First time to Italy. Trying to narrow down city/village destinations. Would love to do the lake region in October. But my heritage is Napolitano; would I not be experiencing the "same" Italy in the North as I would in the mid to Southern areas.

Help this neophyte choose general destination: Venice/Lakes or Florence/Tuscany.

Thank You.

ttt. please help.

Not sure how we can help you choose your vacation destination when we don't know your interests.

Some people think Venice is heaven on earth and shouldn't be missed. Others prefer Florence. The lake district is beautiful with many interesting things to see and do. Ditto Tuscany. Anyway...

The different regions of Italy are different. In fact, the regions were only united into a republic about 150 years ago. The food is different, and ingredients of typical local dishes varies from region and especially from north to south.

Tourist towns in the lake district close for the winter season, with many hotels closing by the 3rd or 4th weekend of October (or earlier if reservations lag and/or weather turns).

The Lakes region is not at its best in October, so for that reason alone I would not suggest it.

And northern Italy is most definitely not the same as southern Italy; they are two quite different worlds. Florence and Tuscany would, in my mind and I think in most minds, qualify as northern Italy.

Judging by the alternatives that you are considering, I am guessing that you want some time outside of the main cities.

I would suggest Rome as the city, with either a few days in Naples in view of your heritage (Naples is NOT relaxing, and the Amalfi Coast is also pretty well past its prime in October) or a few days in smaller towns in Umbria for a change from the city.

Italy is diverse. Venice and the Lakes are very different than Florence/Tuscany (Florence is in Tuscany by the way). The scenery around the lakes is mountainous (steep); Tuscany is rolling hills and hilltop towns. Italy becomes greener the farther north you go. I observed that while traveling from Rome to Venice by train.

For me, Venice and the Lakes are more about relaxing and walking around; enjoying the sights outside. Florence is about the fabulous art, especially the frescoes and sculpture in the museums and churches. The small Tuscan towns/villages would be partially walking around, enjoying the towns but those frescoes keep me indoors much of the time!

I would make the choice based on where you live. If you live in a city then go for Venice/Lakes. If you live in suburbia or the countryside then try a small city/large town like Florence.

In October, the more southern area will be warmer. I've been to Venice and the Lakes in October and these places tend to be damper and therefore colder since they're on the water. Also, many things in the Lake area close October 1. There are many gardens to explore but there won't be any flowers in October.

Either way...you can't go wrong. I've done both and I'm going back for another Rome/Umbria/Tuscany trip in 4 weeks! But I continue to dream of Venice. This is probably waffling but why not do Florence & Venice? Save the smaller towns (more outdoor things) for when the weather is milder. Once you've been to Italy you'll want to go back again and again.

Hi PA,

>...would I not be experiencing the "same" Italy in the North as I would in the mid to Southern areas?<

Nope.

If you have 10-14 days in OCT, I suggest that you fly into Venice or Naples and out the other with a visit to Rome in between.

Hello and thank you for some great thoughts about our trip. You may not realize what a help each of you have been. I have been reading books upon books, and continue to do so, but really like "real people" interaction on traveling.

Thanks again - and any more help is surely welcome.