Italy in December. Too Off-Season?

Hi Aumarie,

I am planning a similar trip from December 17th to Decmber 27th, Florence then Rome.

At first I was a bit skeptical about making this trip as well but after a bit of research, depending on what your interest are you can find stuff to do.

For example, I will sign up for a cooking class in Florence, check out the Duomo, do some shopping, vist one or two of the neighboring towns, then head down to Rome for a few days with the intention of attending mass in St. Peter's, a few museum visits on the first and second days, then I think Rome is shut down for the holidays. I'll have two "down" days - Christmas and the day after - before I fly back to the East Coast.

Julie

We did Venice, Florence, Rome in late January last year. Wouldn't hesitate for a moment to go in winter again.

But...it was especially cold in Florence. I don't think I would include CT in such a trip. Siena, others can address but I think a day trip from Florence might work.

It snowed in Venice...actually quite a nice treat. Things were slow there but not dreary. Rome was lively and I suspect lines were shorter than in summer.

Dress appropriately (heavy gloves, silk long undies, etc.) and don't hesitate to go. You'll love it.

Thank you guys for your input!

I can't comment on much south of Venice, but I was in Venice in January this past year, no lines at the sights/museums, but no tables at San Marco Square to enjoy a cappacino. However, the pigeons were ever present!!! It was cold, but not unbearable, if you dress properly (which means more luggage to haul around). Weigh your options and just know that you may have some unpleasant days, but some things (like no crowds) will make it more enjoyable! Ciao!

I will be traveling to Rome, Florence, Venice December 13-23. I have researched and understand what to expect with weather and the advantages of "off season" and the sites.

Has anyone experienced "acqua alta" in Venice during that time? How bad was it? Did it delay you from returning back to the states?

Aumarie,
I think your itinerary includes too much moving from place to place for only ten days. Even with fast trains you lose most of a day traveling and changing hotels. Rick Steves has a Venice,Florence,Rome in 10 Days Tour available elsewhere on this website. A look at his itinerary will give you an idea of how to plan your sightseeing, and of just how much there is to see. I've done whirlwind traveling and find I enjoy staying in one place long enough to enjoy the rhythm of life there, to learn my way around, to see the big sights and to discover the lesser known ones. I'm headed to Rome for two weeks in November. There are tourists year round in Italy, but less in the colder months. December's Cinque Terre must have it's charms but hiking between towns, traveling by boat, or soaking up the ambiance in the warm sun might not be possible. Keep warm and dry and enjoy bella Italia.Auguri.

Thanks for the feedback, Jude! I actually ended up booking the Rick Steves 10-day tour for December.

Last year I went to Rome and Florence from 12/23 - 1/1. I had a great time and never ran out of things to do.

I was able to see everything that I wanted to see, the whether was pleasant in Rome, colder in Florence, but still nice. In Florence I saw Jesus Christ Superstar and took a wine and cooking tour with Accidental Tourist. Rome was very crowded during New Year's eve and prices went up so make reservations. Dinner reservations are also a good idea, but without reservations we had a very good meal at a Chinese restaurant. On New Year's eve, the Colosseum is the place to be.

I enjoyed traveling during that time so much that I'm doing it again this year.

My family stayed in a villa 11 miles out of Pisa for 3 weeks in Dec 2004. We visited Cinque Terre, Siena, Rome, Florence, hill towns and had a great time! The day we rode bicycles around the wall in Lucca, it was shirtsleeve weather. The days we went to Rome it was very cold but sunny. It was fun to be there for Christmas and enjoy the seasonal things...not alot of crowds or lines, to St. Peter, etc. If you want crowds it was a little thin of company. Places that are very touristy were like ghost towns, (San Gimignano) but the everyday towns were fine.