Italy had been on my list for a long time…and if we were going to make the trip all the way to Europe, I wanted to do it right.

Rome felt like the obvious place to start. It’s one of those cities you grow up hearing about… the Colosseum, the Vatican, the kind of history you don’t fully appreciate until you’re standing in front of it.

We didn’t have months to explore (hopefully one day), so we built a 5-day itinerary that hits the must-see spots without feeling rushed or exhausted.

If you want to experience Rome in a way that actually feels worth the flight… this is exactly how I’d do it.

Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum + Palatine Hill

Start with the Colosseum

If there’s one thing you absolutely don’t “wing” in Rome… it’s the Colosseum.

It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, which also means… crowds, long lines, and a lot of standing around if you don’t plan ahead.

We booked a guided tour here, and I’d do it the same way again. Not only do you skip a lot of the chaos, but you actually understand what you’re looking at- which makes a huge difference when you’re standing inside something that’s nearly 2,000 years old.

Walking through it, you start to picture what it must’ve been like during its peak- gladiator battles, packed crowds, and the kind of scale that’s hard to fully grasp until you’re there in person.

We took a private guided tour, and I highly recommend doing the same. The knowledge that the tour guide offers will complete this unforgettable experience. 

Pro tips for Day 1

• Book your tickets in advance- Tickets sell out, lines get long, and you can easily waste hours here if you’re not prepared.
• Go early if you can-Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and better lighting for photos.
• Wear comfortable shoes (this is a big walking day)-You’ll be on your feet for hours—and a lot of it is uneven ground and cobblestone.
• Bring water + snacks- There’s not a ton of convenient options once you’re inside
• Don’t rush the Forum-Give yourself time to wander a bit instead of just walking straight through it.
• Consider a guide or audio tour- Without context, it can feel like “a bunch of ruins.” With even a little background, it becomes one of the most interesting parts of the day.

Then head to the Roman Forum + Palatine Hill

Right next door, and I mean right there, are the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Do not skip these.

This is where Rome really starts to come to life beyond just “that’s cool to look at.”

The Forum was once the center of everything… politics, religion, daily life… and now it’s a massive stretch of ruins you can walk through at your own pace. It’s one of those places where having even a little context (again, guided tour or audio) makes the experience so much better.

Palatine Hill sits above it all and gives you some of the best views in the city, plus a different perspective on how everything was laid out.

Plan to spend a few hours here. It’s a lot of walking, but it doesn’t feel rushed- and honestly, this was one of the most interesting parts of the trip once we slowed down and took it in.

Our private guided tour of the Colosseum included these two locations as well.

Day 2: Vatican City

Tour Vatican City

If there’s one day on this itinerary that requires a plan- it’s this one.

Vatican City might be the smallest country in the world, but don’t let that fool you… this place is packed, and it can get overwhelming fast if you just show up without a strategy.

We’re talking about the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica- all in one area, all incredibly impressive, and all drawing massive crowds daily.

This is another spot where I would not try to do it on your own.

We booked a guided tour and it made the entire experience smoother and actually enjoyable. You move through the museums with purpose, skip a lot of the confusion, and get context behind what you’re seeing instead of just walking past rooms full of art wondering what’s important.

And when you finally step into the Sistine Chapel… it hits differently when you understand what you’re looking at.. 

What to Expect

The Vatican Museums are massive- like miles of hallways massive- filled with centuries of art and history. It’s impressive, but it’s also a lot, so having guidance (or at least a plan) matters.

St. Peter’s Basilica is just as overwhelming in scale. The size, the detail, the architecture…it’s one of those places that makes you stop for a second and just take it in.

Whether you’re religious or not, it’s hard not to appreciate the level of craftsmanship and history in one place.

Plan for This to Be a Full Morning (or More)

This isn’t a quick stop.

Between the museums, the chapel, and the basilica, you’ll want to block off a good portion of your day here… especially if you’re moving at a comfortable pace and not rushing through it.

Day 3: Slow Down — Villa Borghese + Trevi Fountain

Start with Villa Borghese

After two full days of walking through history, this is where I’d intentionally slow things down.

Villa Borghese is basically Rome’s reset button. It’s a huge park right in the city, and it gives you a break from the crowds, the lines, and the constant “go go go” of sightseeing.

