Budget-Friendly 4-Day Trip from Timisoara to Bologna, Florence, and Tuscany by Train

Day 1: Bologna Introduction

Bologna, Italy on June 11, 2025

10:00am

Arrival in Bologna and Check-in

Arrive at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport from Timisoara with a budget airline, then take the Aerobus to the city center. Check in at a centrally located budget hotel or hostel such as Dopa Hostel to save costs.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica

Visit the heart of Bologna with the lively Piazza Maggiore and explore San Petronio Basilica, a stunning Gothic church. Both are iconic spots to understand Bologna’s history and architecture.
Free, Donation optional, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Enjoy authentic Bolognese cuisine like tagliatelle al ragù at this affordable, traditional trattoria beloved by locals.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Two Towers (Le Due Torri)

Climb Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of Bologna’s red rooftops. Open daily 9am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:30pm

Walk Under the Porticoes

Stroll along Bologna’s famous porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stretch over 38 kilometers. Perfect for budget-friendly sightseeing and photo ops.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Gelato Break at La Sorbetteria Castiglione

Sample some of the best gelato in Bologna made with fresh ingredients at reasonable prices.
EUR3-5, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sfoglia Rina

Dine on fresh homemade pasta and local dishes at this budget-friendly spot famous among locals and travelers.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Florence Exploration

Florence, Italy on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Early Train to Florence

Depart Bologna Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella via Trenitalia regional trains. Journey takes about 35-40 minutes and costs around 15 EUR booked in advance.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy a great Italian coffee and fresh pastries at this popular cafe located near the city center.
EUR5-7, 45m

10:00am

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Marvel at the iconic cathedral with its terracotta-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi. Entry to cathedral is free; dome climb requires reservation and fee.
Free; Dome climb EUR20 optional, 1h

11:30am

Explore Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi

Walk through the square full of Renaissance sculptures and visit the open-air gallery under the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria ZaZa

Affordable Tuscan dishes with large portions in a lively, authentic environment near the central market.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Uffizi Gallery Visit

See world-class Renaissance artworks by Botticelli, Michelangelo and more. Open 8:15am-6:30pm, closed Mondays. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
EUR20, 2h

4:30pm

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Explore the medieval bridge lined with artisan shops over the Arno River at no cost.
Free, 30m

5:15pm

Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia

Sample delicious gelato favored by locals, perfect to refresh after sightseeing.
EUR3-5, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Cozy and budget-friendly spot for traditional Tuscan cuisine in the Oltrarno district. Reserving in advance advised.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tuscany Day Trip

Tuscan Countryside, Italy on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Chianti Wine Region (Greve in Chianti)

Take a SITA bus from Florence to Greve in Chianti (about 1 hour); buses run frequently and are affordable.
EUR7-10 roundtrip, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast in Greve’s Piazza Matteotti

Enjoy a simple Italian breakfast with coffee and pastries at a cafe overlooking the picturesque town square.
EUR5-7, 45m

10:00am

Visit Wine Shops and Enoteca Falorni

Explore one of the oldest wine shops in the region and sample Chianti wines, learning about local viticulture. Many offer free tastings or for a small fee.
EUR5 tasting optional, 1h

11:30am

Walk to Montefioralle Village

Take a short hike or local bus to this medieval hilltop village nearby, famous for its narrow streets and views.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Cantina

Enjoy budget-friendly local dishes including pappa al pomodoro and fresh pasta in Montefioralle.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Florence

Take the bus back to Florence to continue sightseeing or rest.
Included in roundtrip ticket, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Boboli Gardens

Visit the expansive gardens behind Pitti Palace. Open 8:15am-6:30pm and entry is reasonably priced, perfect for a budget-friendly nature walk.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening stroll and Aperitivo

Enjoy a cheap wine and small bites for aperitivo at Localino near Piazza Santo Spirito.
EUR8, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

Casual sandwich shop famous for fresh paninis with local ingredients, great for a light and affordable dinner.
EUR10-15, 1h
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Day 4: Florence & Departure

Florence / Bologna, Italy on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mercato Centrale

Grab affordable Italian pastries and coffee at the bustling food market inside the central station.
EUR5-7, 45m

9:00am

Visit Santa Croce Church

Explore this Gothic church known for its frescoes and tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. Entry fee is budget-friendly.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Free walk in historic center & last-minute shopping

Stroll through local markets and artisan shops for souvenirs before departure.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Train to Bologna Airport

Take a train back from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Airport. Travel time approximately 1.5 hours.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch near Bologna Airport

Grab a quick and affordable meal at the airport cafe or nearby eateries.
EUR10, 1h

4:00pm

Flight Back to Timisoara

Return flight to Timisoara from Bologna with budget airline.
EUR50-80 depending on advance booking, 1h30m
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