2 months in Italy? Fall? Spring? Winter? NOT summer

My ideal two months in Italy would be April and May. I've been in Italy parts of those two months and enjoyed the weather--mild and not too stormy. Easter and May 1 are special times and some places may be crowded; some people enjoy the crowds and festive atmosphere.

I'd rent a car. Trains and buses are great, for the places they go. But it's hard to beat the freedom of a car.

If you're not put off by technology, you might consider getting a GPS to help find your way without spending so much time parked and studying maps. Get it at home and use it some in familiar territory before you go. There are endless GPS recommendation discussions here on the board. I won't turn this into one of those!

Now, I'll just piggy back on your question regarding seasons, and more specifically months. We want to travel back to rural Italy in autumn 2010, but I'd like to know when the best time is.

I will NEVER go to Italy again between mid-May and mid-September. I'd rather go in cool weather and wear a sweater than go in hot weather and simmer.

Ideally, I'd like sunny weather that stays around 70F/20C. Wonder when in autumn is the closest to that ideal in Italy (erring on the cooler-than-ideal side, rather than on the hotter side).

Hi Kaaren,

I'd chose fall! It's cooler but not too cold, festive closer to the holiday season, not as busy as Easter, and sooner than spring or winter! I've only been in Italy in Spring, Summer, and Winter so fall would be first on my list of times to visit.

For suggestions on places to visit, I'd rely on your friends advice or the advice of other travelers. I'd also plan on using public transportation but might rent a car to explore a region like Tuscany.

Enjoy your travels!

I would go in Mid Oct to Mid or early Dec. I love Italy around Christmas time, but the actual two weeks around CHristmas are pretty slow/dull. You'll have nice weather, nothing too cold, and no snow where you will be. Plus you'll be around for the oil harvest and the releasing of Novello wine (new wine) in November. I would rent a car as needed. Maybe for a day or two. You should check the age restrictions (if you're over 70) for car rental. My grandparents can't rent cars anymore when they travel, but they are in thier 80s.

I am 79 and had no trouble renting a car last month, thru Eurocar.

I really appreciate all this information, AND this board on which to communicate. I am learning something new with each reply! I"m going to keep researching this, and learning, and planning. It's all possible.--Keep the info coming.........Kaaren

Hi Kaaren, my friend and myself, we are both 66, rented a car out of Ciampino Airport and just took off from there. This was our third trip to Italy so we just wanted to go to local,off-the-beaten track areas which we did. We had a marvelous time. This was done in April 1-May 9. We made reservations for our first two nights at a business hotel near Ciampino airport and rented an apartment, really inexpensive, in an out of the way area in the Chianti region. The only other reservations were 9 days in Rome in an apartment in the Testaccio area (because it was non-touristy). We drove up the coast from Rome and stopped at some lovely coastal towns and stayed at a sweet seaside town in Talamone, Italy, about an hour or two north of Rome, then continued to the Tuscany area, then headed out to Pescara, then L'Aquilla area, Avellino/Benevento area, Sora to Italy Farm Stay for a few days (lots of fun!)then onto Rome again. We had no problem getting reasonable hotel rooms. Between the economic situation and being off-season, we took advantage of the low priced accomodations. Just get in the car and go and meet people and enjoy the culture.

Buon Giorno Kaaren - I visited Italy last fall from mid-Sept.. to early Oct. and found it to be the perfect time. Warm enough to swim in the southern area, a bit chillier but "golden" days in the northern section. Lots of fall festivals to enjoy and the grapes are almost ready to harvest. It was magical!!

Sept and Oct is a wonderful time to visit Italy. Wife and I have done this 1 to 2 to 3 months at a time. Always rented a car. Try Autoeurope. Simply avoid driving in Rome. We are in our late 60's and early 70's.