It’s a more complicated trip vs what I normally plan given the no of people.
It’s going to be hot regardless of where we meet in southern Europe.
Have identified options for lodging for 16 in both Orvieto (Umbria) and Sorrento.
Both will be in mid to high 80s (unless we get unlucky with a heatwave) and I expect a lot of time at the pool.
Would love to get any suggestions. I would have preferred to stay in the north around the lakes but it’s harder to get an accommodation that meets all of the criteria.
Please look at Aosta. Better weather, probably a little easier to get accommodations than at the lakes. Incredible food and some excellent, little-known wines.
Long shot here:
Locanda La Clusaz. Don’t know if they have enough rooms, what it’s like in mid-summer. Michelin *. I stayed here for four days about 5 years ago, everything was wonderful.
Discussions in another thread about staying in Michelin * restaurants with rooms. The breakfasts!
We were there in September-October last year and can’t help but compare to Como. The lake towns in Garda are more earthy and less grandiose, also the region looks a bit rougher and authentic with less non-Italian tourists. Nothing wrong with Como lake towns, which are still very beautiful and perfect. But if you like a more laid-back and more rootsy ambiance, Garda would be the one. The northernmost part of the lake in the towns of Riva del Garda, Sirmione, and Malcesine are refreshing and pretty. The white wines of Trentino- Alto-Adige can surprise, too.
Herengracht is a poor substitute for the Soča, but maybe we can start there in April — will probably stop by for a few nights! Will PM you in a few weeks.
Personally I would probably stay somewhere East of E55, think in the direction of Udine, Cividale to Gorica. You could even stay on the Slovenian side of the boarder, it’s very fluid between there, and regardless you will be close to many many good wineries and quite a few restaurants.
You would be about 40-60 minutes away from the sea, near the Alps and Soca perhaps an hour or so away. Trieste about an hour away or so, and Venice - 1.5hrs perhaps.
Since you’re a big group, it could also allow for different explorations and splitting up the group. But having a car is essential as in most places in Italy (except city trips).
More seriously, I would do Balzano or elsewhere in northern Trento. The Alps bring a cooling effect. It’s gorgeous. The state is the most efficient in Italy and the food still is top notch.
For extra fun, you could fly into Innsbruck and drive or take bus over the alps to Balzano. Incredible views.
