Capri, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como - 25th Anniversary Trip
Jul 4th, 2016, 06:34 PM
#21
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To the OP, you want the hotel shuttle to take you to Bomerano to hike the Path of the a Gods from MSR. We inquired and the hotel staff indicated that it was not easy or practical to walk their from the hotel. MSR is beautiful but so high up, that it is a bit isolated. The shuttle could take you to Amalfi, though. We stayed 3 nights but we were not really looking to site see...spa and pool were our focus. We were there when there were wild fires that had the tunnel and main road closed, so we did not use the shuttle. You might check with the staff at MSR.
if you want to see more sites, you would probably be happier at Santa Caterina or Le Sirenuse. We spent 6 nights at Le Sirenuse and loved it. But, we also did almost nothing so were not focused on getting around on the AC. We only went on one excursion up to Tramonti for a wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco. It was convenient to the steps to Nocelle and from there you could hike to Bomerano. The rest of the time we were at the pool or exploring Poisitano.
if you want to see more sites, you would probably be happier at Santa Caterina or Le Sirenuse. We spent 6 nights at Le Sirenuse and loved it. But, we also did almost nothing so were not focused on getting around on the AC. We only went on one excursion up to Tramonti for a wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco. It was convenient to the steps to Nocelle and from there you could hike to Bomerano. The rest of the time we were at the pool or exploring Poisitano.
Jul 4th, 2016, 07:10 PM
#22
Lake Como:
IMO, it isn't worth the time/effort to reach the lake from the AC unless you stay a minimum of 3 nights and 4 would be better. (Are you flying home from Malpensa, and if so what time is your flight?)
It would seem obvious that the western shore is 'best' for sunrises and the eastern shore is 'best' for sunsets. Bellagio is on a point of land in the middle, so you'd get reasonably good views of both.
It sounds like you've decided on staying in Bellagio. If you plan to take the ferry to other towns every day, the Borgo le Terrazze might not be the best choice as it's almost 2 miles from the dock. In Bellagio, I like the Hotel Florence and the Residence La Limonera but neither have a pool. I would stay in the GH Villa Serbelloni if I could afford it. Many like the Hotel Belvedere, but it's a bit of an uphill hike at the end of the day. It has a pool and spa.
I wouldn't point out lake towns to see but rather specific sights. Villa Balbianello (Lenno), Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo), Melzi Gardens (Bellagio), Villa Monastero Varenna), Castello Vezio and falconry (Varenna) as well as the walk up or down. From Menaggio, you can take a bus to the town of Lugano on Lake Lugano in Switzerland.
You need to peruse the ferry timetable to understand what would be possible in the time you have there. Assuming you arrive by train at Varenna-Esino and stay in one of the mid-lake towns, you would likely only use the mid-lake shuttle ferry.
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/c_dow...vetta%20CL.pdf
But you can see the timetables for ferries that travel the length of the lake between Como and Colico here:
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/c_dow...olico_Como.pdf
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/c_dow...omo_Colico.pdf
IMO, it isn't worth the time/effort to reach the lake from the AC unless you stay a minimum of 3 nights and 4 would be better. (Are you flying home from Malpensa, and if so what time is your flight?)
It would seem obvious that the western shore is 'best' for sunrises and the eastern shore is 'best' for sunsets. Bellagio is on a point of land in the middle, so you'd get reasonably good views of both.
It sounds like you've decided on staying in Bellagio. If you plan to take the ferry to other towns every day, the Borgo le Terrazze might not be the best choice as it's almost 2 miles from the dock. In Bellagio, I like the Hotel Florence and the Residence La Limonera but neither have a pool. I would stay in the GH Villa Serbelloni if I could afford it. Many like the Hotel Belvedere, but it's a bit of an uphill hike at the end of the day. It has a pool and spa.
I wouldn't point out lake towns to see but rather specific sights. Villa Balbianello (Lenno), Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo), Melzi Gardens (Bellagio), Villa Monastero Varenna), Castello Vezio and falconry (Varenna) as well as the walk up or down. From Menaggio, you can take a bus to the town of Lugano on Lake Lugano in Switzerland.
You need to peruse the ferry timetable to understand what would be possible in the time you have there. Assuming you arrive by train at Varenna-Esino and stay in one of the mid-lake towns, you would likely only use the mid-lake shuttle ferry.
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/c_dow...vetta%20CL.pdf
But you can see the timetables for ferries that travel the length of the lake between Como and Colico here:
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/c_dow...olico_Como.pdf
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/c_dow...omo_Colico.pdf
Jul 4th, 2016, 08:19 PM
#23
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monastero Santa Rosa is in the middle of nowhere. It doesn't even have decent bus connections. Your plans involve a lot of sightseeing so avoid that hotel - it is pretty much useless - especially for 'sunset swims' - it's nowhere near the sea.
