To really get into la dolce vita, it’s better to limit yourself to a few cities or towns and take your time in each one. Delays and unforeseen events (along with these common tourists mistakes) can derail even the best-planned schedules and cause stress, which is the opposite of what your vacation should be about.

If you’re planning to be in Italy for 10 days and want to see the best cities the country has to offer, while also leaving time to enjoy spontaneous events and relax, follow this itinerary. This schedule takes you through the greatest hits of Rome, Florence, and Venice for an unforgettable and affordable vacation.

In another post, we offer tips for exploring Italy by car, including small villages and towns. However, for this trip, we’re hitting up the country’s big three cities, so we’ll travel by high-speed train.

Related: 11 Simple ways to save on your trip to Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Fly into Rome, take the train in from the airport and spend the afternoon and evening relaxing.

Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood of your hotel (we recommend staying at one of these budget hotels with central locations), and indulge in your first Italian meal. Roman food is unique to the rest of Italy, so ask your concierge or host for their recommendations on the best amatriciana or cacio e pepe in the neighborhood. If you find yourself near the Spanish Steps, you can try one of these restaurants.

Affordable hotels in Rome:
• All budget hotels in Rome

The Duomo is the heart of Florence and must-see for your first day. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

Days 2 & 3: Explore Florence

You’ll see everything Rome has to offer soon, but today we’ll take a train to Florence, about two hours away from Rome’s Termini train station. Book these tickets well in advance for the lowest prices (from €17!) directly from Trenitalia, the national railway. (By the way, don’t be confused if you type “Florence” into the search and nothing comes up. You need to search for “Roma” to “Firenze.” Another note: If Trenitalia’s website shows up as unavailable for your region, you can book the same tickets at the same rates, plus a €3.50 fee, through the U.S.-based Italiarail.com.)

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is also one of the most beautiful and culturally important cities in the country. Arrive in the early afternoon and, after checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day wandering around the famed Basilica (the “Duomo”) and climbing to the top. You’ll be hungry after the walk, and when in Florence, make sure to eat a panini or the famous dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina! (Read more posts about eating for cheap in Florence.)

The next day is for sightseeing (Read: 5 ways to save on sightseeing in Florence). After a tasty breakfast, spend the day exploring Florence, whether you want to visit Michelangelo’s David sculpture in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, pore over art in the Uffizi Gallery, or shop for handmade leather goods and souvenirs.

Cheap hotels in Florence:
• All budget hotels in central Florence

It’s hard not to fall in love with the Grand Canal in Venice. Photo: Gerhard G.

Day 4 & 5: Strolling in Venice

Head to Venice by train from Florence, a ride that takes approximately two hours. Again, book those tickets in advance through Trenitalia (and search for “Venezia”).

Once in Venice, you can immerse yourself in the romance of the canals and beauty of handmade blown glass. Venice is known for its seafood, so take advantage and feast on octopus and calamari. Unfortunately, Venice is also known for overpriced, tourist trap restaurants, so ask a local for recommendations. (Read more of our posts about food in Venice.)

When choosing a hotel in Venice, we like to go close, but not too close, to St. Mark’s Square. The Castello neighborhood is a nice option, with several affordable options that are tucked away and quiet-ish, but still super-convenient. Want a canal view? Consider these budget hotel picks. Want more options? Here’s a list of our favorite hotels in Venice.

On your second day in Venice, start your day at a delicious Venetian bakery, and then get ready for an unforgettable walk. From the Piazza San Marco (where every building turns a lovely shade of pink during sunset), to Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s brilliant Basilica, there’s plenty to do.

From our Venice sightseeing guide: visit these 10 sights for under €15, check out these lesser-known museums, hit up these 5 free sights, or take a walk through the Jewish ghetto.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Venice is sip a glass of wine while watching the gondolas glide by. You can also hop on a ferry, if a gondola ride is too expensive for your tastes. (It is for ours!)

