Italy in November?
Aug 12th, 2004, 07:52 AM
#21
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I was in Italy between Christmas and New Year's (Venice, Florence and Bologna) and we loved it.
We always travel to Europe on the off-season. We enjoy the smaller crowds, the seasonal foods of winter, and, especially, the Christmas lights and decorations everywhere.
Does anyone know when the holiday lights traditionally go up in Italy? I can't imagine anything more magical than the festoons of white lights across all of the pedestrian streets.
Plus, IMHO, it is so much easier to look chic in winter clothes, especially if you invest in a nice coat and hat.
If sun and warmth are important to you, winter in Europe might not be ideal. We enjoy cold weather, so we love being able to split a bottle of red wine, have a big meal including game and truffles, then walk it off in the brisk air. So much nicer than sweating...
Just pick hotels carefully to be sure your room will be a warm and cozy haven to return to, and ask for a bathtub, not just a shower. Nothing is nicer after a day of sightseeing than a hot bath with a glass of sparkling wine and your new spouse!
We always travel to Europe on the off-season. We enjoy the smaller crowds, the seasonal foods of winter, and, especially, the Christmas lights and decorations everywhere.
Does anyone know when the holiday lights traditionally go up in Italy? I can't imagine anything more magical than the festoons of white lights across all of the pedestrian streets.
Plus, IMHO, it is so much easier to look chic in winter clothes, especially if you invest in a nice coat and hat.
If sun and warmth are important to you, winter in Europe might not be ideal. We enjoy cold weather, so we love being able to split a bottle of red wine, have a big meal including game and truffles, then walk it off in the brisk air. So much nicer than sweating...
Just pick hotels carefully to be sure your room will be a warm and cozy haven to return to, and ask for a bathtub, not just a shower. Nothing is nicer after a day of sightseeing than a hot bath with a glass of sparkling wine and your new spouse!
Aug 12th, 2004, 08:06 AM
#23
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Lauren: We are going to R/F/Venice at Thanksgiving for what I think is a reasonable price with Gate1. This will be our first escorted tour.
See--- http://www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/
See--- http://www.gate1travel.com/italy-travel/
Aug 12th, 2004, 08:19 AM
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<<Rex, while your advice may be well intentioned, I think you're overlooking what seems to be a key factor--if not THE key factor--in their decision, namely, cost.>>
I did understand that, from the beginning, Howard - - that's why I said...
<<Whatever "good deal" you found for this November, "we" (the Fodors Travel Talk "community"
can help you have just as good a trip next May for a similar cost.>>
As for my not having any experience with late fall travel and the shorter daylight hours - - it's that PLUS the almost certainly cooler, rainier weather.
For what it's worth, I have traveled once to Australia in "late fall" (May, I think it was) - - and I thought it was rather a bummer that the days were so short.
I did understand that, from the beginning, Howard - - that's why I said...
<<Whatever "good deal" you found for this November, "we" (the Fodors Travel Talk "community"
can help you have just as good a trip next May for a similar cost.>>As for my not having any experience with late fall travel and the shorter daylight hours - - it's that PLUS the almost certainly cooler, rainier weather.
For what it's worth, I have traveled once to Australia in "late fall" (May, I think it was) - - and I thought it was rather a bummer that the days were so short.
Aug 16th, 2004, 04:22 PM
#25
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Special thanks to all those who have replied and gave me the wonderful feedback. You all are the best! I think we're going to go for it since we would really wanted to go after the wedding and not have to wait until next year.
In replying to "Lauren75's" question, the deal I found was the same one that "Fairhope" found at http://www.gate1travel.com/italy-tra...rail-10spr.asp. Take a look and good luck!
In replying to "Lauren75's" question, the deal I found was the same one that "Fairhope" found at http://www.gate1travel.com/italy-tra...rail-10spr.asp. Take a look and good luck!
Aug 16th, 2004, 04:41 PM
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to cocotravel: Our 2 week trip to Italy in 2003 started on Nov 1 and ended on Nov 14. I believe the first week is where we spent two nights in Capri. The weather was perfect mid 70's. I found Capri perfectly magical. However, ours was one of the only hotels still open. Also the very expensive shops of Capri were all in the process of closing. The tourist places were still open and people were still in Capri during the day. The nights were so serene and beautiful, I'm sure nothing like they would have been at the height of the season. I think we were VERY lucky last year as far as the weather (only one day of rain on day 13) but there were very few crowds and I had the trip of a lifetime!
