We are returning to Italy in June after such a great trip last year! Any thoughts on our itinerary--hotel suggestions etc.. would be great!!!! <BR>Fly to Venice---stay at Hotel Flora for two nights <BR>Train to Florence --pick up rental car and head to Montefollonico for two nights at the Locanda la Costa--- side trips to Assisi, Pienza, Montalcino etc. <BR>Drive to Gaiole in Chianti--one night at the Ultimo Mulino --travel around Chianti since we missed quite alot last year! <BR>Drive to Portofino--stay two nights at the Cenobio dei Dogi in Camogli ---hike, sightsee etc( any suggestions!) <BR>Drive to Lake Como and stay at the Hotel Florence at Bellagio for two nights--one night at the Villa d'este for a splurge on our last night before heading home from Milan the last day! <BR>Any help, suggestions, restaurants--should we keep the car in the Lake area or turn it in and ferry around?? THank you so much <BR>We always listen to the Fodorites--that's how I plan my trip itineraries!!! <BR>Mary

I'm envious - good restaurant in Santa Margherita Ligure called Da Alfredo - about 10 minutes from Portofino. In PF, go to the top of the castle - great views - we were not impressed with the lighthouse.. Would recommend taking the train to the villages of the Cinque Terre - leave Portofino early - maybe drive to Levanto and leave the car and take the train or ferry from one village to another - special!!

I agree, visit Cinque Terre. Tellaro is amazing, Bonassola is the less turistic. In Camogli try restaurant Rosa, it's up on the hill and has a wonderful view. If you're looking for nightlife go to "Il Covo di Nord-Est" a piano bar in S.Margherita, 5 minutes by car from Portofino. Lake of Como: driving is the best way to enjoy the area, even if some roads are very narrow (often in Italy). Visit Cernobbio and go to restaurant Gatto Nero in Rovenna, a fraction of Cernobbio,via Monte Santo,69 tel.+ 39 031 512042. Book in advance and ask for a table with a (wonderful) view of the lake. Another lavish restaurant by the lake is <BR>°°° IMPERIALINO <BR>Moltrasio (CO) <BR>Tel. +39 031 346600 - fax 031/346606 <BR>Via Antica Regina 26; they have one table nestled in a gazebo. Try to book that one. <BR>If you're spending one day in Milano go to EL BRELLIN Vicolo Lavandai corner of Alzaia Naviglio Grande <BR>T +39 02 58101351 H 11.00AM-3.00PM/6.00PM-02.00AM restaurant with live piano music on weekends and brunch on Sundays. <BR>Enjoy! <BR> <BR> <BR>

I think you may have too tight a schedule. My experience has been that leaving a little "wiggle room" for the sights and sounds of travel that you did not expect is most beneficial. <BR>Don't over book it because you then are often forced to leave something great but unexpected. <BR>I know in Salzburg, we did not overbook and spent two fun hours listening to young musicians perform in the streets. <BR>I had not anticipated that pleasure and we just stopped and listened to more than one group.

THanks for all the tips! We went to Tuscany and Florence last summer--so alot of this part of the trip is familiar---- but it is always great to get new ideas from the Fodorites! <BR>Mary

I'm so jealous! sitting here in a stuffy office, it's cold outside and the sun hasn't shone for two weeks now and you are getting to plan a trip to Italy! Plan on drinking a glass (or bottle)of wine at Badia a Coltibuono near Gaiole or eat a delicious dish of sage ravioli at La Bottega di Volpaia(near Radda) in honor of those of us who don't get a trip this year! buon viaggio