debd
Senior Insider
First thanks to all of you for your always appreciated and valued input – Linda, Missy, Amy, Dennis, and David and those whose names I do not know but who also offered suggestions. Two big shout outs – to Kenn, for the Simply Amalfi recommendation – just perfect. And to Lynn Juliano (Ciao Bambino) – her Romantica Italia site was the reliable base for our plans and her handholding and guidance (Sorrento, no Naples) was invaluable.
Great trip. Great weather. Smooth travels. The Russia visa process (multi-page application, academic history, job history, including former bosses, documentation of ten years of international travel, an invitation/official sponsorship from the hotel, an in person interview, multiple trips to NY to correct silly things [date on hotel invitation said “16” and needed to be changed to “2016”], the $200 fee for each) – well, it was all worth it. Moscow was extraordinary, and the National Hotel was superb.
Traveling on Aeroflot was fine. Very smooth. Many people seemed to be using Aeroflot as a transfer point, with the fare price points.
Rome was not a priority for us so we were pleasantly surprised when we fell in love with it. The September/October timing seemed to make the crowds more manageable, and we love walk-able cities. We stayed at a wonderful hotel – location (quick walk to train – furthest walk just over an hour to the Vatican), accommodations, and outstanding staff. Princeps Hotel. Arranging an early morning Vatican Tour with Livitaly Tours (thanks to Lynn) was perfect.
Praiano, on the coast, was a quiet place to stay – our preference. I had mixed feelings about Hotel Margherita. Their restaurant, with its rave reviews, was a huge disappointment, and the breakfast – in particular, the Keurig like coffee – not so good. Our room was lovely, but there was minimal privacy, and nearly all rooms are impacted by the noise level at the pool.
Our tour of the coast, with Simply Amalfi, was wonderful. Claudio, our driver, made us feel like family. We visited Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Ravello is just exquisite. We were not fans of Positano – felt way to touristy (shops, in particular) to us.
Were happy with our decision to stay in Anacapri. Very pleased with Casa Mariontonio, a family run operation with lovely rooms, a good location and attention to service. Our favorite restaurant there was da Gelsomina – gorgeous view, wonderful service, fantastic meals. We had great fun on the Solaro lift and seeing the Blue Grotto. It was very easy to get around the island. Enjoyed our around the island by boat trip and found one morning in Capri to be sufficient for us.
Sorrento was a good stop to get to see and to make our way to Pompeii (saw Herculaneum earlier in the trip). Guide, courtesy of Simply Amalfi, was a good call.
Back to Rome for the Coliseum and other things we missed on the first round (Princeps again and just as pleased).
On to Moscow, and then back home. Also a walkable city. Just not enough time to take in some of the many cultural offerings of the city. Will probably go back and take in St. Petersberg on the next go around.
Now on to planning the next big trips – cross country drive and Africa (with St. Barts always sprinkled between). Was surprised not to see an Africa category within SBH online. Not exactly sure where to put what is sure to be a near future inquiry.
Great trip. Great weather. Smooth travels. The Russia visa process (multi-page application, academic history, job history, including former bosses, documentation of ten years of international travel, an invitation/official sponsorship from the hotel, an in person interview, multiple trips to NY to correct silly things [date on hotel invitation said “16” and needed to be changed to “2016”], the $200 fee for each) – well, it was all worth it. Moscow was extraordinary, and the National Hotel was superb.
Traveling on Aeroflot was fine. Very smooth. Many people seemed to be using Aeroflot as a transfer point, with the fare price points.
Rome was not a priority for us so we were pleasantly surprised when we fell in love with it. The September/October timing seemed to make the crowds more manageable, and we love walk-able cities. We stayed at a wonderful hotel – location (quick walk to train – furthest walk just over an hour to the Vatican), accommodations, and outstanding staff. Princeps Hotel. Arranging an early morning Vatican Tour with Livitaly Tours (thanks to Lynn) was perfect.
Praiano, on the coast, was a quiet place to stay – our preference. I had mixed feelings about Hotel Margherita. Their restaurant, with its rave reviews, was a huge disappointment, and the breakfast – in particular, the Keurig like coffee – not so good. Our room was lovely, but there was minimal privacy, and nearly all rooms are impacted by the noise level at the pool.
Our tour of the coast, with Simply Amalfi, was wonderful. Claudio, our driver, made us feel like family. We visited Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Ravello is just exquisite. We were not fans of Positano – felt way to touristy (shops, in particular) to us.
Were happy with our decision to stay in Anacapri. Very pleased with Casa Mariontonio, a family run operation with lovely rooms, a good location and attention to service. Our favorite restaurant there was da Gelsomina – gorgeous view, wonderful service, fantastic meals. We had great fun on the Solaro lift and seeing the Blue Grotto. It was very easy to get around the island. Enjoyed our around the island by boat trip and found one morning in Capri to be sufficient for us.
Sorrento was a good stop to get to see and to make our way to Pompeii (saw Herculaneum earlier in the trip). Guide, courtesy of Simply Amalfi, was a good call.
Back to Rome for the Coliseum and other things we missed on the first round (Princeps again and just as pleased).
On to Moscow, and then back home. Also a walkable city. Just not enough time to take in some of the many cultural offerings of the city. Will probably go back and take in St. Petersberg on the next go around.
Now on to planning the next big trips – cross country drive and Africa (with St. Barts always sprinkled between). Was surprised not to see an Africa category within SBH online. Not exactly sure where to put what is sure to be a near future inquiry.