15-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary to Rome, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, Frankfurt, Berlin, Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam

  • Day 1: Rome
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 0 hours

    Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city famous for its ancient history and stunning landmarks. Visit the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Vatican City which includes the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.

  • Day 2-4: Amalfi Coast
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 3 hours via train & local bus

    The Amalfi Coast, located in southern Italy, is known for its picturesque coastline, turquoise waters, and colorful villages. Positano, Amalfi Town, and Ravello are must-visit spots.

  • Day 5-6: Venice
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 10 hours via train & bus

    Venice is a city built on water and famous for its winding canals and stunning architecture. Visit Saint Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and grab a coffee at one of the many cafes in the city.

  • Day 7-9: Budapest
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 13 hours via train & bus

    Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Visit Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and take a dip in one of the city's public thermal baths.

  • Day 10-11: Vienna, Bratislava
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 2 hours via train

    Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city famous for its Baroque architecture, music heritage, and coffee culture. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and take a walk in Vienna's Old Town. Consider a day trip to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, located only an hour's train ride from Vienna. Stroll around the charming city center and visit the beautiful Bratislava Castle.

  • Day 12-13: Prague
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 4 hours via train & bus

    Prague is a city with a rich history and stunning views. Stroll around the charming Old Town Square, visit the Powder Tower, and take a hike up to Petrin Hill for a panoramic view of the city.

  • Day 14-15: Frankfurt, Berlin
    Estimated travel time from previous location: 9 hours via train

    Frankfurt, the financial capital of Germany, is a modern city with a rich history. Take a walk around the city center and visit the Römerberg, Frankfurt's historic city hall. The trip ends in Berlin, a city famous for its art scene, culture, and history. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, and the East Side Gallery to learn about the city's past.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Colosseum, Rome (2-3 hours, €12)
  • Amalfi Coast guided tour (8-10 hours, €100)
  • Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice (1-2 hours, €3)
  • Buda Castle, Budapest (2-3 hours, €10)
  • Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna (2-3 hours, €20)
  • Old Town Square, Prague (1-2 hours, free)
  • Brandenburg Gate, Berlin (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €145

Transportation

Consider taking a Eurail Pass for train travel within Europe. It is cost-effective and provides flexibility. Budget airlines are also an option but factor in additional costs such as luggage fees and transportation to/from airports. Use public transportation within cities to save costs.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Amsterdam from Brussels or adding a day trip to Salzburg from Vienna. If you have less time, consider skipping Frankfurt and visiting Amsterdam directly from Berlin.

Airports

The major airports in this itinerary are Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), Vienna International Airport (VIE), Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG), Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL), and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). The distance from the city center ranges from 15 minutes via train to 45 minutes via bus.

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