Central Italy July09

[mom3bellasorella]

Is anyone going on the July 09 ABD Central Italy tour with kids?

[Evildisneysiamese]

We are going on the June 12th trip with our daughter. Will let you know how it went when we get back.

[wdwsos]

We have a group of 18 adults (so far) on June 5 - I'm so excited about this one! There's still room for a few more if anyone is interested! :)

Dotti

[the who #3]

what is the central italy tour? i haven't seen that one.

[wdwsos]

what is the central italy tour? i haven't seen that one.

It's Bella Italia. It starts out with three nights in Sorrento with side trips to Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii.. followed by four nights in the heart of Florence (only blocks from the Uffizi Gallery) with visits to Siena, Lucca and Pisa. We're arriving two nights early because the Sorrento hotel looks amazing, and I'm also hoping to find the town near Naples where my grandparents were from.

So far, on the June 5 trip, we have 20 adults and no children. I think that we're a fun bunch if anyone wants to join us! And our ages range from 21 to 74 so there will always be someone walking at your speed. ;) I only have two rooms left with my group rates, but those should be gone by the weekend so I'm not trying to "sell" anything here. I'm pretty sure the remaining 2-3 rooms are open to anyone.

Ever since the Viva Italia trip, I've been dreaming of Italy. I'm so looking forward to this!

Dotti

[redzinner]

We're arriving two nights early because the Sorrento hotel looks amazing, and I'm also hoping to find the town near Naples where my grandparents were from.

Ciao Dotti!

What town near Naples would that be? My grandfather was born in Felitto, Salerno, Campania, Italia. Other family members are from Roccadaspide in the same area.

[wdwsos]

Ciao Dotti!

What town near Naples would that be? My grandfather was born in Felitto, Salerno, Campania, Italia. Other family members are from Roccadaspide in the same area.

My grandfather was born in Marzano Appio, which is also in Campania, around 30 miles northwest of Naples. Seems Felitto is to the south, so we're probably not related. ;)

My 93-year-old aunt (the only one left standing out of eight!) is trying to find out where my grandmother came from. I didn't realize that they met and married in the U.S.

Not sure we'll get to visit Marzano Appio, but it would really be cool. And I visit Lebanon with my husband, so he owes me. :)

Dotti

[BellaItalia]

I am very interested in taking my sister on the Bella Italia trip. Do you think there is still room on the June 5th trip?

Thanks!

[wdwsos]

I am very interested in taking my sister on the Bella Italia trip. Do you think there is still room on the June 5th trip?

Thanks!

There are defiitely at least two rooms left, although both are triples. I'd have to check that I can switch one for a double room. We have 20 adults so far, and as far as I know, it wasn't opened up to the general public. (If you call AbD directly, it will likely show as not being available but that is because the whole date is contracted to me.) Airfare has dropped considerably, too!

We're a fun group and two more would just make us merrier. :)

Dotti

[BellaItalia]

Thank you for your prompt response!
Being that you contracted the whole date, is this group of 20 all related, is this a family reunion of sorts?
Also, how would I go about booking this trip?

Thank you again!

[wdwsos]

Thank you for your prompt response!
Being that you contracted the whole date, is this group of 20 all related, is this a family reunion of sorts?
Also, how would I go about booking this trip?

Thank you again!

Back in 2006, my husband and I did our first AbD trip -- Viva Italia. It was an adult-only trip and out of the 30-something people on the trip, about 70% of us are still in touch! A few of us have done trips together since, in 2007 and 2008, but we've talked a while about doing a "reunion" trip. That's how all of this started.

Out of the 20, six are my family and one son's girlfriend. I'm my own best client. :) Some of the remaining are from the Viva trip -- we had at least 10 more people interested but a number of logistical issues got in the way. I also have clients from other trips who have become friends, and they make up four of the group.

So, that was a long story to say that some of us (10 or so) know each other, but the rest know a few but not all. We range in age from 21 to 73 and I think we're 50/50 in terms of gender. We only have a few couples, with the rest being mother/daughter, father/daughter, sister/brother. I have one single woman in her 60s who would love a roommate if anyone knows someone!

I don't think I'm allowed to put contact info on the boards, but you should be able to find my email address by clicking on my user name. If not, just google "Dotti" and "Adventures by Disney" and you should find some way to contact me. :)

Dotti

[BellaItalia]

Thanks Dotti, I received your PM and sent you an email (I can't send PMS back since I'm a new user).

Talk to you soon!

[glassslipper2004]

Hi Dotti -

Wish I could come with you - it sounds like a wonderful time! And I agree - since my Viva trip last summer I've been dreaming of Italy too! Next time I go to Europe (not sure when that will be) I'm adding a few days in Venice - I can't get enough.

:flower3:

[the who #3]

dottie, i am so excited to be going back to italy with abd again! i'll see in sorrento on the 4th.:thumbsup2

[wdwsos]

I can't believe we actually fly out tomorrow! We added two pre-nights in Sorrento so I can catch up on a little sleep when I get there. (Right.. who am I kidding? LOL)

After counting the days for so, so long, it's finally here -- woohoo! I'm hearing reports from last week that this is one of the best AbD tours yet!

