How much baggage are you taking with you? Most people find they brought more then they need or will wear and you can wash small things in room and dry on back deck of car. Leave room for stuff you might pick up and if you need extra luggage on way home pick up what we call a Chinese suitcase, woven plastic fibre bags cheap and hold alot for carry on.

Enjoy yourselves and start thinking about the next journey. Your Italian neighbours especially second generation will be jealous of you, 1/2 my block is Italian and not many of those 2nd gens have experienced what you will in the next few weeks.