Hi All,
We will be coming to visit Italy for the first time in July for eleven days. It looks like we will be flying in and out of Venice. In order to not have an exhausting trip, we are looking to base ourselves in two places (even though there is so much we'd like to do!). My question is after spending three nights in Venice, should we go to the Dolomites or to Tuscany?
Thank you!
If you want avoid the tourists that flock to Tuscany in the heat of July go to the Dolomites. It is closer. You can always go to Tuscany off peak; do something different from the commonplace and you will get more space for your time and money
Dolomites! It's the perfect time of year for enjoying the mountains while Tuscany will be hot, crowded, and not at its best.
Both are lovely. In contrast to the reports of crowding in Tuscany, we went to Montalcino one 4th of July weekend when we lived in Rome and found it almost deserted. The wineries were welcoming, the growers not terribly busy. We asked why. Tourists, they said, come more in the autumn during harvest. Summer travelers flock to Florence. So crowds may not be an issue if you choose a nice agriturismo in the countryside.
OTOH, we love the Dolomites, too. July a better month there than August.
Good for you sticking with two destinations!
Thanks for all of the helpful replies! If we did the Dolomites, I would still love to try and see Florence and maybe do some shopping for a day. Is it realistic to do a day trip from Venice to Florence? Maybe we would tack on an extra day in Venice to do that and then go to the Dolomites for the rest of the time...
it takes 2 hours to get to Florence from Venice. You may not be able to walk comfortably down the street in Florence in July when it is hot and crowded. You have to pay closer attention to your belongings bumping into people. But go for it if you know it will give you thrill
I have never been to the Dolomites so I can't comment on that area. I did visit Tuscany last summer in July. Yes, it is warm (especially last summer), but I did most of my sight seeing early in the morning and it was very doable if you plan it right. I did outdoor sights early and saved churches and other indoor sights until later. If it was a day trip I was back on a train by 3pm and back to my hotel for some rest and relaxation until dinner. Read about each area and then decide. Unless you can't stand 85 degree weather, don't eliminate Tuscany. If you are driving, all the better because you will have a break from any heat with AC in your car. Enjoy your trip. Here is a good sight for Tuscany. https://www.discovertuscany.com/
