Is the information I have about the Villa Balbianello correct, that it's only open to the public on Tuesdays? I would love to see it but won't be there on a Tuesday so thought I'd miss it again. I hope my facts are wrong. Can someone who has been there recently be specific on their opening times? Thanks.

I was there last August, and it seems to me that Wednesday is the day it's open. I can't remember for sure, so I tried to do a quick search. I couldn't find the answer right away, but I did find a site with a phone number, fax number, and email address: http://www.dimorestoriche.com/balbianello/index_ing.htm

I was there on Sunday, September 10, 2000. I wonder if the limitations are on when certain boats can take you there. <BR> <BR>The site listed above has this e-mail (under "Information"): <BR> <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>It says that the "Opening" is April 1 to October 31. To me, this implies daily - - for those months. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

I can't definitely disagree with you, Rex, because I can't remember all the details. But I think I recall reading about it in Fodor's Italy and adjusting my schedule so that I could be there on the right day. Maybe it's open two days a week. The bottom line is that Julie should contact them or otherwise find out for sure so she isn't disappointed again.

The website of the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, which owns the villa, says it's open April through October, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00-12:30 and 3:30-6:30, with the last entrance one-half hour before closing. It also says that visits are limited to the gardens, and that the interior of the villas can be visited by groups of not more than 12 persons only with permission and reservations. The page includes the phone number and a bunch of other information (in Italian): <BR> http://www.fondoambiente.it/luogo.asp?ID=7

Make that "villa" singular. I'm in contention for Typo Champion of the World.

Thanks to all of you for answering my query. I've only recently tumbled onto this site (read about it in NYTimes article) and have been delighted to meet so many really knowledgeable travelers who are so willing to share their experiences. We leave Tuesday for a month in Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Camogli, Lake Como, Venice, Garda) GAP, Lucerne and Alsatian Wine Road. Though I always keep a journal I'm planning to include more information this time so I can provide a good report and answer more questions upon my return in order to "pay back" for all your help.

Julie, <BR> <BR>I can't tell enough about where in Italy you will be when - - but we are in Garda Sep 22 to Sep 29 (perhaps you arrive there AFTER Sep 29?) - - if you have any interest in a Fodorites' "meet-up". <BR> <BR>More info on www.rexbickers.italy.com <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Thanks, Rex. I checked your site but it doesn't look like we have meet up opportunity. Enjoy your trip.

Julie, <BR>When you are in Camogli eat at Rosa's Ristorante on the water-- the food is wonderful and the scenery overlooking the sea at dusk just beautiful! <BR>Rosa is always there!( I was so enchanted with the food) that we went to nights in a row! <BR>Ciao! <BR>Mary

Mary, glad to hear you like Rosa's. We intend to eat there. Have done it on two previous trips and will surely do it this time too. Besides Rosa's in that area (which we learned of from a Rick Steves show) we also found Manuelina in Recco to be terrific. Their specialty is a flat foccacia with super white cheese. It's all gooey and super good. Try it next time you're in that area.

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