Go DIY

How much for seven days in Venice?

Where:Venice, Italy
When:October 13th-20th

With the tour operator

The online tour operator has an "e-bookers guarantee", which promises it will not be beaten on price - those sound like fighting words to us. They have an array of hotels in Venice but we opt for the Best Western Albergo San Marco Hotel in the heart of the city. On the day we checked, eBookers.com did not seem to have any direct flights from Dublin to Venice and it was suggested we go via London with BMI instead. As a result we have to leave Dublin at the early time of 6.45am while our Venice-bound flight leaves Heathrow at 11.05am and arrives in Venice after 2pm local time. The return leg is similarly elongated.

Total€2,132.67

On our own

Best Western has an easy-to-use website that accepts bookings. We are offered a range of rooms and rates in the hotel and choose the cheapest double room, which costs €241 for five nights and €260 for the two weekend nights - the total price of €1,725 includes a continental breakfast. Aer Lingus has direct flights to Venice from Dublin, which leave at the more agreeable time of 4.10pm on the Monday, returning at 8.30pm a week later. The flights cost €180.32. We are unlikely to make it through a week in Italy with just carry-on luggage so have to pay €40 to check in our bags.

Total€1,945.32

DIY savings€187.35