You have an awful lot of plans for just 12 days. Have you deducted your arrival and departure day from your 27 May-7 June itinerary as they will be a wipeout. It will take you one day alone to get from the Amalfi Coast to Lake Como.
You won't be able to accomplish everything. Pare it back. The Path of the Gods is only worthwhile if the day is clear and the weather forecast is clear - otherwise it is risky and downright dangerous in places due to low visibility. A tourist plunged to her death on the path last year.
A day trip to Pompeii/Herc/Vesuvius is a day wasted out of the Amalfi Coast as it's 1.5 hours one way in a car on a decent run to Pompeii (i.e. without traffic). See just one on your way in or out. If you use a car service from Naples station or airport, they will stop for you for two hours and then drive you on to Positano or wherever.
I would stay in Positano - it has ferry connections to Capri and Amalfi, has a good selection of hotels (Hotel Marincanto would be my recommendation) and good shopping and restaurants.
You have an awful lot of plans for just 12 days. Have you deducted your arrival and departure day from your 27 May-7 June itinerary as they will be a wipeout. It will take you one day alone to get from the Amalfi Coast to Lake Como.
You won't be able to accomplish everything. Pare it back. The Path of the Gods is only worthwhile if the day is clear and the weather forecast is clear - otherwise it is risky and downright dangerous in places due to low visibility. A tourist plunged to her death on the path last year.
A day trip to Pompeii/Herc/Vesuvius is a day wasted out of the Amalfi Coast as it's 1.5 hours one way in a car on a decent run to Pompeii (i.e. without traffic). See just one on your way in or out. If you use a car service from Naples station or airport, they will stop for you for two hours and then drive you on to Positano or wherever.
I would stay in Positano - it has ferry connections to Capri and Amalfi, has a good selection of hotels (Hotel Marincanto would be my recommendation) and good shopping and restaurants.
Jul 4th, 2016, 08:53 PM
#24
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Amalfi Coast - If price is no object the answer is easy. Stay at Le Sirenuse. We did not stay there but we spent so much time at the bar and restaurant the staff was getting to know us. It is a fantastic place.
Jul 5th, 2016, 04:27 AM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good morning Cathleenmarie, Jean, Denisea, Blueeyedcod, and Letsgeaux
All wonderful advice and very much appreciated!
We will be finalizing our itinerary tonight and we'll be sure to let you know.
Thanks again and have a great day!
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
All wonderful advice and very much appreciated!
We will be finalizing our itinerary tonight and we'll be sure to let you know.
Thanks again and have a great day!
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
Jul 5th, 2016, 09:29 AM
#26
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good luck with your planning. Hard to make a bad decision choosing between Ravello,Positano,and Capri. In reviewing your requirements, I believe that Capri would suit you best. Incredible views, interesting hikes, great restaurants, and probably the best window shopping. We reserved a boat for half a day and circled the island. They are Great hikes both in Capri and Ana Capri. Had awonderful dinner in a lemon Grove. Can't remember the name of that restaurant that yo can't remember the name of that restaurant though.
If you go to Lake Como, don't miss Al Velu in Tremezzo for lunch. We had an incredible meal on their Terrace.
If you go to Lake Como, don't miss Al Velu in Tremezzo for lunch. We had an incredible meal on their Terrace.
Jul 5th, 2016, 12:16 PM
#27
La Limonera as mentioned is a lovely apartment right in town/Bellagio, on the upper street parallel to the promenade below; the town is laced with vertical steps/lanes between the two. As noted above, no pool--and self-catering.
Villa Serbelloni has pools and as noted both hotel rooms and self-catering apts. So it's a trade-off. VS far more pricey but more services and pools.
Both are right in town, walking distance to everything in town, along the promenade, etc. We had a gorgeous view from our room at La Limonera but then again VS has them too. Seems like no bad choices here!
Villa D'Este was fun to visit for a day but I agree with a poster above that
it isn't the loveliest part of the lake, especially compared to Bellagio.
Villa Serbelloni has pools and as noted both hotel rooms and self-catering apts. So it's a trade-off. VS far more pricey but more services and pools.
Both are right in town, walking distance to everything in town, along the promenade, etc. We had a gorgeous view from our room at La Limonera but then again VS has them too. Seems like no bad choices here!
Villa D'Este was fun to visit for a day but I agree with a poster above that
it isn't the loveliest part of the lake, especially compared to Bellagio.
Jul 5th, 2016, 02:34 PM
#28
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ditto Blueeyedcod's advice. I just returned from another 8 days in Positano (renting an apartment) and will return again next year. And I would stay in town for easy access to the ferries.
