Italy is set to remain the number one most coveted destination in 2024, but traveling to Europe can be expensive, and that’s even before you consider the cost of living crisis.
Capsule NZ spoke to Emanuele Atansio, Tourism Italy’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand, to find out how. Italy a little cheaper than usual – Check out his four biggest tips below.
Tip 1: Go off the beaten path
In Italy, traveling to lesser known places does not mean you will have a poor experience there. Country.
For example, a visit to Bologna in Emilia-Romagna is a culturally rich experience. This city is full of architectural wonders and authentic cuisine, and is known around the world as the city of gastronomy.
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If you want to experience a destination with all the charm of Amalfi or Capri, then the wonderful island of Procida is the place to go, with the same characteristics and an amazing natural landscape.
Procida has been declared Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, and the island’s villages, monasteries and palaces are all waiting to be discovered. Must-see spots include Marina della Corricella, the island’s oldest fishing village, and Palazzo d’Avalos, his impressive 16th-century structure that dominates the village of Terra Murata.
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While Italian history and culture are clearly at the heart of travel, experiences such as agritourism, winter snow sports, and exploring Italy’s islands are becoming increasingly popular. It’s no longer about bashing Rome, Florence and Venice and saying we’ve “done” Italy.
Tip 2: Go out for an afternoon aperitif.
Italians are known for their aperitifs. This refers to the ritual of enjoying a late afternoon drink, such as a glass of wine or a spritz cocktail, along with delicious canapés.
In keeping with cultural tradition, most bars in Italy offer aperitifs, and the food served is included in the price of the drink.
Aperitif time not only allows you to better immerse yourself in the culture, but it may even help you curb your appetite and lower your evening meal bill. You win!
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Tip 3: Eat like a local
Speaking of eating like a local, street food is everywhere in Italy, making it cheap, fast, and convenient to sample the country’s delicious cuisine on the go.
You can also visit one of the many delis and bakeries and buy baked goods and fresh produce such as olives, prosciutto, and cheese. Perfect for lunchtime or an evening picnic in the park.
For a heartier, more authentic meal, consider dining at a local trattoria. Trattorias are casual, local diner-style establishments that offer a variety of home-cooked meals at affordable prices.
A dreamy Italian vacation spot with basically no crowds
Tip 4: Take advantage of Italy’s extensive rail network
Exploring Italy by train allows you to relax and enjoy the journey itself, not just the destination. In Italy, it’s easy to overload your itinerary with so many amazing experiences. Train travel requires you to slow down and take breaks along the way. The train journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure.
Italy’s well-developed rail network allows you to reach even the most remote places, relaxing and enjoying the scenery along the way. There are rail services connecting almost every town and city in the country, and given the point-to-point connectivity, comfort, cost and ease of train travel, it’s often better to travel by train than by plane or car in Italy. Most of the time it’s reasonable.
Moreover, once you arrive at an Italian train station, you are usually not far from the city center. Train tickets are also affordable, especially if you book in advance, use a rail pass, or travel by local train.
This article was first published capsule, Republished here with permission.