Italy trip reports from this summer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were in Florence in late June and it didn’t feel too crowded. We had timed tix for the duomo and museums and made dinner reservations for the 3 nights we stayed there and it was hot but fine.

Kids don't get out of school until mid July in Europe. We go to Europe with kids mid/late June and come back early July. Before kids, we always went in Sept/Oct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We were in Florence in late June and it didn’t feel too crowded. We had timed tix for the duomo and museums and made dinner reservations for the 3 nights we stayed there and it was hot but fine.

Kids don't get out of school until mid July in Europe. We go to Europe with kids mid/late June and come back early July. Before kids, we always went in Sept/Oct.

Depends on the country but you can look up German school holidays, which are usually staggered by state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

[Anonymous]

Hot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

Sounds like it’s best to stay home.

[Anonymous]

A glass of wine is MUCH cheaper in much of Europe than the US (like $5 instead of $12!)

Not Switzerland but yes for Croatia and Italy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

Food there is just like anywhere else. There are some gems and some of it is pretty lackluster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A glass of wine is MUCH cheaper in much of Europe than the US (like $5 instead of $12!)

Not Switzerland but yes for Croatia and Italy!

Food is cheaper in Italy too. Portions are smaller too, but I’m ok with that. I like getting a couple small courses instead of a trough of pasta that’s enough to feed three people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Leaving tomorrow. I know it will be hot and crowded! Rome, Florence, Venice and part of the trip in the country. Best restaurants? Ways to avoid crowds? Other tips?

Also - do you use Uber when you need a taxi in Rome or is there a better app?

Thanks for all!

.

CANCEL.

Now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

If food is meh in Southern Europe, where is it good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

If food is meh in Southern Europe, where is it good?

Northern Europe, especially England and the Netherlands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

If food is meh in Southern Europe, where is it good?

Northern Europe, especially England and the Netherlands.

Is this a joke? England has the absolute worst food .

Blood sausage and baked beans for breakfast?

Meat pie?

Wet fruitcake called pudding?

NO think you.

[Anonymous]

For popular sites book "skip the line" or private tours as much as you can. These tours make sure you see the highlights at each site and explain everything in depth. You'll get way more out of your visits this way.

Don't bother with the beach. Beaches in Italy are crowded and not that great. We have much better beaches closer to home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For popular sites book "skip the line" or private tours as much as you can. These tours make sure you see the highlights at each site and explain everything in depth. You'll get way more out of your visits this way.

Don't bother with the beach. Beaches in Italy are crowded and not that great. We have much better beaches closer to home.

If you are in the Med over the summer, you will definitely want to cool off in the water. We structured most days to sightsee in the morning and either hit a beach or get on a boat (and swim) in the afternoon.

Tip: look for off the beaten path beaches. But the public beaches are worth seeing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 50 countries in Europe. Why would anyone go to Italy in the summer? I’m writing this from Lithuania.

Because a lot of people have less interest in Northern European countries. Many people find the museums and sites more interesting in southern Europe. Many people like to visit a beach during their vacation and you don’t travel to Germany or Sweden for that. Most people find the food in Spain, Italy and France preferable to say, the Netherlands.

Then there are school vacations and many workplaces are more supportive of long vacations during the summer.

PP here. Most people are stupid . Seriously, Northern Europe in high summer is glorious!

I know you think you’re more sophisticated.

Here’s the problem with Northern Europe. It’s not that much fun! Also the food blows. And it’s expensive.

Food is meh in Southern Europe too. Especially sit down restaurants that aren't Michelin star or similar. And it's expensive. It's hard to find locals only places because tourists are everywhere and drive most of the restaurant industry demand. Food is better IMO in small take out places or if you buy groceries.

I am surprised how many think restaurants are good. Unless you stay there for a while to have time to find good places you will be eating mediocre overpriced food with wine and foreign scenery making you feel better about overpaying for a ho hum pasta or protein you could cook better yourself. Reviews are not reliable, been there done that.

If food is meh in Southern Europe, where is it good?

Northern Europe, especially England and the Netherlands.

Lol- I don’t know about Northern Europe but I lived in England and the Netherlands, and it’s not true - unless you eat French.
Indonesian is good in the NL, but even the Indian in DMV is better than at a recent London trip - and cheaper.