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Two weeks in August

Posted by (Paterson, U.S,) on

I know, I know, August appears to be the worst time to travel to Italy but it was the only time both my sister and I could go. Here's our basic itinerary:

Land in Milan-Como: 2 nights (I'd rather skip this but sis really wants to see it.)
Venice: 2 nights
Florence/Tuscany: 3 nights
Naples/Amalfi Coast: 3 nights
Rome: 3 nights

I'd love to hear your thoughts. I've been researching like crazy and looking through the posts here, so I'm just processing information at this point and don't have too many specific questions as of yet.

My one big question right now is about car rental. We originally considered renting a car to drive around Tuscany, but now I'm wondering about driving from Venice to Tuscany instead, stopping in Bologna (or other location) on the way. There's a place we're considering right outside of Sienna that has parking, so we could arrive there, drive around the hill towns the next day, turn the car in, and then hop on a train/bus(?)the next day to check out Florence. Before I drown myself in research, I'd like advice from people who are familiar with those particular areas and driving in Italy. Does Venice-Tuscany drive sound reasonable to you or am I out of mind for even considering it? Should we forget about driving all together? There are several amazing-sounding Tuscany tours so being car-less wouldn't be a big sacrifice.

Thanks for your input! This board has already been a great help.

Posted by
1003 posts

Leniza our family went to Italy for 3 weeks in August 2007 leaving home on Aug. 2 and had a fabulous time. Had been several times previously during the months of June and July(could only travel when our kids were out of school in the summer) but this time August was the only time that worked. We, too, were wondering what to expect after hearing people say they would never go in August but the weather was stunning and we found really nothing different than when we had gone in June or July. We flew into Venice and started with a week in an agriturismo near Lake Garda, then on to a week in another agriturismo outside of Assisi and then back to Venice for a stay before flying home. We were there for Ferragosto Day(Assumption of Mary) which was fun as our agriturismo had a bbq for all the guests. Venice did not smell nor has it smelled on any of our previous visits. I would not hesitate to go to Italy again in August. As far as the Venice-Tuscany drive--we have done it several times but my husband doesn't mind driving over there. It is not a difficult drive but I don't know how to drive a stick so I would not be able to do this. A car is really necessary to visit the small hilltowns in Tuscany. Have always bypassed Bologna so don't know anything about driving here.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks, Janet. Glad to know August isn't the nightmare I keep reading about. Not that it's dimmed my excitement at all. Italy in August is still Italy!

Have you made any stops when driving from Venice to Tuscany? Any towns we should check out?

Posted by
1633 posts

You have several options. First, rent the car at the Venice airport, see Bologna (haven't been there) drive and tour Tuscany and hilltowns, and return car to Florence airport BEFORE going to Florence. Do not return the car in town--you will get a ticket for entering the city.

Or, take the train from Venice to Florence, tour Florence first, then pick up car at Florence airport (it's always easier to get the car at the airport) tour Tuscany and hilltowns, and then instead of backtracking to Florence, return the car in Orvieto (1 hr. train ride from Rome). Then continue on to Naples/Amalfi Coast.

Now, in ref to car rentals. Check out www.autoeurope.com for cars. There is also EuropeByCar. Either one will meet/beat the price of the other one. You will get a stick shift unless you request an automatic. Also request a diesel car--a lot better gas mileage and it's available at all gas stations (not like here). Rent a car with a hatchback and ALWAYS keep your luggage under it. When parking the car, keep tour books/maps hidden. Buy a local newspaper/magazine to place on the seats--don't advertise that you're a tourist. These are just general precautions. We love driving in Italy and haven't had any problems. Do request a GPS for the car. Sometimes AutoEurope includes them. And buy a good Michelin map either here on this website or at a large bookstore. One last thing, get an international driver's license for $15 at your local AAA office. They just take your picture and make it there for you. There are no tests involved.

As for your itinerary, if you do drive, I would try to add one more night to Tuscany. Florence is easily one night, if not two. If you add more days to Tuscany and Rome, Naples could be a side trip from Rome. Just a thought. Have fun on your trip making lifetime memories with your sister!

Posted by
689 posts

We always are in Italy the end of July and beginning of August. You will be fine!

Your itinerary sounds ok. Too busy for our style - but a lot of people like to move more. Personally I'd leave out the Naples/Amalfi (and we LOVE that area) segment for this trip. Save it for a trip of its own. Add those days to Florence/Tuscany and Rome.

Definately drive in Tuscany - but NOT Florence!

Safe Travels!

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