Pizza is my first love. And ever since I found out that Italy is its birthplace, I've wanted to visit the country. As I grew up and my interest in art and culture deepened, so did my desire to visit Italy. Due to budget constraints, however, I have been putting off the trip every year for the past five years.
A few months back, I finally decided to put my foot down and create a budget itinerary for Italy that would let me visit the maximum number of places at the minimal cost. I ended up creating an 11-day plan for under Rs 35,000!
Disclaimer: This price doesn't include the tickets (duh!) but it's the cheapest amount for which you can spend about two weeks in the country.
Start off your journey in the city of Venice, which will take you back in time with its beautiful architecture and vibrant culture. Take romantic boat rides and try the unique Venetian cuisine here.
Where to stay: Hostel Colombo from ₹697 per night, Hotel Giovannia from ₹1,500 per night
Activities and food cost: ₹1,500 (approx)
Total cost for the day: ₹2,500 (approx)
On the second day, make a day trip to Verona, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach from Venice. Best known for its association with Shakespeare, Verona attracts tourists from across the world with its beautiful architecture, buzzing culture and romantic vibe.
Transport cost to and from Venice: ₹900 (both ways) by train
Food and activities cost: ₹1,000 (approx)
Total cost for the day: ₹2,600 (approx)
Leave Venice for good and make your way to Bologna, where you'll find a soulful mixture of haughty elegance of the bygone era on one side with the constant liveliness and buzz of a high-tech city on the other. It houses the world's oldest university and renowned for its culinary traditions
Transport cost from Venice: Starts at Rs 420
Where to stay: Ostello We Bologna from Rs 1,400 per night
Food and activities for the day: Rs 800
Cost for the day: Rs 2,600 approx
It's time for another day trip. This time from Bologna to Parma. If you're a foodie, you just can't miss the city that is the original home of parmesan cheese, parma ham, balsamic vinegar and Bolognese sauce! Spend time walking along traffic-free cobbled roads, enjoying every delicacy imaginable.
Transport cost to and from Bologna: Rs 1,200 (approx)
Food and activities for the day: Rs 800 (approx)
Cost for the day: Rs 3,400 (approx)
It's time to leave Bologna and head to the beach paradise that is Cinque Terre. Known for its azure waters, colourful architecture, and sprawling vineyards, Cinque Terre is every photographer's dream. Spend your time hiking or relaxing on the beach as you sip on cocktails and enjoy delicious seafood.
Transport cost from Bologna: Starts from Rs 1,500
Where to stay: Hostel Ospitalia del Mare from Rs 1,700 per night, Sul Porto from Rs 1,900 per night
Cost for the day: Rs 3,000 (approx)
Since Pisa is just about 1.5 hours from Cinque Terre, it makes no sense to stay here. A day trip is enough to explore the architectural marvels of this small town. The food is good, weather is nice and you can get some really great photos.
Transport cost to and from Cinque Terre: Rs 1,500 (both ways)
Food and activities cost: Rs 1,500
Cost for the day: Rs 4,500
Ah! The city of dreams, Florence is the birthplace or Renaissance and Tuscan cuisine. It is a potpourri of culture, hospitality, scenic locales and romance. You can't not fall in love with the place. You need at least two days to explore all that Florence has to offer.
Transport cost from Cinque Terre: Starts from Rs 1,200
Where to stay: Hostels 7 Santi from Rs 1,200, My Friends B&B from Rs 1,576
Food and activities cost: Rs 1,000
Cost for Day 1: Rs 3,400
Cost for Day 2: Rs 2,200
On the 9th day of the trip, make your way from Florence to Rome. An exhilarating mix of ancient ruins, stunning artworks, and vibrant street life, Italy's sprawling capital is one of the world's most romantic and inspiring cities.
Transport cost from Florence: Starts from Rs 1,700
Where to stay: The Yellow from Rs 1,061, Legend R.G from Rs 1070
Food and activities cost: Rs 1,000
Cost for day 1: Rs 4,000 (approx)
Cost for day 2: Rs 2,500
Home to the famous St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel, Vatican City is a must-visit place for people from across the world. Just a stone's throw away from Rome, it makes for a great day-trip. Fall back to Rome in the evening.
Transport cost to and from Rome: Rs 1,000
Food and activities cost: Rs 1,500
Total cost for the day: 3,500
All transport costs calculated here.
Let me know in the comments what other destinations you would like budget itineraries for. And if you have one you'd like to share, write about it on Tripoto.