Italy and Greece during July/Aug 06 - pants?

[cherrytomato]

Hi

My husband and I will be traveling to italy and greece this summer for about a month. In my efforts to travel light, I want to avoid bringing pants. I hear it will be quite hot (firt time in Europe). Will I be able to get by with just a pair of capris and some skirts? Or should I bring some pants? I would really like to avoid them, if I can. But, don't want to be too cold either! Oh, thought about those zip offs... but it is not really my style, so they would prob be a waste of money.

What about a sweater? Should I bring just a zip up hoodie? Or a light waterproof jacket? Both? One or the other? Is rain a concern? I am also planning on bringing a shawl/pashmina, which could help if evenings are cool. What are evenings like? Do they tend to get chilly?

Thanks for the advice!

Oh, places we will go to: Venice, Florence, Rome, CT, Athens, Santorini

[LHR02]

;D ;D

Welcome!

Forget the pants! Capris, skirts or sundresses are a much better choice! It will be HOT!

A very lightweight shawl is fashionable and decorative, but in truth most likely not actually needed. At least not the months you are going and not for a 'warmth' factor.

Sweater? Jacket? 99% of the time a waste of space. A tiny, packable umbrella or rain hat could be useful. Or the WalMart 99cent plastic 'poncho' for that thunderstorm. You will likely have rain...but not cool temps.

ging

[cherrytomato]

Thanks for the tips! Glad to hear I can skip pants... leaves more room for shopping while I am there!



So, you think I will get some rain? But you don't think I should bother with a lightweight rain jacket/shell thing? Just a rain poncho? When it rains does it rain all day, or just for a few hours then clears up?

Thank you!

[LHR02]

Normally.....I say again, normally, you will have afternoon thundershowers, a few minutes to maybe an hour and then over. Of course there is always that pesky 'rainy' day, but not likely this time of year.

[cherrytomato]

Great! Glad to hear it... I think I will just bring a tiny poncho pouch thing and that is it! I really want to keep it light, and have room for several tshirts and tanks since the heat will likely result in frequent changes!

[LHR02]

Just be sure to have 'church worthy' clothes handy! Sleeveless, shorts, bare midriff is NOT allowed in most Italian churches! You need to have covered up sort of clothes.....skirts are fine if not minis...but shorts often not. Same with shirts...sleeveless or bare shoulders will keep you out so carry a 3/4 or long sleeve shirt on days you plan to visit them. Doesn't matter if they have been stuffed in your daypack and wrinkled as can be....you just need to be 'covered' to meet the local requirements.