Ist trip to Italy in February - how early should we book rooms and such?

We were in Italy Feb. of 2008 and I booked our hotels the first week of January. We stayed one nite in Pisa, then 3 nites in Siena and 3 nites in Orvieto. Did not have any trouble getting rooms in those places and got our first choice. The rates were also lower but I don't know how that would be for Florence or Rome.

My opinion is that, especially if you have a specific place you really want to stay, you book as soon as you've made up your mind. Then you don't have to worry about it any more (but re-confirm about a month or two before you go!)

For February, except Venice, you probably won't need to have reservations more than a month in advance, and if you aren't picky, you could be even more flexible. Keep in mind that, although the off-season, Rome, Florence and other big cities will still attract a number of travelers.

I've gone to Italy in November and December, and greatly enjoyed it both times. I expect February would be quite similiar. It can rain, but overall we found the weather quite pleasant. Other than Rome, it may be cold, so pack accordingly.

Thank you both for your comments. Yes - we are looking forward to shorter lines, and we are ok with cooler weather. Thank you again!

I stayed in the Venice area this past February and also 2 nights in Florence. I was lucky and stayed with my then girlfriend's family across the water in Cavallino Treporti. We went to Venice 2 times. 1 time St. Mark's was flooded which was actually kind of interesting to see. All the water went away by mid afternoon I think. The other time was the first day of Carnevale and Valentine's Day...packed with people. Sort of interesting at times just to see Venice in different ways...not so much at lunch time on the first day of Carnevale! (I was there also last September and the weather was beautiful and not too many people- perfecto)

We took the train to Florence and booked our rooms a few days before we left- stayed on a Wed. and a Thursday night. No line to get in to the Uffizi! nice. Quite a few of the B & Bs I had looked at it had special discounted rates for that time of year.

rained a few days but not always a steady all day rain...Florence was warmer than Venice and I would say the temps in Venice were close to what I experience in the Washington, DC area that time of year. Good for Italian hot chocolate and gelato!

have a good time!

Lots of hotels and B&B's in Italy won't take reservations more than a few months in advance, so it's likely to vary place to place. But no reason to postpone. Start booking now.

Thank you Randy - I think Venice is the only place we really need to worry about then. Thanks for your comments - we can't wait to go!