Italy is a highly sought after travel destination with its rich history, beautiful landscapes and world famous cuisine. But, many travelers are concerned about the cost of visiting this beautiful country. Fortunately, you can see the best attractions with the Italy Travel on budget. An affordable Italian adventure through historic cities, beautiful countryside and local food, this 10 day itinerary will be.
Day 1-2: Rome – The Eternal City on a Budget
If you are starting your Italian journey, Rome is a city full of history and culture. The best way to save money here is to see free attractions like Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain. The combined ticket allows you to get a discounted entry to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. You can stay in budget hostels or cheap guesthouses to cut costs even more.
It is convenient and economical. There is a Roma Pass in a 48 hour version, which gives you discounts at many attractions and allows you to use public transport. Instead of dining at high end restaurants, dine at trattorias. A local pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) is a cheap meal. The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month if you are keen to see Vatican City.
Day 3-4: Florence – Art and Culture Without Overspending
Travel by budget friendly train from Rome to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. There are many free attractions in Florence, such as the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. If you want to visit a museum cheaply, the first Sunday of the month is the day to go, as many state museums are free.
Budget hotels and hostels near the city center are reasonably priced. Florence is also known for its street food (lampredotto, a local tripe sandwich, or a hearty bowl of ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup). Take in the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, a great viewpoint with a free view of the city.
Day 5-6: Venice – Affordable Charm in the Floating City
Venice is expensive, or so many travellers assume, but it is possible to explore the city without breaking the bank. The only way to enjoy Venice is to walk through its streets and cross its bridges. Take the Vaporetto (water bus) to visit St. Mark’s Basilica for free and admire the beauty of the Grand Canal without paying for a gondola ride.
Accommodation in Venice, however, is much more expensive than in Mestre, a mainland town near Venice. Meals can be found at local bars in the form of cicchetti (Venetian tapas) instead of eating at tourist-heavy restaurants. Visiting the lesser visited islands of Murano and Burano is another budget friendly activity, which can be reached by public transport.
Day 7-8: Bologna – An Underrated Budget-Friendly Gem
Bologna would be a great addition to a seven day Italy itinerary or longer. Bologna is known for its cheap, but high quality food, and is the birthplace of the famous tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese pasta).
Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers and the Basilica di San Petronio are free attractions, and the historic center of the city is best explored on foot. The accommodations are usually cheaper here than in major tourist cities. Moreover, Bologna is a good starting point to visit other cities such as Modena and Parma, which are known for their food. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a beautiful church that sits on a hilltop and can be reached by a scenic (and free) walk under a 4 km long portico for a unique experience.
Day 9-10: Naples & Amalfi Coast – Budget-Friendly Southern Beauty
Naples is your final destination where you can experience real Italian life and affordability. The world’s best pizza is served in Naples, and places like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele serve up great pies at bargain prices. Castel dell’Ovo and the city’s historic street, Spaccanapoli, are free things to see.
If you have time, take a day trip to the Amalfi Coast on the cheap by taking local buses rather than expensive private tours. Both Positano and Amalfi Town are breathtaking and are reachable by public transportation. Or, go to Pompeii, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous site that is cheap to enter and gives an interesting glimpse into ancient Roman life.
Budget Travel in Italy
Getting around cheaply between cities is easy and Italy’s train and bus system is great. High speed trains are usually much more expensive than regional trains.
If booked in advance, hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels are cheap. Alternatively, you can live in smaller towns outside of major cities where prices will be cheaper.
Local markets, bakeries and trattorias offer affordable but authentic Italian cuisine. Almost all restaurants have 'menu del giorno' (daily set menus) with a full meal at a fixed price.
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are also a good time to visit as you can save money on flights, accommodation and attractions. Also, you will not be caught up in the large crowds that go to Italy in the summer.
Conclusion
With careful planning, Italy Travel on budget is certainly possible. On this 10 day itinerary you can see Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna, and Naples without breaking the bank. This guide is for an affordable but unforgettable experience if you’re following a seven day Italy itinerary or extending your trip. Travel Italy without the worries of costs and enjoy its beautiful sights, taste its delicious food and learn its rich history.
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