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Rome's ancient wonder, Cinque Terre's cliffs, Sicilian food, and the world's most beautiful train journeys.
Italy is expensive compared to Southeast Asia but still completely doable on a backpacker budget if you eat at lunchtime, stay in hostels and use trains. Rome, Florence and Venice are worth every cent — even if Venice is sinking.
Each region has a completely different character. Here is what to expect.
The Eternal City — the Colosseum and Forum (book online to skip the queue), the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (book weeks ahead in summer), the Pantheon (now charges entry). The streets of Trastevere and Testaccio are where Romans actually live. Eat suppli and cacio e pepe.
Renaissance art capital — the Uffizi Gallery (advance booking essential), Michelangelo's David, Brunelleschi's dome. Cross the Ponte Vecchio at dawn before the jewellery shops open. Bistecca alla Fiorentina from a local trattoria.
The most extraordinary city ever built — 118 islands, 400 bridges, no roads, no cars. Take the vaporetto (water bus) rather than a gondola for transport. The quieter Cannaregio and Castello districts feel like genuine residential Venice. Visit September-November for fewer crowds.
Italy's most intense city — the birthplace of pizza (eat it at Da Michele or Sorbillo for £3), extraordinary street life, the archaeological museum, and day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Amalfi Coast is two hours away.
Italy is mid-range for Western Europe.
Always check menus for cover charges (coperto) before sitting down.
Espresso at a bar counter £1-1.50 (standing — sitting doubles the price).
Local trattoria dinner £12-20.
Hostel dorm £20-35.
Venice has introduced a day-tripper entry fee during peak periods — a positive development for reducing overtourism pressure. Stay at least one night to experience the city without day-trip crowds. Avoid buying Murano glass from shops on the main tourist routes — genuine Murano glass is made only on the island of Murano.
Tell us where you want to go and your budget — we'll build a personalised quote with routes, hostels, and transport sorted.
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