Inexpensive, cultural trip?

Question

I went to Italy last March and had a wonderful time, however it was very touristy............Venice, Florence and Rome. Honestly I liked the little town up the hill from Florence the best. I believe it was called Feosole? I was to spend about a month in Italy immersing my family in the culture. Obviously that can be very expensive. Does anyone have any ideas where I can make this feasible. I understand going to the supermarket, etc. But anything else. I really want to do this for $5000 US or less.

Answer 1

Find a little aguotrimo they are like farm houses. Usually rent a villa from them they have kitchens in them and they are in the middle of tuscany no tourism around. They are usually cheap. The one we stayed in was a two floor villa that would sleep 8 people. It was like E30 a nite a think person I think. but I seem to have missed placed the infor on it it I find it I;ll let you know.

Answer 2

It can definitely be done. If I can recommend a book that totally got me through on the pennies my parents sent me each week, it's called Let's Go Italy On a Budget. It categorizes everything based on price and all of the locations have been visited by the authors of the book. My friends and I lived by the book and we were happy with absolutely every restaurant, hostel, and site the book recommended. We were really "by the book." Speaking out against the book became blasphemous. Okay, I've digressed...

I can't suggest a city for you to stay in. I would say Bologna but because you're bringing your family (which may or may not include children), I start to think that might not be such a good idea as it is a radical college city.

As for supermarket and fees, really, it's only a month, and it was I believe 7-8 weeks before I got sick of spaghetti.

I think you'll be fine with $5,000. I have total confidence in you. I mean, you won't be buying Prada or anything but you'll be able to enjoy the essentials. I think you should save when it comes to food. Usually, whenever I went on a day trip, I would just get one great traditional meal from the "tourist" menu.

Oh, and that little town by the way is Fiesole (I loved it, too)!