You can walk it, rent bikes, grab a drink, or just sit for a bit and take it all in. If you make your way to the Pincian Terrace, you’ll get one of the best views overlooking Piazza del Popolo… definitely worth the short walk.

If you’re into art, you can also book a timed entry to the Borghese Gallery. It houses some incredible pieces, but just know this is more of a structured visit compared to the rest of the park.

For us, this was less about checking a box and more about building in time to actually enjoy being in Rome.

Then head to Trevi Fountain

You’ve seen it in photos… and yes, it’s just as impressive in person.

But also- it’s crowded. Like, very.

The Trevi Fountain is one of those places where timing matters. If you can go early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll enjoy it a whole lot more.

That said, it’s still worth it.

It’s massive, detailed, and one of those spots that really does feel a little surreal when you’re standing there. And yes- go ahead and toss the coin. If nothing else, it gives you a reason to come back

Pro Tips for Day 3

• Use this as a “slower” morning- After two packed days, don’t rush this one. Sleep in, grab a cappuccino, and ease into the day before heading to the park.
• Enter Villa Borghese from the city side- You’ll get one of the best views right away overlooking Piazza del Popolo- worth it.
• Make this a “wander and eat” day- This is the perfect day to stop trying to stick to a strict plan and just… eat your way through Rome a little. Instead of one big scheduled meal, pop into smaller spots as you go… grab a slice of pizza, split a plate of pasta, stop for gelato, then sit down later for a drink or appetizer. You’ll find tons of small restaurants, cafés, and wine bars in this area, and honestly… it’s hard to go wrong.
• Trevi Fountain = timing matters- Midday is chaos. If you want a better experience (and photos), go early morning or later in the evening.
• Keep your expectations realistic at Trevi- It’s beautiful, but it’s not going to be a quiet, peaceful moment unless you time it right. Go in knowing that and you’ll enjoy it more.

Day 4: Day Trip to Pompeii

This is the one day on the itinerary where you’ll leave Rome… and it’s a full day, so plan accordingly.

Pompeii had been on my list for a long time, and if you’re even slightly into history, it’s one of those places that’s hard to pass up. But it’s not something I’d recommend trying to piece together last minute.

What Makes Pompeii Worth It

Pompeii is unlike anything else you’ll see on this trip.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city was buried under ash and because of that, so much of it is still preserved. You’re not just looking at ruins… you’re walking through an actual city layout- streets, homes, bathhouses, and public spaces that have been standing for nearly 2,000 years.

It’s one of the few places where you can really start to picture what everyday life looked like back then.

And yes, the plaster casts are as intense as you’ve probably heard. It’s a reminder that this wasn’t just history… it was real life for the people who lived there.

Book This as a Tour (Highly Recommend)

This is not the day to wing it.

Between transportation, timing, and the sheer size of Pompeii, having a structured tour makes everything easier. I planned this day trip perfectly then dropped the ball on the guide. Please, learn from my mistake, DO NOT skip the guide here. Without context, it’s easy to walk through and not fully understand what you’re seeing. A guide brings it to life in a way that makes the experience actually stick with you.

I highly recommend a tour guide for this stop. The knowledge and stories will be the icing on the cake for this unforgettable experience. 

What to know before you go

• This is a long day—expect early morning to evening
• There’s a lot of walking and very little shade
• Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable
• Bring water, especially in warmer months

Is It Worth It?

If you’re deciding between staying in Rome or adding Pompeii… it really comes down to what you want out of the trip.

If you love history and want to see something completely different from the rest of Rome—this is worth the time.

If your goal is a slower, more relaxed Rome experience, you could skip it and stay local.

We chose to go—and I’m glad we did—but it’s definitely the most time-intensive day of the itinerary.

Day 5: Pantheon, Spanish Steps + Wander

Start with the Pantheon

By Day 5, you’ve seen a lot—but the Pantheon is still one of those places that makes you stop for a second.

From the outside, it’s impressive. Inside, it’s a different level.

The dome is massive (and still one of the largest of its kind), and the oculus at the top lets in natural light that moves through the space throughout the day. It’s simple compared to some of the other sites you’ve seen—but that’s kind of what makes it stand out.

It’s also one of the best-preserved structures in Rome, which is wild considering how old it is.

This is an easy stop, doesn’t take a ton of time, and is 100% worth working into your last day.

Walk to the Spanish Steps

From there, make your way over to the Spanish Steps.

