Budget-Friendly 5-Day Italy Itinerary: Rome, Naples & Coastal Gems

Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy a budget-friendly Italian breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee in central Rome, open from 7am to 7pm.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient Roman amphitheater known for gladiator contests. Budget ticket prices start at around EUR18, book online to save time.
EUR18, 2h0m

11:30am

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Discover the ruins of ancient government buildings and imperial palaces adjacent to the Colosseum with combined tickets.
Included with Colosseum ticket, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Savor authentic Roman-style pizza in Trastevere at this budget-friendly popular pizzeria, open from 12pm to midnight.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk and relax at Villa Borghese Gardens

Stroll through scenic public gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere, free to enter and open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit the Pantheon

Admire this remarkably well-preserved ancient Roman temple now a church, free to enter and open until 7pm.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Enjoy traditional Roman cuisine at this cozy, budget-friendly trattoria in Trastevere, open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Naples City Tour

Naples, Italy on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Train from Rome to Naples

Catch a budget-friendly regional train (~2h 45m) to Naples early to maximize sightseeing time and save on fares.
EUR20, 2h45m

10:00am

Breakfast at Sfogliatella Mary

Try the famous Neapolitan pastry ‘sfogliatella’ at this well-known cafe near the central station.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:45am

Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

See one of the world’s greatest collections of Greco-Roman antiquities from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

Enjoy Naples’ world-famous pizza at a budget-friendly, highly rated pizzeria open until 11pm daily.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Spaccanapoli

Walk the famous narrow street that slices through the historic center filled with shops, churches, and street life. Free to explore.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Castel dell'Ovo promenade

Enjoy panoramic views of the sea and Mount Vesuvius while strolling along Naples’ ancient seaside promenade.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Nennella

Delicious, affordable local dishes in a lively atmosphere typical of Naples’ authentic dining experience.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sorrento & Coastal Views

Sorrento, Italy on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Grab an espresso and cornetto at a local café before heading south to the coast.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Train from Naples to Sorrento via Circumvesuviana

Take the scenic and affordable train ride (~1h) from Naples to Sorrento along the Vesuvius coast.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:15am

Walk Sorrento Old Town

Explore charming streets, artisan shops, and sea views in the pedestrian-friendly historic center.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano

Dine budget-conscious on traditional southern Italian dishes amid lemon gardens.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Marina Grande beach walk and relax

Take a relaxing seaside stroll or enjoy time by the sea at this picturesque fishing village beach.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Bus or ferry to Amalfi

Travel along the stunning Amalfi Coast by bus or ferry (seasonal) for spectacular sea cliff views (~1h).
EUR7, 1h0m

6:00pm

Explore Amalfi town center

Visit the historic center, including the Amalfi Cathedral and quaint shops, perfect for wandering at sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Donna Stella

Enjoy authentic Amalfi Coast pizza in a charming garden setting, great value and open till 10pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 4: Amalfi Coast & Return

Amalfi Coast, Italy on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Start your day with coffee and pastries in Amalfi town near the cathedral.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Take a short bus or taxi ride uphill to Ravello to see historic gardens and stunning coast views. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR7, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Ravello town center

Wander peaceful streets, visit local artisan shops and enjoy lemon groves.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Cumpa' Cosimo

Affordable homemade southern Italian specialties in the heart of Ravello.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bus to Salerno

Travel to Salerno, a lively port city with historic architecture (~1h), budget-friendly transport.
EUR7, 1h0m

3:15pm

Explore Salerno’s promenade and old town

Enjoy a relaxed walk along the long seafront promenade and old town highlights with vibrant street life.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Train from Salerno back to Rome

Catch a late afternoon train back to Rome (about 2h 30m), book in advance for best budget fare.
EUR25, 2h30m

7:45pm

Late dinner near Rome Termini

Grab a light dinner or snack at Mercato Centrale Roma featuring diverse affordable food stalls, open till midnight.
EUR15, 1h0m
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Day 5: Historic Rome Farewell

Rome, Italy on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro

Savor a classic cappuccino and pastry near the Pantheon, open from 7am to 8pm.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica

Explore world-renowned art collections and the Sistine Chapel; budget tickets around EUR17, book early.
EUR17, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizza Zizza

Affordable neapolitan-style pizza near Vatican City, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along the Tiber River and visit Castel Sant’Angelo

Enjoy leisure walk and visit historic castle (open 9am-7:30pm), tickets about EUR15.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Coffee break at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Famous for rich espresso, a great spot to relax and soak up Rome’s atmosphere.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Enjoy flavorful Roman dishes at this budget-conscious osteria near Piazza Navona, open till 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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