Let's talk about the heat wave happening in Italy right now. Temps have been soaring, so I thought

it would be a great idea to share some quick tips on what to do when you're traveling there

and it's hot as Hades. Hi, I'm Katie, the founder of Untold Italy and this is your weekly

travel update for June the 2nd, 26. Last week, Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin were all placed under a level three red heat alert.

That's the highest the Italian Health Ministry issues. Temperatures hit 35 degrees Celsius in Rome

and forecasters expect temperatures to stay above seasonal averages into early June. So if you're

travelling now or heading there soon or even planning for next June,

this matters for how you plan your days. Here's what works in a heatwave. Be out early. Do your

walking, your sightseeing, maybe even do a beach day. There are so many options from major

cities in Italy. Then find somewhere cool for the middle hours. A museum is always good, but you know what?

There's nothing wrong with a mat either, especially when you're on vacation. Come back out when the sun

drops and the city is breathing again. Evenings in Italian cities in summer are so special. The

heat's broken, people come out to enjoy the city, perhaps a little dancing on Rome's

Pontesisto or in a little piazza and definitely a gelato stop wherever you go.

The fireflies come out at dusk in the countryside in Tuscany and Umbria and seeing them

flicker in the foliage as I enjoyed my delicious dinner as some of my favourite Italian

memories of all time.

That's the Italy worth staying up for.

We have more suggestions on episode 136 of the Untold Italy podcast. Now a few practical things to note.

Take and wear a hat, a wide-brimmed hat, use sunscreen and carry a refillable water bottle.

Most major Italian cities have free public drinking

fountains. They're called Nazoni in Rome and you'll find them in piazzas and on streets throughout

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