Amazing Two Week Family Trip to Italy!
Jun 23rd, 2007, 10:46 AM
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I clicked on the web site I provided for the boat tour, but I must have it wrong. This is the link I saved to my "favorite files": http://www.gennaroesalvatore.it/
Jun 24th, 2007, 11:34 AM
#46
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kimi, I am loving your report. We just came back from almost the same trip (without the kids, though, as the 25 and 28 year old no longer want to travel with the parents!) !! I have given my family specific instructions that when I kick the bucket, I want my ashes scattered over Positano! Eternity in paradise.....
Jun 24th, 2007, 11:47 AM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DAY Seven – June 6
We all rested well after finishing our card game on the terrace last night. I awake first and call for breakfast to be delivered to our terrace. I gently wake up DH/Mario, Lunatic and the Scholar and we enjoy a lazy breakfast of hot chocolate, cappuccino, rolls and Nutella, fresh fruit, juice and cereal. There is so much that I would love to see in this area – I would love to ferry over to Capri or to drive to Ravello, but since this is our last day in Positano we decide to soak in Positano. Lunatic has described this little jewel of a town as paradise – I couldn’t agree more!
So, once again we put on our swimsuits and sunscreen and head to the beach. I can’t remember the name of the beach, but we follow the path along the right side of the town – about a ten minute walk to the beach. (One small negative – there was tar all over the beach – you couldn’t see it to the naked eye, but it was right below the surface of the rocks and pebbles and it got all over the boys – they may have it cleaned up before you visit, but you might want to ask your hotel about it.) My boys meet two older boys, ages 13 and 16 from Washington state - the older boys have been here a few days and have been jumping from the nearby cliffs. My boys convince DH/Mario to rent a kayak and they all paddle like a little armada to the cliffs. I can’t see the boys as they round the corner of the cliffs and in retrospect, I am glad. However, I am also glad that my husband witnessed the bravado of our sons. Slightly out of my view, Lunatic and the Scholar bailed out of the kayak and swam for the cliffs. The four boys ascend about 30 feet and made their first jump. Triumphant, they returned for a second jump from the same spot. With encouragement from the two older boys, they changed location and jumped from ten feet higher. With Dad cheering them on, they jumped twice from that height. After exploring a nearby cave, they retuned to the cliff for their final jump. This time, DH/Mario expressed words of caution for all four boys – they were cold and shaking from the temperature and the nerves. With courage and the greater fear of failure, they jumped about 50 feet to the cold Mediterranean below. DH/Mario held his breath as they plunged feet first and bobbed up quickly in excitement. They returned to the beach feeling very proud of themselves and high-fiving each other!
We walked back to Positano and up the stairs to get cleaned up. DH/Mario and I decide to walk around to pick up a few souvenirs. The boys ask to remain on the terrace to play their game boys. I forgot something in the room and go back up the stairs to find the Scholar coming out of the breakfast room with a sheepish grin on his face and his pockets stuffed with Nutella packets (he is adorable). Near the water, I purchase a beautiful pair of sandals that Giovanni fit on me (these are to replace the ones I had to throw away because of the tar) and then we purchase a gorgeous painting that will always remind us of these magical days in Positano. We climb back up the stairs to check on the boys – they are watching the TV show Flipper in Italian. So, DH/Mario and I decide to walk up to the Poseidon for a bellini and to enjoy the view. They tell me that white peaches are not in season, but they recommend a rosita – champagne with fresh strawberries. We enjoy these few romantic moments, staring at the sunset and at each other. After fifteen years of marriage, we are so blessed and crazy about each other. The view and the sunset that seems to linger for hours are amazing! We walk back down to the Miramare and get the boys. We walk to the base of the town to eat at L’Incanto – we enjoy pasta, pizza and our last lemoncello.
Following dinner, we dance on the beach to the sounds of a live Turkish band. We are all so happy – dancing arm and arm – kind of square dance style. I love watching the light in my children’s eyes. We laughed all the way up the cobblestone streets to our favorite gelateria. Once again, the Mulino Verde was hopping – the TV was on and the local crowd was gathered around cheering Italy on to a soccer victory – we joined in- cheered when they cheered – groaned with they groaned – fortunately Italy won! We walk arm in arm back to the Miramare and once again play cards on the terrace. No one wants this day to end. We lingered, trying to memorize the view forever and to capture this enchanting feeling. With regret, tomorrow we leave Positano.
We all rested well after finishing our card game on the terrace last night. I awake first and call for breakfast to be delivered to our terrace. I gently wake up DH/Mario, Lunatic and the Scholar and we enjoy a lazy breakfast of hot chocolate, cappuccino, rolls and Nutella, fresh fruit, juice and cereal. There is so much that I would love to see in this area – I would love to ferry over to Capri or to drive to Ravello, but since this is our last day in Positano we decide to soak in Positano. Lunatic has described this little jewel of a town as paradise – I couldn’t agree more!
