In St. Gilgen I like the Gasthof Kendler in the heart of this quaint village. The town is magical and you can boat the rest of the Wolgangsee from there. There is also bus and train service into Salzburg.<BR><BR>The reason I like Stella d' Italia is because it is on Lake Lugano, with boat service into Lugano from the hotel dock, and it is only :20 from Mennagio and the west shore of Lago Como. That way you can do both from one location. And, the Ortelli family is so nice. I have stayed there twice. Good luck !

The penny drops (as they say in British mysteries). Rex, you are saying that if one stays at your Stella d'Italia, it's possible to boat around Lake Lugano and day-trip to towns on Lake Como, as well? Bellagio and Varenna for instance? That's interesting. Unfortunately for me, the Stella may be out of price range.

Hi Again All, The great info received on this site continues to amaze me...The Stella d'Italia sounds great, BobTN. As stated, we will have 2 nights and will be driving from Grindelwald. Perhaps we can boat a bit on Lugano that first afternoon and then spend the next day on Como. We will have a car, but will it be a problem driving and parking in Menaggio to boat around Como? Is there a bus or transportation of some sort from near Stella to Menaggio? Suggestions? Does this plan sound better than Lake Maggiore--Stresa, etc? From what I have learned here, it seems Como is most popular? I emailed Stella some time ago and they quoted me 275,000 lira per night..Is that about 150 US dollars? That is up there somewhat, but there are other properties we're using which are somewhat less. Maybe it will even itself out.<BR>Bob, I contacted the Paradiso in Portovenere. Did you say you recommended half board or not? I was thinking not as we will most likely be with relatives. The rate is still 140 Euros per night. Does that sound right? Any ohter suggestions in the area?<BR>We still have work to do on Tuscany. Has anyone stayed at Locanda Bandito or the B and B Fagiolari? Comments?<BR>By the way, BobTN, I contacted Gasthof Kendler in St. Gilgen. Sounds great at 80 Euros. Thanks for your help, everyone. We are getting excited--5 months to go! I'll look for you responses. The Traveler

I hope this all helps--you have a great trip going here. There is a bus from San Mamete to Mennagio, but parking should not be a major challenge. The ferry boats depart Mennagio to Bellagio and Varenna on a regular schedule--I would guess hourly. In Portovenere, the Paradiso is a good hotel but their food is just average.I would not take the half-board given a choice--they always push it. We have stayed there twice. You are going to my favorite haunts. I will appreciate a report upon return.

oopps, Forgot to say that half-board at the Stella d' Italia IS a good idea. I suspect the price you have may include it---I think of the price there as about $120 max for B&B--hmmm !<BR>Ask for room # 3 if possible. Stresa is also wonderful--tough choices in life, but if you want Como then this location is a good option.

Hi! I'm back for Tuscany help!! We have a few accomodation possibilities, and I would like some input from all you expert travelers!<BR> 1)Le Traverse--Pienza It seems highly rec here<BR> 2)Fagiolari--Panzano Rec by Karen Brown<BR> 3)Locanda La Bandita--Sinalunga<BR> 4)La Spinoza--Barberina Val d'Elsa<BR> 5)Tenuta di Lupinari--Bucine Rec by Iesolana as they have no avail<BR> 6)Bolsinina--near Siena<BR><BR>I have seen most of these on Karen Brown's site and some rec here. Can anyone tell me of their experience and what you think would be bestlocation..I would like to see some of southern Tusc and we are traveling from Portovenere and on to Venice. Thank you much. TheTraveler<BR><BR>

No question in my mind. I love the Pienza location. Central Chianti is not as authentic as south Tuscany. Go to the site www.slowtrav.com for great advice and other options. There is a place near Montalcino--something like La Crocione--that is also good. Also look at Hotel Posta Marcucci in Bagno Vignoni---a nice spa hotel in a great location not far from Pienza. Good luck!

Hi All! Wow! It's March already! Time for another update and some additional questions for all of you. Well, our itinerary and hotel accomodations are all set. Thanks for all your advice. I'll be sure to share with you upon our return. I think we are getting more and more into the "nitty gritty" of it all now. I'll start with a couple of questions:<BR> 1) Which route (driving) do you think will be the best from Grindelwald to San Mamete? How long will this drive take?<BR><BR> 2) We will be traveling from Portovenere to Pienza and we're thinking of stopping by Pisa and possibly San G on the way. Does this sound like it will work or too time consuming? I am certain the autostrada will be faster but this may be a chance to see some sites on the way? Route suggestions? It looks like we could go thru Certaldo to San G or thru Volterra and on to San G. <BR>Suggestions? <BR><BR>Thanks all...I'll be back! TheTraveler.

Buona sera traveler, I am going to love to hear about this trip--it sounds like a great one. I have not driven the other route so cannot really comment. I have only done the Kandestag, Brig, Locarno, Lugano route and that means a train thru the mountain--kinda fun but the train[with car] schedule will dictate. The route to Pienza can easily be done on S-68 thru Volterra. It will be hard to do all 3 diversions in one day. The drive itself is probably 4.5 hours but Pisa may take time--it can be a hassle. Volterra is cool and on the route, but 2:00 PM in San Gim. will be crowded--you may have to prioritize. Hope this helps.

top it off!

Bob The Nav: What alternatives are there for the drive from Grindelwald to San Mamete? The Gotthard Pass and the Simplon(sp?) Pass have been mentioned to me. We will be driving. Is the Gotthard tunnel open? Which will have the best mountain passes but shortest time?<BR>You mention Pisa can be difficult...How so? Any advice? The other couple has never seen and we thought we would make a quick stop as long as we will be so close. I get the impression from this site that you can arrange tickets in ad vance..Good idea? Route suggestions in and out of Pisa?<BR><BR>If we travel thru Volterra and/or San G what is the best route to Pienza from there...S2 all the way?<BR><BR>Grazie! Ciao for now. TheTraveler.

Hi,<BR><BR>the Gotthard tunnnel is open, but if the weather is fine I recommend to drive over the pass. I did the following very scenic route:<BR><BR>Grindelwald-Meiringen-Innertkirchen-Susten Pass (easy to drive) - Wassen - Andermatt - Gotthard Pass - Airolo - Lugano<BR><BR>It takes about 3 hours, but you should make some stops to enjoy the scenery (Susten Pass - Steingletscher).<BR><BR>Another good route with beautiful scenery and less traffic is:<BR><BR>Grindelwald - Meiringen - Innertkirchen - Grimsel Pass - Gletsch - Ulrichen - Nufenen Pass - Airolo - Lugano<BR><BR>Similar distance and time. The southern side of Grimsel Pass is a little more difficult to drive, but the scenery is spectacular.<BR><BR>Ingo

Topper

Hi. For my geography class i am doing a project on Germany, and I was wondering when is the best and worst times to go to Germany. And i am suppose to talk about 4 different events i will be attending. So is there a certain month with a lot of events? So if you could please email me that would be great. thanks!

I have read this thread and wonder if you are allowing any time for the sheer pleasure of exploring? To each his own, but your trip feels a bit too structured. Loosen up and have fun getting lost once in awhile. The best places are oft discovered this way.