DIY Italy Itinerary
7 Days in Rome, Florence & Venice for Budget Travellers
🌍 Why Choose a DIY Italy Itinerary?
Italy is one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries — and it doesn’t have to break your wallet. With this 7-day DIY Italy itinerary, you can explore Rome’s ancient ruins, Florence’s Renaissance art, and Venice’s magical canals, all while traveling smart and spending wisely.
This guide is written in simple English, perfect for first-time travellers or backpackers who want to plan their own trip instead of joining tours.
You’ll find:
✅ City descriptions in easy words
✅ Budget accommodation suggestions
✅ Safe, cheap transport options
✅ Visa, money, and scam tips
✅ Daily budget breakdown
🗓️ 7-Day DIY Italy Itinerary Overview
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Rome | Ancient ruins, Colosseum, Vatican City |
| 3–4 | Florence | Art, Duomo, Tuscan food, markets |
| 5–7 | Venice | Canals, St. Mark’s Square, Murano Island |
🏛️ Day 1–2: Rome – The Eternal City
🏙️ City Description
Rome is Italy’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the world. It feels like walking through an open-air museum. Ancient ruins stand next to lively cafes and fountains. Every street tells a story.
📍 Things to Do in Rome
- Colosseum & Roman Forum: Walk among gladiator history.
- Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin for luck and return to Rome one day.
- Pantheon: 2,000 years old and still breathtaking.
- Vatican City: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
- Trastevere: Cozy area with small restaurants and cobblestone lanes.
🏠 Budget Accommodation
- The RomeHello Hostel – modern, clean, social (≈ €35/night).
- YellowSquare Rome – lively backpacker hub with bar & events (≈ €30–35).
🚇 Getting Around
- Metro ticket: €1.50 (valid 100 mins).
- Buy tickets at kiosks or metro stations (ATAC machines).
- Walk between major attractions — many are close.
🍕 Budget Food
- Pizza by the slice: €3–4.
- Espresso or cappuccino: €1.50–2.
- Pasta lunch set: €8–10.
⚠️ Common Scams in Rome
| Scam | What Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| “Free bracelets” | Street vendors tie a bracelet, then demand money. | Politely refuse and walk away. |
| Fake tour guides | Offer “skip-the-line” deals at Colosseum. | Buy tickets online or from official counters. |
| Taxi overcharging | Drivers charge tourists double. | Use Uber, FreeNow, or official taxis (white, “Comune di Roma”). |
🎨 Day 3–4: Florence – The Birthplace of the Renaissance
🏙️ City Description
Florence (Firenze) is small, walkable, and filled with art and architecture. The city was home to great artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. You’ll see domes, marble statues, and views that take your breath away.
📍 Things to Do in Florence
- Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): Climb for a panoramic view.
- Uffizi Gallery: Famous artworks like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
- Accademia Gallery: See Michelangelo’s David.
- Ponte Vecchio: Iconic bridge with jewelry shops.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: Best free sunset view of the city.
🏠 Budget Accommodation
- PLUS Florence Hostel – Pool, bar, and clean dorms (≈ €35/night).
- My Friends Hostel – Near train station, family-run (≈ €30–33/night).
🍝 What to Eat
- Panini: Fresh Italian sandwich (~€5).
- Ribollita: Traditional Tuscan soup (~€7).
- Gelato: Real Italian ice cream (~€2–3 per scoop).
🚆 Getting There
- Train: Rome → Florence (1.5 hours, €20–30).
- Carriers: Italo or Trenitalia Frecciarossa.
- Book early on italotreno.it or trenitalia.com.
🚶 Getting Around
- Florence is compact — walking is best.
- Local buses (ATAF) cost €1.50 per trip.
⚠️ Common Scams in Florence
| Scam | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Petition scam | Someone asks for your signature, then money. | Say “No grazie” and walk away. |
| Pickpockets | Around train station or Duomo. | Keep valuables in a money belt. |
| Street art sellers | Fake “original” paintings. | Buy only from licensed stores. |
🚤 Day 5–7: Venice – The Floating City
🏙️ City Description
Venice is a city built on water, with 118 islands connected by bridges and canals. There are no cars — you travel by boat or foot. Venice is romantic, unique, and one of the most photogenic places in the world.
📍 Things to Do in Venice
- St. Mark’s Basilica: Glittering mosaics and domes.
