My wife and I are thinking of taking the RS tour in Venice on March 3rd to catch Carnival on March 4th. It is the intense 10 day tour of Venice, Florence and Rome. This is our first trip to Italy. The Cinque Terre area isn't included on this tour.
The plan right now is to fly Rome on the 26th then go up to the Cinque Terre area for the weekend prior to the start of the tour. This gives us time to get used to the time change and some relax time before the tour starts.
I am wondering what I should expect in this area this time of year? Are many businesses closed at this time? What should I expect weather to be like? Is it coat or sweater weather? Is taking the train from Rome and to Venice easy to take?
Where should we stay this time of year? Is one town better then others?
And has anyone been to Venice during Carnival? That is sort of the driving force on the timing of the trip. Is it worth going to?
Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5344 posts
CT in Feb will have daytime highs around 50°F (10°C). Some trails may be closed in rainy weather or for maintenance. Some accommodations, shops, and restaurants will be closed. The water will be too cold to swim in. You certainly won't have crowds. I would guess that Monterosso is more likely to have the most places open.
You might want to consider a multicity flight ticket, since Milan is closer to the CT than Rome. And check trains from the CT to Venice- likely 7(ish) hours with at least one change. You might want to do that the day before the tour starts.
Posted by
Boston
1782 posts
An introduction to Italy's beauty by going to the Cinque Terre in February is really a poor idea. The weather will be cool or cold or rainy, the villages will be bleak and deserted with few services, almost no restaurants will be open, the landscape dull and there will be no boat service. Go to Florence or Parma or Verona which have wonderful attractions and will be vibrant with activity.
Posted by
131 posts
How about in early November?
Posted by
Boston
1782 posts
Early November can be a good time to visit especially if the weather is good. For the villages, most of the businesses and restaurants are still open and the streets are active. The last day for the 2024 ferry is Sunday, November 3. For hiking it can be superb with pretty colors and sunny w/o high temps, or it can be a torment with rain and wind and closed trails. If possible try not to commit to a trip until getting a weather forecast a week ahead.