First Italy Trip: tour versus independent?
May 3rd, 2014, 09:13 AM
#21
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1 - If you arrive at the main Milano airport (MXP) you are already half way to Lake Como and can get there directly without going into Milan itself. There should be instructions on the MXP website how to do this. Unless you have a reason to stay in Milan (the duomo is wonderful but otherwise Milan is not the best Italian city to be the first place you go. If you do decide to stay in Milan I can recommend Hotel Berna, one of my favorite hotels and quite reasonably priced). Three nights will give you two and a half days which is enough to enjoy Lake Como.
2 - train to Venice. I would spend 4 or 5 days there and do a couple of day trips - to Verona and Padua. They are beautiful cities, easily reached by local train from Venice (so no reservations needed). Most of the places you list are the 'tourist biggies' - nothing wrong with that, but it would be nice to see a couple of places that are slightly less touristy. There will still be plenty of tourists especially in Verona, but they will be a little different from the rest of the places you are going.
3 I would skip the CT for this trip. You will be spending a lot of time on the coast in the south, and while they are different, they are not THAT much different. And the CT will require quite a bit of train time. If you really feel you must do the CT this trip then I guess I'd cut back Venice to 3 nights and not do the day trips. Or I'd cut back a couple of days in the Amalfi Coast region.
4 - Florence - I'd do four nights and do one day trip (I'd choose Siena) - easily done by bus from Florence. Another popular day trip is Lucca/Pisa - but you can decide that once you are there and see if you want more or less time in Florence itself.
5 - Rome - four nights is good
6 - Naples/ Amalfi Coast / Ischia - you have about ten days listed and plan to stay in three different hotels. That would be OK but another possibility would be to spend the whole time in Sorrento and do day trips - easily done by boat/bus (to Amalfi, Positano, etc.), by boat to Ischia, by boat or train to Naples. Sorrento is a charming small town with the best transportation connections in the area. Staying in one central place gives you more options - if you go to Ischia and love it you can go back several other days, if after a day or two you've seen enough then you can substitute Capri or somewhere. Same for the villages in the Positano/Amalfi/Ravello area. You can also mix things up - take the boat to Positano one day, the next take the train to Pompeii, then next a boat to Ischia, the next stay put in Sorrento, etc. In some places having a base and doing lots of day trips means a lot of time back and forth on boring trains. But in this area the 'getting there' is half the fun.
When I travel solo I like to spend more time in fewer locations and do day trips. Not as much schleping luggage, you get familiar with the towns you stay in. I do four or five week trips almost every summer and while I like to keep moving and see a lot, on trips of that length sometimes you just need a 'day off'. With longer time in fewer places it's easier to do that. If you have to move every few nights it's much harder. Doesn't mean you can't sight see every day if you wish, just gives you more freedom/options.
2 - train to Venice. I would spend 4 or 5 days there and do a couple of day trips - to Verona and Padua. They are beautiful cities, easily reached by local train from Venice (so no reservations needed). Most of the places you list are the 'tourist biggies' - nothing wrong with that, but it would be nice to see a couple of places that are slightly less touristy. There will still be plenty of tourists especially in Verona, but they will be a little different from the rest of the places you are going.
3 I would skip the CT for this trip. You will be spending a lot of time on the coast in the south, and while they are different, they are not THAT much different. And the CT will require quite a bit of train time. If you really feel you must do the CT this trip then I guess I'd cut back Venice to 3 nights and not do the day trips. Or I'd cut back a couple of days in the Amalfi Coast region.
4 - Florence - I'd do four nights and do one day trip (I'd choose Siena) - easily done by bus from Florence. Another popular day trip is Lucca/Pisa - but you can decide that once you are there and see if you want more or less time in Florence itself.
5 - Rome - four nights is good
6 - Naples/ Amalfi Coast / Ischia - you have about ten days listed and plan to stay in three different hotels. That would be OK but another possibility would be to spend the whole time in Sorrento and do day trips - easily done by boat/bus (to Amalfi, Positano, etc.), by boat to Ischia, by boat or train to Naples. Sorrento is a charming small town with the best transportation connections in the area. Staying in one central place gives you more options - if you go to Ischia and love it you can go back several other days, if after a day or two you've seen enough then you can substitute Capri or somewhere. Same for the villages in the Positano/Amalfi/Ravello area. You can also mix things up - take the boat to Positano one day, the next take the train to Pompeii, then next a boat to Ischia, the next stay put in Sorrento, etc. In some places having a base and doing lots of day trips means a lot of time back and forth on boring trains. But in this area the 'getting there' is half the fun.
