We are traveling to Italy in March and have our itinerary planned but are second-guessing one leg of the journey. We fly into Milan, spend 5 nights in Tuscany, then drive to Rome for 3 nights, then planned to go to Positano for 2 nights before driving up to Varenna for 2 nights before flying back home out of Milan. Should we stay in Cinque Terre instead of Positano? That would make Rome our southernmost point. What is the weather like in Cinque Terre in mid-March?
Posted by
Chicago
7912 posts
Stay in Positano.
The weather is crap in mid-March in Cinque Terre.
You should have booked to fly into Milan and out of Rome.
Change your flights this way if you can afford it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
The Cinque Terre doesn't "officially" open for the season until 1 April, so it may still be a bit "quiet" there in March. It could also be "quiet" in Positano at that time of year, and the weather may be an issue in both locations.
I assume you're aware that each driver registered on the rental form will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. You'll also need to be very careful to avoid the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas with are becoming common in many Italian towns and cities. Do NOT drive in Florence as the historic part of the city is just about saturated with automated ZTL cameras. Also be careful to avoid the devious Traffic Tutor speed system, which measures both instantaneous as well as average speeds.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15604 posts
I'm on the Amalfi Coast now and it's beautiful with few tourists. The local buses looked pretty empty. I've run into a few Italians from other parts of the country who are down here for the weekend, only heard French and English occasionally.
However, I think the big issue with your plan is that you'll use up too much time traveling here for a 2 night stay. Sorrento or Salerno would be a good place in March with lots of hotels and restaurants and shops open. You'll use up too much time driving from Rome and then you'll spend most of the next day getting back north to Varenna, so you'll only have one day on the coast. With the iffy weather in March. If you're lucky with a sunny day, you'll enjoy it. If it's raining, it'll be a real downer. Did you read my post about driving the AC?