Aug 16th, 2004, 09:36 PM
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I have been to Italy in all four seasons and have been there twice in November over the last five years.
Each of the seasons has it's pros and cons. November is nice as it is not crowded, hotels tend to be significantly less expensive than in the high season, and the weather is usually quite pleasant. We do alot of walking and would rather do it in 60 degrees F than 90 F with highish humidity. Airfare is also less expensive. On the down side, there is less daylight but we tend to get out early and are ready to call it a day by the early evening, and dinner takes up most of the time. There is also the possibility of aqua alta in Venice and there is less sunshine. More rain is possible in Florence and Rome. October would be a great time to go but if you have to wait for November I am sure you will have a lovely time. I would rather go to Italy to tour in November than in the summer unless I was planning a slow travel sort of vacation and staying put in someplace like Positano, Portofino etc.
Each of the seasons has it's pros and cons. November is nice as it is not crowded, hotels tend to be significantly less expensive than in the high season, and the weather is usually quite pleasant. We do alot of walking and would rather do it in 60 degrees F than 90 F with highish humidity. Airfare is also less expensive. On the down side, there is less daylight but we tend to get out early and are ready to call it a day by the early evening, and dinner takes up most of the time. There is also the possibility of aqua alta in Venice and there is less sunshine. More rain is possible in Florence and Rome. October would be a great time to go but if you have to wait for November I am sure you will have a lovely time. I would rather go to Italy to tour in November than in the summer unless I was planning a slow travel sort of vacation and staying put in someplace like Positano, Portofino etc.
Sep 7th, 2004, 01:32 PM
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roger:
I spent Thanksgiving week 2003 in Italy. I will tell you that the further north you go, the more chance of rain. I was in Florence for four days and it rained every day, but on only one was it heavy. There was enough sun the rest of the time (on each day, in fact)to see the city as well as hike outdoors. Indeed, I had breakfast outside in a piazza every morning. The daily temperature hovered around 55.
In Rome for the rest of the time, I experienced rain two of the four days, on one occasion intensely (as I exited from the Vatican), and another as I was leaving and walked with my bags in tow toward Stazione Termini. Again, however, there was plenty of sun to allow me to enjoy the attractions, including all of the outdoor sites. Even though it drizzled steadily while I was at the Spanish Steps, it was not enough to keep me indoors nor to mar a pleasant experience. The temperature in Rome was mostly in the 60s, and one day it reached the 70s.
A great advantage to visiting during this time of the year is that the tourist crowds are at a minimum. In my case, that made for easy access to the sites, few lines at restaurants, and last-minute available seats on the train. That was worth experiencing a little cooler weather and a few rain drops. The decision is yours, but it's both cheaper and easier to travel at this time. I'm planning on doing it again.
I spent Thanksgiving week 2003 in Italy. I will tell you that the further north you go, the more chance of rain. I was in Florence for four days and it rained every day, but on only one was it heavy. There was enough sun the rest of the time (on each day, in fact)to see the city as well as hike outdoors. Indeed, I had breakfast outside in a piazza every morning. The daily temperature hovered around 55.
In Rome for the rest of the time, I experienced rain two of the four days, on one occasion intensely (as I exited from the Vatican), and another as I was leaving and walked with my bags in tow toward Stazione Termini. Again, however, there was plenty of sun to allow me to enjoy the attractions, including all of the outdoor sites. Even though it drizzled steadily while I was at the Spanish Steps, it was not enough to keep me indoors nor to mar a pleasant experience. The temperature in Rome was mostly in the 60s, and one day it reached the 70s.
A great advantage to visiting during this time of the year is that the tourist crowds are at a minimum. In my case, that made for easy access to the sites, few lines at restaurants, and last-minute available seats on the train. That was worth experiencing a little cooler weather and a few rain drops. The decision is yours, but it's both cheaper and easier to travel at this time. I'm planning on doing it again.
