Me and my boyfriend(we're 18 yrs old) are thinking of going on a trip to Italy in August (I know it's very hot at that time but considering we are from Israel I don't think it's a problem). We want to make it a short trip (arround one week) because we lack of time we were thinking on focusing in one city since we don't have a drivings license
But we are completely lost about how to plan it and where would we rather go.
We would like to see some museums and historic places but as well eat some good food and do fun activities. I would like to get some advice from people who were in Italy about where is the most suitable place for a trip like the one I just described. Any ideas?

For one week you could base yourselves in Rome and spend some time seeing the sights in Rome and then do day trips to other nearby places, like Florence, which is only a 90 minute train trip away.

I think you are wise to not try to rush all over Italy in one week.

yes, I agree Rome is a great place for a first trip for a week with a day trip to Florence and wonderful food!

You might want to consider the Trastevere area of Rome for your base as there are a lot of you people around there, good eating places and bars and it feels like a little village in itself...pretty too

"young people" even!

http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/rome/areas/trastevere.html

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attract...ome_Lazio.html

for info on Trastevere

Keep in mind that many Italians go on vacation in August and many shops are shut down. Do some searching on it. It will mean less crowds but also many closed places.

http://goitaly.about.com/b/2006/08/0...n-vacation.htm

My fist choice would also be Rome, but also read up on Venice. If the idea of a city surrounded by mists and mystery and "everything by boat" appeals to you, you might like it. With a week, you'd have time to explore Venice, see glass-blowing on Murano, lace-making in Burano and going to a beach on the Lido.

Perugia, with its universities might have a youthful atmosphere you'd enjoy. It also has a music festival (http://www.musicfestperugia.net/) in August.

Please let us know where you end up!

You might invest in a guidebook to italy to see what looks most interesting. Then get one for the city you choose. Or just buy a Rome guidebook and go! That's what I would do. It will have lots of info you will need besides the sights -- like transportation, nightlife, local customs, etc.

definitely choose just one place, and I'd go with Venice or Rome - whichever appeals to you most!

I'd probably use Rome as a base for my first trip. As mentioned above, Florence is a short train ride away, and Ostia Antica is another great day trip with its ruins.

Rome will have more than enough sights and things to do to fill up your time...and the historic core is very compact, which cuts down on wasted time moving from sight to sight.

SS