Italy in August
 

I am trying to plan an eight night trip to Italy this summer. Is it worth going at that time of year and where would you suggest I go?

It will be hot in most places, and quite crowded, but if that's when you have to go, you can still have a great time.

As to where, you need to provide some info I think. Surely some attractions lead you to Italy in the first place:
wineries? Renaissance art? architecture? shopping? coastal scenery? resorts? Cities vs rural settings? Will you drive, or take trains or buses? Is this your last trip for a while, or will you be returning to Italy, say, within 5 years?

With 8 nights, most people will recommend that you pick at most two primary locations, and from those places you could take a daytrip or two.
Stay in one reasonable geographic area, to keep distances reasonable. For example, Rome and Florence, or Florence and Venice, or Venice and Rome.

Traveling from one city to another, even those that are close like Rome and Florence, usually eats up at least half of day between one thing and another, unless you travel at night.

In summer, since the outdoors is at its best, you might want to consider one location in Tuscany (Siena is one place that makes a good base) or in Umbria, and the rest of your time in Florence or Rome. Because Florence and Venice are quite small, they are, and seem to feel, especially overcrowded in the summer according to many. If you feel you will return to Italy eventually, you could save any of these cities for another time.

Great information from Elaine. Italy is extremely hot in August. My major suggestion is to stay away from the beaches and resort areas. Europe is on vacation for that month. The last day of August I remember seeing on the television that there was a huge traffic jam from Sorrento to Rome from everyone coming back. We don't go visit family on Ischia (next to Capri) in August because of the crowds. You will find Tuscany, Umbria, etc. a great choice with no crowds. Museums and restaurants are all open.

Italy is great any time and always worth going. I definitely agree with Elaine about how to plan your 8 days. However, just a suggestion: if you have some flexibility as to when you go, June or July would be better.

Posted on your "other" thread, but I'll re-post here - perhaps to elicit some dialogue over these observations...

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<<I want to experience the culture in Italy and have a relaxing trip. I am going in August.>>

Every place you need to fulfill this objective is within a 60 mile radius of the town of Garda.

Verona, Trento, Bassano del Grappa, Sirmione, Malcesine. And who knows how many more I have never visited.

You won't even be able to see it all in eight (days and) nights.

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Best wishes,

Rex