We are planning a 3-week honeymoon to Italy in late October/early November of this year. We plan to arrive in Venice (3 nights), travel by car to Lake Garda (2 nights), Emilia Romagno (maybe), and Tuscany (4-5 nts), then end with several nights each in Florence and Rome.

We had not planned on including the Amalfi Coast, but are reconsidering. Our thought is that we could train from Florence and stay for a few nights in Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello. Questions for you wonderful fodorites:

- Is Amalfi coast worth visiting in early November? I know we won't be able to swim, but we would be happy chilling out with great views, hiking, etc.
- Where should we base ourselves (Amalfi, Positano, or Ravello) that time of year? Where are most restuarants, shops etc likely to still be open?
- Would you trade time in Bologna/E-R for Amalfi?

Thanks very much for your help!
Laura

Hi Laura,

The ACin November is going to be fairly cloudy and rainy.

I don't think that I would make the trip this time.

You might find the Bologna part of my trip report useful.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

I agree with the above poster that November is not a good month in AC. It is likely to rain which would interfere with hiking and obscure views. Temps are only in the high 50F. Take a look at weatherbase.com and worldclimate.com for historical average temps and rainfall, you will see that Oct and Nov are the two rainiest months of the year on average.. Many of the good restaurants tend to be closed from November through late March, and even some hotels. Capri will be not accessible for you, which is one of the highlights of AC, IMO. Ferry service along the coast is much more limited.

I have not been to Bologna but have heard so many good things about it, I don't think I would trade it for the AC, and definitely not in November. Also, I think you will find so much do to and see in Rome that you could easily spend a week there. You might want to spend 4 nights in Venice as you will be a bit jet lagged (not to mentioned stressed out from wedding planning and the wedding) for a day or so and having the luxury of extra time will give you time to enjoy this magical city.

November 1 is a holiday in Italy (All Souls Day/All Saints Day) and I understand many northern Italian towns celebrate with markets, etc, especially Peruguia. It might be good to be in one of the towns to join in the celebration. (Halloween is not really celebrated in Europe.)

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

Trading 3 nites on the AC for the same time in Bologna is a no brainer. I would train there via Salerno and stay in Positano--taking a bus or private driver from Salerno.

Hi Bob,

Really a "no-brainer" in November?

We were there last October and two of the days were so foggy that you couldn't see 6 km.

You have probably thought a lot about where you would like to visit so please accept my apologies if I go too far to suggest Lake Como instead of Lago di Garda. You will really have only one day to stay and I think this other lake is far more romantic with opportunities to boat to other locations. Buona fortuna.

Ira , I see your point, but better than rainy days in Bologna.

Good point, Bob.