Quaint Italian city like Venice without the crowds or high prices – and Ryanair is launching new flights
THERE'S a city in Italy that's been likened to Venice by visitors, but it's considerably easier on the bank balance.
Travel experts and holidaymakers have dubbed a city in the north of Italy "Little Venice" thanks to its canals, palaces, and historic buildings.
Why Treviso?
Set in northeastern Italy, Treviso is known for its historic palaces, pretty canals, and proximity to the Veneto Prosecco region.
Because of these similarities, the small Italian city has been compared to Venice for many years.
According to San Nicolo, a local hotel in the city, "Treviso is called 'Little Venice' because of the numerous rivers that wind between its houses, creating beautiful views and an ambience that changes with each passing hour of the day."
Meanwhile, travel blogger Pizza Girl Patrol added: "Treviso gave me the same magical feeling as Pisa – much smaller than Venice and for sure not having so many tourist attractions, yet so beautiful and outstanding.
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"Treviso is full of amazing squares, monumental buildings, charming narrow alleys, and sweet, fairytale-like bridges."
While the styles of the buildings are similar, the prices at bars, restaurants and hotels are significantly better value - making a trip to Treviso being much cheaper.
Later this year, Ryanair will be launching flights to the Italian city too.
The budget airline will operate a direct route from the UK to Treviso for as little as £39 for a one-way ticket.
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With a flight time of just under two hours, holidaymakers will arrive in the Italian city in less time than it takes to get to Rome or Naples.
Hotels in Treviso are extremely affordable too.
Sun Online Travel have found an overnight stay at Hotel Continental, a four-star hotel just a short walk away from the city centre, for £32.50 per person, based on two people sharing a room.
There are even cheaper spots too like a single bed in a hostel dormitory for £16 per person.
While hotels and hostels with similar amenities in Venice cost more than twice the price.
Food and drink in the city is cheap too, with a pint of beer costing £4.50, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost just £13.
When booking a trip, summer is the best time to go as temperatures can reach 29C.
What is there to do in Treviso?
While Treviso may not be as sprawling as Venice, there are still plenty of things to do in the city.
One of those attractions is Treviso Cathedral, which is home to naves, chapels, pieces of religious artwork, and an underground crypt dating back to the 11th Century.
Entry into the cathedral is free.
To delve into the city's history, head to the city walls that snake around the entirety of Treviso.
Even though most of the gates at the city walls are more on the modern side, three older city gates still remain, including Altinia Gate, Porta San Tommaso, and Porta Santi Quaranta.
Other attractions include the city's ancient canals, and the Rivers Sile and Bottengia.
There's also the Fontana delle Tette, a small, quirky, fountain where water flows from a woman's breasts.
On special occasions, wine is said to have flown from the fountain too.
Tiramisu was invented in Treviso, so grabbing a slice is almost mandatory.
Beyond the Italian city, there are also plenty of different day-trip options, including Venice and Padua.
Treviso is also located near several prosecco vineyards - and some operate tours and wine tastings.
The Italian town of Valdobbiadene is known for its prosecco vineyards, and it is just 50 minutes away from Treviso in the car.
What else is there to do in Italy?
As a popular holiday hotspot, Italy certainly isn't short of tourist attractions.
In the Italian Riviera, a popular attraction is set to reopen to the public after being closed for more than 10 years.
Via dell’Amore in Italy's Cinque Terre (a group of five towns along the Italian Riviera) will reopen next year.
The popular walking route was forced to close after a landslide, but it has since been cleared and restored.
Meanwhile, the holiday cash can be spread even further in the city of Florence, which is home to 'wine windows', €1.50 pizza and new UK flights.
What else do I need to know?
The local language in Treviso is Italian, but English is likely to be spoken throughout the city.
Italy is currently one hour ahead of the UK.
The local currency is the Euro with £10 getting around €11.52.
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There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, your passport must have at least three months left after the day you plan to leave.
