I'm thinking of planning a trip to Italy for some time next year. What do I absolutely have to see? I've been to Rome, Naples and Capri (loved them all), so I'd like to do something different this time. I'm especially looking for roads less travelled. I definitely plan on going to a small town in Abruzzi called Castel Frentano, where my great-grandparents were born (anyone been there?) So any info about that region would be especially appreciated. Thank you!

One more question that I forgot to put in my original message -- is it better to rent a car or just stick to public transportation? Anyone have any advice about driving in Italy?

Meredith: I've only driven in Italy twice, but I wouldn't go any other way. You have so much more freedom to explore, especially the small towns and out of the way places. In addition, you aren't bound by schedules. <BR>I don't know the town you've asked about, but I too visited the town of my grand-parents, in Sicily, in the foothills of Etna. It was a very moving experience and one I will never forget.

Piazza San Marco - Venice <BR> <BR>Venice in general. Unbelievable, but take all the Lira you can carry.

I rented a small car, but go for the Fiat rather than Opel etc, you want a bit of horsepower, especially for the autostrada. I did not find driving that harrowing, but then, I drive I-95 on a daily basis, so I guess it depends on what you are used to. <BR> <BR>Ciao!!

MEREDITH, JUST GOT FROM ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH...LAKE COMO...WE STAYED IN VARENNA ON THE LAKE,GOT THERE BY TRAIN FROM MILAN, STAYED AT THE HOTEL DU LAC. WE TOOK FERRIES ACROSS TO BELAGIO. IT WAS A VERY NICE BREAK AFTER THE MUSEUMS, CROWDS AND HEAT IN FLORENCE. I WILL GO BACK THERE...

Have you thought about Noethern Italy? we have traveled often in northern Italy. The Dolomites and the various mountain passes are magnicent. We have been to Verona, Venice and Vicennes..Also to Merano and Bergamo in the Trrnto region. In fact in Vicennes was the first time we tried Rissotto, a northern dish. Exzcellent pizza there also. We stayed in San Vito in the Dolomites a nice small town. Having not traveled further south than Venice, I can't compare it to another region, except that when we plan to visit Italy it is always in the northern secion <BR> alan

<BR>The reason people rave about Tuscan is because it is so great. I would highly recommend Siena and (if you can go off season) Florence. <BR> <BR>But the beauty of tuscany is in the countryside, in the little villages and quiet fattorie, where you can buy great wine and olive oil. If you go remember that Vino da Tavola is often better than the Chianti Classico. <BR> <BR>It's also all very different from where you've been before

<BR>A MUST IS THE RIVIERA - SANTA MARGHERITA - PORTOFINO - CINQUE TERRE.TRY HOTEL FASCE WITH THEIR SPECIAL OFFER , WHERE-EVER HAVE A GOOD TRIP <BR>

We are travelling to Italy in early October and plan to visit the Riviera. Any suggestions on where to stay and what to do in Portofino area? <BR> <BR>Thanks

Definitely rent the car and drive the little towns in Tuscany. A real highlight. Italy was easy to drive in, though I would not recommend it for the cities. Would train to Venice/Florence, etc. Drive the S222 south out of Florence, a really pretty drive and just stop along the way and try the wines, etc. and discover the little towns. Have a great time...we're all wishing we were going with you!

Watch out for the pick-pockets operating in Rome.

<BR>I would definitely visit the Cinque Terre. It is the most amazing place I've traveled. We rented an apartment there for a week that overlooked the crashing waves and it was perfect. It is a must to travel by train to this area.

Meredith, <BR> As a frequent traveller to Italy, I would definitely get a car, especially going to Abruzzi. When you get to the big cities (Rome, Florence Naples) just park the car and walk or use public transportation. <BR> We've been to Abruzzi several times, and stayed in L'Aquila, Sulmona,Scanno, and in the Abruzzi national park- all really enjoyable. I don't know your grandparents little town, but I guarantee it will be the highlight of your trip. Email me for more if you want. <BR> Ciao, <BR>Tom

I have hotel nea Cortona

Hotel restaurant PORTOLE is situated amidi the wood and fields of Tuscan mountainside,a 7 km from the ancient <BR>Etruscan town of CORTONA,a centre of art and culture. <BR>www.emmeti.it/HRportole.html <BR>

Mere, We've seen a bit of Italy, by car, train, boat and bike. For us, the roads less travelled would be Alberobello, Vieste (Apulia), Erice, Cefalu and Lipari (Sicily) Civita di Bagnoregio (Tuscany) the Dolomites and the Ticino in the North.

Nothing beats finding famglia and seeing family records.We went to Campli and it was a moving experience, We stayed in Teramo which is a bustling smallish city and very "untouristy".

HIT TUSCANY FIRST, 4 DAYS, THEN VENICE 3 DAYS AND LAKE COMO 4 DAYS. <BR>The Lake region is absolutely beautiful (the village of Bellagio can be visited from Lake Como via the ferry, 30 minutes max, Bellagio is said to be the most beautiful village in Europe !!!<BR>