Italy

Dh wants to take a trip to Italy, but how do you plan such a trip. Neither one of us has been there. I dont want it to be all tours, I would like it to be more romantic and relaxing. Any suggestions on where in Italy to visit? and how to plan this?

Re: Italy

No mater whee you go in Italy its romantic IMO.
It all depends on how much time you want to go for and how much you would want to see.
Ive been to Rome, Florence, Venice and Capri.
Rome and Venice are not to be missed and if your only there for a short time. There is so much history and beauty in both places, its breathtaking. Capri was great relaxing but a biot long to get to. Florence is on the top of my list also, we went to a vinyard and spent the day there. Please fm me with any questions I would be more than happy to help out.

Re: Italy

DH and I went to Italy, no tour. We went to Venice, Rome and Milan. IMO Venice is a must see. Also, Rome has so much history it is a must see as well. Try checking out Fodors Talk. The forums there are very helpful. I would determine how long you want to stay first and then see what cities you can fit in.

Re: Italy

Thank you so much!

Re: Italy

Joe and I opted to not go on a tour also, but wanted to see many places. We visited more places than most do during their trips, but wouldn't change a thing. Our itinerary:

We flew into Rome, but drove directly to Tuscany. We stayed in a quaint town called Montelpulciano, which was beautiful. Joe and I are more into the country-side and seeing less touristy areas so this was a great pick. While in Montelpulciano, we made day trips to Siena, Milan, Pisa, Florence, and all of the other touristy areas that were nearby. They were very easy to drive to (like a half hour away) and for us, we preferred to just visit them for a day and go back to our relaxing coutryside villa. (Hotel Il Marzocco)

Next, we drove to Monterosso, which is one of the five fishing islands in Cinque Terre. This, IMO, is a MUST SEE while in Italy. It is absolutely breathtaking. The drive was kind of scary (very windy, hilly roads) but like nothing you've EVER seen before (at least for us.) We stayed in a private cottage which was part of Hotel Porta Roca (highly recommended.) If you're into nature (mountains, crystal clear blue water, views), this is the place to be. This is where Europeans vacation. It's like a vacation from your vacation which is needed when you're doing so much sightseeing! Many people hike through the villages (they have easy paved trails and harder trails for experienced hikers) to see the different towns. You can also just 'veg' by the sea.

From Monterosso, we went to the lake region. We stayed in a town called Cernobbio, which is right next to Como. We drove into Como (2 minute drive) to do shopping and go out to dinner and stuff, but again, we opted to stay in the less congested area bc that was our preference. Cernobbio is where Clooney and some other famous people live. It's beautiful. We rented a boat while we were there (the lake was right across from our hotel), which was alot of fun. (Hotel Centrale) Cernobbio is also about a 20 minute drive from Lugano, Switzerland, so we made a day trip there too which is a MUST (IMO) if you stay there. It's breathtaking. Plus, you get to see another country which is cool IMO.

From Cernobbio, we drove to Venice, which was a looooooooooong drive -- very tiring --- but a beautiful drive. We stayed at Hotel Montecarlo which was very nice. Venice was amazing, happy we made it there. We didn't have it on our original itinerary bc of it's distance from every place else we were visiting, but all of our friends told us it was a must-see. I must admit it was worth the drive but we felt our one-night, two-day stay was enough.

From Venice, we drove to Rome (another long drive) and met up with our friends from NY who happened to be vacationing at the same time as us. We had dinner with them which was nice and visited many of the touristy areas. Again, Joe and I aren't huge city people (for our vacations) so while we're happy we saw Rome, we were also happy we didn't decide to stay there longer than we did. (Albergo/Hotel Diana)

From Rome, we flew into Paris and spent a couple of days there. We stayed in St. Germain which was nice (Hotel Acacias St. Germain).

All in all, we wouldn't have changed a thing. Just make sure you or your hubby is comfortable driving someplace you don't know the language in. It was a little bit stressful at first. My translation book was my savior.

If you'd like any additional info or pictures, feel free to FM me. Have fun!

Susan

Re: Italy

Old Thread on Italy

FM me if you want more info on our trip...

Here are some pictures. First is Lake Como, second is Lake Como from our balcony, third is Vernazza in Cinque Terre, 4th is the pool at our B&B in Tuscany

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Message edited 11/11/2005 1:35:17 PM.

Re: Italy

And Rome....and a winery in Greve in Chianti (in Tuscany)

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Message edited 11/11/2005 1:38:32 PM.

Re: Italy

I just went on a med cruise and we started in Rome went to Sorrento, Portofino, spain, france and menorca island.

we went to capri, toured portofino, we went to Lucca which is in Tuscany, we did a lot in rome saw the colliseum, the vatican, the accadium, st peters square, trevelli fountain , basillica
( sp)the list goes on and on.

we went with tours from the ship and spent a day prior to the cruise in rome for a day and toured. some of these tours though if you are not with a tour its torture to get in and long lines and hours. we waited almost 2 hours to get into the vatican. but sooooo worth it.

anyhows even with the tour they give you hours of alone time to do what you want so it is still very romantic. they are also crazy drivers there. oh also wanted to say the comfort that a driver will be at a certain time to take you back to where you came from and knowing that you can drink and not worry about driving drunk- be prepared there is wine everywhere and lemoncello.
Capri is a must see- OMG we purchased furniture from there and just got it- LOVE IT!!!!

Globus has tours too that are for our age and also freedom tours. I would honestly not feel comfortable going there for a first time not going on a tour. many tours focus on wine tasting and romantic dinners in castles too. GL!!!

Message edited 11/18/2005 7:23:34 PM.

Re: Italy

IMO.........
ROME, VENICE and CAPRI are MUST SEES!!!!!!!!!!


Florence i found to be on the boring side.

We went on a tour and it was the best decision we made. Contrary to believe most of them give you A LOT (actually more than we really wanted) time to explore on your own. And was very romantic.

IMO Venice is the most romantic city. But you can stay 2 days and that is enough. Rome...OMG there is just sooooooooooo much to see. And if you are going to do it on your own, you will need a few days there to see it all.

Capri...HEAVEN ON EARTH