Drive through Tuscany or in and around Paris in December??
May 2nd, 2011, 11:09 PM
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Drive through Tuscany or in and around Paris in December??
i am planning my honeymoon in December.. and would love to either,
1) drive through Tuscany or
2) stay on in Paris maybe rent an apartment and drive to other near by destinations by car..
I love both places, though i have never been to Tuscany and never to Paris in december!!
What will the weather in Italy (Tuscany) be at that time of the year?? will it be as lovely as it is during the rest of the year???
If Tuscany, what are the places that you'll think we should not miss??? we dont want to stay at fancy hotels, beautiful basic accommodation would be perfect.
I am very keen on making it a very special trip as it is the 1st time my Fiance is traveling to Europe.
Thanks in advance!!
1) drive through Tuscany or
2) stay on in Paris maybe rent an apartment and drive to other near by destinations by car..
I love both places, though i have never been to Tuscany and never to Paris in december!!
What will the weather in Italy (Tuscany) be at that time of the year?? will it be as lovely as it is during the rest of the year???
If Tuscany, what are the places that you'll think we should not miss??? we dont want to stay at fancy hotels, beautiful basic accommodation would be perfect.
I am very keen on making it a very special trip as it is the 1st time my Fiance is traveling to Europe.
Thanks in advance!!
May 3rd, 2011, 01:16 AM
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Tuscany may be cold with snow. there was a lot of snow in Italy the past couple of winters.
Paris would be better. Cities in winter are less liable to have major disruptions compared to rural Tuscany.
Paris would be better. Cities in winter are less liable to have major disruptions compared to rural Tuscany.
May 3rd, 2011, 02:13 AM
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My husband and I were in Paris for a week last December from the 11th to the 18th.
We stayed in an apartment overlooking Hotel De Ville and had a fabulous time.
Yes it was cold, but we had blue skies and there was only light snow.
We have visited Paris many times but always in Spring so this was our first winter visit.
How long is your trip?
If it is a week or 2, I would stick to visiting main cities such as Paris and Florence or fly to Venice from Paris.
The experience of visiting Europe is different according to the seasons.
There is nothing as romantic as wandering the streets of Paris together...plus driving with a new spouse is a recipe for disaster!
We stayed in an apartment overlooking Hotel De Ville and had a fabulous time.
Yes it was cold, but we had blue skies and there was only light snow.
We have visited Paris many times but always in Spring so this was our first winter visit.
How long is your trip?
If it is a week or 2, I would stick to visiting main cities such as Paris and Florence or fly to Venice from Paris.
The experience of visiting Europe is different according to the seasons.
There is nothing as romantic as wandering the streets of Paris together...plus driving with a new spouse is a recipe for disaster!
May 3rd, 2011, 02:47 AM
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weather2travel.com December in not a great month for Paris
cold rain dreary rarely freezing snow.
Head to sunfrance.com lecalendal.com Nice in Dec if you
go to france.
Like Italy for better weather and romance in Dec.
metropole.it Portofino/CT VERY romantic for me
Had a sea view suite at the Red Lodge there last year
from 100 euro/nt.
Lucca.info Florence very nice...
Venice-tourism.com Sirmione.com also very romantic
warmer than north France.
Nice trains are a lot cheaper easier less hassle for me
seat61.com
although have done both tigercarrentals.com nice in
rural areas out of big cities but traffic parking in
cities can be horrendous so prefer train these days.
Congrats!
cold rain dreary rarely freezing snow.
Head to sunfrance.com lecalendal.com Nice in Dec if you
go to france.
Like Italy for better weather and romance in Dec.
metropole.it Portofino/CT VERY romantic for me
Had a sea view suite at the Red Lodge there last year
from 100 euro/nt.
Lucca.info Florence very nice...
Venice-tourism.com Sirmione.com also very romantic
warmer than north France.
Nice trains are a lot cheaper easier less hassle for me
seat61.com
although have done both tigercarrentals.com nice in
rural areas out of big cities but traffic parking in
cities can be horrendous so prefer train these days.
Congrats!
May 3rd, 2011, 02:55 AM
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Was just in Venice at the Bauer Venezia
Had a suite overlooking the Grand Canal
for 40000/delta skymiles per night simply awesome
booked 2 more nights at www.hotelpausania.it for
59 euro/nt canal view suite #211 it was OUTSTANDING!
Venice more romantic for me no cars magical gondolas
like going back in time.
Plus no dog poop land mines like in Paris to step in.
They keep things a lot cleaner in Italy.
Had a suite overlooking the Grand Canal
for 40000/delta skymiles per night simply awesome
booked 2 more nights at www.hotelpausania.it for
59 euro/nt canal view suite #211 it was OUTSTANDING!
Venice more romantic for me no cars magical gondolas
like going back in time.
Plus no dog poop land mines like in Paris to step in.
They keep things a lot cleaner in Italy.
