Anyone been to Italy? (1 Viewer)

[Franknbeans]

thinking of going for our 10 year wedding anniversary. Would appreciate any insight you all might bring.

 

[Limp Ditka]

No one has ever been to Italy, but I'm certain their marketing campaign will get someone there, someday.

 

[msommer]

You won't regret it, just don't drive in the big cities.

You might consider renting a house in the countryside after a bit of sightseeing unless you are a hardcore tourist

 

[firstseason1988]

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[Don Quixote]

Here's a thread that I started when I was planning: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=670950

Lots of good advice in there. I ended up doing the Globus tour that I linked to in the OP. Definitely not the best way if you want a slower pace to explore, and we're planning to go back some day to do that. But it let us hit a lot of spots in a short period of time (neither of us had ever been), and my wife needed the rigid schedule to get going in the morning.

But YMMV. It's a big country with a lot to see/do. So, it's up to you on the pace you are looking for and where you want to spend your time.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

My wife and I went to Florence, Venice and Cinque Terre and took a day trip to various places in Tuscany. We loved everywhere we went and only the day trip to Tuscany was through a tour company. In terms of food, we had good success with Rick Steve's reccommendations. A lot of the restaurants have attached cafés that serve the same food in a more relaxed atmosphere for cheaper which is a route I would suggest going.

 

[Sweet Love]

Been a few times...here are some quick thoughts.

Favorite cities:

Florence - my favorite "big" Italian city. Ton to do there, lots of great outdoor markets, museums...just a fun place.

Lucca - Favorite place in Italy, bar none. 30 minutes from Pisa and about a 1 hour train ride from Florence...I would couple Lucca and Florence up. Lucca is small, but great place to just wander and pop in and out of shops or have a picnic. It is a medieval town, surrounded by a 30 foot wall. On top of the wall, you can go biking (park like setting), running, etc. They are known for their "Boar" which you have to try, but it is a bit gamey.

Capri - Beautiful island in Southern Italy. This is where Italians themselves vacation. Great, great seafood and a lot of fun wandering through the streets and alleys. We went in April and it was a little packed, but was one of our favorite vacations.

Least favorite places:

Rome/Milan/Venice/Naples - Honestly, I would pass on these places. If you feel you have to see one, I would go to Rome, but I would skip the other two. Venice can get packed, smelly and I do not think the food is as good there for some reason. Naples is like Newark. Milan is loaded with gypsies and they can get aggressive.

Hope this helps.

 

[(HULK)]

I've been several times and to several parts... although somehow I've missed both Rome and Venice every time.

I LOVE Tuscany. I LOVE the riveria area too. If you can rent a car and drive from Genoa to San Remo, I really strongly recommend you do that. Maybe hit a few towns along the way. Alassio is a beautiful little town wedged between cliffs and the beach about midway.

The world's best pizza? Naples. Also the most stray dogs in any city ever.

Italy has a ton to offer... so, really, what are you looking for.

Think about it this way, if you we're planning on a trip to the United States, your experience could vary wildly depending on which city you go to. So, what are you looking for?

 

[higgins]

 

[(HULK)]

Lucca - Favorite place in Italy, bar none. 30 minutes from Pisa and about a 1 hour train ride from Florence...I would couple Lucca and Florence up. Lucca is small, but great place to just wander and pop in and out of shops or have a picnic. It is a medieval town, surrounded by a 30 foot wall. On top of the wall, you can go biking (park like setting), running, etc. They are known for their "Boar" which you have to try, but it is a bit gamey.

In 1999 I started and ended a European tour from a suburb of Lucca called Sal Tokyo (I'm sure I'm spelling that incorrectly). My buddies grandparents lived there. Right before leaving to take the train from one end of Europe to the other for 5 weeks, my buddy and I went out in Lucca and found an Irish pub aptly named "Irish Pub". For some unknown reason, the bar staff there had no idea how to make a Black and Tan, so I showed them how to make them. They loved them. 5 weeks later I stopped back in before heading home and they had a banner hanging out front that translated to, "Now serving Black and Tans". Lol.

