We are going on the Heart of Italy tour in early September- I looked at the average temps around that time and it shows to be daytime highs in low 80's and night time in mid 60's- is this accurate from experience in the early part of the month? Anyone recently take that tour that has any tips or suggestions?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14979 posts
I don't have experience in Italy in Sept but I did do the Heart of Italy this past May. As far as general packing, at the last minute I threw in a rain layer and used it several days for rain, wind and chill. If you are going to do sink laundry, do it on the first night you stay somewhere. You might need to be prepared to start the drying process with the hair dryer. It was chilly in Volterra and things were not quite dry on the departure day even tho I had washed the first night we got there. In Monterosso are you staying at Villa Steno or Hotel Pasquale (or do you know yet?)? If yes, they provide a laundry service at IIRC 8Euro/wash. I didn't think quick enough and did not have things sorted and was anxious to get out to get to the last ferry run of the day, so didn't use it. If I had really been aware, I would have separated out laundry as I packed up in Volterra that I wanted to have done and placed it in the top of my suitcase so I could just pull it out and stuff it in to the bag provided at check-in in Monterosso. They do the wash and return it to you the next day. If you are at Steno/Pasquale, be aware that Felicita, the Mom, makes the lemon marmalade and orange marmalade. Dad does the croissants. At Pasquale Dad did the cappuccino which was also wonderful. Eat all of it.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14979 posts
con't: Lucca - we ran short of time here as the guide wanted us to get on to Monterosso. The weather was good with a storm expected to roll in that night so she wanted us to be in time to do the last Cinque Terre ferry of the day. Before you get off the bus in Lucca, ask the guide if when you depart from Lucca if there is a planned bathroom stop just outside Lucca. We used time up in Lucca for a bathroom stop just before we met the group to depart and could have waited if we had realized how soon the bus was going to stop at an Autogrille. I had an unbelievably wonderful time. The guide was awesome. The group was awesome. The tour was awesome! I would go again in a minute. I would be happy to answer specific questions either here or via PM.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
cindy, One suggestion I can offer is to be sure to pack rain gear. I've found that even in September, it can rain heavily. I experienced a torrential downpour of biblical proportions one afternoon in Lucca, and I've that's also happened in other parts of Italy in September (including Sicily last September). I'm sure you'll have an awesome time on the tour! Happy travels!