We were just beginning to plan a vacation for 3 weeks to Italy in May..and found out this evening that we will be new grandparents come early May..obviously we wont be going in May...so our alternatives are go early..April..or wait until October..to avoid the summer crowds. Would appreciate any/all advice...also we were planning on going with a guided tour..any advice on that would also be appreciated. Thanks...Just retired..!

Tough choice--we have done both several times. I think you would like Oct. better, especially if the trip includes the Lakes or dolomites.

Thanks..like I said ...we were just beginning to plan..so don't even know what all of that means!!!( lakes or dolomites)

Good evening, it will probably be
about 5 degrees warmer in October vs
April in average hi and lo temperatures, however April might average 3.1" with October of 4.7. Have only been into IT twice in Apr/May
and do recall rain, however October/November have been the months of many trips and don't recall any heavy rains....Did use escorted tours
for the first trips, but after used our
own planning, etc. Would suggest you take a good look at www.cit-tours.com..
One plus in particular is that their hotels seem to be located within the city not out in the boondocks as some other tour operators..Another item to make note is how much free time do you have e.g. arriving in Venice for dinner and overnite, a morning tour and the afternoon at your leisure and departure the next morning.....
Richard of LaGrange Park, IL..

I think I'd opt for October - weather then seems to be optimal.

I've been to Italy in (late) April and in October. I'd happily go in either month, but I liked April better because the landscape was pretty and green. In October the fields had been plowed under, and except for the vineyards, there wasn't as much color as in the spring.

Hi Sum,

I found mid-Sept to early Oct really nice.

The weather is still Summery, the grapes are being harvested and the porcini mushrooms are in season.

I was in Italy April 16-May 6th (Rome, Bologna, Venice, Florence) and am in Florence now and found the humidity to be very bad. I am from California and not accustomed to humidity, but if you were from a state that has humidity, that may not be an issue for you.

I would recommend April over October.

Hi - congratulations on your approaching grandparenthood. I haven't done either yet but going to Tuscany next month. My concern as grandparent-to-be would be that the little darling would arrive early - just before or after the plane takes off. Plus baby showers in April etc. That would clinch October for me.

Though October seems to be a clear winner, don't forget that in April you see the Spanish Steps in all their glory...and it's incredible!! I've been in the spring and summer, and seeing them without the pink and white showers of flowers was disappointing. I enjoyed being there in April. Plus, if you go in April, many places still charge their off-peak rates, which can be much cheaper (I don't know about October).

You can run into more crowds in April, due to spring break and students of all ages travelling with or without the rest of the family. Weather-wise they can be quite similar.

Congratulations on your retirement and you're new addition to the family!

BC

Hello Sumreknot
I have been to Italy twice--the first time in October and the second last April from the 16-24 of this year. In October we had wonderful sunny and temperatures 65-75. The days were shorter (sundown around 6 p.m.) and fewer crowds. This last April we had 4 days of rain in Rome and no rain in Venice or Florence. The days were longer but it was more crowded than in October. I think from now on we'll go back to traveling in October. Have a wonderful trip whenever you decide to go. Gladys

another vote for october. we went in nov about four years ago and it was glorious - well, actually so was may and april!!!!