We are looking to do something this Christmas (thinking Dec 18-29th) in Italy. Currently hoping to book Rome, Venice and Florence. It’s been years since husband and I traveled to Italy and want to revisit with our kids (18 and 20). Looking for history and the traditional highlights, but also something off the beaten path - especially for Christmas Day. Not sure if we should just book a tour with another company (no dates for RS) or try to organize ourselves! Any help or opinions would be appreciated.
Posted by
11218 posts
For Christmas Day and days around it get dining reservations in place way ahead, like October.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11240 posts
With the time frame you are considering and the alignment of the calendar, you need to research what sites that have admission hours are going to be open. Many of the usual tourist attractions are closed on Mondays (26th) and I suspect many will close early on the 24th and be closed Christmas.
Trying to do Venice-Florence-Rome in 10-11 days and working around attraction closures, adding an 'off the beaten path' location looks to be a significant challenge.
If you find a tour that does what you want, it certainly is a valid option. Otherwise you do look to have some work to do to plan and make the time count.
Happy Travels
Posted by
2 posts
We did this exact trip in 2019 with our 3 kids that were about to graduate college. 4 days in Rome - all sights were open until Christmas Eve and day. On Christmas Eve we did the pantheon(was open) Spanish steps and trevi fountain. Christmas Day we went to mass at St. Peter’s and then walked out to the Christmas blessing from the Pope. On Christmas Day everything was closed so we took the train to Florence. Only problem we had was finding a ride to the train station. Arrange a driver in advance. The atmosphere in Florence was amazing Christmas night-everything lit up and people walking around. It was magical. We had no problem finding a restaurant but I would follow other’s advice and get a reservation.
We did get timed tickets to the major attractions. It was an amazing trip that we will remember forever. Soon after the pandemic hit italy and my kids graduated and got jobs. So glad we fit it in.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2332 posts
I’m going to assume your departure day is 12/18, and you fly home on 12/29.
I would fly into Venice, sleeping there 12/19-12/21.
12/21-12/24 spend in Florence. Expect lots of sites to close early on 12/24, and get reservations for dinner in advance.
12/24-12/28 spend in Rome. Expect most sites to close early on 12/24 and be closed all of 12/25. Some will also be closed 12/26. You really need to research what is open when and take advantage of that. The great thing about Rome is that it’s such a beautiful city to just wander. You’ll have 3 full days, plus Christmas.
Fly home from Rome.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11362 posts
Recent post with good info https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/christmas-holidays-in-rome-and-florence