Riviera & Piemonte (and Garda also!) Final Decision Help!
 

Hello,

SO I am finalizing a lot of arrangements for our July - August trip and am really stuck on a few things that I can't seem to find anywhere! The trip is this summer, me and my great aunt (ages 29 & 74 at trip time) and in these two spots we are really looking for some relaxation, a beach, good food, good wine, and maybe some shopping and a few historical sites while we are at it. Minimal hiking, etc.although a short easy one will be doable.

#1: Where to base ourselves on the riviera! I was thinking Camogli, but am now wondering if Vernazza or SML would be better? I need serious help! We would like to get a taste for many of the towns on the riviera (including some of the CT and Portofino). Travelling between these by boat would wonderful too.

#2: Can we rent a car in Alba (as opposed to renting it somewhere else and driving TO Alba?) We would like to minimize long drives and instead utilize trains and boats as much as possible - but I can't find much about this...

#3: Any hotel recommendations in Garda? Having a very hard time finding much info online! Also, do we need a car here? Thought maybe a day trip to Padua would be nice, but do we really need a car in Garda?

I know these are very random questions, but I am stuck on these topics - I have gotten so much help here that I figured I would try again!

Thank you all in advance!

ALSO: Any recs for thermal spas or cooking classes in any of these places? Any other unique experiences?

Thanks!

Help!?

I cannot help you decide where to stay but Camogli is a fine choice. If you google "Alba rental car" you get several hits.

You can get to Desenzano del Garda by train with a change in Milano.

A train to Padua from there takes about an hour.

Ok - thank you!

Either Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure would be excellent choices.
We enjoyed staying in both Salo and Malcesine on Lake Garda.
Alba is wonderful! You should be able to find a cookkng class there. Ask your hotel for help.