Christmas in Italy?

[Shedbuilder]

A friend has just linked me to what seems like a fantastic offer of a week's 4* accommodation in central Florence, with breakfast, over Christmas, for less than £400pp including flights.

We know it's likely to be fairly cool and possibly grey and wet. We know that a lot of restaurants and cafes and museums will be shut for several days. We also know that Covid is likely to reemerge.

If you've been in Florence or Rome over Christmas, what do we need to know? Is it a risk worth taking?

Excellent bargain - looks too good to be true so I'd approach with caution.

We stayed by Lake Garda Xmas 2019 (happy days!), & the hotel did full board on 25th as everything was shut. So I'd check that the hotel is doing the same, or can suggest where you can pre-book lunch & dinner.

We also stayed in a good hotel in central Florence last October - I've never had such a tiny, mean, breakfast anywhere in the world!

I'm approaching it with extreme caution but it does seem to be genuine and is being offered via a reputable company.

I've known people who've stayed in Rome and Florence over Christmas in the past and have found restaurants open (and have booked well in advance), but with things quieter because of Covid I'm not going to bank on anything.