I understand it will be very hot it August! What type of clothing and how much for 2 weeks: I always over pack!!!! I also need good specific advice on what luggage to buy. We about killed ourselves dragging large, heavy bags, without wheels in 1999. <BR> <BR>We will be visiting Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome. Any suggestions of what to see to make the most of our trip. We have already been to see the tower in Pisa, and wonder if there is something we would enjoy more than a repeat (been there, done that) with the group. What about car rental? Would it be costly to take a short side-trip on our own? <BR> <BR>I prefer to see natural beauty--gardens, mountains, lakes (as Como), which we did in April 1999 and plan to go to Bellagio one day. Is it a good idea to try to see more of it on another afternoon/evening available? <BR> <BR>Any helpful comments on things of this sort to do and/or see in Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome would be most welcome.

It is extremely hot during that time of year; I have been to Italy in Aug. the past two years. Wear loose and sleeveless sundresses and comfortable walking sandals. Definitely get wheels on your luggage--a 24" should be adequate since I too overpack and took too much--summer garments don't require that much room A wide brim sun hat would do well as well. Milan and Venice are very humid, hot and uncomfortable, especially the latter, similar to New York. Get yourself a hotel with great air conditioning to refresh yourself. Venice is magical; take a walking tour; Milan is rather uninspiring and wouldn't stay there more than a day, especially since you will find almost all shops will be closed and many of the best restaurants as well during August. The city was like a ghost town. The Duomo and castle are all to see. I loved the lakes, especially Lake Como. The scenery is spectacular and the weather is much more pleasant, though warm and sometimes rainy. Bellagio is lovely, we stayed at the Villa Serbelloni and enjoyed the tranquility and beauty. You might want to stay a night and lunch or dine at the Villa D'Este. It's breathtaking. We used trains and enjoyed their efficiency and comfort.

I only got one very helpful reply to my message almost immediately, but just found the reply!!! Thank you very much, Nancy. I plan to follow much of your advice. If you wish to e-mail me directly with any further insights, I would welcome them.<BR><BR>ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS??

August is the hottest month in Italy, it is already warming up now and I am going to have to start wearing my summer clothes pretty soon. Where are you going to in Italy? I am in Florence, I would recommend that you wear as little as possible and cotton materials nothing synthetic or you would just feel really awful. It can reach 45 degrees C.

I just returned from Italy and will be glad to help. Email me at the above address. You should also search under "Jessycat" and there is a post of "101 best things to do in Italy". It's wonderful. I also rolled my clothes and packed them in one gallon ziplock bags. It was a wonderful way to pack. It made everything small and easy to pack. Very convient to take out at the hotel. I hung up clothes in the showere and all wrinkles came out. Take a smaller suitcase. I had alot of trouble with my one single suitcase with wheels. I had to walk from car 8 to car one on the train. My luggage would not fit throught the aisle and I had to carry it! Yikes. It was embarrasing and inconvient. I ended up washing my favorite shirts in the sink anyway and rewearing them. The nylon or rayon type with stretch. Do really well.<BR>Wear good, stylish shoes. I got many blisters the first day I was there. It can really hold you up. <BR><BR>There are many post here on Italy so I would recommend a search. There is wonderful info on clothes, places to visit, etc. Jcat