We will be traveling as a family of four (2 boys age 12 & 13)over Christmas to Italy. This is our 3rd trip to Italy and we are experienced travelers who travel light (backpacks) and are experienced hikers. We are back and forth on whether CT should be part of our plan a) no matter the weather b) loosely planned and if the weather looks bad change plans or c) not at all. We fly into Milan and will then hit Verona and then head to Florence for a few days as our kids have not done Florence. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I've heard that a lot of places in the CT close for the winter. Maybe someone who has much more knowledge
than me can comment.
Have you been to Sicily? I would think the weather would be a bit better further south - there is so much
to do there.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
Jen P.,
Visiting the Cinque Terre in December would not be the best idea (IMO). As the previous reply mentioned, many of the tourist-related businesses close for the winter in November, and re-open on April 1st for the new season. While there may be a few places still operating in a limited fashion in winter, over Christmas most places will likely be closed so the residents can enjoy the holiday festivities with their families.
The weather likely won't be too good, and the No. 2 (Sentiero Azzurro) trails will be closed for the season so you won't be able to do much hiking. The segments from Riomaggiore to Manarola and Manarola to Corniglia have been closed all year, and won't be open until next season (hopefully).
My suggestion would be to focus more on activities in the cities, as that will provide more options during inclement weather. In terms of "doing Florence", I'd recommend packing along a copy of the Italy 2014 Guidebook, as that provides an excellent description of the various Museums and other activities there (and in Verona), and will provide you with the information to choose activities that you enjoy.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Ken,
Thanks for the reply. We are classic off-peak travelers which obviously makes CT a tough sell for so many reasons, as you noted. We have our well worn RS Italy 2011 and my husband and I have both done Florence previously (2005) so we have a head start. Would you recommend the 2014 version as having significant changes (other than, my guess is, pricing differences)?
Also, as we are flying in and out of Milan, do you have any other recommendations as to off the beaten path towns worth a visit? We have done Rome 3 times as well as Venice, Siena and Pisa (all twice - although we may hit Siena again because, well, it's Siena and there just is something about Siena. . .
Thanks!
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
I would not visit the CT in December. A lot of places are closed during the winter and if it's raining, there's not a lot to do there. When it rains the trails are closed and since most of the shops and restaurants will be closed, it will likely be very boring. Sorry I can't suggest an alternative either...Lake Como is one of my favorites but it's the same situation as with the CT; most places are closed for the winter and there's nothing to do when it's raining. How about spending a few days in Milan itself and going to see 'The Last Supper' & the Duomo, etc.?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
Jen P.,
Regarding the Guidebook, I don't have both versions to compare them, but in nine years I suspect there will be more than a few changes. The most likely change will be some new hotels with others being removed.
Regarding "off the beaten track" places to visit there are lots of possibilities, but every place is likely going to be "quiet" in December as the locals will be celebrating the season. Are you only interested in coastal locations? The Guidebook would probably be a good place to start looking. Varenna and Lago di Como will be also be quiet but there should be at least one hotel open. However, as there won't be much happening (boring for your boys) and the weather may be dismal, it's probably not the best choice.
I realize you may only be able to travel in December, but your travel experiences in Italy would likely be much different if you were able to travel in the shoulder seasons.
Good luck!
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Since you're flying into Milan --- what about taking the boys to the Le Marche region -- get out your map and look at San Leo and San Moreno. We have family in Riccioni and went for a wedding a number of years ago with our sons 14 and 10. The family in Italy thought these two cities would be exciting for the boys, and they were. We were there a little earlier in the year, in November, I believe. We had a great time. Look at all the usual places, like Trip Advisor, etc., and see if these look interesting for your family. Agree that so much is closed in CT. Can't help but mention that Rome is awesome during the Christmas Holidays if that's when you're going.