My husband and I had to move our Italy trip from September to The end of December (over Christmas holidays). When I emailed our Cinque Terra hotel to move the reservation, the owner told me they hadn't yet decided if they would be closed over Christmas, and suggested I contact her in early December to find out. Do a lot of places in Cinque Terra close down in December? We will be in Italy for 8 days, flying in and out of Rome. We planned to see Rome, CT and Florence. Due to the time of year, would it make more sense to skip CT and see another area around Rome and Florence? Thanks so much!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1005 posts
I have been to the C.T. 3x and always in the summer months but I read that many restaurants and accommodations close during the winter for several months. I think with only 8 days I would save the C.T. for another time and split your time between Rome and Florence. Have you been to either Rome or Florence before? 4 days in each is not alot of time but if you wish you could always take a daytrip from Florence to Pisa and Lucca or Siena and Ostia Antica is an easy daytrip from Rome. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
Meredith, Yes, many of the hotels and other tourist businesses in the Cinque Terre close for the season about the end of November and typically re-open about April 1st. This gives the owners an opportunity to do any maintenance or renovations, and also to have a rest and enjoy the Christmas season (including La Befana in early January) with their families. Visiting the Cinque Terre in late December is not a good time, as there will be few restaurants and other facilities open, and the weather could also be an issue. The main attractions of the C.T. will be somewhat "absent" at that time of year - the scenery, the beaches, hiking the trails. In short, the stay could be kind of boring. I'd suggest skipping the Cinque Terre this time, and focusing more on cities with good indoor activities (ie: Museums, galleries, etc.). Plan another visit to the C.T. at a more favourable time of year. Happy travels!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
I have to chime in and say "no" to the CT, and reinforce the idea that Rome and Florence are enough for 8 days, especially over the Christmas holidays. We spent 9 days in Rome over Christmas for one vacation prior to even moving here and never ran out of things to do. Christmas Day and Dec 26 require some planning. Obviously many sites are closed, but the weather can be lovely and it's easy to just get lost in walking around and seeing the outdoor sites. Google "Christmas in Rome" and you will find many ideas. In fact, it has been discussed here on the Helpline over and over, so use the search function in the Helpline too. Be sure to reserve your hotels/apartments soon. It is high season over Christmas!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16236 posts
Another vote against the Cinque Terre from me. It's not easy to get to, therefore it would be a waste of precious time considering that it will be totally dead in December. Stick to the 4 nights in Rome and 4 nights in Florence. You won't run out of things to do in either, and in any case, as suggested aove, some smaller beautiful cities can be visited as a day trip.