Trip to Italy March 2006
I have been looking at a tour to Italy end of March for two weeks, Treasures of Italy withTrafalgar Tours, First, is this a good time to go to Italy and since this trip is for two seniors, would this be thebest way to see Italy
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We have been to Italy twice in March and found it to be a great time to travel there.
We traveled mid-March through the first week in April both times, and the weather was delightful. In fact, the most we ever needed was a light jacket in Tuscany...but most days, no jacket at all. We had a total of maybe two or three rainy or drizzly days over the two trips of two weeks each. The best part of traveling in March is that there really aren't lines anywhere except in places like the Vatican Museums or the Uffizi. Of course, if you are looking for a beach vacation, March is way too early. But for a sightseeing tour trip, we found it to be perfect. |
We were in Tuscany the last two weeks of March of last year, and it snowed one day. Jacket time most days - just the opposite of what Lorac experienced. This tells you that you sould plan for anything.
We also found March to be a perfect time - shorter lines and the countryside was beautiful, although nothing was budding yet from about Tuscany and north. The winter wheat covered the hills with a blanket of green - lots of photos. Stu Dudley |
Hi currin,
I suggest moving your visit up to mid-April, if possible. Are you sure that you want to join a tour? What's the itinerary, the lodgings and the price? ((I)) |
I'm glad you got two replies that "look at the glass half-full" - - and then ira's polite transitional way of saying "well... maybe... <i><b>no...</b></i>" to both of your questions.
Is March a good time to see Italy? I'd say no, or at least not compared to the (far) "superior" (depending on your criteria, of course) months of May, September, June and October (perhaps I should have listed those four months alphabetically, rather than imply an order of preference). And... is Trafalgar Tours the "best way to see Italy"? again, er... no, not really. It might be the path of least resistance to a satisfactory way to see some of Italy (and superficially, a few of "us" would argue here). The "best" way might be to have a sympathetic son, daughter, niece or nephew - - who is knowledgeable in Italy travel - - construct a custom-prepared trip for you, and accompany you, by car, train and plane to exactly the destinations that interest you most and suit you best. But "best" is often an elusive thing. Best wishes, Rex |
We spend 2-3 months in Europe every year. Much of that time in Tuscany - usually in Sept, October, or March. Our closest friends live in Tuscany part time - and they are there quite often in March & April - that's the time of year they prefer.
Fewer tourists in March. Only 5 people were in the same room as us when we visited David in Florence. A friend went there in October, and she could not get near David. All the other museums in Florence were also not crowded (didn't visit the Uffizi), and you could actually walk through the Piazza Della Signoria without bumping into people. The Tuscany countryside was spectacular, with the green winter wheat covering the hills like velvet. Both my wife & I think it's prettier in March, than in September when the fields are freshly plowed - which is also quite picturesque. Is it summer yet?? - no, so you can't dine outside. However, we had morning coffee and evening coffee outside at the Bar Centrale in San Quirico several times. Is is a good time of year to be there - I think it is. Is it the best time to be there?? If you want to spend a lot of time in Florence, which is usually a mob scene from May through October, then it could be the best time for many people. Otherwise, it's a matter of what you plan to do in Tuscany and personal taste. September is certainly plesent when you can dine outside most days. When we were there in mid/late October it rained part of the day or all day for 10 straight days - then got quite nice for the next 8 days or so. Stu Dudley |
I went the first two weeks of March 2002. The weather was fine, although it can cool down in the hill country. A light jacket was fine. 2-3 partial days of very light drizzel.
March is on the edge of tourist season, so tour prices may be higher then than the first two weeks. As far as if the stated tour would be good for you, you need to decide if it is too active for you and how good of shape your in. I find that tours are too rushed. You can usually go your own for less and do the things you want, but then you have to plan everything yourself. |
Hi
I have a previously done a Trafalgar tour. It was very good. They are very popular with seniors as they take the hassle out of travel for them. You still have quite a bit of time to do your own thing though. Just a couple of criticisms. Firstly the hotels they use tend to be a distance from attractions. Not a problem if you don't mind public transport or bearing taxi costs (generally 2 couples go halves to cut the cost). Secondly I found a lot of the attractions were expensive optional extras with Trafalgar. This can add quite a bit to your tour costs. You are also expected to tip the tour director and driver. Taking all this into account I would still definitely encourage you to do a tour (Trafalgar are as good as any although I have used Cosmos twice). You will meet lots of people and have heaps of fun. I would agree with other posts - try to travel later in April if you can. If you can't, no biggie. Late March it will have to be. Good luck and safe travels. |
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