Beating the Euro in Italy
Feb 28th, 2008, 08:06 PM
#41
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This November, in Venice, we went to the local jug or wine shop in the Castello District. We brought large water bottles that they would fill with our choice of wine. Love it and we felt it save a lot
Feb 28th, 2008, 08:56 PM
#42
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A guide to all the free, public art in Italy would be helpful. Michelangelo's statues in simple little churches in Rome, Bernini's sculptures around the corner, etc.
I would have liked a list of these in each of the cities, and have them mapped out for me, for a walking tour. That would have been great, and cost-saving.
Also a list of the free admission days, if that applies to the Italian museums, parks, etc.
>-
I would have liked a list of these in each of the cities, and have them mapped out for me, for a walking tour. That would have been great, and cost-saving.
Also a list of the free admission days, if that applies to the Italian museums, parks, etc.
>-
Feb 28th, 2008, 09:25 PM
#43
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My tips:
The small cities can be less expensive but still fabulous. We were just in Assisi and all the sites were free, a delicious dinner for two with wine was 22 euros and our hotel was reasonable at 65 eu per night including a good breakfast.
Take the train between cities. It's very inexpensive, and upon arrival take the bus, not a cab to your destination.
The small cities can be less expensive but still fabulous. We were just in Assisi and all the sites were free, a delicious dinner for two with wine was 22 euros and our hotel was reasonable at 65 eu per night including a good breakfast.
Take the train between cities. It's very inexpensive, and upon arrival take the bus, not a cab to your destination.
Feb 28th, 2008, 10:38 PM
#44
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If you are not planning to stay enough days at one spot, another cheap accommodation choice in Italy is renting a room at a convent.
Two of my aunts and uncles stayed in one. I visited them more than once. Pleasant but simple rooms. Rules for guests are usually minimal these days, such as a midnight curfew. (Rules do vary byconvent. Honestly, I have stayed in hostels with far more rules.)
You do not need to be Catholic to stay in convents, but obviously they are not the place to host a wild party either.
Santa Susanna, the church assigned to American Catholics, includes a list of Roman convents on its website. However, there are many more out there.
Two of my aunts and uncles stayed in one. I visited them more than once. Pleasant but simple rooms. Rules for guests are usually minimal these days, such as a midnight curfew. (Rules do vary byconvent. Honestly, I have stayed in hostels with far more rules.)
You do not need to be Catholic to stay in convents, but obviously they are not the place to host a wild party either.
Santa Susanna, the church assigned to American Catholics, includes a list of Roman convents on its website. However, there are many more out there.
Feb 29th, 2008, 01:07 AM
#45
Hi Matt,
to rent our apartment in Venice, we used www.holiday-rentals.co.uk, which put you directly in touch with the owners. for easter we were offered some 2-bedroomed properties for as little as E700. [expect they've gone by now!] we've splashed out and are paying £1200 for 8 nights - for that we get 2 double bedrooms, a huge lounge/diner, full kitchen with dish-washer, washing machine, dryer, a/c [hope we don't need that in March] and a terrace. it seems expensive, but compared with 2 hotel rooms it's a snip and I'll be cooking at "home" some nights.
there is a "fill your own" wineshop up on Strada nuova which we are intending to use when we are there. [sorry I can't remember exactly where except that it's on the north/station side of the grand canal]. also along there are lots of good sandwich shops which are very cheap and a very good deli.
if anyone else has any money-saving tips for Venice, I'll be very grateful. I'm not sure about getting the Venice card yet - and if so, which one?
regards, ann
to rent our apartment in Venice, we used www.holiday-rentals.co.uk, which put you directly in touch with the owners. for easter we were offered some 2-bedroomed properties for as little as E700. [expect they've gone by now!] we've splashed out and are paying £1200 for 8 nights - for that we get 2 double bedrooms, a huge lounge/diner, full kitchen with dish-washer, washing machine, dryer, a/c [hope we don't need that in March] and a terrace. it seems expensive, but compared with 2 hotel rooms it's a snip and I'll be cooking at "home" some nights.
there is a "fill your own" wineshop up on Strada nuova which we are intending to use when we are there. [sorry I can't remember exactly where except that it's on the north/station side of the grand canal]. also along there are lots of good sandwich shops which are very cheap and a very good deli.
if anyone else has any money-saving tips for Venice, I'll be very grateful. I'm not sure about getting the Venice card yet - and if so, which one?
regards, ann
Feb 29th, 2008, 04:20 AM
#46
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Hi M.
>we're all huddled together in an office building on Broadway. But based on your informed and articulate posts, I imagine you'd flourish at the job.