When I travel solo I like to spend more time in fewer locations and do day trips. Not as much schleping luggage, you get familiar with the towns you stay in. I do four or five week trips almost every summer and while I like to keep moving and see a lot, on trips of that length sometimes you just need a 'day off'. With longer time in fewer places it's easier to do that. If you have to move every few nights it's much harder. Doesn't mean you can't sight see every day if you wish, just gives you more freedom/options.
May 3rd, 2014, 10:10 PM
#22
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I agree with most other posters here and like Isabel's itinerary. I too would pick one place to stay on the Amalfi coast, probably Sorrento for transportation reasons. I would also probably train from Florence to the Amalfi coast than to Rome if you will be flying back to Boston from Rome. I would also probably pare down the time on the Amalfi for an extra day in Florence for Siena and Pisa and probably an extra day for Rome.
May 4th, 2014, 02:34 AM
#23
What isabel and mjs said.
by my maths, your new itinerary has you moving 8 times, which means that you'll be losing at least 4 days of your trip travelling [a minimum of 1/2 a day every time you move] which may not seem that much, but when you add in the time you need to find your new hotel, check in, orientate yourself, find your new favourite bar/cafe/supermarket, you are wasting a lot of time.
longer stays in fewer places is a far more efficient way of travelling, and more fun too. When we were in Sorrento a few weeks ago, we found a nice little place for lunch that we returned to a couple of times - by the last time we were old friends. When you are travelling by yourself, a friendly greeting from the waiter in a cafe or bar can mean a lot.
you won't run out of things to see in Venice, Rome or Florence, and Sorrento is a great centre for day trips.
by my maths, your new itinerary has you moving 8 times, which means that you'll be losing at least 4 days of your trip travelling [a minimum of 1/2 a day every time you move] which may not seem that much, but when you add in the time you need to find your new hotel, check in, orientate yourself, find your new favourite bar/cafe/supermarket, you are wasting a lot of time.
longer stays in fewer places is a far more efficient way of travelling, and more fun too. When we were in Sorrento a few weeks ago, we found a nice little place for lunch that we returned to a couple of times - by the last time we were old friends. When you are travelling by yourself, a friendly greeting from the waiter in a cafe or bar can mean a lot.
you won't run out of things to see in Venice, Rome or Florence, and Sorrento is a great centre for day trips.
May 4th, 2014, 05:08 AM
#24
>>Most of the places you list are the 'tourist biggies' - nothing wrong with that, but it would be nice to see a couple of places that are slightly less touristy. <<<
I agree. I would also try to throw in a couple of days in the Tuscan countryside instead of CT, to experience the hill towns. Perhaps take a few days and stay in Siena, if you don't want to stay in a small hill town. There are lots of day trip tours from Siena to Montalcino, Pienza, vineyards, etc. or even biking the countryside.
When traveling solo, transport can be very tiring. Often you have to carry your luggage up or down a flight of stairs, etc. You have no one to watch your things, if you want to grab some food or take a bathroom break. I think on a first trip, it helps to keep the travel part simple.
You also have to keep in mind that it will be dark by 7pm in early Sept and maybe before 6pm by the end of your trip (or even closer to 5:30). You will want to stay in areas where you will feel comfortable going out at night to dinner where you don't understand what is being said around you (you might not hear any English).
Some people are more independent than others and can easily navigate cities/transport and some will find it stressful. It will help if you start now picking up some basic Italian.
I agree. I would also try to throw in a couple of days in the Tuscan countryside instead of CT, to experience the hill towns. Perhaps take a few days and stay in Siena, if you don't want to stay in a small hill town. There are lots of day trip tours from Siena to Montalcino, Pienza, vineyards, etc. or even biking the countryside.
When traveling solo, transport can be very tiring. Often you have to carry your luggage up or down a flight of stairs, etc. You have no one to watch your things, if you want to grab some food or take a bathroom break. I think on a first trip, it helps to keep the travel part simple.
