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Itinerary Check for Novice Traveler in Italy

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Hello Seasoned Travelers,

I would like help understanding how much I can reasonably do and see in one trip to Italy. I have never been to Italy and have not traveled to Europe for years. My current itinerary is:

-July 16, fly in to Venice or Milan and travel to Madonna di Campiglio near Trento in the Italian Alps.
-July 17-18 stay in Madonna di Campiglio to acclimate to the altitude and adjust to the time zone before hiking.
-July 19-26, hut-to-hut hikes in the Dolomiti di Brenta with a group.
-July 27~July 31, travel for 4-5 days before heading home.

I would like help with this last phase of my trip. While Verona and Venice are closer, Tuscany appeals most to me due to the art, architecture, history, and landscape. I will be recovering a bit from the hike and thought of going to Sienna to rest and walk about and take day trip(s) to Florence. I would fly our of Florence.

Are Sienna and Florence too far (a 5 hour bus/train ride to Sienna), too crowded, or too hot in late July/early August to enjoy during this limited time?

Are there other destinations or itinerary you would recommend instead of or in addition to this plan? I have always wanted to visit Florence but worry it might be too much for this trip. My goal is to enjoy a beautiful part of Italy.

Thank you for your input!

Posted by
28247 posts

Florence can be really miserably hot at that time of year. Here are actual, historical, day-by-day weathe statistics for Florence:

Florence weather - July 2023

And 2022 was considerably worse:

Florence weather - July 2022

Weather varies a lot from year to year, so you should check a few more years (I like to see the five most recent). Use the pull-down box at the right, just above the graph, to change the month and year displayed.

The possibility/likelihood of high heat doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't go to Florence when you're already in Italy this year. I'd consider how you react to temperatures in the upper 90sF, how much time you'd be outdoors, whether the indoor places you'd visit would be air conditioned, whether you'll be able to get back to Italy at a cooler time of year, etc.

Also consider your alternative destinations. There's no guarantee any place at sea level south of the Alps will be a lot cooler than Florence, it's just that your odds would be somewhat better in a place like Venice.

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