Thanks, anyway.
I don't do big city anymore, unless I'm travelling.
If something comes up where I can telecommute, let me know.
>we're all huddled together in an office building on Broadway. But based on your informed and articulate posts, I imagine you'd flourish at the job.
Thanks, anyway.
I don't do big city anymore, unless I'm travelling.
If something comes up where I can telecommute, let me know.
Feb 29th, 2008, 04:30 AM
#47
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Hi, O great and glorious Editors, who's names are written in scarlet and accompanied by stars plucked from the firmament:
Also check out
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35111893
Also check out
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35111893
Feb 29th, 2008, 04:43 AM
#48
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Yes, those wine shops are great. Everytime I'm in Italy I take an empty water bottle and have it filled with wine. In Venice, as Ann says, there is one on Strada Nuova. There's also one on via Garibaldi (head east on Riva Schiavone and left onto via Garibaldi); and one near S. Apostoli as you head north towards the Fondamente vaporetto stop.
In the grocery stores, you can buy boxed table wine for under 2 euros.
Monica
In the grocery stores, you can buy boxed table wine for under 2 euros.
Monica
Feb 29th, 2008, 05:59 AM
#49
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Re tuscanlifeedit's query upthread:
I agree, Rome's excellent public transit system doesn't get much play. In part this is because so much of Rome is easily accessible on foot (if you like to walk, like I do), and also because the metro doesn't serve the city center, and many of us are used to subways. Had I been alone on this trip I'd have probably walked everywhere, but I was with my 70+ mother and the buses came in very handy.
Trams and buses are actually better than subway for Rome, I think, as you remain above ground and so get to see things en route. They come frequently and many of the busiest stops have displays that tell you how far away the next, say, 8 buses are from your stop. There are maps, but I didn't bother to use any (apart from knowing how to get to our apartment), instead just figuring out which bus would get me where I wanted to go by looking at the list of stops at whatever location I happened to have landed at. If I couldn't figure it out I'd just ask somebody else waiting at the stop.
Lots of the buses in the city center have video displays that tell you what tourist sites are close to the approaching bus stop, and how far from the stop the site it. I also found bus drivers to be helpful when it came to letting me know when a particular stop was coming up if I wasn't familiar with the area (as I had to get my mother up and moving in preparation for the stop), and telling me which way to walk to find the location I was looking for.
The transity authority web site is at:
http://www.atac.roma.it/
It has a nice tool for calculating specific routes, and lists prices for various tickets (a CIS is 16 euro, so worth it if you'll take transit a lot, and even if you don't it's very convenient to never have to worry about having to buy a ticket). There are maps as well, but I find them pretty confusing and instead just trust in serendipity.
I agree, Rome's excellent public transit system doesn't get much play. In part this is because so much of Rome is easily accessible on foot (if you like to walk, like I do), and also because the metro doesn't serve the city center, and many of us are used to subways. Had I been alone on this trip I'd have probably walked everywhere, but I was with my 70+ mother and the buses came in very handy.
Trams and buses are actually better than subway for Rome, I think, as you remain above ground and so get to see things en route. They come frequently and many of the busiest stops have displays that tell you how far away the next, say, 8 buses are from your stop. There are maps, but I didn't bother to use any (apart from knowing how to get to our apartment), instead just figuring out which bus would get me where I wanted to go by looking at the list of stops at whatever location I happened to have landed at. If I couldn't figure it out I'd just ask somebody else waiting at the stop.
Lots of the buses in the city center have video displays that tell you what tourist sites are close to the approaching bus stop, and how far from the stop the site it. I also found bus drivers to be helpful when it came to letting me know when a particular stop was coming up if I wasn't familiar with the area (as I had to get my mother up and moving in preparation for the stop), and telling me which way to walk to find the location I was looking for.
The transity authority web site is at:
http://www.atac.roma.it/
It has a nice tool for calculating specific routes, and lists prices for various tickets (a CIS is 16 euro, so worth it if you'll take transit a lot, and even if you don't it's very convenient to never have to worry about having to buy a ticket). There are maps as well, but I find them pretty confusing and instead just trust in serendipity.
Feb 29th, 2008, 07:05 AM
#50
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Matt: Like the others have said, you bring an empty water/wine bottle and they fill it, sometimes they have a few different kinds to choose from, sometimes not. In Rome we would get them filled at the Testaccio market, but as others said there are lots of places. I will usually ask at the local bar where I go for my coffee. In Tuscany there are just tons of wineries and coops, I think most will do this. My Italian friends tend to buy a whole cask( well, maybe a very small cask)for the home. The Italians are always welcoming, in fact in the wineries where there is often a choice it will turn into a small wine tasting to get just the right ones. I do speak broken Italian but I think that anyone can do this.
