Hi everyone,
I own at Marriott’s Mountainside with two weeks (not points) and I’m starting to plan an exchange trip to Italy through Interval International. I haven’t joined Interval yet, so I have no Idea what is available, never mind what my ski weeks are worth.
We are hoping to travel in late September or early October 2026. I’m especially interested in Florence and Tuscany, and Venice.
Has anyone here successfully exchanged into resorts in these areas through II? I’d really appreciate advice on:
- The best resorts you’ve stayed at
- How easy (or hard) it was to get a match with a fixed week
- Whether it’s smarter to split my two weeks for more options, or trade down from a 2-bedroom to a smaller unit to get something nicer
- Tips or strategies for setting up a successful ongoing search for that time of year
And if there are any must-visit spots in Italy (besides Rome) that you think are worth considering, I’m open to suggestions.
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Andy
Probably not many, if any, places to seek regarding timeshares. I think the true experience of Italy
will be diminished greatly by not staying in the heart of the towns and cities in more authentic places, and for less nights, which timeshares don't give you.
For instance we found amazing Airbnb's for our whole trip. First, after Rome, we stayed two nights in the fantastic
Cinque Terre town of Monterosso al mare (the largest and most interesting of the 5 hilltop towns of the Cinque Terre).
Couldn't have been more fun!!!.....much to see and do, and great restaurants, but two nights were plenty.
One evening we dined at the restaurant where Rick Steves dined....and talked about Rick with the Chef/owner and his wife and daughter.
We had a second story apartment that overlooked the street below. Very old, but beautiful and more like a family would have.
We felt more like residents than tourists.
Also same in Florence, where we stayed in the heart of the city, mere steps away from amazing restaurants, museums,
and many of the best historic sites. We were 10 minutes from the river & Ponte Vecchio. Our farthest walk was 18 minutes to see the statue of David,
and most of the other great things were 5-10 minutes away, like around the corner. It made the stay in Florence far more special.
We had a 2BR apartment (we had two couples) and a huge private terrace all to ourselves.
It was built in the 1600s. Our two favorite meals were 5 minutes away. Dozens of great restaurants. Again, we felt like citizens, not visitors.
We also decided to stay in Florence for four nights, so we could have a more relaxed and laid-back experience,
and do the amazing city justice. It was our most wise decision. All evenings we walked to a nearby piazza to people-watch
and sip the local wines and dine if we so desired. We hung out at least an hour or two each evening....just awesome.
I just felt like timeshares would not give us the experience we wanted, and I'll never regret that decision. Italy doesn't make sense otherwise, imho.
And frankly it'll be less expensive by doing the Airbnb's or VRBOs.
Our travel itinerary was Rome 3 nights > Monterosso 2 nights > Florence 4 nights > Rome 2 final nights.
(Got to fully see Rome's attractions ----Vatican, museums, Colosseum, smaller churches/cathedrals, and much more.)
We skipped Venice on purpose, and also skipped Pisa....no regrets on those. One couple we met did a day trip by train out of Rome to Venice,
saw what they wanted, and didn't have to add nights in Venice. Thought that was a great way to
not let too many stops cloud the trip.
A lighter itinerary is always more enjoyable to experience day-to-day life in Italy.
I would heartily recommend
October as the very best time to visit Italy (as you plan, I see!) ....perfect temps around 68 degrees at midday, and lovely cool evenings.
We did do a full-day tour of Tuscany, it was fantastic, and we saw 3 amazing towns and visited a winery and olive farm.
It was an awesome day, perhaps our best ever anywhere. Every day in Italy was great, tho.
Al fresco dining streetside was so perfect with the weather and the temps.......
Got a few recommendations for restaurants in Rome, Monterosso, & Florence !!!!
