keysgirl

We are a group of 7 adults who have about 8/9 days to relax near water in mid-September. We like small towns with good food and nightlife; medium-priced hotels within walking distance to the town, with views, food on premises and pool bars. (We live in Key West and are rather spoiled.) I am looking for suggested itineraries with no more than 2 home bases from which to explore near-by sights.. We will fly into Rome or Milan and I have allowed an additional 4/5 days for sightseeing in those cities, arriving and departing. To give you an idea of our interests: We would choose a long lunch with drinks in a plaza over a couple of hours in a museum; a driver/tour guide to take us on day trips from our base, but would rent a car if it's a wiser economic choice. So far, cinque de terre and Bellagio, Lake Como looks interesting as does Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Two years ago our group went to Athens, Mykonos and Santorini and loved it. Mykonos was our favorite because of our hotel staff and bartender (do you see a theme here?) at Vencia Boutique Hotel in Mykonos Town and our close proximity to town. One lesson: 3 nights in a location is not enough. An important PS: one of our group has trouble with lots of stairs (santorini!). Also, we have been to Florence, Umbria and Tuscany and Venice, but not enough time in Venice. Thanks in advance for your input.

sandralist

In Italy, there is really almost no nightlife like you are looking for once August is over, with the possible exception of the areas of the Amalfi coast most visited by foreign tourists -- and unfortunately, most of it is stair-case ridden. You might do best in Capri, and maybe in the town of Amalfi on the Amalfi coast, although it sounds like Sorrento would really suit you better.

Lago di Como is not the scene you are looking for (George Clooney lost an Italian girlfriend who did nothing but complain to him about how boring it is there). Most bars in le Cinque Terre close at 8pm, with the exception of some beer bars for tourists. You might take a look at Sardinia.

For 7 of you, it is never going to be a great idea to rent a car in mainland in italy. Hire a driver with a van instead. On Sardinia, if you go, it might make sense.

DRJ

You're better off in NYCity.

sandralist

I was thinking they would be better off in Portugal. Both Lisbon and Porto are steep, but there are trams and taxis which are quite cheap. And nighlife galore.

Antwerp would be fun and maybe even nice weather in September.

keysgirl

Thank you for suggesting that I expand my horizons. I'm now looking into Majorca and Ibiza for the beach time with our city time in Barcelona. Or perhaps northern Spain: San Sebastian? Maybe Monaco and southern France? The world awaits. The forums here and trip reports are so useful. Thanks to you who replied.