Where in Italy?
Jan 23rd, 2007, 11:03 AM
#21
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The Europa was quite traditional but I did not find it stodgy at all. Views from our tiny french balcony were great! We were lucky to catch a weekend street market and were able to walk to great trattorias, the ferry and the train station.
We hopped over to SML and it was nice but we both agreed that we happy we had changed from there to Rapallo. We preferred the feel of it. Moonrise was incredible as were the views from the outside cafes were simply wonderful.
We hopped over to SML and it was nice but we both agreed that we happy we had changed from there to Rapallo. We preferred the feel of it. Moonrise was incredible as were the views from the outside cafes were simply wonderful.
Jan 30th, 2007, 05:12 PM
#25
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Hi JacquieK
Weather in late May & early June when I was in Umbria (2005) was perfect. Warm but not hot, a little humid (compared to my dry climate, however), and only one rainy day. Needed a light jacket sometimes at night, comfortable in summer weight capris/tops in day. Wore shorts for hikes. Swam in the (cool) pool. (See previous post above for website for the place we stayed.)
In Umbria, I like: Perugia, Assisi, Bevagna, Spello, Montefalco in particular, but so much more to see!
Previous trip in SML in late May: Mild but a little cooler than 2005 trip; not beach weather for me, but perfect for hikes along the Cinque Terre trails. More rain that spring. In Levanto, woke up in the middle of the night to one of the absolute biggest & loudest thunderstorms ever! Sunny & gorgeous the next morning...
Weather in late May & early June when I was in Umbria (2005) was perfect. Warm but not hot, a little humid (compared to my dry climate, however), and only one rainy day. Needed a light jacket sometimes at night, comfortable in summer weight capris/tops in day. Wore shorts for hikes. Swam in the (cool) pool. (See previous post above for website for the place we stayed.)
In Umbria, I like: Perugia, Assisi, Bevagna, Spello, Montefalco in particular, but so much more to see!
Previous trip in SML in late May: Mild but a little cooler than 2005 trip; not beach weather for me, but perfect for hikes along the Cinque Terre trails. More rain that spring. In Levanto, woke up in the middle of the night to one of the absolute biggest & loudest thunderstorms ever! Sunny & gorgeous the next morning...
Jan 31st, 2007, 05:08 PM
#27
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Thanks everyone. We actually don't mind hot weather--especially writing from NYC in January.
We'd love beach/pool weather, in either Umbria or Portofino. Since we're coming with the kids (babies), we probably wouldn't do much hiking.
Annabelle, thanks for your suggestion in Umbria. I think I needed a bigger set up than that place had. I'd ideally like to have three bedrooms and I didn't see any three bedroom accomodations in your place in Umbria. That's why I was hoping for some other Umbrian recommendations!
Thanks.
We'd love beach/pool weather, in either Umbria or Portofino. Since we're coming with the kids (babies), we probably wouldn't do much hiking.
Annabelle, thanks for your suggestion in Umbria. I think I needed a bigger set up than that place had. I'd ideally like to have three bedrooms and I didn't see any three bedroom accomodations in your place in Umbria. That's why I was hoping for some other Umbrian recommendations!
Thanks.
Jan 31st, 2007, 05:22 PM
#28
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I really like Santa Margherita. I've been there seven times and will be returning in May. Each time my sister and I take the train to Monterosso. From there we take a boat to each of the villages then on to Portovenere. It is a beautiful view from the boat to each of the villages. And I love the warm weather.
Feb 1st, 2007, 12:01 PM
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No problem, Jacquie! I have not stayed anywhere else in Umbria (& I needed the apt-type set up due to our group's needs) but I am sure someone else here will respond with a great place.
The other place I researched in Umbria is called Brigolante -- gets great reviews over at the Slow Travel site. It didn't work for our group, and I don't remember the specifics...it is definitely an agriturismo, not a villa, but the American owner is very helpful.
Have you ever used the Special Places to Stay guidebook series? I found a couple excellent places in Italy through them & friends used the Spain edition with good success.
I think the author is Alistair Sawday. Not sure what they list for Umbria but they had many Tuscany listings.
The other place I researched in Umbria is called Brigolante -- gets great reviews over at the Slow Travel site. It didn't work for our group, and I don't remember the specifics...it is definitely an agriturismo, not a villa, but the American owner is very helpful.
Have you ever used the Special Places to Stay guidebook series? I found a couple excellent places in Italy through them & friends used the Spain edition with good success.
I think the author is Alistair Sawday. Not sure what they list for Umbria but they had many Tuscany listings.
Feb 1st, 2007, 03:59 PM
#30
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Thanks Annabelle and Scatcat!
Here's another question for the group. You know how Capri has its own website with great information, hotels, etc. Is there something similar for SML/Rappallo and/or Umbria? Annabelle mentioned slowtravel, which I'll also look at. Why am I having a hard time deciding?
Here's another question for the group. You know how Capri has its own website with great information, hotels, etc. Is there something similar for SML/Rappallo and/or Umbria? Annabelle mentioned slowtravel, which I'll also look at. Why am I having a hard time deciding?
Feb 1st, 2007, 04:23 PM
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www.slowtrav.com -- this is the Slow Travel site. I found it very helpful esp for Tuscany & Umbria.
Feb 1st, 2007, 04:52 PM
#32
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We took our 3 year old to Venice, and I'm going to have to go back without the kid.
Except for the pigeons in St. Marks, there's not a lot for very young kids to do. There's no playgrounds unless you leave for Murano or elsewhere. There's not even many places to sit down.
So, IMHO, I'd leave Venice for another trip.
We also went to CT. PP is right, lots of stairs. Our girl spent lots of time on Daddy's shoulders. Although Monterossa (town 5) has way less stairs and way more beach.
Except for the pigeons in St. Marks, there's not a lot for very young kids to do. There's no playgrounds unless you leave for Murano or elsewhere. There's not even many places to sit down.
So, IMHO, I'd leave Venice for another trip.
We also went to CT. PP is right, lots of stairs. Our girl spent lots of time on Daddy's shoulders. Although Monterossa (town 5) has way less stairs and way more beach.