Now that you know about it you will be amazed how many there are and that you didn't see it in the past!
Now that you know about it you will be amazed how many there are and that you didn't see it in the past!
Feb 29th, 2008, 08:54 AM
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Everyone talks about going in the off season and mentions November or March. But in Florence and Venice at least, July is a shoulder season. I got hotel rooms in both cities for half to a third the cost of the same room during the high season. This is important to know if you need or want to travel during the summer (e.g. if you are tied to an academic calendar, or just want the longer daylight hours, flowers, etc that you won't get in November).
Book a hotel room with a mini fridge - you can keep tap water cold to save on buying bottled water constantly. You can also buy great food from the markets or small shops to have picnics in your room. If you aren't a foodie and don't care about having all your meals in a sit down restaurant you can really save alot this way. Many people mention picnics as a way to save on food cost, but having the flexibilty that a small fridge in the room allows can make a big difference.
Book a hotel room with a mini fridge - you can keep tap water cold to save on buying bottled water constantly. You can also buy great food from the markets or small shops to have picnics in your room. If you aren't a foodie and don't care about having all your meals in a sit down restaurant you can really save alot this way. Many people mention picnics as a way to save on food cost, but having the flexibilty that a small fridge in the room allows can make a big difference.
Feb 29th, 2008, 03:17 PM
#53
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I second Ira Telecommuting
There is no magic trick it’s a lot of surfing and double checking numerous sites. NO one site has the answer you have to make up your mind to a few things. Location, Location, Location as they say and start from there. I generally look for places out of or on the edge of the main areas but on bus or tram lines and within very short walking distance to either. Check if the building has a lift many don’t. Remember they have different floor system than we do their lst is our 2nd.
The wine shop suggestion is also a great one. I have done that a lot. I like the small shop off P. San Stefano because right across from it is a mom-pop shop that has a lot of great choices most at reasonable prices.
Venice Card: it can work for you or not depending on how long you’re going to be there. If it’s just a few days it’s not worth it on the other hand if your there a week it can work for you. You can buy the card on line but its only about 1 euro more at the airport. Almost every city in Italy has some kind of card. Here is a web site that lists a lot of them. Before you buy figure out what is offered and if these things fit into your plans. In Rome the Rome pass pays for itself in just the Borghese And Vatican museums not to mention the week long bus pass, and other ½ price entry fees.
http://www.comune.torino.it/infogio/...einfotour3.htm
In Rome invest in the bus schedule it’s at any place they sell tickets, cost is 4e. If gives you all the routes, how long between buses, hours they run. where you hop on off to transfer etc. The web site is good but you don’t have that while your wandering around Rome. The site is sometimes hard to find an address on due to the way they show streets and it never tells you where to transfer. Another great free thing is: Have some fun and hop on a bus going to the outer districts of Rome you will be amazed at what you see and find outside of the heart of the city.
Florence bus site is: http://www.ataf.net day ticket is 4euro
In Florence make a Sunday (or your lowest rate time) call to the Uffizi to make reservations you pay when you pick up ticket. Small booking fee vs. on line 7-9euro booking fees
011- 39 055294883
Train tickets: after learning the hard way I buy them in Italy they are much, much cheaper. There are two fares the Standard and Amica a discount fare that’s open up to 7 days prior to trips. You can do this at the station or on line with http://www.trenitalia.com but be prepared for some frustration in using the site stick with it or use an agent. In Rome lots of people use American Express (near Spanish Steps) in Venice there is an agency just across the bridge (where you photo bridge of sighs) on the Riva d Schiavoni.
Take the Train to Ostia 3.5euro site entry is 6.5euro. Well worth the money and many feel better and its far, far less crowded than Pompeii.
Double check you flight three months out and one month out for any changes in seats etc while you still have time to get it fixed. Reconfirm one month out hotel and apartment. Increase you withdraw limit on your ATM to keep charges for use down important now that for $500 you would only get 329 euro.
Bite the bullet that last day and hire the Rome Shuttle 30e to run you to airport. The airport is such a hassle no one needs the train, hauling the bags to the counter on your last day when your tired. If there are two of you its only 10e more than the train and 75% less hassle to get to your check in counter.
