Stretch your budget (and your horizons) across Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Senegal on a 95‑day, slow‑travel itinerary designed for value travelers. You’ll weave from Celtic coasts to Central Europe’s capitals, into Renaissance Italy, and finish amid the Sahel and Senegal River. Expect free walking routes, market meals, hostel stays, and smart transit—plus a few handpicked tours that deliver outsized insight for small spend.

History lovers will tread Viking streets in Dublin, examine Berlin’s Cold War scars, stand on Rome’s ancient arena floor, and sail past Venice’s lace and glass traditions. Nature and coastal time aren’t forgotten: Galway’s wild Connemara, Dublin’s Howth cliffs, and Senegal’s Langue de Barbarie and villages near Dagana all feature.

Practical notes: For Europe, book trains and buses early for the cheapest fares via Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). For intra‑Europe flights use Omio (flights); for Europe–Africa flights use Trip.com (flights). In Senegal, carry cash (CFA), arrange intercity rides in daylight, and check local guidance for travel to Dagana during rainy season (roads can flood).

Dublin

Days 1–8: Settle into the capital, taste, and time-travel

Dublin marries literary swagger with pub conviviality, Viking foundations with Georgian splendor. Spend your first days walking the River Liffey quays, Trinity’s squares, and cobbles of Temple Bar—then hop buses out to cliffs and monastic valleys.

• Essential tours (pick 2–3):
  Guinness Storehouse Experience — cap your visit with a Gravity Bar pint and 360° views.

  

  
  Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour — a tight, 45‑minute intro to Irish whiskey’s craft.

  

  
  Glendalough, Wicklow & Kilkenny Day Tour — round towers, lakes, and medieval lanes in one budget‑friendly day.
• Eat & drink (budget picks): Breakfast at Brother Hubbard (Middle Eastern‑leaning Irish plates); coffee at 3fe or Shoe Lane; lunch at Leo Burdock (classic fish & chips) or Umi Falafel; dinner at Darkey Kelly’s for trad music, or Vietnom at The Glimmer Man for cheap, fresh plates. Try a literary night out with the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl for stories plus stout.

  

• Where to sleep (filter for hostels/apartments): Hotels.com – Dublin | VRBO – Dublin. Good budget options: Generator Dublin (social, central) or Clayton Hotel Burlington Road (often-discounted doubles).
• Getting there: Fly into Dublin with low fares via Omio (flights). Local transport: a LEAP card caps daily bus/LUAS/DART spend.

Transfer: Dublin → Galway (Day 9)

Train from Heuston to Galway Ceannt ~2h20; advance fares ~€15–25 via Omio (trains). Buses can be cheaper off‑peak via Omio (buses).

Galway

Days 9–13: Music, markets, and the wild west

Galway’s Latin Quarter hums with buskers, trad sessions, and color-splashed shopfronts. Stroll Salthill Prom, time sunset on the Corrib, and book one big Connemara day for mountains, bog, and abbey reflections.

• Top tour: Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey — a full day of postcard Ireland at backpacker prices.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at Coffeewerk + Press; lunch at McDonagh’s (fish & chips) or Kai’s weekday plates; dinner at Ard Bia at Nimmos (early tables are best value) or The Dough Bros (award‑winning pizza for a steal). Pub tunes at Tig Cóilí most nights.
• Stay: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway (deals pop up off‑weekend); Kinlay Hostel Galway (clean, social, free breakfast). Or browse Hotels.com – Galway | VRBO – Galway.

Transfer: Galway → Cork (Day 14)

Bus ~4–4.5h from Galway Coach Station to Cork Parnell Place for ~€20–30 via Omio (buses).

Cork

Days 14–18: Markets and whiskey in Ireland’s rebel city

Compact, creative Cork rewards grazers: the English Market, indie coffee bars, and riverside strolls. Save one half-day for Midleton’s distillery story.

