Travel costs

The best way to travel around Italy is by your own car, or perhaps hire car.

The country is perfect for off the beaten track routes to discover and the autostrade are pretty direct if you avoid certain times of the day, and those times of the year when everyone heads off for the 'ponte' or holidays.

But sometimes you'd be wise to take the train.

There are many incredibly low cost routes which save so much stress and road hassle, particularly exiting Rome.

For example, we recently took the Rome to Orbetello train. Cost: euros 7,21 for a 2 hour journey along the coast to one of Italy's most exclusive destinations in Tuscany. A bargain.

A further 1,20 euro for a bus to Porto Santo Stefano and then a leisurely fresh fish lunch. What a result.

Unfortunately, the hotel was 7km futher into the Monte Argentario.

And this is where they get you ... 50 euros for the taxi each way. Cute!