We will be in Italy the middle two weeks in August and I've been told that this is probably the worst time to go, because all the Italians are on their holiday. Will we still be able to do some shopping or will the stores be closed up. What about open air antique markets?
Ginger
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Hi Ginger it all depends you are going in Italy. If you do not mind the heat, it can be wonderfully quiet in the big cities. On the other hand you might find everything fully booked in well known holidays destinations,particularly on the coast. There is also a number of village festivals that are nice to go to in the evenings, open air concerts and theater. Not all shops are closed, but if you want to go to some special one, you would have to check. Ciao Letizia
We will be in Tuscany. Starting off in Florence, going to Lucca, Sienna and Azzezo. We don't mind the heat, we live in Naples, Florida all year round and are used to it. I do know that August 15th is a holiday. What is it you are celebrating?
I don't know about the smaller areas where you will be, but nearly every single store in Rome was closed both August 15th and 16th.
The 15th is Ferragosto, or the Feast of the Assumption and it feels like nearly everyone in Italy heads for the coast for those few days, if not longer.
I do know that August 15th is a holiday. What is it you are celebrating?
Actually the 15th of August is a religious holiday: The assumption in Heaven of the Madonna...those Italians;-))
Do not worry, expecially if you are coming to my area (Cortona, 20 min off Arezzo) all shops will be open. In the last years always less and less shops closes down for one entire month in August, because of all the turists that come to our places firsts and second because almost nobody can afford an entire month of vacation.
Have fun, and if you need explanations and directions in the Arezzo and Cortona area, let me know.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by KellyC: I don't know about the smaller areas where you will be, but nearly every single store in Rome was closed both August 15th and 16th.
That is because in Rome (probably because the Pope is there) there is a Community law that IMPOSES the closing of all shops in these two days.
Alessandra, I do have one question. I have acrylic nails (I know vanity, vanity ) and by the time I will be in your area I will need to go to a nail salon for a fill. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can go? Can I make an appointment in advance? Thank you in advance for your kindness.
I will ask to the beauty salon in front of my shop.
Remember me to give you directions. Anyway once you're in Cortona, you cannot miss it. To get to Cortona exit A1 in Bettolle and follow the Suuperstrada to Perugia till you find the sign Cortona, and follow the road signs. EASY. You'll find me after that.ù
quote:Originally posted by suncoast: Starting off in Florence, going to Lucca, Sienna and Azzezo.
it is true that most italians have they holidays in August, but consider that we go on holiday exactly in the same places foreign tourists go to when in Italy. In Milano or in the peripheral areas of Rome, where there is not a big amount of tourists, shops will be closed and streets empty, but the people who left Milano or similar placees will be crowing (amongst other places) Lucca, Florence and Siena, therefore shop owners in those areas will be working since this is one of the periods of the year when they make big money.
I'm glad because although we're going to mostly be biking and site seeing, it just would'nt seem like a vacation without a little shopping. I suppose though that during the height of vacation season there will be less opportunity for bargins. Thats the way it works here in Florida. Nothing goes on sale until summer.
Topic Closed
What is it you are celebrating?
) and by the time I will be in your area I will need to go to a nail salon for a fill. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can go? Can I make an appointment in advance? Thank you in advance for your kindness.