So, if you ever enjoyed a black and tan in Lucca, you're welcome.

 

[ffjunk]

Was there in October and it was great. Visited Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Naples and the Island of Capri. Used a tour company called Gate 1 and they were excellent. If I had to stay in one place it would be Sorrento. Loved it there. The Vatican was incredible and all of Rome was huge. Did this all in 8 days and were pretty busy. Food is outstanding. Amalfi Coast is a must if you are down there.

Doctor Detroit can give a ton of insight as I believe he lived there for a while.

 

[(HULK)]

If you ever have allergies, and you're going in Spring/Summer, pack some Claratin. The pollen is different there... I remember sneezing like a mad man my first trip.

 

[matttyl]

Don't drive in the big cities and if you want to see things like the St. Peters or Sistine Chapel, do it with a tour group as I believe they get to go straight through rather than waiting in lines.

Oh, and don't attempt to go into St. Peters in shorts like I did - those colorfully dressed Vatican guards will NOT let you pass in shorts.

 

[uconnalum]

If in Rome do heed Anthony Bourdain's recommendation of eating at Pizzarium but not in August it was Vegan month when I went last year. I was at the Vatican and took the train to the CIPRO stop went up the stairs walked left on the main road and first intersection is PIZZARIUM also Dino and Tony's has some excellent food but they are closed for i fieri the first two weeks of August. I ate there when I was there in 2011. I would also recommend some time in the Amalfi coast (Positano or Praiano) it is just beautiful and relaxing. If your dates in Italy are around the same time Il Palio is going on in Siena I would recommend to stop in Siena also. I really enjoy Italy have seen alot of it in over the last 2 years. Next year I will begin exploring the Southern region such as Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Stay at the La Minerva on Capri. Voted top small hotel in Italy and #3 in all of Europe. I stayed there 5 nights for my honeymoon in 2012 (as well as Rome 4 nights). If you can afford Capri, it is absolutely amazing, especially if you like outdoors. Top restaurants, a beach, hiking, ancient ruins, grottos. Easy boats to positano etc for day trips.

 

[Joe T]

Stay at the La Minerva on Capri. Voted top small hotel in Italy and #3 in all of Europe. I stayed there 5 nights for my honeymoon in 2012 (as well as Rome 4 nights). If you can afford Capri, it is absolutely amazing, especially if you like outdoors. Top restaurants, a beach, hiking, ancient ruins, grottos. Easy boats to positano etc for day trips.

How much we talking here?

 

[Brony]

Lucca - Favorite place in Italy, bar none. 30 minutes from Pisa and about a 1 hour train ride from Florence...I would couple Lucca and Florence up. Lucca is small, but great place to just wander and pop in and out of shops or have a picnic. It is a medieval town, surrounded by a 30 foot wall. On top of the wall, you can go biking (park like setting), running, etc. They are known for their "Boar" which you have to try, but it is a bit gamey.

In 1999 I started and ended a European tour from a suburb of Lucca called Sal Tokyo (I'm sure I'm spelling that incorrectly). My buddies grandparents lived there. Right before leaving to take the train from one end of Europe to the other for 5 weeks, my buddy and I went out in Lucca and found an Irish pub aptly named "Irish Pub". For some unknown reason, the bar staff there had no idea how to make a Black and Tan, so I showed them how to make them. They loved them. 5 weeks later I stopped back in before heading home and they had a banner hanging out front that translated to, "Now serving Black and Tans". Lol.

So, if you ever enjoyed a black and tan in Lucca, you're welcome.

I asked for a Black and Tan in an English pub and the bartender asked the other bartender (an American) how to make one. Good thing I didn't ask for an English muffin too.

 

[Sweet Love]

Lucca - Favorite place in Italy, bar none. 30 minutes from Pisa and about a 1 hour train ride from Florence...I would couple Lucca and Florence up. Lucca is small, but great place to just wander and pop in and out of shops or have a picnic. It is a medieval town, surrounded by a 30 foot wall. On top of the wall, you can go biking (park like setting), running, etc. They are known for their "Boar" which you have to try, but it is a bit gamey.