Hotel picks for Venice:
• All budget hotels in Venice

Days 6 – 8: A Roman Holiday

Today, you’ll head back to Rome by train, passing through hill country and several castles along the way. It’s only three hours on the high-speed train from Venice, but the trip takes much longer on a regional train. (If booked in advance, the fast train will probably be about the same price as the slow one!)

When choosing a hotel in Rome, check out this list of our favorite budget hotels. This includes several that are near the train station, as well as those in extremely convenient locations near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps. (See all recommended hotels in Rome.)

Once checked in, take a night stroll through the city. The piazzas are bustling until late in the evening, and the city sparkles at night. If you have time, visit the Trevi Fountain by moonlight.

Related:
• 25 Free things to see and do in Rome
• 10 Easy ways to save on your next trip to Rome

Plan what you want to see in Rome, and split it up over the next few days. A tour of the Vatican will take about half a day, as will a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Related:
• 10 Tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums
• Rome’s 4 commonly overlooked treasures

But give yourself at least one day to explore Rome away from the big sights. Explore outdoor markets, shop for Italian fashion, relax in one of Rome’s many gardens and parks, and just wander along the city’s cobblestone side streets!

Don’t forget to eat lots of gelato and drink house wine! Seriously, the house wine is much cheaper and just as good as most of the bottled stuff. It’s local! (Read more about eating and drinking in Rome.)

The beautiful waters of Anzio, Italy are just a quick and cheap train ride away from Rome. Photo: Helen Cook

Day 9 – Day trip

If you’re in love with Rome, go ahead and spend another day checking more attractions off of your wish list.

If you’re up for something new, there are several fun day trips easily accessible from Rome. Whether you want to enjoy some sun at nearby beaches, the hillside villages of Castelli Romani, or the ruins of Ostia Antica (one of the best-kept secrets in all of Italy), getting out of the city is worth it to see a different side of Italy before you leave. Most trains depart from Termini Station.

Day 10 – Arrivederci Italy

Have one last cappuccino and cornetto for breakfast and you’re off! Of course, your memories from 10 days in bella Italia will last a lifetime.

Your Italy tips

Have you been to Rome, Florence or Venice? Tell us how you like to save when you are sightseeing (and eating!) during your trip.

The post 10-day itinerary for Italy: An affordable trip to Rome, Florence and Venice appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This is especially true if you’re planning to visit popular destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan during peak tourist season. But don’t worry – with our expert tips, you can experience the magic of Italy without breaking the bank.

Here are 11 budget tips to help you live la dolce vita without breaking the bank.

11 Money-Saving Tips for Your 2024 Italian Getaway

1. Book early and consider shoulder seasons

Timing is everything when it comes to budget travel in Italy. Here’s how to make the most of your timing:

• Summer (June-August): Peak season with highest prices and largest crowds
• Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October): Ideal for better rates and mild weather
• Winter (November-March): Lowest prices, but be prepared for cooler temperatures

It’s no surprise that summer is the busiest tourist season in Italy. Whether you want to book one of our favorite cheap hotels, or find a great deal for cheap flights, make sure to book as early as possible.

For even better rates (and fewer crowds!), visit in the spring or fall. For the absolute best deals, take your Italian holiday in winter. Christmas in Italy is a treat, and Rome is especially beautiful this time of year and never gets too cold.

August in Italy: A Hidden Opportunity

On the other hand, there are a few advantages to sweating it out in Italy’s big cities in the heat of August. Throngs of Italians go on vacation, so even though there may be still plenty of tourists in Rome, Florence, and Venice, the crowds can be a little thinner and the hotel rates take a tumble. (Here are some tips on going to Florence in August.)

Saving on Flights to Italy

For cheap flights, we recommend:

• Booking during shoulder or off-peak seasons
• Searching for weekday flights instead of weekends
• Considering early morning or late night flights on budget airlines like Ryanair

Price Update: As of 2024, budget airline fares to Italy can start as low as €20-€50 for one-way tickets from other European cities, while transatlantic flights from the US can be found for around $400-$600 during off-peak seasons.