• Don’t miss: The English Market for budget grazing (O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausages; The Sandwich Stall); stroll Shandon bells and the River Lee boardwalk.
• Midleton tour: Jameson Midleton Experience & Tasting — polished, educational, and often discounted in shoulder season.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at Three Fools on Grand Parade; hearty budget dinners at Market Lane (early-bird), The SpitJack (rotisserie), or Miyazaki (counter‑service Japanese).
• Stay: For cheap beds try Kinlay House Cork; for periodic deals near the river choose The Metropole Hotel Cork or Maldron Hotel Shandon. Browse Hotels.com – Cork | VRBO – Cork.

Long transfer: Cork → (Bus) Dublin → Berlin (Day 19)

Bus Cork to Dublin Airport ~3h for ~€12–20 via Omio (buses), then fly Dublin → Berlin ~2h20 for ~€40–120 via Omio (flights). Pack snacks to avoid airport prices.

Berlin

Days 19–28: Layers of history plus green spaces

Berlin invites deep dives: Prussian pomp at Unter den Linden, Weimar cabarets echoing in courtyards, and Cold War shadows along Bernauer Straße. Budget well: museums on the same island, picnic in Tempelhof, and cheap currywurst at night.

• Smart tours (choose 2–3):
  Berlin’s Best: Third Reich & Cold War (2 hr) — hit Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and key memorials fast.

  

  
  Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour — a sober, essential context trip.

  

  
  1‑Hour Spree Boat Tour — see the city’s new architecture from the water.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at Five Elephant or The Barn; Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap or Risa Chicken for cheap eats; sit‑down classics at Henne (legendary fried chicken) or Curry 36 late‑night. Picnic fixings: Turkish Market (Tues/Fri) along Maybachufer.
• Stay: The Circus Hostel (social, central) or Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz (family rooms often on sale). Browse Hotels.com – Berlin | VRBO – Berlin.
• Day trip: Potsdam palaces and gardens with Potsdam Highlights & Sanssouci Tour for a low-cost royal fix.

  

Transfer: Berlin → Munich (Day 29)

ICE train ~4h, from ~€20–60 via Omio (trains). Pack your own picnic to save.

Munich

Days 29–36: Beer gardens, Baroque, and WWII context

Munich balances museum heft with river swims and chestnut‑shaded beer gardens. The Old Town compacts centuries; Englischer Garten spreads forever.

• Orientation choices:
  Old Town Walking Tour — fast history download.

  

  
  Classic Bike Tour (with beer garden stop) — covers more for less.

  

• Context tour: Third Reich Walking Tour — connect sites around Odeonsplatz and Königsplatz.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at Man Versus Machine; budget lunch at Viktualienmarkt (try Caspar Plautz potatoes); hearty dinners at Augustiner Bräustuben or Schneider Bräuhaus (order a Schneider Weisse).
• Stay: Euro Youth Hotel Munich (classic budget choice) or Motel One Sendlinger Tor. Browse Hotels.com – Munich | VRBO – Munich.

Transfer: Munich → Cologne (Day 37)

ICE train ~4.5h, saver fares from ~€20–60 via Omio (trains).

Cologne

Days 37–42: Gothic spires and Kölsch culture

Cologne’s cathedral dwarfs the skyline; its breweries run on tiny, always-fresh Kölsch poured by speedy köbes. The Rhine promenade is your free, sunset seat.

• City intro: Cologne City Tour — hit the Dom, Old Town, and Roman remnants in a compact loop.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at The Coffee Gang; budget lunch at Merhaba (Turkish wraps); dinner at Päffgen or Peters Brauhaus (try Himmel un Ääd—potato, apple, and black pudding). Walk the Hohenzollern Bridge padlocks at night.
• Stay: Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft (creative rooms, bar downstairs). Or search Hotels.com – Cologne | VRBO – Cologne.

Transfer: Cologne → Rome (Day 43)

Fly ~2h10 for ~€60–130 via Omio (flights). Alternative: overnight bus (~18–20h) can be as low as ~€45 via Omio (buses) if you need to pinch pennies hard.

Rome

Days 43–56: Ancient stones, neighborhood suppers

Rome rewards walkers and window‑gazers: ivy‑draped alleys in Trastevere, imperial forums glowing at dusk, and fountains that double as water refills. Alternate “big museum” days with piazza‑lounging and market lunches.

