My family and I will be arriving in Rome on Easter Day and driving straight to Montepulciano where we will spend the first 2 nights in a Airbnb . I hope we can save a little money by eating b'fast at our Airbnb. Will there be any grocery stores or markets open on Easter Day or Easter Monday?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16209 posts
Kind of unlikely on Easter Sunday. Maybe some large chains might open on Monday.
Your best bet might be the rest areas on the freeway on the way to Montepulciano. They are fully equipped with restaurants and shops managed by the concession “Autogrill”.
https://goo.gl/images/Em89XG
https://goo.gl/images/b66oFS
Keep an eye for the signs to AREA DI SERVIZIO (service area). There are more than one between Rome and Chiusi along the A1 freeway.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Depending on timing, you might consider having lunch or dinner at the Autogrill. Prices are reasonable and the food is quite good, with some entrees being cooked to order.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Though it sounds crazy, the guys are steering you in the right direction.
When friends go to Italy with me, we always stop at the Auto Grill.
Fun read...and true.
https://www.saveur.com/article/blog/a-day-of-autogrills-eating-through-italys-rest-stops
Posted by
OP
Atlanta Suburbs
7 posts
Thank you for the suggestions and especially the article about Autogrill. I did think it was going to be like an American Convenience store. So glad to know that much, much better. Sounds perfect for our situation.
Posted by
California USA
4133 posts
We've been so desperate in some countries, when arriving on a Sunday and heading to a self catering place, that we've resorted to meal shopping at a train station. I've even brought some basics with me for a Sunday evening meal after our small town train station meal of spaghetti and canned tuna in western Switzerland one year.
EDIT: Autogrills in Italy and Mövenpicks in Switzerland are a gem!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34242 posts
Not a lot wrong with Autogrill. Just be sure that your luggage isn't visible and that you don't go digging around in the boot/trunk after parking.
Posted by
Western Canada
3586 posts
I would leave one person in the car to guard all the luggage, even if it is not visible.
A rental car is a magnet.
Another vote for shopping at the Autoservizio.
You can at least get the basics.