A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Bellagio for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Volterra or Bellagio?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Volterra or Bellagio? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Volterra

Volterra is a medieval, cultural, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a beautiful, impressive, and glamorous town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and shopping.

Volterra and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Volterra or Bellagio?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volterra. Although Volterra and Bellagio are popular destinations, Volterra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bellagio is more touristy than Volterra and is known for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. It is also well known for The Roman Theater.

How is Volterra different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bellagio and Volterra. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra
Bellagio

Volterra is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Volterra. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

While most people don't head to Bellagio specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town's atmosphere and views are what attract the tourists, but if you're looking for historical sights, check out the Basilica of San Giacomo.


Is the Food Better in Volterra or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra
Bellagio

Volterra is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Volterra have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Bellagio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many fine dining restaurants that offer a luxurious atmosphere and well crafted dishes. There are also Michelin starred restaurants in town which offer a unique, world-class experience.

Is Volterra or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Volterra
Bellagio

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Volterra and Bellagio.

Volterra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Bellagio doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town is filled with opulence and luxury, and the nightlife is no exception. Sip cocktails and fine wine while you listen to music or take in the atmosphere.

Is Volterra or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Volterra
Bellagio

Volterra is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Volterra offers plenty to see. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra
Bellagio

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bellagio and Volterra.

Volterra is a great destination for shopping. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bellagio. You'll find traditional shops mixed in with modern stores. There are high end brands and more local specialty markets that are fun to peruse.

Is Volterra or Bellagio Better for Families?

Volterra
Bellagio

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Bellagio.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Bellagio offers lots of family activities. The town has a playground, a small train, and a Museum of Navigational Instruments that kids may enjoy. There's also a beach where everyone can take a swim.

Is Volterra or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Volterra
Bellagio

Volterra is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Bellagio is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The town is a favorite on Lake Como, and couples will appreciate its charming atmosphere and beautiful lake front setting. In a few hours you can soak up the character and magic or this beautiful area.


Is Volterra or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra
Bellagio

Volterra is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Volterra is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Bellagio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people visit the town as a day trip, as it can easily be explored in a few hours. Backpackers who don't want to pay the high hotel prices can still enjoy the setting without staying the night.

Is Volterra or Bellagio Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Volterra
Bellagio

Bellagio is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bellagio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Volterra
Bellagio

Volterra and Bellagio both are terrific when exploring on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

Bellagio is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Volterra Worth Visiting? and Is Bellagio Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Volterra or Bellagio to fill your time. In our opinion, Volterra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Volterra than Bellagio. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Volterra than Bellagio. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Volterra, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Volterra than Bellagio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Volterra that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Volterra than Bellagio if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Volterra.


  • How many days in Volterra or Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volterra 1-2 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful town of Bellagio offers shopping and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Volterra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bellagio is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bellagio, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bellagio is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Bellagio is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Volterra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Volterra is €101, while the average daily cost in Bellagio is €222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Volterra and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volterra 61
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volterra 122
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Volterra and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Volterra or Bellagio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Volterra


Hotels in Bellagio


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Volterra Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volterra 4.29
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

  • From Bellagio : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $382
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $351

Is it cheaper to fly into Volterra or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Volterra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Volterra 36
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.

  • Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
  • Cooking class Cantuccini and Vin Santo: $76
  • Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $92
  • Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
  • Pizza Cooking Class: $112
  • Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
  • "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
  • Tuscan Cooking Class: $125
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Cooking class in San Gimignano: $130
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $136
  • Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in San Gimignano: $158

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bellagio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bellagio.

  • Como Lake: cooking class Italian style in Bellagio: $191
  • Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi: $209
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $534

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volterra 11
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Volterra

Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experience: $13
  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $68
  • Private Wine, Evo Oils & Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Meal: $69
  • Cocktail Mixing Experience with Snacks: $75
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $92
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $149
  • Electric Bike Experience around Colle di Val d’Elsa- private tour: $153
  • Volterra tour + Salt Mine visit by shuttle from Lucca&Pisa: $159
  • Piazza dei Priori & Cathedral Private Walking Tour: $160
  • Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $179

Tours and Activities in Bellagio

Here are a few actual costs in Bellagio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43
  • Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries: $71
  • Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries: $78
  • Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour: $93
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $106
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $118
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $127
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $187
  • Bellagio Walking Tour + Lunch + Villa Balbianello: $315
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volterra 16
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $32
  • Wine tasting in San Gimignano: $33
  • Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
  • Wine Tour for small group in Tuscany: $35
  • Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
  • San Gimignano: Basic Wine Tasting at the bar: $38
  • Superior Wine Tasting in San Gimignano: $49
  • Vineyard visit with local appetisers and wine tasting: $52
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $65
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volterra and Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio is more expensive. And not only is Volterra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volterra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volterra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bellagio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bellagio than you might in Volterra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Volterra Expensive? and Is Bellagio Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volterra or Bellagio?

Volterra has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Bellagio, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Volterra or Bellagio?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Volterra or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Volterra is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volterra in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Bellagio averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bellagio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. In July, Volterra usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volterra 23°C (74°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Bellagio in the Autumn?

Both Bellagio and Volterra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 16°C (61°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Volterra often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun.

Bellagio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually gets less rain in October than Bellagio. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volterra 16°C (61°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Bellagio. The winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bellagio in the winter. Volterra is a little warmer than Bellagio in the winter. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Bellagio during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bellagio. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volterra 7°C (45°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Bellagio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Bellagio. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Volterra is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volterra in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bellagio averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Volterra often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Volterra usually gets less rain in April than Bellagio. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volterra 13°C (55°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Volterra

Volterra Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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