So, once again we put on our swimsuits and sunscreen and head to the beach. I can’t remember the name of the beach, but we follow the path along the right side of the town – about a ten minute walk to the beach. (One small negative – there was tar all over the beach – you couldn’t see it to the naked eye, but it was right below the surface of the rocks and pebbles and it got all over the boys – they may have it cleaned up before you visit, but you might want to ask your hotel about it.) My boys meet two older boys, ages 13 and 16 from Washington state - the older boys have been here a few days and have been jumping from the nearby cliffs. My boys convince DH/Mario to rent a kayak and they all paddle like a little armada to the cliffs. I can’t see the boys as they round the corner of the cliffs and in retrospect, I am glad. However, I am also glad that my husband witnessed the bravado of our sons. Slightly out of my view, Lunatic and the Scholar bailed out of the kayak and swam for the cliffs. The four boys ascend about 30 feet and made their first jump. Triumphant, they returned for a second jump from the same spot. With encouragement from the two older boys, they changed location and jumped from ten feet higher. With Dad cheering them on, they jumped twice from that height. After exploring a nearby cave, they retuned to the cliff for their final jump. This time, DH/Mario expressed words of caution for all four boys – they were cold and shaking from the temperature and the nerves. With courage and the greater fear of failure, they jumped about 50 feet to the cold Mediterranean below. DH/Mario held his breath as they plunged feet first and bobbed up quickly in excitement. They returned to the beach feeling very proud of themselves and high-fiving each other!
We walked back to Positano and up the stairs to get cleaned up. DH/Mario and I decide to walk around to pick up a few souvenirs. The boys ask to remain on the terrace to play their game boys. I forgot something in the room and go back up the stairs to find the Scholar coming out of the breakfast room with a sheepish grin on his face and his pockets stuffed with Nutella packets (he is adorable). Near the water, I purchase a beautiful pair of sandals that Giovanni fit on me (these are to replace the ones I had to throw away because of the tar) and then we purchase a gorgeous painting that will always remind us of these magical days in Positano. We climb back up the stairs to check on the boys – they are watching the TV show Flipper in Italian. So, DH/Mario and I decide to walk up to the Poseidon for a bellini and to enjoy the view. They tell me that white peaches are not in season, but they recommend a rosita – champagne with fresh strawberries. We enjoy these few romantic moments, staring at the sunset and at each other. After fifteen years of marriage, we are so blessed and crazy about each other. The view and the sunset that seems to linger for hours are amazing! We walk back down to the Miramare and get the boys. We walk to the base of the town to eat at L’Incanto – we enjoy pasta, pizza and our last lemoncello.
Following dinner, we dance on the beach to the sounds of a live Turkish band. We are all so happy – dancing arm and arm – kind of square dance style. I love watching the light in my children’s eyes. We laughed all the way up the cobblestone streets to our favorite gelateria. Once again, the Mulino Verde was hopping – the TV was on and the local crowd was gathered around cheering Italy on to a soccer victory – we joined in- cheered when they cheered – groaned with they groaned – fortunately Italy won! We walk arm in arm back to the Miramare and once again play cards on the terrace. No one wants this day to end. We lingered, trying to memorize the view forever and to capture this enchanting feeling. With regret, tomorrow we leave Positano.
Jun 24th, 2007, 12:14 PM
#49
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
KimiG -
I do love your trip and your descriptions. It's so wonderful to travel with interesting & appreciative children (and I agree that Ipods and gameboys don't necessarily make them dull.)
We've been taking our kids to Europe for several years now and it's been so rewarding with such great family memories. I look forward to hearing about the rest of your vacation.
I do love your trip and your descriptions. It's so wonderful to travel with interesting & appreciative children (and I agree that Ipods and gameboys don't necessarily make them dull.)
We've been taking our kids to Europe for several years now and it's been so rewarding with such great family memories. I look forward to hearing about the rest of your vacation.
Jun 24th, 2007, 12:56 PM
#50
hi, Kimi,
a truly great report.
I suspect that your boys have inherited their mother's positive attitude and enthusiams!
your comments about arriving somewhere and immediately wishing you had booked for longer struck a chord - and should be a lesson for those who belong to the "if it's tuesday it must be Rome" brigade. There are very few places I've been where I've wished I had less time - usually I'm frustrated by trying to cram everything in.
looking fwd to more,
regards, ann
a truly great report.
