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Back to Santa Margherita Vistas
Dear Jessica,
Once again we had a lovely trip to Italy. On this trip we visited the Italian Riviera and the Bologna area - places we had not been to before. We absolutely loved Santa Margherita on the Riviera. It is a deceptive little town because it really isn't so little - once one starts walking you just keep going and going. We found the town very peaceful with lots of interesting restaurants, street vendors, and local culture. We also enjoyed Santa Margherita Vistas - having a separate sitting room with a view onto the beach was lovely.
We also stayed at Lerici Seaside Hotel - also a wonderful experience. The town of Lerici was lovely and we had great food there as well - we really enjoyed the sense of family the town offered - families constantly walking up and down the waterfront on the wonderful sidewalks. The hotel was great; while the room was quite small, the balcony was lovely and the hotel had a wonderful breakfast. We appreciated the small bar area and free access to the internet.
The one thing I would change on this part of the trip was our visit to Cinque Terre. One full day is NOT enough, particularly with the enormous crowds. While we did make it to all 5 towns, it was through sheer determination. We started out going by water, but that didn’t work due to rough seas. So we were going to take a train from La Spezia , but were told by hotel staff that parking would be very difficult in La Spezia. So we ended up driving to Riomaggiore and easily found parking there. The walk from Riomaggiore to Manola was very crowded, but only about 15 minutes so it was tolerable. We took trains from then on since the trails were closed and there-in the crowds, late trains, and impatience ensued. Definitely plan at least 2 days to visit Cinque Terre.
We also went to Parma and Bologna and enjoyed both cities - fabulous food everywhere. I only wish In Italy Online had preferred accommodations in those areas!
Carol A.
Hello Kristin,
I truly apologize for the delay in getting you some feedback on our trip. Of the entire three-week trip in Europe, we decided that Italy won hands down! Bill and I were split on favorite locations. I chose Santa Margarita and he chose Lenno/Lake Como.
Please look for the weblink at the bottom of the email to view the photos. Here is the rundown of our trip and our observations:
Overnight train from Paris to Rapallo - totally fun, great service by our Parma-based conductor. Italian trains (we have heard and experienced) can sometimes be unreliable. We hustled up at 5 am thinking we would be arriving into Parma for our connection, only to find 30 minutes later we had stopped during the night and had an hour delay. Missed our original connection and took the next option 90 minutes later. Unfortunately, this was the "milk run" that stopped at every single station en route. It was Saturday morning and at La Spezia the train was swarmed with Cinque Terre passengers. Many got off on the first or second stop. But train was packed. Arrived into Santa Margarita station and walked downhill to the hotel. It took about 6 minutes, but many stairs and you had to carry your bag. Not recommended for older folks or those with more than one small bag. Get a taxi.
Our room was ready when we checked in at 11 am, junior/deluxe suite with harbor view was awesome! Staff at the hotel was helpful and friendly. Small, slow elevator, so we used stairs most of the time to and from 4th floor. Our room was on the corner as you can see from the pictures. Note there is a trampoline park on the side of the hotel. We couldn't figure out the doorbell noise and announcements we kept hearing. It was the automated message to the jumpers their time had expired. This was a bit tiresome, especially during later afternoon nap time.
Our first meal was late lunch at Bar Giuli on the water. Family run restaurant and bar that serves food all day. I had studied my Rick Steves guide and put the phrase "Vino Blanco della casa mezza carafa" to its first of MANY uses in Italy. They had hand-painted souvenier ware, carafes, ashtrays etc. We decided ashtray was easiest to carry. We were able to get directions to the local grocery store, Gullivers, as well as a laundry to drop off our jeans. Interesting the grocery store was totally hidden up the hills, but sparkling water was on sale for .69 cents a liter and we picked up some ham and cheese as well. Breakfast at the hotel was fine. The glassed in room is a bit warm in the sunshine. I think we had wifi in the room, as well as downstairs there was a computer.
I believe we ate at The Palmia or Palms restaurant for dinner and this was very good. The next night we ate at Skippers on the waterfront, a little pricier, but great service and food.
We had planned to take the train to Cinque Terre and walk through some of the villages, so we hustled up early on Sunday and up the hill (about 5 flights of stairs with the climb) only to find the trains on strike that day. We went back to hotel and they directed us to the ferry ride, which took us to Vernazza, along the coast to the tip of the area. The final destination escapes me! But a great day, weather was mild and good day for walking around the towns.
You were absolutely right about not driving from Rapallo to Parma. This would have been very challenging. We took the train into La Spezia and a taxi to Avis, but the office was closed for lunch for 2 hours. This would probably be helpful to know for newcomers to Italy. I also assumed since reservation was completed paid in advance, the time on the reservation was not set in stone. We arrived (since they were closed) about 4 hours after the time on the contract. We got a bit of grief from the agent, but left with car.
Beautiful drive to Soragna and the Locando Del Lupo. Upon arriving we saw these beautiful classic race cars at the hotel. Turns out a team from the Mille Maglia has a pre-race meeting at the hotel. Nice group of folks who graciously let us drool and ask questions about this historic race held in Italy each year. Once again, staff was outstanding and helpful at this hotel as well. Free wifi in the courtyard was nice. We took a day trip into Parma and walked around. Also stopped in at the local Parmesan cheese factory before 8 in the morning. No formal tour, but the workers just let us walk around them and the building while they worked.
We drove to Albergo Lenno on Lake Como and preferred this after seeing folks come off the ferry with a ton of luggage. Once again, great room, ready when we arrived. Staff was outstanding. We did the Greenway walk which is about 6km to Tremezzo, and walked back to Villa Carlotta. This was a wonderful place to visit, so many different ecosystems. Took the ferry from here back to Lenno. Next and last day in Como called for rain, so we planned shopping and spa for that day. We found the local Olive Oil factory and purchase a can and bottle to take home. I actually googled Vanio Osvaldo olive oil only to find someone selling the smallest 8 oz bottle for 29.00 in the US. We spent about 34 euros for 4 liters. Once again, the locals were so friendly and showed us around.
WOW! What else can I say? We loved Italy and want to go back. We thank you for all your help and recommendations and wish you success with future travelers. I would be happy to give a reference in the future if needed on your services and our trip.
Here is the weblink to my photos of Italy. I tried to trim it down as much as possible and you get some of us!
http://gallery.me.com/billlabar#100095
Thanks again
Paula and Bill L.
Thank you so much we had a wonderful holiday and the hotel was lovely.
Regards
Leesa G.
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