Visa applications (Italian Elective Residency + French VLS-TS covering both Antibes and Dijon), house sale, storage, travel insurance, medical checks, Power of Attorney with Dale.
Mid–Late 2026 — Sale & Booking Phase
House sale settles, belongings into storage, book all 8 Airbnbs, confirm train routes, finalise both visa applications.
Late Nov 2026 — Depart Australia, arrive Rome
One night in Rome to recover from the flight, then board the Frecciarossa south to Bari the following morning.
Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 · Bari, Puglia (2 months)
Settle into authentic Southern Italy — Alberobello trulli, the cave city of Matera, white-washed Ostuni, Adriatic seafood. Plus a 1-week adventure to Athens and the Greek Islands mid-stay.
Feb 2027 · Siena, Tuscany (1 month)
Medieval Piazza del Campo, the striped Gothic Duomo, Chianti wine country. Day trips to Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra, Arezzo. Tuscany in winter is quiet and beautiful.
Mar – mid Apr 2027 · Antibes, French Riviera (6 weeks)
Fortified old town, Picasso Museum, Cours Masséna market. Day trips to Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Èze, Grasse. Spring on the Côte d'Azur.
Mid Apr – end May 2027 · Dijon, Burgundy (6 weeks)
The gastronomic heart of France — mustard, snails, the magnificent Ducal Palace, and Burgundy's legendary wine routes through Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges. A treat.
Jun – mid Jul 2027 · Munich, Germany (6 weeks)
Summer in Bavaria — beer gardens, the Englischer Garten, world-class museums. Day trips to Neuschwanstein, Salzburg, Nuremberg. Plus a 1-week trip to Switzerland (Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken).
Mid–late Jul 2027 · Venice (1 week)
The Grand Canal, St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, Murano glass. Arriving by train across the lagoon is one of the great travel experiences.
Late Jul 2027 · Bologna (1 week)
Italy's food capital — the original bolognese, hand-made tortellini, mortadella, and Europe's oldest university. 40km of medieval arcaded porticoes (UNESCO).
Aug – Sep 2027 · Salerno, Amalfi Coast (2 months)
Late summer and autumn on the Amalfi Coast — ferries to Amalfi, Positano, Capri. Day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, and the Greek temples at Paestum.
Oct 2027 · Return to Rome — depart for Australia
A final night in Rome before the long flight home — and 12 months of extraordinary memories.
With 8 destinations across 5 countries, careful visa planning is essential. Two national long-stay visas are required — an Italian Elective Residency Visa (Type D) covers all 5 Italian stays (Bari, Siena, Venice, Bologna, Salerno), and a single French VLS-TS (Visiteur) covers both Antibes and Dijon. Munich, plus the Greek Islands, Switzerland, and Vienna side trips, sit comfortably inside the 90-day Schengen tourist allowance (≈50 days used). See the Visas tab for the full breakdown.
Live Weather & Local Time
🇮🇹Bari, Italy
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🇮🇹Siena, Italy
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🇫🇷Antibes, France
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🇫🇷Dijon, France
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🇩🇪Munich, Germany
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🇮🇹Venice, Italy
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🇮🇹Bologna, Italy
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Task Progress
House Sale & Moving
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Visas & Travel Documentation
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Financial Preparation
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Insurance & Medical
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Accommodation Research & Booking
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Communication & Admin
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Brief Dale, Paul & Scott
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Accommodation tip. Airbnb monthly discounts are typically 20–40% off the nightly rate. Always filter by "Monthly stays" and message hosts directly to negotiate. Budget target: under $3,000 AUD/month (≈ €1,740 at current rates) — noting Antibes on the French Riviera may push above this in peak season.
🇮🇹Italy · Stop 101 / 08
Bari
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Puglia, Southern Italy · Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 · 2 months
2BR Airbnb (est.)€900–1,400/mo
Dining (2 pax)€40–70/day
Best monthsDec–Jan · quiet, authentic, few tourists
Nearest airportBari Karol Wojtyla (BRI)
Best areasCittà Vecchia, Murat, Poggiofranco
Rome → BariFrecciarossa direct (~4 hrs, from €40)
Why Bari? The gateway to magical Puglia — one of Italy's most authentic and affordable regions. Day trips to the trulli of Alberobello, the cave city of Matera, white-washed Ostuni, Lecce's baroque architecture, and stunning Adriatic beaches.
Side trip: A 1-week adventure to Athens & the Greek Islands mid-stay — fly BRI → ATH (~1.5 hrs) or take the overnight Grimaldi ferry to Patras.
Best areasCentro Storico (within walls), Porta Romana
Bari → SienaTrain via Rome + Florence (~6–7 hrs)
Why Siena? One of Italy's crown jewels — UNESCO World Heritage with the magnificent Piazza del Campo, a breathtaking Gothic cathedral, and some of the finest Tuscan wine country at the doorstep. Day trips to Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra, Arezzo, Chianti.
Accommodation tip. Living within the walled centro storico is a very special experience. February is low-season so rates are excellent. Just outside the walls near Porta Romana is also affordable and walkable.
Côte d'Azur, French Riviera · Mar – mid Apr 2027 · 6 weeks
2BR Airbnb (est.)€1,500–2,800/mo
Dining (2 pax)€70–120/day
Best monthsMar–Apr · before summer peak
Nearest airportNice Côte d'Azur (NCE) — 20km
Best areasVieil-Antibes, Juan-les-Pins
Siena → AntibesTrain via Pisa → Genoa → Nice (~5–6 hrs)
Why Antibes? A beautifully preserved fortified old town on the French Riviera — less crowded than Nice or Cannes, with great markets, the Picasso Museum, and superb coastal walks. Day trips to Nice, Monaco, Cannes, hilltop Èze, and the perfume town of Grasse.
Budget note. The Côte d'Azur is expensive — but spring (Mar–Apr) is before the summer peak, so rates are more manageable. Juan-les-Pins (adjacent suburb) can be more affordable than the old town. A French VLS-TS Visiteur visa covers this stay and Dijon afterwards.
Why Dijon? The gastronomic soul of France — the magnificent Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, the lively Marché des Halles, and Burgundy's legendary wine trails right at the doorstep (Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte de Nuits). A real treat.
Accommodation tip. Stay in the historic centre — it's compact, walkable, and full of beautiful old buildings. Dijon is significantly more affordable than Paris or Lyon. The same French VLS-TS visa covers both Antibes and Dijon.
Why Munich? World-class museums (Deutsches Museum, Pinakothek), iconic beer gardens, the vast Englischer Garten, and superb food. Day trips to Neuschwanstein, the Bavarian Alps, Salzburg (1 hr), and Nuremberg.
Side trip: A 1-week trip to Switzerland mid-stay — Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken or Bern, all world-class scenery via DB Bahn. No German visa needed — Munich and the side trips sit inside the 90-day Schengen tourist allowance.
Best monthsSep–Oct or May–Jun (Jul busy but magical)
Nearest airportVenice Marco Polo (VCE)
Best areasDorsoduro, Cannaregio, Castello
Munich → VeniceTrain via Innsbruck (~5.5 hrs, Brenner Pass)
Why Venice? Quite simply one of the most extraordinary cities ever built — car-free, on 118 islands, linked by 400 bridges. The Grand Canal at dusk, St Mark's at dawn, Murano glass-blowing, Burano's coloured houses, a gondola on a back canal.
Accommodation tip. July is peak summer — book early. Stay in the historic centre (not the mainland Mestre). Dorsoduro and Cannaregio are quieter than San Marco.
Why Bologna? Italy's unsung gem — the food capital of the country (tortellini, ragù, mortadella, parmigiano, prosciutto), a beautiful rust-coloured old city with 40km of UNESCO arcaded porticoes, and Europe's oldest university.
Accommodation tip. Stay within the centro storico — flat, walkable, charming. Bologna is excellent value for Italy. A great base for day trips to Parma, Modena (Ferrari!), Florence, and the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna.
Bologna → SalernoFrecciarossa via Naples (~4.5 hrs)
Why Salerno? A smart, affordable base for the Amalfi Coast — with direct ferries to Amalfi, Positano, and Capri. Day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, and the Greek temples at Paestum. Much cheaper than staying in Positano or Amalfi town directly.
Timing tip. Late August into September is ideal — summer crowds thin out, prices drop, and the sea is still warm. Covered by the Italian Elective Residency Visa along with Bari, Siena, Venice and Bologna.
A dazzling hilltop town of whitewashed buildings glowing in the Puglia sun. Labyrinthine lanes, great restaurants, and views across olive groves to the sea.
"The Florence of the South" — extraordinary baroque architecture in golden local limestone. The old town is stunning to wander; incredible street food scene.
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities — a UNESCO cave city (Sassi di Matera) carved into a ravine. Genuinely breathtaking and unlike anywhere else in Europe.
A charming Adriatic fishing town — beautiful old harbour, Aragonese castle, great seafood. Less touristy than Polignano and very liveable for a lazy day.
UNESCO — a mysterious 13th-century octagonal castle built by Frederick II on a hilltop with no moat, no drawbridge, no clear military purpose. Architecturally unique.
Extraordinary Arab-Norman architecture, incredible street food markets (Ballarò, Vucciria), ancient Greek temples nearby at Agrigento. Take the overnight ferry — a great experience.
Côte d'Azur & French Riviera — day trips and weekend escapes
Show trips
Day trips from Antibes
Nice
The Riviera's capital — a magnificent old town (Vieux-Nice), the famous Promenade des Anglais, outstanding food markets, and the Matisse and Chagall museums.
The famous principality — Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince's Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the F1 Grand Prix circuit to walk around. Dress up a little!
La Croisette boulevard, the Palais des Festivals, stylish boutiques, and good beaches. Glamorous without being intimidating — especially outside film festival season.
One of the most beautiful bays on the entire Riviera — a pastel-coloured old town, a 16th-century citadel, and a calm horseshoe harbour with remarkably clear water.
A medieval village perched 430m above the sea with panoramic views to Corsica on clear days. The exotic cactus garden at the top is spectacular. Train to Èze-sur-Mer then a short bus up.
The gentlest town on the Riviera — Belle Époque gardens, an extraordinary old town, and the Italian border right next door. Famous for its February lemon festival.
The world capital of perfume — visit the historic Fragonard or Galimard factories for a fascinating (and fragrant) guided tour. Charming hilltop old town above the coast.
A perfectly preserved medieval village that became an artist colony in the 20th century. Home to the outstanding Fondation Maeght gallery — Matisse, Miró, Giacometti and more.
France's great southern port city — the wild Calanques national park (turquoise water, white limestone cliffs), the Vieux-Port, and the most authentic bouillabaisse anywhere.
The gastronomic capital of France — a UNESCO old town (Vieux-Lyon), legendary bouchon restaurants, and the remarkable underground passages (traboules) through the city.
Five cliff-hugging fishing villages on the Ligurian coast — connected by spectacular walking trails, with crystal-clear water and colourful houses. An iconic Italian experience.
The cradle of the Renaissance — the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, and beautiful hilltop views from Piazzale Michelangelo. A cultural overload in the best way.
Gaudí's Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market, and one of Europe's great waterfront cities. A different flavour entirely from the French Riviera.
Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, the magnificent Duomo, world-class shopping, and the La Scala opera house. Very doable as a weekend from the Riviera.
Mozart's birthplace and The Sound of Music city — a baroque old town UNESCO site, hilltop Hohensalzburg fortress, and superb café culture. One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in Europe.
A magnificent medieval walled city with a vast imperial castle, a Christmas market that may be the best in Germany, and the sobering WWII Documentation Centre.
One of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities — UNESCO listed, with a 12th-century stone bridge, a cathedral, and a lively student town atmosphere. Much less visited than Munich.
Stunning Alpine scenery, the salt mines (Salzbergwerk), the picturesque Königssee lake, and Hitler's mountain retreat (the Eagle's Nest) — all in one extraordinary valley.
One of Germany's oldest cities — a beautiful Renaissance old town, the Fuggerei (world's oldest social housing estate, still occupied), and a relaxed day-trip pace just 30 minutes away.
One of Europe's great imperial capitals — Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Vienna Philharmonic, legendary coffee houses, and extraordinary pastries.
Perhaps the most beautiful medieval city in Europe — the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Old Town Square astronomical clock, and excellent Czech food and beer at very good value.
An imperial city set dramatically inside a ring of mountains — the Golden Roof, Ambras Castle, ski jumps, and direct access to the Tyrolean Alps for walks or cable cars year-round.
The Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, St Mark's Square, Murano glass, and the genuinely magical experience of a car-free city built on water. Worth every effort to get there.
Germany's best-preserved medieval walled town — entirely intact city walls you can walk, a Christmas Museum open year-round, and cobblestone streets that feel unchanged since 1400.
A clean, prosperous lakeside city — the beautiful Altstadt, Lake Zurich, and an excellent gateway to the Swiss Alps (Jungfrau, Lucerne) for day or overnight excursions.
Amalfi Coast & Campania — day trips and weekend escapes
Show trips
Day trips from Salerno
Amalfi Town
The town the coast is named for — a magnificent 9th-century Arab-Norman cathedral, the Paper Museum (carta di Amalfi), and a lively piazza. Direct ferry from Salerno port.
The iconic cliffside village — pastel-coloured buildings cascading to the sea, boutique shopping, pebble beaches, and that famous view. More relaxed on a weekday outside peak summer.
The legendary island — the Blue Grotto (sea cave lit by ethereal blue light), the Gardens of Augustus, Villa Jovis, and the chairlift to Monte Solaro for panoramic views.
UNESCO — the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Remarkably well preserved with streets, bakeries, homes and frescoes still intact. Allow a full day.
Smaller than Pompeii but even better preserved — a wealthy Roman seaside town buried under 20m of volcanic matter. Multi-storey buildings, mosaics, and wooden furniture still intact.
Chaotic, magnificent, and utterly Italian — the best pizza in the world (L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele), the National Archaeological Museum, and underground tours of ancient ruins beneath the city.
Three magnificently preserved Greek temples standing in a wildflower meadow — older than the Parthenon and far less visited. One of the most extraordinary ancient sites in Europe.
An elevated clifftop village above Amalfi with extraordinary gardens — Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity is one of the great views in Italy, and Villa Rufolo hosts summer concerts.
The Eternal City is a quick Frecciarossa away — Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trastevere, Trevi Fountain, and the best gelato.
The Reggia di Caserta — Italy's answer to Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage royal palace with 1,200 rooms and 3km of formal gardens with spectacular fountains and cascades.
A volcanic island with thermal spa gardens (Giardini Poseidon), excellent beaches, and a dramatically situated Aragonese Castle connected to the island by a stone bridge.
The ancient cave city is absolutely worth the journey — seeing the sassi (cave dwellings) lit up at dusk from the opposite ravine is one of Italy's most extraordinary sights.
Fly from Naples for a long weekend — Arab-Norman cathedrals and palaces, the extraordinary Ballarò street market, ancient Greek temples at Agrigento nearby, and seafood unlike anywhere else in Italy.
A great excuse to revisit their first Italian base — or push further into Puglia to see anything they missed: Lecce, Alberobello, or the Valle d'Itria.
Venice → BolognaTrain: Venice Santa Lucia → Bologna Centrale (~1.5 hrs Frecciarossa — very easy).
Bologna → SalernoTrain: Bologna → Naples → Salerno (~4.5 hrs Frecciarossa) — or fly BLQ → NAP + train.
Within Amalfi CoastFerries from Salerno to Amalfi, Positano, Capri. SITA buses along the cliff road. No car needed.
Salerno → Rome (depart)Train: Salerno → Rome (~2.5 hrs Frecciarossa) — final night in Rome before flying home.
Train bookingTrainline.com handles multi-country bookings in one place. Also: Trenitalia (IT), SNCF Connect (FR), DB Bahn (DE), ÖBB (Austria).
Re: Jill's question — can the French VLS-TS alone work?
Unfortunately not with this itinerary. Total time in Italy (Bari + Siena + Venice + Bologna + Salerno) adds up to roughly 160 days — far exceeding the 90-day Schengen tourist allowance. Both visas are required: an Italian Elective Residency Visa for all Italian stays, and a French VLS-TS Visiteur for both France stays (Antibes + Dijon).
Good news — still only two visas required. Despite the expanded itinerary (8 destinations across 5 countries!), the strategy is clean: an Italian Elective Residency Visa (Type D) covers all 5 Italian stays. A single French VLS-TS Visiteur covers both Antibes and Dijon. Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and Austria are all visited inside the 90-day Schengen tourist allowance (≈50 days used).
How the Schengen maths works.
Destination
Approx. dates
Visa / status
Schengen days
🇮🇹 Rome (transit) + Bari
Nov–Jan 2026/27
Italian Type D (national)
0
🇬🇷 Athens & Greek Islands (side trip)
~Jan 2027 (1 week)
Schengen tourist
7
🇮🇹 Siena
Feb 2027 (1 month)
Italian Type D (national)
0
🇫🇷 Antibes
Mar – mid Apr 2027 (6 wks)
French VLS-TS (national D)
0
🇫🇷 Dijon
Mid Apr – end May 2027 (6 wks)
French VLS-TS (national D)
0
🇩🇪 Munich
Jun – mid Jul 2027 (~5 wks)
Schengen tourist
≈ 35
🇨🇭 Switzerland (side trip)
~Jun/Jul 2027 (1 week)
Schengen tourist
7
🇦🇹 Vienna (day trip)
~Jul 2027 (1 day)
Schengen tourist
1
🇮🇹 Venice
Mid-late Jul 2027 (1 wk)
Italian Type D (national)
0
🇮🇹 Bologna
Late Jul 2027 (1 wk)
Italian Type D (national)
0
🇮🇹 Salerno
Aug – Sep 2027 (2 mo)
Italian Type D (national)
0
Total Schengen tourist days used (90-day limit)
≈ 50 / 90 ✅
Key rule. Italian and French national D visas are exempt from the Schengen 90/180-day tourist quota. Only Germany, Greece, Switzerland, and Austria draw from the tourist allowance — leaving a comfortable 40-day buffer.
Re: Jill's research on the Italian Elective Residency Visa (ERV) eligibility.
The Italian ERV is specifically designed for retirees and financially self-sufficient people — it is not restricted to those who intend to live in Italy permanently. The visa is renewable annually if the holder remains eligible. It's strongly recommended to contact the Italian Consulate General in Sydney directly to confirm current eligibility and income thresholds. Any source suggesting otherwise may be out of date or applicable to a different jurisdiction.
Visa 1 — Italian Elective Residency Visa (Type D)
Covers: Rome (transit) · Bari (Dec–Jan) · Siena (Feb) · Venice (Jul) · Bologna (Jul) · Salerno (Aug–Sep)
🇮🇹Italian Elective Residency Visa — Type D
What it is
A long-stay national Type D visa for people who wish to live in Italy without working — specifically designed for retirees and financially self-sufficient people.
Valid for
12 months (covers all Italian stays: Bari, Siena, Venice, Bologna, Salerno), renewable annually in Italy.
Where to apply
Italian Consulate-General in Sydney or Melbourne (Australians apply in their state jurisdiction).
Apply how early
At least 3–6 months before departure — consulate appointment slots are limited. Apply by May 2026 at the latest.
Income required
Approx. €31,000/year per person (subject to change — confirm with consulate). Can include pension, superannuation, investments, property income.
Key documents
Valid passport, proof of income/funds, proof of accommodation (Airbnb bookings or rental contracts for all Italian stays), travel insurance, photos, completed application form.
After arrival in Italy
Must register with local municipality (Comune) within 8 days of arrival and obtain a "permesso di soggiorno" (residence permit).
Covers
All of Italy — a single visa covers Bari, Siena, Venice, Bologna, and Salerno. The Greek Islands side trip from Bari is a separate Schengen tourist stay.
Covers: Antibes (Mar – mid Apr 2027) AND Dijon (mid Apr – end May 2027) — total 12 weeks, 0 Schengen days used
🇫🇷French Long-Stay Visa — VLS-TS (Visiteur)
What it is
A national long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) for stays over 90 days in France. The "Visiteur" category suits retirees with sufficient passive income who don't intend to work.
Covers both France stays
A single VLS-TS visa covers both Antibes (6 weeks) and Dijon (6 weeks) — apply for the full ~84-day window.
Valid for
Issued for the duration of requested stay (approximately 12 weeks / 84 days). Can be extended in France if needed.
Where to apply
French Consulate-General in Sydney or Melbourne. Apply online via: france-visas.gouv.fr.
Apply how early
At least 3–6 months before the Antibes start date — apply by September 2026. Consulate appointments can book out.
Income required
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves without working — proof of pension, superannuation, savings, or investment income.
Key documents
Valid passport, proof of accommodation for both Antibes and Dijon (Airbnb bookings), proof of income/funds, travel insurance with EU coverage, application form, photos.
Schengen benefit
Because this is a French national D visa, the 12 weeks in France use 0 Schengen tourist days.
Germany / Greece / Switzerland / Austria — No Additional Visa Required 🎉
Munich · Athens/Greek Islands · Swiss side trip · Vienna day trip — all covered by Schengen tourist allowance (≈50 / 90 days)
🇩🇪🇬🇷🇨🇭🇦🇹 Schengen Tourist Stays
Why no extra visas
By the time Jill & Rod enter Germany, Greece, Switzerland, or Austria as tourists, their Italian and French national visas don't draw from the Schengen quota — leaving the full 90-day allowance available.
Breakdown of use
Greece (Athens/islands): ≈7 days · Germany (Munich): ≈35 days · Switzerland (side trip): ≈7 days · Austria (Vienna day trip): 1 day. Total ≈ 50 / 90 days.
Greece note
Greece is a Schengen member. The Athens/Greek Islands week (departing from Bari during the Italian ERV period) uses tourist allowance — not the Italian visa.
Important
Keep a careful record of all Schengen entry and exit dates (passport stamps). The 90/180-day rule uses a rolling window.
Border control
Carry printed copies of Italian and French visa documentation. Border officials may ask about purpose of stay — having documents to hand makes everything smoother.
Important. Visa rules and income thresholds change. The information above is a guide only. Contact the Italian Consulate General and French Consulate General directly and consider engaging an immigration specialist to confirm the exact sequence. Getting this wrong could result in deportation or being barred from re-entry.
Other Documents & Practical Tips
PassportsBoth must be valid for full stay + at least 6 months beyond. Allow 6–10 weeks for Australian passport renewal.
Travel insuranceComprehensive policy covering entire 12-month stay including medical evacuation. Required for both visa applications.
All figures are estimates — actual costs will vary with timing, exchange rates, and lifestyle.
Income while away
Australian Age Pension (Jill & Rod)Pension continues while overseas — Centrelink generally pays for up to 26 weeks abroad, then at an 'outside Australia' rate. Confirm exact entitlements with Centrelink before departure.
Ongoing
Interest on house sale proceedsMoney from the house sale can be placed in a high-interest savings account or term deposit. At current rates (~4–5% p.a.), significant interest income is possible — e.g. $700,000 invested at 4.5% ≈ $31,500/year or ~$2,625/month AUD.
Ongoing
Key action. Before departure, consult your accountant and a financial adviser to decide the best home for the house sale proceeds — high-interest savings, term deposits, or a mix — to maximise income while keeping funds accessible. Also confirm with Centrelink exactly how long the pension pays at full rate while overseas, and what documentation they need.
Exchange rate note. 1 AUD ≈ 0.58 EUR (mid-2025). So $3,000 AUD ≈ €1,740 per month for accommodation. Use Wise.com for competitive rates on transfers.
Accommodation · per stay, 2BR Airbnb
Bari · Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 (2 months)Winter in Puglia — affordable, authentic, few tourists.
€900–1,400/mo≈ $1,550–2,415 AUD
Siena · Feb 2027 (1 month)Low-season Tuscany — excellent value within or near the walls.
€900–1,400/mo≈ $1,550–2,415 AUD
Antibes · Mar – mid Apr 2027 (6 weeks)Spring on the Riviera — before summer peak.
€1,500–2,800/mo≈ $2,590–4,830 AUD
Dijon · mid Apr – end May 2027 (6 weeks)Spring in Burgundy — excellent value compared to Paris or Lyon.
€1,000–1,600/mo≈ $1,725–2,760 AUD
Munich · Jun – mid Jul 2027 (6 weeks)Summer peak — book early. Schwabing, Maxvorstadt, or Haidhausen.
€1,800–2,800/mo≈ $3,100–4,830 AUD
Venice · mid–late Jul 2027 (1 week)Peak season — stay on the islands, not mainland Mestre.
€1,200–2,500/wk≈ $2,070–4,310 AUD
Bologna · late Jul 2027 (1 week)Excellent value — centro storico near the Due Torri.
€700–1,200/wk≈ $1,210–2,070 AUD
Salerno · Aug – Sep 2027 (2 months)Late summer into autumn on the Amalfi — great weather, smaller crowds.
€1,000–2,000/mo≈ $1,725–3,450 AUD
Airbnb monthly discounts of 20–40% apply — always check the monthly rate and contact hosts directly. Munich in summer, Venice, and Antibes are the most expensive stops. Bari in winter and Bologna are excellent value.
Travel costs · one-off
Flights: Australia → Rome (return from Rome)Sydney/Melbourne to Rome (arrive); return Rome → Sydney after Salerno.
$4,000–7,000 AUD
Rome → Bari (train)Frecciarossa ~4 hrs.
$50–100 AUD
Athens / Greek Islands side trip (from Bari)Fly BRI → ATH or take Grimaldi overnight ferry. ~1 week with island ferries.
$1,000–2,000 AUD
Bari → Siena (train)Via Rome + Florence (~6–7 hrs).
Day trips & local transport · 12 monthsRail passes, buses, ferries, taxis.
$3,000–5,000 AUD
Living costs · 12 months, 2 people
Food & diningMix of cooking at home + eating out (Italian/German dining is excellent value).
$25,000–35,000 AUD
Groceries & householdSupermarkets in Italy: Esselunga, Conad. Germany: REWE, EDEKA.
$8,000–12,000 AUD
Travel insurance · 12 months, 2 paxComprehensive cover with unlimited medical — essential for Europe.
$3,000–5,500 AUD
Entertainment, museums, excursionsCinque Terre, Neuschwanstein, Pompeii, Capri, etc.
$4,000–7,000 AUD
Visa fees & adminItalian Elective Residency + French VLS-TS Visiteur applications + translations. (No German visa needed.)
$400–1,200 AUD
Phone / SIM / dataEuropean SIMs are cheap — €10–20/month for data.
$600–1,200 AUD
Miscellaneous & bufferUnexpected costs, gifts, splurges, medical copays.
$3,000–5,000 AUD
Money-saving tips. Cook at home several nights a week (Italian and German supermarkets are excellent). Use Wise or Revolut cards to avoid foreign transaction fees. Book accommodation and flights well in advance. Travel off-peak where possible, especially on the Amalfi Coast.