I'm planning a trip to Italy 11/6-15th for our 25th anniversary . I am thinking of an itinerary of :
3 1/2 days Rome (3nights)
2 nights Cinque Terre (1 full day to hike)
2 nights Florence
1 night Rome (plane in the morning 11/15)
Is the November 10-13 weather too iffy to go to Cinque Terre? I was there without my husband 4 years ago (in May) and would love for him to experience it. Any advice or alternate suggestions would be much appreciated!

topping

We asked about late October when we were there about 10 days ago and the woman at the front desk of our hotel (Hotel Villa Steno) said that it is usually cold and stormy by late October/early November. However, you could proabbly hike even if it isn't good beach weather

I was there mid-November last year and while it was pouring in Florence and everywhere else on the way to CT, CT had beautiful weather. I wanted to go no matter what and it was so worth it...had a great hike, had a nice lunch, and watched the most beautiful sunset. It was one of those surreal perfect days that I will forever cherish. It was great because the two towns I visited (Vernazza and Corniglia) were practically devoid of tourists. It was fun getting to know some locals and being able to walk around without bumping into tour groups. But, like you said, weather is really unpredictable. So, my post may not help solve your dilemma, but hope it helps in some way.

Have a great, romantic trip!

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As each new post appears your post will go farther down the list. A reply that has topping or ttt wil take your reply to the top of the list where more people will see it. When I saw your post it was #51 - this reply will move it to the top of the list or very near the top if someone puts a new post up sooner. Cinque Terre is on my list - I know someone who had a lot of fun there. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the explanation. I hope to hear from some more people.

I have two suggestions. First, I think you should reconsider and schedule only two cities, Rome and Florence. You don't mention how you will transition from Rome to the CT, by car or train. Either way, it's a lot of miles to travel. Remember too, that you will be off daylight savings and there will be less daylight. All the more reason to not waste precious time transitioning between cities.

And then there is the weather factor. I was also in Italy in late October until mid November last year. Never again, unless it is unavoidable. Yes, the tourists are few, but the weather is unpredictable. Bear in mind that I was there for three weeks and the four or five days of wind and rain weren't horrible and certainly didn't ruin our trip. But you seem to only have eight days.

I would save the Cinque Terre for ideal weather in spring or fall. And, you certainly will not lack for things to do in Florence and Rome. From Florence, you could arrange a daytrip to Lucca, or Siena or perhaps plan an anniversary lunch at a vineyard just south of Florence. Lots of possibilites for a memorable trip.

Thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and help me plan our vacation. I'm thinking maybe we should consider going at a better time of the year rather than over our actual 11/10 anniversery.

Hi 4b,

One of the nice things about traveling in the off season is that you will not be one of thousands of tourists making life difficult for the locals, but a welcome visitor.

I've been to the Cinque Terre in beautiful early Sept. weather and late Oct. rainy, cold weather. I would suggest skipping the CT for another time when you are more asssured of pleasant conditions.

I'd spend those two days in Siena, between Rome and Florence. It has the most beautiful cathederal in all of Italy.(Rent the headsets) And climb to the top of the tower and view the spectacular city and countryside. Monteriggioni and San Gimigano are great Hill Towns to visit on the way to Florence from Siena.
Go during your Anniversary to celebrate 25 years of marriage. It promises to be most romatic!

I agree with Ira's comment on how you will be received traveling in the off-season. That is just one of many reasons why I prefer to travel in the fall and winter.

On a day trip to Glendalough in Jan '03 I mentioned how the locals are happy to see visitors in the off season and my guide replied "DELIGHTED!!"