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Explore Italy on a Budget
Italy is renowned for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and stunning landscapes, making it a prime destination for travelers. However, the costs associated with visiting Italy can often deter potential adventurers. Savvy travelers have discovered effective ways to leverage travel credit card rewards to significantly reduce expenses for their Italian adventures. If you find the world of travel rewards overwhelming, don’t worry—this guide is here to help.
The Cheapest Award Flights to Italy
Airfare to Italy can be costly, especially during peak summer months. Nevertheless, flexibility with travel dates can lead to finding tickets for as low as 20,000 miles round-trip from the US. For less than the cost of a domestic flight, you can visit Italy and save significantly. Some travelers opt for luxury by splurging on business class seats for long-haul flights, achievable using just one credit card welcome bonus.
- Cheapest economy class ticket to Italy: From 24,000 Virgin Atlantic points round-trip
- Cheapest business class ticket to Italy: 88,000 ANA Mileage Club miles round-trip
- Cheapest first-class ticket to Italy: 135,000 Turkish Miles&Smiles miles round-trip
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Atlantic partners with Air France and Flying Blue, providing excellent award ticket options to Italy. An off-peak economy class ticket from the East Coast costs just 24,000 Virgin points round-trip. Conversely, flights from the West Coast are available for 30,000 miles round-trip. Even peak flights remain reasonable with pricing at 44,000 and 50,000 points, respectively.
Off-peak business class round-trip tickets amount to 97,000 points from the East Coast and 155,000 points from the West Coast, while peak travel costs 117,000 and 175,000 points, respectively.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club
All Nippon Airways offers one of the most economical business-class flights to Italy at just 88,000 miles round-trip. These flights are operated by partner carriers, making it a budget-conscious option. If you choose to travel in diverse cabin classes, ANA offers various low redemption rates: economy for 55,000 miles round-trip and first-class for 165,000 miles.
Turkish Miles&Smiles
Turkish Airlines is another carrier providing fantastic flight deals to Italy. While economy and business class rates are reasonable, first-class awards from the US to Italy are an astounding value at only 135,000 miles round-trip. Regardless of whether you choose economy or business, Turkish Airlines offers competitive pricing that can save you money.
Italy Hotels You Can Book with Points
When budgeting for travel to Italy, lodging is often a significant expense. Opting to use points for hotel stays can greatly alleviate these costs. While Italy features numerous hotel options across various chains, many can be pricey. It’s advisable to seek hotels located slightly outside city centers for better deals. Here are some strategies and suggestions for utilizing points when securing accommodations in Italy:
Stop 1: Rome
Rome serves as an ideal starting point for your Italian journey. Given its position as home to the largest airport in the country, travelers can access direct flights or connections to various European destinations. While hotel costs can be high, the Hotel D’inghilterra available for Hyatt points remains a great option. This hotel, located near iconic landmarks, allows for booking with 25,000 to 35,000 points per night.
Stop 2: Milan
Milan, the heart of Italian fashion and design, presents a captivating mix of history and culture. For visitors interested in shopping, art, and nightlife, the Hotel Indigo Milan – Corso Monforte can be booked with IHG points—costing as low as 36,500 points per night based on availability.
Stop 3: Lake Como
Cascading beauty awaits at Lake Como, a mere hour from Milan. You can explore charming lakeside villages such as Bellagio and Varenna, each echoing Italy’s rich heritage. The Hilton Lake Como, costing around 63,000 points per night depending on the season, is ideal for enjoying the picturesque landscape.
Stop 4: Venice
Visiting Venice during the shoulder season offers an enchanting experience away from the tourist rush. The luxurious St. Regis Venice, located on the Grand Canal, can be reserved for approximately 76,000 points per night, making for a memorable stay amidst historic elegance.
Activities and Ground Transportation
When planning your travel to Italy, it is critical to consider ground transportation and activity costs. These expenses can accumulate, especially during longer trips. To mitigate these costs, using flexible rewards can be advantageous. For instance, the Capital One cards provide remarkable flexibility in utilizing miles for travel expenses.
Bottom Line
Your dream visit to Italy can become a vivid reality through strategic planning and the utilization of travel rewards. With the right credit card rewards and insights from this guide, you’re equipped to maximize your journey and optimize your budget for expenditures.
