Italy is romantic, historic, scenic—and surprisingly affordable, if you play it right. Our 13-day trip across the country as a family of five proves you don’t have to overspend to experience the best of la dolce vita.
Why Italy? Why Now?
Italy has a way of calling to you. Maybe it’s the centuries-old ruins, the pasta served with pride, or the fact that every city feels like a living museum. For our family of five, it was all of the above. We wanted to give our kids a travel experience they’d never forget—and make sure our wallet didn’t need a vacation afterward.
So we set off on a 13-day journey that took us from Rome to the Milan, with stops in Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, Verona, Lucca, Siena, and Dolomites. We drove over 2,000 miles, walked through ancient streets, and learned how to travel like locals—and spend like them too.
This is the first in a blog series that covers our full itinerary, with finance tips built into every leg of the journey.
🛏 Where We Stayed: Apartments Over Hotels
Let’s talk lodging—because with five people, it’s not just about cost, it’s about comfort.
Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms (which would’ve doubled our nightly costs), we opted for apartment-style accommodations. Most were reserved through Booking.com, with one through Airbnb.
Each place came with:
- A kitchen, perfect for quick breakfasts or the occasional home-cooked dinner
- A washing machine, which cut down our packing needs
- A central location near major attractions
In Italy, many city centers are marked by ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato)—areas where driving is restricted to locals. So we prioritized staying within walking distance of everything we wanted to see. Yes, this meant spending about $350 per night, but the value was unbeatable. We walked nearly everywhere, saving both time and transportation costs.
🚗 Getting Around: 2,000 Miles of Italian Asphalt
After a few days exploring Rome, we picked up a rental car and hit the road—driving from Tuscany to the Ligurian coast, up through the Dolomites, and down to Milan.
Was it beautiful? Absolutely.
Was it budget-friendly? Kind of.
Let’s break it down.
We drove about 2,000 miles, and learned that while Italian roads are well-maintained, they come at a cost:
- Toll roads are everywhere and can rack up quickly.
- Gas averaged €1.80 per liter (that’s about $7.50 per gallon in U.S. dollars).
Still, the flexibility of having our own car allowed us to stop in off-the-path towns, enjoy scenic routes, and explore areas like Seceda and Lago di Braies, which would’ve been hard to reach by train.
We’ll share more in the upcoming posts about how to navigate tolls, avoid ZTL tickets, and save on parking.
🍕 Eating in Italy: Street Food, Sidewalks, and Sweet Savings
Here’s the thing: we ate like kings—but rarely sat on a throne.
Most of our meals were on the go. From crisp Roman pizza slices to focaccia sandwiches in Florence and pasta in a cup in Cinque Terre, we embraced Italy’s grab-and-go street food culture.
Why? Two big reasons:
- It’s affordable—a delicious sandwich or pizza slice can cost as little as €3–5.
- Restaurants charge a “coperto” (sitting fee)—usually €2–4 per person—just to sit down. For five people, that adds up fast.
We reserved restaurant meals for dinners or special moments, but lunch was often on foot or enjoyed from a shaded bench with a view. And honestly, it made us feel more connected to the rhythm of the city.
Oh, and let’s not forget the gelato breaks—sometimes twice a day. No shame.
Another fun (and budget-friendly) perk? Alcohol is cheaper in Italy, and you can walk around with an open container. A glass of wine with a sunset? Legal. A cold beer by the canal? Totally normal. You’ll find quality wine in shops for under €5—and no corkage fee when your table is a public park.
🧾 The Budget Breakdown (Estimates)
Here’s a rough idea of what this trip cost us, not including airfare:
| Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Lodging | $4,550 (13 nights) |
| Car Rental | $800–$1,000 |
| Gas & Tolls | $700–$900 |
| Attractions | $500 (entry fees, museums, etc.) |
| Food | $1,000–$1,300 |
| Misc. (gifts, gelato, laundry) | $300 |
Estimated Total: $8,500–$9,000
Divided by 5 people, that’s about $700 per person, per week—pretty impressive for a full Italy tour during peak season.
🔄 What You’ll Find in This Blog Series
Each post will walk you through a different stop on our trip, with:
- A full daily itinerary
- Cultural and historical highlights
- Hidden gems and surprises
- Real cost examples and budget hacks
- A “Finance Tip of the Day” for fellow travelers
Here’s the lineup:
- Rome – Trevi Fountains, ancient ruins, and gelato on the go
- Florence – Art, architecture, and sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
- Cinque Terre & Tuscany – Beach towns, towers, and toll roads
- Venice – Gondolas, canals, and avoiding tourist traps
- The Dolomites – Alpine magic and nature’s ROI
- Verona & Milan – Romance, fashion, and final reflections
Should You Travel to Italy as a Family?
Yes. A thousand times yes.
This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a crash course in art, history, food, and financial literacy—wrapped into one unforgettable trip. With careful planning, smart spending, and a little flexibility, Italy can be an affordable and enriching experience for families of all sizes.
Next up: ROME – where 2,000-year-old ruins meet 2-euro espresso.
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