Budget-Friendly One Week Italy Itinerary with €500

Day 1: Arrival and Roman Exploration

Rome, Italy on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Start your day with affordable Italian pastries and freshly brewed coffee at this traditional bakery open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR4, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Explore ancient Rome's heart with a combined ticket that provides insight into the city's impressive ruins. It opens at 8:30am and closes at 7:00pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy affordable and delicious fresh pasta in a small, popular spot open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, perfect for budget travellers.
EUR6, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Pantheon

Entry to this historic temple is free; marvel at the impressive dome and architecture. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Piazza Navona

Relax or stroll at this beautiful Baroque square with stunning fountains and street artists; always open and free.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Valentino

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes at affordable prices; open 12:00pm to 11:00pm. Try their pasta cacio e pepe.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic and Vatican Highlights

Rome, Italy on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a local café

Grab a cappuccino and cornetto for a quick budget breakfast near the Vatican.
EUR3, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Book a skip-the-line ticket to explore world-famous art and the Sistine Chapel. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, closed on Sundays except the last of the month.
EUR17, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzarium Bonci

Try famous Roman-style pizza al taglio; open daily 10:00am to 11:00pm, budget-friendly and filling.
EUR7, 1h0m

2:30pm

St Peter's Basilica visit

Free entry to the basilica; marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà and climb the dome (€10). Open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
Free or EUR10 for dome, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Tiber River and Castel Sant'Angelo

Enjoy riverside views and visit the castle (entrance €15) or admire exterior for free. Open 9:00am to 7:30pm.
Free or EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Ingegno

Try a mixed platter of affordable Roman specialties; open 12:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel and Florence Art

Florence, Italy on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hostel or café

Grab a quick and cheap breakfast before travel to Florence by bus or train (book in advance for best price).
EUR4, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Florence by regional train

Taking a regional train saves money and takes approximately 3 hours from Rome to Florence.
EUR20, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at All’Antico Vinaio

Famous for affordable and huge panini sandwiches; open from 10:30am to 10:00pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Enjoy free entry to cathedral (except dome climb). Appreciate the architecture and nearby baptistery.
Free or EUR20 for dome climb, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Uffizi Gallery (pre-booked ticket)

See iconic Renaissance works including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Opens 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Affordable Tuscan classics with friendly atmosphere; open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 4: Florence and Art Walking

Florence, Italy on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Historic café offering pastries and coffee; open from 7:30am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Accademia Gallery

Home of Michelangelo’s David. Open 8:15am to 6:50pm, tickets required, reserve online for best price.
EUR16, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample various Tuscan food stalls at reasonable prices; open 10:00am to midnight.
EUR8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk through Boboli Gardens

Relax in the historical gardens behind Pitti Palace; entrance €10. Open 8:15am to 6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across this famous medieval bridge with jewel shops; free and always open.
Free, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Fettunta

Cozy spot for pizza and pasta with affordable prices; open 7:00pm to 11:30pm.
EUR14, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Pisa

Pisa, Italy on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Pisa by regional train

Regional trains take about 1 hour and cost around €8 one way; book early for best prices.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Salza

Enjoy fresh pastries and a coffee near the Leaning Tower; open from 7:00am.
EUR4, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli

Free to enjoy the plaza; entry to the tower costs €20 if you want to climb. The complex opens at 9:00am and closes 8:00pm.
Free or EUR20, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Il Peperoncino

Affordable, tasty Tuscan pizza; open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Florence

Take the regional train back for €8.
EUR8, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax or explore local artisan shops

Spend the afternoon wandering Florence’s artisan districts or resting at your accommodation.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco

Try traditional wild boar pasta for a filling and affordable meal; open 12:00pm to 10:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Venice and Venice Walk

Venice, Italy on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Quick bakery breakfast near your accommodation before travel to Venice.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Venice by train

Regional train costs around €25 and takes approximately 2 hours from Florence to Venice.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:00am

Lunch at Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go

Enjoy budget-friendly fresh pasta in a casual setting; open 11:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore St. Mark's Square

Enjoy the iconic piazza, free to wander. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica outside for free; internal entry is free but some areas require tickets.
Free or small donation, 2h0m

3:00pm

Walk the Rialto Bridge and Market

Experience Venice’s bustling market and famous bridge with photo opportunities; free access.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria All'Arco

Highly recommended for its affordable and authentic Venetian cicchetti (small dishes); open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 7: Last Day in Venice and Departure

Venice, Italy on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy your last Italian cappuccino and pastry near your accommodation, budget friendly and relaxing.
EUR4, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Explore the iconic gothic palace of Venice; entry is €25. Opens 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Al Portego

Enjoy simple Venetian dishes in a casual setting; open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax and pack for departure

Spend your last afternoon leisurely before heading to the airport or train station.
Free, 3h0m
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