My husband and I are cruising to Rome, spending a week in Italy, and flying back from Milan. We didn't realize Easter was during our stay until after we booked our flights. I know...rookie move. We are totally open to any suggestions for itinerary as it's our first time visiting Italy, and we know we will just be scratching the surface. We want to stick with northern Italy, realize we don't have enough time for many stops, and want to leave Rome for a future longer trip. I have a lot of health issues, so we really don't want to be in a huge crowd for the Easter weekend and are fine with staying away from the big cities. But at the same time, we want to be somewhere that we can still find something to eat on Sunday and Monday. We've been reading RS's guidebook and watching videos and are kind of overwhelmed at this point. Please help!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8371 posts
Unfortunately you don't say when you're arriving in Rome.
I know some ships are arriving on Saturday before Easter. If that's the case, you could just stay out at Civitavecchia for Easter and then move into Rome for a minimum of 3 days. You'll want to get reservations to the Vatican Museum on one of those days.
Then head for Florence on a fast train for the rest of your time. You can take some day trips into the countryside from there on tours.
With such few days in Europe, your number of stops are just going to be very limited.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10758 posts
My concern would be with finding places to eat on such a family centered holiday. You may have to stay in larger cities and reserve meals in advance, or stay somewhere that offers half board. I'm not an Italy expert, so I hope others chime in. How about Boulogne with day trips to Ravenna, Padua, and even Florence.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for answering. We arrive the Thursday before Easter and leave the next Thursday. We figured we would stay in Milan Wednesday because our flight is early. We wanted to see cinque terre, but that would just be too packed. So we figure we'll stay thursday - Sunday somewhere in Tuscany or Umbria and have day trips to Florence and some tours. We won't have a car. Hopefully we can find a place with a fridge or kitchenette to cook for ourselves Sunday. Then we'll spend monday - tuesday in the Venice area. Any suggestions for favorite town, place to stay and eat in those 2 areas, tour guides? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
You might look at Assisi for your stay. Lots to see in the town and neighboring area. Get a little apartment but BOOK SOON as it will be a busy time. There will be plenty of restaurants open, but best to reserve for Easter lunch and Monday as well.