Our flight arrives in Milan at 8:00 a.m. and the only thing I'm interested in seeing here is The Last Supper. Since we arrive so early in the day, I was thinking our best plan is to skip seeing this and head out of Milan. We have 15 days including our arrival day and are flying out of Rome. I was going to use Rick's 22 Days in Italy itinerary as a starting point then make eliminations. Some people think Lake Como is worth a visit and then others don't. Any opinions? We would either go here or skip it and go directly to Venice. Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
241 posts
Seeing Last Supper takes planning well ahead. You have to really want to see it. It is not efficient to double back to see it. You see it while in Milan or just say "next time."
Posted by
OP
Houston, TX
4 posts
Since we are flying home from Rome, I was definitely not planning on doubling back. My choice is to try and see it on our arrival day or just forget it and start the next leg of our trip. I realize I would have to get reservations to see it, but I am just trying to decide if seeing it is worth staying the night in Milan to do so. Thanks.
Posted by
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
241 posts
How can I say this gently so as to not offend any readers...it is one of the great works of western art, but it is the only great work in this church. And that in a town not nearly as full of art as, say, Florence, Venice, or Rome. It is not "spectacular." It is not commonly known but the real work has Jesus' feet cut off by the top of a door. You have to study up on it before and and WANT to see it, as I did. But the 'wow' factor is not there. See a post about midway of all the 21 pages, last updated 6/7 or so, about reservations for 'last supper.'
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2722 posts
If you can sucessfully make a timed reservation for the last supper(try calling the number listed in Rick's book as opposed to using the online reservation system), I say take the Malpensa shuttle bus to the Central Station (less than an hour), catch the metro to see the Last Supper, and then head on your way. I tried this plan myself but failed (due to online reservation snafu). Otherwise, I enjoyed the cathedral (among the top 10 biggest in Europe) and the Sforza castle. Rick's book lists a three hour "blitz" tour that hits the highlights.
Personally, I think Lake Como is worth it, particularly the little town of Varenna (helps you ease into the Italy experience). Train ride is less than an hour from Milan and the scenery lovely.
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
As Milan is a waste of time and Como is fantastic and close, we'd recommend going there if you enjoy the charms of much smaller places and infinitely prettier surroundings.
Because you have so little time, concentrate it in a few locales. Where you go depends on what you care about. Venice is unique but crowded. Firenze (Florence) is a city of artwork and has a lovely overview from Piazzale Michaelangelo.Rome is a festival of ruins and sports the treasures of the Vatican.
Posted by
OP
Houston, TX
4 posts
Thanks to all for the advice. Since we will have been traveling for 14 hours from Houston and we do love beautiful scenery and small villages as well as the larger cities, I think we will skip trying to see The Last Supper and head directly to Varenna to recuperate for the rest of our trip.
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
Go to Lake Como it is stunning and just a short train ride from Milan. When you get to the station get the bus or a cab to the ferries and then take a ferry to where ever you are staying. There are buses from the station that go around the lake too. If you take a cab to one of the towns on the lake you have to pay for the cab to return to Como and so can prove very expensive.
You must go to Bellagio - it is so pretty.
I stayed in Argengo at the Villa Belvedere and it was great. Little family run hotel right on the lake and 2 minutes from the ferry stop. Really quaint village and easy to get around the lake from.