December break in Italy - any recommendations?

artvanderlay

Hi there,

Myself and my other 2 quarters are looking at 3 to 4 nights in Italy for my birthday in early December. Neither of us have been there before so obviously I'm thinking Rome would be a good starting point but I'm just wondering is December a good time to be in Rome/Italy and if not Rome, what other places would you recommend, that would have direct flights from Dublin?

Thanks.

coylemj

Rome, Milan or Venice (bring the bikini for Venice!) would be good places to visit in December, shouldn't be too cold. You would typically do a lot of walking in Rome so bring your best old shoes. Beware of pickpockets and don't sit down to have an outdoor coffee within view of any of the main tourists sites as it will cost you a multiple of normal prices, especially within sight of St. Peters in Rome or in St. Mark's Square in Venice.

In case you don't get the bikini reference.....

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1112/italy-venice-flooding.html

artvanderlay

Ha! I think I'll give Venice a miss alright.

coylemj

artvanderlay wrote: »

Ha! I think I'll give Venice a miss alright.

That flood was the sixth highest since records began in 1872, I wasn't trying to scare you off and in fact now might be the time to go if others decide not to go because of the floods so you might get good prices on hotels.

The Davestator

artvanderlay wrote: »

Ha! I think I'll give Venice a miss alright.

I was in Venice last December and its a lovely time of the year to visit. Not busy, reasonable hotels and lovely cold and crisp.
They have really classy Christmas lights too, only white as far as I saw.

Rome is perfect as is Florence. Avoid Naples!

artvanderlay

Thanks again for replies. It's funny but I think I'm going to go for Venice instead of Rome now, despite the weather. It looks fantastic and is probably quite relaxed this time of year (well being underwater will do that to a city ).

coylemj

artvanderlay wrote: »

Thanks again for replies. It's funny but I think I'm going to go for Venice instead of Rome now, despite the weather. It looks fantastic and is probably quite relaxed this time of year (well being underwater will do that to a city ).

It's worth giving Venice a go off season because I believe the crowds in the summer are horrendous, especially when there's a cruise ship in town and everyone heads straight to St. Marks Square. My first and only visit to Venice was in November about 20 years ago and I took a photo of the square from the top of the bell tower. Never having been there before I didn't know what it was like in the summer but when I came home and showed my snaps, people who had been there in the peak tourist season couldn't believe how few people there were in the square, told me they wished they had gone in November as well and they might have enjoyed it!

The Davestator

artvanderlay wrote: »

Thanks again for replies. It's funny but I think I'm going to go for Venice instead of Rome now, despite the weather. It looks fantastic and is probably quite relaxed this time of year (well being underwater will do that to a city ).

Nighlife is tough to find in venice but there are a few lovely outdoor bars just over the main bridge (can't remember it's name right now) wrap up warm though and try the 'spritz' special Venice drink and its only about 2 euro!

fifib

Was in Rome back in Dec 09 and the day we went to vatican was a scorcher. couldnt tell ya temperature wise but we were in tshirts and the californians on the vatican tour with us could hardly stick the heat! so would bring a mix of clothes and nto all wolley jumpers!