Venice, Acqua Alta, and full moons (and Italy itinerary question)
 

I'm considering an Italian trip at around the Xmas/NY time. I could start in Venice and end in Rome, or vice versa.

There is a full moon on Dec. 26. I read somewhere that full moons tend to be linked to acqua alta in Venice. If I arrived on Dec. 27 or 28, would this likely be a problem?

Which itinerary would be better?

Venice - Dec. 28 - Jan. 1
Florence - Jan. 1 - Jan. 5
Rome - Jan. 5 - Jan. 10

OR
Rome - Dec. 28 - Jan. 2
Florence - Jan. 2 - Jan. 6
Venice - Jan. 6 - Jan. 10

Other suggestions welcome.

Hi Will,

I would prefer arriving in Venice and leaving from Rome.

It gives you a chance to calm down and get used to being in Italy before being subjected to the intensity of Rome.

Acqua alta is never a problem for long. Only certain areas of Venice are troubled by the flooding. Plus the rising waters are tidal, so within a few hours they recede again. Raised walkways are set in place so you can navigate through the streets. It is more of an adventure than the problem you fear. I would bother to adjust my schedule to avoid acqua alta.

> full moons tend to be linked to acqua alta

I had heard/read it too. I had a beautiful full moon the first time I was in Venice 6 years ago but don't remember noticeable acqua alta during my 5-day stay. That was end of Nov-beginning of Dec. They told me they had had a rather bad one a week before my arrival.

I personally like to begin my trip in a more bustling city and end it in a more relaxed mode. Therefore, I would fly into the busy city of Rome, then go on to the more moderate Florence, and finally relax and wind down in Venice before departure. Just my opinion, however.

Which place would be the best to be at New Year's Eve? I don't need or want a party (typically the most exciting thing I do is stay up a bit late at home). But I would want to be in a place where facilities would not be closed around New Year's.

Gosh--what an unfortunate typo on my part. . .

I wouldN'T bother to adjust my schedule to avoid acqua alta.

Meanwhile, Will, I don't know about New Year's in either place from personal experience. All I can say is that Rome is a thriving city all year round and Venice has more of a small town feel. While Venice is a popular desitination for the Christmas holidays, some businesses do close for the winter.

<<Author: WillTravel
Message: Which place would be the best to be at New Year's Eve? .... But I would want to be in a place where facilities would not be closed around New Year's.>>

On New Year's Eve in both Venice and Rome - and as I understand it, all over Italy - most restaurants have a long, prix fixe dinner menu requiring reservations to celebrate San Silvestro.
I've been in both cities on New Year's Eve, and if I had to choose I'd go to Venice again.
Piazza San Marco starts filling up around 11pm with revelers who bring their own fireworks and prosecco. The shops and restaurants on the piazza are closed, and their windows boarded up.
At midnight - very exciting and well behaved pandemonium!
Many shops and trattorias were open on New Year's Day, but the city was not as crowded as Rome over the holidays.

In Rome, I saw fireworks all over the city at midnight from my apartment terrace (fantastic!), but wasn't actually on the street to see any celebrations. I guess I need to go again at New Year's, hmmm? :)