Consider visiting Urbino, Italy. Photo: Gareth Williams

2. Consider visiting less touristy parts of Italy

While iconic destinations like Venice, Rome, and Florence are must-sees, exploring lesser-known areas can offer authentic Italian experiences at lower prices. Consider these hidden gems:

• Turin: Rich in history and architecture, with fewer crowds
• Beaches of Calabria: Stunning coastlines without the high prices
• Basilicata: Home to the unique cave dwellings of Matera
• Urbino: Birthplace of Raphael and a well-preserved Renaissance city

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it is packed with artistic, natural, and historic sites, and everywhere you go, you are guaranteed to find something worth visiting. Just get off the beaten track, and try visiting less popular areas. Here you will find authentic gems, friendly people, and much cheaper prices.

Panda Hotel in Rome is a budget operation right in the center of it all near the Spanish Steps. Photo: EuroCheapo

3. Sleep small and central…

When it comes to accommodations in Italy, thinking small can lead to big savings. Consider these budget-friendly options:

• Family-run pensions: Affordable guesthouses with a personal touch
• Religious accommodations: Convents and monasteries offering unique, budget-friendly stays

Price Update: In 2024, bare-bones budget accommodations in central locations of major Italian cities can range from €50-€120 per night, while staying in less touristy areas can drop prices to €30-€70 per night.

Also, make sure to double check the location of the hotel before you book. You may find a hotel or bed and breakfast that offers a great rate, but if it is so far away from the sites, you might end up spending all of that money you saved on extra taxis at night.

Want some small and budget-friendly hotel recommendations? Check out our favorites in Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice, or click to search more than 80,000 hotels in Italy.

Related: Best budget hotels in Rome

4. …or sleep outside the most popular cities

If central accommodations are still stretching your budget, consider staying in nearby towns. This strategy can significantly reduce your costs while offering a more authentic local experience.

Examples of budget-friendly alternatives:

• Venice: Stay in Mestre (10-minute train ride to Venice)
• Milan: Consider Monza or Como
• Florence: Look for an agriturismo in the Tuscan countryside
• Cinque Terre: Base yourself in La Spezia
• Amalfi Coast: Opt for Sorrento instead of pricier Capri or Positano

Price Update: In 2024, staying in these alternative locations can save you 30-50% on accommodation costs compared to central areas in major cities.

Related: 10 Ways to save when visiting Lake Como

Book your own train tickets on the Trenitalia website.

5. Use trains and buses instead of renting a car

Italy’s extensive public transportation network offers an economical and efficient way to explore the country. Here’s why you should consider trains and buses:

• Extensive Coverage: Italy’s train system connects major cities and many smaller towns
• Speed and Convenience: Fast trains like Italo and Frecciarossa offer quick city-to-city travel
• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than car rentals, especially when factoring in parking and gas
• Stress-Free Travel: No need to navigate unfamiliar roads or worry about parking

Money-Saving Tips for Train Travel:

• Book train tickets well in advance for the best prices
• Look for special offers and discounts on the Italo and Trenitalia websites
• Consider overnight trains for longer journeys to save on accommodation

Price Update: As of 2024, regional train tickets start from about €10-€20, while high-speed train fares between major cities can range from €30-€70 when booked in advance.

Get ready to walk in Florence!

6. When visiting a city, use public transport or just walk around

Exploring Italian cities on foot or by public transportation is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to experience the local culture more intimately. Here’s how to navigate urban areas economically:

• Walking: Most Italian city centers are compact and walkable
• Public Transportation: Reliable and affordable in larger cities
• City Passes: Many cities offer tourist passes that include public transportation and museum entries

Tips for Urban Exploration:

• Download offline maps on your smartphone for easy navigation
• Invest in comfortable walking shoes
• Use Google Maps for public transportation routes and schedules
• Remember to validate your ticket when using buses or trams

Price Update: In 2024, single-ride public transport tickets in major Italian cities typically cost €1.50-€2.00. Day passes range from €6-€10, offering excellent value for extensive city exploration.

