14-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Italy

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Rome, Italy

9:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio

Start your adventure with a traditional Italian pastry at Panificio, where you can indulge in a warm cornetto.
EUR3, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Colosseum

Visit the iconic Colosseum and learn about the history of gladiators at this ancient amphitheatre.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Carlone

Enjoy a budget-friendly pasta dish at this local favourite, known for its hearty portions.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Roman Forum

Stroll through the stunning ruins of the Roman Forum, where ancient Rome comes to life.
Included, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Savour a delicious Roman pizza at this famous local pizzeria known for its thin crust.
EUR8, 1 hour

Day 2: Discovering Vatican City

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Rosati

Relish a typical Italian breakfast of cappuccino and pastry at this lovely café in the Vatican area.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour of St. Peter's Basilica

Explore the magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica, including the breathtaking dome.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Vaticano Giggi

Experience home-style Italian cooking with a plate of delicious gnocchi.
EUR12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Vatican Museums

Take in the stunning art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Giolitti

Cool off with a scoop of authentic Italian gelato at this historic gelateria.
EUR3, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Pastificio Guerra

Grab some fresh pasta and sauce to go from this popular spot to enjoy at the nearby Piazza Barberini.
EUR5, 30 minutes

Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Paszkowski

Enjoy a simple yet satisfying breakfast of a toast and coffee at this local bar.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Florence

Catch a train to Florence and admire the Tuscan scenery on your way.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Arrival in Florence

After settling in, take a moment to admire the stunning architecture of Santa Maria Novella.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savour a traditional Tuscan meal in this rustic setting.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Marvel at Italian masterpieces at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Mercato Centrale

Taste a variety of dishes at this bustling food market, a perfect spot to sample local delicacies.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 4: Art and History in Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Murate

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with freshly baked goods in a beautiful café setting.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Climb the Duomo

Tackle the famous dome of Florence Cathedral for breathtaking views over the city.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Palazzo Vecchio

Wander through the historic halls of Florence's government building, rich with art and history.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Relish traditional Tuscan fare, with famous ribollita soup being a must-try.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Accademia Gallery

Be awestruck by Michelangelo's David and other masterworks.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Gelato at Gelateria Dei Neri

Hope for a sweet treat with a scoop of gelato from one of Florence’s finest gelaterias.
EUR3, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito

End your day with a hearty meal, sampling the local Tuscan cuisine.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 5: A Day in Pisa

Pisa, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at La Bottega di Firenze

Grab a quick cappuccino and pastry to fuel your day.
EUR4, 30 minutes

7:30AM

Train to Pisa

Catch an early train to Pisa to make the most of your day.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Marvel at the architectural wonder and, if you wish, climb to the top for impressive views.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli

Wander around this UNESCO World Heritage site, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Il Montino

Savour authentic Italian pizza in a laid-back atmosphere.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Duomo of Pisa

Check out this stunning cathedral alongside the tower, blending beautiful Georgian architecture.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria De' Coltelli

Treat yourself to creamy gelato for a sweet end to your Pisa excursion.
EUR3, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Return to Florence

Catch a train back to Florence and reflect on your day.
EUR8, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy another satisfying meal featuring the local cuisine.
EUR12, 1 hour

Day 6: Arrival in Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Florian

Experience a historic breakfast at one of the oldest cafés in the world.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Venice

Board a train to Venice, getting ready for the unique city on water.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Arrival in Venice

After checking in, explore the iconic canals and picturesque bridges of Venice.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria Da Roberto

Feast on local pasta dishes and pizza in this charming eatery.
EUR12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Visit the stunning church and admire its intricate mosaics.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Gondola Ride

Enjoy a scenic gondola ride through the canals.
EUR20, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Al Squero

Experience Venetian cuisine with stunning views of the Grand Canal.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 7: Exploring Venice

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dal Mas

Enjoy a local pastry served with an espresso in this lovely café.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Doge's Palace

Step into the historical heart of Venice with a visit to this magnificent palace.
EUR20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Savour local seafood dishes in this popular eatery in Burano.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Murano Glass Factory

Visit Murano Island and witness glass-blowing demonstrations at a local factory.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria Nico

