15-Day Italy on a Budget: Venice, Florence (Tuscany) & Rome Itinerary

A wallet-friendly, art-and-history-packed journey from Venice’s canals to Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces and Rome’s ancient ruins—by fast trains, great street food, and smart planning.
Low angle view of Michelangelo
Photo by Fabio Mariano on Pexels

Italy rewards the curious traveler: a country where ancient roads lead to Renaissance palaces, where piazzas become living rooms, and where espresso fuels museum marathons. In 15 days, you’ll trace a classic north-to-south route—Venice, Florence (Tuscany), and Rome—maximizing high-speed trains and free city pleasures to keep costs low without skimping on the good stuff.


From Venice’s floating neighborhoods and artisan islands to Florence’s galleries and craft studios, you’ll see why Tuscany shaped Western art—and how it still flavors your plate. In Rome, walk in the shadow of emperors and popes, then sip a €1 espresso at the bar like a local before the next masterpiece.

Practical notes for March–November: book popular tickets in advance, carry a refillable water bottle (public fountains abound), and beware pickpockets in crowded areas. Venice has a small day-tripper access fee on selected peak dates; check before you go. Tipping is modest; a “coperto” cover charge on bills is normal. With a budget of 16/100, apartments, trattorie, and self-guided wanders will be your allies.

Venice

Days 1–5: Lagoon lore, cicchetti strolls, and artisan islands

Venice is a maze of bridges and back canals where history clings to weathered brick. Start early to see Piazza San Marco glow, then wander into Cannaregio and Dorsoduro where locals still shop, sip, and gossip canal-side. Budget tip: stand at the bar for cheaper coffee and use vaporetto passes to “sightsee” from the water.

  • Iconic highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica mosaics, Doge’s Palace courtyards, Rialto Market at dawn, Accademia Bridge sunset, and the quiet fondamenta of Cannaregio.
  • Islands day: Murano (glassblowing), Burano (bright facades and lace). Go early to beat crowds and photograph the reflected colors in the canals.
  • Budget getting around: ACTV vaporetto passes ~€25 (24h), €35 (48h), €45 (72h). The Number 1 line doubles as a slow-motion Grand Canal cruise.

How to arrive (choose what fits your origin):

  • Flights to Venice (VCE) within Europe: search on Omio (flights). From outside Europe, compare on Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com.
  • Airport to city: shared-boat transfer is convenient and cost-effective: Venice Marco Polo Airport Link Arrival Transfer on Viator (see below).

Curated activities (pick 1–4):


Where to eat (budget-forward): For coffee, try Torrefazione Cannaregio (roasted on-site) or Pasticceria Tonolo for bomboloni. Lunch on €3–€4 cicchetti at Al Merca or Cantina Do Spade; share a fritto misto cone by Rialto. For a sit-down without the sting: Osteria alla Staffa (seasonal Venetian plates) or Osteria al Portego (tiny, lively). Fast and filling: Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go.

Where to stay (use apartments to save):

Next stop: Morning high-speed train Venice → Florence (Santa Maria Novella). 2h–2h10, ~€19–€45 if booked early. Compare schedules and fares on Omio (trains).

Florence (Tuscany)

Days 6–10: Renaissance icons, artisans, and a Tuscan day trip

Florence is a compact open-air museum: Brunelleschi’s dome above, Michelangelo and Botticelli within, and goldsmiths glinting across the Ponte Vecchio. Save cash by walking everywhere and timing museum visits; use free viewpoints like Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset.

  • Essentials: Duomo complex (cathedral interior is free; paid dome/terrace options), the Uffizi’s Renaissance galleries, Accademia’s David, and the Oltrarno’s workshops and Santo Spirito square.
  • Easy day trips: Pisa by regional train (~1h each way) for the Leaning Tower; or sample Chianti villages by half-day tour or local bus.

Curated activities (pick 1–4):


Where to eat (great value): Sandwich perfection: I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti or All’Antico Vinaio (go early). Classic lunch-only institutions: Trattoria Mario (Tuscan soups, bistecca by weight). Affordable, quality pizza: SimBIOsi or Gusta Pizza. Snack through Mercato Centrale upstairs food hall. Coffee at Ditta Artigianale; gelato at La Carraia or Gelateria dei Neri.

Where to stay (budget-first picks):

Next stop: Morning high-speed train Florence → Rome (Termini). 1h30–1h40, ~€14–€39 if booked early. Compare on Omio (trains). Regional buses can be cheaper but slower: check Omio (buses).

Rome

Days 11–15: Ancient wonders, papal treasures, and twilight piazzas

Rome is a palimpsest of empires—layers of marble and travertine revealing stories at every turn. Alternate “big-ticket” days (Colosseum or Vatican) with free wandering: the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain at dawn, and people-watching in Trastevere.

  • Must-see circuit: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill; St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums; Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Spanish Steps, and Villa Borghese gardens.
  • Budget pro-tips: State museums are free the first Sunday monthly. Grab pizza al taglio and eat in a nearby piazza. A 24h metro/bus pass is often cheaper than single tickets.

Curated activities (pick 1–4):


Where to eat (tasty and affordable): Coffee at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè or Tazza d’Oro (drink at the bar for lower prices). Lunch on pizza al taglio at Pizzarium Bonci; suppli at Supplizio. For classic trattoria plates without sticker shock: Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (go early or queue), Felice a Testaccio (tonnarelli cacio e pepe). Street-food twist: Trapizzino (stuffed pizza pockets). Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro or Fatamorgana.

Where to stay (value-minded):

Sample pacing by blocks (focus on highlights, not rigid hours)

  • Days 1–5 (Venice): Day 1 Cannaregio + Rialto; Day 2 San Marco (Basilica/Doge’s); Day 3 island tour (Murano/Burano); Day 4 Dorsoduro museums + gondola; Day 5 “hidden Venice” walk and cichetti crawl.
  • Days 6–10 (Florence & Tuscany): Day 6 Duomo area + terraces; Day 7 Uffizi + Ponte Vecchio + Oltrarno; Day 8 Accademia + San Lorenzo + Mercato; Day 9 Pisa or Chianti; Day 10 artisan studios + sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo.
  • Days 11–15 (Rome): Day 11 Colosseum/Forum/Palatine; Day 12 Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s; Day 13 Baroque Rome walk (Pantheon–Trevi–Navona); Day 14 Appian Way or Villa Borghese; Day 15 free morning markets + departure.

Transit and money-saving keys

  • Trains between cities: Book high-speed fares early on Omio (trains) for the best prices. Venice → Florence: ~2h, from ~€19–€45. Florence → Rome: ~1h30, from ~€14–€39.
  • Local transport: Venice vaporetto passes; Florence is walkable (ATAF tickets if needed); Rome 24h pass ~€7, 72h ~€18 (good for metro, bus, tram).
  • Daily budget target (per person): Venice €80–€100, Florence €70–€90, Rome €75–€95 (hostel/VRBO, 2 paid sights, public transport, street food + one sit-down meal). Self-cater breakfast to save more.
  • Flights for arrival/departure: Within Europe use Omio (flights); intercontinental compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Final food notes: Avoid tourist menus; look for places with small chalkboards, locals at lunch, and “primo/secondo/contorno” on offer. Water is free from public fountains (potabile). “Pane e coperto” is normal; tipping a euro or two is appreciated but not mandatory.

Fifteen days in Italy will leave you sated on art, history, and memorable meals without bruising your wallet. With clever train hops, apartment stays, and a mix of free wanders plus a few well-chosen tours, this Venice–Florence–Rome itinerary balances depth and value beautifully.


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