Affordable Italy Itinerary: Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome from Athens

Day 1: Arrival in Venice

Venice, Italy on October 18, 2025

10:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Venice and check-in to a well-rated budget-friendly hotel such as Hotel Antico Capon, centrally located near Santa Lucia station offering twin beds at a good value.
EUR90, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes in a cosy setting; open from 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore St. Mark's Square and Basilica

Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and stunning square; Basilica open 9:30am to 5pm; perfect introduction to Venice’s rich history.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic gondola ride through the canals for a romantic and unique view of the city.
EUR80, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Al Squero

A more affordable yet authentic Venetian eatery near the Accademia Bridge, perfect for dinner; open 7pm to 10pm.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 2: Venice Sightseeing

Venice, Italy on October 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Traditional Venetian pastries and coffee served from 7am, perfect to energise before exploring the city.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Visit Doge’s Palace

Tour the impressive Doge’s Palace and its museums; open 9am to 7pm; learn about Venetian history and art.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Alla Rivetta

Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine near the Rialto Bridge; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Rialto Market and Bridge

Stroll through vibrant market stalls and admire the historic Rialto Bridge.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art in the palace along the Grand Canal; open 10am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Corte Sconta

Casual and affordable dining featuring Venetian home-style dishes; open 7pm to 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 3: Venice to Florence

Venice to Florence, Italy on October 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast at the hotel before check-out.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Train to Florence

Take a direct high-speed train from Venice Santa Lucia to Florence Santa Maria Novella; journey takes approximately 2 hours.
EUR45, 2h

11:30am

Check-in at Budget Hotel in Florence

Stay centrally in Florence with twin rooms at Hotel Bodoni, a well-reviewed affordable option close to main attractions.
EUR85, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Casual Tuscan dining with excellent local dishes; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Baptistery

Explore Florence’s emblematic cathedral and baptistery; Cathedral open 10am–5pm.
Free entry to cathedral, EUR15 for dome climb, 2h

4:30pm

Walk around Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Admire Renaissance architecture and the famous square; Palazzo Vecchio open 9am to 7pm.
EUR12, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Berbere

Affordable and authentic Tuscan dishes popular with locals; open 7pm to 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 4: Cinque Terre Day Trip

Cinque Terre, Italy on October 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a quick breakfast to fuel up for the day trip.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Train to Cinque Terre from Florence

Take an early train to La Spezia, then connect to the Cinque Terre villages; total journey approx 3 hours.
EUR40 return, 3h

10:30am

Explore Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare

Visit two of the most picturesque villages with colourful houses, sea views, and charming streets; open all day.
EUR16 for hiking pass, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Belforte in Vernazza

Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning sea views; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h

3:30pm

Further exploration and return train

Stroll around local shops or relax on the beach before catching train back to Florence.
Included in earlier pass, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel in Florence

Light dinner at Mercato Centrale food hall, offering multiple Italian food options till 10pm.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 5: Florence Art Day

Florence, Italy on October 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the morning with a hotel breakfast.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s most famous art museums with works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Da Vinci; open 8:15am to 6:50pm (closed Mondays).
EUR20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Caffè Rivoire

Lunch and coffee in the picturesque Piazza della Signoria, famous for traditional Tuscan food and desserts.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance masterpieces; open 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR16, 2h

4:30pm

Stroll along Ponte Vecchio

Take a relaxed walk across the historic bridge known for jewellery shops and views of the Arno river.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Giorgio

Affordable dining with classic Tuscan flavours in a welcoming setting; open 7pm to 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Florence to Rome

Florence to Rome, Italy on October 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before travelling.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Train to Rome

High-speed train from Florence to Rome Termini station; approx 1.5 hours.
EUR45, 1.5h

11:00am

Check-in at Budget Hotel in Rome

Stay centrally in Rome with twin rooms at Hotel Rimini, near Termini station, offering good access to main sights and affordable rates.
EUR90, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Casual Roman pizza spot popular with locals; open 12pm to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Visit the heart of ancient Rome; open 8:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR16, 3h

5:00pm

Walk to Colosseum exterior and nearby landmarks

Admire the iconic Colosseum from outside, stroll through nearby historic streets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Volpetti

Affordable Roman cuisine in a traditional atmosphere; open 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 7: Rome Highlights

Rome, Italy on October 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastificio Guerra

Grab a quick coffee and fresh pasta takeaway near Spanish Steps; opens early for a quick start.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

World-famous museums with priceless art collections; open 9am to 6pm (closed Sundays except last Sunday of the month). Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
EUR30, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio

Eat at one of the many cosy restaurants in this quaint area near the Vatican; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Visit the grand basilica open until 6pm; climb to the dome for panoramic city views (climbing fee EUR10).
Free entry, EUR10 for dome climb, 2h

5:00pm

Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain

Evening stroll to these iconic spots, beautifully lit at night; always open.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hostaria Romana

Classic Roman dishes at very reasonable prices in the Jewish Ghetto area; open 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Ancient Rome and Leisure

Rome, Italy on October 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the morning with hotel breakfast.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori

See the ancient Pantheon with free entry, then browse the lively Campo de' Fiori market; Pantheon open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Enjoy flavorful Roman specialties in this combined deli and restaurant; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese

Relax in beautiful gardens and visit the art gallery; gallery requires reservation; open 9am to 7pm.
EUR20, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset at Pincian Hill

Enjoy panoramic views over Piazza del Popolo and Rome cityscape.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Traditional Roman cuisine in a charming setting; open 7pm to 10pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 9: Shopping and Trastevere

Rome, Italy on October 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Casual breakfast as the day will be relaxed.
Included, 30m

9:30am

Shopping on Via del Corso and Surrounding Streets

Explore Rome’s main shopping streets with boutiques and high street stores; open generally 10am to 7pm.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Rome

Sample Italian delicacies in one of Rome's famous food markets; open 10am to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Trastevere Neighbourhood

Wander this charming area with cobbled streets, cafes, and artisan shops; perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Coffee and pastry at Pasticceria Grazioli

Enjoy a break at one of Trastevere's best bakeries.
EUR10, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Traditional Roman trattoria popular with locals; reservation recommended; open 7pm to 11pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 10: Leisure and Optional Visits

Rome, Italy on October 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of flexible activities.
Included, 30m

10:00am

Optional Visit: Catacombs of Rome

Discover ancient underground burial sites; guided tours run 9am to 5pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hostaria Antica Roma

Known for classic Roman dishes in a rustic setting; open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Relaxation or explore more local sights

Free afternoon to revisit favourite areas like Piazza Navona or Villa Borghese.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hostaria Romana

Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at very reasonable prices to conclude your trip; open 7pm to 10:30pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Rome, Italy on October 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast and check-out.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Rome Fiumicino Airport

Allow sufficient time for transfer to airport for departure flight back to Athens or onward destination.
EUR50 taxi or EUR15 train, 1h
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