We went to Italy last summer and saw the main attractions - Venice, Florence, Rome and Cinque Terra. We weren't planning on going back so soon but the airfare is so good it is hard to resist. We want to go back to Florence and Venice - can you suggest a third city or some wonderful day trips? Last year was a whirlwind, we would like this trip to be more relaxed and really be able to soak it all in. We would also like less train travel than last year, that is why we are sticking to the North. I know that August is not the ideal month to travel to Italy, we are not so concerned with the heat but want to make sure that the places we will be visiting won't be shut down due to the Italians' vacation time. Thank you!
Posted by
Chicago
8102 posts
I am a big fan of Siena for a couple of nights -- enchanting town -- if you don't stay there it is an easy day trip from Florence. WE have been there half a dozen times and never tire of it. Another lovely spot is Assisi. We have stayed at the St. Anthony Guest House run by English speaking nuns and the location and charm of the place can't be beat. (the rooms are dorm room basic but have private bathrooms and are adequate. the public rooms are nice to have) It sits between the Cathedral and St. Clare and an easy stroll to the Basilica of St. Francis.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Ravenna is in the north and is a laid-back city with a lot of interesting sights. Lago di Garda might be a good option for you, a couple of towns along the lake have train stations, the rest have ferry service. You could spend some time in the Dolomites to escape the heat.
How much time do you have?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15275 posts
Although many Italians take vacation and abandon the cities in August to seek refuge from the heat at the beach or mountain locations, however not much really shuts down, certainly not in the historical centers of Florence or Venice, which will be still busy with lots of foreign tourists. The only time when most shut downs occur in non coastal/mountain cities is probably on August Sundays and especially during the weekend around the 15th of August, which is a holiday. But even then someone will be in town. Many Italians nowadays stagger their vacation between July and August, not just August.
Besides Tuscan towns, like Siena, which you can visit on day trips from Florence, near Venice there is Verona and also the Lake Garda, which is a beautiful lake and will give you a chance to cool off a bit (take your bathing suits). The Dolomites are also there, if you really want cooler temperatures. A rental car would be helpful in that area to visit the various mountain roads and passes, although trains and buses go anywhere.
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
Ravenna may be a nice idea in theory, but in the real world it will be extremely hot in August. Also Venice and Florence are very hot in August, but places in Po valley (Ravenna, Ferrara, Parma, Bologna, etc.) are really too much. There is a why if Italians flock to seaside or mountain places in August.
Posted by
Atlanta
4904 posts
Ravenna and Verona are both easy day trips from Venice. Also, you can spend an entire day just going out to the islands of Murano and Burano. TC
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I think Ravenna would be a long daytrip by public transportation. Most sights are indoors but even outside, the porticoes on the main streets help with the heat.
Another choice would be Ferrara.
Posted by
134 posts
Go to the Maremma Region, it is lovely, quiet with waterfalls, spas, lagune, sea, small villages.
It is in Southern Tuscany
Do not be afraid most things will be open, just the 15 August will be closed.