There is no magic trick it’s a lot of surfing and double checking numerous sites. NO one site has the answer you have to make up your mind to a few things. Location, Location, Location as they say and start from there. I generally look for places out of or on the edge of the main areas but on bus or tram lines and within very short walking distance to either. Check if the building has a lift many don’t. Remember they have different floor system than we do their lst is our 2nd.
The wine shop suggestion is also a great one. I have done that a lot. I like the small shop off P. San Stefano because right across from it is a mom-pop shop that has a lot of great choices most at reasonable prices.
Venice Card: it can work for you or not depending on how long you’re going to be there. If it’s just a few days it’s not worth it on the other hand if your there a week it can work for you. You can buy the card on line but its only about 1 euro more at the airport. Almost every city in Italy has some kind of card. Here is a web site that lists a lot of them. Before you buy figure out what is offered and if these things fit into your plans. In Rome the Rome pass pays for itself in just the Borghese And Vatican museums not to mention the week long bus pass, and other ½ price entry fees.
http://www.comune.torino.it/infogio/...einfotour3.htm
In Rome invest in the bus schedule it’s at any place they sell tickets, cost is 4e. If gives you all the routes, how long between buses, hours they run. where you hop on off to transfer etc. The web site is good but you don’t have that while your wandering around Rome. The site is sometimes hard to find an address on due to the way they show streets and it never tells you where to transfer. Another great free thing is: Have some fun and hop on a bus going to the outer districts of Rome you will be amazed at what you see and find outside of the heart of the city.
Florence bus site is: http://www.ataf.net day ticket is 4euro
In Florence make a Sunday (or your lowest rate time) call to the Uffizi to make reservations you pay when you pick up ticket. Small booking fee vs. on line 7-9euro booking fees
011- 39 055294883
Train tickets: after learning the hard way I buy them in Italy they are much, much cheaper. There are two fares the Standard and Amica a discount fare that’s open up to 7 days prior to trips. You can do this at the station or on line with http://www.trenitalia.com but be prepared for some frustration in using the site stick with it or use an agent. In Rome lots of people use American Express (near Spanish Steps) in Venice there is an agency just across the bridge (where you photo bridge of sighs) on the Riva d Schiavoni.
Take the Train to Ostia 3.5euro site entry is 6.5euro. Well worth the money and many feel better and its far, far less crowded than Pompeii.
Double check you flight three months out and one month out for any changes in seats etc while you still have time to get it fixed. Reconfirm one month out hotel and apartment. Increase you withdraw limit on your ATM to keep charges for use down important now that for $500 you would only get 329 euro.
Bite the bullet that last day and hire the Rome Shuttle 30e to run you to airport. The airport is such a hassle no one needs the train, hauling the bags to the counter on your last day when your tired. If there are two of you its only 10e more than the train and 75% less hassle to get to your check in counter.
Feb 29th, 2008, 05:16 PM
#54
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We try to book apartments whenever we can in Florence and Rome and in Tuscany we rent farm houses or something similar. Especially if you are traveling with more than 2 persons these are usually much more reasonable. We save a load of money by eating at a restaurant once a day - buying provisions at a market and eating the other meals either a the rental place or packing picnics. Useful websites have been www.vrbo.com and www.homeaway.com
And of course traveling in non-peak months helps tremendously on lodging and airfare. I think one of the reasons we love Italy so much is because there are endless possibilities that cost nothing. Renting a car allows you to explore more than you could otherwise...although car rental isn't cheap...it gives you more options. But honestly - if the "dollar" gets much weaker in Europe I think it's going to keep a lot of folks from traveling in Europe for awhile. Sad.
And of course traveling in non-peak months helps tremendously on lodging and airfare. I think one of the reasons we love Italy so much is because there are endless possibilities that cost nothing. Renting a car allows you to explore more than you could otherwise...although car rental isn't cheap...it gives you more options. But honestly - if the "dollar" gets much weaker in Europe I think it's going to keep a lot of folks from traveling in Europe for awhile. Sad.
Feb 29th, 2008, 05:42 PM
#55
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Agree with all the posters who recommend getting an apartment. We're traveling to Italy in October and have booked lovely apartments through VRBO.com for around 100E per night in very good locations in both Rome and Florence. This allows for the other Euro-saving plan of shopping and cooking "at home".
Mar 1st, 2008, 06:06 AM
#56
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Matt, the past two summers we have flown to Italy from NY via Aerlingus through Dublin. Last year I found a notice that advertised a sale across the pond from NY to Dublin. So I called them and asked if I could take advantage of the sale and then continue on to Rome. No problem! So give Aerlingus a call and see what they can do for you. This doesn't come up on kayak or even their website. Gotta call.
