Ladies what to pack?

On the Rick Steves' web site, click on "Plan your Trip," then click on "Travel Tips," and you'll see great advice about what to pack, along with lots of other great advice on many other topics....some things you may not even realize you need to know until you read them. This site is great, so click away and enjoy!!! Enjoy your travels....sounds fabulous and plenty of time to soak it all in. (Thanks Rick Steves & staff.)

I love Montalcino!!! (I love Venice, the CT, and Rome, too, but so few people mention Montalcino!) For three weeks I took 3 slacks (2 were trouser jeans), 5 tops, a vest and a rainjacket, two shoes. I had a scarf, a shawl, a couple pair of earrings, pajamas, and 4 or 5 changes of underwear. It was plenty!1 21" rollaboard pkus a backpakc/daypack for netbook, accessories, etc. Summer should be even easier.

My suggestions, keep the colors dark or neutral Always check the 10 day forecast on weather channel to see what the weather is likely to be like. Consider taking as many of the following items that you have room for. Choose lightweight fabrics. Black capris, or slacks (no shorts) khaki slacks or perhaps lightweight jeans lightweight cotton skirt - perhaps a sundress a few tops not too revealing that match most of your bottoms Be sure to include a sweater or scarf to cover shoulders when visiting churches - and there are a lot of churches in Italy. (I'd guess Spain also - haven't been there) A jacket or poncho to deal with rain and/or small umbrella. A good pair of sandals for walking and that look nice if you go to a restaurant.
another pair of comfortable shoes bathing suit and accessories, hat sunglasses - perhaps some shorts to wear at CT and the lake (only).

Packing cubes are a good way to organize your clothing especially when packing up and moving often. Comfortable shoes, not just sandals and good socks. Clothing that you can hand wash in a hotel sink and hang to dry is important if you are just taking carryon luggage. For my upcoming trip I have 2 inflatable hangers, clothesline and sink stopper. 4 ex-officio undergarments and 5 pair of socks. Normally I wear cotton but for my 3 week Itlay trip I am bringing mostly thin travel clothing I can wash and dry easily.

Here is a different approach. Purchase what you need when you arrive. We bought laundry soap, toothpaste, sunscreen, beach tote bag and a sunhat. I bought a few scarves that doubled as shawls when visiting churches. In Florence a leather handbag that I used for the rest of my trip. Hubby bought a pair of Italian leather loafers. Pack Light, go home with lovely Italian products that you used during your trip.

Since you asked..... I am going back to Italy for two weeks in June. On the plane I will wear blue jeans, white tank, and short sleeved denim "jacket" that can double as a shirt. I will pack one print sundress, two pairs of pants, khaki and white, one white shirt that is made to tie at the waist, a reversible tank top, print on one side, solid on the other and a cotton cardigan sweater. All the pieces mix and match. It is my first time to take white, but for most of the two weeks we will have access to washing machines. I am also packing pajamas, underwear, bathing suit (the house we are renting has a pool, may be too cool to get in it but I plan to sit by it and read and sun) and running stuff. I am not taking any extra shoes (other than what I wear on the plane and my running shoes) or a purse, I plan to buy a pair of sandals and a purse in Italy, and I usually buy a scarf or two when I am there. I will also have a small, foldable rain poncho. I am going to wait and buy shampoo, conditioner, etc., after I get there. We have rented this house three times before so I know we drive by a COOP before we get to the house and I can pick up what I need there before we get to the house. I have a new Swiss Gear carryon and I think I can get everything in it, even my running shoes.