My wife and I went to Italy just this past year (2nd time in the same year, just different area) to Venice, Florence and the Tuscany.

Yes, we too did experience the high prices, however we choose to go off of the beaten path and find where the locals eat, shop and drink. The atmosphere is much more pleasant and relaxing without the pigeons or noisy crowds of especially rude Americans.

Although we are both from America, we are both able to speak several languages and can fit it easily with the locals.

In any of the places around the Piazza, the prices are so inflated, so we would never pay them. However if you are standing in the center of the Piazza with your back to the waterfront, simply walk down the alleyway to your right and follow it around to the left.

In about 2 minutes of walking you will be in a very locals only neighbourhood. Look to your left and you will see a small corner supermarche, go inside and check out the wine prices. You can find a great bottle of wine for less than 4E. Buy it and walk your way back to the Piazza and enjoy it for free while watching the boats go by.

If the weather is not the best when you are there, go inside the Hotel Danelli (stayed there in a suite, fantastic hotel and wonderful staff) and sit at the lobby bar, they will not charge you a corking fee and you can enjoy the view of priceless antiques and architecture of the hotel.


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Travel! Travel! Who wants to Travel?