| There are a lot of reasons why Italy is at the top of | | | | farmland are often very hands-on, providing an |
| the travelers' wish list. Awe-inspiring cultural attractions | | | | opportunity not only to see Italy's famous vineyards, |
| and historical monuments rank highly; so, too, does the | | | | olive groves and animal agriculture, but also to get |
| wonderful climate, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine | | | | involved and sample the resulting produce. |
| and friendly people... it goes on and on! | | | | Hiring a car may provide easier access to the more |
| But as far as the budget traveler is concerned, | | | | remote Italy hostels, but toll roads and petrol costs are |
| arguably the best thing about the country is the sheer | | | | likely to be off-putting. The cheaper and by-and-large |
| unmitigated quality of budget accommodation. Put | | | | more convenient travel option is the train, which also |
| simply, hostels in Italy are some of the best in the | | | | allows tourists to mix with the locals too. |
| world. | | | | Food |
| Sights | | | | Food remains an exceptionally important part of this |
| Italy's history is characterized in part by the excess of | | | | country's character, while also varying widely between |
| the lavish Romans, evident in architectural triumphs | | | | different regions. As far as Italian cuisine is concerned, |
| such as the Colosseum in Campitelli and the Valley of | | | | it's really a matter of how far temptation will allow your |
| the Temples in Agrigento which, although suffering the | | | | budget to stretch! |
| natural toils of time, still provide a fascinating insight into | | | | However, for budget travelers it may be advisable to |
| a great empire past. | | | | take advantage of the availability of inexpensive |
| However, for some of the country's (slightly!) more | | | | cheap ingredients on markets rather than spending |
| recent history, travelers can look forward to sights | | | | money at some of Italy's many expensive restaurants. |
| such as the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa and the | | | | But with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients, splashing |
| Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola in Napoli. | | | | out now and again in as many different locations |
| For the more spiritual, the visually stunning and truly | | | | across Italy as one's wallet will allow is highly |
| inspiring Vatican City, housed in the enclaves of an | | | | recommended for food fans. Puglia or Venice's |
| inner wall inside the city of Rome, underlines the high | | | | delicious fish dishes and Tuscany's local culinary tours |
| regard with which religious tradition is still valued. | | | | are just some of the food-focused highlights to look |
| And for those more inclined towards open-air | | | | forward to. |
| adventure, tours of some of Italy's countryside and | | | | |