Originally Posted by
Perche
You are right, Torino doesn't get completely dead in August, but it is substantially diminished. A little too ghost-townish for a tourist. Florence, like Venice, won't close down because of the tourist demand, but I wouldn't prefer to go to either place in the summer, but it seems as if the OP wants Florence. There are better places to be than either place during the summer in Italy. I think we both agree, Rome is not a bad choice. Of course, there are plenty of splendid choices off the tourist grid, but that's another story.
I've been to Florence in August and would never do it again. It definitely doesn't shut down, but a lot of the better restaurants and enotecas close for part of the month. So the hordes of tourists crowd into the mediocre places. If it was once in a lifetime, I could plan it for someone, but I'd otherwise suggest pretty much anywhere else.
I've also been to Venice in August. While crowded in the usual places, the weather is nice and you can still escape to the ends of the island. Not sure about the food and drink, as I definitely got hit over the head as a tourist that visit. The only good place I remember is Trattoria alla Madonna, which was good.
I like places that thin out in the summer, but I hear you on Torino maybe not being the best place for a first timer. I was having trouble coming up with anything else. Maybe Genova, but it's already not a place known for warm hospitality!
Originally Posted by
jdrtravel
Thanks so much for all of the feedback. I really appreciate it. Two more questions:
1) If you had 10 days in Italy during these dates and had not been there before, what itinerary would you advise? I'm willing to throw out everything I currently have, though J class tickets with miles are currently booked into Milan and out of FCO.
2) If you could go anywhere in Europe over these 10 days in August, where would you go?
Thanks so much.
1. What I'd do is fly into Rome, plan for the first 5 days there. I'd then keep the next 5 flexible. Meaning no prepaid hotels if you can help it. Make some reservations that you can afford to cancel or shorten in Florence or Venice (whichever you're more inclined to visit). Take the train there and spend a day and night. If you think it sucks, move on. But to where?
Well, if you want to vacation like an Italian at the beach, maybe with a little partying, consider Rimini (on the adriatic coast). If you want a city, Genova (especially if you like aquariums). Ravenna if you like Roman history.
Full disclosure, I don't like heat. I live in Maine. I won't suggest going south in August.
2. I'd probably still go to Italy, but that's my answer to everything. If I had to pick somewhere else, again, I'm going north. How about Copenhagen?