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I'm planning to go to Italy for 2 weeks in August. I know that most of europe shuts down and heads to the coast in August. Does this mean that it's not a good time to go to smaller cities, like Lucca? I was in Tuscany a few summers back for the first few days of August and remember lots of bars, restaurants closing come Aug. 1, but this was a non-touristy town. I've been to Italy a bunch of times so I want to go to new places, but I'm afraid that the smaller new places will not be worth a visit if everything is closed. But perhaps if it's a big enough tourist town, they don't shut down....

Specifically I'm thinking of Lucca, Perugia, Assisi, Bologna.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

August is a terrific time to visit Lucca and the surrounding area, because everyone else in the world is heading to Pisa and the beach! A couple of summers ago we drove through there on the way to Croatia (I know it's not on the way to Croatia from Germany, but it is when you're just wondering around, going with the flow of traffic without so much as a map with you--THAT'S the way to travel, people!) We weren't much impressed with Pisa but a local told us about Lucca, home of Puccini, etc. We went, got lost in the hills on the way, visited a national park, went on a hike, and had a wonderful time. Don't be afraid to explore the hills in the surrounding area; there are winding roads and fogotten villages all around there. Now that you got me thinking about it, I want to go back! Enjoy your trip!

Carolina's right. You'll be fine. All four of the cities mentioned will be up and running as usual despite the holidays. Both Bologna and Perugia are essentially university towns, and neither really ever shuts down. As you probably well know, Assisi is Italy's eighth oldest tourist trap (in a good way) and won't be abandoned either. In fact, it's just as crowded in August as it is in July.

Have a good time.

those are all big enough cities where you won't have problems.

assisi is amazing!