Easter in Italy-2013

I was in Florence on Easter 2010, and took the train to Rome that day. We went to Venice later in the week (kind of backwards, I know, but I had to be at a conference in Venice at a particular time, and we were trying to avoid Rome at Easter). Everything was pretty busy, but I did not find it overwhelming. I live in NYC, though, so I am used to crowds, though sometimes I have a low tolerance. There was a bit of a line for the Duomo on Easter Saturday, but that's it. If you book the Accademia and/or Uffizi in advance if you want to see them, which you should do anyway, there are no problems. As for the train, it was a different train trip, but even so, we had no problems traveling that day. Everything in both Rome and Florence seemed business as usual that day.

Thanks Christina, that is a lot of help!!

I was in Rome/Florence Easter week this year. Did Mass at St. Peters Sunday A.M., then to Florence on Monday. Only thing I can tell you is it wasn't nearly as crazy crowded as I was led to believe (other than E. Sunday Mass)! DO be aware that finding a restaurant open can be a problem for both Sunday and Monday! We made reservations from the States for both days well in advance. Easter Monday is a very special holiday in Italy, which we were warned about in advance. Trains were crowded from Rome/Florence on Monday, but don't think you'll have as much of a problem from Venice to Florence but just to be sure, you may want to book those in advance as well via internet. We were surprised by how cold/rainy it was this year, but were told that it was highly irregular. Bring layers and a sturdy wind/rain jacket just in case. Have a great time! Sorry you're traveling on Easter Sunday, as the pagentry is absolutely beautiful in Italy.
Try to attend a mass @ St. Mark's on Good Friday at least!

We spent an Easter Vacation in Italy 2 years ago. It really wasn't bad. We started in Rome but left on Good Friday and spent Easter in the Amalfi coast. We spent Easter Sunday in Ravello which was one of the best Easters I can ever remember. I don't think I would want to go to the Vatican on Easter but if you plan it, it really isn't a bad time to travel.

Thanks for the help. My fears are a bit relieved!

Well, getting to Florence on Easter Sunday seemed like a good idea because we get to see the Scoppio del Carro at the Duomo but every museum we want to go to is closed on Monday. The original route was: Venice, Florence, Rome but I may reverse the order and do Rome, Florence, Venice. The problem is that many sites are closed on Easter Monday.

John, most museums are now closed on Mondays, so I've made that my travel day whenever possible (getting to small towns on Sundays can be a nightmare, not that you're planning to do that). Easter Sunday and the following Monday are "Festivi" days for train and bus schedules for sure, I am not sure about Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday (I've never traveled on those days, just stayed in Rome). Restaurants are harder to find open on Easter weekend, so find one in advance and make reservations.