Holidays to Italy to Suit Every Budget
Thankfully, most of Italy's joys are free: you can stroll Venice's St Marco Square at dusk; take a dip in the gas-blue waters off Rimini; and marvel at Florence's old cathedrals, bridges and towers - all without spending a single euro-cent.
But of course, the bigger your budget, the more you’ll be able to experience high-end accommodation, attractions and refined dining.
To make this Italian holiday comparison, we'll look at three popular destinations and how to explore them on different budgets: low-cost, mid-range, and super-expensive.
Rough guide to costs for a 7-night Italian holiday:
Low-cost: €530 per person (£445)
Based on Italy travel deals with flights, plus €40 euros per person for food and sundries.
Mid-range: €870 per person (£731)
€350 for hotel (two sharing); €100 for flights; €60 per day each for food and sundries.
Super expensive: €2250 (£1890)
€1,000 pp (two sharing); €200 for flights; €150 per day each for food and sundries.
Rimini
Among Italy's most popular seaside resorts, Rimini boasts more than nine miles of castor-sugar beaches, with all the attendant restaurants and bars you could wish for.
Rimini is also home to a miniature theme park where you can see the nation's top attractions at 1/100 scale.
More importantly, perhaps, it is in Rimini that you can marvel at the Arch of Augustus, one of the oldest-surviving Roman arches, and enjoy a ride on a giant ferris wheel.
A host of Italy travel deals to Rimini put it within reach of most budgets.
Low cost holidays in Rimini
The Adria Mare Hotel is just 150m from the beach and offers en-suite rooms, a terrace and a hotel restaurant.
At time of writing, two people can enjoy a 7-night stay at the Adria Mare in July for around £250pp, including flights (as offered by UK-based holiday firms).
Italy package holidays are arguably the cheapest way to visit - except perhaps for the most budget-conscious of backpackers.
Mid-range/average cost holidays in Rimini
For a little extra comfort while in Rimini, you might choose the Hotel Villa Rosa Riviera.
Located on the seafront along Marina Centro promenade, this hotel is just 5 minutes' walk from the historic centre of Rimini.
Rooms at the Hotel Villa Rosa Riviera feature balconies or terraces, air conditioning, minibar, en-suite bathrooms and many optional services.
At time of writing, a 7-night break in July based on two sharing will cost around £410pp, including flights.
Super expensive holidays to Rimini
i-Suite Hotel is an ultra-modern establishment just two minutes' walk from the seafront in Rimini, featuring a chic contemporary swimming pool, spa and hot tub.
It's spacious Luxury Suite features a large double bed, sea views, big TV - and even TV in the bathroom.
A single night for two in this super-luxurious hotel costs around £450 in July, making a 7-night stay £3,150 (not including flights!).
How much does it cost to eat out in Rimini?
Low-cost food options in Rimini
For a cheap trip to Italy, you’ll need to watch how much you spend on food. After all, it’s dishes are among the most delicious in the world.
Strampalato, located near Rimini harbour, is a new concept eatery for quick lunches and dinners: You can get a tasty burger, fries and drink for €10.
To save even more, head to the nearest supermarket and stock up on picnic supplies: buy bread, meat and cheese for cheap sandwiches.
Money-saving tip for coffee-lovers: In most Italian cafes, coffee is cheaper if you stand. If you choose to sit at a table an extra service charge will be added. So if morning coffee is a ritual for you, you may wish to start enjoying it while upright!
Midrange/average food options in Rimini
Vicolo is a cosy, atmospheric restaurant offering everything from home-made carbonara with black truffles to delectable cakes. One Google reviewer called it "an unforgettable gastronomic experience".
Super-expensive food options in Rimini
In truth, even moderately-priced restaurants offer fabulous food in Italy, so visiting a more costly establishment is usually only done for the ambiance and decor.
The luxury i-Suite (mentioned above) is also where you'll find i-FAME, offering 'creative tasting menus and cocktails".
What is there to do in Rimini?
Cheap/free things to do in Rimini
The beach; Tiberius Bridge; Arch of Augustus; walking in historic areas like Borgo San Giuliano.
For a cost:
Italy in Miniature theme park (€16); City Museum (€20 plus tax); jet ski rental (€70).
Venice
It's impossible not to be taken with Venice.
Its Grand Canal is lined with 50 palazzi and six churches, and then there's the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco further down the S-shaped waterway.
Venice is a wonderland of marble-clad churches, Venetian tapas and bubbly prosecco.
When it comes to Venice, Italy, travel deals are a little thin on the ground compared to places like Rimini, but it can still be enjoyed on a reasonable budget.
Accommodation in Venice
Low-cost accommodation in Venice
Generator Hostel
One of very few hostels in Venice (they don't seem to like backpackers here!), The Generator is set on the waterfront of the island of Giudecca.
You can reach the famous Piazza San Marco after a short trip on the Vaporetto (public waterbus).
As well as shared dormitories, private rooms and other options are available.
Compared to hostels in other major cities, Generator Venice is actually quite costly - but at €40 euros (dormitory bed in July), you won't find accommodation much cheaper in such a great location.