• High‑value tours (pick 2–4):
  Colosseum Arena Floor, Forum & Palatine — step through the Gladiator’s Gate onto the arena for perspective you can’t DIY.

  

  
  Skip‑the‑Line Vatican & Sistine Chapel — a curated route saves time and feet.

  

  
  Pasta & Tiramisu Class — a fun, budget night that doubles as a future dinner skill.

  

• Day trip to Pompeii (cheap DIY): Fast train Rome → Napoli Centrale ~1h10 via Omio, then local train to Pompei Scavi ~35–40 min. Or join the Pompeii Small Group Tour with Archaeologist for expert storytelling.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at Sant’Eustachio or Tazza d’Oro; budget lunches at Pizzarium Bonci (by the slice) or Trapizzino (Roman pocket pizzas); dinner at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio) or Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere, arrive early); gelato at Fatamorgana or Gelateria del Teatro.
• Stay: Wallet‑friendly places with strong locations: The Beehive (hostel/guesthouse) or Hotel Santa Maria (in Trastevere when deals appear). Browse Hotels.com – Rome | VRBO – Rome.

Transfer: Rome → Florence (Day 57)

Frecciarossa ~1.5h, from ~€20–45 via Omio (trains).

Florence

Days 57–66: Renaissance hits and cheap, good eats

Compact Florence is a museum under open sky—Duomo’s dome, Ponte Vecchio’s goldsmiths, and Oltrarno artisans. Book the “big two” museums efficiently and spend the rest strolling and snacking.

• Museum wins:
  Accademia (David) Tour + Entry

  

  
  Accademia + Uffizi Combo — a smart way to see both without backtracking.

  

• Day trips: Cinque Terre from Florence to mix sea views into your city time.

  

  Consider a cheap day trip to Milan (see below) by fast train ~1h40.
• Eat & drink: Coffee at Ditta Artigianale; lunch at All’Antico Vinaio (split a schiacciata); dinner at Trattoria Mario (standup tables, Tuscan classics) or Osteria Santo Spirito (budget pastas). Gelato at La Carraia.
• Stay: Hotel Dali (simple, central) or Hotel Santa Croce (good value). Browse Hotels.com – Florence | VRBO – Florence.

Optional day trip: Milan (any day in Florence block)

Train Florence → Milan ~1h40 (from ~€20–35 via Omio). Book Duomo Guided Tour with Rooftop for a short, spectacular visit above the spires.

Transfer: Florence → Venice (Day 67)

Frecciarossa ~2h, from ~€20–45 via Omio (trains).

Venice

Days 67–73: Islands, artisans, and cicchetti

Venice is best on foot early and late: watch dawn light on the Zattere, then chase shadows through alleys to bacari (wine bars) for cicchetti. Save time for island craft traditions that made Venice famous.

• Great value tours:
  Murano & Burano by Private Boat (small group) — meet glassblowers and lace makers.

  

  
  St Mark's, Doge's Palace + Gondola Ride — covers icons efficiently with skip‑the‑line access.

  

• Eat & drink: Coffee at Torrefazione Cannaregio; cicchetti at Cantina Do Mori, All’Arco, or Al Timon (split plates to save); dinner at Osteria alla Staffa (book early) or host a picnic on the Fondamenta Misericordia. Cheap spritz at Campo Santa Margherita.
• Stay: To save, base in Mestre and tram in. Browse Hotels.com – Venice | VRBO – Venice. If staying in the center, watch for sales at Hotel Antiche Figure.

Big transfer to West Africa (Day 74–75): Venice → Rome (train) → Dakar (flight)

Train Venice → Rome ~3h45 via Omio, then Rome → Dakar with 1 stop (~8–10h) for ~$350–600 round‑trip via Trip.com (flights). Overnight in Rome if it trims airfare.

Dakar

Days 76–78: Arrival, art, and Atlantic breezes

Dakar’s energy hits fast—surf beaches in Almadies, colorful markets downtown, and island escapes to start adjusting. Use these days to get SIM cards, cash (CFA), and ground transport sorted for Saint‑Louis.

