Boo Hoo, Tess, didn't you like mine too?

Oh well, really enjoyed your report JMV, it is always so nice to relive one's trips and other's trips too!

Byrd is correct. Four of us visited Todi in May 2001 and there was a funicular at the parking lot.

And jmv, when is the video of the "Daisy Duke" type woman to be shown on the internet? Inquiring and dirty minds want to know.
((H))

Wow! What a great trip report. We are starting to toss around ideas for our trip in 2005 and I am definitely saving this. Wonderful information and well written. Thanks.

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Oooops, sorry about the oversight, Natalia. Kudos to you on your Italia trip report to Umbria.

>Tales (and tips) of Umbria<
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34452229

Thanks so much for the work you put in here!

Have a question for you, if you can, put in to words what is it about Tuscany that makes it preferable to Umbria in your opinion?

I am planning a trip for my mother and I - into Venice, Florence, Tuscany or Umbria and then Rome. Any insight you can give would be great. Thanks!

I always enjoy reading your reports! Thanks for posting it. How long was the drive from Rome to Positano? We are getting picked up in Rome for our upcoming trip because we will have my daughter's wedding dress with us. We ate at Don Alfonzo's last time we were there and the food was great, but I found the staff a bit stuffy. I am going to read your report again later when I have more time. Thanks again, WT

Cathryn, I think the Open expanses in Tuscany are more impressive to behold than the more tree covered hills of Umbria. In Tuscany you see great vistas--often/mostly of open fields. In Umbria you have to get up high to look down to see the vistas and they are aften covered by trees. Look at the ubiquitous pictures of Tuscany you find everywhere in book stores these days. That's it. The vast, rolling, cultivated hills with bare ground, sunflower fields, and periodic straight stands of cypress trees. It not only looks that way in pictures. It looks that way out the car window.

Wandering Texan, sorry we've moved recently and my travel files haven't caught up with me, but from memory I'd have to say the trip from Rome to Amalfi area is about 3 hours. Can't recall though if that included the stop for buffet lunch or not. Congratulations on your daughter's impending wedding. That should be exciting. Hope all goes well and that everyone enjoys it immensely.

Thanks - that is helpful. Now I just have to find that perfect terrace to sit on, drink wine, eat olives and look at that scenery! Back to the board. . .

Great trip and a better report JMV. I am delighted it turned out well for you.

BTW,

I think that La Saracina was owned by McCobbs family till 1996. McCobbs are from US.

Bobthenavigator, hope you're checking this thread and can answer a couple of inquiries for me, one on subject, one off. Have you gone to La Bocche in Portovenere? What's your opinion of it? Do you feel it detracts from the wonderful old, seaside flavor of the place overall or adds a nice and welcome contrast? Also, we leave tomorrow for one of your other favorite places--Menton. Any advice on special, out of the way, must sees? Thanks.