I just returned from a quick five-day trip to Italy as we continue planning the restoration of the beautiful Hotel Fortebraccio in Montone, Italy and updates to www.VillaDestinoItaly.com. While my time there was short, it gave me some great perspective on what it’s like to travel to Italy in August. Here are ten observations I made:
- What about the heat? –Despite the warnings of summer heat, most days in Umbria were actually cooler than Nebraska. In central Italy the highs were in the 70s and lows in the 60’s. Can you say “perfecto?”
- What about the crowds? – Yes, the big cities—Rome, Florence, Venice—are crowded. But beyond them, you’ll find refreshingly peaceful towns and villages.
- What about the protests? – While news channels highlight protests against visitors in parts of Europe, I continue to find most Italians welcoming, gracious, and grateful for the economic support tourism brings.
- Are there any good deals? – Airfares this summer are simply amazing—I found coach flights under $600 round-trip.
- How can I avoid the lines? – August is peak tourist season, but if you plan your days wisely—early mornings, late evenings—you can enjoy the highlights without the heavy crowds.
- Wait until the sun goes down – Dining outdoors in August is delightful; evenings are lively but not uncomfortably hot.
- Is there anything open when Italians go on Holiday in August? – Many Italians are on holiday themselves, which means some shops close, but it also gives smaller towns a festive, community feel.
- What do I do if I don’t like to drive in Italy? – Rail connections remain one of the easiest ways to explore between cities—fast, affordable, and scenic.
- What will happen if I procrastinate? – Last-minute car rentals are hard to find and often two to three times more expensive than advance bookings.
- Should I travel to Italy right now? –August sunsets in the Italian countryside are unforgettable—long, golden evenings that remind you why Italy is a dream destination.
The next 90 days are truly the best time to visit Italy – The wine harvest, olive harvest, fall festivals, cooler temperatures, and stunning fall colors create an atmosphere unlike any other time of year. And we are excited to share that this fall, Executive Travel will be launching the most breathtaking 2–3 couple tours to Italy, designed for travelers who want the ultimate private, boutique experience.
Bottom line: Get your bottom to Italy – August in Italy has its crowds, but step outside the main tourist centers and you’ll discover the warmth, beauty, and value that make it a remarkable time to travel. With airfare this low and fall right around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan your Italian adventure. Call Executive Travel at 402-435-8888 and let us help set up your fall vacation.
Check out our Weekly Travel Alert Podcast – The Weekly Travel Alert Video Podcast is available on YouTube plus all your favorite podcast stations, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date with everything travel.