Good/Budget Italy Vacation Packages?

Question

Can anyone suggest where online I can find good/budget vacation packages to Italy. I am looking to go with my girlfriend sometime in September and I would like to have airfare, hotel, and local transportation taken care of. Or at least hotel and airfare. However, I do not want to do any guided tours or group things. I would like to do things on our own. Would like to visit 3 different cities within a 10-14 day period, e.g. Florence, Rome, Venice. Most of the things I found online consist of guided or group tours. Also, if your suggesting based on a personal experience, details of your trip would be nice. Thanks.

Answer 1

Well a lot of this depends on where you're originating your journey from which I don't know.  

CIT Tours has been around for a while and has offices in most countries. They can organise your entire trip or just part of it, and are familiar with the country as this is all they do: http://www.cittours-canada.com/

Look for the local CIT website if this isn't your country.

For planning your best bet is to look at the Italian National Tourism website - full of info: http://www.tourismrankings.com/Italy/

Lastly, much of your money will be spent on accommodation. This tool allows you to sort by location , star rating and price. Dig deep into the offers and you will likely find free extras which will save you money. Always find centrally located hotels to save on time which is valuable .... time is precious on vacation:

Answer 2

I have a little travel blog that may help you.  Use the Kayak search on the right side of the blog.  You will find the cheapest airfare from there.  

Take a look at the "Find Great Hotels" post for hotel info.  It should help you.  Italy is awesome and in September the weather should be fantastic!  Enjoy!!!  

Oh, and book ASAP as prices typically will go up the closer you get to the departure date.  (every week counts)

http://besttravelsearch.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

Try Untours (www.untours.com)!  They're perfect for independent travelers who just want the basics.  They set you up with airfare,  then  give you a rail pass or car rental, and apartment.  You really get to know an area and live like an "untourist."

I'm looking at the brochure now and they have the following regions in Italy listed:Sicily, Tuscany South, Tuscany North, Umbria, Rome and Venice.  You can use them to see the area you're in, and as a base to go touring "off the beaten path."

Also says here that there's something called La Notte Bianca in Rome in September  when museums, shops and restaurants stay open all night!  And something called Regata Storica in Venice with sensational processions along the waterways.

I'm getting jealous- think I'll go too!  Happy travels!

And whatever you do, don't miss the gelato- to die for!!!!!!!!!!