Itinerary Help - Germany to Italy

Posted by NataliaM on 04/29/16 08:33 PM

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe for the first 2 weeks of November this year. We are flying into Stuttgart (3 nights) to visit family and are flying out of Florence. I had originally planned to take a train and stop over in Lucerne, Switzerland for a few days, then Venice before ending in Florence. The more I look into it the more I'm realizing Switzerland in November might not be the best idea. I'm still undecided if we will stop in Venice. Does anyone have any suggestions of other places to stop between Stuttgart and Florence? I know November probably isn't the best month but it was all we were able to do. We dont have anything super specific that we want to do. We are open to any ideas as this is the first time in Europe for both of us. We love food, wine, nature (I know probably too cold for much of that 😉), history, etc. I would love to be able to stay away from really "touristy" stuff as much as possible before heading into Florence. Thank you so much!!

Natalia

Posted by acraven

Washington DC

04/29/16 10:47 PM

28485 posts

I hate cold weather and have never dared to be in Europe after mid-October, so I can't provide personal experience concerning the weather. I suspect it might be a bit more temperate south of the Alps, but you could get lucky. These places are all on the direct train line from Stuttgart to Florence:

Schaffhausen (as seen from the train, very classic southern-German architecture)
Lugano (lively city in the Italian part of Switzerland, on the lake; isn't particularly Swiss)
Como (different country, different lake)
Milan
Parma (food)
Bologna (large city known for its food, with extensive historic core full of arcaded streets--weather protection!)

I wonder whether it wouldn't be pretty chilly and drafty on the lakes at that time of year, though. I've noticed that even in mid-summer, cities built on rivers seem to be pretty windy at times.

There are lots of places requiring just a short detour from the direct line, including Lucerne, Bergamo, and Ravenna. I especially enjoyed Ravenna because--in addition to the incredible mosaics--the town is very pretty and (on the mid-summer day I was there) surprisingly untouristy given its attractiveness. Venice is totally doable, too. I know some folks like it in the winter because there are far fewer tourists.

I suggest checking out some weather stats before making a decision.

Posted by David in Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

04/30/16 04:14 AM

7175 posts

Either,
Munich >> Salzburg >> Innsbruck >> Venice >> Florence
Or,
Luzern >> Milan >> Parma >> Bologna >> Florence

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

04/30/16 06:22 AM

15798 posts

Based on my experiences in Italy in October (when I was glad of AC) and February (there were days I'd have worn sandals), I think you'll have very mild weather there, as in sunny days and light jackets, with the possibility (likelihood?) of some rain. Look for cheap flights from Stuttgart to anywhere in Italy.

Posted by Gordon

Portland, Oregon, United States

04/30/16 03:16 PM

907 posts

The Alps in November, that doesn't sound all bad to me. It will be beautiful.

Lucern is special, and winter would be very cool I would think, I haven't been there in winter however.

The direct route through Innsbruck>Verona>Modena>Bologna>Florence is right at 500 miles.

The Swiss route, Lindau (Germany)>Lucern>Lugano>Como>Milan>Bologna>Florence is about 600 miles but you will be in the mountains a bit and weather could be a factor. Of course, the same applies to the Innsbruck route but not as bad.

My three favorites for stopping, Lucern, Lindau, and Parma