Cheap Tuscany, Italy
It’s no surprise that one of the most popular regions of Italy is also one of the most expensive. Between accommodation, food and sites, you can really burn through the euros on a trip to Tuscany.
But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way – it is possible to travel Tuscany on the cheap.
By accident, I discovered a way to keep the cost of visiting Tuscany right down. And the bonus? Well, it might actually be better suited to your style of travel as well.
Introducing… dramatic drumroll… the hostel in the countryside!
Cheap Tuscany accommodation
In the quiet little village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, the hostel is one of the largest buildings. That’s not to say it’s large, more that everything else is appropriately proportioned for a village.
It’s called the ‘Ostello del Chianti’ and a bed in a dorm will cost only 16 euros. There’s a large common area to relax and mingle in, a good dining room which is usually quite quiet in the evenings, and a garden with a bbq.
There are plenty of rooms so it’s ideal for larger groups or for those travelling solo.
The advantage of staying in the hostel for sightseeing in Tuscany is that the village is centrally located. It’s only a short bus ride to Florence or Siena, or to some of the smaller and more charming towns like San Gimignano and Volterra.
To Florence, for example, the trip is slightly less than an hour and costs 3.30 euros.
It means it’s possible to base yourself in one place for a week and take day trips to various locations to get a broad sense of the area. If you had a car, it would be even easier. Even with a bike there are a number of places you can explore.
Cheap Tuscany food
You’ll also keep your food costs down. Firstly, breakfast is provided, unlike with many of the hotels in the larger cities of Tuscany. If you’re back in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa by the evening there are some great pizzerias to choose from for dinner and, guess what, they’re cheap.
An average pizza will set you back about 4 or 5 euros and half a litre of wine costs about 4 euro. That’s more than half the cost you’ll find at the basic restaurants in Florence.
At the bar in the main street of the town, you can get a cheap drink and even do some wine tasting. The owner speaks good English and gave us a large variety of local specialties to try – all for only 2.50 euros per (large!) glass.
There are a number of other wineries in the area that you can walk to and will do a wine tasting during the day, if you’re interested in that. There are also some beautiful hikes and historic villages all within walking or cycling distance.
It’s a nice way to see some of the Tuscan countryside and scenic views, away from the hordes of tourists in other parts of the region.
If you want to spend day after day looking at the museums and galleries of Florence, this might not be the best option.
But if you want to get a sense of Tuscany, see some smaller villages as well as the big cities, eat some genuine local food and drink the delicious Tuscan wine, AND do it all on a tight budget… then this is a great option to consider!
30 thoughts on “How to visit Tuscany cheaply”
Ah, the big pizza from the big mamma with the big bottle of wine!
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Oh yeah, the big mamma. It’s just lucky her pizza was tasty and her wine was cheap… she didn’t have much else going on for her…
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My dream is to go to Tuscany to the small villages on a small budget
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I hope your dream comes true oneday
Hey this is great to know about! We did a post on Tuscany on a shoestring last year when we were there, too. In general, Tuscany can be really cheap, especially because food and wine are actually economical, but it’s the accommodation that can run up costs. Great that this hostel is so near to San Gimignano and Volterra – those were my two absolute favorite little towns!
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The food isn’t exorbitant but you’re definitely going to be paying tourist prices at most places in the big cities. That’s why getting out to the smaller areas can be really economical.
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Great advice. Would love to check it out someday.
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Please let me know if you do!
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Beautiful pictures! I haven’t been to Tuscany in such a long time..
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Well now you’ve got a good reason!!
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Nice shots! I’m all about cheap travel 🙂
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It’s good to know you don’t have to stay in Asia for your whole life then 🙂
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Great tip on the wine tastings…. at least for a wino like me 🙂
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You wouldn’t regret it. Gotta love a good chianti!
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Great tips, loving the photos looks like a great place to visit
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Thanks. It’s definitely worth looking into, if you’re interested in that area.
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I found Tuscany to be surprisingly cheap. Dining out at restaurants can be expensive but the supermarkets are fabulous. You can buy a great bottle of Sicilian wine for less than 2 Euros. I found a great studio with a with a kitchenette on booking.com and used it as a base to explore Cinque Terre and Tuscany for just 50Euros/night.
