ButterFlyTraveler

Yes she's back n had a trip of a lifetime ... Thanks to all n especially Bob everything u advised was spot on wish I had paid better attention to finer details... Although I could make so many more suggestions. I did this solo... I was fine... No issues ... Met so many amazing people... Made so many new friends..... Had so many amazing experiences! I traveled on 9 trains and 10 boats not the ones in venice referred to as those water buses. I used tours to connect with people and use time efficiently to navigate new territory. I even got to visit 6 towns in Tuscany . And if you've never been to Ischia go its beautiful... N they still have siesta there 1:30-5p. I even managed to hike mount vesuvio. I left on sept 2nd n just returned on oct 3rd. My path ;venice, Murano,Burano, torchello,lake Como, Italian Riviera;rapallo(base) to san furioso,portofino,santa margherita ,cinque Terre, then onto Florence(base) Siena,chianti,Pisa,yes a day trip n so worth it, Rome 6 days too much too ancient n dirty for me... Constructive use of time after all the history lessons and sightseeing, compensated for missin out on trevi fountain which was closed for cleaning. Only
A ramp with plexi glass viewing n no stopping. I skipped this que not worth my time to wait in a line for this. Also the Spanish steps was a disappointment because that fountain was turned off for cleaning as well. Everything in Italy is getting cleaned but nothing restored by the Italiand. However other countries are donating money and resources to restore N preserve these international treasures, according to guides and people I met. I'm glad I got to see the colosseum... It will be gone in 30 yrs. Borghese gallery and another day trip to southern Tuscany on a Saturday ...loved it... Pienza, montalchino and montelpulcaino....pardon typos...onto Amalfi Coast ...no more trains what a relief! I can use the toilet without worrying about my carryon luggage..hehe. Boats n ferries from this point on. ... Scariest experience ... Naples train station to curbside of naples.... Amazin .... No traffic rules what so ever.... Down st onto tram onto port outta here on ferry to sorrento... To my base Praiano....loved it best accomad..Hotel Magherita.... Tell Suela and Andrea I sent you....they made my stay so wonderful...visited Positano ,amalfi town and Ravello .....got so nauseous on the bus ride up... But my spirits of peppermint essential oil resolved this quickly. My plans got a little changed at the end rt rough waters. I went straight to Ischia...n stayed at Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa, which I highly recommend for several reasons. One of top 10 thermal spas in Europe, shuttle service to private beach as well as Negomba Thermal waters gardens ,Lacco ameno, cassimiccola and ischia Porto where can catch CD OR CS BUS TO ANYWHERE ON ISLAND as well as the #7 bus to ischia ponte where the coolest castle(Argonase) with the most incredible views can be explored. Also the hotel shuttles to/from port. Did I mention the the michillin 2 star restaurant.. Ok enough . The only thing I missed out on was the coast line boat tour which is done everyday except Sundays from 2:45- 6p. Make sure u visit san Angelo also. Eat lots of fish it's an island an it's fresh! Visit Giardini La Mortella(gardens) n attend a concert then have dinner on property near Negombo thermal gardens at a fun funky place with great food called Trattoria Casa Colonica al Negombo( separate from thermal park). I visited capri and anacapri just for the day on the way back to sorrento...my base to see pompeii. I departed from there by seahorse shuttle to naples airport 7:45 a for 12 n departure to Boston. ( arrived at airport at 9:30a... A bargin for 35 euros. A very short trip report.... Which I hope to add more to....peace!

ButterFlyTraveler

One other note thanks KyBourbon stayed at il Nido in sorrento best part was the view from their dinning terrace that looked out over bay of Sorrento every day n noc... But I agree Aminta is the place to stay I kept an eye on that little busy spot from the terrace for 2 nocs ...also no problems with train tics just bought them day before departing at those self service kiosks . ( 2nd class very comfortable) tip save your euros for gelato use the toilets on trains n ferries before stops and departing.

bobthenavigator

I am delighted you had fun.
Where to next year?

LR220

How did you do your Tuscany portion of the trip?

kja

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting us know.