7. Take advantage of free museum days

Many Italian museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on specific days or times. Planning your visits around these free periods can lead to substantial savings.

Tips for Free Museum Visits:

• Research free days for major attractions in advance
• Arrive early on free days to avoid long queues
• Check for student and senior discounts if you’re eligible
• Look for combination tickets that offer entry to multiple sites at a discount

Always Free Attractions:

• Many churches and basilicas
• Public parks and gardens
• Some beaches (though some may charge for facilities)

Be sure to check out this list of free things to do in Rome, free things in Florence and free activities in Venice.

Price Update: As of 2024, entry fees for major museums and archaeological sites in Italy can range from €15-€25. Taking advantage of free days can result in significant savings, especially for families or groups.

Crowds at St. mark’s Square in Venice. Photo: Photo by Efrem Efre

8. If you want to go on guided tours, research free options

While professional guided tours can be expensive, there are several ways to enjoy informative tours without breaking the bank:

• Free Walking Tours: Available in most major cities, usually tip-based
• Museum-Led Tours: Many museums offer free guided tours with admission
• Self-Guided Audio Tours: Download apps for affordable, flexible touring

Where to Find Free Tours:

• Check Eventbrite for local free walking tours
• Visit official tourism websites for cities like Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice
• Look for student-led tours, often available in university towns

Price Update: In 2024, professional guided tours in Italy can cost anywhere from €30-€100 per person. Opting for free or tip-based tours can save you €20-€80 per person, per tour.

Ahhhh, what a romantic (and very expensive!) scene. Photo: Chen Kirin

9. Don’t fall for tourist traps!

While iconic experiences can be tempting, they often come with inflated prices. Here are some common tourist traps to be wary of:

• Overpriced Restaurants in Tourist Hotspots: e.g., those lining Rome’s Piazza Navona
• Costumed “Guides”: Like gladiators in Rome offering tours… keep walking!
• Gondola Rides in Venice: Romantic, but extremely expensive

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• Eat at restaurants a few streets away from major attractions
• Take official guided tours or use audio guides
• In Venice, try a vaporetto (water bus) instead of a gondola

Having said that, if you want to dine on the Piazza, pose with a gladiator, or shell out serious cash for a gondola ride, go for it, and have fun! Just remember these might not be the cheapest (or best) options. We won’t judge. (Okay, maybe just a little

Price Update: As of 2024, a gondola ride in Venice can cost upwards of €80 for a 30-minute ride, while a vaporetto ticket is around €7.50 for a single journey or €20 for a 24-hour pass.

Related: Avoid these tourist traps in Italy

10. Shop the markets for fresh (and super cheap) food

Local markets offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy Italy’s renowned cuisine. Here’s why you should consider market shopping:

• Fresh, Local Produce: Often cheaper and fresher than supermarkets
• Authentic Experience: Interact with locals and practice your Italian
• Picnic Possibilities: Create your own meals for substantial savings

Tips for Market Shopping:

• Visit markets early for the best selection
• Look for seasonal produce for the best prices
• Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially at flea markets
• Bring your own bags to carry your purchases

Price Update: In 2024, you can expect to spend about €10-€15 per person for a picnic lunch sourced from local markets, compared to €20-€30 for a basic restaurant meal.