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Good advice. For 50 euro a night you can definitely find some nice (but small and simple) places to stay. And the supermarkets are really cheap. it’s the restaurants that will eat away your cash (pun intended).
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Hi Liz- I’m taking my wife on holidays. Wondering what the name of the studio you stayed at is and any other suggestions for places to stay in Tuscany?
Thanks!
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Liz, where did you stay?
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Tuscany is really beautiful destinations in the world. Great ideas to go for Tuscany.
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Hi,
Just superb images and from that i will give visit for sure..and as you quoted “it might actually be better suited to your style of travel as well.” and my opinion to this is DEFINITELY “BETTER SUITED” 🙂Reply
Thanks, Eddie. It is a great way for many people to see the region, I think.
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Tuscany is one of the beautiful place of the World. It will be so memorable to spend some time at this place. All the accommodation and also the affordable rate is so good. Thanks for sharing this……………………….
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Curious as to the name of the pizzeria and the town it is in. We’re planning to “pizza eat” our way through Tuscany next year and this looks like exactly our kind of place!
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My twin sister and I are planning a trip to Tuscany just after our 60th birthday in 2020. How can I get more information on this hostel?
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If you don’t spend time in Florence proper, you are missing some of the greatest art in the world.
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Great info mate.
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Are there any drivers that can take you around tuscanny on a reasonable fee?
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are there any tours that travel out of the united states to these destination tours?
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As an enthusiast and seasoned traveler well-versed in exploring Italy, particularly Tuscany, I've extensively studied and experienced various facets of this enchanting region. My knowledge stems from personal visits, immersion in the local culture, exploration of its diverse landscapes, and engagement with its people and traditions.
Tuscany, renowned for its captivating landscapes, rich history, delectable cuisine, and remarkable art, has a reputation for being expensive. However, I've discovered affordable ways to relish the essence of Tuscany without straining the budget.
The article "Cheap Tuscany, Italy" delineates practical strategies for budget-conscious travelers, focusing on affordable accommodations, cost-effective dining options, and the advantageous location of a countryside hostel, the 'Ostello del Chianti,' situated in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.
Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
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Cheap Tuscany Accommodation:
- The Ostello del Chianti in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa offers dorm beds at 16 euros per night. It provides a communal area, dining room, garden with a BBQ, and is suitable for solo travelers or larger groups.
- Its central location facilitates day trips to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra via affordable transportation options like buses, making it convenient for exploring various locales in Tuscany without changing accommodations frequently.
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Budget-Friendly Food Options:
- The article emphasizes cost-effective dining, mentioning breakfast provided at the hostel and affordable pizzerias in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. Pizzas average around 4-5 euros, and a half-liter of wine costs about 4 euros.
- Local bars offer inexpensive drinks and wine tastings at a reasonable price, contributing to an authentic Tuscan culinary experience without overspending.
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Exploration Beyond Tourist Hotspots:
- Engaging in wine tastings at nearby wineries, embarking on scenic hikes, and visiting historic villages within walking or cycling distance from the hostel present opportunities to immerse oneself in the Tuscan countryside away from crowded tourist spots.
- This approach allows for a comprehensive experience of Tuscany, balancing visits to smaller villages with occasional trips to larger cities like Florence and Siena.
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Affordable Travel Tips:
- Utilizing local supermarkets for budget-friendly purchases, such as Sicilian wine for less than 2 euros, and considering alternative accommodations with kitchenettes for cost-effective stays.
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Balancing Budget with Experiences:
- Acknowledging that while Florence's museums and galleries offer remarkable art, venturing beyond these attractions to explore smaller towns and relish local cuisine can provide a more comprehensive Tuscan experience on a budget.
This strategy caters to travelers seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany, including its diverse landscapes, culinary delights, and cultural heritage, while maintaining a strict budgetary focus.
The comments following the article echo sentiments of travelers who appreciate cost-effective travel tips and seek further information about accommodations, local eateries, and transportation options, emphasizing the allure of exploring Tuscany affordably.
These insights collectively affirm the effectiveness and appeal of budget-friendly travel approaches in Tuscany, enabling individuals to savor the region's charm without financial strain.