May 3rd, 2011, 06:10 AM
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Our visit to Florence and the Val D'Orcia in mid December was far from depressing. Walked right into the Uffizi, had any table we wanted in restaurants, enjoyed the green carpet of emerging winter wheat in the rolling hills of the farmlands and found our return to the area cozy. Weather can be anything but in 2009, it was delightful with sun and cool temps. Your call.
May 3rd, 2011, 09:07 AM
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They have seasons in Europe so no place is the same all year round, Tuscany or France.
Staying in Paris might be fine, but I really think it's a bad idea to have a car while you are in Paris and use it to drive outside Paris to nearby places for day trips. This is a terrible idea, that's what the trains are for, besides, where you do you think you'll keep the car. You aren't going to have bucolic drives through the countryside in December, it's winter and gray and cold and likely wet a lot of the time.
Staying in Paris might be fine, but I really think it's a bad idea to have a car while you are in Paris and use it to drive outside Paris to nearby places for day trips. This is a terrible idea, that's what the trains are for, besides, where you do you think you'll keep the car. You aren't going to have bucolic drives through the countryside in December, it's winter and gray and cold and likely wet a lot of the time.
May 3rd, 2011, 09:20 AM
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Winter is the time for city visits, not rural escapades, so if you choose Tuscany I'd get an apartment in Florence - you can do day trips to smaller towns through the countryside by bus or train. Don't rent a car if you base in Florence.
Same for Paris - rent an apartment and enjoy the city. Renting a car to drive in and out of the city is a dreadful idea. There's nowhere affordable to park it, the weather could be lousy for driving, and trains go anywhere you might want to visit.
Same for Paris - rent an apartment and enjoy the city. Renting a car to drive in and out of the city is a dreadful idea. There's nowhere affordable to park it, the weather could be lousy for driving, and trains go anywhere you might want to visit.
May 3rd, 2011, 04:52 PM
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I really doubt Bobthenavigator has ever been in Tuscany in December. A couple of years ago, The New York Times ran an article about the joys of visiting Tuscany in December called "Tuscany Without the Tourists."
http://www.boston.com/travel/article...ut_the_crowds/
If you hope to spend your honeymoon with a lot of tourists, find out when bobthenavigator goes. Or go to Florence.
Every season in Tuscany is different, and there is a big difference in weather in Italy the first two weeks of December and the second two weeks. As the days grow shorter and shorter, your chances of seeing snow increases. You need to stay very flexible with your plans if you go in the second half of December.
If you end up choosing Paris, use the trains to get around, and consider visiting Belgium. But dress warmly that far north!!!
http://www.boston.com/travel/article...ut_the_crowds/
If you hope to spend your honeymoon with a lot of tourists, find out when bobthenavigator goes. Or go to Florence.
Every season in Tuscany is different, and there is a big difference in weather in Italy the first two weeks of December and the second two weeks. As the days grow shorter and shorter, your chances of seeing snow increases. You need to stay very flexible with your plans if you go in the second half of December.
If you end up choosing Paris, use the trains to get around, and consider visiting Belgium. But dress warmly that far north!!!
May 3rd, 2011, 04:56 PM
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Actually, the biggest laugh post in this thread in a series of knee-slappers is "they have no seasons in Europe."
travelgam,
You really need to realize that the quality of information you get on this message board is not high enough to be planning your honeymoon around it. People without any direct experience with the travel you are asking about are talking to you as if they knew something.
travelgam,
You really need to realize that the quality of information you get on this message board is not high enough to be planning your honeymoon around it. People without any direct experience with the travel you are asking about are talking to you as if they knew something.
May 3rd, 2011, 06:09 PM
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<<Actually, the biggest laugh post in this thread in a series of knee-slappers is "they have no seasons in Europe.">>
Learn to read, zep. People who repeat the exact opposite of what is printed are the last ones to be trusted with travel or any other information.
Learn to read, zep. People who repeat the exact opposite of what is printed are the last ones to be trusted with travel or any other information.
May 3rd, 2011, 09:16 PM
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Travelgam,
The majority of the "posters" have good suggestions. And while most are not experts, a good percentage of us are well-traveled and have experienced enough to offer good advice. So....disregard the "attitude" and take advantage of the opinions.
What a "happy dilemma" to be choosing either Paris or Florence for your Honeymoon. Each destination is unique for personal preference. Both will experience cold weather, as will most of us around the globe. Not to worry....good quality hotels have heating systems. That said, there are other considerations. Both cities are prepared for Christmas, and the twinkling lights on the Champs Elysees is a sight to behold. Use public transportation to visit surrounding areas. Inclement weather does not bode well for driving in unknown territory. Nor will the high fuel prices. The US is bad enough, but I am appalled at the prices my European friends pay for their gasoline. Spend that money on a treasured memento of your honeymoon.
