Italy tour ..we don't have enough cash?

[LaDolceVitafor200]

Afternoon!

I have been reading alot of holiday threads here recently which has prompted my own dilemma

Me and friend booked a very cheap Italy tour for 9 days 8 nights leaving next week. It's staying in 4 different Italian cities in basic B and B accommodation, local taxes and breakfast not included. B and B are all outside main towns we are visiting so an hour's travel.

We also have to pay for transport from airport each way , tour is self guided and just includes flights, coach transfers between 4 different cities and B and B

My friend is taking 200 euros and says she won't spend more, I'm getting worried this won't be enough, we also have to pay B and B local taxes etc

AIBU to tell her we both will need more cash , or has anyone been to Italy and found it cheap?!

€200 for 9 days in Italy? You'll be out of money after 2 days if you get a couple of birras and a little bowl of mixed nuts at a pavement cafe.

Maybe take a MN chicken, they can last a week t seems

She's delusional.

I suggest you google for the best sandwich places available to take back to your room.

Friend on another planet frankly if she thinks that’s enough money!

Do you mean she’s only taking that as cash for incidentals but will be using her card etc over there or absolutely 200 budget

Sounds like a great fun. Please come back and let us know how it went.

When I was in Italy 20/21 years ago, a bottle of water was about €2! So nowhere near enough IMO

Didn't quite catch that @PostMasting
Say again?

@LaDolceVitafor200
Are you flying with Ryanair with their basic carry on allowance ? As this is a very small bag/rucksack - recommend double checking the sizes you are allowed and then do a practice run at how much you can get in the bag. You could think of taking another fold up tote in your pocket and wearing several layers for the flight - eg 3 tee shirts, 3 pairs pants etc and then popping in the extra bag when you get there !

And obviously ignore my previous suggestions for taking food with you!

Is it this month you are travelling ? As you can get some chilly mornings as you get into October .

I am thinking that if you are arriving late in Rome and travelling on to Venice two days later, you will only have one day in Rome, so would suggest that you spend it wandering around and looking at everything you can from outside - rather than paying entrance fees and queuing to get into places .

A long journey by coach up to Venice - but the rest of the holiday should be more relaxed !

One advantage of staying a bit further out is there's plenty of very reasonably priced little pizza places that are delicious - no fancy interiors but amazing food.

Is there anything you can adjust before you go like your accommodation? Find a last minute deal with breakfast included and closer?
When there, hit the supermarkets and make up picnics and even buy breakfast items. Eat away from the main visitor areas. Find more eateries that the locals use as they're less likely to be hiked up tourist prices. If you drink, again, get it from the and have it in your room. It's expensive to drink at bars, etc. My relatives were shocked at a simple pint and glass of wine being so much!
If you don't need to buy new stuff to go away, then don't. Save it for spending while away.
Can you hire a car? Compare the transfer costs and daily travel costs to the breakdown per day of a hired vehicle. Basic smart car, nothing flash.
What can you book in advance? Will that save money on excursions/entry? Are there local touring companies that will do a selection of areas you'd like to see via coach (some include a meal) or are multiple attraction tickets to purchase?

If you really cannot afford it now, take the hit on the deposit, cancel and do a lot more research. Save more than what you need, then rebook. Sounds harsh, but it should be fun for you both, not causing this much stress and financial worry.

Thank you., yes Ryanair !

I have a small bag I bought off Amazon that meets carry on hand luggage size, one pair of fit flops which I will wear and wearing alot of layers on plane!

I was thinking of picking up small toiletaries after security in Boots using click and collect to get round liquids rules

Thanks. We are taking alot more cash after reading comments on this thread !

Another thing to reduce cost though not as relaxing...stand at the bar when having a coffee eg. It'll be cheaper than sitting at a table. Plus there should be plenty of water fountains to fill up your bottle with. No need to buy water really.

Have a fab time!! Xx

Take another pair of shoes/trainers, flipflops will not be great for sightseeing and walking far on the cobbled surfaces. Bear in mind you may need to cover shoulders and thighs if you go in any churches (of which there are many in Rome and Venice) and you may need to cover up in evenings to avoid mosquitos. There is little shade in Rome so hat is essential .

Oh god don't wear flip flops for a city break - your feet will be in shreds! If you wear sandals wear more substantial walking type sandals like Birkenstocks.

Northern Italy isn't massively warm in Ocrober - think mid teens to possibly low twenties and cooler in the evening. We went to Turin in early October a few years ago and you needed jeans and a t shirt, trainers and a light jacket. In the evenings sometimes tights were needed if wearing a dress or skirt.

Also, the tap water in most of Italy is perfectly safe to drink.

No fit flops not flip flops !!!
Really comfy and padded sole so great for walking !

Hat, good idea thank you !

Will you have other shoes too? I wore sandles around Rome and the cobbles crippled me. Take comfy trainers with you

I’ve just got back from Italy - Venice, lakes Milan - that’s not enough. Venice v expensive, 15 euro hotel breakfast - yes, you can get a 12 euro pizza, but will be a 5 euro cover charge and they get you on the drinks (7 euros for table water!). I’m not complaining, it’d a beautiful city that requires upkeep. Other cities are similar. What does the tour operator advise?

Is it the 200 each or the new plan of 400 each that you don’t think’s enough?

I’ve just arrived in the lakes so I’m interested from my viewpoint too.

@EmpressaurusOfCats the original plan - it’s hard as we were family of four, but 400 sounds about right. Lakes were cheaper than Venice, and we could self cater there for main meal, but coffee and ice cream etc still added up. Enjoy, it’s beautiful!