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Back to Casa Firenze
Dear Jessica,
We had a wonderful time. Even though we had a bit of rain, it was completely manageable. Casa Firenze was delightful. It was centrally located and we were able to walk everywhere. We went to one of the restaurants recommended by our Innkeepers (Semolina) and enjoyed it so much we returned the next evening.
This is my second time in Italy and it was especially enjoyable traveling with my sister and my adult daughter. We laughed and walked for hours.
Thanks so much for your help. We had a wonderful time.
Bev P.
Dear Kristin & all;
We wanted to send a few comments about our recent trip to Italy. The accommodations were wonderful and perfectly located for all the sites and day trips. It is difficult to pick favorites since each one was special. We couldn't have imagined a better experience while staying at Casa Firenze in Florence, located in a special neighborhood within walking distance of historic downtown and restaurants. The hospitality was 5-star. We picked up our car in downtown Florence and it was a easy drive over to Sestri Levante. We enjoyed our stay in a balcony room at the Riviera Vistas Hotel high on a hill overlooking the quaint seaside town. The hotel has an open air bar, perfect for an evening drink while watching the sunset. A short walk into town and you can catch the 1x daily, inexpensive, "tourist ferry" for a cruise along the Cinque Terre. If your time is limited the ferry is a great way to see all the towns in a relaxing way. The Cruise stops at one of the Cinque Terre towns and a lunch stop in Portovenere. We drove to Lucca next, driving through the narrow streets inside the city walls was easier than expected. We found our room at Palazzo Alexander comfortable. They offer a wonderful breakfast and free Internet which was greatly appreciated. We parked our car for our entire stay and walked this very special walled treasure. We took a short train ride to Pisa one morning, very convenient, worry free and inexpensive.
From Lucca, we drove into the heart of Tuscany and stayed in Casole d'Elsa at Antica Torre Toscana, which is the most delightful, magical place. We loved this little hilltop town and enjoyed our evening walks, relaxing. One night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the "Wine Bar" (reservations a must, set menu prepared by "mama"). (Kristin you were right!!) This little town is perfectly located for day trips to the hilltowns Volterra, San Gimignano & Siena. (If you go to Siena in September or October you can see the "Marble Pavements" in the Cathedral...these are so treasured they are covered most of the year.) After Casole d' Elsa, we drove the back roads and the A12 to Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) to avoid Rome. If I would make one suggestion....don't be afraid to drive A12...it's great, fast and the toll is less than $5 USD. Everyone recommended the A1 but we took the chance driving A12 and glad we did....so if you are returning a car, bypass Rome and go straight to the airport to return your car, carts are available for luggage. Arrange a shuttle service from the airport to your hotel. We stayed at the River Palace Hotel. The price and location were great!!! This hotel is located close to the Metro and within walking distance to so many of the sites. The hotel offers a "happy hour," free Internet, helpful staff and a wonderful breakfast -- what more could you ask for.
Thanks In Italy. We had a wonderful trip.
Linda S.
Hello
Kristin;
My trip to Italy was fantastic!! I couldn't have asked for nicer hotels or hosts! The
cities I visited were amazing ( Florence, Lucca, Cinque Terre, & Siena). My hosts at Casa Firenze,
Max & Beatrice,
were just outstanding! They were the kindest sweetest folks especially since they were my first stop. They
gave me great suggestions for tours, places to eat (Garibaldi, Piazza del mercato centrale, 38r), where to
get my laundry done (which was a very short distance from their place). They even let me use their own
personal computer to check my email and to check in with family & friends!
My stay in Lucca at Palazzo Alexander was great as well!! There were two gentlemen at the reception desk; John & Max that totally took care of me - gave me great suggestions on what to see, where to go, places to eat (Da Giulio, Via delle Conce, 45 (P.zza S. Donato) only 13.50 euros for dinner!!), the best place to stop in Cinque Terra - Monterosso (since there are 5 boroughs) and when it took me 4 1/2 hrs to get back from Cinque Terre because of wrong directions, they got me a glass of wine (on the house) and sent me to Da Francesco (Corte Portici, 13 - 55100) for dinner - WOW!!! My dinner was amazing, the service was outstanding, and it wasn't expensive (18 euros for an appetizer, pasta, & wine).
The Hotel Santa Caterina was outstanding as well!! The place was beautiful and had a picturesque view from the fabulous garden where we could also eat our breakfast.
I would highly recommend each place I stayed!! No complaints! Thank you so very much for all your assistance and recommendations - GREAT JOB!!
Becky M.
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