- Doge’s Palace: Gothic beauty next to the lagoon.
- Rialto Bridge & Market: Perfect for photos and souvenirs.
- Vaporetto Ride (Water Bus): Scenic and cheap alternative to gondolas.
- Murano & Burano Islands: Glassmaking and colourful houses.
🏠 Budget Accommodation
- Anda Venice Hostel – Modern, social, near Mestre station (≈ €35/night).
- Generator Venice – Island location with canal views (≈ €40/night).
🍝 Food Tips
- Cicchetti: Small bar snacks (€1–2 each).
- Pasta & seafood: Around €10–12.
- Coffee: Stand at the bar — sitting doubles the price.
🚆 Getting There
- Train: Florence → Venice (~2 hours, €20–25).
- Carriers: Italo, Trenitalia.
- Arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia (right inside the islands).
🚢 Getting Around Venice
- Vaporetto (Water Bus): €7.50 per ride, or €25 for 1-day pass.
- Walking: Best way to explore small alleys and bridges.
⚠️ Common Scams in Venice
| Scam | Description | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Gondola overcharge | Hidden “extra” time fees. | Confirm total price before boarding. |
| Restaurant trap | “Service fees” not on menu. | Always check menu & bill before ordering. |
| Souvenir knock-offs | Fake Murano glass. | Buy from certified shops only. |
🚆 Transportation Summary
| Type | Example Route | Cost | Duration | Recommended Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed Train | Rome → Florence | €20–30 | 1.5 hrs | Italo / Trenitalia |
| High-speed Train | Florence → Venice | €20–25 | 2 hrs | Italo / Trenitalia |
| Bus | Rome → Florence | €10–15 | 3–4 hrs | FlixBus |
| Local Bus/Metro | Within cities | €1.50–2 | 60–100 mins | ATAC / ATAF / ACTV |
| Vaporetto (Venice) | Across canals | €7.50 | — | ACTV |
💶 Budget Summary (Per Person, Per Day)
| Category | Average Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Stay | 30–35 | Shared dorm |
| Meals | 15–20 | Pizza, pasta, gelato |
| City Transport | 5–10 | Metro/bus/vaporetto |
| Entry Tickets | 10–15 | Museums & landmarks |
| Total (Avg) | €60–70 (~$65–75) | Budget-friendly travel |
🛂 Visa Information (for Non-EU Travellers)
- Visa Type: Schengen short-stay visa (valid 90 days).
- Visa-Free: Citizens of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries can stay up to 90 days.
- Fee: ~€80 for those requiring a visa.
- Processing Time: 15 working days (apply early).
- Documents: Passport (valid 6 months), photos, flight & hotel proof, insurance.
Check: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates.
💳 Money & Payments
- Currency: Euro (€).
- Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard widely used.
- Cash: Needed for small cafes and public toilets (~€1).
- ATMs: Available everywhere. Use official bank ATMs.
- Avoid: Airport money changers (poor rates).
Smart Tip:
Use Wise, Revolut, or N26 for no-fee foreign spending.
⚠️ Travel Safety & Common Sense Tips
- Keep your passport and cards separate.
- Avoid leaving bags unattended on trains.
- Always validate train tickets before boarding (for regional trains).
- Beware of pickpockets at crowded places.
- At night, stay in well-lit areas.
Italy is generally very safe for solo travellers, including women.
💬 Quick Tips for First-Time Travellers
✅ Language: Basic English works everywhere. “Ciao” (hello), “Grazie” (thank you).
✅ SIM Card: TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre (€10 for 10GB).
✅ Wi-Fi: Free in cafés and hostels.
✅ Water: Tap water safe to drink.
✅ Best Travel Months: April–June, September–October.
✅ Tipping: Optional — round up your bill.
♻️ Responsible & Cultural Travel
- Dress modestly in churches and religious sites.
- Don’t sit or eat on historical monuments.
- Respect quiet zones in museums and cathedrals.
- Support local shops instead of chains.
⚖️ Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Prices, schedules, visa details, and transport options may change without notice. Always confirm details on official websites before booking.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links may be affiliate links. This means Bhoppers.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps us keep travel guides free and updated.
Travel Responsibly:
Always respect local rules, culture, and the environment. Your choices help preserve Italy’s beauty for future travellers.