Photos will follow... hopefully a trip report if I have the energy...

Dotti

[redzinner]

I can't believe we actually fly out tomorrow! We added two pre-nights in Sorrento so I can catch up on a little sleep when I get there. (Right.. who am I kidding? LOL)

After counting the days for so, so long, it's finally here -- woohoo! I'm hearing reports from last week that this is one of the best AbD tours yet!

Photos will follow... hopefully a trip report if I have the energy...

Dotti

Have a wonderful fun time but I know you will. I'll be interested to see how you define BEST ABD tour.

[glassslipper2004]

Dottie, have a great time! Wish I was going too.

Any tips for the Southwest Splendors trip in August?

Sandy

[sayhello]

Any tips for the Southwest Splendors trip in August?

SandyWhat kind of tips are you looking for? :) I can't help with August, but I can help with Southwest Splendors!

I can't believe we actually fly out tomorrow! We added two pre-nights in Sorrento so I can catch up on a little sleep when I get there. (Right.. who am I kidding? LOL)

After counting the days for so, so long, it's finally here -- woohoo! I'm hearing reports from last week that this is one of the best AbD tours yet!

Photos will follow... hopefully a trip report if I have the energy...

DottiDottie, have a wonderful time! I'm really looking forward to your trip report!

Sayhello

[glassslipper2004]

Sayhello - I started to read your trip report but then stopped because I'm the type that likes to be surprised - but of course, that desire is battling with my need to be prepared!

I am wondering if the hikes are really long and/or challenging. I'm not in particularly good shape, and DH's knee sometimes hurts him... (oh, we sound old) but I have reassured him that these trips are for everyone and so it couldn't be that hard! I actually got myself and DD11 some Northface light hikers, as my existing sneakers are pretty beat up.

I also wondered if you had suggestions for free time, restaurants, or "excursions" (don't know what to call the extra stuff you do on this trip).

Any suggestions are welcome!

[sayhello]

Sayhello - I started to read your trip report but then stopped because I'm the type that likes to be surprised - but of course, that desire is battling with my need to be prepared!

I am wondering if the hikes are really long and/or challenging. I'm not in particularly good shape, and DH's knee sometimes hurts him... (oh, we sound old) but I have reassured him that these trips are for everyone and so it couldn't be that hard! I actually got myself and DD11 some Northface light hikers, as my existing sneakers are pretty beat up.

I also wondered if you had suggestions for free time, restaurants, or "excursions" (don't know what to call the extra stuff you do on this trip).

Any suggestions are welcome!The "hike" in Red Rocks State Park (near Sedona) is really just a nature walk. No problems. Very leisurely pace, and nothing too strenous.

The only other real hike is to Delicate Arch. It is a long hike, over open, exposed areas. Not a lot of elevation gain, or strenuous in that way, but the surface itself is challenging because there's not a huge amount of traction. That said, the guides were fabulous about taking it slow for those who needed it, breaking things up, taking rests, etc. We had one "older" gentleman who thought he wasn't going to be able to make it, but they coaxed him, and worked with him, and he did! And was glad he did! That said, you really don't have to decide until the moment of the hike if you want to do the hike or take the bus tour (the bus drops the people off for the hike, then continues on for the tour.) I think if you discuss your concerns with the guides, they can give you a better idea of whether they think you could make it or not. They are great that way.

In Sedona, lots of people liked the "Cowboy Club". We didnt' go there, we went to a little diner that was only OK. The lunch at Tlaquepaque, we ate at the Secret Garden Cafe. (The guides & bus driver ate there, too. That's usually a good indicator!) The food was really great. I've heard mixed reviews about the service there, but ours was fine. Lovely salads & sandwiches.

In Moab, we ate lunch at a shop called "The Peace Tree" (the guides ate there, also) that served really great wraps. Those were really the only "on your own" meals we had where there was really much choice. Nothing really fancy.

As far as the extra excursions are concerned, I did the helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. It is very pricey, but something you should probably do once in your life. Our guide, Chris, made the arrangements for us. You aren't there for enough time, or at the right times, really, to do the mule ride at the Grand Canyon. Although that may have changed, since you guys are actually staying *at* the Canyon, and don't have the transportation time. There really isn't much else "excursion-wise" there.

In Moab, lots of people did the "Hummer tour". They *really* seemed to enjoy that. That was arranged through the resort. I've seen other trip reports mention ATV riding, but that wasn't offered when I was there. I went hiking in the hills around the Resort... gorgeous!

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions, or need more detail!

Sayhello

[glassslipper2004]

Sayhello -

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for!

I can't wait for our trip. Only a few more months to go, it's hard to believe.

[sayhello]

Sayhello -

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for!

I can't wait for our trip. Only a few more months to go, it's hard to believe.I may be prejudiced, :woohoo: but I think you're going to LOVE it!

