thanks all for the encouragement... I'm now psyched we chose March!!! Sounds like the perfect time for us... since we don't feel like standing in lines and fighting the crowds!

We went to Rome, Florence (Tuscany), Venice in March 02 and it was wonderful!

If you want to read my trip report, let me know and I'll email it to you:
[email protected]

I was there March 20 - March 28, 2005. The eather was cool most days and one day it rained, but nice for touring and sight seeing, .. walking. Weather was 50's to 70's,.. cool at night. I would go again! Just remember to bring a coat and some layers of coths to put on / take off. We toured Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Rome areas.

was there March 20 - March 28, 2005. The weather was cool most days and one day it rained, but nice for touring and sight seeing, .. walking. Weather was 50's to 70's,.. cool at night. I would go again! Just remember to bring a coat and some layers of cloths to put on / take off. We toured Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Rome areas.

NO Mistake. My husband and I have been to Italy and Sicily 2 times in February and March..cool mornings, warmer afternoons, cool evenings. Take windbreakers...and maybe a small umbrella...we had one day of sprinkles in 10 days. We thought it was just perfect!

I agree with the others--your "friend" may just be jealous! We went a couple of years ago, flying to Rome on March 5th, and returning from Venice March 23rd. The days in Rome and 1 in Pompeii were sunny and warm--I wouldn't have enjoyed our long days outside both in Pompeii and in Rome's Centro Storico if it had been hot. The evenings were mild, just needed a light jacket.

Florence and Venice were a little cooler, but still perfect walking around weather, and the best part was no crowds! Yes, we did eat gelato every day! Have a great trip.

Was in Rome in late March of '03, was actually a little too warm for me to be wearing a lightweight turtleneck with a blazer! One day there was some light rain in the late afternoon, and it cleared up by evening when I went out for dinner. Temps were delightful! Tell your friend he's literally a "fair weather" pal, and go enjoy yourselves!

Buon Viaggio,
BC

Spent a wonderful week in Rome in March 2005 - only one day of intermittent rain. I woundn't change my plans.

Ltilley-the two months I WOULDN'T advise going are June, July, January (and I'd nix Jan. only for Venice) -other than that, you're good.

itelly,
Hope you're feeling really good about your trip dates. I was surprised to see ours are the same dates and locations with the exception of Venice. So jealous! Will cross fingers for mild weather and little rain for both of us!

Thanks Cupid... I'm actually really excited about the date's we've chosen... it won't be as crowded... from what I see, it should be mild - in the 50s! Have a great trip.... we'll have to compare notes...

Maybe we can compare iteneraries/ideas before we leave too!