Hi everyone. I am new to this board and planning our first trip to Italy in October. We will be spending a few days in Lake Como, a week in southern Tuscany, a few days in Rome and then a week visiting the birthplaces of my grandparents in southern Italy (and hoping to find some long lost relatives). It is relatively easy to find recommendations on Como, Tuscany, Rome -- but not southern Italy (particulary where my relatives came from). My maternal grandparents came from Montelongo, Campobasso, Molise (pop. 650) and my paternal grandparents came from Tursi, Matera, Basilicata (pop. 6000. Any and all tips on where to stay near these towns and traveling in these remote areas of southern Italy would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the board, azbuckeye. How is Arizona? It is one of my favorite places to visit.

We don't have a lot of information on Molise or Basilicata but I recommend trying a search on the board. Use the Find icon/link at the top of this message. Try searching on Molise or Matera. We have had a couple of threads which mention these area.

You can also use this to search for the other areas and don't forget to check Slow Traveler web site section on Italy for lots of great information.

>>Tursi<< You are really going off the beaten track but I did find a web page for four star hotel in Tursi that looks modern.

Villa Cirigliano

>>Montelongo<< This small town is halfway between Termoli [on the sea) and Campobasso, the main town of Molise. The nearest hotel I could find is in Larino, maybe 15 km from Montelongo.

Park Hotel Campitelli 2

Another modern structure with a large swimming pool.

When in Basilicata, be sure to visit Matera and its unique cave dwellings--I Sassi. Also a very pleasant city to stay in.

I am hoping to visit Molise this Spring for the first time...so I can't give you any first hand experiences.

Have a great time.

Jim Zurer
Great Travels Inc.
Washington DC 20015
My Slowtrav Classified Ad
http://www.great-travels.com
jim@great-travels.com