In 1999 I started and ended a European tour from a suburb of Lucca called Sal Tokyo (I'm sure I'm spelling that incorrectly). My buddies grandparents lived there. Right before leaving to take the train from one end of Europe to the other for 5 weeks, my buddy and I went out in Lucca and found an Irish pub aptly named "Irish Pub". For some unknown reason, the bar staff there had no idea how to make a Black and Tan, so I showed them how to make them. They loved them. 5 weeks later I stopped back in before heading home and they had a banner hanging out front that translated to, "Now serving Black and Tans". Lol.

So, if you ever enjoyed a black and tan in Lucca, you're welcome.

I asked for a Black and Tan in an English pub and the bartender asked the other bartender (an American) how to make one. Good thing I didn't ask for an English muffin too.

That would just be a "muffin" in the UK.

 

[Guster]

say hi to while you're there

 

[Ilov80s]

Rented a house in Tuscany and rented a car to cruise around in. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The entire area is just amazing.

 

[Brony]

One of my favorite places I've been to is Lake Como (north of Milan). Made Tuscany seem boring in comparison. Like other places in Italy, it's a little bit of a PITA to get to, but worth it once you arrive.

I've been to Florence and much of the surrounding area. Would love to get to Cinque Terre some day.

 

[Scoresman]

If you guys are foodies, don't miss Bologna. The food is good all over Italy, but in Bologna it's just insanely good. I would only recommend a day trip, however, since there isn't much else to do there.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

You could probably do 5 separate week-long vacations in Italy with completely different experiences each time. Well, except the food. The food is equally awesome all over Italy.

The wife and I have done two. The first was the typical Venice-Florence-Rome via trains. We also rented a car from Florence and stayed in Tuscany a couple of nights. It was great fun exploring the little towns out in the Tuscan countryside, and we really enjoyed the cities as well. I think this is a good introduction to Italy and is easy to plan/find info on.

The second we did was the Amalfi Coast. Completely different scenery and really awesome. I've heard a few people mention Capri. We did a day trip to Capri from here and weren't really fans. It's EXTREMELY crowded. We stayed in Positano and liked it much better. Way better natural scenery and just as much to do. Our favorite part about the Capri day trip was the time on the boat going around the island, like the rest of the Amalfi Coast it's a beautiful place, and you get to see some pretty cool famous yachts. Maybe Capri is better off-season, but in-season I'd definitely recommend a stay on the peninsula over it.

Positano

 

[DiStefano]

Rented a house in Tuscany and rented a car to cruise around in. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The entire area is just amazing.

Exactly. We did the same, renting through VRBO, for a two week stay in a villa between Florence and Siena. Both those cities are fantastic, and if you leave early in the morning you can drive to Pisa or Livorno and even Ravenna. Fantastic countryside, with vineyards all around, and friendly people.

 

[Soulfly3]

Napoli is one of the most charismatic cities in the world.

Don't act like a moronic tourist, dont smell of naivety, get involved, and it's actually one of the funner cities to visit. GREAT food, great convsersation etc.

But may not be a place to take the wife.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

You could probably do 5 separate week-long vacations in Italy with completely different experiences each time. Well, except the food. The food is equally awesome all over Italy.

The wife and I have done two. The first was the typical Venice-Florence-Rome via trains. We also rented a car from Florence and stayed in Tuscany a couple of nights. It was great fun exploring the little towns out in the Tuscan countryside, and we really enjoyed the cities as well. I think this is a good introduction to Italy and is easy to plan/find info on.

The second we did was the Amalfi Coast. Completely different scenery and really awesome. I've heard a few people mention Capri. We did a day trip to Capri from here and weren't really fans. It's EXTREMELY crowded. We stayed in Positano and liked it much better. Way better natural scenery and just as much to do. Our favorite part about the Capri day trip was the time on the boat going around the island, like the rest of the Amalfi Coast it's a beautiful place, and you get to see some pretty cool famous yachts. Maybe Capri is better off-season, but in-season I'd definitely recommend a stay on the peninsula over it.

