Budget-Friendly Backpacking Adventure Through Germany, Austria, and Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Munich

Munich, Germany on February 28, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Frischhut

Start your day with a delicious Bavarian 'Schmalznudeln' (fried pastry). It's cheap and energizing!
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Marienplatz

Visit the heart of Munich, see the famous Glockenspiel, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the English Garden (Englischer Garten)

Stroll through one of the largest urban parks in the world and relax by the river.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Viktualienmarkt

Grab some local sausages or pretzels at this famous market. Affordable prices and diverse options!
EUR8, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Nymphenburg Palace Gardens

Walk through the beautiful gardens without entering the palace for free access to some stunning scenery.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus in der Au

End the day with hearty Bavarian fare at this traditional beer garden that's easy on the wallet.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein, Germany on March 1, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Make use of complimentary breakfast at your accommodation to save money.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Neuschwanstein Castle

Take the local bus to the castle (use your Deutschland Ticket), enjoy the scenic journey.
EUR0, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Tour Neuschwanstein Castle

Explore the interior of this fairy-tale castle. Be sure to book tickets in advance for savings on group tours.
EUR13, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at nearby café

Find a cozy café near the castle for a simple meal, a sandwich or salad will keep things budget-friendly.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Hike to Marienbrücke

Take a scenic hike to the famous bridge for stunning views of the castle and surroundings.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Gasthof Müller

Savor some local cuisine at this delightful restaurant, known for its affordable and hearty meals.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Journey to Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria on March 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a local bakery

Buy fresh pastries from a local bakery, which offers a cheap and delightful breakfast.
EUR3, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Salzburg

Use your Deutschland Ticket to take the train – a scenic ride that’s included in your pass.
EUR0, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Mirabell Palace

Walk through the beautiful gardens and learn about the fascinating history of this palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Augustiner Bräu

Enjoy traditional Austrian beer and hearty snacks at an affordable beer hall.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Old Town

Stroll the quaint streets and take in the baroque architecture; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at S’Nockerl

Try a famous Salzburger Nockerl dessert and a light dinner at this cozy restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Hallstatt Day Trip

Hallstatt, Austria on March 3, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Enjoy the complimentary breakfast before your day trip.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Hallstatt

Catch a train to Hallstatt using your ticket; the views are breathtaking.
EUR0, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Hallstatt

Wander the charming streets and take in sights like the market square and lake.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Café Derbl

This local cafe offers budget-friendly meals, including simple sandwiches.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Hallstatt Skywalk

Take a walk on the Skywalk for panoramic views over Hallstatt and the lake.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Travel back to Salzburg

Return by train to Salzburg, keeping your ticket intact for the return journey.
EUR0, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Auerhahn

Relax with a casual dinner at this local spot offering tasty and inexpensive options.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Explore Vienna

Vienna, Austria on March 4, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Fuel up with included breakfast to start your day in Vienna.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Vienna

Use your ticket to hop on a train to Austria's capital city.
EUR0, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this iconic cathedral in the heart of the city.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Explore this vibrant market where you can find affordable local dishes and fresh produce.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Wander Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

Stroll the expansive gardens of this palace while enjoying the beautiful flowers.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Gasthaus Pöschl

Opt for a traditional Viennese dinner at this cozy restaurant without hurting your budget.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy on March 5, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffè Cova

Grab an espresso and a cornetto (Italian croissant) to fuel your day.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Milan

Take a train to Milan using your ticket, cherish the beautiful Italian countryside while traveling.
EUR0, 7 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the breathtaking Gothic architecture of Milan's cathedral; enjoy the piazza around it.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this elegant shopping gallery, an impressive spectacle of art and history.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Luini

Try the famous Panzerotti at this budget-friendly eatery, a perfect way to end your day.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Florence Exploration

Florence, Italy on March 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy a typical Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Florence

Take a train to Florence with your ticket; explore the charming landscapes during the ride.
EUR0, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

See the stunning Florence Cathedral and enjoy the surrounding piazza, entrance is free!
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample a range of affordable Italian street food options at this bustling food market.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore some world-renowned art; book discounted tickets in advance to save.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy a hearty Tuscan meal at this beloved local trattoria that won't break the bank.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Explore Naples

Naples, Italy on March 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a local pastry shop

Try a sfogliatella, a local pastry that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
EUR2, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Naples

Utilize your ticket for a train ride to Naples, enjoying the coastal views along the way.
EUR0, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Piazza del Plebiscito

Wander around this grand square and take in the majestic architecture and historic sites.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Michele

This pizzeria is famous for its Neapolitan style pizza, which is both affordable and delicious.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Naples Underground

Learn about the city’s rich history beneath the streets, a fascinating and budget-friendly tour.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Vomero

Finish your day with local cuisine in a relaxed setting at this affordable trattoria.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Final Day in Rome

Rome, Italy on March 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy a simple breakfast of coffee and cornetto at a nearby café.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Colosseum

Explore Rome’s historical symbol; buy a combined ticket for better value.
EUR16, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Stroll through the Roman Forum

Wander through the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the rich history (tickets may be combined).
Free with Colosseum ticket, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Baffetto

Let yourself be tempted by incredible Roman-style pizza at this popular local eatery.
EUR8, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Vatican Museums

Explore the awe-inspiring collections of art and history within the Vatican; advanced tickets offer savings.
EUR17, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Enjoy a final Italian dinner with authentic dishes that are incredibly reasonable.
EUR12, 1.5 hours