My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy over the Christmas-New Year's holidays for about 10 days. Given the time of year, what are the best places to visit in Italy? We will probably fly into Rome, but besides that we can't figure out whether to go north or south. Any major holiday considerations? (e.g., where would we NOT want to be on Christmas, when's a good time to visit the Vatican).

Just my thoughts of course but Sorrento is wonderful, not too overpriced, close to transporation(Naples, Capri, Ischia, Pompei) It is the beginning of the Amalfi Coast which is so beautiful! I don't think the holiday season would affect your stay there at all. As I said just my thoughts but I hope it gives you and idea. Have a great trip!!

Having visited most parts of Italy, I'd say 'it depends on what you want' Do you like art,architecture,churches and palaces? If so, go north to Florence/Perugia/Siena<BR>If you like scenery,ancient history and maybe some sunshine, go south to Naples, Pompeii,Amalfi and Sorrento

be prepared for rome, busy beyond belief, like a major city ten fold. amalfi coast for sure, portofino is unreal, splendido hotel a must do. the coast is like hwy 1 in calif with killer food and super casual. lake como area is awesome, villa de este a great hotel. remember to take nothing more than one suit case each, no bigger than a carry on with wheels a must, do not do what most americans do and try to wield a huge suitcase on the trains etc. STUPID!!!!! the train schedule can be got from concierge.com, put in your destinations and get an understanding on how far places are from one another. makes it easy to plan your trip and go more places. amsterdam another highly recommended destination,great for 3-4 days, tons to see. hope i helped have a good time.

Hi Martuz; I agree with all the others, in ten days you cannot see all Italy. My suggestion is: rent my little apartment in Rome for relaxing and then move by train: First visit Rome and the Vatican for a couple of days, 1-2 days in Florence, back to Rome, one night in Naples and a night at Capri. Buon viaggio!

Rome is lovely over Christmas:<BR>http://www.initaly.com/regions/xmas/michael.htm<BR><BR>there are lots of things happening all over Italy:<BR>http://www.initaly.com/regions/xmas/calendar.htm<BR><BR>If you would like company and a traditional type Christmas over here:<BR>http://www.italywithus.com/christmas<BR><BR>Where ever you go I wish you a very happy Christmas.

Just make sure you bring a winter coat, gloves, and hat. Even if you use a taxi, there will be sooo much walking outdoors and it is chilly, some would say downright cold.

If you're there, try not to miss Siena, which, besides being an incredibly beautiful city, coincidentally is famous for its panforte, kind of like a X-mas fruit cake. Also very pretty are Lucca and eastern Liguria (the boat ride from Santa Margarita to San Fratuosso is unforgettable, but in December it may be a bit chilly).

Martuz, You are going to get differing opinions on this but like a previous post said-what are you into? Art, cathedrals, museums? Then Florence and Venice are amazing. I preferred those two places over the Amalfi coast but if you enjoy visiting small towns and wandering through the pretty scenery then I recommend the Amalfi Coast.<BR>If you haven't already gotten a guide book on Italy then that might help make your decision. You might also go to your local library-ours has videotapes from Rick Steves on different areas and that helped me decide.

I would recommend florence for 4 nites. and while there do day trips to luca and siena. its easy and their great.