Some restaurants/cafes in Paris will utilize additional heaters for dining. You will experience the feel of being in a working city, albeit a most romantic one. Hopping on the metro or public buses will make it convenient to visit most areas and attractions throughout the city. Not sure of the cold atop the Eiffel Tower, but imagine the good fortune of no overwhelming tourist crowds. Florence will be more quiet and cozy, with most restaurants/trattorias housing traditonal fireplaces. The city itself is much smaller and is easier to navigate on foot to the cultural attractions. The surrounding hill towns, convenient by train travel, each exhibit their own style of winter and celebration for Christmas. Dress warmly and wear sturdy all weather boots. Shearling and down are the coats of choice and we found fur to be acceptable. Eat comfort food and drink lots of wine. A perfect combination for that time of year. While there will be numerous tourists taking advantage of the "off" season, you will have the advantage of mixing with the locals and really immersing yourself in their culture and tradtitions. And we have experienced lower prices in a few dining establishments.
I have found December to be a magical time of the year to be visiting either city, but there can be no doubt even more so for your honeymoon.
Enjoy!!!!
The majority of the "posters" have good suggestions. And while most are not experts, a good percentage of us are well-traveled and have experienced enough to offer good advice. So....disregard the "attitude" and take advantage of the opinions.
What a "happy dilemma" to be choosing either Paris or Florence for your Honeymoon. Each destination is unique for personal preference. Both will experience cold weather, as will most of us around the globe. Not to worry....good quality hotels have heating systems. That said, there are other considerations. Both cities are prepared for Christmas, and the twinkling lights on the Champs Elysees is a sight to behold. Use public transportation to visit surrounding areas. Inclement weather does not bode well for driving in unknown territory. Nor will the high fuel prices. The US is bad enough, but I am appalled at the prices my European friends pay for their gasoline. Spend that money on a treasured memento of your honeymoon.
Some restaurants/cafes in Paris will utilize additional heaters for dining. You will experience the feel of being in a working city, albeit a most romantic one. Hopping on the metro or public buses will make it convenient to visit most areas and attractions throughout the city. Not sure of the cold atop the Eiffel Tower, but imagine the good fortune of no overwhelming tourist crowds. Florence will be more quiet and cozy, with most restaurants/trattorias housing traditonal fireplaces. The city itself is much smaller and is easier to navigate on foot to the cultural attractions. The surrounding hill towns, convenient by train travel, each exhibit their own style of winter and celebration for Christmas. Dress warmly and wear sturdy all weather boots. Shearling and down are the coats of choice and we found fur to be acceptable. Eat comfort food and drink lots of wine. A perfect combination for that time of year. While there will be numerous tourists taking advantage of the "off" season, you will have the advantage of mixing with the locals and really immersing yourself in their culture and tradtitions. And we have experienced lower prices in a few dining establishments.
I have found December to be a magical time of the year to be visiting either city, but there can be no doubt even more so for your honeymoon.
Enjoy!!!!
May 3rd, 2011, 10:56 PM
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We spent a week over new years 2009/2010 in Paris and it was lovely. We rented an apartment and spent our days wandering around lovely Paris. Yes, it was cold, yes, it was sometimes rainy but then we just jumped into a cafe for some wine! The light was gorgeous, the decorations lovely and we had a great time!
I will post our trip report and pics...
I will post our trip report and pics...
May 3rd, 2011, 10:57 PM
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May 4th, 2011, 01:35 PM
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We were in Paris over Christmas in 2010. LOVED it!! We had snow and also a rainy/snowy day, but a travel umbrella took care of that. We were out in it all day and didn't care at all.
If you get cold, stop in a cafe for a chocolat or vin chaud. I enjoy the Paris cafes. The shop windows are terrific.
There are photo links in my T/R....you will see many responses that talk about fond Paris memories in December. I would recommend it.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-fantastic.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ch-smaller.cfm
If you get cold, stop in a cafe for a chocolat or vin chaud. I enjoy the Paris cafes. The shop windows are terrific.
There are photo links in my T/R....you will see many responses that talk about fond Paris memories in December. I would recommend it.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-fantastic.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ch-smaller.cfm
May 4th, 2011, 03:09 PM
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We visit Paris in December almost every year. The secret is to prepare for the weather as other posters have suggested. If you enjoy seeing a city preparing and decorated for the Christmas holidays, then Paris is a great choice.
May 4th, 2011, 03:18 PM
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We spent two weeks in an apartment in Florenece in December and loved it! Cold but beautifully sunny days, until the day before we left when it snowed .... also beautiful, if somewhat disruptive with the trains! This year we are off to try Paris in December for a week. A wonderful dilemma you have!
May 4th, 2011, 05:55 PM
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Tuscany in December is likely to be grey and rainy - or snowy - and nothing will be green - more brown and crunchy. Also, days are very short - so the countryside will be invisible after 4pm.
I would definitely do a city - so bad wether doesn't really matter.
I would definitely do a city - so bad wether doesn't really matter.
