We plan to be in Italy for 3-4 weeks from late April into May, including of course May 1, Labor Day. Does this holiday have more impact on sightseeing or on public transportation? That is, would it be wiser on that day to be in Ravenna, for example, or traveling to or from Ravenna (by train or bus)? We're already trying to reschedule Assisi to avoid being there during Calendimaggio. Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I think it would better to avoid traveling on that day. If you're already in Ravenna, you can just wander around and enjoy any festivities.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Michael is correct... all of the public transportation options will be on "holiday schedules" so FAR less transport options are available. You're better off " to be where you want to be..." on a holiday - and especially May 1st - in Italy.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
10 posts
Ron do you really think there's a problem in general if traveling on May 1st? I've already purchased/reserved seats from Venice-Milan-Monterosso. I seem to recall others downplaying problems but I know you have lots of experience. Thanks!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Jeff, if you've got tickets already you're fine. It's getting tickets with the limited runs that becomes a problem. The issue may be - depending on where you are staying and your preferred mode of transport - getting from your accommodations to the Venice train station... although most folks often walk. And once you're in Monterosso, you're not using public transport anyway. But don't expect too many "services" on this day. Our first year, living on the Cassia in Rome, we waited two hours for a BUS on the morning of May 1. We ended up walking (gradually) into the city center.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Roy, you didn't ask about this, but... You mention rescheduling Assisi to avoid Calendimaggio. I've not been there for that celebration, but I was there for the feast of St Francis, which is also a major celebration. I had planned to escape Assisi for that day, figuring it would be such a zoo. I ended up staying in Assisi for that day, and I found it to be a wonderful day and following weekend of celebration. Just a thought...
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
10 posts
Thanks for the info. We plan on taking Vaporetto for our 8:35am rail departure as it's too far to walk. We're actually staying in Vernazza but I figured the local train would likely be running albeit perhaps with less regularity. BTW your site has been a treasure of great info - thanks so much!