noticed it was 64 and raining today in florence. oh! that it should be cool when we are there in late June!. For rain, is a jacket and umbrella enough that time of year or do we need raincoats for late june.?

A raincoat or waterproof jacket is great to have along - one with a hood usually precludes the need for hauling an umbrella all about (if it's raining hard, you'll likely head indoors anyway). It's a terrific, and lightweight, "extra layer". I always take mine on the plane, as they are usually chilly.

PS - As you probably know, today's weather has nothing to do with late June. I always check the forecast (www.accuweather.com) before finalizing my packing - but always plan for warmer or cooler as well.

A waterproof shell is a must-have even in the height of summer - the best shells are the ones that have their own pocket to scrunch into so that they don't take up much space in your tote.

I use an umbrella--don't own a raincoat. I have the smallest umrella possible, which packs much smaller than any raincoat I would care to own.

In the spring/summer I much prefer using a small umbrella to a raincoat/jacket w/ a hood. I hate using a hood (hood hair is worse then bed head )

A small umbrella easily fits in your handbag.

Folding umbrella and one of those tissue weight jackets with a hood is plenty. A rain coat is overkill - and you would probably die of the heat.

(Rain in europe is rarely the torrential downpours you get in the US in the summer - usually more of a drizzle - although it can get a little heavier. In any case - I would rather get a little wet than be sweating in a raincoat all day.)

Thanks for the info.!