I'm planning a 2-week trip to either italy (rome>flo>venice) or to portugal. Haven't been to Italy in 20 years, but was in Portual 12 years ago.
Any opinions on how expensive things are? The weather (from experience)? Traveling with kids (9 & 11)?
We're coming out of the Seattle area, so it's neither warm nor terribly cold where we are now.
I've got to move fast if I'm going to go, so any info would be great!
Thanks!
Go! Things are expensive, due to the lousy exchange rate but oh well. You might get lucky with some good deals on hotels since the economy has been slow. Start checking airfares immediately.
I haven't been to Portugal so can't comment but I agree if it's been more than 20 years since you've gone to Italy, why wait any longer?
We found weather in Nov/Dec to be comparable to Seattle in terms of temperatures and a little better in terms of rain. I would expect Feb to be similiar. If it rains in Florence, watch out--the street hole covers are extremely slick!
Go!! Portugal might be a little less expensive but if it's been 20 years since you've been to Italy I'd chose Italy. We were in that region in March a couple of years ago and it was chilly so I imagine it's similar in February. Just wear layers.
You could consider adding Verona to your itinerary for a smaller city to visit between Venice and Milan (if you fly open-jaw into Rome and home from Milan.)
Rick Steves' Italy (or other guidebook) will give you an idea about prices for hotels.
If cost is a key factor, go to Portugal. I was there last Feburary, and my dollar went much farther than in western Europe. I'm now planning a return trip to Italy, and everything--especially in the cities you've listed--is notably more expensive. The weather, by the way, was a wonderful sunny and warm 70 degrees all week!
