We have promised our 14-year-old grandson a trip to Rome and Venice (his choice) and the only time he can go during the next year is during Holy Week. I’m concerned about crowds affecting our enjoyment of these places. Can anyone comment on whether we are better going to Rome at the beginning of the week and then finishing in Venice? Any other insights or advice will be appreciated!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11798 posts
One insight I would offer is that the Vatican, particularly St. Peter’s Basilica, has erratic hours. We were in the security line one Good Friday when at 2:00 pm they suddenly closed the church until Sunday services, which are for ticket bearers only. So if the Vatican is on your list, go to Rome earlier in the week.
Do make reservations for Easter Sunday lunch in either city as it is a big deal, and be aware that the day after Easter is also a holiday throughout the country so services may be affected.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5648 posts
We were in Venice (precovid ) the week before Easter. The crowds became significantly greater starting on Good Friday. Riding the vaporettos was miserable, even late at night on the Grand Canal. Many folks were also off work/ school thru Easter Monday, so expect shoulder-shoulder crowding to continue for the long weekend. The small surrounding towns were very quiet and the wineries closed.
Haven't been to Rome that week, but never plan to try. Many businesses are also closed Easter weekend, altho most restaurants are open.
Good luck!
Posted by
PA
2875 posts
We were in Rome 4 years back Holy Week. Experiences:
Arrived on Wednesday, toured Vatican on Thursday. Huge crowds but no problem with tix, just slow movement inside. When we went into St. Peter’s (by the back entry as the Sistine Chapel was mobbed) we could not visit entire floor of the church as areas were roped off for Friday.
Friday was Good Friday, we went to the Colosseum. When we were through there we could not go to the Palatine Hill sites as they were closing early for the Pope. No problem as combined ticket good for two days, and had little crowd there on Saturday.
On Easter Sunday we had pleasant walk through a not crowded Borghese Gardens.
Only other comment is that an RS Tour Group was staying at our hotel starting the same day we arrived and they cleaned out the breakfast room really badly early on our first two mornings (and then left).
As they say, YMMV.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
290 posts
My family and I were in Rome, Venice, Florence right before Easter in 2017 and crowds were noticeable and challenging. So much so, that we could not see St. Peter’s. We got in and saw the Pieta’ but it was so packed that we couldn’t get forward to see any of Bernini’s works. Florence was also challenging with some operating hours altered and big crowds. Did not notice it as much in Venice since that was our first stop.
I have also lived in Italy and it is a big deal around the country but not as busy as Rome, which hosts more pilgrims.