Positano

Capri is only crowded in the shopping area, which is where all the day trippers go. I hate crowds, and Capri was completely relaxing and amazing. You avoid the touristy shopping stuff during the day, and just take in the beauty and history, and then you go to the restaurants, bars, gelato places etc in the evening when most people went back to the mainland.

My wife, after college rented a villa in Positano for a week. She also went to Rome and the Cinque Terre and Florence. For our honeymoon, we stayed on Capri and did a day trip to Positano. We also stayed 4 nights in Rome, did the Vatican, Ancient Rome, and went everywhere in Rome to the point that I didn't need a map there by the last day, plus we did a day trip to Pompeii as well. She says if we ever go back to Italy, she want to spend the entire time in Capri and stay at the La Minerva.

Mark Zuckerburg and Mariah were both on Capri when we were, but I didn't see them. Rod Stewert was at the same restaurant as us though on our last night, just a few tables away.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Stay at the La Minerva on Capri. Voted top small hotel in Italy and #3 in all of Europe. I stayed there 5 nights for my honeymoon in 2012 (as well as Rome 4 nights). If you can afford Capri, it is absolutely amazing, especially if you like outdoors. Top restaurants, a beach, hiking, ancient ruins, grottos. Easy boats to positano etc for day trips.

How much we talking here?

For what? Total trip? Just the Capri hotel?

 

[Joe T]

Stay at the La Minerva on Capri. Voted top small hotel in Italy and #3 in all of Europe. I stayed there 5 nights for my honeymoon in 2012 (as well as Rome 4 nights). If you can afford Capri, it is absolutely amazing, especially if you like outdoors. Top restaurants, a beach, hiking, ancient ruins, grottos. Easy boats to positano etc for day trips.

How much we talking here?

For what? Total trip? Just the Capri hotel?

Capri hotel.

 

[(HULK)]

If you guys are foodies, don't miss Bologna. The food is good all over Italy, but in Bologna it's just insanely good. I would only recommend a day trip, however, since there isn't much else to do there.

I went to a college party there. Great time.

 

[(HULK)]

Napoli is one of the most charismatic cities in the world.

Don't act like a moronic tourist, dont smell of naivety, get involved, and it's actually one of the funner cities to visit. GREAT food, great convsersation etc.

But may not be a place to take the wife.

Hands down best pizza is there. Its more than just locally amazing pizza, or the best pizza in your highschool or bar.

Kinda of a dirty city though, lots of graffiti and an insane amount of stray dogs. As a dog lover, I didn't like to see that.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Stay at the La Minerva on Capri. Voted top small hotel in Italy and #3 in all of Europe. I stayed there 5 nights for my honeymoon in 2012 (as well as Rome 4 nights). If you can afford Capri, it is absolutely amazing, especially if you like outdoors. Top restaurants, a beach, hiking, ancient ruins, grottos. Easy boats to positano etc for day trips.

How much we talking here?

For what? Total trip? Just the Capri hotel?

Capri hotel.

For 5 nights in early June of 2012 it was $2428. That includes a real (and excellent) full breakfast on the rooftop terrace every morning and an evening aperitif snack (changes daily) in the lobby's bar area (drinks you pay for separately). It's owned by two brothers (Antonino and Luigi) who basically know everybody on the island. They can arrange anything you need.

To get to Capri, you will need to; 1. take the hydrofoil, which I think is $22/person each way; 2. tip or pay for bags to be taken from the boat to the hotel; and 3. pay to take the funiculare up the mountain -- not much though.

 

[Quez]

I went several years ago but I enjoyed Florence, Venice, Vatican, Pompei, and Capri.

 

[Ilov80s]

Rented a house in Tuscany and rented a car to cruise around in. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The entire area is just amazing.

Exactly. We did the same, renting through VRBO, for a two week stay in a villa between Florence and Siena. Both those cities are fantastic, and if you leave early in the morning you can drive to Pisa or Livorno and even Ravenna. Fantastic countryside, with vineyards all around, and friendly people.

