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How to Book a Trip to Rome and Florence

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Rome and Florence

Plan a two-week trip through Italy's history and art with a clear payment schedule.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $211.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Rome and Florence are best in the off-season. You get the Colosseum and the Uffizi without the summer crowds or the heavy heat. In November or March, the air is crisp, the pasta is just as good, and the flights are cheaper.

A typical trip for two runs about $3800. We can break that cost into smaller monthly chunks. If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi), you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening.

The 0% rate is a grace period, not a discount. If you still have a balance after the 18 months, the standard interest rate kicks in on the remaining amount. Pay it off before the clock runs out to keep the trip interest-free.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Aim for late October or early April. You avoid the peak prices of summer and the holiday rush. It's the sweet spot for walking these cities comfortably.

  2. 02

    Split your time

    Give Rome four days for history and Florence three for art. Use the high-speed train to get between them in under two hours. Book these tickets early to save money.

  3. 03

    Use the right tool

    Put the big expenses on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay $211.11 a month to cover the $3800 total.

  4. 04

    Find a local base

    Look for apartments in Trastevere in Rome or Oltrarno in Florence. These spots feel like real neighborhoods rather than tourist hubs. You can walk to the main sites but eat where the locals do.

  5. 05

    Book the big sites

    Get your tickets for the Vatican and the Accademia weeks before you leave. Showing up without a reservation means hours in line. It's the one part of the trip you can't wing.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is Italy expensive in the spring?

It's cheaper than summer but pricier than winter. You'll save on flights and hotels compared to July. Food and museum prices stay mostly the same year-round.

Do I need a car for this trip?

No, you really don't want one. Rome and Florence are walkable and driving in Italian cities is a headache. Stick to the trains and your own two feet.

Can I use this card for everything?

You can use it for the flights, hotels, and tours. Just remember the 18-month window starts when you open the account. It's best for the big upfront costs.

When do I start paying it back?

Start as soon as you charge the trip. Dividing the total by 18 gives you a clear monthly target. Staying ahead of the deadline keeps things simple.