ITALY - Planning a trip to Italy in '08, a 12 or 15 day Trafalgar Tour...?

Question

Need some must see pointers and suggestions from experienced travelers and/or Italians. Planning on an August trip in and out of Rome. Comments appreciated!

Answer 1

Depends on your budget, really.  Italy is a great city all year long, except probably in the cold months Dec-Feb (nothern Italy can be bitterly cold).  Auguts can be crowded, given that it's summer from July, so you might find the more popular sights a bit crowded.

You need to stay at least two weeks to make your visit worthwhile, to get to see Rome, Venice, Florence, etc. and to sample a bit of the Italian culture.  Be warned, as August can be a bit pricey.

Beaches would be great around this time, as well as hiking and climbing.  

For the beaches,try the southwestern parts of Rome and the italian islands.

If hiking/climbing is your thing, you can go to the north alps or for a more manageable trail, try Tuscany, Capri or Sardinia.

For diving/snorkelling, try Tuscany or Ustica.  Lake Como would be great for windsurfing

If you have big bucks to spare, shopping would obviously be in Milan, Florence would give you big finds too.  Tuscany would also offer some flea market finds.

If sightseeing is your thing, obvious choices would be Rome, Pisa, Florence, Venice.  You can just hop in and out of the bus routes and metro given that you know what you want to see and do.

Italy is a great, big country with endless possibilities, not to mention the rich food and culture.

lei non dimentichera mai l'Italia! enjoy..