Italy trip, June v/s Aug?
 

Hi, I have just managed to snag 3 seats on Delta FF miles to Rome, returning from Milan, for the first week of June. We were initially booking this trip for the middle of Aug due to lack of availability and because I wanted to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in Venice. However hotels etc. seem more expensive in June and of course, we will not be there for our anniver in Aug. Is the difference in weather enough to make up for those two negatives? If we do this trip in June, is Rome (4 days) Venice (3 days)and the lakes region (3 days) still a good plan?

August is peak holiday time in Italy, the whole country flocks to the mountains or the seaside. Many small businesses and family run restaurants may be shut.

I would always choose June over August
(The hotel prices being higher does surprise me) as it will be cooler and much less busy.

June over August. I like your plan. You will have a great time.

June absolutely 100% IMO. June will be warm to hot - August will be HOT! August is really, really crowded - but a some places are closed - making other places even more crowded. And did I say hot? -- and humid.

Hi, thanks for the quick responses, I know June will be better but because I would rather be there in Aug, I was hoping someone would say there will not be much difference!
Most hotels and apts have a 20% discount for July and Aug. Also, is it better to do the Amalfi coast or the Lakes region in June?
I also have another crazy itinerary in the back of my head - tell me what you think!
Arrive May 29th Rome 4 nights
June 2nd -Train to Naples, take bus to Positano or any other coastal town. 2 nights.
June 4th - Back to Naples and overnight train to Venice if possible.
June 4th day, June 5th & 6th - Venice
June 7th - train to Milan/Bellagio.
June 9th- Leave early by taxi for 10.30 flight from MXP to Boston.
I am not sure how much time will be lost in connections and if driving any sections would be better. Let me know your opinions - I am ready to be yelled at!

not going to yell at you but I think you are packing in way too much .
If you have problems with jet-lag 4 nights in Rome gives you only 3 days there. short IMO

It takes TIME to get to a train station orbus station , plus travel time, plus getting to your hotel, plus checking in, plus unpacking...
and again.. and again..
You will lose half a day each time.

You may have the energy to do it; I would cut at least one destination on your list.

What time of day do you arrive in Rome? There is a bus from the Rome airport to the Amalfi coast area (Salerno), but it only departs early afternoon.

>> is Rome (4 days) Venice (3 days)and the lakes region (3 days) still a good plan? <<

YES. Stick to this plan - it's a good one. Do not include the AC.

P.S.
although much better than August, June in Italy can be hot!

Ok, I pretty much realized that was too much as I was typing it! Should I pick the lakes or the coast region as the third destination? We actually have 11 nights so how should I split those? Danon, you are right, the high temps between June & Aug don't seem too much different, I'm just afraid that I will give up the opportunity of spending our 25th anniversary there & the weather will not be much better!

Or maybe add a night in Cinque Terre instead?

"Danon, you are right, the high temps between June & Aug don't seem too much different, "

It IS different : August is much hotter (and humid).
(I was in Rome at the end of July one year - would never do it again.)
Also the whole country ( and the rest of Europe) is on holidays that time of the year.

I mentioned the hot weather because you plan on moving so much ; sitting on trains all night, or shlepping luggage from the bus to a train to hotel to vaporetto etc several times on one trip with tem. in the 80s. would not be my 'cup of tea".

As the PP said :" is Rome (4 days) Venice (3 days)and the lakes region (3 days) still a good plan? <<

YES. Stick to this plan - it's a good one. Do not include the AC."

lots of difference

As mentioned, <i>June will be <u>warm to hot</u> - August will be <font color="red"><b>HOT!</b></font> -- and <u>humid</u></i> . . . . and crowded - w/o a/c most places.

Dear excited/confused,

You are making me excited and confused....RELAX, SLOW DOWN, ENJOY! Go in June - you will be glad.

Stick to the plan of Rome, Venice and the lakes. DO NOT try to do more. You don't have time.

You will return. Buon viaggio!

Thanks all, I am not confused anymore, just excited! June it will be!
Since we have 11 nights, please advise on how to allocate the time.
Thanks again, I feel very relieved after reading everyone's posts.

11 nights = Rome (5 nights) + Venice (3 nights) + lakes region (3 nights)

What ellenem says - perfecto!

June in Rome, Venice, lakes. 100% agree.

Based on all the advice I got here, our tickets are bought - Arriving Rome-May 29th, leaving Milan-June 9th and we will travel to Venice in between.I am excited, still nervous though! Anyway, thanks to all of you for helping me make this decision.
Moving forward, I have emailed for a few apartments and these are the two I found available in Rome and Venice on VRBO.com #'s 155941 in Venice and 159263 in Rome(Caroline at www.cgpropertyrentals.com. I do like the one in Venice, please check out the apts especially the convenience of the area they are in and let me know what you think.
Thanks again.