Bathing suit?

In 2011, I did the Village Italy tour in late September / early October. CT is near the end of the tour. Instead of hiking, I kicked back on the beach with a few others. It was great. Our tour guide joined us and it was all really relaxing and fun. Most of the chair vendors were closed for the season, but the one that was open did a great business, especially when school let out in the late afternoon. We stayed in Levanto. I wore an impromptu swimsuit of swim shorts and a tank top. I had a sundress cover up. It worked. I wore those shorts twice that trip. A swimsuit or lighter shorts may have been less bulky, but I was glad I had what I did. I have fond memories of being out in the water.

I hope the weather is as good for you. Debbie

We packed swimsuits when we went on the RS Northern Italy trip for Cinque Terre and were there in Sept. The weather was really warm, and the salt water increases your buoyancy in the water. For a 21-day trip, I'd probably skip packing a swimsuit.

I have gone on 12 RS tours including the BOE as well as several others that have stopped in CT. Whenever I go to Europe, every summer for 12 of the last 13 years, I take a pair of quick drying shorts that I have used for a swim suit. Living in Hawaii most of the year, it is nice to get into the water over there. aloha charlie

If you will be staying at a hotel with an indoor heated pool on any of your cities, you'll want a swimsuit.

Lynny, we'll be in the 21 day tour in less that 4 weeks so May will be colder than Sept, I think.....I am throwing in my swimsuit. It won't take up that much space and I'm hoping to get a chance to get wet in CT! I know I'll be sorry if i don't bring it.

Thanks for all of your helpful replies! It sounds like I should consider either bringing a suit or at least swim shorts!

Yes, the Monterosso swimming beach is open and warm in early October.

I read that swim shorts was a no-no in Italy and France. Since I've been wearing swim shorts and a tank top rather than a swim suit for over a dozen years, I'd prefer to do so in Europe too.

I am so happy to hear that it is still warm enough to enjoy the sea in early Oct! Why would swim shorts be a no no?

If you Google swimming attire France or swimming attire Italy, you will probably retrieve articles or discussions that focus on men's and boy's boxers and the feeling in some places that these are considered unhygienic in pools. The outfits I saw on the beach in Levanto were varied and included surf shorts and t shirts.

D

I'm not sure where I read about mandatory swimsuits and no shorts. Perhaps it was for hotel pools and spas. I'm just not comfortable wearing a two piece or maillot swimsuit, I much prefer river shorts and a tank top.