I have been to neither but need to be convinced to choose one or the other. The time will be one week in the middle of September. Which is more gorgeous, in your opinion? More fun? Better food? Sightseeing (very slow and easy), relaxing, romance and good food are the agenda.

I really appreciate all suggestions. I have transportation to Rome or Milan, and a limited amount of time and energy, so I have narrowed my choices to these two places, but if you would like to suggest something else, please do.

I have been to Lake Como and I am making plans to go back for a longer (much longer) stay. I have not been to Positano so I am biased.

You might want to do some research on weather (temperatures really).

You can't go wrong. What a decision. Here's another option to consider. If you decide to go to the lakes instead of toward Amalfi, would you consider Lake Maggiore? (I am not necessarily suggesting the lakes are a better option, but IF you head north...)We spent our 30th anniversary in and around the Barromean Islands. The major town is Stresa, but the real draw is the islands which are full of gardens. We stayed on Fisherman's Island (Pescatori--might be misspelled) in the Verbano Villa. It is not luxurious, but it has views to die for, large rooms, huge decks, helpful staff, and oozes romance. Our room faced Isola Bella. The villa has a restaurant that is well-considered in all the books. We didn't eat there, so I can't comment personally. I am sure there are great restaurants along the hotels on the lake in Stresa. Each of the three islands is a treasure in and of itself, but I think Verbano may be the only hotel on any of them. Enjoy the decision and the trip. PJK

;-) I wish I were enjoying the decision making process a little more. I am so torn!

I will definetly consider Maggiore, as I have only heard good things. Your trip sounds great, and tomorrow I'm going to surf your recs. thanks!

Both destinations are great. So are a whole bunch of other places in Italy. You just have to check out as many travel sites as possible to decide which suits you best.

Check out my web site which contains descriptions of several trips to Italy including to both these areas...

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/5733/

BTW, my personal recommendation is the lakes area. September is a great time to visit and it's a very relaxing place. Bellagio, on Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Hi t,

> I am so torn! <

It doesn't matter. You will enjoy them both.

Flip a coin for this trip and go to the other one next trip.

Your suggestion of need for slow and easy sightseeing, relaxation, romance and good food sound more like Lake Como to me. Positano has a bit more youthful, exciting vibe than Como which seems to be to be more relaxing, romantic, etc. Rent a copy of the movie A Month by the Lake and crank Rex up to extol the virtues of visiting Villa Balbianella. For my part I can vouch for the beauty of the gardens in Bellagio/Varenna, etc., the fun of having lunch at Isola Comacina, the enchantment of having lunch under the wisteria at Hotel Florence in Bellatio and drinks at the bar at Hotel Florence, etc. etc. etc. I can also go on at length about the fun of visiting Positano but it just doesn't seem to fit your request for relaxation as well as Lake Como. Stay in Menaggio, Bellagio or Varenna. Park your car and travel liesurely by steamboat/ferry between places. How relaxing is that?!

My wife and I were in Italy the last two weeks in September. We left Positano, whwere the weather was beautiful, and went to Lake Como where the weather was dreary. Only bad weather we had all trip. I vote for Positany, not only because the weather will probably be better, but the food and sightseeing are superb as well. Lake Como is like a sleepy Lake Tahoe, so if relaxing is the main goal, go there.
I'd also consider heading to Lake Como directly from Milan, then fly midweek to Naples on a local airline, then by car to Positano. We did this trip in reverse last fall and it was great. The Naples to Milan flight was quite reasonable and interesting as the only Americans on the plane!