Very cool, our villa was just outside of this beautiful little mountain town called Monte San Savino. We also checked out Pisa, but i didn't love that. The Tower, the hype, tourists with their stupid pose, the Africans peddling all kinds of crap, and the long lines really detracted from the experience. The places I really liked were Florence, Arezzo, Montepulciano and Montalcino.

 

[bucs4life_99]

The wife and I went to Italy for two weeks last May and absolutely loved it. Our itinerary:

Rome/Vatican City (3 days) – Some awesome sights, but it’s a big city, with all the noise/litter that entails. Of the big 3 cities (Rome, Florence, Venice), this was our least favorite. Still, there are just so many seminal sites here that it’s tough to recommend skipping it.

Southern Italy (4 days) – Stayed in Sorrento, which allowed us to do day trips to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii. Really enjoyed Pompeii, Capri was surprisingly cool too (was expecting a tourist trap, but we went in May and it was a cooler day so maybe that kept some of the crowds away), and the Amalfi Coast was cool to see/take a bus ride along the hairpin turns, but overall the experience was just ok for us. I know a lot of people like the towns, though. We chose Sorrento over Naples because of Naples’ reputation for being dirty/crime ridden. We left early from Sorrento on the 4th day, arrived in Naples, stored our luggage at the train station, and toured Naples throughout the day (interesting city, but my wife was glad we did not spend the night there), and came back to the train station late in the afternoon.

Florence (4 days) – Florence was definitely our favorite city/area! It is small enough to be walkable, very tourist friendly, and just a ton of cool stuff there. The David statue is unbelievable. We took day trips from here to Siena (great church/piazza) and the Cinque Terre (cool spot, would recommend this over Amalfi coast if you wanted to stay in a smaller village), as well as a wine tour of Tuscany. Wish we could have spent more time in some of these Tuscan villages.

Venice (2 days) – Definitely a cool/unique city, there’s not a lot else like it in the world. St Mark’s is unbelievable, I think two days was the perfect amount of time to spend there. At night, with the lights reflecting off the water, it is magical.

We stayed in local B&Bs throughout the trip, which was both cheaper and also let us feel more connected to the local culture than a tour group/chain hotel would have. All of the hosts were very entertaining. I’d recommend Rick Steve’s Italy books – they really helped us plan the entire trip out without needing to use a travel agency, and had so many tips on hotels/restaurants/sightseeing that it really was invaluable to us.

We went in May, and I'd highly recommend going in May/September over the summer months if possible, as it is still nice weather but a lot less crowded. If you have specific questions, fire away as I have way too much useless knowledge about travelling through Italy.

 

[Monty Burns]

Its been a long time since I've been there and I've only been to the Rome/Naples area so the only advise I can give is in regards in how to "quickly/cheaply" getting around Rome and some "safety advise"...

When I was there (in Rome) you could buy a "Big Ticket" for the subway....it was very cheap and was an all day subway ticket....get on the subway and go stop to stop and check out whats there....the stops are often named things like Coloseo/Circus Maximo/Vaticano etc, so you have some idea whats at/near that stop....

and when eating/drinking anywhere, make sure you know the TOTAL price of everything when you order....once in Rome we ordered a few rounds of beers and sat outside to drink them....well, when the bill came it was x2 what the menu price said....this was because the menu price was the "inside" price, and we were sitting outside in from of the restaurant....

and by all means CARRY YOUR WALLET IN YOUR FRONT POCKET and keep your hand on it or even put your hand in your pocket in crowded areas as the pick pockets there are among the best in the world, or even just carry only an ID and cash in your front pocket.....only carry the $ you need and wifey should avoid a purse if possible...

ENJOY....

