December in Italy -which cities?
 

We are planning a trip to Italy in late November or early December. I know this isn't the ideal time of year to visit, but an opportunity has arisen and we have never been. Our choices are Venice and Rome or Florence and Rome. We will have 7 nights to work with. Any suggestions on which cities to visit and how long in each? We'd appreciated any suggestions.

Hi Missy, where are you flying into and where are you flying out of? And is your hometown in the US?

Also when you say you will have 7 nights to work with are you saying that you will have 7 nights in Italy, or does that include your flying time?

I went a year and a half ago, from Christmas Day to around Jan 10. Omigod was it COLD! But I've spent my whole life in Texas, so I have very little tolerance for it. Venice was by far the worst in terms of cold, I imagine because of all the water; those metal boat buses just suck the heat out of you.

Rome, much farther south, was actully quite nice; I think was in the low 60s some days, although there was also little rain. We hit Florence last, and that was also quite cold, although not as bad as Venice.

In terms of the cities themselves--we spent 3 days in Venice, 5 in Rome and 5 in Florence. We had planned to hit one or two Tuscan villages and stay in Florence only 3 days, but we loved it so much we just stayed there--had the best meal I've ever eaten in my life, and I liked the "small town" feel it had, in contrast to Rome.

Rome was fantastic too. I felt very safe and welcome in both places; it was fun to just wander around. In 5 days, I didn't even see a quarter of what I'd like to.

Venice is unique--it's just a fancinating locale, being composed of tons of "islands" connected by hundreds of bridges, but for me it was just too tourist centered.

So, if you're just picking two, I'd defintely go with Florence and Rome. I can give you a rec. for a cheap, but really cool place in Florence if you want.

We are flying in and out of New York City. We actually live in California but will be visiting family in Brooklyn first. We will have 7 nights in Italy, not counting travel days, to work with. Rome is a must for us but still deciding between Venice and Florence. Thanks for the info thus far.

g33kgrl -

Actually Italy is warm in the winter for how far north it is. If Rome were in the US it would have weather like NC or boston - not like Virginia or the Carolinas.

It's just that you didn;t realize that Italy isn;t sub-tropical - but in the temperate zone.

Hi Missy, if it were me I would do Rome and Florence and save Venice for another trip. Venice being the coldest. I assume you are flying into and out of Rome. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi M,

>Rome is a must for us but still deciding between Venice and Florence.<

In that case, I suggest staying in Rome.

Why pack up, go to another city for 2 nights and schlep back to Rome?

If you get bored with Rome, take daytrips to Orvieto, Ostia Antica and Hadrian's Villa.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

We intend to fly into to one city and fly out of another, so staying in two cities shouldn't be too difficult. I think we have decided on Florence (4 nights) and then Rome (4 nights), maybe with a daytrip from Florence to Siena. We decided to add an extra day. Thanks again.

Having just been in these cities last December I would definitely save Venice for Sept time frame. All the cities were cold and a little rainy but Venice was not nearly as pleasant to be in with the high-water problem. Florence and Rome were so much fun!