I suspect that your boys have inherited their mother's positive attitude and enthusiams!
your comments about arriving somewhere and immediately wishing you had booked for longer struck a chord - and should be a lesson for those who belong to the "if it's tuesday it must be Rome" brigade. There are very few places I've been where I've wished I had less time - usually I'm frustrated by trying to cram everything in.
looking fwd to more,
regards, ann
Jun 25th, 2007, 04:53 PM
#52
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You know Europe will be there next year too. You don't have to cram everything in. I know, I never do. I love home exchanging so much because it gives me a free base to radiate out in day trips. I usually beat the area to death where the exchange is located with one side trip with overnights. Then I go back to do it again in another place--but not necessarily every year. You do not have to "do it all"--in fact it is impossible.
Jun 26th, 2007, 01:26 PM
#53
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I certainly couldn't have watched my kids jump or dive from cliffs...some things moms just aren't supposed to see.
It's fabulous that they told you not to have a bellini because the white peaches were not in season...I wonder what kind of frozen peach concentrate is used to make the bellini's I've had here!
It's fabulous that they told you not to have a bellini because the white peaches were not in season...I wonder what kind of frozen peach concentrate is used to make the bellini's I've had here!
Jun 26th, 2007, 02:09 PM
#54
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Missipie,
I just ordered some frozen white peach concentrate from http://www.perfectpuree.com/index.ph...1&Itemid=9
It arrived today. I'll let you know how it is, supposedly it makes fantastic Bellinis.
I just ordered some frozen white peach concentrate from http://www.perfectpuree.com/index.ph...1&Itemid=9
It arrived today. I'll let you know how it is, supposedly it makes fantastic Bellinis.
Jul 4th, 2007, 08:36 AM
#55
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kimi,
what a great trip you had!
I was really interested in your stay at the Miramare, as we have two kids and it's not easy finding accomodations. I looked at their website and saw they have an "apartment". Is that what you booked?
Also, did they still have that "complimentary" sailboat ride that another poster mentioned?
the boating trip you did do sounds wonderful! I bookmarked their website, as well. They don't have prices, though. do you remember about how much your trip cost?
thanks!
dina
what a great trip you had!
I was really interested in your stay at the Miramare, as we have two kids and it's not easy finding accomodations. I looked at their website and saw they have an "apartment". Is that what you booked?
Also, did they still have that "complimentary" sailboat ride that another poster mentioned?
the boating trip you did do sounds wonderful! I bookmarked their website, as well. They don't have prices, though. do you remember about how much your trip cost?
thanks!
dina
Jul 5th, 2007, 07:58 AM
#58
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Please forgive me for my delay in sending in a new post. The Scholar and Lunatic have had me very busy this summer.
DAY Eight – June 7
We slept well last night. I think Positano has put a hypnotic spell over all of us. Once again, we all meet on the terrace for breakfast and just breathe in the view. Did I mention the lemon trees? There are lemon trees everywhere (even on our terrace) with the hugest lemons I’ve ever seen. We take a few more photos, get a “cuddle” (hug) from Rosita and then our porter grabs all three pieces of our luggage and walks up the 200 stairs to our Fiat Van. Without hesitation, we would recommend the Miramare to anyone. The staff is lovely and friendly, the breakfast abundant, the location perfect and the two bedroom “suite/apartment” was perfect for our family – we feel like we have been spoiled for the past three nights! On our drive out of Positano, our heads all crane back to the town and to the coast for our last glimpses of paradise! DH/Mario navigates the scooters, curvy roads, around the fruit stands to the Autostrade. We stop for fuel and snacks (even the little sandwiches you pick up at fuel stops are fresh and wonderful) and then I drive for a few hours, past Roma and on our way to Tuscany.
Just a few minutes north of Rome, the landscape begins to change to the rolling hills, distant walled towns on the top of every little hill, vineyards and cypress trees. Everyone is happy. The boys spend a little time reading and playing the game boys. DH/Mario and I chat about every moment of our adventure thus far. We are making great time so we decided to make a little stop in Orvieto along the way. Orvieto is so impressive and commanding as it sits high above a lush valley carved out of volcanic rock. Get this …. the Romans attacked and sacked the city in 283 BC. We walked around the ancient wall, the boys played in the park and we purchased some candy and fruit from a small cart vendor. We pile back in the Fiat and head for Castellina in Chianti.
We have had gorgeous weather all day, but as we approach Siena, it begins to thunderstorm. We get a bit lost in Siena, but finally find the SR222, we make a needless detour to Badesse, past Lornanto and finally find the little, white dirt road to the Fattoria Tregole (www.fattoria-tregole.com). As we are driving on this dirt road in the middle of a storm, we are all longing for Positano and wondering why we left. Our first impression of this little farm is not too favorable, but we soon realize that Fattoria Tregole is another paradise. We meet Edith, get our luggage settled into our two bedroom apartment, and venture out to dinner. We consider going back into Siena for dinner, but we’re a bit road weary and don’t want to fight the storm. We take Edith’s recommendation and go into Castellina for dinner. We visit a small restaurant, Osteria Il Tinello Birreria - we enjoy peposa (peppered roast), steak, pasta and a bottle of Chianti Classico – it is a small, modest restaurant, but a fantastic meal! When we exit the restaurant, the storm has moved on, the clouds have lifted, the light is gorgeous. We drive further into town and find a gelateria. All is well! We drive back down our country road to our comfortable little apartment, we play another game of cards and settle in for the night.
