month's stay in Italy
Jul 14th, 2014, 11:19 AM
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month's stay in Italy
My wife and fell in love with Italy, and want to go back for an extended stay, perhaps a month, with one home base, and perhaps a few day trips. Our wishes: to be close to the sea, at least within an hour’s drive. To be in a town or city (not rural); We like museums, boat rides, dining out, and getting to know neighbors and perhaps make friends. Moderate priced lodgings, maybe 800 Euros/week or less). We would so love your suggestions as far as location and lodgings.
Jul 14th, 2014, 12:22 PM
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sandralist--I also thought of Palermo and Napoli. We stayed in Pozzuoli--north of Napoli-- for a while and liked it a lot. I did a quick search and see that vacation apartment rentals in Pozzuoli near the Metro line start at around 55 Euro/day. People were very friendly. You could get out to Pompeii and Sorrento--as well as to the port--very easily. There is a commuter ferry, etc.
Jul 22nd, 2014, 10:56 AM
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Thank you so much for taking the time to help. In answer to bvlenci, we would like to go in September or April. On the first visit, we loved Venice, Lake Como, and Verona.
In answer to where, I think perhaps we'd most look at anything close to the sea. Not a large city, but not rural. Thanks!
In answer to where, I think perhaps we'd most look at anything close to the sea. Not a large city, but not rural. Thanks!
Jul 22nd, 2014, 11:29 AM
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viareggio is a primo seaside resort town that in those months will be much calmer than peak summer - a very plesant town and nicely located for day trips to the Cinque Terre, Lucca, Pisa, Florence and Tuscan hill towns.
Accommodations may be cheaper here as well than a major tourist city at this time of year.
Accommodations may be cheaper here as well than a major tourist city at this time of year.
Jul 22nd, 2014, 11:43 AM
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April is really not a good time to go to Viareggio. There are pleasant towns near there that are little more protected from spring storms and not so utterly dependent on summer holiday tourism to give them life.
For the months you are contemplating, you might like Lucca or Pietrasanta (the latter being a smaller town). Lerici, in Liguria, has nicer weather than Viareggio by a hair, and it much prettier, but it is best with a car.
However, you had such a nice time near the Adriatic that you might give a preference to being there. Padova or Ravenna might work for you -- or just return to Venice! Consider Treviso too.
Something else you might consider is spending 2 weeks on one coast and 2 weeks on the other. A big part of the delight of Italy is its tremendous and even startling variety, where you can travel just a few hours and see and experience something completely different when it comes to architecture and cuisine.
For the months you are contemplating, you might like Lucca or Pietrasanta (the latter being a smaller town). Lerici, in Liguria, has nicer weather than Viareggio by a hair, and it much prettier, but it is best with a car.
However, you had such a nice time near the Adriatic that you might give a preference to being there. Padova or Ravenna might work for you -- or just return to Venice! Consider Treviso too.
Something else you might consider is spending 2 weeks on one coast and 2 weeks on the other. A big part of the delight of Italy is its tremendous and even startling variety, where you can travel just a few hours and see and experience something completely different when it comes to architecture and cuisine.
Jul 24th, 2014, 10:25 AM
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Bob....you are the "go to guy" for Italy. My familiarity with Italy is pretty good, but always looking for newer and better sources and rates. Would you supply a few names for drivers on the Amalfi coast. I will need transportation for my family from Naples Centrale to Sorrento. Grazie
Jul 24th, 2014, 11:18 AM
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Sure---hope this helps !
NAVIGATING on the AMALFI COAST
HOW TO GET THERE: You have to want to—it may not be easy. The best option is to land in Naples, but that is not always feasible. Most travelers access it from Rome by train to Naples—a trip of less than two hours. Once in Naples, you have a choice. The local commuter train, Circumversuviana, leaves from the same train station and takes about an hour to SORRENTO, with a possible stop at “ Pompeii Scavi” to see the famed ruins. However, to access any of the coastal towns you must then take a SITA bus or a taxi.
