Just wanted to grab your attention I am going to Venice, Florence and Rome in about 3 weeks and would like to know how I should dress for the November weather??? What type of jacket? Gloves necessary?

HI Heather--Absolutely bring gloves and a scarf and/or hat. It gets cold in Italy in November, especially as you go North. When I was in Venice in 1999 in November it snowed! (The locals were amazed--they hadn't seen snow in 30 years!) As for a jacket, I'd take something water and wind resistant that you can layer over a sweater if necessary. <BR>Have fun! <BR>Patti

Rome? Rome you say? There's a store by the Spanish Steps that sells gloves. Unfortunately all my info is packed away and I can't remember the name, but I believe it starts with an "S". It's got gloves in unbelievable colors in the windows and for sale (upstairs). It was MOBBED with Japanese tourists when I was there, but I did manage to break into a lull in the action and buy two pair of beautiful gloves (one cashmere lined, the other silk lined) for about $35 (for BOTH, not each). Can't touch that during the post season sales. <BR> <BR>I didn't check prices of gloves in Florence (didn't think "gloves" in July), but Florence is known for it's leather products also. <BR> <BR>My advice therefore, is to take a pair of "ok" gloves with you and buy gloves while you're there! <BR> <BR>And yes, layer, layer, layer.

You'll find it alot cooler in Venice than in Rome. Layers is usually best option. In Rome, you may find it cool in morning (if you're an early am sight-seer) and then again later at night. As the day warms you likely won't need a jacket at all. <BR> <BR>For all the cities, and especially Venice & Florence you'll see some rain. So for your choice of jackets, it should be something that's water resistant. Doesn't take much room to toss in hat/gloves, altho likely you'll only use them in Venice.

DEFINITELY follow Chris's suggestion to bring a pair of 'ok' gloves (I'll go it further, bring CHEAP gloves) and buy several of their SUMPTIOUS leather gloves while over there. First time that I visited Rome, I found myself in a leather glove frenzy. Bought 5 pairs -- different colors, different styles. Managed to force myself to give one pair away as a gift. But I still have and use the other 4 pairs.

The bad news is it gets very cold in Venice. I've been there in December, January and March. It's much warmer in Rome. The good news is that they sell great leather gloves all over the place. You can buy them at street stalls. Much cheaper and a better selection than you can find at home. Buy your gloves in Italy.

Heather, it worked. Title grabbed my attention. "Clothing Optional" in Italy? Maybe, maybe during summer on a beach on Ischia -- lots of Europeans & so they are more likely to shed their clothes. <BR> <BR>November? Talking a different story. A light cover-up for Rome and warmer layers for Florence and Venice. Particularly Venice.

Look at weather website for both current & historical information . . . http://www.wunderground.com/

You will need a fig leaf to get into the vatican.

Two, actually -- one for your knees and one for your shoulders.