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Budget Travel outlines some of Frommer's writer Reid Bramblett's tips for making travel in Italy affordable. He recommends looking for other lodging besides hotels like campgrounds and monasteries, comparing car rental prices with AutoEurope.com , and trying Italian villages which have been turned into hotels ( alberghidiffusi.it ). You can also see his own website for recommendations at ReidsGuides.com .

The Wall Street Journal highlights the monastery Abbazia San Pietro in Valle in Umbria . The monastery is refashioned into a rustically simple hotel where you can relax and soak in the gorgeous Italian countryside. While you are there you can explore the ruins of the abandoned medieval village Umbriano , just a short walk away. The monastery also has an exquisite restaurant, Il Cantico , so even if you are not staying the night, be sure to stay for dinner.