My wife and 2 children (22 and 19)and myself will be in Italy over New Years Eve. We will be doing the Milan, Florence, Rome and possibly Sorrento route. Flex schedule right now. Any suggestions where to be for New Years Eve? Several years ago we spent New Years Eve in Seville Spain and it was an amazing night. Very local. Thanks in advance.
Pat
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Not done NYE in Italy, but I believe Sorrento's experience would be much less local and much more English. Of the other choices you've cited, I'd favor Firenze--a big city, but small enough, still, to feel local and to manage. And stunningly beautiful. Piazza Duomo in Milano would be great, too, I think. Roma is Roma, but personally I'd choose either Firenze or Milano. Roma is so large and so crowded and so chaotic at times. Another option would be to add a Tuscan hill town like Siena when transporting from Firenze to Roma (only an hour bus from Florence to Siena). I wonder if Siena wouldn't most closely replicate your local experience in Sevilla? Buon anno!
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
You didn't mention Venice as an option, but my wife and I were there last New Year's Eve. There was quite a big celebration in St. Mark's Piazza ... beautiful.
Posted by
El Paso, TX
35 posts
Pat, I was in Sorrento in 2001-2002 for New Years. It was fabulous. During the day the streets were lined with tables for treats and games. Outdoor concerts were going on also. The best was the Foreigners Club mentioned in Rick's book sold tickets to a 5 course meal, including wines and champagne. The meal was delicious. There was a band and dancing. My sister and I were the only Americans...in fact, the only people in the packed house who were not Italian. That was a year not many people traveled during the winter. We became a novelty at the party and all the Italians were talking to us, sharing champagne and dancing with us.
At midnight, the Club did fireworks and on the balcony (fabulous view) we could see fireworks from areas all over the coast. It was the highlight of our trip. You could email the Club to see if they still do this. I understood it was an annual event for them. They were disappointed that year because very few foreigners attended.
Posted by
Lubbock, Texas, U
9 posts
Spent New Years Eve in Florence in 2007. Great experience. Go to the Piazza by the Uffizi and you will not be disappointed. I have 2 children of similar ages and they loved the celebration. Bring a bottle. Everyone throws them into the middle of the Piazza at Midnight. If it breaks you will have good luck in the new year. Enjoy... Al