Italy is a summer wonderland for a family to explore, especially with teenagers.
Besides splendid masterpiece artworks and classical architecture, a summer trip in Italy could also provide you with relaxing time by the coastal and interesting agritourism (visiting vineyards, picking lemons in orchards, tasting olive oil, witnessing traditional harvesting methods...).
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- 1. Weather in Summer in Italy
- 2. Top Places to Visit in Summer
- 3. Summer Itineraries in Italy
- 4. How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?
- 5. What to Wear in Summer Italy
- 6. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Italy?
Weather in Summer in Italy
Summer in Italy typically spans from June to August. It is usually hot and sunny in most areas except Venice, which is a little muggy. Occasional thunderstorms or showers might happen in the afternoons or evenings.
July and August are the hottest months with temperatures of 18–31°C (64–88°F). On the hottest days, it might reach about 31–35°C (88–95°F) at noon. June is comparatively more pleasant with temperatures of 25–28°C (77–82°F) during the daytime.
For a more comfortable experience, June is a better month for a summer trip to Italy. In addition, you would see fewer crowds in June than in July or August, as July and August are the local summer holidays with student groups everywhere.
Average Daily Temperatures in Italy's Main Cities in Summer
| City | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venice | 17–25°C (63–77°F) | 19–28°C (66–82°F) | 19–28°C (66–82°F) |
| Rome | 16–27°C (61–81°F) | 18–29°C (64–84°F) | 18–31°C (64–88°F) |
| Florence | 16–28°C (61–82°F) | 18–31°C (64–88°F) | 18–31°C (64–88°F) |
| Naples | 18–28°C (64–82°F) | 20–30°C (68–86°F) | 21–31°C (70–88°F) |
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| Chengdu at it`s best
We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen. peter, Feb 2024 | Best Tour Ever
Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing, Liz Hickson, Feb 2024 | Chengdu and Volunteer program Panda base
Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China. Eliaquim, Feb 2024 | Chengdu at it`s best
We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen. Peter, Feb 2024 | Shanghai tour with Kris
We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great. Maria C, Feb 2024 | Guilin 2024
We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise. Explore, Feb 2024 | Excellent service
Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping! JJC, Feb 2024 | We had an amazing to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. Ray Luan, Feb 2024 | Amazing trip to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. Ray L., Feb 2024 | Beautiful Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful guide, whose praises we can not sing loudly enough, was compassionate, caring, and overall endearing! His sense of ease and familiarity with each sight, which were unfamiliar wonders to us, provided a sense of peacefulness that facilitated full enjoyment - helped too by his punctuality and attention to detail. apisn2023, Feb 2024 | The Highlights and High Life of Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful tour guide, made our entire trip an absolute joy for us as he was extraordinarily caring, considerate, and generous. Having had the pleasure of taking in the sights of Beijing previously with another lovely guide, Angela, it was spectacular not only to show the family how fantastic the city is but also how high the quality of services provided by China Highlights are. Each day unveiled a new treasure, helpfully detailed by Ethan, and punctuated by delicious and varied local food. Our driver, Mr. Chen, was also a delight, and was equally as key to the overall experience as he was both attentive and almost mystically punctual! Apis, Feb 2024 | Shanghai 2024
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. Venture33530492375, Feb 2024 | Beautiful Yangshuo
Guilin, but mostly Yangshuo was at the tail end of our China adventure so there was a lot to live up to. Having a guide like Gary Wei meant that our trip ended on a high! We arrived in Guilin very late from an 11 hour train journey. Gary met us with gifts of fruit, sweet bread and cakes which was so unexpected and thoughtful.Gary's knowledge of the area was exceptional and his attention to us the same. He really took our children under his wing - even tuning in to annoying sibling rivalry and managing to keep the peace very well! Gary was our personal photographer at times and even our Taiji instructor, making a beautiful video of us all doing Taiji in a scenic setting :)The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is definitely worth taking and we enjoyed our few nights in the area, riding bikes along the river, doing a cooking class and enjoying the scenery JenB, Feb 2024 | Vincent was a fantastic guide !
