{"id":28528,"date":"2018-08-08T01:00:16","date_gmt":"2018-08-07T15:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=28528"},"modified":"2025-07-17T22:28:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T12:28:35","slug":"italy-on-a-budget-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/italy-on-a-budget-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A budget guide to the highlights of Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"

From the opulent cathedral in Florence to the ancient Roman Colosseum and canals of Venice, Italy overflows with epic architecture and swoon-worthy cityscapes.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

Contrary to appearances (we are looking at you, luxe Instagrammers), an adventure on the Mediterranean peninsula doesn’t need to break the bank. I recently enjoyed a grand 8-day getaway on Intrepid’s Highlights of Italy<\/a> <\/strong>tour\u2014all while sticking to a tight budget. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s how to save, and occasionally splurge, across Italy while still savoring la dolce vita.<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore the backstreets (and canals) of Venice <\/b><\/h2>\n

Step away from the Grand Canal and wander through the quiet(er) streets of the of Cannaregio neighborhood where you’ll find locals sipping coffee before work or dining at family-run restaurants where makeshift outdoor patios replace formal dining rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Italy

Always-stunning Venice<\/p><\/div>\n

Want to see the city by boat on the cheap? Skip the Gondola and take the public vaporetto (water bus) instead\u2014think of it as the subway for Venice. The #1 and #2 lines cruise through the Grand Canal passing by major landmarks along the way. A one-way ticket is about $8 (<\/span>\u20ac <\/span>7.50).<\/span><\/p>\n

Surprisingly, there are free sights, too.<\/span><\/p>\n