Related: The best supermarkets, bakeries, and delis in Venice

11. Go for an aperitivo

Aperitivo, the Italian pre-dinner ritual, is not just a cultural experience but also a budget-friendly way to enjoy drinks and light bites. Here’s what you need to know:

• Timing: Usually enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening
• What to Expect: A drink (often a Spritz or wine) accompanied by snacks or small plates
• Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than a full dinner, with food sometimes included in the drink price

Aperitivo Tips:

• Look for bars advertising “aperitivo” or “happy hour”
• Try local specialties like Aperol Spritz or Campari
• Some places offer extensive buffets with the price of a drink
• Use it as a light dinner alternative to save on meal costs

Price Update: In 2024, expect to pay €8-€15 for an aperitivo, which typically includes a drink and access to snacks or a light buffet. This can be significantly cheaper than a full restaurant meal, which might cost €20-€30 per person.

Conclusion: Embracing La Dolce Vita on a Budget

Traveling through Italy doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these tips, you can experience the best of Italian culture, cuisine, and history while keeping your expenses in check. Remember, some of the most authentic and memorable experiences in Italy often come at little to no cost – whether it’s wandering through charming neighborhoods, enjoying a sunset in a public square, or chatting with locals at a neighborhood café.

As you plan your 2024 Italian adventure, keep these budget-friendly strategies in mind, but also don’t be afraid to occasionally splurge on experiences that truly matter to you. After all, la dolce vita is about finding joy in both the grand and simple pleasures of life.

Buon viaggio e buon risparmio! (Happy travels and happy saving!)

Your budget tips?

Have some budget tips for Italy to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Italy Budget Travel Guide 2024: 11 simple ways to save money on your trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you’ve ever caught Nespresso’s ad set in a luxurious lakeside villa starring Jack Black and George Clooney, you’ll know that legendary Lake Como attracts Hollywood’s heavyweights — at least that’s what big corporations would like you to think. And it’s partly true. But is this lake, one of Italy’s finest, just for the big spenders?

Locals know better. Since long before Mr. Clooney attracted any tourists, Lake Como, with its picture-perfect location and climate, has been a hub of settlements and small communities, with visitors coming from all over the country. Artists, writers and philosophers have sought inspiration here for generations. Today, many holiday homes still belong to locals who either have their original dwelling higher up the mountain, or in the bigger cities.

Related: 11 Simple ways to save on a trip to Italy

Tips for visiting Lake Como

Even if you only have a few days to sight-see, try to move away from the shopping towns to reach breathtaking views uphill: rustic stone chapels standing strong against bellowing winds, sheep grazing in pastures, children scrambling or biking up mule trails to reach school. It’s unforgettable and can be surprisingly affordable.

Here are 10 ways to do more for less while visiting Lake Como:

A rustic trail near the town of Pigra on Lake Como. Photo: Dennis Matheson

1. Walk or hike

Going by foot is the oldest way of traveling, and still the cheapest. Take the rugged footpaths which start at lake level before winding up at craggy mountains. They may not be found on any map, and there’s your adventure. Switch up your level of intensity by choosing how high or low you walk.

Tip: Follow this link to get information on local hikes.

2. Rent a bike

Move around effortlessly and hit multiple beaches by pedaling your way along the trails lining the lake. In recent years, more towns have constructed paths fronting its shores for easier access to the water.

Tip: Get cycle routes and bike rentals in Bellagio with this helpful website. Giancarlo’s Bike Rental in Sorico (north) rents out from around €15 for a day. You can get a guide as well, to learn some history — and Italian — as you cross the protected Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve. Call +39 338 471 7186

3. Buy spirits from local supermarkets

The Valtellina region is world-renowned for its fantastic vineyards and local wine cellars. You don’t have to sit in a swanky restaurant to indulge. At a third of the price of what that could cost, you can enjoy premier wines sold on local supermarket shelves.

Tip: Iperal is the big supermarket with a mall in Colico (east) in case you feel the urge to shop. Lidl, a German chain, has also quality items at lower prices. Bottled wines from every region start as low as €2.99.

4. Order house wine with your meal

Anyone who turns a stuffy nose up at the offer of vino della casa in Italy clearly doesn’t know how exceptional the local wine can be. Many places have basement cellars and produce their own aromatic reds (it won’t come with any label, but no matter) from the plump Nebbiolo grape.