Vincent was a fantastic guide !Vincent is a wonderful & warm guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and his explanations are excellent. He showed us around Guilin & Yangshuo. He attended to all of our needs and really made the tour very special David, Feb 2024 | Great Time in Beijing
Our 4-day experience in Beijing was unforgettable. Our guide, Selinda, opened the doors to the city's millennia-old history and culture with her knowledge, kindness, and courtesy. We discovered magnificent places, tasted delicious food, and stayed in clean hotels, all accompanied by safe and reliable transportation service. We recommend traveling with China Highlights. Nicola B, Feb 2024 | Alice was a fantastic tour guide
Alice was a fantastic tour guide. She took us to many places in and around Lijiang including Jade Dragon Snow mountain and the old town.She is knowledgeable and very warm & friendly and very helpful with everything 文文, Feb 2024 | Thank you, Shannon. Thank you, Xi,an.
We met our tour guide Shannon in Xi,an and we enjoyed very much our stay. Her good English level and her knowledge of the history of the city made our jorney very memorable. Kind, flexible and patient, she attended all our wishes. We will always be grateful for her work. Man B, Feb 2024 | 3rd time the charm, is being charmed for the 3rd time.
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. Jonathan Mueller, Feb 2024 | 3rd time the charm, is charmed for the 3rd time
The sites stay the same but each time we have done this tour, the tour guides manage to make it feel like it is the first time you are experiencing it. And, with the constant renovations, this time we were able to see previous areas that were unavailable the last time we came. Jonathan M, Feb 2024 | Great trip and experience!
From beginning to end, China Highlights was very courteous, responsive and attentive in planning and executing a great trip!Aspects and execution of the trip was as discussed and was an overall great experience. Our guide, Michael, was very kind and knowledgeable throughout the tour and would address all questions and help us take lots of photos. Would definitely travel with China Highlights again! Karol, Feb 2024 |
Top Places to Visit in Summer in Italy
1. Rome: World-Famous Archaeological Sites and Leisurely Piazzas
The Colosseum
Explore the splendid history and magnificent architecture of Rome by visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.
Car-free Italian piazzas adorned with gorgeous fountains are scattered throughout the city for you to experience a serene time (a leisurely stroll, delightful dinner, stunning sunset, etc.).
Rome is a city with a rich culture. A private tour with an English-speaking guide would help to unveil the interesting stories behind the sites and make your children's time there more meaningful and memorable.
2. The Vatican: A Trove of Renaissance Art and Architecture
St. Peter's Basilica
When visiting the Vatican, don't miss the Vatican Museums. A family-friendly guide might design some scavenger hunt games for your family to better explore the exhibits from the top masters including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini.
You could also climb to the top of St. Peter's Basilica for views over the city.
3. Florence: Art and Romance
Frescoes on the dome of the the Florence Cathedral
Full of artistic heritage, Florence may captivate your family with masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and more.
Florence Cathedral is a must-see. It represents the city's civic and religious power during the Renaissance. You could also climb to the top for a bird's-eye view and a beautiful family photo.
Every June 24th, Florence hosts the Feast of Saint John, a celebration featuring medieval-style soccer matches at Piazza Santa Croce, accompanied by thrilling fireworks.
7-Day Rome and Florence Tour Discover Italy's ancient treasures in 1 week
4. Venice: Ride a Classic Gondola and Make a Venetian Mask
Venetian Mask
Take a classic gondola ride through the canals and enjoy a leisurely way for your family to view the 'Floating City' from a different perspective.
Don't miss making a Venetian mask in a street workshop. You and your family could design your own style and learn the story behind the mask.
