the entrance.
EUR20, 1.5 Hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Santa Spirito

Enjoy traditional Tuscan fare in a cozy setting without breaking the bank.
Walk to the Oltrarno district.
EUR15, 1.5 Hours
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Day 4: Cultural Highlights in Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at this local bakery that's easy on the wallet.
Walk to the bakery from your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Visit Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a morning walk up to this viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of Florence.
Hike or take a local bus.
Free, 1.5 Hours

11:00AM

Exploring the Boboli Gardens

Stroll through the tranquil gardens that showcase Renaissance landscaping.
Walk to the gardens from Piazzale Michelangelo.
EUR10, 1.5 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy hearty rustic Tuscan dishes at reasonable prices in a lively atmosphere.
Walk from the gardens.
EUR12, 1.5 Hours

3:00PM

Accademia Gallery visit

See Michelangelo's David and other Renaissance masterpieces in this iconic gallery.
Walk back towards the city center.
EUR12, 1.5 Hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia

Cool off with a gelato from one of the best gelaterias in Florence.
Walk from the Accademia.
EUR3, 30 Minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

End your day with a delicious meal featuring local Tuscan specialties at this popular restaurant.
Walk to the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 Hours
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Day 5: Venice Uncovered

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy a local pastry and coffee as you wake up to the charm of Venice.
Take a train from Florence to Venice (book in advance).
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

10:00AM

Visit St. Mark's Square

Explore the iconic piazza and admire the stunning architecture of the basilica.
Walk around the square.
Free, 1 Hour

11:30AM

Entry to Doge's Palace

Discover the history of Venetian governance and artistry within this majestic palace.
Walk to the palace from the square.
EUR20, 2 Hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Savor seafood pasta in a laid-back eatery that's friendly to budgets.
Take a vaporretto to Burano for lunch.
EUR15, 1.5 Hours

3:30PM

Explore the colorful island of Burano

Wander the charming streets lined with brightly painted houses and lace shops.
Explore on foot around the island.
Free, 2 Hours

5:30PM

Gelato at Gelateria Nico

Indulge in a famous gianduiotto gelato after exploring Burano.
Return to Venice by vaporretto.
EUR3, 30 Minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Alla Madonna

Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere without expensive prices.
Walk from the gelateria.
EUR20, 1.5 Hours
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Day 6: Venice Adventures

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè del Doge

Start your day with a delicious espresso and a bakery treat at this local café.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR6, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Explore Rialto Market

Visit Venice's bustling market and witness daily life through local produce and fish.
Take a short walk from your accommodation.
Free, 1 Hour

10:30AM

Water Taxi Tour of Grand Canal

Take a budget water bus to admire the beautiful architecture lining the Grand Canal.
Catch a vaporetto.
EUR7, 1 Hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Alla Madonna

Return to this charming spot for more Venetian delights, great for a budget lunch.
Walk from the dock.
EUR15, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover a fantastic collection of modern art in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Walk to the museum.
EUR15, 2 Hours

3:00PM

Relax at Giardini della Biennale

Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the greenery at the Venice Biennale gardens.
Walk to the gardens.
Free, 1 Hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Alvise

Enjoy local Venetian dishes at a budget-friendly restaurant that's popular among locals.
Walk back towards your accommodation.
EUR18, 1.5 Hours
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Day 7: Fashion and Culture in Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with tasty pastries and coffee at this local bakery.
Take a train from Venice to Milan (book in advance).
EUR25, 1.5 Hours

10:00AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning Gothic cathedral and its detailed façade in the main square.
Walk to the Duomo from your train station.
Free entry, EUR10 for rooftop access., 1.5 Hours

11:30AM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and admire its architecture.
Located next to the Duomo.
Free, 1 Hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Spontini

Grab famous Milanese-style pizza for a quick and cheap lunch.
Walk from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
EUR7, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Visit Sforzesco Castle

Explore the grounds and museums within this historic castle in the heart of Milan.
Walk to Sforzesco Castle.
EUR10, 2 Hours

4:30PM

Relax in Sempione Park

Unwind at this beautiful park located right next to the castle, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1 Hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

End your Italian journey with delicious Risotto alla Milanese at this local trattoria.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR15, 1.5 Hours
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