Elaine

Just returned from 21 days traveling through Italy and I'm already planning my next trip! <BR>Any questions I can answer, don't hesitate. I can't stop thinking about Italy! I fell in love with the people and the country...

Gail

Where'd you go, what did you eat? Do you have a favorite place? Any "do this" or "don't do that" tips? I leave Wednesday for 2 weeks in Italy - Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome, Bellagio.

Gene Kabakov

Elaine, if you went to any of the cities listed below could you provide accomodation suggestions. <BR> <BR>Also, how did you get around? How is the Italian rail system? <BR> <BR>Thank you very much for any suggestions you may have. <BR> <BR>I will in the following cities in Mid to late June: <BR> <BR>Venice <BR>Capri <BR>Rome <BR>Lake Como/Varenne <BR>Milan

Elaine

We traveled from Milan to Venice, Florence & Tuscany; on to Rome, Sorrento and Positano. Did go to Capri but did not stay there. Our hotels were mostly 3 star B&B's and very clean. In Milan we stayed at Delle Nazioni, small room but very charming. Most other B&B's were listed in Karen Brown's guide to B&B. La Calcina in Venice was delightful. It was located right on the Giudecca Canal (our room had a view). In Florence we had a room at La Residenza. Good sized room, too busy a street & not so good bed! Rome was great! Villa de Parco in the outskirts of Rome (easy access to the Autostrada & parking for our car, although we did not nor do we recommend driving in Rome) <BR>wonderful staff, Erico & Alessandro were extremely helpful; service & breakfast was great, and clean. In Positano we stayed at Covo de Saraceni, our favorite, directly on the Bay.

Elaine

Gail, My message is much too long, I've e-mailed you some of my info! <BR>

Kiersten

I HAD THE MOST AMAZING TRIP TO ITALY TOO!!! I fell so in love with everywhere and everything... <BR> <BR>Lake Como- Villa D'Este BEST HOTEL, city of Como neat to walk around, beautiful lake scenery and villas. <BR> <BR>Florence- Villa San Michele. Great large rooms, good city views, MUST walk around city at night to get a feel for "Real" Florence.Nice winery dives through hills. <BR> <BR>Venice- Amazing hotel-Ciprianni. Spend all day walking legs off- then retreat to the oasis on seperate island. GREAT FOOD in restaurant. Very good, casual, local, affordable food, BEST Langoustine @ TRATORRIA ALLA MADONNA..waiters with personality & good recommendations. <BR> <BR>We found the train very nice, clean, bring own food on train, get first class ticket for reserved seat. <BR> <BR>If possible visit portofino to ogle the yachys and villas- Splendido is fabulous hotel- great food get table overlooking the cliff... <BR>I could go on forever-is this enough ? <BR>

Carol

Hi Kiersten , <BR>No that is not enough, please do go on forever!! : )

mary

We are leaving for Rome, FLorence and Tuscany in 3 weeks--- any suggestions on food?????? We are staying close to the Vatican in Rome. Taking a train to FLorence and after three days there we are renting a car for Tuscany-- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! <BR>Thanks <BR>Mary

bsher

Dear Elaine <BR> <BR>I am thinking of taking a side trip from rome to pompeii and possibly positano. <BR> <BR>Is that possible and how do I do that. <BR>Is it possible to do it thruogh american express office <BR> <BR>Thanks

Elaine

We had our own car to travel from Rome to Positano (and we took the shore route) from Anzio down to Sorrento, then on to Positano. I'd check with some of the other posts regarding the Amex question. Tour busses were plentiful while in Positano, but I don't know where they originated. Maybe another fodorite can help!

Meredith

Elaine: thanks for your post. I am leaving in August with my 2 older daughters for my first trip anywhere. After 2 weeks with a touring youth group we will be staying a week in Liguria which I am planning via this website!! <BR>I need pointers on places along the coast that are not too expensive for our budget--bed & breakfast I figure---but anything less than $100 a night for the three of us together. Anyone can help?