ekscrunchy, that was my point, that Elba might not be overrun with tourists.

Thanks for that clarification!

We are having so much trouble deciding that we are now considering spending three nights in SML and three nights in Camogli! I am assuming that there are taxis between the two towns if we do not want to lug things on the train..

That would provided a certain insurance that you'd like at least one, if not both. One time we traveled with friends staying in the Northern Italian lake country and they stayed in one town while we stayed in another for part of the trip. It provided a space in our togetherness, gave us some alone time, and gave us the opportunity to "host" each other in our respective towns. It was kind of fun. Of course, that opens the possibility that each of you might like the other's town best. Just like our friends jokingly accuse us of always getting "the good room" when stay in the same hotel together.

ek,

Splitting the time may be a good compromise. I love Camogli, but, I have only spent two or three nights each time. It is pretty small and perhaps for six nights, you would find it REALLY small.

I cannot thank both of you enough. I don't remember every having so much difficulty deciding between hotels.
Thanks for bearing with me in my obsessiveness!

Now my only decision will be whether to take the Metropole in SML (pool and beach open, villa rooms can not be assured) or spend a lot more and go with the Miramare in SML (pool and beach also open).

In Camogli the Cenobio will be the place.

So we will have 3 in SML; 3 in Camogli; and 3 in Genoa..
unless of course we do 2 in Genoa and 1 in some hideaway in a small village nearby.......(!!)

I could be wrong, and we only saw Genoa from our train windows, but I'm wondering if others think 3 nights in Genoa is a good idea. I don't see it written up here as a recommended place to stay.

Many on this board like Genoa, but it is not on my list of places to re-visit. Maybe I missed the good parts.

We could cut this to 2 nights in Genoa if I find another interesting town in which to spend a night....maybe inland Liguria??

We may take that train to Casella on one of our Genoa days.

Hi Eks - Like others, I'm not sure I'd choose to stay in Genoa - you can easily visit Genoa as a day-trip from Camogli or SML.

Why not spend a couple of days on the Riviera del Ponente instead?
Finale Ligure? Noli? Further west?

Steve

Steve..the Genoa idea comes from one of my travel companions who is very interested in seaports and maritime history. We have to leave from the Genoa airport and, after I did some reading in the Cadogan guide I thought that the city sounded interesting enough to devote a few nights. And then I found the information on that train that travels to Casella. (He also likes trains).

I will suggest that we cut the time in Genoa to two, or even one, night..

Thank you!

I forgot to mention that in Genoa I may want to visit the Staglieno cemetery:



http://www.significantcemeteries.net...ova/Intro.html

If you want to swim in the sea, Eks, consider Paraggi (- between SML and Portofino). Picturesque little cove with private beach ...

http://tinyurl.com/45yccm

http://tinyurl.com/3qzohx

Steve

Steve

Do you mind if I use the first picture as my desktop? That is beautiful. Is it possible to reach Paraggi by bus or ferry?

WOW!!!!!!!!!! Wow again!!! Thank you, Steve!

I booked three nights in Camogli and will follow this with 3 in SML..can I get to Paraggi by public transport? Or even walking from SML?

Steve is the first picture of a resort or of a private home? We've gone by it by boat several times and I've seen pix of it many times, can you actually stay there? What's the name?

Not to put a damper on your plans, but I'm wondering why you want to change hotels at all.

From either SML or Camogli you can criss-cross this whole region several times in a day...it's not that big. The towns aren't very different.

Unless you enjoy switching hotels just for the joy of switching, I don't see what this does for you.

I'm inclined to agree with Steve here. Why not take a few of those days and visit another area...the Lake region comes to mind.

Paraggi is on the bus route between SML and Portofino.

The ferries don't stop there, unfortunately

Scatcat - The photo isn't mine - so feel free

Julie - I don't remember if it's a private home or a hotel.

Maybe you could write to the Tourist Office and ask?
[email protected]

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Many, many thanks! I will present these ideas to my friends but I am still wondering just how bad Genoa can be that we could not find some interesting things to do in two days. Remember, one of my friends has this interest in seaports.

But if you all think it is a really awful place, I will do my best to alter the plans...

About the Lakes....what would be the easiest access from SML? If I can persuade my friends to forego Genoa, would a car be the best option? Is there any direct public transportation from SML or from Genoa?

And after that we would have to travel to Malpensa for our flight home. Would the Lakes really work for 3 nights from SML?

I will have to bring you each a bottle of Ligurian olive oil for all of your kindness in helping me out!

It's me again! A quick look turned up the idea of traveling by car to the Lakes after SML if we can forego Genoa.

It appears that Stresa has direct transport to Malpensa. Would that town be a good base for 3 nights? If so, we could let go of the car once we reach our hotel on the Lake and then get to the airport by bus..

I wonder if this is the Paraggi location Steve posted.


http://www.hotelparaggi.it/


Those pictures are so beautiful I had to look for it, too!

Byrd