Italy

[NickoftheWoods]

I will be going to to Florence, Italy in July for a study abroad trip but decided to go a month early so I could explore a bit and do a little backpacking. I was looking into maybe hiking in the Dolomites in Northern Italy but this is all a first for me. Any tips on where I can get more info or help planning this trip would be great. I have been invited to stay with a friend in Rome or Pisa when I first arrive so I wont be jumping right off the plane and into the wild. It will give me some time if need be to find my bearings.

[Fronkey]

I've been to Florence quite a few times and it's one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. You can get plenty of "hiking" in just walking around that place. Remember that museums are closed on Mondays and try to plan ahead before you go to the Duomo museum.
Pisa is kind of lame as all it is is a field with a leaning building. But, still cool to say you've been there and take the nerdy picture of you holding it up. If you can make it to Naples, you can climb Mt. Vesuvius and then go to Pompeii which are both incredibly close to each other as you might know already.
Rome is pretty much the best. I've been there about a dozen times and it's one of my favorite places.
Have a blast on your trip and if you need any help on suggestions on traveling for cheap, let me know.

Fronkey

[Marwood]

Bormio in the Sondrio district of Lombardia is one of my favourite places. The valley and town are in the background of my profile picture. Lots to do there summer or winter, though I've only been in summer.

Very popular in summer for cycling and MTBing as well as hiking, and it's not overrun with tourists. I also can recommend the Hotel Vallechiara, but only if you have a car since it's located up a hill above the town.

Nothing like a hard day's walking or cycling, then soaking in a hot mineral pool (Roman baths) at day's end.

[Dave]

If I ever get to go back, I would spend all my time between Florence and Rome. Italy has a good rail system so you can get just about anywhere from anywhere for just a few euro.

Dave

[mountaingoat]

I lived in Florence, after we moved from Switzerland, for 10 years. It is a beautiful city with some exquisite country surrounding it. I would definitively spend more time around Pisa then Rome, before you head up further north. The Dolomites are beautiful, but I don't know where to refer you to.
Enjoy your time there!

[NickoftheWoods]

I definitely want to clime Mt. Vesuvius and it is actually a trip i planned out during one of my weekends during my class in Florence. I guess I am just wondering what gear i should bring and what I should leave home as far as camping gear goes. I really want to "hang" out on a mountain for a few days hike off the beaten path.

[kobold]

we are going to rome/naples in august and sardinia in september. i will hang! in the north try to go to venice during the festival. lugano is also beautiful.