12-Day Budget-Friendly Europe Tour: Paris, Northern Italy & Switzerland Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Paris Stroll

Paris, France on June 10, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Arrive in Paris and take public transport to your budget-friendly hotel in the Latin Quarter for easy access to major sights.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Check-in at Hotel des 3 Poussins

Affordable and charming 2-star hotel located in the lively Latin Quarter.
EUR100, 0h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Relaxed café offering organic pastries and coffee to start your morning economically.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Louvre Museum Visit

See famous artworks including the Mona Lisa. Entry cost is modest; open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR17, 3h

4:00pm

Walk along the Seine and Tuileries Garden

Free and pleasant stroll by the river and gardens to enjoy Parisian ambiance.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Traditional French bistro offering excellent meals at very reasonable prices, open until 11pm.
EUR25, 2h
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Day 2: Paris Classic Sights

Paris, France on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Richard

Affordable neighborhood café with good coffee and croissants.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Grounds and Park

Instead of going up, enjoy the scenic views and picnic in Champ de Mars park to save on entry fees.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic by the Eiffel Tower

Pick up sandwiches, cheese, and fruit from a local market for a budget-friendly picnic.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior & Île de la Cité

Visit the historic site and explore the surroundings; interior access may be limited due to restoration.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Explore the artistic neighborhood and freely visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica, open until 10:30pm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais Gascon

Casual and affordable spot famous for hearty salads and classic dishes.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast included to start your day.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Palace of Versailles by RER C train

Affordable train from Paris to Versailles, palace opens 9:00am-6:30pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

10:00am

Palace and Gardens Visit

Explore opulent palace rooms and gardens; entrance fee modest for palace and free for gardens.
EUR20, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Café d’Orangerie

A casual café offering light meals near Versailles gardens at reasonable prices.
EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Paris & Rest

Take the train back and relax at your hotel.
EUR7, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at L’As du Fallafel

Famous and budget-friendly falafel restaurant in the Marais district, open till late.
EUR10, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple hotel breakfast to prepare for travel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Budget train Paris to Milan

Book standard class on high-speed trains; expect approx. 7 hours travel.
EUR80-100, 7h

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Ritter

Affordable 2-star hotel close to Milan central station with good reviews.
EUR80, 0h30m

5:00pm

Milan Cathedral (Duomo) Exterior & Square

Admire the cathedral exterior and lively surrounding square for free; skip rooftop to save costs.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Spontini

Enjoy tasty and affordable Milanese-style pizza at this popular local chain.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 5: Milan Art & Sights

Milan, Italy on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Budget bakery featuring fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Santa Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper) viewing

Try to get discounted tickets or view from nearby; booking months ahead recommended but cost saving by viewing alternative artworks or museum instead.
EUR15 (museum); viewing Last Supper may be costly or unavailable on short notice, 1h

11:00am

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Window shop and admire architecture in this iconic arcade, free to explore.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini

Affordable and popular spot for panzerotti with quick service.
EUR10, 30m

2:00pm

Sforza Castle Parks and Free Areas

Explore castle grounds and nearby Parco Sempione for free instead of museums.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria La Vecchia Lira

Budget-friendly traditional Italian dishes with hearty portions.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Venice

Venice, Italy on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with included breakfast in preparation for travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Milan to Venice Santa Lucia

Regional train to Venice approx. 2.5 hours, more affordable than express.
EUR25, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in at Hotel Caneva

Budget-friendly hotel located close to Venice’s transport hub and main attractions.
EUR90, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go

Inexpensive fresh pasta served quickly near the train station.
EUR10, 30m

1:30pm

St. Mark’s Basilica (Exterior) and Piazza

Admire the stunning exterior and soak in lively square atmosphere for free.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Doge’s Palace Courtyard & Exterior

Walk around the palace exterior and surroundings to save on entrance fees.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Vaporetto

Affordable Venetian specialties in a casual setting.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Venice Canals & Islands

Venice, Italy on June 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast included with hotel stay to save costs.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Self-guided Gondola Alternatives

