Italy Itinerary Help
 

Traveling to Italy late Sept. - early Oct. 1999. Although we realize we are late in securing the second half of our trip which will be from Oct. 3 - 11, we would appreciate any thoughts on where spend this week. (The first half will be spent just south of Rome with two tours into the city. Our original trip was (from Rome): travel to Florence for 3-4 days, then Venice for 2-3, then back to Rome for the weekend. Now, we're considering a more relaxing vacation on Lake Como (perhaps Grand Hotel di Como or Hotel Continental?) and including Florence on the return to Rome. We'd love to hear your thoughts 3+ star hotels on Bellagio/Lake Como (is it worth the trip from Rome?) and Florence (near the city centre). Are we making a mistake by not going to Venice? My husband has seen many of the sites in Florence, Rome and Venice and was most of fond of Rome, with Venice being his least favorite. We realize there's so much to see in Italy, but we're not the busy tourist types. We like to find a beautiful place and stay long enough to soak up the surroundings and relax our souls. Any thoughts on the best itinerary/sites for our trip would be appreciated.

What about Sorrento for a place to relax? We love the Hotel La Tonnarello which sits above the Marina Grande right on the Thyrennian (sp?) Sea. Three star. Very good restaurant. An easy walk into town. A great jumping off spot for the Amalfi Coast, Capri or Pompei. October will be beautiful there. <BR>

Venice is a wonderful city that I love, but if you skip it to spend extra time around Lake Como - and relax a bit - you've not made a bad choice. The region is very beautiful, with many small towns on the lake that would be fun to explore and wander around. If you've already spent a week in and around Rome doing the tourist thing, and your husband already isn't that crazy about Venice, you'd end up not really enjoying it. Take the time and visit the Lake Como area...and have a wonderful time, by the way!

JENNIFER,In that time you can do 3 detinations and still relax. I assume you are flying out of Rome, but Milan <BR>would make it even easier. I would do <BR>Lake Como, a Tuscany destination[perhaps <BR>not Florence per se], and the Cinque Terre as the third. It would be on the way going or coming and would also break <BR>up the drive. At Como, stay in Bellagio <BR>at either the Du Lac or the Belvedere. <BR>Both are 3 stars at about $130. Holler <BR>if you want more details.

Hi Jennifer, <BR> <BR>I've been to Italy twice and I really love Venice (especially off-the-beaten path areas). It is a wonderful experience (I think it is incredibly romantic to stroll through the back streets of Venice -- plenty of little piazzas, etc.). Two full days in Venice is plenty though. And are you staying in Florence for so long because of touring Tuscany or just for Florence. You probably could cut that by a day. That way you could go to the Lakes for a couple of days. If you go to Venice last, you can take the night train back to Rome in time for your flight. <BR> <BR>Deb

Thanks, all for your helpful advice. You made it *all* sound so wonderful, that we've decided one important thing already - that we're renting a car. Our free spirit mentality has overcome us and we want the ability to see the famed countryside in Tuscany while driving to Venice, as many lakes as we can, Milan, maybe a quick hop over to Switzerland, the Cinque du Terre on our way back to Rome. <BR> <BR>Bob - the Belvedere is a good suggestion. We looked at this before and are happy to here a recommendation for it. Any other hotel ideas for the northern region are appreciated! (Or anywhere else on our trek!) <BR> <BR>Carl - We have contemplated the Amalfi Coast seriously. But, we will be staying in Saubadia, 150 km north of Naples, for nine days and already have a Pompeii tour planned, and will likely take a day trip to the coast during that time. We can always take a couple day trips to that reportedly incredible region! <BR> <BR>Elvira and Deb - Your appreciation of Rome helped assure us that Venice is a destination we should not miss! <BR> <BR>Thank you all for your help. Any charming hotel ideas in Florence, Rome and Venice for 2-night stays? They are so many, and we have a lot in mind, but seasoned advice is the BEST! <BR> <BR>Jennifer <BR> <BR>

Jennifer, <BR>if you are considering renting a car why not staying in the suburb of Siena in a lovely villa (17th. century). It will be a good point to visit all Tuscany. I'll send you an e.mail with more informations including its website, if you are interested in it. <BR>Ismael