4-Day Budget Trip from Paris to Venice | Explore Iconic Europe on €99,000

Day 1: Paris Discovery

Paris, France on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy a traditional Parisian breakfast of croissants and café au lait at this iconic Left Bank café, open from 7am onwards.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Louvre Museum Visit

Explore the world-famous Louvre with its vast art collections including the Mona Lisa. Opens at 9am; book tickets in advance to save time.
EUR17, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Le Comptoir du Relais

Savour classic French bistro fare in this charming spot near Saint-Germain-des-Prés, open for lunch from noon.
EUR30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Seine River Stroll & Notre-Dame

Walk along the Seine to admire Paris’ architecture and visit Notre-Dame Cathedral exterior as interior may still be under restoration; free to wander outside.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Eiffel Tower Photo Stop

Visit Champ de Mars for iconic Eiffel Tower photos. Taking the elevator up is possible but can be skipped to save time and budget.
Free or EUR25 for elevator access, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Dine at this budget-friendly brasserie offering authentic French dishes with a lively atmosphere, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h15m

8:30pm

Evening Train to Lyon

Board a high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu for approximately 2 hours. Tickets booked in advance for better prices.
EUR40, 2h

Day 2: Lyon & Milan Transit

Lyon, France to Milan, Italy on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison Pozzoli

Try Lyon’s famous pastries and fresh coffee at this patisserie open from 7am, a perfect start for your day.
EUR15, 45m

9:00am

Vieux Lyon Walk

Explore the UNESCO-listed old town with its Renaissance buildings and traboules (hidden passageways); free to explore at your leisure.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Enjoy Lyon’s gastronomic delights under one roof at this famous gourmet food market, open until 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

1:00pm

Afternoon Train to Milan

Take a direct train from Lyon Part-Dieu to Milan Centrale; approximately 5 hours journey. Book in advance for deals.
EUR60, 5h

6:00pm

Dinner near Milan Centrale

Have a quick Italian dinner at Spontini for famous Milanese pizza; open till late.
EUR15, 1h

7:30pm

Overnight in Milan Hotel

Check into a budget-friendly hotel close to the station to rest before Venice travel.
EUR50, Overnight

Day 3: Milan to Venice

Milan to Venice, Italy on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Enjoy fresh Italian pastries and espresso from this bakery near your hotel, open from 7am.
EUR10, 30m

8:30am

Duomo di Milano Visit

Visit Milan’s stunning cathedral. Opens at 9am; tickets around EUR10 if you choose to go inside or rooftop access for additional cost.
EUR10, 1h30m

10:15am

Train to Venice Santa Lucia

Catch a direct fast train from Milan Centrale to Venice Santa Lucia, travel time around 2h30m.
EUR30, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Squero

Eat Venetian-style cicchetti near the Grand Canal; this small eatery is budget-friendly and beloved by locals.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore St Mark's Square

Spend the afternoon strolling around St Mark's Square, visiting St Mark's Basilica (free entry) and admiring Doge's Palace exterior.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic Venetian gondola ride for around 30 minutes. Costs approx EUR80 but can be split among 4 people to stay budget friendly.
EUR80, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria alla Madonna

Dinner at this traditional Venetian trattoria serving fresh seafood with reasonable prices, open till late.
EUR35, 1h15m

Day 4: Venice Highlights

Venice, Italy on May 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Start your final day with Venetian pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 30m

9:15am

Visit Murano Island

Take a vaporetto to Murano, famous for glassmaking workshops and factories; explore free or watch a glass-blowing demo. Vaporetto departs regularly, trip takes about 30 mins.
EUR20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Duomo, Murano

Enjoy a light Italian lunch on Murano; fresh seafood and local dishes served affordably.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Venice and free afternoon

Return vaporetto trip to Venice and spend your afternoon shopping or wandering the less touristy districts like Cannaregio.
Included in vaporetto pass, 3h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Antiche Carampane

End your trip with a memorable dinner featuring Venetian classics in an atmospheric setting. Reservations recommended; open till 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m