If you happen to visit at the same time as the Redentore Feast is held, which is on the third weekend of July, you would witness breathtaking fireworks over St. Mark's Basin. A temporary bridge would also be built to connect the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore church on the island of Giudecca with other parts of Venice.
5. Naples: Delve into the Birthplace of Pizza
Pompeii
Explore Pompeii and the Herculaneum ancient ruins, which were frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman life.
Have a pizza-cooking lesson in its birthplace and enjoy pizza straight from the oven. Delight your taste buds with authentic Neapolitan pizza, sfogliatelle pastries, and street food, such as fried pizza (pizza fritta) or cuoppo (a type of Neapolitan fried food).
6. Sorrento: Enjoy Relaxing Fruit Picking and Beach Time
Sorrento is conveniently connected to Rome and Naples. You could visit a local farm for agritourism experiences to learn about lemon cultivation, taste freshly pressed olive oil, and enjoy the beautiful beach.
You could also have a day trip to the island of Capri for sightseeing, swimming, as well as sunbathing.
Summer Itineraries in Italy: the Best 2 Options
Here are two suggested private summer itineraries, for 9 and 11 days, designed for an unforgettable family journey through Italy's most essential destinations, filled with cultural immersion and interesting activities.
1) 9-Day Classic Route: Essence of Italy
Eating ice cream by Pantheon
- 3 nights in Rome (side trip to the Vatican)
- 2 nights in Florence
- 3 nights in Venice
This itinerary covers the essence of Italy. Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Rome and engage in interactive activities, such as a treasure hunt in the Vatican. Step back in time to meet the masters by visiting their artistic treasures in Florence. And then take a water bus in Venice, which is like a huge water theme park.
2) 11-Day Family Route: Highlights and Beach Recreation in Italy
Cruise through Venice on a Gondola
- 2 nights in Venice
- 2 nights in Florence
- 2 nights in Rome (side trip to the Vatican)
- 3 nights in Sorrento (day trip to Naples)
Get ready for an enchanting journey including Italy's finest destinations, designed to captivate everyone's heart. Begin your journey on the poetic waterways of Venice, then bask in the historical marvels of Rome and the artistic grandeur of Florence. For a more educational experience, explore Pompeii in Naples, exploring the ancient Roman city.
Enjoy the joyous experience of fruit picking and sail to the island of Capri to explore the tranquil blue caves or go kayaking in the sunshine. There are various water activities for a refreshing escape without any disturbances.
7-Day Flash Family Adventure in Rome and VeniceUnleash Your Family's Inner Explorer in Italy
Feel free to contact us to obtain a tailor-made itinerary and quote for your family trip to Italy. All of our tours are fully customizable.
How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?
A private tour for a family of 3–5 people usually costs $400–500 per person per day, including flights and train journeys within Italy, 4-star hotels, attractions, guides, and private transfers.
July and August are the peak season in Italy. During these months, the cost may double. You're advised to make a reservation at least 3 months before your departure date.
You could learn more by reading our article: How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?
What to Wear When Visiting Italy in Summer
Packing for Italy in the summer requires a balance between staying cool in the heat and being respectful of local customs, especially if you plan to visit churches or more conservative areas. Here's a guide on what to pack and how to dress:
Lightweight clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Dresses, shorts, skirts, and short-sleeved tops are great choices. Even if it's hot, avoid overly revealing clothing, especially if you plan to visit religious sites. Keep your shoulders and knees covered when visiting churches or more conservative areas.
Swimwear: If you're planning beach visits, pack your swimsuit and a cover-up.
Light scarf or shawl: Useful for covering your shoulders when needed and it could also come in handy during cooler evenings.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Italy?
If you have an American, UK, Canadian, Australian, etc. passport, you could travel to Italy without a visa for up to 90 days.
With a planned launch in 2025, citizens from countries enjoying visa-free access to European Union countries will be required to register using ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) online at least 4 days before departure. The registration process for ETIAS only takes a matter of minutes of entering the information required and paying a fee.
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