I am thinking about a trip to Italy this year. Reading my RS book, Rick makes a big deal over the lake towns or those on the coast. But I like to travel in Nov/Dec. During those months, it is worth it to visit the Lake Como towns or the Cinque Terre? They look nice but it seems that they are meant more for warmer weather. I am not dying to visit them but seems like they are very popular from reading posts on this forum. So, during the cold months, would you skip them or pay them a visit?
Posted by
Bobcaygeon, Ontario, Canada
66 posts
We were in Bellagio, Lake Como in May of '06 and one day was nice but cool, the other was rainy, damp & cold. We're going again this May so hopefully it'll be nice. Not sure I'd go in Nov/Dec and not sure the ferries cruising the lake would be running ... I think it would be dreary & cold. I think at that time of year I'd visit the Amalfi coast.
Posted by
Hendersonville, NC
247 posts
I agree with Jean, go south...too cool to really enjoy the Lake area that time of year.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5538 posts
I've been to Lake Como twice ... the first time in early October and the second time in late November. On the first trip, it was beautiful; the flowers were blooming and taking the boat on the lake was very enjoyable. On the November trip, I was really disappointed. It was overcast and gloomy. Personally, I'd skip Lake Como in November/December.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
Kelly,
I would avoid the Cinque Terre in Nov/Dec because of possible high winds and rough seas. The trails may be closed due to these conditions and that would be the main reason to go there.
We actually went to Italy in mid-December several years ago and absolutely loved it. The crowds were non-existant, we waited in no lines, and had many popular sights to ourselves. A bonus was that it was Advent. Unlike the USA where we have jolly Santas and Christmas trees appearing in late September, Christmas in Italy is largely a religious season and much less commercial. They were just putting up the Nativity scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter's square and delicate fairy lights were strung like sparkly canopies accross the streets. The biggest Christmassy event we saw was a big Holiday market in Piazza Navona, Rome, I think. Our trip covered Rome, Florence, Chianti hills, Venice, Padua, and Verona. It was cold but not unbearable, and it snowed in Florence and the mountains, which was beautiful. Venice was almost deserted and we felt like we had it all to ourselves. Really, it was a very good trip and I would recommend traveling to Italy at that time of year.
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
In 07 I visited Como on November 1-2 and it was very nice.In the high 60s and cooler at night.