Italy trip...please help!
 

Hi all,

I have posted in the past month regarding a trip to Italy I am planning with my boyfriend in November. Initally, we were going to Italy and England but he just informed me that he would like to just go to Italy for about 2 1/2 weeks. We both agreed that there is enough to see and do in Italy for that time period.

My inital plan was to make the trip for 5 days in Rome and 5 days in Florence/Tuscany. I want to use Florence as my home base for 5 days and rent a car (or guide) to tour around Tuscany.
For the last four days, I was thinking of trying to plan a small mini trip to the Italian or Swiss Alps for some snowboarding. My boyfriend and I love snowboarding and figured this would be a good preseason start to our favorite sport! However, I have no idea where a good ski resort is, how to get there, the general logistics, etc. Any thoughts???

As always, thanks for your help and insights!
Tina

Hi tina,

Is there a reason you are leaving out Venice?

2.5 weeks is 17-18 days. :)

((I))

Venice is a must for an 18 day trip to Italy, even if you have been there before. You can snowboard at home, but only in Italy can you see Venice!

The 2006 Olympics will be in Italy (in Feb.) Nov. might be a tad early for skiing but you might what to check out the Olympic venues. Also, In Val D'Aosta area: La Thuile and Champoluc. In Lobardia area: Chiesa Val Malenco and Madesimo.

I hear that November is not a good time to visit Venice. Is that true?

I was in Venice in late Oct/ early Nov 2004.
Pros:
1. Weather is still mild (compared to Chicago). Needed only a light jacket /blazer.
2. Crowds are greatly reduced. This to me is a huge plus.
3. Prices are great.

Cons:
1. Aqua alta - this generally means that you should avoid the San Marco and Rialto areas from about 9 to noon/1-ish.
2. Some attractions close earlier than in peak season (but thats true for Rome and Florence as well).

Don't miss Venice. Its pros out wiegh the cons.
Have fun :)

I would do some serious checking on snow conditions. Some friends of mine got the brainstorm to go skiing in switzerland for an early Thanksgiving trip - and found out there was little snow available except on the highest mountain tops, many trails weren;t open and some of the resorts weren;t even open yet.