3 days in italy

Seems to me that the CT and the lakes will be cold and rainy, with not a lot open. Seems you are better heading to Florence for a couple of nights. Or you could stay in Milan and travel from there.

If you've not been to Italy in the past...there is plenty to see close to where you are. A day trip to Pisa, or perhaps Lucca.

You could easily spend 2 full days in Florence, (make that over-nighting in Florence, not taking the train each day to get there) taking your time to see the sights.

Just tough since you have to return to Milan to fly home. You'll have to spend the last night in Milan for certain, so plan that day before you leave the next morning to see the Duomo, Sforza castle, The Last Supper, maybe do a little window shopping, or full on shopping.

Ellen has given you some excellent tips. Florence would be a fantastic city to spend two days in. Another option would be Venice. Both cities are connected by hourly trains to Milan. With just 3 days, I recommend just picking one city and staying there.

I agree -- head for either Florence or Venice on the day you arrive. I personally would pick Venice, but in order to decide what's best for you, go online and look at both cities. Google them or look on Trip Advisor for lists of best things to do in each city. See what appeals to you most.

Nov 12 am - Train to Florence (1 night) after early arrival
Nov 12 pm - Florence sights

Nov 13 am - Florence sights
Nov 13 pm - Train to Milan (2 nights)

Nov 14 - If you wake up and weather is good then consider a day trip to Lake Como, otherwise stay in Milan

Nov 15 am - Depart from Milan

Thank you all so much!
Any recommendations on hotels in either Florence or Venice? (At Maximum $500/ night?)

You have time only to go to either Florence OR Venice and spend 2 nights in the destination you choose. The last night (night #3) you need to be sleeping in Milan to make your flight the next morning.

Forget the lakes or Cinque Terre in November. That is a waste of time. Stay in the cities.

Nov 12: arrival at MXP, immediately head by train to Florence/Venice, where you will likely arrive in the early PM
Nov 12 PM: Walk around and get acquainted with Venice/Florence
Nov 12 Night #1: Sleep in Venice/Florence
Nov 13: all day visit Venice/Florence
Nov 13 Night #2: Sleep in Venice/Florence
Nov 14 AM: your choice whether do something else in the AM in VE/FI or head immediately to Milan.
Nov 14 PM: Milan visit (Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, La Scala, Shopping, etc.)
Nov 14 Night #3: Sleep in Milan near Cadorna station
Nov 15 AM: head to MXP airport via Malpensa Express from Cadorna Station.

Envious of your budget !!
Have a look at these in Florence, between the station and the duomo ...
http://www.firenzenumbernine.com/en/
http://www.palazzovecchietti.com/en/

Thanks again!!!
Looking forward to our trip!

Sorry I don't have experience in hotels of your budget level. €150 a night are more than posh in my book. Never had a chance to spend much more than that in Italy.

I agree with the others that spending time in either Florence or Venice would be best, considering the very short time frame and the time of year.

My suggestion would be Florence as....

• it's a shorter train ride from Milan, so less time used for transportation (about 1H:40 vs 2H:35 for Venice)
• I find it less expensive than Venice.
• sightseeing will be somewhat easier, since you won't have to use boats to reach any of the locations.
• it offers some easy day trip possibilities, such as Siena or Lucca.

If you haven't travelled by train in Italy before, there are a few potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of. If you need further information, post another note.

Consider this. Florence is all about Renaissance art (sculpture and painting) and architecture. If you love it, you'll be in hog's heaven in Florence. If you don't, then head to Venice which is a truly unique city.