You also have to keep in mind that it will be dark by 7pm in early Sept and maybe before 6pm by the end of your trip (or even closer to 5:30). You will want to stay in areas where you will feel comfortable going out at night to dinner where you don't understand what is being said around you (you might not hear any English).
Some people are more independent than others and can easily navigate cities/transport and some will find it stressful. It will help if you start now picking up some basic Italian.
May 4th, 2014, 05:11 AM
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I remember our 1st. trip to Italy back in 2001. We 1st. decided on a tour but couldn't fine one that met our needs. After talking to several seasoned travelers, we decided to travel by car and do whatever we wanted.
We had hotel reservations the 1st. night and the last and in between, we would pull out a map and say "where to you want to go today?" Those were some of our favorite trips.
Now that we're a bit older (71 with health issues and 63) we travel by train and always have hotel reservations.
Don't get stuck on a set schedule because it may cause you more stress than it's worth and traveling by the seat of your pants is SO fun. It's an adventure!
We had hotel reservations the 1st. night and the last and in between, we would pull out a map and say "where to you want to go today?" Those were some of our favorite trips.
Now that we're a bit older (71 with health issues and 63) we travel by train and always have hotel reservations.
Don't get stuck on a set schedule because it may cause you more stress than it's worth and traveling by the seat of your pants is SO fun. It's an adventure!
May 9th, 2014, 07:07 PM
#26
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Just checking back .... Thanks for all the feedback been adjusting itinerary .. Paring it down for the third time ....choosing how I'm spending my time and what sites I'll be exploring(pend ticketing availability and my good feet).... Getting familiar with trains,ferries and buses.....found my open jaw( multiciti) flight to Venice... looking at hotels/B&B's,etc now. I have another question re;hotels. if anyone has any feedback/suggestions on really good 3-3.5 star lodging /accomadations that are centrally located in any of the following areas....I'd be most appreciative:Venice/florence/Rome/Sorrento . I'll be in Italy for one month(30. Days). I'll spend 5 days in Venice/Florence/Rome. 4days seeing Amalfi cost leaning toward sorrento as base camp pending a creative epiphany. 3 nocs on Ischia. Along with some day trips. I will keep checking back with updates on the status report... You all have been very generous with your feedback, which is something I value and appreciate. Also I do apologize in advance if any of my questions have been repetitive . I'm new at this and I will confess I found this site thru a back door of a very old post... But I'm grateful I did b/c the connection has been .... Well I just leave it at priceless..ciao for now 
)
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May 9th, 2014, 07:41 PM
#27
>>> 3-3.5 star lodging /accomadations that are centrally located in any of the following areas.<<<
Star ratings in Italy are based on amenities (restaurant, bar, elevator, etc.), not quality. What amenities do you want and what price range. Since you are staying 5 nights several places, would you prefer apartments?
Star ratings in Italy are based on amenities (restaurant, bar, elevator, etc.), not quality. What amenities do you want and what price range. Since you are staying 5 nights several places, would you prefer apartments?
May 9th, 2014, 07:57 PM
#28
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Hi
In Venice I loved LOCANDA ORSEOLO located close to but not on top of St.Marks Square . Beautiful , very clean rooms, superb breakfasts, very gracious staff.
In Florence I always stay at HOTEL CASCI on Via Cavour. Offically rated 2 star but in my opinion should be rated higher. I discovered this hotel on Fodor's forum ,suggested by many followers of the forum.
Great location, elevator, good breakfast, and wonderful family who own and operate this hotel.
In Venice I loved LOCANDA ORSEOLO located close to but not on top of St.Marks Square . Beautiful , very clean rooms, superb breakfasts, very gracious staff.
In Florence I always stay at HOTEL CASCI on Via Cavour. Offically rated 2 star but in my opinion should be rated higher. I discovered this hotel on Fodor's forum ,suggested by many followers of the forum.
Great location, elevator, good breakfast, and wonderful family who own and operate this hotel.
May 15th, 2014, 05:28 AM
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May 30th, 2014, 05:43 AM
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Just a quick reply to say that is a wonderful itinerary...it's perfect. I've been to all of your destinination except Naples, everyone says that city is tremendous with the Pompeii museum albeit more crime.
