To Bootman
 

I'm guilty as charged, I love Tuscany. As Italy is my favorite country--LOVE everything about it, what other areas sould be explored> Please enlighten me!!

I agree that Tuscany is one of the prettiest areas in Italy...no doubt about it. I also think areas in the Dolomites and around Lake Como are also beautiful as well as the oft overlooked Adriatic Coast. What disappoints me is that whenever someone asks the question, "Where should I/we go?" the answer always seems to be Tuscany as if there wern't ANY other places. What is even more disappointing is that so many who post here don't seem to have done any sorty of research whatsoever as to where they might visit and I find that perplexing. How does one decide to go anywhere without at least some idea of why they should go there in the first place? Sadly, I think there are many who seem to feel they need the approval, or even "permission" of others to travel to one place or another rather than simply going, discovering (and if it turns out not to have been "worth it"..well, that's one of the adventurous parts of travel, I think.

Thank you, Bootman, I have been in the Lake Como area and it was enchanting. Haven't experienced southern Italy, but am interested. Any thoughts or recommendations?

We leave for Menaggio on the 16th (spending a couple of days there and then on to Paris as well as Rome and Munich). This time we have decided to stay at the Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio ( a different hotel than we have used prior) and I was thinking of posting some sort of travel report when we return. I am hoping that in that travel report I can be non-subjective when describing the experience although that is very difficult I admit. One reason I use a variety of sources to decide on where to go/where to stay is that what is "charming" and "wonderful" for me may end up being "dreadful and a dump" for someone else!
Anyway, like those wonderful vistas with the cypress trees in Tuscany I enjoy just kicking back and staring at the steep shores of the lake some times.
Gee, I wonder if it will rain or ther'll be a volcanic eruption <G>..I'll let you know what happens.

I'm planning a trip to Italy in 2004 and what kind of amuses me when I read your pet peeve is all the recommendations I've gotten "Don't spend so much time in the city - go to Tuscany - stay in Tusdany - enjoy the country side"

I live in rural Iowa. I drive through the country every day. I'm sure Tuscany is beautiful and I will visit it, but for me, the BIG CITY is a vacation :-)

Joelle