This is less about “seeing a landmark” and more about soaking in the atmosphere. It’s busy, a little chaotic, and exactly what you’d expect from one of the most well-known spots in the city.

Find a place to sit (if you can), take it in for a bit, and do some people watching. The views from the top are worth the climb, and the surrounding area is great if you want to wander into shops or grab a drink nearby.

Leave Time to Wander (This Part Matters) 

Don’t over-plan your last day.

Some of our favorite moments in Rome weren’t scheduled—they were the slower afternoons where we sat outside, had a drink, ordered way too much food, and just watched the city move around us.

We ended up going back to the same restaurant more than once and even made a connection with the maître d (still friends to this day—which honestly says a lot about how memorable those moments were).

That’s the part of Rome you don’t want to rush.

Walk without a plan, stop when something looks good, grab a cappuccino, try another plate of pasta—even if you’ve already had three that week.

Wrap Up Your Time in Rome

Five days goes fast here, but it’s enough to see the highlights and actually enjoy the experience if you plan it right.

Rome is one of those places that lives up to the hype—but it’s also one of those trips that’s so much better when you have a plan.

Five days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights, experience the history, and still leave room to slow down and actually enjoy it.

If you’re anything like me, you’re not just looking to “get there”… you want a trip that feels worth the time, the money, and the effort it takes to make it happen.

And that’s exactly why I plan the way I do.

If you want help mapping out your own trip—from flights and stays to what’s actually worth your time once you’re there—I’ve got you.

Check out my travel planning resources here: Planning Bucket List Trips
Or reach out and let me take the planning off your plate

Adventure awaits,
Sarah

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Switzerland ranks at the top of the list of most expensive places to travel. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience this beautiful country without breaking the bank. With a little planning and some travel tips, you can see some of the most amazing landscapes on this planet. 

Travel Tip#1:

The best way to visit Switzerland without breaking the bank is to plan your stay during the shoulder seasons. Switzerland has 2 peak seasons- summer and winter. Tourists flock to the Alps during both seasons for skiing or hiking. Not only are attractions more crowded during these times, but the costs skyrocket. Look for mid April- late May and October-November. Be aware that in the mountains, many places close down for a few weeks between the end of ski season and reopening for spring. This is when the workers get to take their holidays and when repairs and maintenance can be done to the public transportation. 

How To Get There

Depending on your starting location, this could be the largest portion of your budget. Flights from Europe and Asia are reasonable in cost. Flights from Australia or the US can be somewhat painful, particularly if you choose to travel in peak season. Off peak economy flights can range between $700-$900 round trip per person. If you play the points game with your credit cards, my suggestion is to use points for an economy ticket. I regularly see them for 20,000-45,000 points. This is a great way to visit Switzerland without breaking the bank.

There are two international airports in Switzerland- Zurich and Geneva. For the purposes of this guide, we will be flying into Geneva. 

Where To Stay

Selecting a budget friendly hotel in Geneva is quite easy. We stayed at The New Midi and it offered everything that we needed for our short stay in this city. The benefit of staying in a hotel versus an Airbnb is that hotels will provide you with a free transport card. This gives you access to free travel on buses, boats, trams, etc. 

Here are a few budget-friendly selections near train stations: 

• Hotel St Gervais Geneva
• Hotel De Geneve
• Rhodania Boutique Hôtel
• Hotel Cristal
• Admiral Hotel

Travel Tip #2:

Renting a car is not necessary. Not even in the slightest. The public transportation system in Switzerland runs as well as their timepieces. There is a user-friendly app that will allow you to get anywhere you need to go. The cost of point-to-point tickets is reasonable. Like other transportation modes, you have options of upgrading classes as well. 

Where To Eat

Geneva has a HEAVY French influence considering its proximity to the border. There are so many wonderful food options here that it is almost impossible to narrow down a list. Since this is about keeping things under budget, I recommend checking out Migros, the grocery store. You will be AMAZED at the prepared food options inside this store. There are multiple stories and what can really only be described as a food court on one of them. We popped into this store on numerous stops for wraps, soups, salads, and of course- desserts. 

Now a trip like this would not be complete without a nice meal so you should budget for one boujee meal in this Michelin star saturated market. We opted to have dinner at a mid-range restaurant that gave a private fondue making class prior to our meal. 