Sorrento to is an adorable town to just relax abit.
We did everything on owr own. I did book small group tours through Presto Tours. You can choice 1/2 day and full day.; Up to 15 in a group albeit it was usually 5-10. Highly recommend that for the great Vatician, Appion way, catocombbs, in Rome or anything in Rome. Be careful of large group tours because you will be on the bus for a long time.
I would not state to anyone that you are traveling alone. Must be vigilant . There is some crime in Rome with Gypsies. Do not wear any valuable jewelry. Be prepared to give up a watch and a ring. Nothing happened to us but my husband interceded a robery at train station. Maybe in Rome you should be with a group and possibly avoid Naples. We rarely saw police.
It's a wonderful county. A trip of a lifetime.
BAHItaly
Sorrento to is an adorable town to just relax abit.
We did everything on owr own. I did book small group tours through Presto Tours. You can choice 1/2 day and full day.; Up to 15 in a group albeit it was usually 5-10. Highly recommend that for the great Vatician, Appion way, catocombbs, in Rome or anything in Rome. Be careful of large group tours because you will be on the bus for a long time.
I would not state to anyone that you are traveling alone. Must be vigilant . There is some crime in Rome with Gypsies. Do not wear any valuable jewelry. Be prepared to give up a watch and a ring. Nothing happened to us but my husband interceded a robery at train station. Maybe in Rome you should be with a group and possibly avoid Naples. We rarely saw police.
It's a wonderful county. A trip of a lifetime.
BAHItaly
May 30th, 2014, 01:40 PM
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Nice itinerary and I'm jealous that you have a month!
Depending on what time you get to Milan, you would have time to take the airport bus to the central train station and grab a cab to Milan's Duomo before going to Lake Como. It is a magnificent church.. My husband and I lucked out with a last-minute entry to see "Last Supper" but that normally requires reservations. Otherwise, you could go straight to Varenna.
During regular working hours you will usually find an information booth in the train stations where English-speaking folks will help you with your train trips and write down what you need to give the ticket taker. BTW, the train to Varenna says 'Varenna-Esino' so don't get confused. The Varenna station was un-manned when we were there so you might want to arrange to get your ticket to Cinque Terre when you get your Varenna ticket.
Depending on what you want to do in the CT, you could combine those days with Florence and make CT a day trip.
We all agree that every hotel change means at least a loss of 1/2 travel day.
Others will know this better, but can you get an Ischia ferry from Sorrento as well as Naples?
Have a great time but don't say 'ciao' to strangers--it's too familiar.
Depending on what time you get to Milan, you would have time to take the airport bus to the central train station and grab a cab to Milan's Duomo before going to Lake Como. It is a magnificent church.. My husband and I lucked out with a last-minute entry to see "Last Supper" but that normally requires reservations. Otherwise, you could go straight to Varenna.
During regular working hours you will usually find an information booth in the train stations where English-speaking folks will help you with your train trips and write down what you need to give the ticket taker. BTW, the train to Varenna says 'Varenna-Esino' so don't get confused. The Varenna station was un-manned when we were there so you might want to arrange to get your ticket to Cinque Terre when you get your Varenna ticket.
Depending on what you want to do in the CT, you could combine those days with Florence and make CT a day trip.
We all agree that every hotel change means at least a loss of 1/2 travel day.
Others will know this better, but can you get an Ischia ferry from Sorrento as well as Naples?
Have a great time but don't say 'ciao' to strangers--it's too familiar.
May 30th, 2014, 11:32 PM
#32
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ThankYou all so much very good feedback....still connecting the hotel connections...sorrento and ischia last two to go......the itinerary above has changed as per my second post. It allows more time in each place to explore. 
May 31st, 2014, 05:40 AM
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May 31st, 2014, 01:27 PM
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Thank you again... I'm on it Bob!
Also seems I've double booked in venice and rome so need to choose...guess this is just happening... Any recos or experiences with proximity,ease of site seeing the six sestieri of venice and/or the massiveness of rome much appreciated...
