jilliebean

I will be arriving in Milan for 10 days in February. I have been to Italy before (Milan, Florence, CT, Rome, Venice) but my significant other has never been. I have never been to Italy in the winter, however, so I am wondering which cities to avoid and which to pursue. While we are flying in/out of Milan we do not plan on staying in the city much. Should we head South or can we still enjoy the cities in the north in February? Should we venture to Switzerland? France? The trip is for pleasure, mainly sightseeing and eating good food. We are open to any and all suggestions. Thank You!

PalenQ

I would only go to Switzerland if into winter sports or winter hiking, etc. I have been in Italy in January and it was rather warm - 60s in Cinque Terre but could be much cooler but never really cold - I would do a Cinque Terre from Milan then Florence then Rome then Venice if you want to do all the main Italian towns - the Cinque Terre may not be that enjoyable in cool wet weather not unlikely at that time of year.

But the January day I spent there was nice but I only took trains between the five villages - I had already hiked the 7-mile famous trail between all five before.

I would cut out the 5 Terre and spend you days divided between Florence, Rome and especially Venice - if it's Mardi Gras the town takes on a special aura with costumed and masked folks in old period garb are flitting all around day and night.

Trains make the most sense for those cities where cars are more and more a liability and must be parked in expensive lots that may be a poke from your hotel. www.trenitalia.com is the national rail system that runs most (but not all) of the inter-city trains - go right from Malpensa Airport to Milan Centrale and onto Florence your first day - by high-speed train only a few hours.

For lots of good stuff on Italian trains check out these IMO superb sources - www.trenitalia.com - book early for discounted tickets that however are train-specific and can't be changed nor refunded so be sure of your times. You can always always IME buy full fare tickets and they will not break the bank either if you want to wait until Italy. Other great ties - www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgteteuropetravel.com.

I guess another non-Italian option would be to go from Milan to the French Riviera but it also is not all that warm at that time of year - cities like Florence, Rome and Venice will be warm enough and can be enjoyed without it being really warm - not so much coastal resorts.

Jean

I would only base in medium and/or large cities and just be prepared for winter weather. At least in cities (as opposed to small towns or villages), there are museums, other indoor sights and lots of cafes and restaurants.

Considering the limited time you have and needing to return to Milan, I would only base in two locations (plus perhaps an overnight in Milan before your flight home). Although any combo of Florence/Rome/Venice would be great, you could also consider Perugia, Bologna, Siena, Torino, etc. There are many day trip options from all of these cities, many not requiring a car.

PalenQ

and there can be cold weather in say Florence - ice was on the ground in mornings a few winters ago when I visited in January. But that was I was told most exceptional.

danlev

If your SO has never been to Italy before, I would suggest sticking to that country.

First decision will be whether to do an east-west trip, or north-south. If you stay in the north, you could do something like:
1 night: Milan (more if you need to decompress from jetlag)
1 night: Bergamo (or bypass, but the upper town is really nice)
2 night: Verona
2 nights: Padua
3 nights: Venice
1 night: Milan

If north-south:
1 night: Milan
3 nights: Florence
2 nights: Perugia (or bypass for more time in Rome)
4 nights: Rome
1 night: Milan

I am assuming you need a night in Milan at both ends, but maybe you can cheat at the end. I also assume you are traveling by train: not only does it make most sense for the major stops, but it's part of the Italy experience. Assume it will rain a lot. Italy's beauty does not suffer much.

All things equal, I would head for Rome, which is so spectacular. But the north is great too... have fun, and eat well!!

PalenQ

In February definitely eschew the north and head south - except for Venice which in winter to me is really cool.

mamcalice

Since your SO has never been to Italy, I suggest Florence and Rome. After years of visiting Italy north to south in 9 trips, Florence and Rome (and SIcily) remain our favorite destinations and we return to one or the other on each trip regardless of where else we visit.
If you want, you could add a couple of days in Venice but don't count on excellent weather. I would spend 4 days in FLorence with a side trip to San Gimignano or another Tuscan town and 5 in Rome with a side trip to Ostia Antica (depending on the weather). Then back to Milan for your last night before your flight home.

PalenQ

If you want, you could add a couple of days in Venice but don't count on excellent weather>

No but not really cold either - this is one city that can be nice in winter - especially when the horrendous crowds of summer are not there.