Italy is a beautiful place. We have been to Rome – a long weekend was sufficient to be honest we also went in April 2002 and the weather was really hot but it can be a bit hit and miss at this time – have a look on the websites to see what the ranges are. We stayed at this hotel [/url] they have now built the restaurant but the price is still the same. We also found wonderful restaurants in the back streets. We stayed at the campsite in Florence in July (scorchio) which is right next to the Michelangelo Plaza – fantastic view of the city – spend a few days here. We got the train to Pisa from Florence so allow 1 day there.
Have spent a week on the amalfi coast – this is great scenery but I remember that as sunbathing by the pool that the buffalo aroma wafted over late afternoon – no PeterPoddy was not with me then! You have to bear in mind that English is not their first language so worth learning a bit of Italian for outside of the major cities. Unless you speak French or German. Can’t comment on lake Garda but have been told that it is definitely worth doing. If you hire a car – make sure it is small – they build good small cars for a reason! If you are a nervous driver – don’t go on the Milan ring road. To be honest Naples is a bit of a hole – best to drive out of it asap I have flown into there and know a family that managed to live there for 5 years. Lets hope the euro improves with the pound otherwise you will be going how much? Know that there are 3 price ranges for drink – standing up, sitting inside, sitting outside and the same with food.