I spent 9 days backpacking through Italy—traveling by train, hiking the Alps, and wandering historic cities—all on a modest budget. This post is for anyone who wants to experience the best of Italy without staying in luxury hotels or spending a fortune.
Italy is layered with diverse cultures, artistic charm, and centuries of history.
As a student who studied Latin for 8 years, Italy had long been on my bucket list. But I knew I didn’t want to just visit the major attractions—I wanted to experience the adventure, the slower pace, and the hidden beauty. I wanted a trip that blended history, nature, and authentic culture.
As a 23-year-old traveling solo, I was on a tight budget. I prioritized authentic experiences over luxury—and I truly felt immersed in Italian culture while still seeing a wide range of landscapes and cities.
Daily Budget Snapshot
- Food: $30/day (one or two meals out, a coffee, a glass of wine, and groceries for lunch)
- Lodging: Never spent more than $100/night
Day 1: Rome ➝ Bolzano
I landed in Rome early in the morning. Knowing I’d be tired, I took a long train ride up to Bolzano, a gateway to the Dolomites.
Bolzano is a small college town in Northern Italy, nestled in the foothills of the Alps. The hills are lush with vineyards, and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. The pace of life is slow and peaceful.
Where I stayed:
Iceman Rooms Central
Cost: $91/night
Pros: Clean, central, short walking distance from the train, parks, and restaurants
Cons: Simple—perfect if you’re not looking for luxury
Day 2: Bolzano ➝ Vipiteno ➝ St. Jakob
I took a train from Bolzano to Vipiteno, the last stop on the line. Before catching the bus further into the Alps, I wandered around the charming town.
From Vipiteno, I took a bus up to St. Jakob, a tiny village in South Tyrol. The region is culturally rich: locals speak German, Italian, and Romansh (a living descendant of Latin!).
Where I stayed: A family-run farm stay
Cost: $80
Pros: Spacious, cozy, and surrounded by mountain air, cows, and countryside calm. Includes a hearty German-style breakfast.
Cons: Remote! You’ll need to take a train, a bus, and a 10-minute walk—or rent a car.
Day 3–4: Hike to Mount Olperer + Return to Farm Stay
I left the farm stay and hiked to a refugio in the mountains—an alpine hut where travelers can stay overnight.
This part of the trip was a dream. The sun set at 10 p.m., and I ate a warm, homemade dinner in the dining hall. I read a book, watched the snow-capped peaks outside the window, and soaked in the stillness.
Cost: $60 (includes dinner and breakfast, not including alcohol)
Pros: Stunning views of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks
Cons: Only accessible on foot. The hike is challenging but 100% worth it.
Day 5–6: Vicenza + Day Trip to Venice
From St. Jakob, I took a train to Vicenza, a charming town just 45 minutes from Venice.
This was the perfect home base for a Venice day trip. I stayed in a private room for $67/night, and the train to Venice cost just $15.
Why Vicenza?
It’s full of Venetian-style architecture, delicious local restaurants, and much less touristy than its famous neighbor. Wandering the quiet streets of Vicenza gave me a glimpse into everyday Italian life—and a deeper cultural connection than staying in a busy tourist hub.
Venice was just a 30-minute ride away. I spent a full day there, returning to Vicenza for the night. It’s the perfect hack for travelers on a budget.
I’m writing a full guide on “How to Spend One Day in Venice on a Budget”—stay tuned!
Pros: Major savings on lodging; chance to explore a second Italian town
Cons: If you want to wake up in Venice, this itinerary may not be for you
Side story:
While in Rome, I met a girl who said she was from Vicenza. “I stayed there!” I told her. She was surprised—and touched. We talked more about her life and background. Visiting smaller towns often leads to these real moments of cross-cultural connection. This is where travel becomes more than sightseeing—it becomes shared humanity.
Day 7–8: Rome
I returned to Rome and packed a full day of sightseeing into 24 hours.
Rome is a city of layers—ancient myths, Renaissance art, Catholic history. It’s overwhelming in the best way.
Here’s what I fit into one day:
- Vatican Museum (including the Sistine Chapel)
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Pantheon
- Colosseum (outside view)
- Roman Forum (walked by)
- A late-night return to the Vatican Museum—less crowded, and stunning
Where I stayed: A rustic camp-style cabin just outside of Rome
Cost: $25/night
Pros: Incredibly budget-friendly, includes shuttle to/from train station
Cons: Very basic—shared bathrooms, far from the city center. But for one night, it was perfect.
I wrote a full post with my day in Rome, read about the full day here!
Day 9: Departure
On my last morning, I had a slow cappuccino and croissant in the city. I reflected on the past nine days—grateful, full of stories, and already dreaming of returning.
Final Thoughts: Italy is for Backpackers, Too
This itinerary is the perfect blend of remote adventure and urban exploration. From alpine hikes to ancient ruins, I experienced Italy in a way that felt rich, but never expensive.
If you’re considering backpacking Italy—especially as a solo traveler—know this: you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable experience.
What is your favorite travel itinerary? Where would you go in Italy?
I’ll be writing more detailed posts about each stop on this trip. Subscribe for tips, reflections, and budget-friendly travel guides!
Hi, I’m Olivia — freelance writer and author of the travel blog The Olive Atlas. I write about creativity, travel, science, and what it means to be human. If you’re navigating the creative process or simply love honest reflections from the road, follow me here, on The Olive Atlas or Subscript to me on Medium: https://medium.com/@oliviacordelle
The Olive Atlas 
Leave a comment