Anyone ever been to Italy in winter months ?

I've never been in the winter, but I can't imagine ever having a bad time in Italy regardless of the weather.

Unrelated to the time of year, I'd maybe recommend doing one or two of the major cities you mentioned and then spend a couple days in some smaller towns. Personally I think the smaller cities and towns are much better than the larger cities.

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From what I’ve gathered online renting a car in Italy is a terrible idea.

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Anecdotal, but we rented a car and had zero issues.

Some mid- to smaller towns and cities can be accessed by train, so I guess it depends on where you're trying to go. For example, Modena is train-accessible.

Good to know that renting a car isn’t so bad. Def something to consider bc I love the freedom of having my own ride.

Would my credit cards work over there ? I have a couple Amex , visa , and discover . I would assume I’d just need to make sure I don’t have any foreign transaction fees in my agreements. Not sure if I’d need to bring cash.

I just did Italy during the Christmas/NYE timeframe and enjoyed it. We had a couple cold on and off rainy days in Florence but great other than that. Much less crowded during that time as well. We did a few days in Rome and 7 days in Florence/other parts of Tuscany region.

Renting a car and driving in the cities is not a great idea. Driving in the countryside is not much different that driving in the US. There is no way in hell I would drive in Rome (or worse, Naples).

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Did y’all rent a car ?

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I rented a car and it was very nice. For instance it allowed us to drive from Modena to the small, but beautiful Bobbio for an afternoon. The biggest issue is a lot of cities won't let you drive into the green zone without a permit. Our hotel got us one in Modena, but driving to Bologna for instance had to plan out parking in an area that wasn't in it. Not overly difficult, just takes some planning.

I don't think there is any need for a car in Rome or Florence from my experience there. Florence is very walkable and Rome has enough taxis that it shouldn't be needed.

Thanks a lot for the good info. Glad I started this thread bc I was a little hesitant of a winter trip there. Mrs jkyle can take the L on this debate.

I went 5 years ago in the beginning/middle of December and would highly recommend it. Did 2 days in Venice, 2 in Florence, and 4 in Rome, and travelled between cities via train which was quite simple. It tended to be in the 40's and 50's so not really that cold, just make sure to layer. From hearing from friends/family, the crowds were also a lot lighter than in the summer.

Did Rome 3 days - Florence 4 days - Venice 3 days for our honeymoon Thanksgiving of 2019.

Rome- We visited all the historic sites (Vatican, colliseum, Trevi etc...) Do a neighborhood food tour in any of the neighborhoods, this was a great way to see alot and taste a lot(our 2nd favorite thing of the trip). The sights are good but Rome has bit too much New York City type feel to it for my wife and I's taste.

Florence - Loved every second in Florence and would visit more of the country side if we went back. We did a Pizza/Gelato making event on a hillside overlooking florence which was incredible (favorite thing of the trip). We also did a day wine tour to the Brunello region, which was awesome as well. Try a Florentinian Steak in a wine cellar restaurant.

Venice - Venice is cool to walk through all the alleys and see the cool canals. We would probably knock one day off of Venice next time.

Weather was great around this time and only had one chilly day. It may be a little colder around Christmas for you.

The crowds were not bad at all.

I have never been to Italy in the heart of winter but I have been in March a couple of times and it was fine. A little chilly at times but the trade off is that it was not crowded with tourists.

With only a week I would not try to go to three cities. Go to two at the most. I would do one of two things. One choice would be to spend a week in the Tuscan countryside at a villa near Florence. If you are interested I can give you more details. My other choice would be to fly in to Florence stay there for a few days then take the train to Venice. I have done that a couple of times.

I love Rome but I would save that for next time.