Venice, Belgium, or Madeira--help!

I am reading a book about a couple who moved to Venice for a year. They arrived in September and it is now July. The author describes it as very hot ( 100 degrees F during the day, " cooling" to 80 at night) and very humid. No place but the large fancy hotels has air conditioning. They cannot sleep with the windows open at night because of the mosquitoes. So, if you decide on Venice, make sure you get a place with AC.

Vicky, It really depends on what gets you excited about going on the trip. In order to keep "lost" travel time to a minimum, I would suggest splitting the time between Venice and Rome. Venice is a city unlike any other in the world. Rome is a classic mix of old and new. The down side is that both are somewhat expensive. At most do no more than 3 cities. Perhaps Venice, Florence, and Rome. Just an idea. We've spent quite a bit of time in Venice and Rome so let us know if you need specifics.
TC

We wouldn't do all three (Madeira, Belgium, Venice)--we're trying to decide among those three which one would be most fun. And lots of things get us excited about travel--we love beautiful scenery although we live in the midst of it year-round, so that makes us also love urban life. We're wondering if Venice will really be too hot (although some heat doesn't bother us) or too crowded (although we're pretty good about getting to sites early or later in the day to avoid crowds) or too smelly (can't avoid that!). What do you think?

Venice will be hot and very crowded in July. We love Venice but I would not go there in the summer. If you want to see that part of Italy,,a good base would be Verona. It is a lovely city in a horseshoe bend of the Adige river, with Roman ruins and a functioning amphitheater. You can easily daytrip to Venice from there, but also visit Lago di Garda, Ravenna, and other places.

Not sure why Keith hates Belgium or why he thinks Madeira is anywhere near Malta. All tourist areas are going to be crowded in July and all of these may be quite warm, but here is my prioritzed list: 1. Belgium - lots to see but 10 days is a long time, I would combine it with Netherlands (5 days in each), or possibly the Alsace area of France. 2. Madeira - if you like islands and beaches it would be the most relaxing and, while hot, there would be island breezes. Never been there so don't know how crowded it gets in July. 3. Venice - I love love love Venice but wouldn't go in July unless that's the only chance you'll ever have to go there. Too hot, too crowded.

Thanks all--very helpful responses! Sounds like Venice would just be too hot--although we've been to Nice in July, Tel Aviv also, and Coimbra--all in July. Would it be like that or worse? As for Madeira--if we're doing a walking tour, would it be too hot for that? And if we opt for Belgium, what cities do you recommend? Thanks again!

There's a very nice section on Madeira on Wikipedia. It's 600 miles off the Portuguese coastline, and a very beautiful volcanic island.
July is not their peak tourism season, and it's not especially hot in July. Like was said, Italy is blazing hot in Summer, and we prefer Spring & Fall there. I find Belgium to have great beer, but it's a little dull for me. (Amsterdam's close by and more more lively.) Go for something different--Madeira.

Belgium is my favorite country. And for me, is far from dull; some of my favorite art is in Belgium in some of the best museums in Europe. Cute and charming architecture. Beer. Frites. Waffles. Chocolate. I have been twice, spending only a few hours in Brussels, then off to Bruges. First time there, spent 2 nights. Second time there was for honeymoon, spending 5 nights. We were never ever bored with the city. We were there during Christmas market time, so lots of things to do and see and eat during that time.Did a side trip to Antwerp (we didn't care for it and left after 3 hours). We spent 3 nights in Ghent, loved every minuTe of Ghent. Good museum. Fun bars. Our B&B was across the street from the castle. If I had to spend 10 days in the area again, I would start in Brussels, see a few hours of sights, then be off to Ghent for 3 nights. Be off to bruges for 3 nights. Then finish in Amsterdam for 3 nights. I love Venice too but have only been during nov/dec. not sure I would be into 100 degree heat thing. Even living in hot Florida, I have heat standards, as we rarely go above 91-92 degrees in st Pete. Madeira sounds pretty neat but I haven't been, so can't comment. But Belgium is underrated, under appreciated which is fine.....more Belgium for me.

Hi Vicky, I have been to all three destinations, all quite different and beautiful. Madeira will blow you away with all it has to offer for natural beauty and with the walking levadas everywhere it is easy to escape the regular way of life. If tropical beauty, old world charm, great food and authentic culture interest you...plus somewhere out of the ordinary...go to Madeira. If you private message me, I can give you everything I researched for our week there...and let me know any specific questions as well. You will like any of the destinations you mentioned! Good Luck

I've been lucky enough to visit Venice 3 times...my absolute fav. But we were there mid-Sept all 3 times (perfect temp)...our 1st visit we were on Rialto Bridge talking to a merchant and commented on the crowds of people (which seemed horrendous to me)...his comment was...you should see it in July and August...groan! My sis, who lives in England, wants to visit Italy next year in Aug to celebrate her 40th bday...I'm like 'VENICE VENICE VENICE' you gotta see it...then common sense prevailed and I said...um, maybe not in August, too hot, too crowded, and she'd probably end up hating it. As much as I love Venice, I wouldn't go in July/Aug. I'd personally opt for somewhere a little cooler...the heat can really suck the life and enjoyment out of the day...have fun whatever you choose!

Rick has videos on Venice and parts of Belgium, and you can see them on Hulu.com.

They are so different between each other that is very hard to try to "compare" them. It is like asking: should I visit the Grand Canyon, New York City or some beach in Oahu, Hawaii? The best you can do is getting informed about each destination and going to what attracts you the most.