born2wonder

I am planning a trip to Italy in mid-late March of 09. We will be concentrating in Rome, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre. Never been there before.

We have two weeks and will base ourselves in each of the 3 areas. Thinking now is, 4 days Rome, 2 days CT, and the rest Tuscany. I prefer traveling by public trans, but will get a car if necessary.

We plan on doing the usual city sight seeing, and are looking forward to some 4-5 mile hikes/biking in the countryside in Tuscany, and Cinque Terre.

I have looked at the weather charts and understand the averages. My questions are as follows:

1. Can anyone tell me what we can expect in terms of the colors, foliage, vineyard conditions in Tuscany at that time of year? Should we anticipate baren conditions, or will there be some of the beautiful colors associated with the region?

2. Are there any other March related issues that could impact our enjoyment of those 3 areas such as closures, road conditions, etc?

Thank you.

Grinisa

We were in Italy at the end of March this year and it rained every day for six days. Not just light rain, but pouring down, sheets of rain and thunderstorms. Plus, it was freezing. We were lucky to get a day in the low 50s but mostly it was in the 45 degree range and upper 30s at night. This was in Rome and southern Umbria. Watching the weather on the news, all of northern and much of southern Italy had terrible weather that week. Could be a fluke but I've been to Italy several times in March and April and have always had at least a few days of rain and cool temperatures. Easter is in April next year so you won't be dealing with holiday crowds and closings. As for foliage, you might get some budding trees, vines etc. and some early daffodils etc. but for the most part, you are not going to see the lush foliage/colors you would in the late spring/summer and fall.

ellenem

I was in Italy in early- to mid-March this year and it snowed in Florence and the surrounding region--all the way to Umbria. It was cold and miserbale that day. The next day it rained like mad. However, the day before this weather set in had been gloriously suny and warm. Be prepared for anything.

tcreath

We were in Umbria and Tuscany in March 06 and it was rainy almost every day and it was quite chilly as well. The days that it didn't rain it was still quite hazy and damp. I brought a scarf and gloves and was glad I did so.

I don't remember any great folliage; because of the time of year it was a little bleak, too early for flowers and fields of green.

We still had a wonderful time, and the best thing was that it was very untouristed that time of year so we had many hilltowns almost to ourselves. Just go prepared for the possibility of rain and damp coolness and you should be fine.

Tracy

notbob

We Were in Liguria and Tuscany in mid March a couple of years ago. We have been to Italy a few times in March, usually in the north.

Weather can be iffy, you'll need to layer. evenings and mornings are usually chilly, but when there is sun the days warm up quite a bit. We have usually had at least one day with rain. We generally take a rainproof shell and a warmer under layer like a fleece jacket. You can wear both if you need it. We also took long sleeves and a sweater or sweat shirt weight top.

Generally the countryside and scenery is what you would expect in early spring. In reviewing old photos, the grass was beginning to show a bit of green, the trees that lose leaves in the fall had spring leaf buds. So no rich green leaves but reddish buds. vineyards will be about the same. vines but mostly buds and no thick lush leaves.

We enjoy travelling during March, there are fewer tourists and things seem a bit more laid back. In Tuscany, you'll see farmers starting to prep fields and possibly prune trees and clean up brush.

In heavily touristed areas, you will find fewer places open or ones just getting started to open. The ones that are open will love you.

notbob

I forgot about the car. If by Tuscany you mean the countryside and not FLorence, then a car comes in handy. you won't need or want one in Rome or the CT. But getting to hilltowns in Tuscany is much easier with a car.

annhig

hi born2wonder,

frankly, i think you'd be better off much further south, say in sicily, that time of year.

and if you want nice scenery, plants and flowers, Cornwall can be lovely. it's just the right season for magnolias, camelias, and rhododendons. alternatively, andalucia would probably be nice!

but it's not the time of year that i'd choose to be touring tuscany. a month later would be much better.

regards, ann

dfr4848

Don't know if you need another comment, but we were in Rome and Tuscany/Florence in mid-Mar '05. It was cool (generally high 50s, some 60s during the day), but wouldn't call it cold. Did have several days of fog and light rain, but no heavy rain. Had several sunny days.

Too early for much foliage and not much real color, but I wouldn't call it stark either. We did have some really nice visits to several vineyards - and the Tuscan landscape was still beautiful. And we just about had the vineyards to ourselves.

Didn't run into any problems with road closures, conditions, etc.

There are better months to go, but we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.