I'm planning our trip to Italy, arriving in Rome April 12th and flying out of Rome on April 25th. Originally, I planned to stay 3 nights in Rome 1st, to avoid being there during Easter, as recommended by someone I can't remember. The go on to Venice and make our way back down towards Rome. But we need to stay in Rome the last night to make our flight the next morning. My question is, should we avoid Rome during Easter and is that just Sunday or should we avoid it for a few days?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
It is not that bad at Easter. Don’t avoid it just because. Sure, some sites have limited hours (St. Peter’s Basilica closes some hours) but you can check sites in advance online and work around them. Do make a reservation for Easter lunch as restaurants get crowded.
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1057 posts
And the positive about being anywhere in Italy the week before Easter is that there are processions from practically every church on various daysduring the week. . Really interesting to watch.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23661 posts
It is a mixed bag. Rome will be super crowded that weekend as opposed to just very crowded but the majority of that crowd will be in the Vatican area. I would avoid that area. The main issue will be closing on that day.
Posted by
USA
114 posts
Great question. We are trying to decide the same thing. Should we begin our trip in Rome which is Easter weekend and deal with the crowds, but see and experience some amazing things, or end our trip in Rome? Right now I’m leaning towards ending in Rome and hoping some of the Easter crowds have left the week after it’s over so we can avoid some of the crowds.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Well I think I've made my decision anyway. I'm spending 3 nights in Rome upon our arrival. Then 3 nights in Venice, 3 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Siena and back to Rome for 2 nights. Then we'll be close to the train to get to the airport. I think this will be much less rushed than what I had planned before. We won't be in Rome over Easter, just in case
Thank-you again for your wonderful advice and ideas!
Posted by
Boston
209 posts
We are planning to be in Rome the week prior to Easter which will include Palm Sunday. Has anyone attended the Palm Sunday mass at St Peter’s?