My husband and I are going on our 1st Rick Steves Tour in October to Southern Italy. We are very excited and plan on arriving a few days early. This will be our 3rd visit to Italy and are wanting to do something we haven't done before. We have never been to Milan or the Cinque Terre. Our question is, do we want to do Lake Como or the Cinque Terre? How difficult is it to get to the Cinque Terre and is it too crowded in October? We will be flying into Milan and then taking a train from Milan to Rome to start the tour, but we will have those few extra days before. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11948 posts
If you are already committed to flying into Milan, Lake Como is logistically simpler to get to.
The tour includes 2 saltwater stops, so I vote for Lake Como
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Jeanne,
Since you'll be heading to Rome to start your tour, my suggestion would be the Cinque Terre, as it's "on the way" to Rome. The CT should be quieter in October so should be quite pleasant (assuming the weather cooperates). I can't think of a nicer place to recover from jet lag.
When you arrive at MXP, take the train to Milano Centrale and then connect with one of the direct train to Monterosso (one departs about 13:00 - I'd have to check the schedule for the precise departure time). I always stay in Monterosso, but if you prefer one of the other towns, it's only a few minutes by train.
When you're ready to head for Rome, take the local train to La Spezia Centrale, and then connect with one of the direct IC or Freccia trains to Roma Termini (travel time about 4H:15M). There are direct departures at 10:13 and 13:16 (among others).
The South Italy tour is wonderful... Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Minneapolis
1262 posts
Both Lake Como and CT are easy access. You say 'a few days' early. How many? If you arrive in Milan 4 days before your tour start, you can easily do both; for example:
Day 0 arrive Milan airport; train to Varenna; stay 2 nights.
Day 1 Lake Como
Day 2 10:30 train to CT; arrive 3 pm. stay 2 nights (or 7:30 train to Milan; 7 hours in Milan; 4 pm train to CT, arrive 7 pm)
Day 3 CT
Day 4 9:40 train to Rome; arrive 2:30 pm. start tour.
You could even add a half day in Milan, either on day 0 if your flight arrives early enough, or on day 2 as noted.
Have a great trip!