July 8, 2001 <BR>My wife and I are planning our FIRST EVER European trip - to ITALY - on short notice. We are fascinated by the country's ART and seduced by its promises of ROMANCE. Our highest priorities include Rome, Florence, and Venice. Alas, the second half of August fits best with our work schedule. <BR> <BR>1. I keep hearing that that time of year Italy is too hot, too crowded, Venice smells bad, and many businesses are closed. Would it be worth waiting for fall or spring? <BR> <BR>2. We have up to two weeks to spend. We usually prefer exploring on our own versus tours. Are tours a smarter way in this case? <BR> <BR>3. We like moderate to superior accomodations. What range of total, all-inclusive budget should we two expect? <BR> <BR>Thanks for any help.

on the first one - August is when Italians take their holidays and the whole country virtually closes down - it is hot and can be crowded. <BR> <BR>2. i'd go for exploring on your own <BR> <BR>hope this helps

Oh Alan, what an adventure you have ahead of you. Italy is a wonderful country to visit. In August? In a word (or two): Definitely not, in my opinion. You will get other responses that differ from my viewpoint, I'm sure. The last time I was there was in April. My travel companion and I said several times to each other, "Can you imagine this place in August?" The cities are mostly stone (duh) and there is little air-conditioning. I would be miserable there in August. Wait until fall or spring if at all possible. <BR> <BR>You can do it on your own if you have time to research your trip. There is so much good information right here in this forum. Do a search on "Bob the Navigator" to get started. His words are gold. You will be so much less insulated from the country and its people if you do it on your own. Advice: take a basic Italian class at a local college, or at least learn some basic phrases. Your experience will be enhanced so much by this. <BR> <BR>There are many wonderful accomodations in Italy. Some of the fun is discovering them! Again, search this forum. <BR> <BR>Get back to us with more specific questions as you plan. <BR> <BR>Buona fortuna!

To get you started: <BR> <BR>www.slowtrav.com <BR>www.twenj.com

Alan, I can't imagine how anyone could be miserable in Italy, even if it is August! I have been in August and am going again this August, would not miss it for the world! We have school age kids so that's when we have to travel. If that's the only time you have off then go! Try to stay in places with pools if at all possible. Some hotels have aircond, but if you are staying in the surrounding hillside areas it is often a little cooler, plus some of those ancient castellos have walls which are about 1 foot thick and are very cool to stay in without aircond! While alot is closed, we never had any problem finding lovely restaurants and shops everywhere! Also make prior reservations directly at the Uffizi etc. saves standing in line. Eat lots of gelato to stay cool. Rent a car and explore the hilltowns, romance will surround you! Have a great time!