 

[Judge Smails]

I put our itin below for the Italy portion of our Europe family trip in 2012. Agree with others that you have many, many options. Depends on what you want to do, see, interests, etc. I rented apartments in Florence and Rome as base stations. Loved Florence and the entire Tuscany region. Highly recommend the Walkabout tour of Tuscany that is outlined below. Many of the restaurants we went to were amazing. The butter chicken at Trattoria Sostanza may have been the best meal I've eaten in my life. Since it was our first time, we focused on cultural and historical sites. Venice for only 1 or two days. Rome I think is one of those places that is a must do from a historical perspective but is not high on the return list. Hard to go wrong - lots of good advice in this thread - makes me want to get back soon and visit some of the other cities in Italy. Have fun.

Flight from Paris Orly airport to Pisa Airport

Bus from Airport to Santa Maria Novell train station in Florence

Check in at Dei Neri apartment in Florence

Watch Eurocup 2012 Final (Spain 4, Italy 0)

Dinner – Takeaway pizza in apartment

Monday, July 2nd

Breakfast

Walked around Florence to get acclimated, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Croce, Piazza del Duomo

Lunch – (get name of Panini place opposite our apartment)

San Lorenzo market (ties, leather purses)

Dinner – Trattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi w/ Mama – Linguine with clams, Steak, Tiramisu

Tuesday, July 3rd

Breakfast

Walkabout Tours – “Best of Tuscany” (Chris)

- Siena (day after Palio horse race)

o Duomo (get name)

- Lunch at organic farm/winery in Chianti (chianti, vernaccia, tuscan dessert wine)

- San Gemingnano

o Gelato – Gelateria Di Piazza

- Pisa – Leaning Tower

Dinner – Osteria Pepo - Lasagna

Wednesday, July 4th

Breakfast

Uffizi Gallery

Pitti Palace

Lunch – Gusta Pizza

Dinner – Sostanza – Butter Chicken, Bisteca Fiorentina & Strawberry Meringue Cake

Met Kristin’s friends who were touring Europe

Gelato

Thursday, July 5th

Breakfast

Train from Florence to Venice

Check in at Hilton Stucky Molino

Lunch

Swimming on rooftop pool

Dinner – Da Mamo’s, Seafood linguine, spicy shrimp pasta, calamari

Walk through Venice – Piazza San Marco

Vaporetto water tour through Grand Canal

Friday, July 6th

Breakfast

Swim, workout and Steamroom at Hilton Spa

Check out of Hilton Stucky Molino

Lunch

Train from Venice to Florence

Dinner – Gusta Pizza

Gelato – Gelateria Dei Neri

Saturday, July 7th

Breakfast

San Lorenzo Market

Central Market

Lunch – Panini at Central Market

Accademia Gallery – Statue of David

Duomo

Dinner – Antica Trattoria “da Tito” dal 1913, Florentine Steak, Wine, Limoncello, Orangecello

Sunday, July 8th

Check out of De Neri apartment in Florence

Breakfast

Train from Santa Maria Novella to Rome Termini

Check in at Apartment Rotundo, 38 Via Del Palombella 38

Dinner at Miscellanea (grilled chicken, mushroom risotto, antipasti salad)

Gelato (find name of place in Pantheon square)

Piazza Navona

Monday, July 9th

Campo Fiori (fresh fruit cups for breakfast)

Saint ‘Andrea della Valle Basilica

Piazza Venezia, Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Trevi Fountain – threw coins guaranteeing return to Rome

Parthenon – free 7pm tour from Angel Tours

Dinner at Il Chianti (charcuterie, various pastas, veal chop, wine)

Gelato at Giolotti’s

Tuesday, July 10th

Shopping at Campo de Fiori (fruit, vegetables, pasta, sauce)

Breakfast

Vatican City

Vatican Museum

Sistine Chapel

St. Peter’s Basilica

Dinner in apartment (pasta, sauce, sausage, salad, chianti)

Wednesday, July 11th

Breakfast – Gran Cappuccino and croissants at Sant’ Eustachio and coffee at La Tazza de Oro

Borghese Gallery

Lunch – Lima Polleria – Peruvian chicken

Santa Maria del Popolo Church

Spanish Steps

Dinner – Ciro & Ciro – Pizza & Salad

Gelato – Della Palma

Thursday, July 12th

Breakfast

Angel Tours of Ancient Rome

- Palantine Hill

- Roman Forum

- Colloseum

Lunch – Brunch at Il Chianti

Dinner

Gelato – Della Palma

Friday, July 13th

Check out of Apartment Rotundo

Flight from Rome FCO/Munich/Chicago

 

[Bobcat10]

.

