For vacationers who prefer a general sightseeing or idle strolling,
travel Italy has many offers to stimulate the body, mind and soul.
Mountain chains (including the backbone of Italy, the Apennines) and
splendid countryside for skiers and walkers, lakes and seas for those
wishing to enjoy water trips with windsurfing and sailing, top-class
cuisine for feasters, designer clothes for shopaholics, study trips....
There are many beautiful places for sport activities and more relaxed
pastimes that won't make you choose where and when to go in
Italy. Among great places to visit during your travel to
Italy are such Italian ski resorts as Courmayeur and Cortina d'Ampezzo,
National parks like Abruzzo with the high-altitude havens called rifugi
and spa resorts with natural hot springs.
So when to set off on your travel to Italy?
Disregarding the fact that the year starts with January, let us look at
summer months first, as these are the hottest not only in terms of
weather; it is also the peak of tourist season.
July/August: there is an opinion that July to August are optimal for
visiting large Italian cities: when most of the nationals are on
vacation, traffic becomes lighter and moving around is
considerably easier. However, be ready to find a number of shops and
businesses closed this month. Another attraction is the bustling
nightlife with open-air music shows, discos and festivals in many
historical places collectively called "Estate Romana" (Roman summer).
Information about this sort of events is unlikely to be on the travel
guides, so consult a local newspaper or ask your hosts. Usually during
July and early August performances of the Rome
Opera at the ancient Roman ruins are given.
Much better time to go to the seaside is in June and September: Resorts
are not crowded yet and it's not too hot. Early September sees the
magnificent Historic Regatta along the Grand Canal in Venice. But, the
Roman summer will be gone.
April, May and October are perfect for visiting both cities and
countryside. Cruising along Grand Canal in Venice will be more
pleasurable as the water is cleaner and does not smell any more (as it
does in August). If you plan to travel to Italy for Easter, book in
advance because there's going to be a lot of holiday-makers willing to
do it too.
Traveling to Italy in November to March can be a good way to
check your luck: it may be cold and rainy or sunny and pleasantly dry.
The advantage of this period is mainly low prices for flights and
accommodation.
Family is of course the Christmas theme. In recent years all of the
major cities and also smaller centers have streets decorated this time
of the year boosting your spirits and inviting to join the large scale
parties and local celebrations. On the New Year's Eve, for example,
huge fires are built on the central squares of Tuscan towns burning all
night long. The Christmas season is closed by the Epiphany, on January
6.
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