Autumn is now in full swing and Italy has started seeing falling leaves and a few wet days. However, the temperature is still unpredictable and likely to jump from 50F (10°C) to 68F (20°C) and then back to 50F in the space of a few days.
November is a good month to travel to Italy because air fares are less expensive than in summer. Hotels reduce their rates too so, even though your suitcase will be laden with a few more sweaters, you’ll be paying less for your stay. And that’s never a bad thing.
To look at temperatures, check the Italy weather section on the Property Organiser website where you can call up a forecast for wherever you are going in Italy.
If you have travelled in Italy lately, the chances are that you have come across a sign advertising a sagra – a festival. Italians love the sagra, an opportunity to enjoy food, games and music outdoors.
They frequently involve spectacular pageants or sporting events. When the sporting event is a historical recreation, such as a jousting competition or a horse race featuring costumes or armour, it is called a palio, such as the famous horse-riding event in Siena.
Sagra della Castagna (festival of the chestnut), Sagra dei Funghi and Sagra dei Tartufi (festivals of mushrooms and truffles), Sagra del vino (wine) and Sagra dell’Olio (olive oil) are probably the most popular ones since they celebrate the typical products of Italy that are collected round about this period of the year.
Some suggestions for November from us at The Property Organiser:

• November 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29: San Miniato hosts La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco, which will feature stands of all kinds in the squares.

This territory produces 25% of Italy's celebrated white truffle, so it’s logical that each November – at the height of the official truffle gathering season – a truffle fair is held in the town. San Miniato comes alive with displays, theatre performances, fine dining in homes, palazzos and restaurants and even marching bands. It’s a great time to visit this medieval gem of a town.

Romaeuropa Festival: Rome's big festival of theatre, music, and dance held in venues throughout the Eternal City from November to December 2.

Missed a newsletter? Click here to see previous articles