Angat

So we have decided to visit Italy for the first time in January.Will be landing in Milan and trvelling to the Dolomites for a week for snowboarding and sight seeing. We will be leaving Val Gardena in the Dolomites on the 18th Jaunary, 2014 and would be flying out of Rome on the 26th January (hence we will have 8 nights to make our way down). I was thinking of reaching Venice on the 18th and doing 2 nights in Venice. I was planning on reaching Rome on the 24th night, so that we could have enough time to visit the main attractions in Rome.

Hence that leaves us with 4 nights (20th to the 24th) to explore the regions between venice and rome. I had a few things in mind but was not sure what were the best months to visit these areas. Would definitely like to check out the tuscany region and was also interested in driving through the cinque terre regions. We would be hiring a car during these four days.

Hence I wanted some advice on what cities/ towns should we be visiting during these. We love the idea of travelling through beautiful landscapes and visiting small town that would give a authentic italian town feeling and are not filled with tourists.

Thanks,

Angat

bilboburgler

Angat, the cold in the hills will also be in the valleys so generally while the CT will be empty of tourists there is a good reason, just too cold wet (right next to the sea) and much will be closed up.

Tuscany may be a bit better especially on frosty days when the air can be clear and brittle. Still it can also be wet as well and I would want a car at that time of year.

You might prefer to go city touring more and focus on Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca most of which could be done by train and bus.

Do not ignor the whole Emilia-Romagna region of Bologna (Europe's oldest University is here) and the other cities of the Po.

Ackislander

It might be worth reading an encyclopedia article on the winter campaigns in Italy during WWII.

it was a really miserable experience for the reasons that bilboburglar suggests: rain, snow, freezing fog in the Po Valley, epic mud, bitter temperatures, particularly at higher elevations.

I would want to plan on indoor activities like museums and churches during this period, prepared to be delighted on a crisply warm day.

Even Rome is on the same latitude as New York City and can have snow (rare) and cold wind and rain.

msteacher

Sounds like you only have one full day in Rome. I'd suggest adding a few nights there. I also agree with the suggestion of sticking with cities in the winter. Venice, Florence and Rome would be a nice 8 day combo.

capxxx

If I understand you correctly, you are planning just two nights in Rome (24, 25), or basically one full day? If so, you could definitely use more time in Rome. At least 2 or 3 more nights.

Bologna might be a nice stop on the way -- it is known for wonderful food. Or Florence, which has all that history, architecture, and art.

sara86

Hi Angat! Even if Italian weather is not terrific in January, I hope you will enjoy your stay
The Liguria Region - where the Cinque Terre are located - is well-known for its mild temperatures, even during winter. Usually it is never too cold there and in January you can also enjoy some really sunny days (even if weather in recent years has become quite unpredictable).
Anyway, I'd rather go for a nice city tour if you have some free days: there are so many beautiful places to visit!
I strongly advise you to stop in Verona for a couple of days: it's an amazing city and not too far from Venice. On your way to Rome, do not miss Florence, the real beating heart of Tuscany: it's an excellent base to discover the surroundings!
Enjoy your stay!
Sara