Italy in late Dec-early Jan
Jun 7th, 2015, 11:44 AM
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Italy in late Dec-early Jan
My husband, 2 teens and I have 8-9 days at the Christmas holidays for travel and are considering Italy. Specifically we are thinking Rome and maybe one other city. I've been warned about the weather, but we'll be coming from the Northeast US so it's not a huge issue for us. Are the main attractions open at that time of the year? Any specific advice re: hotels, itineraries? We are seasoned travelers, but none of us have ever been to Italy. I know other times of the year would be nicer, but unfortunately this will be the only time we will have in the near future to make such a trip. Thank you!
Jun 7th, 2015, 12:12 PM
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I have traveled all over Italy in that time period and it can be quite wonderful. Temperatures in Rome can be pleasant if it is sunny, and almsot balmy in Napoli or Pompei. While Florence (if you are considering it) might be one of the colder cities, there is so much to do indoors, it doesn't matter much. Venice can be peaceful in some of the holiday lulls.
Now for the downsides: Bad weather can include torrential rain, and snow in the northern half of Italy. It is best to stick to train travel, as driving in bad December weather can be highly problematic. Christmas holidays do mean that many people will be joining you at the famous tourist attractions, and you face peak hotel costs. Add to that many famous restaurants will close, and from Christmas morning through Dec 26, a great many of the famous museums of Italy and shops will have closed their doors.
But it is fun, it is festive, if you plan carefully, you'll find plenty open, even on Christmas. You'll be glad it isn't stinking hot if you are touring treeless ruins and climbing belltowers, and Italy has wonderful warm weather food.
If you talk more about what interests you and your teens, maybe people here could help you decide what other city to combine with Rome, or ways to stay in Rome the whole time but do interesting day trips depending on how the weather goes each day.
Now for the downsides: Bad weather can include torrential rain, and snow in the northern half of Italy. It is best to stick to train travel, as driving in bad December weather can be highly problematic. Christmas holidays do mean that many people will be joining you at the famous tourist attractions, and you face peak hotel costs. Add to that many famous restaurants will close, and from Christmas morning through Dec 26, a great many of the famous museums of Italy and shops will have closed their doors.
But it is fun, it is festive, if you plan carefully, you'll find plenty open, even on Christmas. You'll be glad it isn't stinking hot if you are touring treeless ruins and climbing belltowers, and Italy has wonderful warm weather food.
If you talk more about what interests you and your teens, maybe people here could help you decide what other city to combine with Rome, or ways to stay in Rome the whole time but do interesting day trips depending on how the weather goes each day.
Jun 7th, 2015, 12:50 PM
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On Christmas day and New Year's day, almost all museums and archaelogical sites are closed. On the 26th, most places are open again, with the major exception of the Vatican Museums, which reopen on the 27th. After a two-day closing, I would expect them to be insanely crowded.
The temperature in Rome rarely goes below freezing, but it can be rainy. Florence tends to be colder. Venice would also be somewhat colder than Rome, but it also can be very raw and windy.
I would think Rome and Florence would make a good pair, but it depends on your interests.
The week leading up to Christmas is usually relatively free of crowds. Between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) all of these cities will be rather crowded, but not unbearably so.
The temperature in Rome rarely goes below freezing, but it can be rainy. Florence tends to be colder. Venice would also be somewhat colder than Rome, but it also can be very raw and windy.
I would think Rome and Florence would make a good pair, but it depends on your interests.
The week leading up to Christmas is usually relatively free of crowds. Between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) all of these cities will be rather crowded, but not unbearably so.
Jun 7th, 2015, 01:25 PM
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I'd also recommend coming and visiting a city in northern Italy if you have the time to.
Udine and Milan would be my choices. Udine because it's in the middle between the alps and the sea which makes it a wonderful point if you wanna visit some places around, outside of what tourists usually see.
And Milan because it's just an amazing and beautiful city, though it can be a bit crazy!
Best wishes
Udine and Milan would be my choices. Udine because it's in the middle between the alps and the sea which makes it a wonderful point if you wanna visit some places around, outside of what tourists usually see.
And Milan because it's just an amazing and beautiful city, though it can be a bit crazy!
Best wishes
