Arriving in Genoa on a cruise on October 1st. Plan to fly out of Milan with 4 days to explore. Previous posts indicate that the Italian Riviera "shuts down" after September. Looking for recommendations for a base camp to explore from and a possible itinerary that doesn't include too much drive time. Thanks to all..

Start at Santa Margherita for 2 nites and then to Lago Orta prior to departure---www.orta.net.

Have fun !

we are going to northwest italy in two weeks and have included 4 nights in piedmont area between the CT and Milan.
Tim at Villa Sampaguita who often responds on this forum is a wealth of information and we would have stayed there if we weren't there in the middle of summer (no a/c, but highly recommended by many). That area seems perfect for a few days and i think it's about 90 minutes to malpensa from the Asti area where his B&B is located.
I'll post my trip report when we return mid-july and it will include Lake Orta, CT and Piedmont.

Alison, I can’t believe you turned down a stay at Villa Sampaguita because of no AC. We just spent a week there and although there were a few hot days, there was absolutely no need for air-conditioning; the house is on a hill and all the rooms catch a delicious breeze in day time and evening, we just closed the shutters and left the big French windows open at night. There was a big ceiling fan but we didn’t need it. And besides who stays in the room in the daytime when you are in fabulous Piedmont? Its not as if you are in the south of Italy you know, or staying in a big city. You are missing the chance for a total Piedmont experience with Tim and Rena, not just a B&B stay.

Deb I stayed there last October in truffle season, they arranged a truffle hunt for me and set me up with so many wonderful restaurants and wineries, but then if its Liguria you want, then you need to look further. However I visited Liguria in October and it was not all shut down, actually a great time to go as few tourists and more locals.

I agree... go visit Tim and Rina!! We really don't have a need for ac in Piemonte. First of all, our homes are built of stone, and the walls are thick---like 24 inches thick. That keeps the heat out. Second. We have shutters. Shutters closed, and the rooms stay temperate. Who needs to waste all of that electricity when these homes stay comfortable on their own.

Don't discount a place in Piemonte for lack of ac. The construction here is totally different. Tim and Rina do a fab job, and you will adore our beautiful Piemonte.

Diana

Omigosh, now i really feel bad! We are still going to Piedmont and staying at Villa La Favorita. It was a tough choice, but significant other won out on the a/c since it will be early July. We also heard good things about Villa La Favorita and I'm happy to be so close to Alba, but I have regretted that we didn't choose to stay at Villa Sampaguita after all the raves. Also, it did turn out that they were booked for one of the nights we wanted (this was back in February!) and so that was also part of the decision, as we would have had to re-work our itinerary. I'm sure we'll love Piedmont!! And i was happy to have the opportunity to tell others about Villa Sampaguita even tho we aren't staying there, which is really complimentary I think!

Thanks once again to all for great info. I have e-mailed Villa Sampaguita for availability. If they do not have availability, are there other suggestions? I TRUST FODORS! You have led me to incredible hotels /B & Bs in Tuscany, Ireland, Mexico, South Carolina, Maui...etc..etc..etc...

Alison,
Do not take a moment to regret your decision. First, my husband is also a bit stuck on air conditioning in the summer, and one hot night can be a bummer. but... We always say that a vacation is what you make it. If you are determined to have the vacation of a lifetime, then famine,flood or locust, you will have a wonderful time. Life is what you make it. Enjoy your vacation and thanks so much for the tip on Villa Sampaguita.

Debny,

The European vacation month is August, so what happens in September on the Italian Riviera is that the weather is GORGEOUS and there are only a fraction of the crowds.

Will you have a car? What do you want? To relax by the seaside? Or have a great urban experience? If it is the former, I suggest you park yourself in Camogli for a few days, which gives you the option of side trips to Genova and Portofino, and the Cinque Terre if you feel like it.

If you prefer somethng urban, I suggest spending two nights in Torino and two nights in Milano.

You could also have a very interesting time driving to a countryside location in Piemonte and seeing many small towns and wineries there.

The options are really endless.

Thanks again. I was a bit uneasy about everything being "shut down", but it sounds like it is just much less touristy which is perfect. We very much enjoy the countryside and small towns and are zeroing in on Piedmont. However, based on your advice, I will conduct some research on Camogli.