northern italy

Varenna-Lake Como-Albergo Milano is a great place-get a room with a view of the lake. You can get to/from Milan/Venice with train. Rent car when leaving Venice for Siena/Tuscany, drop it off in Florence then train to Cinque Terre and Milan. We liked Vernazza best but there are more choices in Monterosso.

One caution on using hilton pts (and I'm a long diamond member who does the same whenever possible): it's hard to find rooms that will accomodate more than 2 people. not sure how big your party is, but if it's more than 2, make certain to call the hotel ahead of time and confirm that the room you'll receive with your points holds 3 or 4. This is never a problem in the US but has been a problem in every European city where I've tried to use points. No matter where you stay, have a great trip!

Susan, Varenna is certainly a good "honeymoon" destination, but it's also a great place to relax and above all, a great home base for exploring Bellagio or other points along the lake. I usually travel solo and always enjoy staying there. For "good Hotels" there, use the Guidebook. Some you might consider - Albergo Milano, Albergo Olivedo or Hotel Royal Victoria. Whitney, One important point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some case is offered at the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to have a look at some of the other posts here concerning the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent on many Italian towns & cities (ESPECIALLY Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Cheers!

I am looking for a hotel in thr Lake Como region....in Rick's book, he points us to Varenna but it seems more "honeymoon". Have you stayed anywhere in the Lake Como region and if so, which town/hotel?
Would love a recommendation for three adults. I agree with you about using points in Europe for more than three adults. I had one reservation confirmed for three but upon arrival, was told we couldn't do it and charged us 60 euros for the third person. (Naples-Marriott)

If you are referring to using Hilton reward points, go for the Hilton Molino Stukey in Venice. We stayed there on the grand opening June 1, 2007. My wife and I were actually the first paying dinner customers at the Aromi restaurant. It's really fantastic. The Hilton is on the Giudecca canal and not the Grand Canal but they do have a two shuttles that run back and forth to San Zaccaria. We've also stayed at the Hilton Metropole in Florence. We too are Hilton Diamond members and really like the reward points.

How about the Dolomites? Went there my last trip to Italy and was blown away - some of the most gorgeous sites I've ever seen. I think it even rivals the Swiss Alps. We went from Venice, through Cortina, and then meandered our way down to Verona ... you could easily head on over to Milan instead of Verona if you wanted to. But look into the Dolomites. Makes for a nice break between cities and is truly beautiful.

Varenna is great for a night or two. It's laid back and a bid off the beaten path. We stayed at the Eremo Gaudio Hotel. Best view of mountains, lake & town and air conditioned rooms! Easy walking distance to town. We enjoyed dinner on the terrace and watched the sunset across Lake Como. Very memorable! Check it out on youtube "Two Days in Varenna" by FrametoFame. We travelled on to Castelrotto and used it to see the Dolomite Mountains. Did Rick's Best of the Dolomites circle tour via Sella Pass complete with a hike and picnic in Canazai. What fantastic mountain scenery! Again you're welcome to check it out on youtube - "Castelrotto & the Best of the Dolomites" by Frametofame.

This is a 2nd for Hotel Eremo Gaudio. Views are unbelievable. We are staying there again when we go back in June.