Mid-range/average cost accommodation in Venice
The Locanda Correr is just 200 metres' walk from St Mark's Square and offers air-conditioned rooms, free wifi and a minibar.
Decorated in 17th-century Venetian style, Locanda is packed with wood carvings and antiques.
Popular with couples, a July stay at the Locanda Correr will set you back around €120 euros per night.
Super-expensive accommodation in Venice
The unabashedly ostentatious Ai Cherubini will make you feel like a Venetian doge.
Each room features Wi-fi, air-con, water and coffee. The hosts are extremely helpful and the location is hidden away, making it a very quiet location.
Wake up and you're a short stroll from St Mark's Square. Around €300 per night.
How much does it cost to eat out in Venice?
Low-cost food options in Venice
Dal Moro's offers fresh take-out pasta with made-to-order sauces, served in a buzzing location near Palazzo Ducale.
A box of Bolognese will set you back just €6.90.
In a city beset with costly eateries, Dal Moro's is a delight for those on a budget.
Mid-range/average food options in Venice
The Osteria Antico Giardinetto is a cosy, family-run eatery featuring rustic decor and a seafood-focussed menu of Mediterranean and Venetian dishes.
While meals cost from €14 to €21, this constitutes mid-range in central Venice!
Super-expensive food options in Venice
Ristorante Glam is located a stone's throw from the Grand Canal and boasts two Michelin stars.
It's set in a cloistered courtyard under magnolia trees.
With tasting menus at around €200, it's not cheap, but the reviews suggest it's worth every euro-cent!
What is there to do in Venice?
Free/Cheap things to do in Venice
St Mark's Square (but don’t sit on the steps/floor or you'll be fined!); Basilica San Marco; Rialto Bridge; Rialto Market (great for a cheap snack); Bridge of Sighs.
For a cost:
Doge's Palace (€13–25); Murano and Burano - home to Venice's fabled glass-blowers (you'll need to hop on a Vaporetto); Glass Museum (€10).
Florence
Rivalling Venice with its incredible array of marble-clad basilicas with stunning frescoes, vast art galleries packed with Boticellis and Michaelangelos, and tantalising Florentine cuisine, Florence (Firenze) is hard to beat.
But are there Italy travel deals to Florence for folks on all budgets?
Accommodation in Florence
Low-cost accommodation in Florence
Hostel Santa Monica is a former convent located in the traditional Santo Spirito quarter, making it ideal for exploring the city's main attractions.
Dormitory beds cost around 25 euros, with privates available for around €50.
Mid-range/average cost accommodation in Florence
The 3110 ArtHotel offers modern, air-conditioned ensuite rooms with a minibar. It's fairly well located, just north of Florence's main attractions. At time of writing you can book a night in July for around €90.
Super expensive accommodation in Florence
Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo is among the best-located hotels in Florence, being as it is next door to Duomo Cathedral.
Opulent, art-covered rooms, superb breakfast and friendly staff have garnered Niccolini a 9.5 rating on Booking, and 4.6 on Google. But for around €300 a night, you'd expect nothing less.
How much does it cost to eat out in Florence?
Low cost food options in Florence
It's tricky to find a sit-down eatery in the centre of Florence that doesn't charge a tablet/service charge (of up to €8!). So head outside the main tourist zone and visit somewhere like Caffe Gilli or Rivoire in Piazza della Repubblica.
Be sure to eat and drink the luxury baked goods and coffee while standing, or you'll receive a table charge!
When eating out, avoid buying desserts and instead visit a local gelateria for an ice cream (often as cheap as €2).
Mid-range/average cost food options in Florence
Trattoria Napoleone on the south bank enjoys excellent reviews thanks to dishes like ravioli with truffle butter, Florentine steak and antipasti.
Mains prices range from €11 (fried mozzarella and truffle) to €27 (beef tenderloin, truffle and roast potatoes).
Super expensive food options in Florence
Enoteca Pinchiorri presents artful Tuscan-inspired dishes and a long wine list served in a traditional space.
The 'Discovery' menu includes salted cod sandwich, fascina prawn salad, chicken with porcini mushrooms and desserts - for €175 per person, not including wine.
What is there to do in Florence?
Cheap/free things to do in Florence
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (but not the cupola climb which requires a ticket); The Outdoor Markets (unless you buy something, of course); Loggia dei Lanzi and Piazza della Signoria (people watching); Oblate Library Terrace (great views from this public library near Duomo); San Miniato al Monte and its Cemetery; Le Cascine Park; Piazzale Michelangiolo - a beautiful terrace overlooking the city that's great for watching sunsets.
For a cost:
2.5 hour guided tour of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo including dome climb (€95); 12th-Century Battistero di San Giovanni church (€4); Uffizi Palace and Gallery with its vast array of art (€2-12, depending on when you visit).
Italy holidays comparison
There are many ways to book a cheap Italian holiday: by hunting down a package deal that includes flights; by booking separate budget airline tickets and accommodation; or by using an overseas/Italy holidays comparison site (such as Travelsupermarket or Icelolly). This is arguably the simplest and quickest way to find the best Italy holidays packages.
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