Italy Family Trip

[bbqchuck]

I've been given the task of arranging a family (wife and I, plus her sis, husband, and two high school teens) tour of Italy.  This will be our first trip to Italy.  I've been reading a lot of the other threads for restaurant recommendations.  Great information from you that have visited: Jsaras, Heikjo, ebpizza, ShevyChase, and many others.  Thanks much.  My plan is to definitely visit Naples and do the pizza crawl.

We're really not all that knowledgeable about the foods in Italy other than what we've experienced in the states.  We love good hearty red wines and good food. Seafood is a favorite of much of the family.  I would welcome any information and, of course recommendations beyond the pizza recommendations I've read here about. 

Also, I'm trolling for recommendations of a tour company that can arrange a private tour for our family.  ...and, of course, must see places.

Thanks
Chuck

[scott r]

Many years ago I took some advice from a fellow forum member that grew up in Naples.   His advice was to stay in Sorrento rather than Naples because its easy to get in and out of the big city.  Sorrento was advised as a great home base to visit other beautiful parts of the region.   We also did day trips to Capri, Positano, Ravello, and Pompeii from Sorrento on rented motor scooters.   This may have been the best vacation of my life!     Rome is close enough to Naples that if I did another one of these trips I would split my time between the two.

[jkb]

A consultant I worked with always tracked down a McDonald's abroad to be assured he knew what he was getting.  Not helpful, but makes me chuckle enough to want to share. 

[bbqchuck]

A consultant I worked with always tracked down a McDonald's abroad to be assured he knew what he was getting.  Not helpful, but makes me chuckle enough to want to share. 

I recall being in London 20 years ago, about this time of year.   I was traveling alone and just had one free day for a layover in London.  I wanted to see some sights and spent the whole day out in the cold and wet.  I was hungry and tired.   I spotted a McDonald's across the river from the Tower and stuffed my face.   Similarly,  I was traveling alone in Singapore a few years ago and found myself in McDonald's.   I seem to eat badly when traveling alone, for expediency.   

[jsaras]

I've been given the task of arranging a family (wife and I, plus her sis, husband, and two high school teens) tour of Italy.  This will be our first trip to Italy.  I've been reading a lot of the other threads for restaurant recommendations.  Great information from you that have visited: Jsaras, Heikjo, ebpizza, ShevyChase, and many others.  Thanks much.  My plan is to definitely visit Naples and do the pizza crawl.

We're really not all that knowledgeable about the foods in Italy other than what we've experienced in the states.  We love good hearty red wines and good food. Seafood is a favorite of much of the family.  I would welcome any information and, of course recommendations beyond the pizza recommendations I've read here about. 

Also, I'm trolling for recommendations of a tour company that can arrange a private tour for our family.  ...and, of course, must see places.

Thanks
Chuck

I’m not a tour group person.  Now, with the advent of Waze and Google Maps, navigating the Italian countryside is easy.

As far as accomodations, you’ll have to pony up for a hotel for your time in Rome.  Apart from that, locate an “agriturismo” to serve as your home base (similar to a bed and breakfast).  We stayed in an 11th century castle.  Our accomodations had a kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and a garden view. The cost was under $100/night. 

We didn’t drive in Rome, as public transportation and taxis work well there.

We never had unsatifactory wine.  Even the “loose wine” at restaurants was very good.  The advice of avoid restuarants on the main drags that have English signage served us well.

[ebpizza]

Hi, for Naples here is what I recommend. List is grouped by neighborhood so that might help with your overall planning.


Lungomare
This is along the bay (Via Partenope) and is pedestrian only. If you are in Naples in the evening, this is a great place to hangout. Mostly tourist spots but if you choose wisely it is great.

Pizza  - Sorbillo - Lievito Madre al Mare, they also have excellent Gluten Free pizza if that is required
Dinner - La Casa di Ninetta
Gelato - Desìo Gelato & Pastry


https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187785-d8028191-Reviews-Lungomare-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sorbillo-lievito-madre-al-mare-napoli
http://www.italiandesio.it/



La Pignasecca
Naples oldest street market. I had a great lunch at Pizzeria Al 22. They also have many non pizza options. This market also has several seafood merchants that sell fried seafood snacks.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187785-d8041178-Reviews-La_Pignasecca-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html
http://www.al22pizzeria.it/



Centro Storico
This is the historic center of Naples.

Pizza:
- Gino Sorbillo, be warned the line will be long. I personally liked the pizza but I'd rather not spend my time waiting here.
- DiMateo - pizza and fried foods

While not exactly in the historic center, but a few minutes away is the famous L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele. Well worth the wait for this one, you will not find another pizza like that in Naples or elsewhere.
If you only have time for one pizza stop, this is the one, even with the crowds. Yes tourists go there, but it is excellent.

https://www.napoliunplugged.com/saturday-stroll-the-classic-tour-of-centro-storico-part-1.html
https://www.yelp.com/biz/sorbillo-napoli-4
https://www.yelp.com/biz/di-matteo-napoli
https://www.yelp.com/biz/l-antica-pizzeria-da-michele-napoli-2



The food in Naples will be very familiar to America tourists, since it is mostly the basis of Italian-American cuisine.  Since you love seafood, Naples is perfect.  Any pasta with seafood is a great option, especially vongole (clams).   Don't fret about finding a place that only uses San Marzano tomatoes; however if you see Piennolo tomatoes, well worth the try. These are exclusive to Mt. Vesuvius and rare to find outside of Naples.

Since you like hearty red wine, you will love Aglianico. That variety is the king of Southern Italian wine and you will find it everywhere.  I'd also recommend spending few extra bucks and get Taurasi wine if you see it on a menu.

Don't forget to try both mozzarella di bufala and ricotta di bufala.

Let me know if you find any bad espresso in Naples, you won't 


Your teenage family members may enjoy
https://www.napolisotterranea.org/en/naples-underground/



Enjoy your trip.

[amolapizza]

As came up in another thread.  Do try the pastry, as they are masters at making it!

[sk]

As came up in another thread.  Do try the pastry, as they are masters at making it!

I highly recommend Sfogliatelle as well as Neapolitan Babà