Hi!
My boyfriend and I are lookiing to stay in Italy for about 2.5 months. We don't have a huge budget and were looking to rent an apartment for our stay. Are there any reccomendations as to what city would be the best to stay in (I assume the large cities like Rome would be too expensive).
I'm hoping a city that will have a few things to do but easy (ish) trasit to bigger cities as well.
Any recommendations for a good starting city would be greatly appreciated!!
First of all, do you want to stay in One City for the entire time, or maybe pick 2 or 3 cities?
In a city like Rome, for instance, the price range can vary greatly depending on the part of town you stay in. If you'll be there for several days/weeks, you can stay a bit outside the main tourist areas and save a lot of money on your accommodations.
Another strategy is to stay in a smaller centrally-located town, and visit the larger cities from there. This would depend on just what your exact plans are for your trip. Do you want museums/major tourist sites everyday (city/larger town) or to explore smaller villages and spend time in the countryside (biking, hiking, painting, sitting on a patio and drinking wine...)? For 2.5 months and a not-huge budget, I expect you don't want a car so you'll want a town/city with good rail connections.
We really need to know more about just what it is you envision yourselves doing for 2.5 months for us to suggest home bases. I have lots of ideas in mind, so I'll wait for your response!
=)
I was thinking I would go on this trip Summer 2014. Probably May, June, July. I am very pro rail and do not want to rent a car.
I was thinking two main cities. One city to explore museums and tourist attractions. I would especially like a chance to explore Rome. I didn't think I would need to explore Rome in a straight week. I thought maybe several day trips in would work.
This idea worked with my original thought of staying in a smaller-centrally located town and take rails to a couple of different cities. This was based on my thought that I wouldn't be able to find a cheper part of Rome, but if you have a suggestion for inexpensive accomodations I would love that!!
I think the museum and tourist attractions would be for at least half of the trip.
For the other half of the trip I was thinking hiking, biking, wine drinking, swimming, looking at all the scenic wonderment. I have no problem taking rail as I thought it might be easier than trying to book a lot of different places. And I really wanted the chance to get to know one place, get to know some local spots outside of the main tourist scene. And again maybe take a few day trips out by rail.
Any suggestions would be so welcome. There are so many amazing places in Italy and some direction would be great, especially if there are any cities or areas of cities that may have lower accomodation costs. I can add even more detail if I'm missing something still! =)
Thank you!!
Fen,
I'd recommend using several locations for a 2.5 month stay, as that will give you an opportunity to explore different parts of Italy (each will have their own "character"). You stated that "we don't have a huge budget" so using one location and then taking day or overnight trips is not a good idea, as that will increase your transportation costs.
I normally travel solo, so I don't rent apartments. There have been many posts here from people that recommend VRBO but I can't provide any first-hand information on that. I'm sure the others will have lots of good suggestions.
If this is your first trip, I'd suggest starting in the north and working your way south to Rome. You could (for example) fly inbound to Milan, Venice or Florence and then stay in or near those locations. Move south to somewhere near Siena, Cortona or Orvieto and then finish in Rome. While in Rome you can take a day trip to Pompeii if desired, although it will be a full day.
Travel by train (or Bus in some cases) is a good plan, as that's often the cheapest and most efficient method. However, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" with using both public transit and rental cars, so be sure to do your homework on that.
You might find it very helpful to pick up a copy of the Italy 2014 Guidebook, as that has an excellent description of many of towns you may want to stay in, as well as the sightseeing attractions. Do you have any ideas on place you're really interested in seeing?
Good luck with your planning!
Check out airbnb.com - or crosspolinate.com Both of these have less expensive housing options, and sometimes you're renting a bedroom/bath in someone's home (crosspolinate, for example, caters more to students for extended periods some have kitchenettes). You may be able to negotiate one or more of the VRBO owners for an extended stay, but these are usually a little more expensive than airbnb or crosspolinate. These properties are aimed at the vacationing tourist, who stay for 3 days to two weeks, and I've used them all over Europe and the US. I've gotten some pretty good deals here, as an apartment is much cheaper than a hotel. It won't hurt to really thoroughly check, and start now!
I would also recommend staying within Rome (for the Rome leg of the trip) - or one of the "suburbs" where you could get into the city proper via bus which will cost one eu as opposed to 15eu for the train. I say this because you will not be able to see everything Rome has to offer in three or even four day-trips into the city. Agree with the other posters regarding day-trips
outside of Rome, and you will need a train for that. It may not be a bad idea to contact Roninrome.com, as he is now working out of Atlanta, and he may be able to get you a lease for something in your budget.
I am very, very jealous, and I'll look through my notes, and if I find more info I'll post!!
Here's another recommendation for picking several different places. You could choose seven locations and still be in each for two weeks at a time. That would allow you to mix in some more expensive places (Venice, for example) as well as some much less expensive places (Naples or Puglia). Pick places that have good transportation connections. And definitely look into apartments, preferably within walking distance of the sights you want to see.
Happy travels.
Thanks everyone for the tips!! I will definitely try to find a cheaper part and stay in Rome rather than day trips into it.
And the idea of extending it to a few more locations sound good rather than just day trips. I wanted a chance to experience a place as more than just a tourist so I may spend slightly longer at one location. If there is a location that stands out to someone a suggestion is always welcome :)
Any other cities that are less expensive and maybe less well know are appreciated! I will look through the other threads too!
Fen, you are on vacation, travelling around: you will be a tourist, no matter what. Of course there are some pros and cons about long stays in the same place, but it will still feel and be the life of a tourist, just one that stays longer and roams less.
