Ok, so all of your posts raving/talking about Italy have worn me down and I am now planning to visit. Rome (someday) was always near the top of my worldwide list and I've always wanted to visit Pompeii. But until reading on this forum, I was unaware of the Amalfi coast and other regions. Your posts have convinced me that I should visit.

I've got a 3-day hold on FF tickets to Rome leaving D.C. on Aug 22 and returning Sept. 2 (may change the return to Sept 6). My broad plan is to spend 5 days in Rome and 5 days between Sorrento, Capri, and Naples.

My QUESTION, finally, is: what is the tourist crowd situation at that time? Have the Euros returned home (to Paris, Stutgart, etc) from their August vacations? I think that most Americans will be back, getting ready for school/college.

The Fodors destination guide talked about a tourist "stampede" in Capri and I absolutely do not want to be a part of it. btw, at usair.com I checked the availability of travel on a Bus class award starting on May 15 and the first available date was Aug 22! Really wanted to go in May, but late Aug will work.

Sorry but this is still the height of the tourist season for Euopeans - and there will still be tons of Americans - although the kids may be heading back to school the seniors will be in full force. If I were you I would do the trip 2 or 3 weeks later - it will be somewhat less crowded and the weather will probably be a little more comfortable.

I think that outside of Rome you will run into more italians on vacation.
I think a peak vacation time is around 15 August,

It seems that restuarants take vacations then in Rome,
But as I have never been there in august, I can not say for sure.

Could you leave a little later if you wished?

I spent a few days on Procida
(as an alternative to staying on Capri)and while it does not have much for shopping , etc. it is lovely.

ha, ha, now you are addicted,I know I am, and fodor only fed my addiction.

Have fun!

Thanks for the quick responses! I will look into going in September, then. But, I won't give up on going in August just yet because it would work out work-wise better than September. After September, the next time I would consider going would be April '05.

How could you wait that long is beyond me

Oh, and I found a good fare to Venice for Feb 19-23 and went to call Lufthansa (am using an MCO) but am just getting a dial tone even after punching in the phone number. Must be the ice this morning in No. VA.

Hi mr,

The later in September the better for you in Naples and the AC, milder weather and fewer people.