7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Italy

Day 1: Exploring Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Bonci

Start your day with a delicious slice of pizza bianca at this popular bakery, known for its fresh and affordable Italian pastries.
Walk to the bakery, located in the Prati area.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic Colosseum, where ancient gladiators once fought, while skirting the high entrance fees by booking a guided tour online.
Use Metro Line B to Colosseo station.
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Enjoy a delicious yet affordable margherita pizza in one of the busiest pizzerias known for its local flavors.
Walk from the Colosseum to Piazza Navona.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the historical ruins of the Roman Forum, providing insight into the daily life of ancient Romans.
Entry is included with the Colosseum ticket.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Trastevere District

Catch the sunset in this picturesque neighborhood full of cobblestone streets and artisan shops, perfect for bargain hunting.
Walk across the Tiber River or take Tram 8.
EUR0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tonnarello

Savor traditional Roman pasta dishes at this cozy restaurant, known for affordability.
Stroll around Trastevere for dinner.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Vatican Wonders

Rome, Italy

8:30AM

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Enjoy a cup of coffee from one of the best cafés in Rome along with a cornetto for an authentic Italian breakfast.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Vatican Museums

Marvel at the vast art collections, including the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, while getting a reduced ticket price for morning entry.
Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano.
EUR17, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzarium

Grab a slice of gourmet pizza by the slice, made fresh daily, while on your way back to Vatican City.
Walk back towards the Vatican.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:30PM

St. Peter's Basilica

Take in the splendor of one of the largest churches in the world, and don’t miss the free entry.
Walk to St. Peter’s Basilica.
EUR0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Climb to the Dome

For a modest entrance fee, climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for panoramic views of Rome.
Continue in St. Peter's area.
EUR10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo

Delight in home-cooked Roman dishes at this family-run trattoria that offers flavors at reasonable prices.
Ride Tram 8 back to Trastevere.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Florence Introduction

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Travel to Florence

Take an early train from Rome to Florence, enjoying scenic views of the Italian countryside.
Walk to Termini Station for your train.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Nencioni

Savor brioche with gelato or a traditional cornetto at this pastel-colored bakery.
Walk to the bakery from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Duomo

Visit Florence Cathedral to view its iconic dome, free to enter, and go up for a small fee.
Walk to the Duomo.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria All'Antico Vinaio

Indulge in a famous schiacciata sandwich, packed with local ingredients, at this well-loved eatery.
Walk to the osteria.
EUR8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Discover Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi, where booking online allows access at a discounted rate.
Walk from the lunch spot.
EUR12, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Relish Florentine ribollita soup or pappa al pomodoro in this rustic-style trattoria, perfect for thrifty travelers.
Head towards San Lorenzo Market for dinner.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Murate

Enjoy a rich Italian cappuccino and a pastry in a historic setting, perfect to start your day.
Walk to Le Murate from your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo's David up close by booking your ticket online to save time and money.
Walk from breakfast to Accademia.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk the Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across Florence's most famous bridge, enjoying its shops and charm without spending a dime.
Walk to Ponte Vecchio.
EUR0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore the vibrant food market and grab affordable bites from various stalls showcasing local cuisine.
Walk back to the central market.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax in Boboli Gardens

Wander through the lush gardens while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, with a small admission fee.
Walk to Pitti Palace.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Cinghiale Bianco

Taste exquisite Tuscan dishes in a welcoming environment, ensuring you stay well-fed on a budget.
Head back towards the historic center.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Venice Unplugged

Venice, Italy

7:00AM

Travel to Venice

Board an early train from Florence to Venice while enjoying the picturesque landscape.
Walk to Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
EUR30, 2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Treat yourself to a traditional Venetian pastry along with a coffee at this beloved local café.
Walk from the train station.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore St. Mark’s Square

Visit the famous square and admire St. Mark's Basilica's façade—entry is free for the church.
Walk to St. Mark’s Square.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Al Squero

Enjoy cicchetti, Venice's traditional tapas-style snacks, paired with a spritz at this charming eatery.
Walk along the canal to the Osteria.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Doge’s Palace

Marvel at the opulent gothic architecture of Doge's Palace; consider using a discount ticket if visiting multiple attractions.
Walk from lunch to the Palace.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Gondola Ride

Experience a shared gondola ride through the canals, a quintessential Venice experience; share costs with fellow travelers.
Find a gondola station near St. Mark’s Square.
EUR25, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Fiore

Indulge in an affordable seafood dish at this charming trattoria, known for its friendly service and local cuisine.
Stroll through Venice to reach the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Venice Adventures

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè del Doge

Relish a fine coffee and a pastry to fuel your exploration for the day.
Take a short walk to the café.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Burano Island

Take a vaporetto to Burano, famous for its colorful houses and lace-making, experiencing a picturesque day trip.
Board the vaporetto from Fondamente Nove.
EUR20, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Trattoria da Romano

Savor risotto with fish dishes or local plates at this family-friendly locale in Burano.
Enjoy dining in Burano.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax and Explore Burano

Take your time walking along the canals, snapping photos of the vibrant houses, and experiencing local culture.
Walk around Burano.
EUR0, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Ca' d'Oro

Finish your day with a hearty meal of homemade pasta at an affordable trattoria near the main canal.
Catch a vaporetto back to Venice and walk to the trattoria.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day in Milan

Milan, Italy

7:00AM

Travel to Milan

Take a train from Venice to Milan, absorbing the changing scenery along the way.
Head to the train station for your journey.
EUR30, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Panzerotti Luini

Indulge in a delightful panzerotto stuffed with mozzarella and tomato to kick-start your Milanese adventure.
Walk from Milano Centrale to the café.
EUR5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning gothic cathedral at the heart of Milan, exploring its interiors for free.
Walk to the Duomo.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Luini

Enjoy a casual lunch with a slice of pizza or a panzerotto for a late afternoon pick-me-up.
Stroll around the Duomo area.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sforza Castle

Roam through the historical castle grounds and museums; the outside view is free and the entry is budget-friendly.
Walk to Sforza Castle.
EUR5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Al Pomodoro

Conclude your Italian adventure with a farewell dinner featuring classic Milanese risottos at this local favorite.
Take a short metro ride back to the city center.
EUR15, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability