Lem

We are planning a last minute trip to Italy arriving in Rome Dec. 17th. and are departing Jan 1. Are many sites closed (Vatican, Pompeii, Museums etc.)? Will it be crowded at X-mas? Is the Amalfi Coast worth visiting in Dec? Would you rent a car? Is crime a problem in certain cities? Thanks everyone.

debra

i'm curious too....thinking about rome or more southernly destinations AND venice (ive been there in summer...i loved it, would it be so terribly different?) how about weather expectations?

D

i 've been asking the same question for 2 months now, i guess being 420#'s is more interesting conversation than an honest question about travel, it never stops to amaze me the questions that may or may not get answered on this formum. <BR> <BR>d <BR> <BR>p.s. no one's been to rome over xmas and new years?

Nancy

I can't speak for myself, but I had a relative who spent Christmas in Rome the year before last and loved it. He and his girlfriend visited many sites and loved going in all the different churches during the season. Sorry I don't have more for you.

texasgirl

i was in rome/tuscany in mid-december a few years ago and in amalfi last january, so i'll take a show....First, in december, there did not seem to be any unusual closings and the tourist crowds were minimal. (when we went to florence to see the david, we were the only ones in line, except for a very bored security guard.) Train travel was another story; many Italians were obviously traveling for the holidays and every train we got on was packed full. Plus, everything is different this year because of the Jubilee; if you haven't already, check the jubilee website for any special events, etc. <BR>As for Amalfi, it was brisk, even cold, but i thought well worth the visit. Views were still beautiful, it seemed really laidback, and i really enjoyed the quiet after a week in Rome. Many hotels and restaurants were closed in January for low season, and there were almost no tourists in amalfi and ravello, where we stayed. we took the train and bus to get around amalfi _ i'm too much of a chicken to drive on that coast, and besides i wanted to see the views, not worry about driving off a cliff. <BR>finally, crime _ italian cities seem like any other major city in the world, pay attention and you'll be ok. plus, in certain areas like the train stations, seems to me that winter is a good time to travel because fewer tourists = fewer petty criminals. <BR>hope this helps; have fun!

nancy

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Nancy

Oh, please let me go with you to Rome for the holidays!!! I just read an article from todays New York Times called "What's doing in Rome". It lists all of the activities for the holidays and it sounds glorious!!! Visit www.nytimes.com Click travel and voila, read it and weep...maybe next year...hmmm...Enjoy

Cindy

Also don't forget to check out the previous section on Italy travel because they are talking about the same things - Christmas in Italy. My husband and I are spending Dec 28 - Jan 7 in Italy this year. The hardest part I am having is deciding what to do and where to go. I know I want to stay on the west coast from Tuscany to Naples, but wouldn't it be nice to go to Venice for a day trip. Does anyone have a FAVORITE hotel to stay in on the west coast or a couple of km from the west coast? <BR>Wishing us all a Merry Xmas season.

Brent Lawstone

Nancy, Cindy and all, <BR> <BR>You might also check out these two informative articles in the Roman Homes site: <BR> <BR>http://www.romanhomes.com/season-events.htm <BR> <BR>on all the scheduled events, and <BR> <BR>http://www.romanhomes.com/december-events.htm <BR> <BR>about the religious activities, including those with the Pope, and tips on how getting the invitations. <BR>Check also their site www.romanhomes.com, one of the best I have ever seen. It's on Rome rentals, but it really is informative and includes tons of pictures, and music too. <BR>Enjoy, and Merry Xmas. <BR>Brent.

Dawn Ellis

Thanks Brent, <BR> <BR>Really a good tip, the articles were really needed and well written. The site is excellent. <BR> <BR>Still on www.romanhomes.com, I also found an article on papal audiences. Watch out, they say that the audience of the 27 is postponed to the 30. <BR>Full details in: <BR>http://www.romanhomes.com/papal-audiences.com <BR> <BR>Cordially, <BR>Dawn

nancy

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Tony

My girlfriend and I went to Rome and Venice last December. Rome from the 15th-20th, and Venice from the 16th-24th. <BR> <BR>It was our first trip to Italy, so I do not have a previous reference as to how the country is different in Christmastime. <BR> <BR>However, <BR>I will say that both cities' beauty is enhanced by the Christmas lights that line the street and the Christmas spirit in the air is noticeable. <BR> <BR>Venice was very, very cold. I'm from Syracuse where it gets extremely cold, so when I say it was cold...it was cold. <BR> <BR>Venice seemed more in the holiday spirit than Rome (perhaps because we were there from the 20th-24th). Lights hung across each street....so charming! <BR> <BR>The Fish Market was packed on the 23rd (probably buying for the 7 fishes dinner on Christmas Eve), every market and deli was crowded with residents buying food for their holiday suppers....it was really exciting. <BR> <BR>There was a Christmas program in town on the 23rd, but we didnt attend. <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Hotel Bisanzio and loved it. We look forward to staying there again. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time!!! <BR> <BR>

Tiffany

I'll wade in with some weather commentary. <BR> <BR>I'm a bit of a Positano fanatic, so I'd have to see a visit to the Amalfi Coast is worthwhile any time of the year. BUT do note that the main attraction of the Amalfi Coastline is the scenery & the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean --- there's not alot of 'sites' per se (I'm excepting Pompeii & Herculaneum which are actually on the way to Amalfi) -- yes, there's Villa San Michelle on Capri, but for most part the Amalfi coast is about relaxation. In December, it won't be 'beach' weather and you will see more clouds than sun --- consequently some hotels/restaurants may be closed. On the other hand, December is LOW season for this area and you may enjoy the laidback ambience after the hustle of Rome. <BR> <BR>Venice --- another city that's always worth a visit at any time of year. I was in Venice during the latter part of October & there was a chill in the air; if you go during December, expect it to be COLD !!! Our tour guide (Doges Palace - St. Mark's Square) told us that Venice can be quite brisk during winter months. <BR> <BR>Bring some warm layers & don't let the cooler temps chill your enthusiasm.

Norley Fenster

From what I've read, Romanhomes.com is overpriced and the owner is a rude lunatic. Apparently, Brett Lawstone is enamored with this type of guy because he posts messages all over the web praising the egomaniacal Dr. Mauro Abate.