Venice:
1. La Villeggiatura /San Polo. www.lavilleggiatura.it(Vivaldi room)
2. Hotel La Residenza/Castello www.venicelaresidenza.com(requested upper floor)
Rome:
1.Albergo Cesàri. www.algergocesari.it (this room is a single btw)
2.Hotel San Carlo www.hotelsancarloroma.com(main building requested not annex)
Sorrento:
1. Work in progress......? (Choose as base to go north to pompeii 1/2 day via circumvisa train and south to explore amalfi coastal towns... Ferry to capri for day ? Over noc not sure if 4 nocs on ischia will be too much relaxation for me in terms of exploitability may cut to 3 nocs ?? Any comments appreciated.
2. Hotel il Nido Sorrento /? Amalfi vs Sorrento www.ilnido.com (this was booked as back up until can nail something down).
Ischia:
Work In progress ...?
Naples:
Any recs for an overnoc(will only be in area 24 hrs(12n-12n) looking for safe area ,can I walk to/from "NAM"(archiologica) from this hotel ?
1.hotel de artists (it was recto from travel agent... I read too much into reviews on TA the mold comments,freaked me out).
Peace
Also seems I've double booked in venice and rome so need to choose...guess this is just happening... Any recos or experiences with proximity,ease of site seeing the six sestieri of venice and/or the massiveness of rome much appreciated...
Venice:
1. La Villeggiatura /San Polo. www.lavilleggiatura.it(Vivaldi room)
2. Hotel La Residenza/Castello www.venicelaresidenza.com(requested upper floor)
Rome:
1.Albergo Cesàri. www.algergocesari.it (this room is a single btw)
2.Hotel San Carlo www.hotelsancarloroma.com(main building requested not annex)
Sorrento:
1. Work in progress......? (Choose as base to go north to pompeii 1/2 day via circumvisa train and south to explore amalfi coastal towns... Ferry to capri for day ? Over noc not sure if 4 nocs on ischia will be too much relaxation for me in terms of exploitability may cut to 3 nocs ?? Any comments appreciated.
2. Hotel il Nido Sorrento /? Amalfi vs Sorrento www.ilnido.com (this was booked as back up until can nail something down).
Ischia:
Work In progress ...?
Naples:
Any recs for an overnoc(will only be in area 24 hrs(12n-12n) looking for safe area ,can I walk to/from "NAM"(archiologica) from this hotel ?
1.hotel de artists (it was recto from travel agent... I read too much into reviews on TA the mold comments,freaked me out).
Peace
Jun 1st, 2014, 06:07 AM
#38
I've stayed at Il Nido also. I didn't find a room with a view necessary (although I had one) as the restaurant terrace (and the restaurant) has views. They have an annex and I don't believe most of those rooms have views (maybe upper floors).
Il Nido's shuttle doesn't run mid-day, but the hotel is on the Sita bus route. They used to offer pick up service (arrival day only) even if it wasn't a scheduled shuttle run (don't see it listed as a service anymore).
If you decide to take their shuttle from Piazza Antiche Mura and you are arriving by train, do not walk down the hill from the train station to Corso Italia. Instead, as you exit the station, turn left and go around the corner of the station (watch for taxis/buses on this driveway). The drive curves around the station to the road behind (Via Degli Arancia). Take a right when you get to the street and the meeting place is a few blocks (you will see the old wall - Piazza Antiche Mura - after the road curves right). This is where most hotel shuttles pick up. Il Nido does have a laundry you can use which might be handy for a four week trip.
Il Nido's shuttle doesn't run mid-day, but the hotel is on the Sita bus route. They used to offer pick up service (arrival day only) even if it wasn't a scheduled shuttle run (don't see it listed as a service anymore).
If you decide to take their shuttle from Piazza Antiche Mura and you are arriving by train, do not walk down the hill from the train station to Corso Italia. Instead, as you exit the station, turn left and go around the corner of the station (watch for taxis/buses on this driveway). The drive curves around the station to the road behind (Via Degli Arancia). Take a right when you get to the street and the meeting place is a few blocks (you will see the old wall - Piazza Antiche Mura - after the road curves right). This is where most hotel shuttles pick up. Il Nido does have a laundry you can use which might be handy for a four week trip.
Jun 1st, 2014, 07:35 AM
#39
If you want something in the hills above Sorrento a bit nicer with a pool, try the Aminta. They are closer to town also.
http://www.aminta.com/
http://www.aminta.com/
