If we are due to arrive in Milan on a Sunday morning at 8:30 AM, and we only have a carry on bag, is it logical to assume that we can get to 11:00 Mass at the Duomo, grab a quick lunch, see The Last Supper, and get an afternoon train to Varenna? I'm assuming we would leave our bags in a locker at the Mian train station while doing this. What do you think?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23310 posts
It is do able. Probably fall asleep during Mass. It is about 30 mins in from the airport and the Doma is two stops on the subway. However, advance reservations for the Last Supper is critical.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Yikes, you are assuming all of your connections will be on time and you and your party will not have jet lag. BTW, do not underestimate the effects of jet lag. I have flown in and out of Malpensa many times and sometimes clearing customs and retrieving luggage went smoothly and sometimes not. Next, you will need to secure advance reservations for the La Cenacola (Last Supper) for the date and time you want. Is there any way you could spend the night in Milano and go to Varenna the next day? You also did not mention your age, which could have some influence on your itinerary. All in all, it could be doable, but not a schedule we would want to follow. Buon viaggio,
Posted by
OP
Vestavia
31 posts
Typically we are full of energy that first day, having a few hours sleep on the plane. Jet lag doesn't usually hit me until about day 3, but this time I think I will try taking melatonin to see if that helps ward it off. After giving this more thought, maybe we should just go ahead to Varenna, and try to see the Duomo and The Last Supper at the end of our trip. After 2 weeks (Varenna/Venice/Florence/CT) we return to Milan the day before our return flight. I like flying in/out of Milan because of the nonstop flight. If we save Last Supper for the end it will mean getting an early start from the Cinque Terra though...guess I can try to get the tickets for Last Supper just in case, but if we are enjoying CT too much to leave early morning, sites in Milan will have to wait until next time.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
We like Milano, but we understand the lack of interest on the tourist circuit. Since I have an Italian cousin who lives in southern Switzerland with her family, we frequently fly in and out of Malpensa. We always stay and recommend the 4 star Hotel Berna on Via Napo Torriano 18. It is located about 500 meters from Stazione Centrale. In the evenings we like to taxi over to the Navigli section. It is a former factory/warehouse neighborhood along 2 or 3 canals now gentrified into restaurants, clubs, bars, flea markets, pasticcerias, and gelatorie. In the summer the zone is jammed with Milanese taking their evening passiagatta (stroll). Buon viaggio,