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Italy in October?

post #1 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:06pm
Thread Starter 
I'm going to be in Germany in October on biz and I am entertaining the possibility of a romantical week in Italy afterwards, since I'll already be over in Europe. Is going that late in the year a good thing or a bad thing? Obviously the weather won't be quite as nice, but I'm wondering if it will actually be a net positive to avoid the crowds and the heat. I think Venice is definitely on the list, but the rest is flexible. What's do-able in one week? Should I be thinking about renting a car and driving, or just city hopping by air/train? Venice is sort of out of the way of a lot of the other touristy cities, but I wonder if it might be nice to stay up north, maybe have some wines and foods... Any recommendations, thoughts, advice are much appreciated. PS: I iz too poor for Rubinacci.
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post #2 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:37pm
I think October is a great time to go. Train vs. car owes much to what type of traveler you are and what you want to see--i.e. small towns vs. big cities. If the latter, trains are very easy and convenient. I'd say the same for "what's doable." It depends on your travel philosophy.
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post #3 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:42pm
Thread Starter 
I'm definitely the type to want to control my own destiny a bit, and be a bit more independent. I was sort of thinking of starting in Milan and driving to Venice, detouring to interesting cities and towns along the way. Seems like a doable distance in a week, I think, but I haven't done it before and I don't know what's best to see in between. But I thought it would be a good way to really see the northern Italian countryside, maybe have some gastronomic adventures, and have plenty to do. Didn't know if I might even be able to get to Como or at least drive some interesting similar places along the way.
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post #4 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:45pm
October is a great time to visit Italy. Fewer tourists and nice weather. If you're staying north, I would highly recommend Bologna. If you can go further, Rome is fantastic in the fall. When we were there last year, every day was 70 F.
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post #5 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:47pm
I'd go in October, absolutely. Heck, I went in November and I loved it! A little rain, yes, but rain and no tourists is much better than blistering heat and hoards of tourists.
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post #6 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:49pm
Man, I would think Tuscany and Emilia Romagna would be absolutely beautiful in October. I'm also thinking of all the wild game dishes that would then be available.
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post #7 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:49pm
I love travel to Europe that time of year. You miss the crowds and the weather will still be mild. You might even catch a some warm weather depending upon your location.

The only thing that changes is that certain resort areas, Like some of the lake resorts, close at the end of September and the staff will relocate to winter resorts in the mountains. But if you are just doing major cities you won't even notice.

The trains are fun and you could squeeze in Venice, Rome and Florence in a week, and plan to see Venice in one full day. Or just pick two cities for a more casual pace.
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post #8 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:56pm
I'd generally avoid Venice in October. The place floods very easily - obviously.
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post #9 of 45
7/27/09 at 4:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gdl203 View Post
I'd generally avoid Venice in October. The place floods very easily - obviously.

It would suck to miss Venice.
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post #10 of 45
7/27/09 at 5:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas View Post
It would suck to miss Venice.
If you really want to see Venice, I'd simply suggest to stay flexible and have alternate plans if it gets flooded. I'm sure some would say that Venice under water is a great memory - maybe, but I personally don't find that too charming.
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post #11 of 45
7/27/09 at 5:03pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the suggestion. I wouldn't have thought of it and it's good info to have. I haven't been to Venice since I was a kid, and the gf has never been, so it's understandably a desired highlight. Still, your advice is well taken. Is Milan a good city to see, or is it overly businesslike? Should I start somewhere else, like Florence, or even Genoa or Turin?
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post #12 of 45
7/27/09 at 5:05pm
I liked Milan but don't know if I'd go for a week long trip. whnay started a similar thread just a few weeks ago and several people (incl me) chimed in with itinerary recommendations
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post #13 of 45
7/27/09 at 5:09pm
Thread Starter 
Whoops, I'll have to go check that thread. Thanks for the steer. I'm not planning on staying in any one place for a week - I sort of thought I might hit 3 or 4 cities with 1-2 nights in each, and a nice drive between each. We are likely to take the baby, which makes driving I think a little more convenient anyways.
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post #14 of 45
7/27/09 at 5:22pm
Thread Starter 
Double thanks now that I get to see this great exchange with why.
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post #15 of 45
7/27/09 at 5:50pm
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