See Pompeii on your way to or from the AC - maybe on your way to Capri from the lake.
See Pompeii on your way to or from the AC - maybe on your way to Capri from the lake.
Jul 6th, 2016, 04:10 AM
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good morning all
First of all, a hearty thank you to everyone for their guidance, insight, and experience - all of your comments were helpful and very much appreciated.
After much discussion, we have settled on the below itinerary for our 25th Wedding Anniversary Italian holiday:
- 5 nights on Capri @ Hotel La Scalinatella
- Trenitalia speed train from Naples to Milan
- Car service to Borgo Le Terrazze Hotel & Residences, Bellagio, Lake Como
- 5 nights on Lake Como @ Borgo Le Terrazze Hotel & Residences
- Car service to Milan Marriott
- 1 night in Milan @ Marriott (using points)
We will be sure to post a trip report and provide feedback on the hotels, transit, activities, and food/wine.
Thank you!
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
First of all, a hearty thank you to everyone for their guidance, insight, and experience - all of your comments were helpful and very much appreciated.
After much discussion, we have settled on the below itinerary for our 25th Wedding Anniversary Italian holiday:
- 5 nights on Capri @ Hotel La Scalinatella
- Trenitalia speed train from Naples to Milan
- Car service to Borgo Le Terrazze Hotel & Residences, Bellagio, Lake Como
- 5 nights on Lake Como @ Borgo Le Terrazze Hotel & Residences
- Car service to Milan Marriott
- 1 night in Milan @ Marriott (using points)
We will be sure to post a trip report and provide feedback on the hotels, transit, activities, and food/wine.
Thank you!
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
Jul 6th, 2016, 05:19 AM
#30
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your trip will be fabulous.
You will not be sorry staying in Capri and at Hotel La Scalinatella It is beautiful.
Capri is special and staying ON Capri is the way to go.
Nights are magical & not the same as just visiting on a day trip.
TrendGirl2
You will not be sorry staying in Capri and at Hotel La Scalinatella It is beautiful.
Capri is special and staying ON Capri is the way to go.
Nights are magical & not the same as just visiting on a day trip.
TrendGirl2
Jul 6th, 2016, 07:48 AM
#32
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dmiclat - sorry I couldn't reply back sooner. Your trip sounds great as planned. I will definitely post a TR about Bellagio and Borgo la Terrazze.
We are also spending our last day in Milan - I have tickets to see the Last Supper and plan to go to the Duomo and have a nice dinner before returning to First Hotel at MXP for our morning flight home..
We are also spending our last day in Milan - I have tickets to see the Last Supper and plan to go to the Duomo and have a nice dinner before returning to First Hotel at MXP for our morning flight home..
Jul 6th, 2016, 01:32 PM
#34
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just wondering how you plan to get on and off Capri and accomplish your Pompeii visit or have you ditched those plans?
Five nights is too many (IMHO) unless you plan to snooze away the days on a sun lounge with a cocktail. Capri's own sights are pretty much done in two days. This website may help you.
http://www.capri.net/
Five nights is too many (IMHO) unless you plan to snooze away the days on a sun lounge with a cocktail. Capri's own sights are pretty much done in two days. This website may help you.
http://www.capri.net/
Jul 6th, 2016, 03:33 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Blueeyedcod
We are very happy with our itinerary. Not planning to see Pompeii or Amalfi Coast on this visit. Lounging poolside with a cocktail sounds like a perfect day - every day.
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
We are very happy with our itinerary. Not planning to see Pompeii or Amalfi Coast on this visit. Lounging poolside with a cocktail sounds like a perfect day - every day.
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
Jul 7th, 2016, 03:45 AM
#36
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are going to have a ball. I think more time on Capri and less hopping around is the right mix. Yesterday I ran into a friend who spent 2 nights in Sorrento, 2 nights on Capri and 2 nights in Amalfi. She said she wished they had just stayed in Capri the whole time. You will have a ball and I think 5 nights will be perfect...and you will have time to relax. Looking forward to your TR next year!
Jul 7th, 2016, 04:29 AM
#39
For good dining on Capri, Il Geranio with it's incredible views, Ristorante Monzu at Punta Tragara and, in town, Giorgio's. If you decide to see Pompeii, ferry to Sorrento, cab to train. Easy. Have a wonderful celebration!
Jul 7th, 2016, 05:18 AM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good morning Juleslove and HappyTrvlr
Thank you so much for the kind replies and well wishes. We will be sure to dine at those Capri restaurants!
Juleslove - Have a super, wonderful 25th anniversary trip!
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
Thank you so much for the kind replies and well wishes. We will be sure to dine at those Capri restaurants!
Juleslove - Have a super, wonderful 25th anniversary trip!
Best Regards,
DMiclat
Washington DC
