My husband and I have the opportunity to go to Italy from 12/26/16-1/3/17. Our son's HS band is going on a trip to Rome. We recently went on a family trip and saw the main sights in Rome and Venice, so don't want to repeat either of those. Ideally we would like to be in Rome for New Year's eve and Day to see the band perform, though. Looking for ideas on places to go that would still have a lot of open attractions in the winter. We could do an overnight trip or day trips from Rome. We did not get to Florence on our last trip, so would love to go there. Also, wondering if Tuscany and/or the Amalfi Coast are doable in 1-2 days, and worthwhile visiting in the winter.
Posted by
Frisco, Texas, US
254 posts
I was in Italy in December, 2012. Everything was open and we had the Christmas markets as a bonus. The weather is colder but there are no crowds. The Amalfi Coast is definitely doable in a couple days. If you want to see Florence and Tuscany I would say to spend time in Florence, and stop in a Tuscan hill town on the way in or out of town. We liked Montepulciano. If you haven't seen Cinque Terre, then you should! Not far from Florence, and Pisa.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11298 posts
I agree with Julie that Firenze is a good spot. It is a city of great museums, so even if the weather is uncooperative you have much to do. From Firenze, if the weather is good, you can certainly explore some Tuscan towns if you have a car, but it will not be the same as spring, summer and fall. We went to Montalcino and Montepulciano on a wine buying trip in February, It was sunny but cold.
The Cinque Terre shuts down for winter. Most lodgings and restaurants are closed Nov-mid-April.
As to the Amalfi Coast, it is a long trip for 1 or 2 days. It will take at least 2 hours and more likely 3 to go Roma-Napoli-Sorrento, and that is not really the Amalfi Coast. I recommend Sorrento as a possibility, but it is very busy the week after Christmas, I was told by a hotelier in Sorrento. From Sorrento you can see Pompeii, which is great if it is sunny. If you want to go there, you will need to make a reservation soon.
Posted by
7 posts
I'd go to Florence in a heartbeat. If going to the museums --whether in Rome or Florence-- check the hours. Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
US/PA
21 posts
We in Italy last year for the holidays. We started in Rome, and finished in Florence. Both cities are magical over the holidays, and all lit up! We had great weather, mid 50s, colder at night, at least until a cold front came into Florence. Best part is, HUGE sales in all the stores (30% off everything). Florence is amazing, but can be crowded over the holidays. Make sure you book tickets to the Duomo and the Accadamia in advance, which is easy to do. I would make dinner reservations as well, as there are a lot of people on vacation and travelling. Verona and Milan are a great day trip from Florence.
We were in Florence for NYE, but went to bed prior to midnight (younger kids). The crowd started to get a little rowdy as we went to our hotel at the end of the night. We also left our hotel at 5am to fly to France, and the streets were full of drunks and was pretty scary! I would just advise to stay alert for NYE, and not stay out until morning.