Trip to Italy- ideas??

Sounds like you may be a little pressed for time so it's the Amalfi Coast and Capri.You won't regret it.
The area is one of the most beautifull places on earth.

 

The food is amazing, its fun to drive so you can rent some nice wheels, you can do 100 mph all day & the Cops wont bat an eyelash
I like Milan a lot

 

I went with two friends a couple summers ago and we backpacked around on a relatively tight budget. We were sure to do the Ferrari factory/museum (we got pictures of the Maserati GranTurismo getting romped around the track in camouflage well before I had seen any pics in the magazines!). I must say that I gained far more out of the trip from the tiny little towns on the outskirts of the cities and tourist traps than I did in the big, busy cities. It was really cool to just walk around among the people, rather than be hassled by beggers, street vendors and the overall frustration of hundreds of people snapping pictures at every pebble and stone (although we were just like them). One final note; Sorrento and Capri IS A MUST!!

 

Capri used to be the private island of Roman Emperors

 

Carl,
I just came back in June from 2 weeks in Italy. One week in Tuscany and One week in Positano, on the Amalfi coast by Capri. We rented villas at both places. Never made it to Marenello, too much time at the vineyards. There is a company in Lynn, Ma. that justs rents villas in Italy called Parkervillas.com, check them out if you don't have a place. Its about 3 1/2hrs from Rome to Sorrento and Capri. The main Highway is A1 down the middle of the country. Easy drive but tolls. Try to eat at small local rest. you will get great food. Good Luck!

 

You will however end up very dissappointed with Italian food here when you get back.

I wouldn't orient a general trip around a one day trip to Ferrari, I'd make another one specifically to do that. Rome is a long way from Maranello if you are only there a short time.

A great trip is around the Monza GP, organize a factory tour, do the GP, with the direct flight from Boston to Milan its even acceptable as a 4 or 5 day long weekend

Have fun in Italy, and my particular piece of advice - ask for recommendations in the restaurants, I had some really cool stuff I'd have never ordered on my own.

 

Carl:
My wife and I had 10 days in Rome in March of 05 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have dragged this poor girl to nearly every corner of the planet during our 40 years together and Rome is only place she has expressed a desire to see again. So, try to carve a little more time out of the schedule to relax and see Rome. I especially enjoyed the gelato shop around the corner from the Parthenon.

Enjoy,
Ed

 

I second this. My new bride and I spent our honeymoon in Positano in 2005 and I wish we could go back every year! Here's my .03:

- south of Rome is not car country. The actual highway is quite boring but getting off the highway and into the villages and roads leading along Amalfi is breathtaking. Although I do remember seeing signs for the town of Aprilia south of Rome, so that might be well worth it for you. If you plan to go to Positano it might be worth flying to Naples instead of Rome. The drive from Rome is a good 3 hours.

- the driving is insane. Rather, the drivers are insane. Period.

- the entire coast of Amalfi is well off the beaten path. It's not touristy like Rome was (we went there for a day) but it's still a vacation spot. They spoke English in Positano which was convenient for us. And we picked up a little Italian there too. There is very little parking in Positano (and most of the Amalfi towns I imagine). A lot of people are on scooters instead of cars.

- We stayed at Albergo Miramare - right in the center of the hill overlooking the town. It was fantastic and I strongly recommend it. If you would like something more in town (less steps to take, see below), the same family owns the Hotel Palazzo Murat.

- you'll lose 10lbs if you stay in Positano for a week even dining on local buffalo mozzarella. The town sits in a valley with very steep hills on three sides. To go anywhere means walking up steep stone steps or following the roads.

Pictures: douging.smugmug . com /Vacation/85055

PM me if you would like more info.
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If you make it to Maranello take the SS12 south to tuscany , it is a incredible road that the test drivers from the factory use. Had a blast trying to keep up with a 430 in my rented diesel Alfa 156. Almafi is a great drive, Tuscany is nice, light traffic this time of year, just stay away from the big cities with the car, Rome especially.
The Autostrada gets expensive. The best times are when you get lost.

 

Hi Carl,

If you liked Jerusalem Road and Atlantic Ave in Cohasset, then you will love the Amalfi coastline and Capri.

Kirk

 

Funny, I logged on to post about a long NH drive on 10/13.

 

Given recent events, I hope you don't look like Whitey Bulger... There was a column on the front page of today's Boston Globe City section that told the story of another couple mistaken for Bulger/Greig and they were held for 7 hours while the frantic Italian police sorted things out.

 

I would go to maranallo again, stay at maranallo again and I would live in one of those apartments near the back of the test track. I guess I liked it there! I want to be buried there.

 

http://www.arcenews.it/santopadre/index.asp

Arpino and Santopadre

Go there and enjoy the italian lifestyle.

 

Glad to see you had a great trip. I can't wait to go back. It's been almost 5 years since my trip. Spent 3 1/2 weeks driving everywhere.

Post pics if you have any from the Fiorano Test Track.

AND - Congrats on the engagement!!!!

 

Thanks for the nice pics.

I'm planning on being there in May.

 

I just returned from 2 years working in Italy. While there I purchased a Ferrari and made friends in the auto clubs. I took in the factory tour, classic center, galeria, and then the Lancia club rented the track for a day. Yes the highest point of a Ferrarista, laps on the factory track in your own car. My Ferrari is a classic now and the Italians love old ones. New cars are nice, but I got more attention then a 430. If you won, then go to the owners site and get on the tour. It's the only way to get inside.

The people are great, the food is great; try the montanna restaurant in marenello. I hope to go back in a couple months again. The trips in my car are priceless. You will have a great time. Good luck.