italy

No worries, all of Europe does not shut down during a period in the summer. What you may have read/heard is that from mid-July to about the last week of August is a time when many western Europeans take their long vacations (long vacation meaning, by law, most of them get significantly more vacation time than the average American). Some property owners, of family-run lodging, might (possibly) be taking their vacations then. But most tourist services, especially those run by companies, are open and some are doing a booming business. In fact, in general, you'll find larger crowds, higher prices, longer lines, and more heat during mid-July through the last week of August. If you have the option of avoiding mid-July through the end of August, that would be a good choice.