Hi there,
I have 7 nights to split between Milan and Venice. I've never been to either. Both are great cities I'm sure, but do you feel that a person would benefit more from a 4th night in Milan or Venice? Generally I'm more of a culture vulture traveler—I will definitely try to go to a performance at La Scala.
This would be in mid-October, and my flights in and out are out of Milan. Also, any preference between train or bus between the two cities?
Thanks!
I have spent four nights in Milan (on a repeat visit) and don't particularly recommend spending that long. Venice is much preferred by most of us in this office, so it gets the extra day. Fast trains running direct between the two cities take only 2.5 hours. Venice's opera house is La Fenice. If you find yourself running out of things to do in Milan, a side trip to Lake Como takes about an hour each way by regional train.
I would say 3 nights in Venice and 2 nights in Milan.
For the remaining 2 nights, toss up between Lake Como and Verona.
It's all easy by train.
For example ...
Fly in to Milan, and directly by train to Como (or Verona) - 2 nts
Train to Venice - 3 nts
Train to Milan - 2 nts
Fly home from Milan
Thanks so much for your responses. I was leaning toward 4 nights in Milan, but now I've been swayed to add Lake Como and shave time off Milan. I can't wait. This was an impulse buy, thanks to a great deal from Emirates. I definitely didn't wake up today expecting to book a trip to Italy! That means it's a good day!
More nights in Venice, for sure. You may find something good at La Fenice, and it is often possible to get last-minute tickets.
The fast train makes connecting Milan and Venice very easy.
Milan tends to be dismissed on this site – unfairly, I believe. It is true that Milan has more of a northern European feel, compared with other Italian cities. However Milan has amazing museums and galleries – the Brera and the Ambrosian Gallery/Library come immediately to mind. It also has some beautiful very early churches. I've happily spent more than a week there across two visits, and I didn't even get time to go to the Last Supper until my second visit. Consequently, I would vote to spend three nights in Milan, particularly since you have an interest in going to the opera, rather than taking some of those nights away away for Como.
I agree with David except I would spend two nights in Lake Como staying in Varenna. I would probably skip Verona, spend 3 nights in Venice and 2 nights in Milan. When in Milan, be sure to go to the top of the Duomo and visit the Galleria.
I love Milano, I would give it three nights. There are tons of things to do there. A night or two at Lago di Como and the rest of the time in Venezia - a full day on the lake and take an early train to get to Venezia.
You might start by taking the train directly to Venezia from Milano, then go to Lago di Como, and spend the end of your trip in Milano.
My original post may have been confusing yosemite1 - I meant 2 nights in either Lake Como or Verona, not 1 night in each.
Yes, Emirates are slowly taking over the skies, which I believe US regulators are considering at the behest of the US carriers.
Venice is far more interesting and time consuming than Milan.
However, apart from going to Lake Como, you can make nice daily trip(s) to Turin from Milan. I find Turin far more interesting than Milan and unfairly underestimated.
It's been fantastic to read different takes. I was surprised that none of the Rick Steves group tours even stop in Milan. I wish I had a few more days to squeeze it all in. I guess that's the rub when traveling—never enough time (or money) to see it all. That's why we just have to go back!
If anyone has restaurant or any other recommendations for Milan, Venice, or Lake Como are, do be sure to post. Thanks so much!
Id do Venice in the least amount of time. TOuristy and overpriced.
I could spend the whole 7 days in Venice! But, I like staying in the residential sections and getting to know the city. Plenty of day trips can be had, too.
Since you fly in and out of Milan, I would arrive Milan, take train straight to Venice. Spend however many nights there, then train back to Milan to spend rest of time before flying out.
Most people find more to see in other cities than in Milan. Most people like Venice very much. But that means there are still a lot of people who disagree. You won't know until you are there. Since you are flying in and out of Milan, unless you have a late arrival, go directly to wherever else you choose and spend your last nights in Milan. It's always better to spend your last night nearest your departure airport.
Venice is TOP and Milan, well, I personally wouldn't even bother with Milan!
Good hotels in Milano are the Berna and Garda. Very good restaurant about 3 blocks away is Settembrini 22 (that's also its address).
