11-Day Italian Adventure: From Rome to Venice on a Budget

Day 1: Explore Ancient Rome

Rome, Italy on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Start your Italian journey with freshly baked pastries and espresso at this popular Roman bakery open from 7am, perfect for a traditional breakfast.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic symbol of Rome's ancient history. Open from 8:30am, booking a skip-the-line ticket is recommended to avoid long waits.
EUR18, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Enjoy classic Roman dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe in a cozy atmosphere, open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Discover the ruins of the ancient Roman empire and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Open 8:30am to 7pm in May.
EUR18 (combined ticket with Colosseum), 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll through Piazza Navona and Pantheon

Relax in Rome’s beautiful historic squares, visit the Pantheon which closes at 7pm, and admire Baroque fountains.
Free (Pantheon has a small entry fee EUR5), 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Carbonara

A well-known spot for authentic Roman pasta dishes, located near Campo de' Fiori, open from 7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vatican City Experience

Rome, Italy on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Enjoy Italian-style cappuccino and cornetto in a bustling cafe near the Jewish Ghetto, open from 7am.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Start early with skip-the-line tickets to avoid crowds and admire world-class Renaissance art; museums open from 9am.
EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Famed for gourmet pizza al taglio near the Vatican, this casual spot is perfect for a quick and delicious meal, open noon onwards.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica and Square

Visit the magnificent basilica and climb to the dome for breathtaking city views; basilica open until 7pm.
Free entry, Dome climb EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Leisure walk along the Tiber River

Enjoy the scenic riverside paths for a relaxed afternoon soaking in Roman atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria da Fortunata

Savour fresh pasta made by hand in this highly rated local restaurant, open from 7pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 3: Baroque and Renaissance Rome

Rome, Italy on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè

Taste legendary Roman coffee at this historic café open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese

Wander through beautiful park gardens and admire masterpieces by Caravaggio and Bernini; gallery requires advance booking. Open from 9am to 7pm.
EUR20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Propaganda

Contemporary French-Italian cuisine near the Colosseum, open from 12pm.
EUR22, 1h0m

1:30pm

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Visit iconic landmarks and toss a coin for good luck at the fountain, both open spaces accessible anytime.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping in Via del Corso

Explore Rome’s famous shopping street with a variety of boutiques and shops for souvenirs and fashion.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Enzo al 29

Popular trattoria serving traditional Roman dishes in Trastevere, open from 7pm; reservations recommended.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Florence and Sightseeing

Florence, Italy on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli

Enjoy classic Florentine pastries and coffee before your train, open from 7am.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel by train from Rome to Florence

Take a fast train connecting Rome to Florence, approximately 1.5 hours journey.
EUR30, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and leave luggage at accommodation

Settle into your hotel or apartment in Florence city centre.
Varies by accommodation, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

A local favourite serving hearty Tuscan dishes with an authentic atmosphere. Open noon to 3pm weekdays.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

Home to Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo; open 8:15am to 6:30pm, last entry 5:30pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:00pm

Ponte Vecchio and River Arno walk

Enjoy strolling the historic bridge and riverside, ideal for photos and window shopping jewellery.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Buchetta Food & Wine

Experience innovative Tuscan cuisine with a good selection of local wines, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Florence Art and History

Florence, Italy on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and artisan pastries at this stylish café open from 8am.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Climb the Duomo and visit Baptistery

Ascend Brunelleschi's Dome for stunning views; climb open 8:30am to 7pm. The Baptistery is open from 8:15am.
EUR18 (combined pass), 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo’s David and other Renaissance art; open from 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample various Tuscan street food options and enjoy casual indoor dining, open until 3pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens

Relax in beautifully landscaped gardens behind Pitti Palace, open 8:15am to 7:30pm in May.
EUR10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset view at Piazzale Michelangelo

Take a short bus or walk uphill to enjoy panoramic sunset views of Florence’s skyline.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria 4 Leoni

Traditional Tuscan food in the Oltrarno district, known for warm service and lively atmosphere, open from 7pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast with coffee and pastries in Florence before your journey, most cafes open from 7am.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel by train Florence to Cinque Terre (Monterosso)

Take a train via Pisa to Monterosso al Mare, journey about 2.5 to 3 hours with scenic views.
EUR25, 3h0m