5. Eat in an Agriturismo

No-frills, farm-to-table goodness is hard to beat for taste and price. Italy’s agriturisimo restaurants are famous for generous portions of food that are locally sourced, often from on-site farms, that you can visit before dinner. Get ready for some serious comfort food cooked with extra cream. You might end up rolling home, but at least your wallet’s still intact.

Tip: We like surprising visiting friends with such porzioni abbondanti as El Mercante serves in Colico.

6. Kayak, SUP and canoe rentals

To get a close-up view of the lake, rent a kayak from the many water sports schools that now offer decent priced options for aquatic playtime.

Tip: Rates can be as low as €10 (Standup Paddle Boards) and €7 (kayak) for an hour.

7. Get locally-sourced tips

Google doesn’t always know where the good stuff is. Local festivals, art workshops, town marathons and private wine-tastings may not even be advertised on the usual travel sites. To find out about events that are open to the public, check out the local tourism office website (before your trip) and visit the office in person upon arrival. Plus, look for events in the local newspaper, and stay on the lookout for posters and flyers when visiting.

Tip: Check out the websites about visiting Gravedona and Lario News. You can also pick up a copy of the newspaper La Provincia.

8. Ride the public bus

Although it comes at sporadic times and you need to purchase your ticket in advance at the local tobacco store (where they sell everything from lottery tickets to grappa), the public bus is still a great way to hop from village to village. Prices start at less than €2 and an unused ticket is valid all year long.

Related: Crossing the Italian Alps by train

9. Fast Boat Ferry

Another option for village hopping: You can cross Lake Como in just two minutes by taking the ferry from Domaso to Colico, or vice versa. Or use it to sail 45 km south in less than an hour, where you can then continue on your on-foot excursion if it’s bedazzled Bellagio you seek.

Tip: Find the ferry schedules here.

10. Come during winter

Layers of light filtered through a lazy haze make the Lake Como region magical in the winter months. Winter is low season, meaning you’ll get prized accommodations for much less, and the absence of crowds make it seem as if you have this gem all to yourself.

Related: Lake Como in Winter: Budget tips for an Italian Alps holiday

The post Northern Italy: 10 ways to save when visiting Lake Como appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You can find plenty of hotels with rooms for around $100, but if you’re a true Cheapo like us, you’re looking to go even lower. We checked around and found five hotels in Florence offering rooms for under $100 with a few even hovering as low as $50 per night.

But we’re not just focused on price, because we all know that sometimes you get what you pay for. At EuroCheapo, we take care to choose hotels that we would have no qualms about staying in ourselves. All of the hotels we picked from this list have earned high marks from recent guests and they all offer excellent locations not far from Florence’s main attractions.

A super cheap room with a view at Hotel Giappone.

Hotel Giappone

Doubles from $44

Conveniently situated between the Duomo and main train station, the one-star Hotel Giappone is all about value. Be prepared to walk up to this four-story hotel nestled in a historic building. Colorful rooms with sturdy furniture offer views of the surrounding rooftops. We found $67 double rooms with a private bathroom and $44 rooms if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom down the hall. There are only eight rooms, so make sure to book early, especially in the high season.
Read the full review.

The classy courtyard at Hotel Bavaria.

Hotel Bavaria

Doubles from $53

Enjoy a slice of the Rennaisance at this fabulous one-star hotel. You would think that sleeping with 18th-century frescoes and intricately painted wooden ceilings in your room would break the bank. However, Hotel Bavaria offers double rooms for only $73 with a private bathroom and just $53 for a room with shared facilities.

Read the full review.

Canopy beds add a touch of luxury to this cozy B&B.

