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Annecy, France
Start at the stunning Old Town and Lake Annecy — free to walk around. Must-try: tartiflette and local fondue (~€15-20pp). Accommodation in a hostel dorm runs ~€25-35/night total for 2.
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Geneva, Switzerland
Just 45 min by bus from Annecy (~€10 total). See the Jet d'Eau and Old Town for free. Budget warning: Switzerland is expensive — eat at Migros supermarket to keep costs under €20/day for food.
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Milan, Italy
Train from Geneva ~€30-50 total. See the Duomo (free outside), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and grab a €1.50 espresso standing at a bar. A hostel bed for 2 costs ~€30-40/night total.
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Venice, Italy
Train from Milan ~€15-25 total. Walking Venice is free — St Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, and hidden alleyways are unmissable. Eat cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a bacaro for ~€5-8pp instead of tourist restaurants.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
Bus from Venice ~€20-25 total — a hidden gem and very budget-friendly. Ljubljana Castle entrance is ~€5pp, and the riverside café scene is gorgeous. Meals average €8-12pp, making it one of the best value stops.
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Vienna, Austria
Bus from Ljubljana via FlixBus ~€20-30 total. Must-try: Wiener Schnitzel (~€12-16pp) and a Viennese coffee house experience. Schönbrunn Palace gardens are free; hostel dorms run ~€35-45/night total for 2.
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Prague, Czech Republic
Bus from Vienna ~€15-20 total. One of Europe's most beautiful and affordable capitals — Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are free. Czech beer is ~€1.50 in a local pub, and hostel dorms cost ~€25-35/night total for 2.