8-Day Scenic and Budget-Friendly Italian Cities Tour from Stuttgart

Day 1: Lake Como Arrival

Lake Como, Italy on May 8, 2025

9:00am

Train from Stuttgart to Lake Como

Start your scenic journey with a cheap train ride from Stuttgart to Como, enjoying views of the Alps en route. Trains may take around 5-6 hours with a transfer in Milan.
EUR40, 6h0m

3:30pm

Walk along Como's lakeside promenade

Relax after arrival with a scenic walk along Lake Como’s promenade, enjoying views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Vita è Bella

Enjoy affordable Italian cuisine with lake views at this popular trattoria known for fresh pasta and friendly prices. Open from 12pm to 10pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Boni

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Boat Tour of Lake Como

Explore the lake’s beautiful villas and towns via a budget-friendly public ferry, covering Bellagio and Varenna. Ferry schedules are frequent and affordable.
EUR10, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria della Torre in Bellagio

Try local specialties like risotto or lake fish in this charming trattoria with outdoor seating, open 12pm-4pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

6:00pm

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through historic gardens with scenic lake views; open until 7pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Gallo

Casual dining spot with regional dishes and decent prices, open till 10pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Milan City Day

Milan, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy artisan pastries and coffee at this trendy yet affordable bakery in Milan, open from 7:30am.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:15am

Journey to Milan by train

A quick 1-hour train from Como to Milan gets you into the city centre efficiently and cheaply.
EUR7, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the iconic Gothic cathedral. Entry to the cathedral interior is free, rooftop access costs EUR12 and offers splendid city views.
Free or EUR12, 1h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Luini

Grab a famous panzerotto from this historic takeaway spot near the Duomo; budget-friendly and quick.
EUR5, 0h30m

1:00pm

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Window-shop or just admire the world’s oldest shopping arcade with stunning architecture.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore this historic fortress and its surrounding park. Entrance to the castle grounds is free; museums inside have a small fee.
EUR5, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Spontini

Enjoy late-evening slices of traditional Milanese pizza at this budget chain open until 11pm.
EUR7, 1h0m
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Day 4: Venice Arrival & Exploration

Venice, Italy on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at a local café

Fuel up with espresso and a cornetto near your accommodation; many cafés open from 7am.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:30am

Train from Milan to Venice

Take an early morning regional train for around 2.5 hours that is cheaper than high-speed options.
EUR15, 2h30m

11:15am

Check-in and settle into budget accommodation

Choose a hostel or budget hotel near Venice Santa Lucia station for easy access.
EUR30/night, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Squero

An authentic canal-side eatery with cicchetti (Venetian tapas-style snacks), open from 11am to 7pm; very affordable.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore St. Mark’s Square

Visit iconic sights like St. Mark’s Basilica (free entry) and the Campanile Tower. Tower costs EUR10 but offers great views.
Free or EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the Grand Canal

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and scenic views, perfect for photos during golden hour.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria All'Arco

Known for excellent seafood and local dishes at modest prices; open until 10pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Rename your morning with great coffee and pastries in a popular local coffee shop open from 7:30am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Museo Correr Visit

Explore Venetian art and history in St. Mark’s square; entry approx EUR12, open 10am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk to Rialto Market

Experience the bustling market atmosphere and sample fresh produce or cheap snacks.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antico Forno

Grab a slice of Venetian focaccia or panini near the market, open until 3pm.
EUR7, 0h45m

2:00pm

Free walking tour or self-guided walk to hidden islands like Giudecca

Discover quieter parts of Venice with local charm and panoramic views; ferry ticket approx EUR7 return.
EUR7, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Alla Madonna

Traditional Venetian seafood restaurant with a budget menu, open till 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 6: To Bologna

Bologna, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and local espresso

Start the day with a quick espresso and pastry at a bakery near your accommodation.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Bologna

Travel by regional train to Bologna for about 2 hours with scenic countryside views; lower cost options available.
EUR12, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Piazza Maggiore

Enjoy the lively central square with beautiful medieval architecture and street performers.
Free, 1h0m

12:15pm

Visit Asinelli Tower

Climb Bologna’s famous leaning tower for panoramic city views; open 9am-7pm, cost EUR5.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria di Via Serra

Enjoy authentic Bolognese pasta dishes at reasonable prices; open 12pm-3pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk Portico di San Luca

Take a scenic walk under the world’s longest portico leading to Sanctuary of San Luca, offering great views over Bologna.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Meloncello

Savour affordable traditional dishes close to the portico, open until 10pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 7: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast

Grab a quick café snack before departure.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Florence

Take a regional train from Bologna to Florence in approximately 1 hour for a budget fare.
EUR9, 1h0m

10:00am

Check-in and freshen up

Settle into budget accommodation near the historic centre.
EUR30/night, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Piazza del Duomo

Admire Florence’s architectural treasures like the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery, and Giotto’s Campanile from outside (free viewing of exterior).
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

Enjoy delicious and affordable paninis and focaccia in this popular local shop open until 6pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ponte Vecchio and Arno River

Walk across the famous medieval bridge and stroll by the river for beautiful views.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Boboli Gardens

Relax in the vast Renaissance gardens behind Pitti Palace; open 8:15am-6:30pm, admission EUR7.
EUR7, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

Affordable Tuscan meals in a cosy setting; open till 10pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 8: Florence & Return

Florence to Stuttgart on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Start with espresso and a croissant nearby your accommodation.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Mercato Centrale

Explore the lively food market for local produce, snacks and souvenirs; open from 10am but morning shops nearby open earlier.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Train from Florence to Stuttgart

Begin your return journey via Milan and Zurich with regional trains to save costs, expect about 8-9 hours total travel time.
EUR60, 9h0m
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