After reading through this forum, I am starting to think Venice in July is not a great choice. Perhaps I should save Venice for another trip in a less congested time of year. Someone told me today that Venice will be smelly in July(one of the underwhelmed). <BR>Just wondering when would be the best time to visit Venice?. I would like the experience many of you have and don't want to blow it by choosing the wrong time of year to visit. Also wondering the same for the Amalfi area. <BR>Since I am kind of stuck with July to travel, any suggestions? I am totally confused. Greek isles? Paris? Someone plan my trip for me!!!!!!!!!!! <BR> <BR>Denise

Good evening, Denise <BR>The weather in Venice in July is an average of 73 deg f. <BR>Average Hi of 81 deg f. <BR>Average Lo of 65 deg f. <BR>Average rainfall of 2.7" <BR>Yes, anything as old as Venice can <BR>build up smells that you may consider <BR>as smelly but certainly not overwhelming <BR>July and August would not be considered <BR>as the best choices, but as long as your <BR>hotel has air conditioning and you know <BR>in your own mind that something might <BR>be offensive to the nose. You can then <BR>either love Venice or hate it. I have <BR>never been there in mid summer, but would if I had the opportunity to visit <BR>Venice in July or August, I would, but <BR>this is only my opinion. <BR>If you consider not going to Venice in <BR>July would suggest the Italian Lakes <BR>Maggiore or Como, of these think that <BR>Maggiore has more to offer, has a <BR>very good boat system out of Varenna. <BR>Lugano also can be especially wonderful] <BR>this time of year...Richard of Lagrange Park, Il.. <BR>

Denise: If at all possible visit Venice in April or May in the Spring, or late September through early November in the Fall. The weather forcast for Venice today is 88 degrees, much to hot for sightseeing if you have a choice.

Dear Richard, <BR> <BR>Thanks for you input. I think I will definitely take your suggestion regarding the Italian Lakes. I just haven't figured out the rest of the itinery yet, but at least that's a start. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Denise

Venice in mid to late September is excellent!

I was just in Venice earlier this month. Once, in early morning, we walked down a narrow off the beaten path street where garbage had not yet been removed and the smell was unpleasant for the few minutes it took to walk through the area, but that was the ONLY time we encountered any unpleasant odors in Venice. The canals we were on did NOT stink. As for crowds, the day-trippers clog up the area & bridges along the Grand Canal from San Marco to S. Zaccaria in a god-awful way. To make things worse, as we passed through that area, we saw that some idiot tour guide leader was assembling a large group ON the pedestrian bridge while we were trying to get by and we found ourselves in human gridlock for a few moments. Just save that area for after 4 pm or pre 9am & you'll be fine. Airconditioning in your hotel room should be a number one priority! We had it in Hotel American (along with a private bath) and it helped make our stay in the 90-100 degree temps bearable and fun. I've been to Venice in late December, in April and in early August. All of these times have their special magic and their challenges. My recommendation is simply that, if you get an opportunity to go to Venice, take it! The ideal time of year depends on your own interests, likes & dislikes. I know some who depend upon what produce will be available for food to make their decisions. Depends on your own priorities. Enjoy!

I too was hesitant to travel in Italy in July, but the summer is the only time I can take extended trips, (teacher). I absolutely loved Venice in spite of the heat. Being a Seattlite, I wilt at 80 degrees, so the heat of Italy was at times really difficult. For Venice take the suggestion of an air conditioned room, a must! My hotel, the Locanda Piave was inexpensive, air conditioned and near St.Mark's square but far enough away that even during the day there were no crowds on the nearby Campo St. Firmosa. Once you are 4 or 5 streets away from a major tourist center, the crowds disappear.(the square, or along the Grand Canal will always have lots of people) At night the place really empties out AND cools down. If July is the only time you have to see Venice, do it. And it doesn't stink!

We just back from venice a week ago. Yes, it can get hot, but we never experienced any smells from the canals. the one thing you have to contend with this time of the year is the crowds, especially as somone mentioned by the major attractions. BUT...Venice is trully a unique city with it's myriad of canals, you can spend hours wondering the small streets and exploring it all over. The beauty of Venice is where the crowds aren't.Go...and enjoy!

Denise, <BR> <BR>Hi, I live in Italy and being american, I always wish that I was in the US during July and August (the two hottest months). Though I wouldn't recommend anyone to travel Italy in August, as Italians move in masses then, July may not be to bad if you can take the heat. <BR>My mom always comes to visit in June and July and we move around a lot then with no problems. <BR>Paris is a great idea too. <BR>I just had the chance to go there a week ago and feared that it would be like Italy with so many stores closed. <BR>Instead, it was a welcome relief from the heat, and most everything was open. So few things were closed that it was not noticable. <BR>If you are in Milan or Rome you WILL NOTICE. <BR>As for Amalfi, you will find traffic in July as everyone wants to go to the beach and August a lot worse. <BR>However, if you plan to stay in Amalfi and not travel around while there, you should have no problem. <BR>I wouldn't worry to much about July if you can take the heat, you should be able to handle the rest. <BR>Have fun. <BR>

Dear Betsey, <BR> <BR>I too an a therapist in the schools so July it will have to be. I appreciate the good reports about Venice in July. Coming from NYC I am used to high humidity, crowds and nothing can compare to the smells of our subway system on a hot August day! I will heed your advice about the crowds and after a 3 night stay, head for the Lakes. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, <BR>Denise