My teens and I are visiting Rome-Florence-Venice, but because of school scheds are limited to end of June or over Christmas. Which would you recommend, considering crowds, temperature, etc.?

I prefer warmer weather, which also means longer days, the enjoyment of dining outdoors, and mostly sunny days. I was in Italy November 2001 and we had lots of rainy, cold days while in Tuscany/Umbria. I didn't care to be bundled up all day. Venice was beautiful and sunny (first part of our trip). I think you'll have more crowds in June than in December, but again but my vote is to be able to enjoy the outdoors.

PS: I believe tour peak season is July-Sept.

June is superb for Italy. With teens and without. I've been there both ways during June, beginning, middle and end of the month.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>

We visited Rome and Florence in June 2001 and the weather was really beautiful but HOT. And the places were very crowded with many tourists. However, the weather made it possible to stroll around at night and have an excuse to eat gelato. And although there were many crowds it was nice knowing that everyone else were there to enjoy the scenery, museums, etc. with us too. If you go at Xmas time it's going to be pretty cold there. So I'd choose June instead although in winter there are good airfare and hotel rates.

Definitely June. It will give you at least 4 extra hours of daylight. What would you do once it gets dark around 5 p.m. in December? Strolling on blaming nights is very nice, much less so on chilly evenings.

I meant &quot;balmy&quot; nights.