Judi

will be driving back from Assisi to the Malpensa Airport for our last overnigh - wheres a nice stopping off place for lunch break other than an Autogrill?

Wayne

There are several possible routes you could follow; if you state which way you will be driving back, I might have some good recommendations. Time of year might also help

Judi

time of year - 12March<BR>route - shortest<BR>was thinking of stopping in Portofino but might be too long a drive that way.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Judi, Of course, getting off at the Rapallo/Santa Margherita exit would be a nice respite for lunch. But, in March I would consider Lucca for a 2 hour diversion. Have lunch at Il Giglio next to the Universo Hotel if your schedule permits. Good luck !

Judi

been to Lucca - don't understand the hoopla....looking for somewhere smaller, easier to get in and out of and park - somewhere mid-way or thereabouts...charming....mmm

xxx

Basically, there are 3 routes at your disposal:<BR>* Assisi - Cesena - Modena - Parma - Malpensa (about 520km, 4:30/5 hours nonstop)<BR>* Assisi - Florence - Bologna - Parma - Malpensa (add 10km, subtract 10/20 min)<BR>* Assisi - Florence - Lucca - Genoa - Malpensa (add 40km to first option, add 20/25 min)<BR><BR>Half way of routes 1 & 2 above, is (roughly) Bologna (way larger than Lucca). A little further is Modena, very nice and interesting city, quite manageable, but also much larger than Lucca. The same applies to Reggio nell' Emilia further ahead. <BR><BR>Not quite midway on route 1, is Faenza, which may fit your bill quite well. Midway route 3 you may consider stopping in Pietrasanta or, if you wish, Carrara.

Wayne

I would recommend the route through Florence and Bologna. Just west of Bologna, on route SS569, is the little village of Vignola, only about 15 minutes or so off the autostrada. There are a few interesting sights in the town, and the restaurant La Bolognese is a good typical Italian eatery. Another mile or so farther, in a little village called Tavernelle, is a really nice restaurant called Antica Trattoria Moretto. That one would be your most pleasant and interesting lunch stop. Enjoy the trip.