We are only able to visit Italy from mid to late August. Will be there two weeks with two teenage sons. We welcome advice, ideas to stay cool, suggestions!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Amy, That's about the worst time to travel in Italy, but if that's the only option you'll have to make the best of it. About the only suggestion that comes to mind would be to make sure you book all air conditioned Hotels. However, that won't be much help when you're out touring, so sunscreen, good Hats and lots of water are about the only solution. I'd recommend packing along a copy of the ITALY 2011 Guidebook (available now), as it will not only be a good source of information for planning (Hotels, transportation, etc.) but also a good reference source during the trip. At that time of year, pre-booking Hotels would be a really good idea. Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
Lots of gelato.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Do what the Italians do - close up in mid-day. Italian stores & businesses almost all close up from about noon to 2 PM; you could go back to your air-conditioned hotel room during those hours of mid-day heat and take a nice nap.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
54 posts
We were there this last July and this is what I would suggest. With teenage sons, I would spend a little more time in Cinque Terre, IF they love the beach. In the heat, being by the sea is more pleasant and you can't beat the swimming. I would also get a hotel with a pool in Rome (if you can). Taking a dip in the hottest part of the day will help keep you going. My teenage daughter and I stayed in places mentioned in the Rick Steves' Italy books and every one of them was terrific. We kept to small places with no elevator and saved alot of money. Be sure to go out to the squares in the evenings to enjoy people watching and many times there are performers (Venice, Florence and Rome). Also, lots and lots of gelato.
Posted by
Tinton Falls, NJ
782 posts
Hi Amy, I'm doing a similar trip in July (Rome, Positano, Cinque Terre & Venice). We went to Spain in June/July 2009 and it was 104 degrees farenheight. We went out in the mornings, hung out at the casa (with pool/no a/c) in the afternoons, and went back out at night and stayed out late - just like the locals did. We had a great time! We plan to keep a similar schedule in Italy. We have a/c everywhere we are staying. Make sure you carry water bottles (filled with ice if possbile) in a day bag.