Italy in late June 2014

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi All..just looking for some ideas for Italy in late June next year. We have been many times before so have been to the major cities and all are worthy of another visit I know but we land in Milan Malpensa (lae at night so first night would need to be Milan) and depart Milan Linate 2 weeks later. First thoughts were to visit the Lakes and maybe Cinque Terra..we are picking up our 28 daughter in the UK and she is coming with us, so I know hotels for 3 will be expensive..not sure whether to rent an apartment ( we have a recommendation for one near Florence and could do day trips and maybe the 2nd week rent somewhere down near the Amalfi Coast. Not keen on driving so first thoughts are to train it everywhere. We are on a OWE award fare so I can change the Italian Airports if available on the dates (with a points penalty) but really looking for some ideas ...we tend to want to be out and about most days, not keen on spending any time in Rome as have been a few times before but have never been to the Amalfi Coast either.... So do we stay North and any recommendations or has anyone done something similar...Thanks in advance.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Noreen Cruiserette and myself stayed in Bellagio and Santa Margarita in July 2011 - it was FABULOUS - I would go back to either in heart beat but alas way too many other places to visit! George Clooney's all time favourite restaurant is in Bellagio and he is a regular visitor there.

View from our hotel window in Bellagio looking out over Lake Como:



And the view from our hotel window in Santa Margarita:

 

[RB]

Just a few quick things to start you off. We have had great times around the various lakes-we thought Orta was a bit too quiet in May 2013 but loved Garda-given it was late June by the time we got there. We have visited Como heaps & never have a dull time there. We really enjoyed Stresa. Cinque Terra-we stayed at Riomaggiore & we were happy with that choice. I think you need to be keen walkers to max your experience although you can just train between the towns & enjoy the food. Amalfi Coast-spend a day going out to Capri & another at Pompeii. We always use apartments & have stayed in some great ones but then again we have never built up hotel loyalty. We always rely on public transport & haven't run into any hassles. The Adi Doria Grand was good value & close to the train station in Milan

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Thank you both for your prompt replies...Cruiser the photos are beautiful and you have sold me on George Clooney - wow imagine seeing him there....RB do you have any details on apartment info you could send me ?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Couple more pics Bellagio:



And:



And:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And the beautiful beach of Santa Margarita:



And:



And:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

But the view from out hotel was just breathtaking:



And:



And:

 

[RB]

Monolocale con vista - Riomaggiore (SP) - Prices and bookings - Arbaspàa - Tour organizer

Stresa Residence (Italy - Lake Maggiore): See 12 Reviews and 8 Photos - TripAdvisor

A couple of links to places we stayed, also I have done some reviews in the hotel experiences section of this forum. I also forgot to mention the Dolomites-we had a fantastic time there this year-some write up in the 2nd half of this trip report http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-photos/f-indulgence-3-lakes-black-52221.html

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Monolocale con vista - Riomaggiore (SP) - Prices and bookings - Arbaspàa - Tour organizer

Stresa Residence (Italy - Lake Maggiore): See 12 Reviews and 8 Photos - TripAdvisor

A couple of links to places we stayed, also I have done some reviews in the hotel experiences section of this forum. I also forgot to mention the Dolomites-we had a fantastic time there this year-some write up in the 2nd half of this trip report http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-photos/f-indulgence-3-lakes-black-52221.html

Thanks so much for all that

 

[casanovawa]

Hmmm, might have to put a few of these on my list for 2014 as well, was wanting to go to Cinqua Terra but might expand it a bit....

And i have found most beaches around the world pretty 2nd rate after being spoilt by Perth's, so never really travel to experience them, but sheeesh that beach looks rocky and unpromising....

 

[knightman7]

Can't go past the lakes and Capri. Florence and Tuscany as able backup with Sicily an honourable mention. But I'm biased against northern Italy myself lol

 

[Buzzard]

Mrs B has Italy on her to do list.
Hopefully Noreen you write a trip report on your return.

 

[JessicaTam]

I am heading down the west coast in Feb to Sicily and Malta. I am filing away all the suggestions, thanks to all.

 

[VPS]

This was the view from my apartment bedroom window in Menaggio (the other side of the lake from Bellagio - my preference is for Menaggio which is flat - Bellagio is great for mountain goats and a bit more touristy) I looked for George Clooney every day and never found him - should be easy to get the train from Milan to Como and the ferries are good but reasonably slow.

+1 for Cinque Terra - also had a week in Castellina in Chianti between Sienna and Florence and was a great base for day trips to Sienna, Florence, Assisi, San Gimignano

 

[RB]

I am heading down the west coast in Feb to Sicily and Malta. I am filing away all the suggestions, thanks to all.

We saw a bit of Sicily in 2009-happy to supply some details if you like-stayed in some great apartments

 

[JessicaTam]

We saw a bit of Sicily in 2009-happy to supply some details if you like-stayed in some great apartments

PM sent, thanks.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

View attachment 21626

This was the view from my apartment bedroom window in Menaggio (the other side of the lake from Bellagio - my preference is for Menaggio which is flat - Bellagio is great for mountain goats and a bit more touristy) I looked for George Clooney every day and never found him - should be easy to get the train from Milan to Como and the ferries are good but reasonably slow.

+1 for Cinque Terra - also had a week in Castellina in Chianti between Sienna and Florence and was a great base for day trips to Sienna, Florence, Assisi, San Gimignano

VPS If you would'nt mind are you able to send me some details of the apartment...pm if not possible to post here

Thanks everyone ...some great tips ...

 

[VPS]

For Jessica Tam La Piazza Menaggio in MENAGGIO - Lake Como Homes - here you go

 

[legroom]

Great ideas

Will be in Milan in April ..... but only one night for departure next morning.

Have to do the Lakes run next time around !