LizMuss

Hi! I know I am casting a wide net with this query, but any help would be much appreciated. I am planning a trip to Italy for late March/ early April. The timing has to be this time frame. Have 8-10 days. Florence is a must. (And would do some day trips...) For the rest of the time I would like to hit another city/ region, and I keep getting 'stuck' on where. Lake Como- too cold that time of year. For some reason Rome has never appealed. I would like it to be a laid back trip and Rome seems a little too big, too crowded. Southern Italy obviously appeals due to it being warmer, but so many possibilities. Amalfi Coast has always appealed but wonder if it is better when it is warmer later in spring or early summer? If so, that's better for another trip. Puglia/ Lecce? Possible. Napoli- except for pizza (ha) I am feeling a little apathetic about. Would like something a little more laid back than another large metro area any way. Have already been to Venice, otherwise it would top my list. Suggestions? Thanks Forum universe.

rosetravels

I've been to Italy twice during that time and the weather can be dicey but the trips were still fantastic. One year I went to Umbria (Spoleto, Norcia, Assisi, etc) and Tuscany, including the Garfagnana. Gorgeous, even though we had hail and snow and some storms. Last year I went to the Marche (Urbino, Ascoli) and then onto Bologna for a week. That was stunning. These were all good places to visit off season and in a city like Bologna, the weather is unimportant. Bologna is great for day trips via train to interesting places like Ferrara, Modena, Ravenna.

I've also been in February and in December. I don't think there's a wrong time to go to Italy. Since you want to go to Florence perhaps stay in Tuscany and Umbria? Or visit Florence + Bologna and just use the train?

All of the small cities are interesting no matter when you go. I didn't find rough weather to be much of an impediment to our enjoyment.

kja

With the time you have, you might want to consider just Florence and some nearby areas.

To be honest, I've never understood the logic of trying to pair a European destination with somewhere some distance away - many places that are, by current standards, ridiculously close were -- for centuries! -- impossibly far from one another, ruled and influenced by very different courts with very different styles. I try to see places that are close to one another specifically so that I can appreciate some of these differences.

If you haven't already done so, get some good guidebooks (or consult some in your local library) and consider a place NEAR Florence that will allow you to see some of these intriguing differences.

Hope that helps!

michelhuebeli

With so little time and with so much on offer in just these three cities, go for Florence, Ravenna (stay overnight so you can do justice, at a leisurely pace, to all the locations with the fabulous mosaics), and Bologna.

Rewarding day trips from Bologna are easily possible, of course. Just as Pisa can be a nice day trip from Florence - make time for the baptistry and cathedral, not just for the leaning tower, and take a stroll through the old town to or from the station.

LizMuss

Belated thanks to all of you. I got caught up with the holidays and a family issue. I ultimately decided to spend 5 nights in Varenna at Lake Como (in spite of the fact it may be chilly...) and then Florence for 8 nights. Planning day trips to Siena, Cinque Terre. Quibbling about Ravenna. I keep thinking I will discover a charming village on Adriatic Coast (I like water and views) and Ravenna doesn't strike me as fitting that exact bill. If any one has suggestions for the east coast, I'd welcome them. And if any one has Lake Como experience and, specifically, the best way to day trip to Lake Lugano, that would also be much appreciated. I am excited about the trip!!

kja

I envy you 8 nights in Florence - enjoy!

TDudette

DH and I usually traveled around our 17 March wedding anniversary (it made him a legend amongst his peers!). Weather ran the gamut. We took silk underwear and only needed it on the trip we forgot to pack them! Layers of clothes and coats with zip-out liners worked. We found that there were fewer tourist crowds that time of year.

Instead of Ravenna, which will be colder and possibly have more closures, I'd consider Sorrento with your extra days.

In addition to the day trips you mentioned, see how day trips to Pisa, San Gimignano, Livorno and/or Lucca look. You really could spend your entire trip in Florence and still not do it justice!

Have a great time and please report back about it.

bvlenci

If you want a charming village on the Adriatic coast, I can highly recommend Torre di Palme, which is on a cliff overlooking the sea. Do a Google image search to see what I mean. Obviously, it has no beach, but in late March/early April, it's not going to be beach weather.

Other scenic places on the coast include the towns of the Riviera del Conero, especially Portonovo.

Finally, although it hasn't much actual scenery, Senigallia has a charm for me that surpasses most of the rest of the coast. The town itself is lively all year, unlike most specifically "beach resort" towns. It has several beautiful piazzas, cultural activities, excellent restaurants (including two with two Michelin stars apiece), and some nice shops.

LizMuss

Great suggestions- everyone. Thank you so much! My mom told me I would love Lucca. Was planning that one of my day trips from Florence would be San G, then onto Siena. Would make for long day- but I'm up for it! Really excited to check out the Adriatic Coast villages suggested. I rely on googling images (I'll do anything for a beautiful view!) frequently in planning so I can't wait to look at them. Thank you, thank you! (I am really hoping that pre trip I'll see temperate forecast. Would love to get by with blouses, sweaters, and light coat. Fingers crossed!)