Southern Italy end of December/early January

Posted by elizabethsrivers on 05/30/23 10:28 AM

I am trying to plan a lovely stay beginning Christmas Day, returning to the states January 10th. Places on my radar include Cinque Terra, Florence, Amalfi Coast, weather permitting the island of Capri...I am flying RT to FCO so will also incorporate a few days in Rome.

I am more of an "off the beaten" path person and prefer a local cultural experience rather than seeing every possible tourist attraction. Thank you in advance for your advice and ideas. NYE? Rome? Sorrento? Florence or beyond. I am looking for a graceful, classy, not too over the top NYE and I am traveling solo.

Happy Tuesday!

Posted by jmauldinuu

New Orleans

05/30/23 12:57 PM

1206 posts

I suggest you put "Cinque Terre in winter" into the Forum search bar and read about others' experiences there at that time of year. The results for "Amalfi Coast in winter" are a bit more encouraging. You may find that inland towns and cities, including certain neighborhoods in Florence and Rome and perhaps Assisi, Lucca (where I spent several lovely days one late December several years ago), Montepulciano, and Siena will offer the "local cultural experiences" that you are seeking rather than those in a mostly-closed-up coastal town.

Posted by elizabethsrivers OP

05/30/23 01:16 PM

3 posts

Thank you so much!!! I did do a search but the posts were from 9 and 10 years ago...there was great info in the communications and recommendations for hotels etc. It seems most of Cinque Terra do close beginning Nov and through April.

I have been trying to remind myself that the time of year will have an impact on every aspect. I hope you enjoy a wonderful Tuesday and thank you again for your input and suggestions!

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

05/30/23 01:37 PM

4695 posts

Once you get Search results , click " Forum", and you can refine them further by clicking " 2 years and newer." It is a clunky feature , but you can find helpful info.
You don't mention how experienced a traveler you are, and if you've been in Italy before. I mention this as we just returned from the Amalfi Coast, had constant rain, so had a very different trip than planned. The dock in Positano was damaged by the storms, and once again closed, and the ferries to Capri were dependent on good weather. Are you using public transportation or private drivers? Public transportation in the area is rather chaotic, the roads were tiny and congested . There was no efficient way to get anywhere. However, perhaps the congestion abates in the winter?
Myself, I would look at Venice and Lake Como, but that's just my leanings. Good luck!

Posted by elizabethsrivers OP

05/30/23 01:55 PM

3 posts

Thank you for the tip Pat!!! I've been to Como (in the winter...stunning!!). Not sure based on other blogs and friends who have been that Venice is the place for me...but food for thought.

I'm so sorry that you had such bad weather, it does put a damper on things, especially when hopes are dashed by damaging storms.

I have been to northern Italy but only for a few scant days...as far as transportation is concerned, I am considering a combination of things....love train travel but realize that the station doesn't stop at the front door of my accommodation so will look into private car/driver etc. as well. If you have a reputable driver connection that would be most appreciated!