11:00am

Check-in and settle

Drop luggage at your accommodation in Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages.
Varies by accommodation, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Miky

Taste fresh Ligurian seafood pasta and local specialities in a cosy spot open from noon.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Monterosso and beach

Relax at the sandy beach or stroll through colourful village streets and old town.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk part of the Sentiero Azzurro to Vernazza

Hike scenic coastal trails with stunning views; trail open all day but weather dependent. Approximately 1.5 hours one way.
EUR7 (Cinque Terre Card for access to trails and trains), 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Belforte Restaurant

Dine cliffside with panoramic sea views in Vernazza; reservation advised, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria a Monterosso

Enjoy fresh coffee and focaccia before starting your day, many bakeries open from 7:30am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:00am

Train and hike between Corniglia and Manarola

Use the Cinque Terre Card for local trains or take moderate coastal paths to see different villages and sea views.
EUR7 trail/train pass, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Famous for fresh bruschetta and views over the harbour; a relaxed lunch spot open noon onwards.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Manarola Harbour

Swim or just enjoy the stunning seaside ambience before heading back by train.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening stroll and aperitivo in Monterosso

Sip a spritz and enjoy a variety of local snacks at a bar along the sea promenade.
EUR15, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Del Pescatore

Fresh seafood with local ingredients in a family-run setting, open from 7pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near accommodation

Grab a quick Italian espresso and pastry before departing, shops typically open from 7am.
EUR5, 0h45m

8:00am

Train travel from La Spezia to Milan

Morning train trip approximately 3 hours to Milan central station.
EUR35, 3h0m

11:30am

Check in and rest

Settle into your accommodation near central Milan.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try famous panzerotti (fried dough pockets) near the Duomo, open all day.
EUR8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the Gothic cathedral, climb to the rooftop terraces open from 9am to 7pm for city views.
EUR15, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Wander the elegant 19th-century shopping arcade, perfect for window shopping and photos.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell'Acquabella

Traditional Milanese dishes in a cosy atmosphere, open from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Milan Museums and Parks

Milan, Italy on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Enjoy artisan coffee and pastries in this hip bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie

Book tickets well in advance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, guided tours available; opening from 8:15am.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Sforza Castle and Museums

Explore the castle grounds and art collections, open 9am to 5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Smeraldo

A modern market and eateries serving diverse Italian cuisines, open from 10am.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll in Parco Sempione

Relax in Milan’s central park adjacent to the castle, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping in Brera District

Visit quaint boutiques, art galleries, and cafes in the artistic neighbourhood.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ratanà

Enjoy contemporary Milanese cuisine with local ingredients in a stylish setting, open 7pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Travel to Venice and Sightseeing

Venice, Italy on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a quick Italian espresso and cornetto to fuel your trip, local bars open early.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Train from Milan to Venice

Journey takes about 2.5 hours on high-speed trains to Venice Santa Lucia station.
EUR35, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and store luggage

Drop your bags at accommodation in Venice city centre.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Antico Forno

Sample traditional Venetian cicchetti (small snacks) and fresh baked bread, open from 10am.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore St Mark’s Square and Basilica

Visit Venice’s iconic piazza and enter the basilica, open 9:30am to 5pm.
Free entry, museum areas EUR5, 2h0m

4:30pm

Doge’s Palace tour

Discover the history of Venetian governance and impressive Gothic architecture; open until 7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

A popular spot for Venetian seafood and pasta dishes, located near Santa Croce, open from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 11: Venetian Canals and Departure

Venice, Italy on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Enjoy rich Venetian coffee and pastry in this well-loved café, open from 7:30am.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Gondola Ride and Canal Exploration

Experience Venice’s unique waterways with a classic gondola ride; rides last around 30-40 minutes.
EUR80 (shared rides may be cheaper), 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Rialto Market

Visit the vibrant fish and vegetable market, open mornings until 1pm, great for photos and local produce.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti

Enjoy fresh Venetian cuisine with a good wine selection, open for lunch from noon.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Leisure walk in Dorsoduro district

Explore this artistic quarter with galleries, quiet canals, and artisan shops.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Departure preparation

Return to your hotel to collect luggage and prepare for your onward journey or airport transfer.
Varies, 1h0m
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