Easter in Rome (and CT question)--PLEASE HELP

suze,

I don't know how crowded Rome will be at that time, so I'll leave #1 to the others.

Regarding #2 it is possible to take a day trip from Florence to the Cinque Terre. It would be a good idea to consider the weather before you go, as that area won't be as nice in miserable weather. The trip from Florence to the Cinque Terre will be 2-3 hours each way, with 2 or 3 train changes (depending on which trains you choose). You can check the various solutions on the Trenitalia website.

On other point to mention is that if you visit the Cinque Terre prior to 1 April, it will likely still be a bit quiet (which is a good thing).

As this is your first trip to Italy, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of when using trains or other public transit. If you need further information on that, post another note.

The nice thing about March is it's not hot in Rome. That makes crowds more bearable.

Do set up some tours. Rather than Viator, try Walks of Italy and their Pristine Sistine tour for the Vatican. They are also good for the Colosseo, et.al., but you can also consider a private guide like Sonia Tavoletta ([email protected]). A private guide somehow makes the crowds less daunting.

Make reservations for dinner, especially Easter (lunch or dinner). We like Il Giardino Romano in the ghetto for holidays. They do a normal-priced menu. Dinner at 7:30-8:00 pm other nights is perfect. It is before the locals show up and usually a quieter time, but not dead or unfashionably early. :-) Get away from the Spanish Steps to eat.

3 nights in Florence? Skip the day trip idea and just enjoy Florence. Relax!

EDIT: Correction made above as there were typos. Sonia Tavoletta ([email protected])

Since the Pope declared 2016 a Jubilee Year, larger than usual crowds are expected in Italy. From what I've read, Easter is the most crowded time in Rome. You arrive on Palm Sunday. Chances are pretty good that during Easter week, tourism will be high everywhere in Italy, even though it's March, because so many people will be vacationing then, including many Europeans and lots of cruise ships.

I agree that it's better generally to start in Venice. But it may be better for you to avoid Easter Sunday in Rome. Are you flying in and out of Italy? Can you change your flights?

I'm thinking along Chani's lines: Easter is reported to be one of the busiest times of the year in Rome, and promises to be especially so with this being a special Jubilee Year. I might think about avoiding that one around Easter if you really don't want to deal with heavy crowds.

This is what Rick has to say about an 'ordinary' non-Jubilee Easter:
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/easter-in-rome

The CT is possible as a day trip from Florence but will involve a total of 5-6 hours by train (2.5 - 3 hours each way).

So far the Jubilee has had no impact on Rome's crowds. Christmas was dead. Hotels went empty. The lines to enter the Holy Door are non-existent.

My personal findings over the past few Easters is that it is not overly crowded, but be aware St. Peter's Basilica will be inaccessible for part of the weekend. They close it about 14:00 on Good Friday and I am not sure it is open at all on Saturday. Best to check the website before going. If it works for your itinerary, come to Rome then. As I said above, a few reservations will make things go more smoothly.

So far the Jubilee has had no impact on Rome's crowds. Christmas was
dead. Hotels went empty. The lines to enter the Holy Door are
non-existent.

I read that, Laurel! Not at ALL what they expected but they seem to think at least part of it was spill-over security concerns after Paris plus some publicized, elevated threat levels in Rome. Wonder if Easter may be different, though (nicer weather)?

suze,

I forgot to address your question about a day trip to Siena. YES, that is absolutely possible and very easy, using the express bus (Corse Rapide). The bus station is very close to Firenze SMN rail station. The trip is about an hour each way, and you'll be dropped in the main part of Siena rather than the bottom of the hill where the rail station is located. DON'T forget to validate your ticket prior to boarding the Bus!

To add to my comments about the Cinque Terre, a day trip there is also possible and if you want to see that area, late March or early April would be a great time as you likely won't have to deal with hordes of cruise ship groups. It should be a nice relaxing time to have a brief look (assuming the weather is good).

Re day trips from Florence, my feelings are different than the other posters. Particularly if you want a relaxed trip, and you are already taking two train trips and visiting three cities in 11 nights, you may want to forego the day trips. Better yet, you can decide when you're there.

It depends on your interests, but to me, 3 nights in Florence would mean that I would have a little more than two full days in Florence and more than enough to do in the city. Especially if you factor in plenty of time sitting in any number of piazzas with a glass of wine, people-watching. Go with your options open, then make a decision on your trip, dependent on the weather and what you feel like doing that day.

And re starting in Venice, taking a water taxi across the Venice lagoon on the first day of a trip to Italy is one of my favorite experiences on a European vacation.