We're planning to fly into Milan on Sunday 26 April, and out of Florence on Friday 1 May. So it's 5 nights total, right in the middle of the busy holiday week of 25 April and 1 May.
Where would you spend those nights if you could only pick 2 places (one in the Milan area and one in the Florence area)?
I'd stay in the city of Milan and in the city of Florence....but I think you are looking for something else (??)
If you are asking for hotel recommendations it might be good to give a general price range.
Milan and Florence seem the most straightforward bases since they have good transportation, food, and rainy day options. Plus, we'll be flying into Milan and out of Florence, so it makes sense to stay at least one night near each connection.
So the real question is the 3 nights in the middle. How would you allocate the 5 nights, if these are the options:
a) 4 Milan, 1 Florence
b) 3 Milan, 2 Florence
c) 2 Milan, 3 Florence
d) 1 Milan, 4 Florence
There'd be one day where we travel from Milan to Florence (by car or train), and then 3 full days for day trips. Another way of looking at the options would be :
a) 3 day trips from Milan
b) 2 day trips from Milan, 1 from Florence
c) 1 day trip from Milan, 2 from Florence
d) 3 day trips from Florence
Between Milan and Florence, which offers the most "bang for the buck" in terms of both day trips, and also the evenings after the day trips where we walk around town before and after dinner?
I'm not a huge fan of Milan outside of visiting the Last Supper fresco or going to la Scala for an evening so take this for what it is.
I'd do a minimum number of nights in Milan. Train to Florence (less than 2 hours). Spend the rest of the time in Florence. Unless you've been to Florence already, and have seen all the usual sites, I'd plan on just 1 or 2 day trips.
If you fly into Milan, sleep near Milano Centrale train station where most of the attractions are. If you fly home from Florence, sleep near the Firenze S. M. Novella station.
Don’t expect to do much sight-seeing on arrival day after a night of no sleep. Spend two nights in Milan and three nights in Florence.
I would hop on the train to Florence the same day I landed in Milan and spend all the nights there. It would give you time to see some of the main sights and experience Florence in the evening after any day trips you choose. Florence offers so many options for day trips to other towns, either organized trips or simply short train or bus rides to other towns such as Sienna, Lucca or Bologna.
We like Milan and there is a lot to see. The Duomo is magnificent. If you have any desire to see the Last Supper get your tickets way in advance.
We also enjoyed Sfozeco Castle, along with Pinacoteca Ambrosiana with amazing Da Vinci drawings.
It’s not as historic but still has a lot to offer. Depending on what you want to do. I’m not I sure I would stay near Milano Centrale as most of the sights are not near there.
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