My husband and I have an opportunity to take a trip in mid to late June but have never been in the summer. Obviously, it is high season and will be warmer and more crowded, but I am trying to get an idea of just how bad it will be-still worth doing? We have never been to Venice and have only spent one day in Florence. Our other option is Paris(also high season) .
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
You're right - it will be warmer and more crowded in both Venice and Florence. HOWEVER don't let that stop you! There's a trick to it: in Florence, make time-certain reservations for everything you want to see. That way you skip a lot of very long lines. In Venice the cruise ships empty mid-morning and the passengers are usually gone by late afternoon. So, don't do the big items (San Marco, Rialto) during those times. There are wonderful areas of Venice that tourists seldom see, or at least the cruise ship tourists. You can't get lost - you're on an island - so meander and discover! It's also a good time to take a riposo - a nap - because the night time in Venice is magic. And you have the place pretty much to yourself. Go dancing in Piazza San Marco. Attend a concert or just walk around in the most enchanting city I know. I've also noticed that the museums and most churches (Accademia, Frari, etc.) are not at all crowded during the day (before and after riposo). Go and enjoy!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15202 posts
Often the end of June is hot (30+ C = 86+ F), but sometimes it is more amenable (last year it was a bit cooler for example). But it's a good time to go, because rain is unlikely and daylight lasts until almost 10pm.
Unless you go in winter both Florence and Venice are full of tourists anyhow. Actually even in winter Venice is packed especially around Carnevale (which ends on Fat Tuesday).