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Ask the experts: Anne Hanely, our Italy expert, advises on cheap travel and accommodation options in Italy.
John and Linda Hoadley, Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex, asks
My husband and I are planning a month in Italy. We have booked flights to Rome in mid-April, and want to use public transport as much as possible and stay in reasonably priced hotels and maybe a few rental properties. We both enjoy history. What are your recommendations, please?
Anne Hanley, Italy expert, replies
Travelling between Italy’s larger cities and towns on public transport is easy. Trains are generally reliable, from those of the speedy, luxurious but costly Trenitalia TAV and the new private operator Italo (italotreno.it) to the slower, quainter and remarkably inexpensive treni regionali. Book through the useful Trenitalia site (trenitalia.com) or buy a rail pass (raileurope.co.uk). I would recommend against hiring a car to visit larger towns and cities: traffic restrictions and parking hell can make it a nightmare. Most local bus companies offer 24-hour, 72-hour or weekly passes, which are a much better bet for exploring in urban areas. To get a feel for Italy’s gorgeous countryside, you will, however, need a car.
Many property renters won’t let for fewer than five days or a week, so consider basing yourself for part of your stay in a strategically placed hideaway from where you have a whole, spectacular history-packed region within 90 minutes’ drive. Somewhere rural between Siena and Florence would be a good bet; or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a cheap internal flight to Sicily. Owners Direct (ownersdirect.co.uk) and Slow Travel (slowtrav.com) have rental accommodation all over Italy; Think Sicily (thinksicily.com) has some wonderful properties on the island.
For hotel recommendations, see our expert guides online: telegraph.co.uk/destinations
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