I did a trip that started in Zurich and skipped down, town by town, to Rome. Zurich, of course, is very clean and orderly. And it seemed the further south you go, the more chaotic Italy became. From its reputation, the south must be moreso. The more the chaos, the more I liked it.
Rome is truly a great city. There are better times to visit than August, of course, but you don't always have a choice. I've been there in the Spring and the Fall, which is far less hectic, with much nicer weather, unless it's raining (which wasn't that big a deal to me. have an umbrella!). The Museums, the food, the sights are all pretty much wonderful and endless. And so much of the rest of Italy is marvelous. What a nice problem to have! You'll enjoy yourself, OP.
