Summer is the top tourist season throughout Italy, and small wonder.  Italy’s Mediterranean climate means that yes, the days can get hot, especially in the south.  It also means more people seeing some of the great sites.  But the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside– the cypresses growing just like in countless works of art you’ve seen before– and its cities of culture Siena, Pisa, Florence and Lucca mean the opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime (or twice, if you’re lucky!) experiences.   Tuscany’s cities are so famous that many Americans forget that Tuscany also has hundreds of miles of coastline and beautiful beach towns.

The Lombardy region, nestled next to Switzerland– offers the twin benefits of cooler weather and the attraction of the fashionable capital of Milan.  Here you’ll have the chance to see IRL the iconic architectural Il Duomo, Italy’s largest and most elaborate Gothic cathedral.  Climb to the rooftop and see the city all around you.  You’ll likely spot the imposing fortress of Castello Sforzesco from there, and plan your visit when you return to ground level.  all this sightseeing will cause you to no doubt work up an appetite for the region’s famous risotto (Italy is Europe’s largest producer of rice) Gorgonzola, Ossobuco, and perhaps even Minestrone Milanese.  Heading south, yes, it is true that Campania and Naples are hot, especially in mid-summer.  But with lower humidity than Washington, DC  the temperature may well feel more comfortable than you expect and nights are often much cooler.

The mid-to-late summer temperatures in Campania are exactly right for “red gold,” the distinctive and world-famous San Marzano tomatoes, grown in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius in a unique microclimate with nutrient-rich volcanic soil.  You’ll find San Marzano tomatoes in Italy’s officially designated iconic, true Neapolitan pizza.  Make sure to take time to explore Naples and enjoy street food like panzerotti, arancini, calzone, and more.  You’ll get the hang of the cone in which many of these dishes are served, called a cuoppo.  Don’t miss the trip from the coast to the island of Capri, home of the world-famous Blue Grotto and namesake for the Caprese salad– a simple but sumptuous creation of the very fresh ingredients that mirror the Italian flag– sliced  tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese, basil, and seasoning of only salt, the best olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.