Here are some options for mouthwatering pieces of art:

• F.P. Journe – Le Restaurant
• L’Arabesque
• TOSCA

Moving On To The Alps

This is as easy as buying a train ticket on your app and hopping on. Cost is about 28chf and the duration is 3 hours. You will enjoy every second of this ride as the views, no matter what side of the train you are on, will keep you occupied. 

Bernese Oberland

This area is where you can explore Grindelwald, Interlaken, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz, and more. You will want to buy a specific pass for this area- the B.O. Pass as it will give you access to local trains, trams, buses, funiculars, lifts, etc. Once you arrive in this area you should not need to spend any additional money on travel unless you choose to explore outside of the covered area.

However, there is SO MUCH to do here that it’s certainly not necessary. This pass comes in 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10-day options. If your stay in Switzerland takes you to other locations outside of this area, you should consider purchasing the half fare card. Buying this card first will make every other ticket purchase half off. Although public transportation is inexpensive, if you are going to many different cities, it does add up quickly and can break the bank. The half fare card will help keep those costs down. 

Where To Stay

You can find some very reasonably priced stays here. Remember that you will spend little time indoors, so the accommodations need good bedding and bathroom. We chose to stay in an Airbnb so that we could get groceries and handle breakfast and snacks. However, we did choose to splurge a little on the cost of our stay as we picked Wengen as our home base. This village is a car free town, a little more remote than Interlaken, therefore, slightly higher in cost but still didn’t break the bank.  

Here are some options for your stay in the Bernese Oberland area: 

• City Center Union 2 Apartment
• Helene Apt. Hella
• Chalet Marie Rosa
• Historic Hotel Steinbock
• Holiday apartment Grindelwald

Where To Eat

Coop is the local grocer, and they have excellent food options. You could easily spend $30 per day or less per person and be quite happy with your choices. Daily, there are freshly made pre-packaged options that you can grab and go- take with you on a hike, bring back to the apartment for dinner, or just to finish off the day with dessert. 

We explored numerous villages and towns in the Bernese Oberland area and much of that exploration included popping into quaint mom & pop restaurants for a snack or cup of coffee. Meat and cheese boards or personal sized hand tossed pizzas were often our go-to. You can’t go wrong with stopping at ANY restaurant in any of these villages.

Things To Do

Hiking, biking, skiing, sightseeing, boating, photography, paragliding, strolling the promenade, people watching, eating, drinking, shopping. It is a long list for a large area and there is no way you can see or do it all without staying for a few months. So you will want to pick your top few activities and make sure to knock one or two off the list each day. We did a few hikes, a lot of trains, trams, and funiculars and explored my bucket list villages of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Grindelwald. We strolled the streets of Interlaken for some shopping and spent more time drinking on patios than I care to admit. 

There is plenty to do here that costs nothing once you have the BO Pass. 99% of your time is spent admiring the green alpine meadows and snowy sheer cliffs. This is quite literally exploring Switzerland without breaking the bank.

Make Your Way Back Toward The Airport

We opted to stop in Montreux for our return. This city is located on the east side of Lake Lemon whereas Geneva is located on the west side. This was a splurge stop for our trip. The hotel, Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection, was midrange pricing and the food was 5 star. You can absolutely still experience Montreux with much more reasonable accommodations and meals. 

Here are some budget friendly choices:

• Castel View
• Hotel Parc & Lac
• Astra Hotel Vevey
• J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux
• The Freddie Mercury Hotel

Things To Do

Take the train 10 minutes down the lakeshore to visit Lavaux Vineyards. This is a UNESCO site and worth the many steps you will take to explore the area. Nothing like the view of beautiful vineyards, crystal clear blue water, and mountains all in the same frame. 

Take a train to Gruyere, a medieval town where gruyere cheese is made. Take a tour of the factory and catch a glimpse of local farmers bringing in today’s milk haul. We had fondue for lunch as it seemed fitting to indulge in more cheese. 

Train To Airport

From Montreux you can take the train to the Geneva airport.

Final Thought

It is absolutely possible to enjoy 10 days in Switzerland without breaking the bank. Is it easy to skip on some of the splurges? No, no it’s not. But I would rather have made this trip without the extras that we tossed in that racked up the bill, than to not take it at all. If Eric said he wanted to return but wanted us to cut the budget in half, I could easily do that, and I WOULD do that. Switzerland has certainly locked in its place as one of the most expensive countries to visit, but it has also locked in its place in my heart.

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