8-10 Day Budget-Friendly Europe Trip: Rome, Venice, Paris & Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and espresso at this popular bakery open from 7AM; ideal for starting your Roman adventure on a budget.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Discover the iconic Colosseum and adjacent Roman Forum. Book a combined ticket (€18) to skip lines and learn about Ancient Rome's history. Open 9AM - 7PM.
EUR18, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Grab affordable, authentic Roman pizza by the slice at this famed bakery near Campo de' Fiori open till 7PM.
EUR8, 45 minutes

2:00PM

Visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Stroll to the Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture, then relax at Piazza Navona's fountains and street artists; both are free to visit.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Enjoy classic Roman dishes such as carbonara at this well-loved eatery in Trastevere; reservations recommended. Open 12PM - 3PM and 6:30PM - 11PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Vatican and City Walk

Rome, Italy on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Café

Have a quick budget breakfast near your accommodation before heading to Vatican City.
EUR5, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Pre-book early entrance tickets (€25) to avoid crowds at the Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece. Open 9AM - 6PM (last entry 4PM).
EUR25, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Taste some of the best gourmet pizza al taglio sliced by weight at this famous spot near Vatican City, open till 8PM.
EUR10, 45 minutes

1:30PM

Walk to St. Peter’s Basilica and Square

Free entry to the iconic basilica; consider climbing the dome (€10) for stunning rooftop views. Open 7AM - 7PM.
EUR0/10 optional, 2 hours

4:00PM

Leisurely Walk and Gelato at Piazza di Spagna

Walk through charming streets to the Spanish Steps, indulge in gelato from nearby Giolitti, open till midnight.
EUR5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Affordable Italian dining with a cozy atmosphere near Piazza Navona; try their pasta dishes. Open 12PM - 3PM and 7PM - 11PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Venice Arrival & Exploration

Venice, Italy on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Train from Rome to Venice

Take an early high-speed train to Venice (~3.5 hours, €40 booked in advance) to maximize your day in the city of canals.
EUR40, 3.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and Light Breakfast

Check into budget accommodation near Venice’s Santa Lucia station and enjoy a café breakfast nearby.
EUR6, 30 minutes

12:00PM

St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Visit Venice’s iconic piazza and the stunning basilica (free entry, dome climb €5). Open 9:30AM - 5PM.
EUR0/5 optional, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta to Go

Enjoy freshly made pasta served quickly and affordably near St. Mark’s Square.
EUR8, 45 minutes

3:30PM

Rialto Bridge and Market

Explore the famous Rialto Market and bridge, perfect for photos and local life immersion; open until early evening.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience an iconic 30-minute gondola ride (shared rides approx €35 per person) at sunset.
EUR35, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Osteria al Squero

Charming spot with cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine at reasonable prices. Open till 11PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Venice to Lucerne

Venice, Italy to Lucerne, Switzerland on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Florian

Historic café on St. Mark's Square serving classic coffe and pastries. Open 7:30AM onwards.
EUR9, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Train to Lucerne, Switzerland

Travel by train from Venice to Lucerne (~6.5 hours). Book in advance for budget fares ~€70. Enjoy scenic views en route.
EUR70, 6.5 hours

3:30PM

Check-in and Light Snack

Arrive and check-in to budget hotel; enjoy a snack or coffee at local bakery.
CHF10, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore Lucerne Old Town

Walk the picturesque Altstadt with medieval architecture, covered bridges, and lakeside views; attractions mostly free.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Wirtshaus Galliker

Traditional Swiss dishes in a casual setting; try rosti or sausage plates. Open till 10PM.
CHF25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Swiss Alps Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Fuel up early for a mountain excursion with pastries and coffee.
CHF8, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Mt. Pilatus Excursion

Take the train and panoramic gondola to Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking views and hiking. Round trip costs about CHF72. Open 8AM - 5PM.
CHF72, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Mt Pilatus Panorama Restaurant

Enjoy a moderately priced meal with a panoramic view of the Alps; try local Swiss cuisine.
CHF20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Lucerne & Leisure Walk by Lake

Relax by Lake Lucerne, wonderful for evening strolls with sunset views.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Tibits

Budget-friendly vegetarian buffet near the railway station popular with travelers; open till 9PM.
CHF22, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Paris

Lucerne, Switzerland to Paris, France on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before your long journey to Paris.
CHF5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train from Lucerne to Paris

High-speed train via Basel to Paris (~5.5 hours), book in advance for ~€60 - €75.
EUR70, 5.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Paris, check in to centrally located budget hotel and rest.
EUR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk around Montmartre

Explore the artistic hilltop neighborhood featuring Sacré-Cœur Basilica; free entry, open till 6PM.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Refuge des Fondus

Quirky and affordable fondue restaurant popular with tourists and locals alike, open till 11PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Paris Iconics

Paris, France on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy one of Paris’s oldest cafés with fresh croissants and coffee in Saint Germain, open 7AM onwards.
EUR10, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Louvre Museum

Visit the world’s largest art museum. Book tickets online (€17) for faster entry. Open 9AM - 6PM, closed Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Bouillon Chartier

Historic Parisian brasserie serving affordable French classics. Open 11:30AM - midnight.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Seine River Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral

Stroll along the picturesque Seine to Notre-Dame. The cathedral exterior is free to visit; interior closed for restoration.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Eiffel Tower grounds and Trocadéro

Enjoy panoramic views from Trocadéro plaza; climbing Eiffel Tower is optional — tickets start at €16.
Free/€16 optional, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Café Constant

Cozy bistro near Eiffel Tower offering quality French cuisine at reasonable prices, open till 11PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure or Optional Day 9-10

Paris, France on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and Last-minute Shopping

Enjoy your final Parisian breakfast at a local boulangerie and shop for souvenirs along Rue Cler.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Optional: Day Trip to Versailles

Visit the Palace of Versailles (€20 ticket) and gardens. Trains run frequently (about 45 minutes).
EUR20 + transport EUR7, 5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Paris and Relax

Rest or visit a nearby café before your departure.
EUR5, 1 hour
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