Hi, I'll be in Florence for 6 nights in July. I'm thinking of adding a few days before and after. Thinking of flying into Rome and spending 3 days there.
Q1 - I've already seen the vatican and am interested in ancient architecture and art - so any suggestions on what to see in Rome?
Q2 - any advice on what to expect re crowds/heat etc.
Then after Florence I'm considering adding Cinque Terra (2.5 days), car trip through north west and over to Venice for 2 days. Perhaps fly out of Vienna.
Q3 - any suggestions for the trip from CT to Venice? I love photography, architecture and scenery...(ps. I'm thinking of avoiding Lake Como but perhaps one of the other Lakes for a night? I'd prefer to avoid crowds if possible....)
Any suggestions/additions/advice would be appreciated!

Continuing your earlier post - - http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34922139 - - I would stay in Italy, and drop going onward to Vienna.

There is so much to do and see in Rome (even limiting yourself to ancient Rome) that I can't imagine that you will want to spend less than half an afternoon minimum curled up with a big travel book (or several) from your nearest good library, to answer this question for yourself.

Anywhere south of the Venice-Milan highway will likely be very hot in July. That doesn't mean avoiding Tuscany and Rome, but plan your days aaccordingly, use th evenings, and seek out air conditioned lodging.

As others have already suggested, Lake Garda is good. Ditto Trentino and all of northeast italy.

Best wishes,

Rex

Thanks Rex!

I've started focussing in details of what I want to see in Rome and you are correct - I have lots to read! Feels like the trip has already started....which is good.

I'm glad you suggested dropping Vienna - as much as I want to see it, I think it deserves a seperate visit and I will not let myself jeopardise enjoying Italy by rushing things.

I'll read up on Lake Garda and focus on the North now i think.....

Many thanks,
Dance3033.

i went this summer with contiki vacations so my experience comes from this vacation.

A1: In rome I really loved the gladiator stadium.
A2: the crowds can be intense but in most cases its pretty spread out. In the summer it was not very hot in fact it actually started raining on us

Best of luck

Thanks athornberry,

I'll look into the Gladiator Stadium....Glad you got mild (albeit some rain) weather for your trip.