We are planning our first trip to Europe for April 2018 and plan on 10 to 12 days to see Rome and Paris. My question centers on when to go. Should we arrived in Rome the Tuesday or Wednesday after Easter (April 3rd or 4th, 2018) or should we wait until the next week? We arriving from the Midwest of the US and wanted to have the longest flight at the beginning of our journey. 2 adults are traveling. Thanks for the feedback.
Posted by
24 posts
We were in Rome this year from the Thursday before Easter through the week following Easter, 4/13-24 arriving from BWI. Heavy crowds at major sights, as you expect , especially during the weekend. Book tickets in advance for must see sights and/or tours. Highly recommend Walks of Italy 'Pristine Sistine Tour. Entry is before general public and goes directly to Sistine Chapel first. Rick Steves discount offered. We purchased the Archeologia Card which eliminates waiting in line to purchase entry tickets for sights, including the Colosseum, which you must do even if reserving a guided Colosseum tour. Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps areas were wall to wall people. Crowds at remainder of city what you expect for a major destination.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
I'd look at the hotel rates on the assumption that high season rates are in place for the Easter tourism rush. If the rates are the same for both weeks, then it probably doesn't matter.
Frankly, I'd rather have the shorter flight at the beginning. Going home, I'd be tired and happy and not care so much how long it took. The only thing that would change my mind is if I had to change planes in the U.S. Then I'd go for the flight that landed in my home airport. You have to go through immigration, collect bags and clear customs at your point of entry into the U.S. If you have a connecting flight to your home airport, then you have to recheck bags and maybe even move from the int'l terminal to a domestic terminal. If you have a change to Rome and a non-stop from Paris, then that would be better.