I am planning a trip for two adults on a budget ($120 day each) for 18 days in Italy. We will arrive and depart from Rome (as per the mileage tickets). We are on a budget, love to walk, explore, enjoy wine, cheese, woodworking, and people. I would love nay suggestions and your opinions on car or train. I have been to Rome & Florence on a quick tour but Italy is new to my travel partner.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Renee. Does $120/day include lodging or is it for food, entrance fees, transportation, etc.? First, I would check with your airline to see if you can fly open-jaw or not. We redeemed miles for our tickets on American Airlines in Sept & we were able to fly open-jaw (into Rome & out of Milan). If you can fly open-jaw, it would be better. Also, what time of year will you be in Italy?
I wouldn't rent a car unless you plan to spend time in Tuscany exploring the small towns. In order to do this you need a car, with the exception of some of the larger towns (Siena, etc.).
Many people focus on the major cities for their first trip (Rome, Florence, Venice). Does your travel partner have any "must see's" or preferences?
I would start in Rome for 4-5 days & also incorporate some day trips out of Rome (Orvieto, Ostia Antica or Tivoli). Then move north to Florence for 2-4 days (depending on if you do any day trips from Florence). You can easily take the train to Siena from Florence for a day trip. Siena is an interesting place. Next, Venice for 2-3 days & then to Lake Como or the Cinque Terre. Lake Como is only an hour by train from Milan & if you could fly open-jaw out of Milan, this would be ideal.
Definitely buy Rick's Italy book & read through it & make notes of the places that interest you.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
I'm assuming when you say $120 per day that you mean $60 per day / per person for a combined total of $120/day. That is doable and you will need to stay in hostels. If you meant $120 per day /per person then you will be very comfortable. I am also assuming that you are stuck with flying in and out of Rome. However, the suggestion that you fly open jaw is excellent and you should look into it.
Operating on the above assumptions, I would consider picking a spot away from Rome and work a logical route back to Rome and keep the doubling back to a minimum so you don't waste too much time and money traveling. On a $120 a day you need to be as efficient as possible with your money.
For example either on the day you arrive or the next day take a high speed train to Milan and work your way back to Rome. Visit Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Venice, Siena, Florence, etc... You could visit all these places while working your way back to Rome. All of these places are easily accessible by train or bus.
Good luck, it sounds like a fun trip to be planning.