The best option is to hire a private driver to meet you at the Naples station or airport and take you directly to your hotel. Expect to pay about 100E. www.tourofitaly.com www.francescomarrapese.com
www.angelodriver.com www.guemartravel.com
OR, use this shuttle service: http://www.positanoshuttle.com/
WHERE TO LOCATE & WHAT TO SEE: Ah, what not to see? This is the most stunning scenery in all of Italy---be sure to pack the camera. Your daily activities will be somewhat determined by your location. SORRENTO is really on the Bay of Naples and not the Amalfi Coast [AC], but is the most convenient location for day trips to Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. The town is larger & relatively flat. In contrast, POSITANO is the most spectacular village on the AC but is almost vertical and a real challenge for your legs.
Hotel choices in Positano should be evaluated by their location in town relative to the beach or position on the hill above the beach. AMALFI & RAVELLO are other popular destinations but are further down the coast.
NOTE: Any of the drivers above can be hired for day trip excursions but should be booked well in advance. Expect to pay about 35E/hour.
Here are my top five activities for this fabulous coast:
• Seeing the coast from the water---the best option. Hire a boat and pray for good weather—here is one www.gennaroesalvatore.it
• Day trip to Capri by hydrofoil from Sorrento or Positano—in season
• Day trip to Ravello by local bus or driver. This lovely village is high above the coast with great views---see Villa Cimbrone.
• Day trip to Pompeii. Plan on spending 4 hours to see it well. You can take the commuter train from Sorrento or hire a driver. If you want a guide for Pompeii consider www.luciapompeiiguide.com/
• Shopping for ceramics and sipping LIMONCELLO. The latter is not to be missed---I still have it almost daily at home after dinner.
WHERE TO EAT: I hope you like seafood. Here are some of my favorites:
* In Positano: Da Vincenzo Buca di Bacco Da Constantino
* In Ravello: Cumpa Cosimo Villa Maria
* In Montepertuso above Positano: http://www.latagliata.com/
NAVIGATING on the AMALFI COAST
HOW TO GET THERE: You have to want to—it may not be easy. The best option is to land in Naples, but that is not always feasible. Most travelers access it from Rome by train to Naples—a trip of less than two hours. Once in Naples, you have a choice. The local commuter train, Circumversuviana, leaves from the same train station and takes about an hour to SORRENTO, with a possible stop at “ Pompeii Scavi” to see the famed ruins. However, to access any of the coastal towns you must then take a SITA bus or a taxi.
The best option is to hire a private driver to meet you at the Naples station or airport and take you directly to your hotel. Expect to pay about 100E. www.tourofitaly.com www.francescomarrapese.com
www.angelodriver.com www.guemartravel.com
OR, use this shuttle service: http://www.positanoshuttle.com/
WHERE TO LOCATE & WHAT TO SEE: Ah, what not to see? This is the most stunning scenery in all of Italy---be sure to pack the camera. Your daily activities will be somewhat determined by your location. SORRENTO is really on the Bay of Naples and not the Amalfi Coast [AC], but is the most convenient location for day trips to Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. The town is larger & relatively flat. In contrast, POSITANO is the most spectacular village on the AC but is almost vertical and a real challenge for your legs.
Hotel choices in Positano should be evaluated by their location in town relative to the beach or position on the hill above the beach. AMALFI & RAVELLO are other popular destinations but are further down the coast.
NOTE: Any of the drivers above can be hired for day trip excursions but should be booked well in advance. Expect to pay about 35E/hour.
Here are my top five activities for this fabulous coast:
• Seeing the coast from the water---the best option. Hire a boat and pray for good weather—here is one www.gennaroesalvatore.it
• Day trip to Capri by hydrofoil from Sorrento or Positano—in season
• Day trip to Ravello by local bus or driver. This lovely village is high above the coast with great views---see Villa Cimbrone.
• Day trip to Pompeii. Plan on spending 4 hours to see it well. You can take the commuter train from Sorrento or hire a driver. If you want a guide for Pompeii consider www.luciapompeiiguide.com/
• Shopping for ceramics and sipping LIMONCELLO. The latter is not to be missed---I still have it almost daily at home after dinner.
WHERE TO EAT: I hope you like seafood. Here are some of my favorites:
* In Positano: Da Vincenzo Buca di Bacco Da Constantino
* In Ravello: Cumpa Cosimo Villa Maria
* In Montepertuso above Positano: http://www.latagliata.com/