 

[biju]

I loved my time in Rome, Naples, Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, and Amalfi. I do have a bias toward historical sights and good food so that might be why Rome and Naples seemed so awesome. If you're into food it really pays off (especially in Rome) to do some research. You can go to the touristy crap or get the best Italian food you'll ever have for just a little more than you would for mediocre Italian in your hometown.

Pizza in Naples is a must if you're in the area and enjoy a more "New York" style of pizza. We went to Da Michele (before that movie), Brandi's (where the chef who invented the Margherita pizza came from), and Gino Sorbillo's. We still debate which one was the best.

If there is one thing I would highly suggest: pick a location and stick there or close by. Don't try to see "all of Italy" in one trip because you can't do it. Instead, I would immerse yourself into a city or two per week. It will certainly be more relaxing.

 

[NIU Kicker]

I found out last week that I may have to go to Milan for a a few weeks (a week at a time) in 2014 for a new job.

 

[jamny]

Stay at the La Minerva on Capri. Voted top small hotel in Italy and #3 in all of Europe. I stayed there 5 nights for my honeymoon in 2012 (as well as Rome 4 nights). If you can afford Capri, it is absolutely amazing, especially if you like outdoors. Top restaurants, a beach, hiking, ancient ruins, grottos. Easy boats to positano etc for day trips.

We stayed in Capri for one trip in Italy. The ferry off the island is a little bit of a pain each time but the island is amazing once the day trippers are gone.

I just started research into a month long trip we hope to do in a couple of years. Does anyone have any advice for places to stop south of Amalfi? Looking to start in Sicily and head towards the eastern coast. So far I'm looking at Matera and Alberobello.

 

[jamny]

Franknbeans - tried PM's but couldn't go through. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We've been 4 times, once for our 10th. It's the least I can do for the great polls you've posted.

 

[jamny]

I found out last week that I may have to go to Milan for a a few weeks (a week at a time) in 2014 for a new job.

Go to Via Fiori Chiari for a great stretch of restaurants.

 

[NIU Kicker]

I found out last week that I may have to go to Milan for a a few weeks (a week at a time) in 2014 for a new job.

Go to Via Fiori Chiari for a great stretch of restaurants.

So noted. Can I shoot gypsies?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I've posted a lot through the years about Italy, thanks to all that have PM'd me greetings after their visits.

Here is some

Rome specific

More stuff, lots on Tuscany

I like Abruzzo and Puglia for out of the way places, they are just great. I would say Rome if I could only recommend one destination, lots of small towns in Tuscany, Umbria, and Campania are also great. If this is a romantic getaway, you can't beat the Amalfi Coast. I would not stay on Capri there though, Positano, Ravello or Atrani are better IMO. Cinque Terra is also great up north, but I think Amalfi offers more variety. gllllllllllllllll

 

[Klimtology]

Bump

 

[LinusMarr]

I flew into Italy a few times in the Navy. Try the spaghetti, its not bad....

 

[jamny]

I found out last week that I may have to go to Milan for a a few weeks (a week at a time) in 2014 for a new job.

I didn't enjoy Milan except for the ridiculously hot chicks everywhere. Offdee 9's and 10's everywhere. No joke.

Loved Milan. Very underrated city and a great home base for day trips.

 

[DSP]

No......but I did stay at a holiday inn express last night

 

[Rick James]

.

 

[MCguidance]

Just booked what is sure to be the only trip to Italy in my life time. Honeymoon in July, 12 nights, three destinations:

Tuscany - 3 days

Rome - 3 days

Amalfi Coast - 5 days

We are excited for the wedding, but the honeymoon is really what we are pumped about.