We are currently in Bologna and just received word that Venice is experiencing record tides and, as a result, massive flooding. The next stop of our vacation was scheduled for Venice tomorrow with several unplanned days after that. As a result, we are in northern Italy with about 8 free days before needing to fly out of Rome. As much as I would love to see the Dolomites, it looks like all of Italy is getting hammered with rain so I'm thinking an outdoor destination is out. At this point I see our options as heading to Milan for a couple of days before heading back to Rome or just giving ourselves 8 solid days in Rome with maybe a side trip to Naples. Seeing as how our prior Italian experience has been limited to Florence for 5 days, I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas, advice, or "secret spots" that they'd be willing to share.
Posted by
4375 posts
Sorry--it really seems to be raining everywhere!
Do you wish to stick to train only?
Everywhere I searched had rain in the forecast. Look at Turin as well as Milan (always thought it sounded appealing).
I like the Rome and Naples idea.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
5 posts
I would prefer to stick to the train and/or bus. I rented a car and drove through Tuscany, which was nice (and necessary), but even though I like driving, the stress of traffic, parking, and theft always takes a little bit of pleasure out of a European holiday.
Posted by
585 posts
Lots to do and see in Rome including indoor activities. Have a look at the itinerary for theRick Steves’ 7Days in Rome tour, lots of ideas there. Some ideas if you want to get out of town - train to Orvieto, visit cathedral, Etruscan museum and sites. Take a tour out to the stunning Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli. As you have already suggested, Naples, spend a couple of nights and visit Pompeii and Herculaneum and don’t forget the archaeological museum in Naples.
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
Orvieto actually has rather of lot of sights. You could spend a couple of nights there, giving you a day and a half or so.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
Can’t miss with Rome: never enough time. I also like acraven’s idea of a few nights (3 max, I would say) in Orvieto but maybe the Amalfi Coast has better weather coming?
Posted by
seattle
2047 posts
Orvieto is very nice. Agree that Rome always has lots to explore and experience. We did spend 10 days in Naples and on the Amalfi Coast and found them extremely interesting. I would gladly revisit any of these places.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Heck, you have 8 days to play with. That's longer than a lot of people's entire trip to Europe. How badly do you want to escape rain? I bet you could quickly and easily get to someplace where it's sunny and warmer...even beyond Italy. I've read elsewhere of people in Turkey recently complaining that it's too hot for November.
Check a weather map and start thinking...
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
Just got back from our vacation in Italy. Yes, it is raining there more than usual. You need to stick to a larger city with indoor activities. The areas we had the most difficulties with in adapting to the rain was Lake Como and Amalfi. Even in November the Amalfi coast was busy. The bus system I think is the best one could expect, but we were waiting outside in the rain to board buses and had to get to bus stops at least 15 minutes in advance for hope of a seat. You really want a seat because the bus rides are Long. (Amalfi to Sorrento about 1 hour 15 minutes) In addition to driving rain, it was quite windy.
I like the suggestion of hill towns of Umbria and Tuscany. Or possibly Turin??
Posted by
4375 posts
I would also consider just trying to change your reservation, head over to Milan a couple days and then to Venice. Even though it is a particularly bad tide, they are used to getting back to business after such things.