• Guided orientation: Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local — tailor to markets, street food, and street art in a few focused hours.

  

• Eat & drink: Try thieboudienne or yassa poulet at simple dibiteries (grill stands). Sit‑down budget spots include places along Ngor Beach and the fish grills at Soumbédioune Market (pick your fish and price first).
• Stay: Browse Hotels.com – Dakar | VRBO – Dakar. Look for Almadies/Yoff rooms with kitchenettes to self‑cater.

Transfer: Dakar → Saint‑Louis (Day 79)

Shared minibus or coach ~4.5–5h (~$10–20). Private car ~$120–160. Leave early; bring snacks and water.

Saint‑Louis

Days 79–86: Colonial facades, river life, bird sanctuaries

UNESCO‑listed Saint‑Louis sprawls over an island at the Senegal River’s mouth. Faded pastel balconies frame evenings of pirogue traffic, mbalax rhythms, and sea breezes. Use the city as a base for the Langue de Barbarie and Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (seasonal).

• Low‑cost days: Walk Faidherbe Bridge and the island grid; watch fishermen at Guet N’Dar; bring a picnic to Hydrobase Beach (mind currents). Hire a pirogue with others to share costs for a river excursion.
• Eat & drink: Order a big thieboudienne at local maquis; the longstanding Restaurant at La Résidence (if within budget on a set lunch) is reliable; look for grilled prawns near the fishing quarter.
• Stay: Search deals on Hotels.com – Saint‑Louis | VRBO – Saint‑Louis. Simple guesthouses on the island keep costs low; ask about fans vs. AC before booking.

Excursion: Dagana (Days 87–90)

Dagana sits upriver amid irrigated fields and Fulani/Wolof villages. It’s a window into Sahel life far from the capital’s bustle. Travel time ~2–3h by bush taxi or hired driver from Saint‑Louis; roads can be rough after rains.

• What to do (DIY): Visit local weekly markets; join a pirogue ride at sunset; arrange village visits through your guesthouse for fair compensation. Carry small bills for tips and water.
• Eat & stay: Expect basic eateries and guesthouses; ask locally for current openings. For bookings, try Hotels.com – Dagana (limited listings) or consider homestays arranged in Saint‑Louis.

Back to Dakar + day out (Days 91–95)

Return to Dakar (allow 5–6h with breaks). If you have a buffer day, add a half‑day zip‑line adventure among baobabs at Accro Baobab (fun, all ages).

• Final nights on a budget: Rebook an Almadies apartment via Hotels.com – Dakar or VRBO – Dakar and cook a farewell feast.
• Fly out: Search return flights on Trip.com.

Getting between European cities (time & cost cheatsheet)

• Dublin → Galway: Train ~2h20, ~€15–25 via Omio (trains).
• Galway → Cork: Bus ~4–4.5h, ~€20–30 via Omio (buses).
• Dublin (via bus from Cork) → Berlin: Flight ~2h20, ~€40–120 via Omio (flights).
• Berlin → Munich: Train ~4h, ~€20–60 via Omio.
• Munich → Cologne: Train ~4.5h, ~€20–60 via Omio.
• Cologne → Rome: Flight ~2h10, ~€60–130 via Omio.
• Rome → Florence: Train ~1.5h, ~€20–45 via Omio.
• Florence → Venice: Train ~2h, ~€20–45 via Omio.
• Rome → Dakar (via Lisbon/Madrid): ~8–10h total, ~$350–600 via Trip.com.

Money‑saving habits that matter on a 95‑day trip

• Sleep cheap, cook often: Use Hotels.com/VRBO filters for kitchenettes and weekly discounts.
• Book trains/buses early on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses); use regional day tickets (Germany) and off‑peak fares.
• Refill bottles (Rome’s nasoni, Berlin parks), picnic from markets, target free museum days, and use city bikes. In Senegal, factor in cash for transport and carry a lightweight scarf/cover for sun and modesty in villages.

Summary: This itinerary threads iconic sights with local rituals—pub sessions, market lunches, slow trains, and river sunsets. You’ll return with recipes you cooked, routes you walked, and conversations you started, all without bruising your budget.