5-Day Budget-Friendly Italy Itinerary for Two: Historic Rome to Scenic Florence

Day 1: Ancient Rome Discovery

Rome, Italy on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy affordable and authentic fresh pasta to start your morning close to the Spanish Steps; open from 8am and perfect for a quick, local breakfast experience.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore Rome’s iconic amphitheater, learning about ancient gladiatorial games; book tickets online (€16) and arrive early to avoid lines. Open 9am to 6:30pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Walk through the ruins of political and religious centers of the Roman Empire adjacent to the Colosseum; entrance included with Colosseum ticket.
Included, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Forno Campo de' Fiori

Taste Roman-style pizza al taglio (by the slice) from this well-loved bakery open until 8pm. Budget-friendly and delicious.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Pantheon Visit

Marvel at the architectural wonder built nearly 2,000 years ago; open until 7pm and admission is free.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Piazza Navona Stroll

Relax in the lively square, admire Bernini’s fountains, and enjoy street performers.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Trevi Fountain Visit

Throw a coin in the famous fountain and experience the romantic atmosphere. Open 24/7 and free to visit.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Luzzi

A cozy family-run trattoria near the Colosseum offering tasty Roman dishes at reasonable prices. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican City and Classic Rome

Rome, Italy on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start your day with excellent Italian coffee and pastries; opens at 7am.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Visit the incredible art collections including Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco, pre-book tickets (€17) to avoid long lines. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR17, 3h0m

11:45am

St. Peter’s Basilica

Explore the world’s largest church and marvel at masterpieces; free entry, climb the dome for €10 for panoramic views (optional).
Free, 1h15m

1:15pm

Lunch near Vatican at Pizzarium Bonci

Savor some of Rome’s best gourmet pizza al taglio; this spot is budget-friendly and highly rated. Open until 6pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk along Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo

Enjoy riverside views and visit this historic fortress (€15 entry). Open 9am - 7:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:15pm

Explore Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps

Stroll through these iconic city squares and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Delight in homemade pasta dishes crafted in front of you, offering authentic Roman flavors at moderate prices. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pompeii & Naples Exploration

Pompeii and Naples, Italy on May 1, 2025

6:30am

Train from Rome to Naples

Take an early regional train (~2h10m) to save cost rather than high-speed trains.
EUR20 per person, 2h10m

9:00am

Visit Pompeii Archaeological Park

Take local Circumvesuviana train from Naples (30min) to Pompeii and explore ancient Roman ruins; open 9am-7:30pm, €16 each.
EUR16, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Add’ò Paesano in Naples

Famous for affordable Neapolitan pizza, perfect to recharge after Pompeii.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Naples Historic Centre

Walk around Spaccanapoli and visit the Naples Cathedral. Free to explore on foot.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Train back to Rome

Return to Rome by regional train to remain budget-friendly.
EUR20 per person, 2h10m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dar Poeta

Enjoy casual and delicious pizza in Trastevere area of Rome known for its lively ambiance and savings. Open until midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Florence Renaissance

Florence, Italy on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Train from Rome to Florence

Take an early regional train (~3h) for budget-saving, arriving around 10am.
EUR20 per person, 3h0m

10:30am

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Admire Brunelleschi's dome and the stunning cathedral exterior and interior; free to enter, climb dome €20 (optional).
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Piazza della Signoria

Enjoy the iconic open-air sculpture gallery and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio

Enjoy hearty and affordable panini sandwiches, highly rated by locals; open until 10pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Uffizi Gallery Tour

Pre-book tickets (€20) for access to masterpieces of Renaissance art; open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h30m

4:45pm

Walk to Ponte Vecchio

Stroll over the famous bridge with shops over the Arno River; free to visit and enjoy gallery views.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in a lively atmosphere with reasonable prices. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Florence and Departure

Florence, Italy on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Enjoy coffee and pastries in a classic Florentine café; opens at 7:30am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David statue and other Renaissance masterpieces; book tickets (€15) to avoid waiting lines. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk and shop at San Lorenzo Market

Browse local crafts, souvenirs and leather goods; open daily until early evening.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Prosciutteria

Casual spot for delicious cured meats, cheeses and paninis; budget-friendly and open until 8pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Train from Florence to Rome

Return for your departure or further travel; reasonable ticket options available around EUR20.
EUR20 per person, 3h0m
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