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2016 dates- when to go?
Tauck just posted the first batch of dates for the 2016 Classic Italy, Small Groups trip. Now, when to go????
I've looked at all the old posts, the "Before You Go" temps, rain, etc. and it seems Summer can tend to be a bit hot and the crowds larger, Spring (May) seems a bit cooler but not bad (highs in the low 70's), and fall pleasant but can still be hot, though most of those reports were from 2013 when all of Europe was experiencing a heat wave. We were on the England, Scotland, Wales trip at that time so can confirm that. More recent travelers reported wonderful weather in September/October. My memory isn't good enough to recall what it was like when I visited Naples a few times many, many years ago courtesy of Uncle Sam, so I also checked other sources-
According to Frommers, Rick Steves, and others April to June and Sept-Oct are the best for weather and crowds although the numbers of tourists start increasing rapidly by mid-late May and stay high until late Sept. Temps, which range from the mid-high 50's at night to the low-mid 70's during the day, start to climb by the end of May. A large percent of the population take their vacations and even close their shops from mid-August to mid-Sept. Except for the 1st (Italian Labor Day) there are no national holidays in May. Flowers are blooming April-June. The days are longer in May and June. Lesser chance of aqua alta in Venice in the Spring?
As you can guess I'm leaning towards May, but would appreciate input from others.
I've looked at all the old posts, the "Before You Go" temps, rain, etc. and it seems Summer can tend to be a bit hot and the crowds larger, Spring (May) seems a bit cooler but not bad (highs in the low 70's), and fall pleasant but can still be hot, though most of those reports were from 2013 when all of Europe was experiencing a heat wave. We were on the England, Scotland, Wales trip at that time so can confirm that. More recent travelers reported wonderful weather in September/October. My memory isn't good enough to recall what it was like when I visited Naples a few times many, many years ago courtesy of Uncle Sam, so I also checked other sources-
According to Frommers, Rick Steves, and others April to June and Sept-Oct are the best for weather and crowds although the numbers of tourists start increasing rapidly by mid-late May and stay high until late Sept. Temps, which range from the mid-high 50's at night to the low-mid 70's during the day, start to climb by the end of May. A large percent of the population take their vacations and even close their shops from mid-August to mid-Sept. Except for the 1st (Italian Labor Day) there are no national holidays in May. Flowers are blooming April-June. The days are longer in May and June. Lesser chance of aqua alta in Venice in the Spring?
As you can guess I'm leaning towards May, but would appreciate input from others.
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While I can't vouch for the experience of going in May or this particular itinerary, I had an incredible time on a similar Italy trip in 2013, and just wanted to put my two cents in. When I was there in late September, temperatures were in the 80's (Fahrenheit) most days, but that was during a heat wave, after all. At the time, there were lots of tourists at major sites such as the Trevi fountain or St. Peter's, enough at times to even impede your ability to get through crowds, but most of the time it was not bad at all.
No matter when you go, I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. Let me know if you have any questions I can help with!
-Tim
Next I am going to try in spring. I know we want the best weather on our trips but there is a Rick Steeve radio show of eating with the season, because in Italy they eat fresh with what is in season.
Since the recommendations, from all sources, were split, I went with longer days, spring flowers, etc. and reserved spots on the 8 May 2016 (8 - 21 May) trip. The itinerary and prices haven't been locked in so it shows as "Call to Book." The Tauck rep said she doesn't expect there to be any changes to the itinerary. It sure would be nice to see no change in price due to the strength of the dollar against the Europe and a drop in airfares due to the oil glut, but that is probably wishful thinking since it is so far off.
It is 15 months away, but I booked so early because desirable dates for this and other popular trips like Peru/Galapagos, often fill up while still in the "Call to Book" phase. Check out the 2016 Peru/Galapagos dates- right now, four out of the six March to June dates are already full and two others show limited space! (Note to self: book Peru-Galapagos early!). That makes 3 trips in the hopper!
Update #2: Frankly, right now the reason escapes me (just a tad warmer??), but, last month I switched us to the 22 May 2016 SG departure