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

Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Écru - Bakery & Coffee

Enjoy freshly baked vegan and vegetarian pastries paired with espresso at this cozy bakery open from 7AM; an ideal start to your Rome day with healthy plant-based options.
EUR6, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore these iconic Roman landmarks with a combined ticket (€18), learning about ancient history and impressive architecture. Open 9AM - 7PM.
EUR18, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ops! Cucina Mediterranea

Enjoy a vegetarian Mediterranean buffet with a variety of fresh vegan options, open daily till 4PM at affordable prices in Rome’s center.
EUR15, 45 minutes

2:00PM

Visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Stroll to the Pantheon and relax at Piazza Navona’s vibrant square; these sites are free to visit and offer cultural immersion.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Dine with a spectacular Colosseum view featuring several vegetarian dishes crafted with local ingredients. Open 12PM - 3PM and 6:30PM - 11PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Vatican and City Walk

Rome, Italy on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Ginger Sapori e Salute

Choose from vegan and vegetarian breakfasts with fresh juices and healthy bowls; open from 8AM.
EUR7, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Pre-book early entry (€25) to avoid lines and admire vast art collections and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Open 9AM - 6PM (last entry 4PM).
EUR25, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Flower Burger

Savor colorful gourmet vegetarian and vegan burgers with unique flavors near Vatican City; open till 10PM.
EUR12, 45 minutes

1:30PM

St. Peter’s Basilica and Square

Free to enter the basilica with the option to climb the dome (€10) for panoramic city views. Open 7AM - 7PM.
EUR0/10 optional, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gelato and Walk at Piazza di Spagna

Enjoy creamy vegan gelato from Fatamorgana near Spanish Steps and soak up the lively square atmosphere.
EUR6, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ma Va'? - Pizzeria Vegana

A fully vegan pizzeria in Trastevere offering delicious plant-based cheeses and toppings. Open 7PM - 11PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Venice Arrival & Exploration

Venice, Italy on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Train from Rome to Venice

Depart early via high-speed train (~3.5 hours, €40 booked in advance) to Venice for maximum sightseeing time.
EUR40, 3.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and Light Breakfast

Settle into your hotel near Venice Santa Lucia station and enjoy a healthy vegan café breakfast nearby.
EUR7, 30 minutes

12:00PM

St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

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

2:30PM

Lunch at La Tecia Vegana

Try authentic Venetian vegan specialties and fresh homemade pasta at this well-reviewed vegan restaurant open till 9PM.
EUR15, 45 minutes

3:30PM

Rialto Bridge and Market

Explore one of Venice’s most famous landmarks and its lively fresh market; open until early evening.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Gondola Ride

Enjoy a shared 30-minute gondola ride along scenic canals (€35 per person), a must-do Venetian experience.
EUR35, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Soul Vegan

Contemporary vegan kitchen offering flavorful dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Open till 11PM.
EUR22, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Venice to Lucerne

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

7:00AM

Breakfast at La Zucca Vegana

Enjoy a variety of vegan breakfast pastries and coffee at this cozy spot open from 7:30AM.
EUR8, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Train to Lucerne

Travel via high-speed train (~6.5 hours, €70 advance booking) through scenic Switzerland to Lucerne.
EUR70, 6.5 hours

3:30PM

Check-in and Snack

Arrive and check-in to your accommodation and grab a vegan snack at a local bakery.
CHF10, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Lucerne Old Town Walk

Stroll through beautiful medieval streets and admire the Chapel Bridge and lake views; free exploration.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tibits Lucerne

Enjoy an all-vegetarian buffet with numerous vegan options, popular with travelers and open till 9PM.
CHF25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Swiss Alps Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Local Lucerne Bakery

Pick up delicious vegan pastries and coffee to fuel your mountain excursion.
CHF8, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Mt. Pilatus Excursion

Ride train and panoramic gondola to Mt. Pilatus; hike and admire views. Round trip CHF72, open 8AM - 5PM.
CHF72, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Mt Pilatus Panorama Restaurant

Choosy vegetarian and vegan options available with spectacular Alpine views.
CHF20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return and Lake Lucerne Walk

Relax by the lake and enjoy the serene scenery of Lucerne in the evening.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Loving Hut Lucerne

Casual vegan restaurant offering an array of Asian-inspired plant-based dishes. Open till 9PM.
CHF22, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Paris

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

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy vegan breakfast options offered by your accommodation or nearby bakery.
CHF5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train from Lucerne to Paris

High-speed train (via Basel) to Paris (~5.5 hours), book early for budget fare around €70.
EUR70, 5.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Paris, unwind at your hotel located centrally for easy access to attractions.
EUR0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Montmartre

Walk up to Sacré-Cœur, enjoy free panoramic views and artistic vibe; basilica open till 6PM.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Potager de Charlotte

Chic vegan restaurant offering creative French cuisine at a reasonable price; open till 10PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Paris Iconics

Paris, France on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at VG Pâtisserie

Taste delicious vegan croissants and coffee at this renowned Parisian vegan bakery, open from 8AM.
EUR10, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Louvre Museum

Visit the impressive art collections. Book tickets online (€17) for smooth entry. Open 9AM - 6PM, closed Tuesdays.
EUR17, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hank Vegan Burger

Enjoy delicious and affordable vegan burgers in a casual setting near the Louvre, open till 10PM.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk along Seine & Notre-Dame Exterior

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Seine and visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior, free to admire.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Eiffel Tower Grounds and Trocadéro

Relax at Trocadéro plaza with great views of the Eiffel Tower; climbing option costs €16.
Free/€16 optional, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Le Grenier de Notre-Dame

Well-established vegetarian French restaurant near Notre-Dame offering traditional dishes; open till 11PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure or Optional Extension

Paris, France on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and Last-minute Shopping

Enjoy vegan pastries at a local bakery and shop for final souvenirs along Rue Cler.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Optional Day Trip to Versailles

Visit Palace of Versailles with gardens (€20) and take a 45-minute train journey (€7 each way).
EUR27, 5 hours

4:00PM

Return & Relax

Return to Paris center, rest, or visit a café before your departure.
EUR5, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability