March weather and concerns over my itinerary in Northern Italy

Well, it is actually middle March, like the 14-23....I know the weather is unpredictable during that time; it is the only time we are able to get away as a family with two in college. I just wanted to check with others who may have traveled in the vicinity during that time to see what they experienced. Thanks! Jane

Thanks Kent. I appreciate the links! Jane

We traveled in late March and it was a mix but while we were in Venice, it was wet and very cool at night. I would definitely expect to layer but I wouldn't take anything heavy.

Siena was warm in the day but again cool at night. My wife and enjoyed the night strolls where ever we were so we always had to layer up at night. It rained off and on but nothing drastic.

Rome of course was the warmest but still got a little chilly at night.

Thanks Bobby,

Im sitting here in Oklahoma watching on TV as a tornado drops down in Oklahoma City - Italy sounds wonderful even in the cold and rain!

Thanks, I was just reading about Siena and thought about going straight there from Venice. How long did you stay?

Jane

Jane, we only stayed 2 days, if we could do it again, would have only spent 1 full day in Florence and went straight to Siena and added another day.

We spent one full day exploring Siena and the next day we rented a car and drove around to the hill towns, Asciano, San Giovanni d'Asso, Pienza and Montepulciano. We got back to Siena around 8pm with a bottle of wine, 2 loaves of bread and 3 samples of goat cheese, one of the best meal we had on the entire trip!

Be prepared for anything. We were in Tuscany in mid-March 2007. The first week was sunny and windy. Highs - low to mid 60s, lows - high 40s to low 50s. I went to Venice for the weekend, the weather was quite comfortable. I didn't wear a jacket while I was there. I returned to Tuscany and two days later - it snowed. I loved it though, it was beautiful.

Oh good, that answers one big question I had - staying in Florence or Siena.

I think I've decided against Rome and the Cinque Terra this trip and will concentrate on Tuscany. But I was unsure about whether to base in Florence or Siena. But we've stayed in Florence so I think Siena wins.

Now I'll begin on those accommodations. Thanks so much!

Jane

Jane,
I think that you'll be happy staying in Siena--we liked our stay at Algergo Bernini (in Rick's book.) We took a bus to Florence for a day trip.

Thanks Sharon...I'll check availability...

Jane

Our favorites in the area were Siena, Verona and San Gimignano. CT won't be bad but the trail can get rained out at times.

In eight days, you are probably better off staying between Venice and Milan.