DAY Eight – June 7
We slept well last night. I think Positano has put a hypnotic spell over all of us. Once again, we all meet on the terrace for breakfast and just breathe in the view. Did I mention the lemon trees? There are lemon trees everywhere (even on our terrace) with the hugest lemons I’ve ever seen. We take a few more photos, get a “cuddle” (hug) from Rosita and then our porter grabs all three pieces of our luggage and walks up the 200 stairs to our Fiat Van. Without hesitation, we would recommend the Miramare to anyone. The staff is lovely and friendly, the breakfast abundant, the location perfect and the two bedroom “suite/apartment” was perfect for our family – we feel like we have been spoiled for the past three nights! On our drive out of Positano, our heads all crane back to the town and to the coast for our last glimpses of paradise! DH/Mario navigates the scooters, curvy roads, around the fruit stands to the Autostrade. We stop for fuel and snacks (even the little sandwiches you pick up at fuel stops are fresh and wonderful) and then I drive for a few hours, past Roma and on our way to Tuscany.
Just a few minutes north of Rome, the landscape begins to change to the rolling hills, distant walled towns on the top of every little hill, vineyards and cypress trees. Everyone is happy. The boys spend a little time reading and playing the game boys. DH/Mario and I chat about every moment of our adventure thus far. We are making great time so we decided to make a little stop in Orvieto along the way. Orvieto is so impressive and commanding as it sits high above a lush valley carved out of volcanic rock. Get this …. the Romans attacked and sacked the city in 283 BC. We walked around the ancient wall, the boys played in the park and we purchased some candy and fruit from a small cart vendor. We pile back in the Fiat and head for Castellina in Chianti.
We have had gorgeous weather all day, but as we approach Siena, it begins to thunderstorm. We get a bit lost in Siena, but finally find the SR222, we make a needless detour to Badesse, past Lornanto and finally find the little, white dirt road to the Fattoria Tregole (www.fattoria-tregole.com). As we are driving on this dirt road in the middle of a storm, we are all longing for Positano and wondering why we left. Our first impression of this little farm is not too favorable, but we soon realize that Fattoria Tregole is another paradise. We meet Edith, get our luggage settled into our two bedroom apartment, and venture out to dinner. We consider going back into Siena for dinner, but we’re a bit road weary and don’t want to fight the storm. We take Edith’s recommendation and go into Castellina for dinner. We visit a small restaurant, Osteria Il Tinello Birreria - we enjoy peposa (peppered roast), steak, pasta and a bottle of Chianti Classico – it is a small, modest restaurant, but a fantastic meal! When we exit the restaurant, the storm has moved on, the clouds have lifted, the light is gorgeous. We drive further into town and find a gelateria. All is well! We drive back down our country road to our comfortable little apartment, we play another game of cards and settle in for the night.
Jul 5th, 2007, 08:11 AM
#59
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
dina4: As I mentioned in Day Eight that I just posted, we did indeed rent the apartment. The apartment was perfect for our needs. We had plenty of room, it was very comfortable, we had our own spacious terrace with an amazing view and the staff was wonderful. Also, the Miramare sits in the middle of the town so it is a convenient walk down to the beach or up to the main road where all the shops are located.
We did not utilize the free boat ride. I had read so many rave reviews on this site about the boat service I mentioned (http://www.gennaroesalvatore.it/) that I knew I wanted to spend a day of our trip touring the Amalfi coast by boat. Also, I knew after visiting all of the historical sites of Rome, the boys would need a fun day! I do not remember the exact cost of the trip, but I remember thinking it was resonable since it included lunch and drinks on board the boat. Send them an e-mail and they will quote you a price. The price was less for the boys than adults and they only take cash payment.
We did not utilize the free boat ride. I had read so many rave reviews on this site about the boat service I mentioned (http://www.gennaroesalvatore.it/) that I knew I wanted to spend a day of our trip touring the Amalfi coast by boat. Also, I knew after visiting all of the historical sites of Rome, the boys would need a fun day! I do not remember the exact cost of the trip, but I remember thinking it was resonable since it included lunch and drinks on board the boat. Send them an e-mail and they will quote you a price. The price was less for the boys than adults and they only take cash payment.
