Me and a girlfriend are planning a trip for her birthday in February... due to work schedules we only have one week. Ideal situation is somewhere where the weather isn't awful (we're California girls... I don't think we even own proper winter gear). Somewhere that's easy to get around with out a car, a nice city where we can have a base camp and maybe take a day trip or 2. I'm looking at Venice right now, but very curious about other peoples experiences and am looking for other ideas/options. Last 2 trips we did were Rome and Barcelona (so nay on those) and am avoiding Tuscany because I might have to go there again in April.
Any input, suggestions, ideas? Thank you :)
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Depending on the week you could check and see when Carnavale is happening in Venice. I went a few years ago and it was an amazing experience. The weather was misty and foggy a few days which only added to the mysterious ambience of Venice. Took a day trip to Burano and the weather was sunny, warm and beautiful that day. If you go be sure to get tickets to a 'ball'. We went to one in a fabulous location. It was about $100 and there was a concert, an array of desserts and cookies, a hot chocolate fountain, wine, etc. We all wore costumes...mine was very simple, a long black skirt, a velvet cape I brought from home and a beautiful mask I bought in Venice...the whole experience was priceless. Each morning at dawn the costumed Venetians would come out for the delight of the tourists and photographers (which I am) and that was one of the best times of the day.
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
Katt, Somewhere in Spain - Andalusia in particular - should be right temp wise. In 7 days you could see Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. Check it out on line or get a Spain guide book from your local library.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
5 posts
Thank you everyone! But the working dates happened to over-lap with Carnavale in Venice, the second I told her, she booked the tickets! Wish us luck and good weather :) Also on that note - there's a ferry from Venice that goes to Pula, Croatia - day trip maybe? Has anyone done this?
Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16190 posts
I don't think that ferry runs in February.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
It should be a great trip. If you get a chance there is a book called Watermark that is about Venice in the winter with wonderful descriptions (forgot the author)that you might enjoy. I don't think the ferry runs then, but we rented a car in Venice and drove to Croatia after Carnavale (only northern part), but it was a nice side trip.
Do you have a hotel?
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
5 posts
Hi kathryn, yes we're staying @ torino in San Marco. Thanks for the tips everyone!:)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15579 posts
Hi Katt, Oh you lucky girls. You'll have a great time during Carnavale. Tip - stop in at R.E.I. and pick up a 10-pack of hand-warmers. Great to have in your pockets if it turns chilly. One of my faves in Italy is Verona, just an hour or so by train from Venice and worth staying one or two nights. Google "verona card" for the official website, that will give you a list of things to see and do there. It's low season (except for Venice), so you can usually find really good hotel prices.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17868 posts
Greek islands. Santorini
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17868 posts
Greek islands. Santorini
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10206 posts
I agree with Chani about Verona. I really enjoyed it there. Just yesterday I saw a photo of Verona in the winter with snow. It looked magical.
Posted by
Atlanta
967 posts
I think Venice is always a good idea. I've been there twice in February. Once was mostly sunny and cold; once was sometimes sunny and extremely cold. All was good, but be prepared!