We are looking to do an overnight stay in either Assisi or Tivoli in early December. Is the weather good for the Villa D'Este at that time of year? Is there still greenery and working fountains? Having a hard time deciding between the two!
Posted by
New York, NY
1585 posts
Hey Carlson,
The gardens of the Villa D'Este don't have much in the way of flowers. Most of what's growing is shrubbery, and a lot of it is evergreen. What they're really famous for is the fountains, which may not be operating in December.
If you're interested in ancient Rome, Hadrian's Villa, which is the ruins of the villa of the ancient Roman emperor Hadrian, is also in Tivoli, just outside of the town, easily reached by city bus. If you were going to Tivoli to see Hadrian's Villa, I would say it would be worth your while to stop by the Villa D'Este also, especially since it's right in the center of town, very near the main bus stop. The town of Tivoli itself is rather nice as well.
You can choose Assisi or the town of Orvieto for an overnight stay. Your time will be well spent in either place.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7532 posts
The two choices are quite different. Check climate figures on the internet, it's not going to be summer-like at all. Moss is also very important to the effect of Villa D'Este. It's unlike the fountains are running in December, so check very carefully. There are also some water features in Hadrian's Villa - which I would be worried to be windy and exposed in December.
Because of winter weather, I would pick Assisi or Orvieto over the UNESCO WH Sites in Tivioli. Rome would be best of all, with plenty of warm restaurants to dodge into. Avoiding summer crowds will be nice, but I would dress warmly.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11466 posts
I have only been to Tivoli in spring and summer, but I can tell you that Assisi is beautiful in December with the decorations and while Tivoli is kind of a one-sight town, Assisi has a wealth of sights and sites.
Posted by
New York, NY
1585 posts
bpcarlson - Here is a glimpse of how festive Assisi is during December.
http://www.montesubasio.it/en/assisi-christmas-nativity/
If you do choose to stay in Assisi, a good Christmas market to see in the nearby town of Perugia is "Natale in Perugia", in Perugia's Rocca Paolina. This Christmas market is held in the city’s castle, the Rocca Paolina.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Assisi. Hands down.
Posted by
Chicago
8201 posts
IMHO Assisi hands down. The Villa d'Este gardens are interesting but the villa is not particularly -- Villa Adriana not far away is also very intesting. But Assisi with Santa Chiara, the Cathedral, and the Basilica St. Francis as well as the little church San Damiano for vespers and the charm of the town itself is just wonderful.