jan

We will spend one night at this place, and I'm just wondering if ANYONE out there has ever been to it, or just that lake in general? Any thoughts, suggestions on what not to miss, what to avoid?

meg

Stayed near Castel Rigone in self catering villa- it's a lovely area. The lake is very beautiful and you can take a trip to the island from either Passignano (quiet little place)or Castiglione del Lago (livelier). Don;t know that particular hotel, I'm afraid

Helen Donegan

Hi Jan<BR>I live 15 minutes from the lake. I don't know this hotel, I just pass it regularly.<BR>There are 3 islands on the lake - 2 linked by a ferry service, one is privately owned.<BR>A good day out is to take a boat to the Isola Maggiore, it is lovely to walk around. There is also a beach and places to eat etc.<BR>You can then go on to Castiglione del Lago on another boat - visit the castle and town.<BR>You have to return via the same island again.<BR>

jan

HI Helen. I've read some of your other entries, and I envy your living in such a paradise! I hope we do get to see one of the islands. I think the kids (12 and 14) would enjoy the ferry ride. We won't get much time there. We're basically passing through. The bulk of our time we're devoting to Rome and staying put in one spot, with day trips out. But we fly out of Pisa, so in order to try to see a little of Umbria and Tuscany on our way, I set an itinerary that's a bit much, but hopefully not TOO much. <BR><BR>We will drive from Rome, leaving early, lunch in Orvieto, drive over to Assisi, then up to the hotel. Not too much I hope. <BR><BR>Next day we work our way over to Siena for the night. We're staying in Hotel Moderno. Any thoughts on that? We will see whatever we can get in that day, though I have hopes of Montepulciano and Montacino. <BR><BR>Last day we work our way over to Pisa for our last night. San G. on the way, maybe more, leaving enough time for Pisa before we have to make a very early flight next morning. Hotel Victoria in Pisa.<BR><BR>This will be my 4th trip to Italy, so I've driven there quite a bit. And I know the map can be deceiving, so I hope I've budgeted our time wisely without taxing everyone too much. Your thoughts?

jan

topper to helen. could you give this a look once more, please?? <BR><BR>and rex, mary, I finally found one of my threads! only through perserverence, i might add.

Helen Donegan

I am just on my way out - I will give you my opinions later - ok?<BR>

jan

thank you, helen. i await your reply.

Helen Donegan

WOW Jan<BR>If I understand right you want to leave Rome, lunch in Orvieto, visit Assisi and drive to Lake Trasimeno - all in 1 day?<BR><BR>No way would you get any value from this in my opinion. You would be zig-zagging and not having enough time anywhere - especially Assisi. Even just driving directly up to the Lake from Orvieto would improve your plan a bit.<BR><BR>You won't be able to go up the leaning tower of Pisa with this scedule - you have to go there early and get a ticket which has a time on it - this time will be for later in the day.<BR>Look up - Travel, favourites:<BR>http://www.italywithus.com/.<BR><BR>I don't know the hotel in Siena and can't really say if your Tuscany plans will be too much or not - it sounds a lot but then if you are only having a quick look at everywhere you may enjoy it.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

maria

Jan, here is your post

jan

Uh-oh, Helen. Maybe I need to re-think this itinerary. You know better than I. I was a little leary, but just wanted so much to do it all, and I really thought it might work. It will be quick trips here and there, nothing too in-depth, unfortunately. But the worst of it is not getting up into the tower, for the kids' sake. My husband and I have already done that, many, many years ago before they closed it. I was thrilled to hear it was open again. <BR><BR>Maybe we skip the lake, drive straight to Assisi, then back over in the direction of Siena for the first night, staying somewhere, I don't know. And the second night we stay much closer to Pisa so that we might get there in the morning. I will have to discuss it with the family. And I will check out that site. <BR><BR>Thanks so much for your advice and input.<BR>jan

Helen Donegan

If you skip the lake Jan I would skip Orvieto too on this journey and drive straight to Assisi from Rome and stay the night there - you won't regret it.<BR>