Consider a shared traghetto ferry ride crossing Grand Canal for a small fee instead of private gondola (approx. EUR2).
EUR2, 30m

10:30am

Murano & Burano by Public Vaporetto

Use public water buses for a budget day trip to these colorful islands, full day ticket approx. EUR20.
EUR20, 6h

4:30pm

Return & Rest

Rest at hotel post tour.
Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Alla Madonna

Economical Venetian seafood in a friendly environment.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for travel day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Venice to Florence

Book regional trains for budget option, approx. 2.5 hours.
EUR20, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in at Hotel Casci

Affordable guesthouse near central Florence.
EUR80, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at I Due Fratellini

Popular quick eats spot serving delicious panini and Tuscan street food.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Florence Cathedral exterior & Piazza

Admire the Duomo and its surroundings without paying for dome climb.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Uffizi Gallery Gardens Walk & City Views

Instead of costly entrance, enjoy public city views and walks nearby.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Well-loved budget restaurant with Tuscan specialties and local vibe.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Florence & Tuscany

Florence, Italy on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast to get ready for the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Accademia Gallery (David Statue)

Entry to see Michelangelo's masterpiece; book online early to save time. Entry fee reasonable.
EUR16, 1h30m

11:00am

Boboli Gardens

Relax in beautiful gardens; half-price entry available for advance booking.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale Food Court

Multiple affordable food stalls offering Tuscan cuisines in a lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Self-guided Chianti Region Exploration

Use public transport or budget tours for wine tasting, selecting basic tastings to stay within budget.
EUR50, 4h

7:30pm

Light Dinner nearby hotel

Choose from local pizzerias or sandwich shops for light cost-effective dinner.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 10: Travel to Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple hotel breakfast before the long train ride.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Florence to Lucerne via Milan

Book combinations of regional trains to reduce costs; approx. 7 hours travel.
CHF50, 7h

4:30pm

Check-in at Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City

Economical modern budget hotel with good connections to city center.
CHF120, 0h30m

5:00pm

Walk Chapel Bridge & Old Town

Enjoy free sightseeing in this picturesque town area.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tibits Luzern

Vegetarian buffet-style restaurant offering healthy, affordable meals.
CHF25, 1h30m
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Day 11: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus

Lucerne, Switzerland on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast before your mountain adventure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Mount Pilatus Day Trip using Public Transport and Discounted Ticket

Take public boat and cogwheel train with Swiss Travel Pass discount for budget-friendly mountain visit, open 8:30am-5pm.
CHF50, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Pilatus Kulm Self-Service

Affordable self-service options to keep costs low while enjoying mountain views.
CHF20, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Lucerne

Relax in the old town after descent.
Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Uri Schützen

Casual Swiss dining with budget-friendly prices.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen

Interlaken, Switzerland on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast included.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Lucerne to Interlaken

Using regional trains for a cost-effective scenic trip, approx. 2 hours.
CHF25, 2h

10:00am

Check-in at Hotel Interlaken

Comfortable 3-star hotel offering good rates and central location.
CHF150, 0h30m

11:00am

Self-Guided Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk

Explore stunning waterfalls and cliffs on free walking trails accessible by public transport.
CHF15 transport, 4h

3:00pm

Return to Interlaken & Leisure Time

Enjoy free time in town walking or window shopping.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Stadthaus

Casual eating with affordable Swiss and international options.
CHF40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Zurich & Departure

Zurich, Switzerland on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for your final day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Interlaken to Zurich

Regional train to Zurich approx. 2 hours; economical option for last leg.
CHF40, 2h

11:30am

Check-in at easyHotel Zurich

Budget-friendly hotel near city center offering basic but clean accommodations.
CHF100, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiltl Vegetarian Restaurant

Affordable buffet with extensive vegetarian options and great value.
CHF20, 1h

1:30pm

Bahnhofstrasse and Old Town Walk

Enjoy free sightseeing along Zurich’s famous shopping street and charming old town alleyways.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Lake Zurich Shore Walk

Relax lakeside to unwind and reflect on your trip.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss dishes offered at moderate prices in historic setting, open till 10pm.
CHF50, 2h
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