ottster06

Good evening Fodor's Travel Community. Around 10 years ago, you helped me enormously with a trip to France. Looking for your sage advice once more as we are attending a family wedding in the Province of Perugia on July 7th this time with our children, now adults, aged 18, 20, 22 & 24 (plus one partner), travelling from Australia. We enjoy the smaller towns vs cities, am happy to hike, cycle, segway or boat to explore the area, and somewhat embarrassingly, perhaps not as confident with history details, but keen to learn. In short, this is what I have come up with so far. Also have been trying to keep accommodation affordably comfortable and from our France experience, particularly enjoy settling in to an area.
Arrive in Milan, train to Varenna: 27 - 30th June (to explore Lake Como, Bellagio);
Train to Rapallo: 30 - 04 July (to explore Santa Margherita Ligure, Portafino and Cinque Terre)
Hire car for Tuscany and Umbria with 2 nights at Lucca and then onto Wedding near Perugia for 2 nights. Most likely a slow meander after the wedding towards Rome where hubby heads to London the following day and back to Australia and we head to Sorrento for 4 nights 09 - 13th July With teenagers, the images of this area are very appealing. Was thinking about Pompeii and a day trip to the island Procida as opposed to Capri but also recognise that it is definitely a full day. From Sorrento we head back to Rome for 2 nights before flying to London, 15th - 20th July. I have not booked any food tours - historical tours - concerts - etc other than I am on the ballot for the Ashes Cricket. Kids would be beside themselves if they secured some Cold Play tickets in Milan but shall see how that goes. Starting to learn some Italian before we go and super keen for your kind advice. Would have like to have visited Puglia, but not for this trip.

Thank you again in advance for your thoughts and invaluable recommendations.

bvlenci

It sounds as though you've already got your time well planned. I would just suggest that maybe you're cutting your time in Umbria a bit short. Umbria is a beautiful region, with charming hill towns. Fairly near Perugia, you might enjoy a visit to Spello, Assisi, and Spoleto. Gubbio is a little farther, but not too much out of the way.

On your way to Rome, Todi and Orvieto are worth a visit.

Jean

You're counting June 30th twice, so plan your sightseeing at Lake Como and on the coast with that in mind. The shortest train journey takes about 4 hours... unless you leave super early, you'll lose a half day or more in transit. It's a bit of a "lost" day.

HappyTrvlr

You are skipping the charming Umbrian villages near Perugia to go south to Sorrento. I would stay in Umbria! Spello, Montefalco, Bevagna, Norcia, Assisi and more. They fit the description of what you are looking for on this trip. Stay north of Rome before going to Rome. Stay in one village and explore by rental car, immerse yourselves in the culture.

janisj

Just popping in to wish you luck with the Ashes ballot . . .

ottster06

Thank you for your invaluable feedback. I think we will be in the Umbria/Tuscany region for about 5 days with a car. I love that I have some villages to explore, thank Fodorians. Travelling to Sorrento to see Positano is more for the teenagers/young adults. But despite its touristy reputation, so many people rate it as a must see. Heading to London after Italy, July 2023. We were originally planning on France for Rugby World Cup but with the wedding announcement, plans have changed. Thank you for the well wishes for the Ashes Ballot for day 1 4th Test - Didn't realise it was in Manchester - Should I yay or nay..

bvlenci

I really don't see teenagers getting very excited about several days in Positano. I would think kids that age would enjoy Naples more, and you could take a day trip to Positano from there, maybe by boat.

ottster06

Again, invaluable feedback. I have noted the charming villages in Umbria and Tuscany and also take on your thoughts about Positano. However, we are staying in Sorrento and thinking about "boating" to Positano. Also, does anybody have any thoughts on a day trip to the island Procida. I realise it is a full day, with a 2 hour return boat trip but I was interested as does not seem so touristy. Always appreciative of thoughts and opinions. Again, any thoughts on whether travelling to Manchester for a day trip is a definite yes or a definite no. I do love the cricket...

bvlenci

You might also consider a trip to Ischia instead of Procida. I can't compare them, as I've never been to Procida. However, I don't know that either one merits the long boat ride, when there's so much to see on the mainland.

A trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum is very interesting. Naples is a fascinating city, with great views over the bay.

dk2022

We have just done a ferry from Sorrento to Positano. EUR15 per person one way, one hour, departing approximately every hour. Stunning views, highly recommended.