I am going to Italy in July this year. What should I see?

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darioaccio

July is high tourist season meaning most of the famous places are so over-run with tourists that delays and crowds can make the experience frustrating or even aggravating (e.g. Rome's Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, Colosseum, Pantheon; All of Venice; All of Florence; even Pisa).

This is not to say you shouldn't go to these principal sites, just be prepared to fight crowds and navigate lots of tourist traps.

When my wife and I spent a month in Italy (we're also young, and not the club-hopping kind), instead of staying in hotels we rented apartments in Rome and in Florence for just less than a week at each place. This was the best decision we could make since we got to live in Italy, instead of just visit it. In both cases, the landlords (family-owned) were able to give us tips, maps, and extra assistance (we got a cut-rate deal on a brief over-night stay back in Rome en route back to the States, based on our previous week-long stay). There are websites with listings of apartments, probably even Craigslist these days. Let me know if you want the info for the places we stayed at.

As far as places, Rome is a must, despite the crowds. Skip Venice (or make just a quick stop) on your way to Murano, which is further out on the water, built in the same manner as Venice, and without so many tourists, it retains its charm. If you go to Florence, make a trip to the smaller Lucca or Siena to see Medeival towns where the crowds are a little less instense. Make sure you plan a day-long hike through the Tuscan countryside with a picnic or restaurant stop. Tuscany really is as beautiful as its talked up to be.

I can't leave out the south, specifically Sicily, which is really the part I love the best. There is no comparison with the north for the beauty of the sea and the warmth of the people. Just be aware that it really is a very different place. Go to the north to see Italian icons (that are worth every bit) but go to the south to live a real Italian experience.

In Sicily I can recommend the mountain towns above Catania, and along the shore north of Catania surrounding the volcano Mt. Etna., especially Taormina. On the south shore, Agrigento with the Greek temple ruins, down to Sciacca on the ocean. Any kind of trip like this to Sicily would be for someone who wants an Italian trip off the beaten path and doesn't mind going back home not having seen the most common sights.

dolphin23

Totally gotta see the Trevi Fountain!!!

nickisbox

aside from all the major cities that are available, i am going to suggest some smaller areas to visit. we stayed out in the umbria area near the town of spoleto. spolteo is wonderful smaller town that is very scenic and fun to explore. it is also not far out of rome, maybe 2 hours tops. there is also deruta, this town is known for handmade ceramics and has tons of shops with them. i love the clock that we bought there. some other things we saw was the monster park in bomarzo (a cool statue park) and frasassi di grotte ( a beautiful cave tour out in le marche).

i went through the different books i found and just marked things in the cities and elsewhere that sounded like fun. and from there it was based on what we had time for.

whatever you do, it will be fun! just be patient, flexible, and ready to take opportunities as they come. :)

Tim O

My brother says the Italian Alps are first rate.

>>ricciolina-->

I am Italian. You councils to visit the Tuscany why it is wonderful, dipped in the nature(http://www.hoteltamerici.it/beauty-farm-toscana.htm) or if you want to go to the sea I suggest you to the Calabria (south Italy), just Tropea (http://www.hotel-santalucia.it/english/index_en.htm)

excuse if I do not speak English well!

brotherlove@sbcglobal.net

Florence and Venice were two of my favorites. Rome was a close third. I would get a Eur rail pass and travel by train. I think that getting close to the people of Italy makes the experience that much more personal. I would stay in Pensiones (bed & breakfast). They tend to be less expensive and more personal. Take every opportunity to see the culture, art and museums. Relax and go with the flow. I wish I were going.

kitty

Hi, I recently went to Italy with my husband and we loved it!
My favorite place in Italy was Vatican City, it has so much history, so much art, we had to go there three different times, and we still didn't see everything.
Once in Rome, you can't miss the Colisseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. There is a lot to see in Italy and so many good places to go eat. I highly recommend the restaurants around the colisseum.
If you can, try to visit Pompeii, it is an amazing place! Good luck on your trip!

japo

Try to find nice traditional or cultural event in Italy. (Browse the link below).

conley39

There are a lot of interesting festivals in July. The jazz fest (6-15) in Perugia is excellent and Perugia is worth a visit on its own. Assissi is close to Perugia.

The Busker festival (5-8 July) in Pelago, near Florence is also good.

If you go to Pisa for the leaning tower, see the tower then spend the rest of the day in Lucca. Lucca has a summer festival throughout July.

Il Redentore (14-15 July) has spectacular fireworks in the lagoon in front of the Doge's Palace in Venice.

There are other local festivals in smaller towns that might also be interesting ... a garlic festival near Turin, the tomato festival in Sardinia, the European beard & moustache championship ...

Tivoli is worth a day trip from Rome (take the train from the Tiburtina station) - the fountains at Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.

The area around Lake Garda has a lot of Roman ruins and castles ... Sirmione and Malcesine are particularly nice. Verona, Mantova, and Trento all have fairly large old towns and are particularly tourist friendly.

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