Trying to decide if we should change our itinerary and replace Cinque Terre with another location.
Apr 29th, 2004, 09:02 AM
#1
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Trying to decide if we should change our itinerary and replace Cinque Terre with another location.
My husband and I are taking our 21 year old nephew to Italy (graduation gift). We have been several times, and he has never traveled outside of the U.S. We are planning the trip for him but would like to include one area that would also be new for us. Originally, I selected the CT for two nights for the "new" area, but I am having second thoughts. Mainly I am worred about the quantity of steep steps since my husband has a knee problem. Also, I haven't been able to find accommodations that suite us; private bathrooms a must and we don't like the idea of staying in a private home and renting a room. Also wondering what that area is like in November. The plan is to arrive in Rome for three nights, train to Assisi for one night, train to Florence for three nights, train to the undetermined location for two nights and then train to Milan for one night and depart from Milan the next morning. Our airline reservations are made and I have booked an apartment through Sleep in Italy in Rome and Ghiberti House in Rome. Just got an e-mail back from Hotel Umbra in Assisi that they will be closed in November for renovations; I will try the Fontabella. Any comments on my concerns about the CT? We have never been to Bologna and only spent a few hours in Verona, so these may be possibilities. We have been to Siena twice - loved it, but not again. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Apr 29th, 2004, 01:04 PM
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You should consider a night in Bologna and a night in Ravena. Bologna is a wonderful, vibrant city largely undiscovered by tourists; you'll find interesting things to do no matter what sort of weather you encounter (you could easily spend both nights there). The frescoes in Ravenna are incredible - it's not an overstatement to say they're among Italy's greatest art treasures. Cinque Terre in November isn't a good idea.
Apr 29th, 2004, 01:15 PM
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I wrote recently a detailed trip report with much detail about our stay in Cinque Terre area and our stay at Lake Como. Perhaps reading that might change your mind to stay around Cinque Terre (as we did in Levanto) It is definately worth seeing and experiencing. H
Apr 29th, 2004, 02:00 PM
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Carroll
I've only been to the CT in late May (which was perfect, by the way) but a friend went in late Oct and while she loved the beauty of it, she encountered cool and rainy weather. I agree with TuckH -- Verona is an interesting city, with the great arena, a lovely pedestrian/shopping street nearby, nice cafes and wine bars.It is a good place to spend a day or two.
Another place your son might like is Perugia -- near Assisi but very different, with its large student population, old piazza lined with cafes, little hole-in-the-wall restaurants filled with lively groups of people, places with music, etc.
I really liked the atmosphere there: lots of energy, I thought.
I've only been to the CT in late May (which was perfect, by the way) but a friend went in late Oct and while she loved the beauty of it, she encountered cool and rainy weather. I agree with TuckH -- Verona is an interesting city, with the great arena, a lovely pedestrian/shopping street nearby, nice cafes and wine bars.It is a good place to spend a day or two.
Another place your son might like is Perugia -- near Assisi but very different, with its large student population, old piazza lined with cafes, little hole-in-the-wall restaurants filled with lively groups of people, places with music, etc.
I really liked the atmosphere there: lots of energy, I thought.
Apr 29th, 2004, 03:32 PM
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Carroll: The weather in November in the CT is still nice, it doesn't start getting "wintery" and cold until around Christmas and after. I have been to the CT all year round and have experienced all 4 seasons there. January and February are the rainy, cold months. However, due to the incline and steps everywhere though, I would choose another place to visit. I would agree with the other posters that Verona might be a nice alternative since close to and enroute to Milan. Alternatively, you could stay in beautiful Lucca. It is close to Florence and is a gem not too crowded with tourists. It is one of my most favorite cities in Tuscany.
Apr 29th, 2004, 06:27 PM
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I would suggest Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Stay in SML and day trip to Portofino, Camolgi, Rapallo. Portofino is only about 3 miles from SML. You can walk there along the coast or use the frequent bus service. I was there in December last year and it was very warm.
Larry J
Larry J
Apr 30th, 2004, 07:43 AM
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Thanks to all for the suggestions. Although we are not certain, right now we think we will go to Bologna for two nights and possibly take a day trip to Ravenna. We are in the process of researching Bologna. Still haven't heard from the Hotel Fontebella in Assisi. Also, I made a mistake in my original posting -- our reservation at the Ghiberti House is in Florence, not Rome. Again, thanks and anymore thoughts are welcome.
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