Italy in December/January
Oct 7th, 2011, 09:45 AM
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Italy in December/January
My family (hubby, 18 yr. old son, 21 yr. old daughter) will be traveling to Milan from Miami, FL on 12/26 and plan to take fast train to Venice in the afternoon. Reserved at Best Western ALA hotel in Venice (3 ***) through Amex using points and would appreciate feedback if you've stayed at or know of this hotel. Need recommendation for BUDGET car rental agency in Florence so we can then drive to Poggio Capponi in Montelupo for a week (WE WILL BE BASING OUT OF MONTELUPO). Comments on this location and agriturismo would also be very welcomed and helpful. Need 4 star hotel or B&B in Rome?? And, last but not least, how cold does it really get in Tuscany during this time? Help me Fodorites!
Oct 7th, 2011, 10:01 AM
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I stayed at the Ala in Venice many years ago and it was fine. Room was nice and breakfast was quite good. Location is good.
Your agriturismo is not in the best location. Try finding something more central to the Chianti towns. Something near Greve or Castellina. You might also consider staying closer to Siena, in case the weather turns bad.
Look up weather history for Florence or Siena to gage temps. It could be very cold, sort of cold, cold, not so cold, etc. I suggest you bring layers (+scarves, hats, gloves) and prepare to bundle up and peel off.
I use kemwel.com or autoeurope.com for car rentals. Either will beat any comparable price. Make sure you look at deductables when considering prices.
Your agriturismo is not in the best location. Try finding something more central to the Chianti towns. Something near Greve or Castellina. You might also consider staying closer to Siena, in case the weather turns bad.
Look up weather history for Florence or Siena to gage temps. It could be very cold, sort of cold, cold, not so cold, etc. I suggest you bring layers (+scarves, hats, gloves) and prepare to bundle up and peel off.
I use kemwel.com or autoeurope.com for car rentals. Either will beat any comparable price. Make sure you look at deductables when considering prices.
Oct 7th, 2011, 10:52 AM
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<<deductibles? Please explain?>>
Many times in Italy (where rental car insurance is required by law, he higher the insurance deductible, the lower the rental price. The lower the deductible, the higher the rental price. So, when comparing, do look at what the deductible is. You might see a lower price but if the dedutible is super high, it may not be the best value depending on your insurance needs.
These links may help with your car rental-
http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/car_rental.htm
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/index.htm
Many times in Italy (where rental car insurance is required by law, he higher the insurance deductible, the lower the rental price. The lower the deductible, the higher the rental price. So, when comparing, do look at what the deductible is. You might see a lower price but if the dedutible is super high, it may not be the best value depending on your insurance needs.
These links may help with your car rental-
http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/car_rental.htm
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/index.htm
Oct 7th, 2011, 11:12 AM
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I am suprised that Miami people are just now asking about temps in Italy that time of year---I would think that would be your first question. The answer is :
Venice---43-31
Florence---48-33
I agree that your location in Tuscany could be better.
Venice---43-31
Florence---48-33
I agree that your location in Tuscany could be better.
Oct 8th, 2011, 11:50 AM
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I think the high season you're seeing is only for New Years. January is certainly not high season. We went a few years ago in January: Rome, Florence, Venice. We booked fantastic places at unbelievably low rates.
Rome was cold, but not overly so. There was only one day when we cut sightseeing short because of the cold wind at the Forum. Florence was a different story. It was frigid! We stocked up on heavy, insulated gloves at the market there. It really was too cold to be outside very long.
Venice was sort of in between. It wasn't really that cold, but the damp makes it seem so. And it snowed all day and night one time! Those stone palaces get quite frosty so wear good insulated socks, too!
Now. Don't let me scare you off. There were mitigating factors. Personally, I love winter clothes, boots, scarves, etc. So I was happy. Menu offerings were delicous...stews and heavy pasta sauces. There were hardly any tourists. The locals were delighted to see us everywhere we went!
As for Tuscany, I was there in early November 2 years ago. Nights were already pretty cold by then. I wouldn't be surprised if Tuscany turned out to be the coldest place you'll visit. Just be sure to take silk long undies, heavy gloves (and liners if you have them), waterproof boots, good socks, warm wind-proof coat, hats, and wool scarves.
Even if you get forced inside now and then, just keep in mind you'll have all that lovely wine to keep you company!!!!!
Rome was cold, but not overly so. There was only one day when we cut sightseeing short because of the cold wind at the Forum. Florence was a different story. It was frigid! We stocked up on heavy, insulated gloves at the market there. It really was too cold to be outside very long.
Venice was sort of in between. It wasn't really that cold, but the damp makes it seem so. And it snowed all day and night one time! Those stone palaces get quite frosty so wear good insulated socks, too!
Now. Don't let me scare you off. There were mitigating factors. Personally, I love winter clothes, boots, scarves, etc. So I was happy. Menu offerings were delicous...stews and heavy pasta sauces. There were hardly any tourists. The locals were delighted to see us everywhere we went!
As for Tuscany, I was there in early November 2 years ago. Nights were already pretty cold by then. I wouldn't be surprised if Tuscany turned out to be the coldest place you'll visit. Just be sure to take silk long undies, heavy gloves (and liners if you have them), waterproof boots, good socks, warm wind-proof coat, hats, and wool scarves.
Even if you get forced inside now and then, just keep in mind you'll have all that lovely wine to keep you company!!!!!
Oct 8th, 2011, 12:59 PM
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In Rome we were at the del Senato. You can't get more centrally located. And it's a fine hotel.
Other than that, I don't know how much help I can be. I loved our Florence hotel (Residenza Il Villino), but wouldn't recommend it in deep winter. The 8 or 9 block walk into the center was downright frigid, especially at night. We took cabs a lot. Find something very central near the Duomo.
And it sounds like you're already booked for Venice and Tuscany. In Venice we stayed at Foscari Palace...sooo elegant. Especially the champagne and canapes at their bi-weekly soiree for guests! I think we paid something like 130 euros a night...like I said, ridiculous!
In Chianti we stayed at Palazzo Squarpaluci in Catellina. But it closes for the winter.
I think the ridiculously low rates probably come up a little later, maybe early December for a January trip. Other than the holiday, I think you can wait a little longer before booking. Take a shot at some of the most expensive places...can't hurt and they may make you an offer you can't refuse!
Other than that, I don't know how much help I can be. I loved our Florence hotel (Residenza Il Villino), but wouldn't recommend it in deep winter. The 8 or 9 block walk into the center was downright frigid, especially at night. We took cabs a lot. Find something very central near the Duomo.
And it sounds like you're already booked for Venice and Tuscany. In Venice we stayed at Foscari Palace...sooo elegant. Especially the champagne and canapes at their bi-weekly soiree for guests! I think we paid something like 130 euros a night...like I said, ridiculous!
In Chianti we stayed at Palazzo Squarpaluci in Catellina. But it closes for the winter.
I think the ridiculously low rates probably come up a little later, maybe early December for a January trip. Other than the holiday, I think you can wait a little longer before booking. Take a shot at some of the most expensive places...can't hurt and they may make you an offer you can't refuse!
