Med in Feb 04
 

My wife and I are going to be in Italy (Rome) and then Greece and Turkey Feb 2 through Feb 19. The resources say it will be in the 50 f and that some things may be closed or have reduced schedules

What should we expect for weather, schedules of ferries, events, hotels, sales, etc

Thanks for the info

Rome will be as busy as any large European city would be at that time of year. No shortage of things to do and see there.

Expect a cutback on available tourist amenities in February in the Greek islands. Most tourist businesses close up in late October and don't re-open until April/May. Exceptions to this would be Iraklion on Crete, the main town on Rhodes (can't remember the name!) and perhaps a few more where the native population is large enough. The weather will be cold and perhaps rainy in the Med, it's difficult to predict. If there's a big storm in No. Europe it usually effects the weather in the South as well. Ferry schedules will be cut back then but there are always daily ferries to the populated islands, weather permitting. Timetables can change without advance notice, so make sure your information is current. The ferries don't go if the winds are strong. If you're planning to island hop the best and most current information is to be found at the port offices the day before departure. Prices for hotels will be at their lowest. Advance reservations are not necessary unless you require it for your peace of mind. If you're travelling by ferry you will be approached with you disembark by locals with rooms to rent.

Istanbul will be very cold but is worth the effort, it's an amazing city, especially the old walled city, Sultanahmet. The southern coastline around Bodrum and Marmaris will have the best weather, but again, it's going to be cold.

We were in Florence, Rome and Venice in late Jan/early Feb this year and are returning again this year.

We like Italy in the winter. The hotel rates are down, the lines are shorter at major museums and the streets are filled with locals.

Pack layers and unbrellas. It rained pretty much everywhere at least part of most days of our trip. We did not find too many restaurants that are closed and the trains, etc, ran to schedule. Shopping is terrific in January in Italy.

I have only been to Greece and Turkey in the summer months.

Do you recomend that we go to certian areas based on the weather or go anywhere but pack layers

Should we skip the Greek island?

I would skip the Greek islands in Feb. or even March. Crete, as mentioned above, might be the exception, depending upon what you would want to do there.

What about Turkey, if we skip the islands should we still try and make it to Turkey?