Italy Lovers

One of my most precious souvenirs of Italy is the itinerary from my first trip. I decided to see if I could reconstruct the itinerary on the internet with links (where available) to the places we went.

We landed in Milan Malpensa the 16th of September (many years ago) at about 9:30 in the morning. We had our own bus and driver for the whole trip.

Our reservation for that night was in the town of Garda on Lake Garda. On the way there we traveled around Lake Como and stopped for lunch at ALBERGO RISTORANTE BELVEDERE in the town of Torno on Lake Como. What a beautiful introduction to Italy. We dined outdoors on a terrace right on the lake under the trees. I remember the food was divine.

From there we continued on our way and arrived at our Hotel "Le Terrazze" in the town of Garda. It was a sweet, modest hotel that we enjoyed. In looking for it online, it looks like they have remodeled it but I think this is the same hotel - now called Hotel Excelsior Le Terrazze. That is where we stayed for 2 nights. It was within very easy walking distance of the lake shore.

Addresses:

ALBERGO RISTORANTE BELVEDERE
P.ZA CASARTELLI 3
22020 TORNO CO
Tel: 031 419100
no website, little English spoken

Hotel Excelsior Le Terrazze
Via Marconi 6
37016 Garda
Tel: 045 7256774
Hotel Excelsior Le Terrazze

Once you've see the major sites in Rome that are in all the guidebooks, it's time to venture out a little.

Why not check out the Appian Way? Dating from 312 bc, it is one of the oldest roads in Rome and the site of much history. Followers of Spartacus were crucified here, and it is said that St Peter met Jesus here during his flight from Rome.

There are several ways to enjoy a visit there. The choices range from taking a siteseeing bus called the Archeobus, walking or bicycling. The official website, the Parco Regionale Appia Antica, (fortunately also in English) is very handy. It has pages showing the itinerary for the Archeobus, several walking routes, bicycle paths, and places to rent bicycles for the day.

You will find cafes along the way (so civilized don't you think) so you will be able to refresh with a cappuccino and a panino or even something more substantial.