Northern Italy in October - eating and relaxing, no sightseeing. Ideas, please?

[Kim A]

My poor old blokey needs a real break after working hard during the summer. We want to go to Northern Italy in October. We aren't interested in 'the sights'. We want to eat, drink and relax. Don't mind self catering, but it's got to be near a market and nice - no tatty holiday complexes or anywhere where there are likely to be loads of tourists with hordes of kids in tow. We will probably hire a car, although we have an idea to drive down through Germany to visit a spa on the way, so transport isn't a problem. Ideas for places to eat/stay etc gratefully received. Thanks!

[mushroom25]

I did business with an engineering company in northern Italy in the Po Valley, not far from Parma. There's no "sights" as such, but there are many old buildings, etc, and culture that you can take in - or not. Stayed at Hotel Poli in Castelnovi di Soto, http://www.hotelpoli.it/index.php?page=recepti on&lang=EN which has its own restaurant, but there are loads of really nice restaurants around & about in Guastalla, Poviglio - Tavernetta Del Lupo in Sorbolo was a favourite of our hosts. A great place to do business.

[Buenchico]

As soon as I saw 'Northern Italy' in the question, I immediately thought of Liguria. It might not be ideal if you're travelling via Germany (because it's on the west coast, rather than the east) but it's still worth considering.

Rapallo is a lovely town with a beautiful seafront, good restaurants and wonderful market. It's served by the coastal railway line that passes through many other intersting towns and villages. (Even if you hire a car, the rail service might still be of use to you if you like a few drinks with your meals :-) ).

Just along the coast is Santa Margherita and the millionaire's resort of Portofino. You've also got Cinque Terre nearby. In October, I'd find it hard to think of anywhere else in the world for a more relaxing holiday away from crowds of tourists.

Chris

[Kim A]

Chris, you've come up trumps again -ta! And thanks mushroom25, as well! Both places sound just what we were looking for!