Treat yourself to authentic gelato while soaking in the views.
EUR3, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Al Ponte Storto

Try traditional Italian dishes crafted from fresh ingredients.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 8: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pavé

Start your day with a fresh croissant and coffee at this stylish bakery.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Milan

Hop on a train to Milan to explore the fashion capital of Italy.
EUR25, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrival in Milan

Check in to your accommodation and head out to explore the Duomo di Milano.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Luini's

Enjoy a delicious panzerotto, a tasty stuffed pastry.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Museo del Novecento

Explore 20th-century art collections in this extraordinary museum.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Caffe Cova

Unwind with an afternoon coffee at this historic café.
EUR5, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Savour local delicacies with a classic Risotto alla Milanese.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 9: Exploring Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Manzoni 28

Enjoy a warm pastry and coffee at this charming patisserie.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Castello Sforzesco

Explore this large castle with museums and beautiful grounds.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Panzerotti Luini

A repeat visit for delicious panzerotti or try their pizza.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit The Last Supper

Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's famous mural, a must-see in Milan.
EUR15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Explore Italy's oldest shopping mall adorned with impressive architecture.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Paper Moon

Experience a lively atmosphere with tried-and-tested Italian dishes.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 10: Journey to Bologna

Bologna, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Terzi

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

8:30AM

Train to Bologna

Take a quick train ride to Bologna, famous for its cuisine.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Piazza Maggiore

Visit the heart of Bologna and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch at Mercato di Mezzo

Sample a variety of delicious street food in this bustling market.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Two Towers

Climb the Asinelli Tower for lovely panoramic views of the city.
EUR5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gelato from Gelateria Gianni

Indulge in a scoop of freshly made gelato for an afternoon treat.
EUR3, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Aurelio

Indulge in Bolognese cuisine, known for its rich flavours.
EUR12, 1 hour

Day 11: Naples – The Birthplace of Pizza

Naples, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Experience a Neapolitan breakfast with sfogliatella pastry and coffee.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Naples

Travel to the bustling streets of Naples, known for its rich history.
EUR20, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Piazza del Plebiscito

Gaze at the impressive architecture and feel the vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza at this legendary pizzeria.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Castel Nuovo

Discover a historic castle with stunning views of the bay.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gay-Odin

Treat yourself to exquisite gelato from one of the best in Naples.
EUR3, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Nennella

Experience traditional Neapolitan dishes in a lively atmosphere.
EUR12, 1 hour

Day 12: Exploring Pompeii

Pompeii, Italy

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast provided by your accommodation before a long day.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Pompeii

Catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii to explore the ruins.
EUR4, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Visit Pompeii Archaeological Site

Wander through the preserved ruins of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
EUR18, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local pizzeria

Indulge in a slice of authentic pizza near the site.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to Naples

Head back to Naples for further exploration.
EUR4, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore National Archaeological Museum

Visit one of the most important archaeological museums in the world.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria A’ Ciaravolo

Savour local authentic dishes in the charming district.
EUR12, 1 hour

Day 13: Amalfi Coast Adventure

Amalfi Coast, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a good breakfast before exploring the coast.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Amalfi

Take a local bus to the stunning Amalfi Coast.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Amalfi Town

Stroll through Amalfi's charming streets and visit the Cathedral.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Da Gemma

Enjoy regional seafood dishes at this renowned restaurant.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ravello

Catch a local bus to the nearby town of Ravello, known for its villas and gardens.
EUR2, 2 hours

5:00PM

Gelato at Villa Maria

Savour local gelato while enjoying the breathtaking views.
EUR3, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Il Nido

Relish a delightful pizza overlooking the coast.
EUR15, 1 hour

Day 14: Return to Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Rome

Take a train back to Rome and get ready for your flight.
EUR20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Last-minute shopping

Spend your remaining time shopping for souvniers near Via del Corso.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato di Testaccio

Enjoy fresh local produce and street food at this bustling market.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Trevi Fountain

Toss a coin into this iconic fountain and make a wish.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Enoteca da Bonino

Wrap up your Italian adventure with a farewell dinner featuring local classics.
EUR15, 1 hour