We are planning a trip to Italy later this year (probably a few days in Rome and Florence, the rest of our time driving through Tuscany/Umbria) and are debating between the first two weeks of October or the second and third weeks of November. Answers to a couple questions might sway us in deciding when to travel.

1. Are airlines offering discounts for travel in early October, or would I get a much better deal in November? Same goes for hotels - are they any cheaper in November?

2. My husband hates crushing throngs of people. Are the crowds still heavy in early October?

3. Is there a preferable time to be driving through Tuscany? For example, landscapes more attractive? Wineries busier or have more going on?

Thank you all for your assistance!

I've noticed that most Rome hotels that I have looked into start the off-season rates Nov 1. Regards, Walter

I am biased because November is my favorite time in Italy. Village festivals (sagre) celebrate the local food, the crowds are gone and the weather usually cooperates. To answer your questions specifically:

1. Airline flights are cheaper in November; hotels will be less expensive.

2. It is much more crowded in early October.

3. October may be marginally preferable for driving through Tuscany, but I think this is offsett by the festivals I mentioned, fewer crowds and more relaxed pace of life. Nothing better than a long, lingering lunch in some trattoria in a Tuscan hilltown, preferably with fireplace. The food in season at this time of year is also exceptional: porcini, cinghiale, polenta, winter soups, chestnuts and other comfort foods. Also the olive oil is pressed this time of year, so you can get the freshest oil imaginable.

Weather is much warmer in October. There are not that many tourists there at that time. And, based on our experience, there's more chance of rain in November!
We've gone both months and definitely prefer October.

I much prefer Oct. Nov has the highest rainfall of any month in much of Italy, and it gets too chilly for me.

Thank you all for responding. There are definitely pros and cons to each month. I would like the warmer weather, but it might also be good to save money on airfare/hotels and splurge on souvenirs and food. I'm sure hot air ballooning in either month is out of the question.

A couple of you commented on the crowds - one saying it will be crowded and another saying it won't be. Can anyone else give a tie-breaking opinion?

Not sure this is a tie-breaking opinion. We went in mid-October, and it wasn't very crowded. However, this was right after 9-11 when a lot of Americans were staying away. I decided for October over November due to weather concerns, even at a higher cost. Since I am a photographer, it was worth it to avoid rain. I do know travelers who encountered much rain in November of that same year. We saw almost none during nearly two weeks. Some hours change too in November, if I remember correctly. The primary one I can remember is the Vatican Museums. I believe those hours change around the end of October, when they close a full three hours earlier than during "summer" hours. Another factor is daylight savings time. If you go before time changes, you get more daylight for sightseeing. This occurs around October 31 in 2004. I know this latter factor matters to me whenever I travel.