This 7-day Italy itinerary for budget travelers is perfect if you want to experience Italy’s highlights without overspending. After a few trips across the country, this flexible route is what I recommend — designed for smart, affordable travel that works for couples, solo travelers, and even families.
You’ll find practical stops, money-saving transport tips, and links to tools I actually use to book trains, tours, and stays. Let’s get into it.
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Day 1–2: Rome
Start your trip in Rome — easy to reach from most international airports, and packed with must-sees:
- Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Trevi Fountain
- Vatican City (book skip-the-line)
- Stroll Trastevere for food and wine
Where to stay: Look near Termini station for easy access (budget hotels and family guesthouses). Testaccio is great if you want something more local.
Money tips:
- Skip taxis — walk or get a local transport pass
- Eat pizza al taglio (by the slice), suppli, or pasta in small trattorias
- Visit churches and piazzas — they’re free and stunning
Tools to use:
- Booking.com for Rome guesthouses
- GetYourGuide for Vatican or Colosseum entry
- Omio to check your onward train
Day 3: Florence
Catch a morning train to Florence (1.5 hours). Walkable, historic, and beautiful — Florence is compact enough to enjoy in a day.
Must-sees:
- Duomo and climb the dome (book ahead)
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazza della Signoria
Food tip: Try lampredotto or a Florentine steak if you want to splurge. Or grab street food and gelato.
Where to stay: One night in the historic center or across the river in Oltrarno for a quieter (and sometimes cheaper) experience.
Use:
- Trainline or Omio to book Rome–Florence
- Booking.com for stays
Day 4: Tuscany Day Trip or Overnight
This day is flexible.
Option A: Day trip from Florence
- Siena, Pisa, or San Gimignano (bus or train via Omio)
- Winery or countryside tour (Viator/GetYourGuide)
Option B: Overnight in Tuscany
- Rent a car (not very budget, but doable if splitting as a couple/family)
- Stay in an agriturismo (farm stay) for a peaceful evening
For families: many agriturismi have animals, big open spaces, and homemade food.
Day 5–6: Venice
Train to Venice in the morning (Florence–Venice is ~2 hours).
Explore:
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Rialto Bridge
- Cannaregio neighborhood
Where to stay:
- Mestre (on the mainland) for cheaper hotels
- Cannaregio or Castello for budget-friendly guesthouses within the city
Money tips:
- Gondola rides are expensive. Consider a shared ride, vaporetto (water bus), or traghetto for a quick canal crossing.
- Walk a lot — it’s the best way to explore
Use GetYourGuide for:
- Basilica or Doge’s Palace skip-the-line
- Evening walking tours or canal cruises
Day 7: Venice or Milan
If flying out of Venice, use this day to relax, shop, or visit Murano/Burano.
Alternative: Take a train to Milan if flights are cheaper there. Walk around the Duomo, grab an aperitivo, and fly out next morning.
Final Tips
- If you have 10 days: Add the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, or Bologna
- If you only have 5: Do Rome, Florence, and a quick Venice visit
- For trains: check Omio or Trainline
- Always use a VPN like NordVPN if you’re working remotely or booking from public Wi-Fi
- Travel insurance? Compare World Nomads vs SafetyWing
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