Northern Italy Budget-Friendly 10-Day Fall Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Milan

Milan, Italy on October 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with a deliciously affordable traditional Italian focaccia or pastry and coffee at this local bakery open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan’s iconic cathedral, open 9am-7pm, with free entry to the church and an option to pay for rooftop access with stunning city views.
EUR3, 1h30m

11:00am

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through this historic and elegant shopping gallery adjacent to the Duomo for window shopping and beautiful architecture.
Free, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Try the famous panzerotti (fried dough pockets with fillings), a budget-friendly and tasty Milanese street food classic open 10am-8pm.
EUR7, 1h

2:00pm

Sforza Castle

Visit the historic castle and its free outdoor grounds; museums inside are affordable and display art, history, and culture. Open 7am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk in Parco Sempione

Relax in this large city park behind Sforza Castle, great for an evening stroll and budget-friendly downtime.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Madonnina

Enjoy traditional Milanese family-style dishes at reasonable prices, open till 10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lake Como Day Trip

Lake Como, Italy on October 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Grab a simple breakfast with coffee and a pastry before taking the train to Como.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:30am

Train Milan to Como

Take the regional train, approx 1h journey costing around 5 euros.
EUR5, 1h

10:00am

Explore Como Town and Cathedral

Visit Como’s lakeside promenade and the beautiful Como Cathedral (open 9am-6pm, free entry).
Free, 1h

11:30am

Ferry to Bellagio

Take the ferry (approx 1h) to Bellagio for charming streets and panoramic lake views.
EUR10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch in Bellagio at La Pergola

Affordable lunch with lake views featuring pasta and local dishes, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Bellagio Walk and Gardens

Stroll the lakeside and optionally visit Villa Melzi gardens (entry about 5 euros).
EUR5, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return Ferry to Como and Train to Milan

Head back via ferry and train, relaxing on the scenic return trip.
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Spontini

Enjoy affordable and filling classic Milanese pizza slices at Spontini, open till 11pm.
EUR10, 1h
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Day 3: Historic Bergamo

Bergamo, Italy on October 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bar Gambrinus

Try local pastries and a caffè at this popular morning spot, open 7am onwards.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel Milan to Bergamo

Train from Milan to Bergamo takes about an hour and costs around 5 euros.
EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Visit Città Alta (Old Town)

Explore the historic hilltop old town with medieval streets and views, free to roam, museums extra cost.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Colombina

Enjoy traditional Lombardy cuisine in a budget-friendly restaurant open at noon.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Accademia Carrara

Art museum featuring Renaissance masterpieces, open till 6pm, affordable entry.
EUR8, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Milan

Train back to Milan for overnight stay.
EUR5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Al Cantinone

Cozy and affordable traditional Milanese fare, open till 10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Romantic Verona

Verona, Italy on October 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before catching train to Verona.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Verona

Travel from Milan to Verona, about 1.5 hours and 15 euros by regional trains.
EUR15, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Verona Arena

Explore the famous Roman amphitheater, open 8:30am-7:30pm. Entry fee applies.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Stroll Piazza delle Erbe

Historic square full of markets, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere, free to explore.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Traditional Veronese dishes at a budget-friendly osteria open at noon.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Juliet’s House

Visit the iconic balcony linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; open 8:30am-7:30pm, small entry fee.
EUR6, 0h45m

3:00pm

Walk Along Adige River and Ponte Pietra

Enjoy scenic riverside walk and visit the ancient Roman bridge, free access.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Train back to Milan

Return trip to Milan for overnight stay.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Spontini

Relax with an affordable pizza dinner in Milan.
EUR10, 1h
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Day 5: Venice Highlights

Venice, Italy on October 24, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before departure to Venice.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:00am

Train to Venice

Travel from Milan to Venice takes about 2h30m costing 25 euros by regional trains or discounted tickets.
EUR25, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore St. Mark's Square

Visit the iconic public square, enjoy free sights around including the Campanile exterior and Bridge of Sighs.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Visit Basilica di San Marco

Entry to basilica is free but museum visit costs; open 9:30am-5pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Portego

Affordable Venetian small plates or cicchetti near St Mark’s, open at noon.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Gondola Ride or Vaporetto

For budget, take a vaporetto water bus (7.5 EUR) to enjoy the canals instead of gondola rides (much pricier).
EUR7.5, 1h

3:30pm

Walk Rialto Bridge and Market

Visit one of Venice’s most famous bridges and the nearby bustling market, great for photos and free to access.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Milan

Train back to Milan for the night, preparing for onward travel or departure.
EUR25, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Luini or Similar

End your trip with a casual dinner in Milan with your favorite panzerotti or pizza.
EUR10, 1h
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