Does anyone have a preference for Cinque Terra, Lake Coumo, the Alps and Venice weatherwise: April/May or September/October?

bluepie, We are sold on September/early October travel. I think this link will take you to our trip report for Rome, Tuscany & Cinque Terra http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34699548
Last year we went to Bellagio, the Dolomites and Venice in mid-September. We were in Venice in late September and it was quite warm during the day. I have been remiss in getting my trip report done from our last trip, perhaps this will give me the push I need. Have a wonderful time planning (almost 50% of the fun of a trip) and a marvelous vacation. Shirley

Hi Bluepie,
We've recently been to the Dolomites twice in Oct. and once in April. I'd choose October every time.

Paul

We have always had very good luck with Sept. in Italy. I would feel more comfortable with that time of year, especially in Venice & the Alps. The mountains can be cold though, mid-upper 30's is possible. On 2 trips to Venice, the weather was mostly sunny and 70-80.

Those spring dates are too early for the lakes and Alps. Late May would be OK but Sep is better.

Personally I love September especially in my neighborhood (the CT area). The crowds have died down some yet the weather and water is still warm. Also, hotel pricing go down, always a good thing!

You should also have better weather farther north than you would in the spring. Venice will be crowded but it is pretty much that way Feb-Nov. It's still a fabulous place to visit...

Hi, if you wish I know a great small company that works in Northern Italy that helps in trip planning, they respond to general information and questions. They even offer a travelers assistance program if you utilize the service, they will provide you a phone number to call if you need assistance or even get in a bind traslating or otherwise.
You can email me at [email protected] if you want the info.

Good luck