I'd appreciate any feedback on the following proposed itinarary - this trip is more about taking it easy & cruising around so no big cities. The trip will probably be next May.<BR>5 nights Bellagio (probably @ Belvedere)<BR>7 nights Tuscany (@ Locanda del'Amorosa)<BR>5 nights Positano (@ Posiedon or Ancora)<BR>We will definitely be hiring a car to explore nearby areas/villages in Tuscany & at the lakes but am not sure whether its a good idea to drive on the Amalfi.<BR>Any thoughts you care to share?<BR>thanks in advance!!

Think you are very wise to stay in same place for several nights. Some try to cover too much ground on one trip. The 3 stops you mention sound ideal.<BR>Have been down the Amalfi coast but on a bus; it is narrow, and congested in the towns. May be problems finding parking places.

Thanks for your response! One of the reasons we are considering L'Ancora for Positano is that (apart from apperently being nice!) it has free parking for guests which seems rare from what I've read. I also like the idea of not moving around too much - just finding a base in each region & exploring from there. Thanks again!

Any more advice/ideas please?

I guess what I'd like some feedback on is the hotels we're considering if anyone has stayed at them? Whats not to miss in these areas - At the Lakes we'll visit the various villages & villas around Como - is it worth going over to Maggiore or the other lakes too? In Tuscany we'll probably visit Sienna, Montalcino, Montpulciano (sp?) & San Gimiagno - what others are recommended? In positano we'll probably day trip to Capri & Ravello. Where else?<BR>Cheers & thank you for any help.

Fay, I love it ! Finally a trip to Italy to enjoy the best of bella Italia.<BR>You have picked well and will have a fantastic time. BUONA FORTUNA !

fay- don't know about your hotels but while on the amlalfi coast you should also visit amalfi! also sorrento- particularly if you like to shop - great bargains on leather goods. the area in general is very scenic but not much to do.<BR>also you can consider day trips to pompei and positano as well as naples. you could take regional trains to all of them from sorrento (where you would find a car park).

If you find that you've done and seen everything you wanted on Lake Como, by all means drive over to Lake Maggiore as well, and visit the Borromean Islands from Stresa. Como is my favorite, followed by Garda (northern areas), Maggiore, and Orta, but all the lakes are wonderful so you just have to decide how much of a drive you want to do.

Thanks for your replies everyone - I really appreciate it! I can't wait to get there....

Don't miss Pompeii--an amazing place and an easy drive from Positano (about an hour)

When in Positano area, do include a side trip to Paestum. Many overlook this ancient Greek settlement that became a Roman colony and survived the Pompei/Mt. Vesuvius eruption of 67 AD and subsequent earthquakes. It is a perfectly preserved site in the middle of a field with all buildings intact, sans their roofs. Tourists don't know of the place too much, it is definitely worth a trip! A bus ride out there from Salerno cost about $5 USD.