I’m hoping to do a trip next year to Sicily or Puglia Italy or maybe both. We usually travel independently but I had seen a tour of eastern Sicily that I liked but it’s super expensive. I am now thinking base in one or two places in eastern Sicily and take day tours. Would prefer no car rental. Anyone taken a tour or tours in this area?
For Puglia we would rent a car.
1 Like
Just FYI, 2025 is the Jubilee year in Rome and 32 million more tourists than usual are expected in Italy as a result. Might want to wait until 2026.
4 Likes
We were in Rome last week. It was very disappointing to see many of the monuments covered up, in the process of renovation. Despite that, the crowds were just unbearable.
I don’t know that the same is true for Sicily or Puglia though. We were in Brindisi and Lecce and those places were not as crowded.
Our Italian friend suggested we go in mid to late April. It’s something to consider.
Don’t know if you’d be interested in a food or cooking tour. If so, Elizabeth Minchilli runs food/cooking tours in Sicily and Puglia. A friend of mine did one of her tours and thought it was amazing. I’ve been looking at the tours she’s offering in 2025. There are day tours as well as week-long tours. Here’s her website.
www.elizabethminchelli.com
That is who I’d love to do a tour with. I follow her and Sophie on Instagram. I’ve looked into her Eastern Sicily tour for next May. I’d love to do it but it’s really expensive. For two of us plus business class tickets from the west coast it’s a lot.
1 Like
I went to Rome this past April. It was on the warmer side (80’s) and extremely crowded. I’ve since learned that the popular tourist cities in Italy have steady crowds for probably 10-11 months out of the year. Rome is worth seeing at least once but the mass of humanity at the popular sites makes me hesitant to go back. There are so many other great places to see in Italy.
I do want to go back and visit other parts with my husband (2nd gen Italian who’s never been) and am contemplating a private or small group tour. I have been looking at Access Italy and New Journey tours. Ideally, I’d like a relaxing schedule with 2-3 days in each city and a minimal amount of time on a bus (no buses would be ideal).
Rick Steves did a recent travel series on the lesser known (much less crowded) cities in tourist-heavy places like Italy, Spain & France. May be worth a look.
1 Like
Here’s a former Rick Steves guide who does small group tours
2 Likes
I’m going to rethink our dates. I see Easter next year is late in April. I had considered a few days in Rome since I’ve never been.
We are invited to a wedding in Tuscany in April. If I were a betting woman, I’d say this wedding couple has no idea about this Jubillee year. It’s not likely we will be going, but with an event like this, my guess is that travel costs will be higher than usual.
1 Like
Yes, it’s advised for travelers to Italy book now for 2025, some places will already be booked. All travel costs will be higher.
A few years ago the Boston Globe Sunday travel section had an article about visiting Rome in January-February. Selling points were that Rome winter would not feel that bad to hardy New Englanders, and that museums and other attractions would be somewhat empty.
3 Likes
Actually, several of the (at least smaller ships) cruises have December - February Mediteranean trips at lower prices and better excursions. I did notice some had fewer port stops, but that’s okay if they were the ones where they were going to sea doo around the ports…don’t want that in the winter!
We did Rome in early November. Weather was great. Wore a light fall jacket.
It was 10 years ago but the crowds were light. Not sure how it would be after Covid when things are busier.
1 Like
We visited Rome and Naples in February this year. Weather was mild—60s during the day—and crowds were light in Naples and Pompeii. Much of the Amalfi coast was closed for the season but there was plenty to do and see in Naples.
Rome was crowded as it always is.
1 Like
We toured Rome in early March years back and found the crowds to be very manageable, even at the Vatican. (It was not near Easter that year). Yes to many restaurants being closed along the Amalfi coast, including Capri, but we enjoyed it all nonetheless.
Loved our 10night trip to London late Sept / early Oct. But… we did miss some really primo weather back home in Colorado. Enjoying October weather, though it is getting cooler. Makes me wonder what place is nice in November? That’s a dreary time, usually too early for skiing.
Thinking of spending a few days in Myrtle Beach to golf this fall.
Any recommendations on accommodations? Bonus if you have any golf courses you like?
I’ve been there, I know it’s cheesy. It was 25 years ago so not sure of a good place to stay. Don’t really want to spend a lot. I know Hilton Head is nicer but it’s not what we are looking for right now.
Good last paragraph, otherwise I’d be posting my thoughts!
1 Like
@deb922 what about staying in Longs SC instead of downtown Myrtle Beach.
Longs is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Colonial Charters Golf Club. Crown Park Golf Club. Long Bay Golf Club.