DO NOT attempt both, save Rome for another trip. I would recommend Lake Como and if you choose visit some of the other Lake District areas. BUT, leave Rome for it's own visit,off season / spring or fall; after 9 trips of one to two weeks, we still return.

"Patience is a virtue that no trip planner seems to possess. "

Blame the internet! In the not too old days, you call them up or you send faxes and you would never expect instantaneous reply. Nowadays with email, we expect instant reply only taking into consideration the different time zones!

Hotel Florence only has a/c in some of their rooms.

Hotel Metropole apparently has recently been refurbished and on its website promotes their rooms as being individually air-conditioned. 150E per night with side lake view, add 10E per night for front balcony room, inclusive of breakfast and VAT. I think I will stay there.

Now with Como sorted out, I am now making enquires for Rome, wish me luck...

s

swagman

I just realized I never answered you about the seaplanes. They base at Como itself and if I recall it was in the 'hood of 200 euros for both Mom and me. I don't remember exactly, maybe it was a little less.

http://www.aeroclubcomo.com/Home/tab...S/Default.aspx


Re: traffic jams. My first visit: driving from MXP to Menaggio to catch the ferry... it's a narrow and windy road and I didn't know the road... as a result I wasn't exactly Speed Demon. Mom looked behind me and said "erm, you're leading a parade here, you might want to notch it up a bit". hahaha

We drove from Varenna south, I can't remember the name of the main road and it was bumper to bumper due to road works. it took twice as long if not more than we had planned for. Of course road works are a thing you cannot really plan for!!

Please try and see Villa Balbianello, just fabulous!

Trying to get to the other side of the lake for the last night to make your "escape" more easy is not such a silly idea. you will have had three nights in Bellagio, maybe one night somewhere else could be an idea.

Schnauzer

Thx flygirl for the link. How long did your scenic flight last for?

If it is a good day, it's probably worth the 200E, just to get another perspective of the area.

We once did the same at the Great Ocean Road down in Victoria, Australia. Seeing the natural wonder known as the 12 Apostles from the air was definitely an eye opening experience.

s