sandralist

Here is the archive for last July in Venice. The daily highs never reached 80 degrees.

http://www.ilmeteo.it/portale/archiv...ia/2014/Luglio

bvlenci

The crowds around St. Peter's can be pretty intense even when there's no audience. I would plan on going there early (before 9 AM) or late (after 4 PM), when there's often no crowd at all. I myself wouldn't dream of going to an audience, because you have to be there hours ahead to get a decent seat, even if you have a ticket.

Anyway, the current pope works in the summer, and so far, I haven't heard of him taking any holiday at all. And his schedule is published just a week or two in advance, and often not at all in advance, so no one coming from any distance can plan a trip around his presence or absence. At the moment, his official calendar(s) (three of them) are still on December 2014.

aestuo

thanks so much guys! really helps to hear everyone's insights and opinions, and you've given me a lot of food for thought.

I think one more thing we need to consider (and based on what some of you guys are saying, may perhaps be the most important thing to consider) is that we will be flying either into Rome and out of Milan, or into Milan and out of Rome (Milan much cheaper than Venice). So we have to potentially cut short one day of our trip to travel to Milan, depending on the route we choose.

I am leaning towards the idea of starting in Rome and then ending in Venice, because we could end our trip on a more relaxing, romantic note...but that would mean losing a night somewhere because we would (if we are being cautious) need to spend the final night in Milan. If we do this I would probably cut a night in Florence.

If we started in Venice though, we could go directly there from Milan and potentially save a half-day of travel...but then we end our trip in not-very-relaxing Rome in the height of summer tourist season which means lots of kids...BUT if the cruise ships do start converging on Venice in July maybe it is still a smarter decision...

RM67 - yes, you are right, I know we just need to make a decision and then we can get to planning all the fun stuff...it's just my husband has been waiting so long to go to Italy (i have been there before, years ago as a college backpacker in the heat of summer and I fell in love with the country) and I just want to plan the best trip I can for him.

Thanks all!
Karen

mama_mia

If you have no interest in Milan, why fly out of there? You have been planning this trip for years. How significant are the savings, when you consider the entire cost of the trip?

If you must, fly into Milan and train to Venice. As far as ending in Rome, folks here can probably recommend accommodations in Rome that will offer you a cool, relaxed, romantic retreat. If you plan your days strategically (e.g., don't visit forum in heat of mid-day, take a break in the afternoon) you should be fine.

Or, if you prefer, just fly out of Venice (taking into account savings from avoiding an extra train ride to Milan).

How many days are you allotting to Florence? Are you planning to stay in Florence? If you have more than a few days, a break in the countryside or a small hill town would be a nice respite.

PalenQ

florence I believe is hotter in July and August than Rome - all those places will be mobbed - the later in July and all of August more. Rome has a lot more real estate than Venice or Florence (Florence sites are clustered in a compact city centre) so crowds are only a problem getting into places like the Vatican.

Kaysib

I think you are going at a great time. I went around that time two summers ago and the heat wasn't to bad, the tourist also didn't bother us. Defiantly take some time on your trip and visit the hill towns in Tuscany. There are so many little towns that are romantic and feel like a get away from tourist and so relaxing. We did Rome for about 4 days and then rented a car and drove up North stopping along the way. We loved it, and I am doing it again this summer. There is nothing like driving around Tuscany and stopping at a B&B.
Also, when you go to Rome prebook all of your tickets to the sights. I also suggest paying extra for a private tour. It is more expensive but so worth it. I promise you won't regret doing it, we wished we would have done a private one at a few more places.
I also loved the hotel we stayed in in Rome. The area you stay in Rome makes a big difference. It was the Maison Giulia. The most beautiful area and a good breakfast, walk across the bridge, and it's a whole new side of Rome. Loved it!
You are going to love Italy, take time to relax on your trip too.