After a 10 day cruise to parts of Italy and the Greek Isles, we plan on heading down to Venice for a couple of days and have two more days to spend in Italy. I am torn between spending that time in either the Lake Como area or in Florence. The two extra days that I have are July 2nd and 3rd. Would like to hear from folks who have been to both places to share their opinions.

Hi Z,

Do you want gorgeous scenery or some of the greatest art ever produced?


I know, that's a loaded question.

I love both art and beautiful scenery. I will have a lot of "art" in Rome. Since I won't be able to go back to Italy for some time, I wanted to make the best decision. I was wondering if the Lake Como area is hot, hot, hot during that time frame.

I can tell you from experience it could very well be hot, hot, HOT IN Florence at that time of year.

If you are looking for a more laid back ambience with lovely scenery and a slower pace then I would recommend the mid-lake area (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio). There is not a lot of nightlife and certainly no major art museums.

As to the weather, it would most likely be cooler than Florence if anything.

Or, spend time on Lake Garda and see Verona from there.

Spending a few relaxing days in a beatiful spot without crowds is my best way of ending a vactation.

Much as I like Lake Como, you will have just spent a lot of time looking at the water...maybe someplace less H20 oriented might be a nice change. Verona, perhaps? Also do you have those two days completely free? IOW, are you then traveling back on the 4th?

Yes--we have two days in the area and then head to Venice for two days. Since our cruise is so port intensive, I thought a couple of days to relax would be nice and I thought it would be cooler than Florence.

Zannie that time of year can be quite warm on the lakes, but it's not humid, IMO, and you'll have perhaps some breezes come in off the lakes. Florence, OTH, is in a valley--high humidity collects there. Heck, even the Medici family left Florence each summer!

No matter where you end up, Buon Viaggio.

BC

Hello zannie, another one that will say you no doubt would find Florence very hot, humid and packed with tourist the beginning of July. Personally I don't think you would enjoy yourself in Florence inspite of all the beautiful artwork etc. When you say you plan on "heading down to Venice" where will your cruise end?

The cruise ends July 2nd (early a.m.). Guess with the weather at 104 in Texas I'm feeling so tired of the heat which is why I was considering the Lakes area!

Lakes area is beautiful and relaxing even without comparison to 104 degree heat. I think it's one of the most beautiful destinations anywhere. While it is more water, it's a different kind of water than you'll have on your cruise--surrounded by greenery and even mountains. Can't beat the scenery. Florence would give you a better contrast, but IMO Lake Como can't be bested, even by Florence.

I'm prejudiced - I am lucky enough to live on Lake Como. Which was dreadfully hot this year in early July, but so was everywhere else in Italy! Global warming seems to be making both summer and winter more intense, with less of the pleasant in-between weather we all prefer.

However, when it's hot on Lake Como, at least you've got a lake to swim in, and you're at the foothills of the Alps so it's easy to escape to a higher altitude and get cooler. In Lecco, for example, we have a cable car that goes up the mountain (see http://www.beginningwithi.com/italy/travel/lecco.htm for video) - a lot of people go there in summer to hike at higher altitudes, and sunbathe.

best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

beginningwithi.com

I hear more and more people disappointed by overcrowded Florence. Why not Lake Garda instead?
It is closer to Venice and it is very beautiful Verona is a fantastic city.

Hi zannie, I LOVE Florence, it is a complete and loyal adoration but honey during the heat of July I would choose Lake Como in a second and twice on Sunday! What a relaxing destination after a cruise!

bookchick ~ <Heck, even the Medici family left Florence each summer!>
That was good and made me laugh out loud. Thanks for my morning giggle!

Lake Como is sounding better all of thetime. I don't know much about Lake Garda so I'll investigate that. Now I just need to find the best way to manage Rome to the Lake region on the train without spending all of my time on the train! Maybe Lake Garda/Verona would be less time!