Just returned from Rome yesterday. Fabulous, but hot, weather all week. Here's a few tips or observations to those interested: Don't worry about wrinkles in clothes, the Italians are wrinkly, too. Don't take alot of clothes, just mix-n-match. Alot of boards I read said to wear black. I think I was the only one in black (and it was way too hot). I saw alot of beiges and linen fabric. Italian teenagers dress the same as American teens. Although, I did see alot of see through or tight pants/skirts that showed women's thong underwear. The main clothing difference I saw was in the shoes and they don't wear shorts. But, after two days, we wore our shorts, it was too hot not to. I don't know how they stand it. Avoid busses and metro during rush hours. www.romanodyssey.com gives a fabulous Vatican Tour. I wish we had done more tours especially of the Roman Forum to get some info you just don't read in the guidebooks. The tour information really bring things to life. Order whatever you want on the menu, you don't have to get one item from each section. They will serve you bread and charge you for it, you may as well eat it because if you don't, you'll then have to pay the same amount for a 'cover charge'. Never pay full price to the street vendors, 95% of them will bargain, especially for the fake purses. If you're into history, Pompeii is a must-see. Tivoli is a pain to get to, so go by taxi or tour bus...NOT the busses as the ride is long, hot, and smelly. The Italians are very friendly. I did expect more of them to know English (based on a past trip to Paris), I wish I had learned a few more key phrases, but none-the-less, we managed to get by. The pizza is wonderful and the lasagne even better.

Hi shelley,

I'm sure you have some useful advice, but without paragraphs my eyes went out of focus.

with or without paragraphs, you gave some good advice. Did you see the business men walking around in the heat in suit and ties? Boy, did they make me sweat just looking at them! Roman Odyssey gave a great tour of the Roman Forum.

Thanks very much for posting your observations which will, hopefully, be of benefit to others, especially those who seem to be in constant doubt about what to wear.

Just got back also and the girls wear there pants even lower than they do here if that is possible. Yep the Italians do not wear shorts. The shoes are really pointy on woman.

And the most important thing if you are going to the Vatican they will not allow you in with shorts or tank tops.

And it just started last week to get really hot.

Thanks for sharing, it was very fun to read!!!!!

Hi Shelley,
Thanks for the posting. Can you tell me what some of those key phrases are that you would have liked to know?
Thanks

How was Tivoli (besides the bus problem)?

I just got back from Rome as well, but we only spent a day there. My friend's favorite purchase is probably her Ciao Ciao Roma shirt .

Thank you so much for sharing! I am glad I am doing the Berlitz Italian in your car then I have been very torn about doing tours, are there any other ones you'd recommend??