Sayhello

[the who #3]

we are back home with jet lag and all. the greatest trip of all!:thumbsup2

thank you disney for abd and thank you dotti. also, many thanks to the friends who came along on this trip. we just had the grandest time and i loved every minute of it.:goodvibes

dotti, my feet are still swollen but it good shape! thank you ever so much.

thanks to my friends for the assistance getting thru the airport in france. i hope the rest of your trip home was as pleasant as mine.

our guides were just terrific, they deserve special thanks.:tinker:

anne

[wdwsos]

Anne, it was great to see you again! What an incredible trip this was! All the past Viva Italia travelers on this tour said that it was possibly even better -- hard to believe, but true!

There are a few photos on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=105974&id=1082061973&l=a84aa59c98 However, they're definitely heavy on people, not places. I'll have a lot more up on Kodak Gallery in a day or two. (I have a couple of Youtube videos loaded but I hate to give away any surprises!) And there will be a trip report -- I just need to work a little before I get started!

Honestly, though... out of the four so far, for me this one was the best yet!

Dotti

[sayhello]

Anne, it was great to see you again! What an incredible trip this was! All the past Viva Italia travelers on this tour said that it was possibly even better -- hard to believe, but true! [...]

Honestly, though... out of the four so far, for me this one was the best yet!

DottiDottie, I'd really love to hear more about this. Because, honestly, the Central Italy trip originally interested me more than the Viva Italia itinterary, because of the visits to Positano & the Amalfi Coast (did this trip used to include Pompeii? I don't remember seeing that on the old itinerary... ooooo. And didn't it used to include Rome, also?)

People just rave about the Viva Italia trip so much. I'd really like to hear what you felt made this one a better trip. I've definitely got my eye on one of these 2 for next year.

Thanks!
Sayhello

[wdwsos]

Bella Italia is the perfect combination (in my opinion) of last year's Taste of Tuscany and Roma and la Costa Bella, with a little Viva thrown in. The new and improved version starts out in Sorrento with side trips to Positano (bus), Amalfi Coast (private boat), the town of Amalfi and Capri (both walking and by private boat tour). On the final day, there's a trip to Pompeii before heading to Naples for the new high-speed train to Florence.

In Florence, the hotel is right in the middle of everything -- the location couldn't be better! From there, we visited Sienna (from Viva Italia or Taste of Tuscany, depending on which year), Monteriggioni (Taste of Tuscany), Lucca and Pisa.

I think that last year, Roma and la Costa Bella started in Rome (two nights), and ended in Sorrento. This version has no stops in Rome. Personally, I like Florence much more, so missing Rome wasn't too much of a disappointment. The boys would have loved to have gone, though.

So many places, so little time...

I know this doesn't give a lot of explanation as to why I liked this one so much, but hopefully my trip report will shed more light. :) As with every experience, the people you travel with play a huge part. Having my own group and knowing everyone beforehand sure didn't hurt! And getting to spend almost two weeks with my sons was a gift beyond measure!

Dotti

[the who #3]

i was so sure that nothing could outshine the viva italia trip but this one did! this was the most enjoyable trip i have ever been on. i do have to admit that the people i traveled with made a lot of difference. :grouphug:

i only wish that it could have been a few days longer. i understand why mark was out in the middle of the night taking pictures in florence. we were leaving the next morning and you just can't seem to get enough of it.

thanks to disney, i do love italy! the wild boar says i will not be back but i will not let that stop me!

[HorizonsTraveller]

Hi Dotti and Anne!

I agree with both of your sentiments completely. :thumbsup2

Viva Italia was wonderful and special in it's own way but Bella Italia was just incredible.

Anne..I agree it wasn't long enough..it seemed liked it was over before I knew it!

This trip is so much fun I wouldn't be surprised if it became one of ABD's most popular trips. It's hard to have a bad time in Italy.

Thanks for all your hard work on the trip Dotti (and look for a package in the mail from Dave and I soon).

So where are we all headed next??

PS: Message to Mark...Guess who came home with two bottles of HC??? :goodvibes

David

[the who #3]

david and dottie, where ever the group goes next.........please count me in. i wouldn't miss it for the world.

abd you got an a+ for this one. dottie you are the best.:thumbsup2

anne

[sayhello]

Thanks for the info, Dotti! This trip has definitely bumped up on my list of "must do"s. Of course, I really need to go with you & your group for the maximum enjoyment... ;)

My sister really wants me to come visit her in Israel, and maybe combining it with a trip like this would make it more doable...

Sayhello

[yogibigdog]

I was fortunate to travel with Dotti and her family last summer on my ABD. We had an amazing time. What a wonderful group to travel with! We had so many adventures and laughs. We did Flavors of France it was great. I only wish I was able to go with them this year for Bella. I have seen the pictures and some of the locations take my breath away! Let me know where you head next I would love to join you again since you guys are so much fun.

Dotti.....keep in touch!