Johanna B&B

Doubles from $76

This beautiful bed and breakfast is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to splurge for a memorable hotel experience in Florence. Johanna B&B is filled with lovely touches like canopy beds, antique armoires, and 1950’s-style mini-fridges in every room. Even the neighborhood is chic — in a ritzy area just north of San Lorenzo. The price for this near-luxury experience? We found $76 double rooms when searching two months in advance.

Read the full review.

A flat-screen TV and terra cotta floors are just a few of the nice features at Tourist House Ghiberti.

Tourist House Ghiberti

Doubles from $77

With paintings by local artists on the walls and antique wood furniture dotting the rooms, Tourist House Ghiberti is one of the more stylish stays in our Florence guide. You would think it would be hard to find a room under $100, however, if you book in advance, you can find non-refundable rates for only $77. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning and each room comes with a computer and free Wi-Fi. Throw in a Jacuzzi, sauna, and sunny terrace, and you’ll be living the good life at a good price at this chic hotel.

Read the full review.

More Florence hotels

This is just a small sampling of the hotels that EuroCheapo has reviewed in Florence. Search over 50 hotels across the city.

The post Florence: 5 super cheap hotels with great locations appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Avoid these common travel-planning mistakes to make your next trip to Italy as enjoyable as possible.

Trying to see it all

It’s tempting to want to see everything on a vacation. Many tourists visiting Italy try to see a long list of cities in just one or two weeks, many rushing along the main tourist corridor that includes Milan, Venice, Florence (and Pisa!), and Rome. While this may be possible, it’s best to focus on just a couple destinations and really enjoy them, rather than rush through a long list, spending more time in your rental car than hanging out in cafes or museums.

If you have limited time, think about simplifying things, visiting a pair, like Rome and Florence or Venice and Milan, instead of going for all four! And you can shake these up with day trips on the side.

If you overbook your trip to Italy, you’ll end up missing out on the little things that make each city unique, and you won’t get to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle the country is famous for. Over-scheduling also puts you at risk for more delays and other inconveniences, which can cut into your time and disrupt a tight schedule. For a 7- to 10-day vacation, focus on two cities and spend the time to see all they have to offer.

Following other tourists

Italy is full of “must-see” sights like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Colosseum. These places are famous for a reason, but that means they’re also crowded and hectic. While you should absolutely plan to visit a few iconic sights during your trip, balance these tourist hot-spots with more local (and more relaxed) destinations.

It’s a good idea to schedule free time (even just an hour or two) each day to wander the streets, open to whatever you might come across, and to fit in food, shopping, and sightseeing recommendations you get from locals along the way. You’ll probably find that your cafe barista, hotel clerk, or market vendor can offer up some gems that you won’t find in your Lonely Planet.

Not keeping an eye on your valuables

Overall, Italy is a very safe country for travel. There is very little violent crime and tourists are treated well. That said, pickpocketing is not uncommon, especially in areas bustling with tourists, like those surrounding famous sights and busy train stations. Make sure to keep track of your valuables and possessions, especially when passing through or around big groups of tourists.

Keep your wallet in your front pocket and a hand on your purse at all times, and always leave your passport and some of your money in your hotel, just in case.

Many small businesses only take cash, so prepare to pay up in euros to local merchants like this one at a butcher shop in Florence. Photo: Frank Kovalchek

Not carrying enough cash

Italy is antiquated when it comes to payment methods, but that’s part of its charm. Cash is the preferred method of payment at most shops, and smaller bills are especially appreciated for inexpensive purchases. From panini shops in Florence to vintage clothing stores in Rome, vendors often don’t have change, and will ask you for coins, so try to use exact change whenever possible.

Major credit cards are accepted at larger stores and most restaurants, but make sure to check your bank’s foreign transaction rate so you’re not surprised by large fees when you return home. Traveler’s checks are rarely, if ever accepted in Italy, so stick to your credit cards and withdrawing cash from an ATM on arrival.

Your mistakes?

What mistakes did you make on your first visit to Italy? We want to hear your stories!

The post Avoid these common tourist mistakes in Italy appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.