When in Argenta, you MUST visit the museum of water hydrolics systems, if not for its bizarre features, then at least to say hi to "Riky the Ranger" who runs the place, and offered to take me and my friend trout fishing, but because it rained, took us for lunch at his place nearby and cooked us the best Italian feast I've ever had!!! Argenta is full of character. It's extremely relaxed, and generally off the tourist trail, so you feel very much in the middle of the Italian countryside, worlds away from anywhere else! GO GO GO!!!
I have visited Sorrento twice. I absolutely love it there, it is one of my favourite places in the whole world. I would strongly reccomend anyone to visit Sorrento and the surrounding area, as it is beautiful and the culture is fantastic! I can't wait to go back!
Salerno is definitely less dangerous than Naples. I duly recommend it to use it as a base for touring around the area (1 day in Pompei, 1 day on the Amalfi Coast, 1 day in Capri). Salerno has nothing really special to offer, but is quieter than Naples and from the train station to the hostel is a nice walk. From Salerno Harbour leaves boats to the Amalfi coast and Capri (2 different boats leaving from 2 different parts of the harbour). The train to Pompei is a 20 minute journey.
I visited Collelongo two years ago in the month of August. My father, Francesco Guanciale, was born in the town along with his brother Donato. Our trip was planned around the town festival in celebration of St. Rocco. I was able to meet many of my relatives that I had only heard about or seen pictures of in the past. I definitely will go again and enjoy the scenery, friends and family get togethers. I currently live in Greensboro, NC with my wife Carli. We are both from Newark, OH which is where my grandfather Domenico Guanciale immigrated to from Italy in the early 1900s.
I met up with a load of guys who were going down to Willys Pub in Amalfi. We had a fantastic night people there from all over the world and the drinks were reasoably priced. I would recommend the pub to anyone who likes a good night out and a drink.
Florence is sort of a little-Rome. It has a similar feel, with several museums, cathedrals, and other assorted old stuff, but on a much smaller scale than the overwhelming abundance that Rome has.
I have lived near Chiavari since 2001, and I should say it is a very nice place to spend a day or two in the summer. There are very nice sandy or pebble beaches in Chiavari itself, and most of all nearby (Lavagna). The city is quiet and safe. You can use Chiavari as a base for visiting Genoa, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso.
If you are travelling on your own, do ALL you can to avoid staying close to the station - it is an extremely seedy area. The rest of Naples is beautifully chaotic, and feels much safer. Great food and great people.
I visited Terminillo in the 3 or 4 times in a summer several years ago and it was wonderful. Cool and lovely. One word of caution is don't go in August unless you really, really like crowds. The camping fields, the hotels and the bars are totally jammed. Have fun!
If you're in Verona in the summer don't miss the "Arena di Verona" summertime outdoor operas. Even if you're not into opera, it's an experience.
I went to Sperlongo 2 years ago in the summer time. I spent a month in August, it was very hot! Beautiful Beach. Lots to do for both young and old. I stayed in Old Sperlonga and had a great time! Met lots of nice people!
Bologna is a fantastic city in my humble opinion. :)
I like Trent becouse is a beatuiful city and becouse it's Chiara Lubich's hometown.
I have been to the Cinque Terre two times and I cannot get enough. Hope to return next year.
Modena is wonderful. Very peaceful with wonderful food.
When you arrive in Venice go to the tourist info booth and get a "Rolling Venice" card. It's worth the price just for the money you save on vaporetto passes alone.
Perugia is a wonderful place to visit. The people are very friendly and there is a lot to do both in town and in the surrounding areas. I can not wait until I visit again.
I have never been to Bionaz, but I hear that it is wonderful. It is where my people come from. There are very few of us in the U.S. Some day I will go there.
Savona is my favourite place in the world. I wish I could stay there forever. If only I could find a job I would.
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