Hello! We have 10 days in Italy in sept-October. We fly into Rome, spend three nights, then take the train to Florence for three nights. I have booked our last three nights in Rapallo, but getting to Milan to catch our flight out on the tenth day looks confusing. I'm considering switching our last three nights to Genoa or Lake Como. What I'm looking for is a very relaxing coastal or lake town for our last three nights that has a direct train to Milan.....any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Kenmore, WA
194 posts
Check out Stresa. It's about an hour north of Milan on Lake Maggiore. Nice place to chill for a day or three.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The real question is whether you have enough time. Rapallo does have direct trains to Milano Centrale station, for instance around 7:30 (to arrive at 10:00), 8:30, 11:30, and 13:30. Check your actual travel date at trenitalia.com or through the DB link at How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online. From Milano Centrale, the Malpensa Express train takes about an hour, if Malpensa is your airport.
Posted by
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
We loved Varenna and it was a very easy train ride to Milano Centrale. We stayed at Hotel Milano in a room overlooking the lake - loved it! I also took a very fun cooking class at Restorante Il Caminetto while I was there. My very favorite memories from that trip were spending lovely evenings sitting outside in a little lakeside restaurant and having a long dinner consisting of a jug of wine and various appetizers - La Dolce Vita!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8008 posts
2nd "yes" for Stresa - gorgeous lake town with Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori to explore.
Posted by
Washington DC
28477 posts
If you want a relaxing town, as opposed to a busy city, Genoa's probably not a good choice. The suggestions of Varenna and Stresa would be better.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34335 posts
Varenna and Stresa both fit the bill. Both a bit different, how are you with stairs?
Posted by
Glostrup, Denmark
1408 posts
Peschiera del Garda. 1 - 2 hours to Milano Centrale depending on type of train. First train (slow) starting 5.55 on a random day.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
What time is your flight departure from Milan, and from which airport, and is the flight nonstop to the US or connecting in another European airport first? That will determine which of the suggestions above are good ones, or if you will need to be even closer to the airport the night before your flight.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks everyone! We decided to book a place right in town in Varenna. The train schedule to Milan is perfect to get us back before our 4pm flight to NYC. Varenna looks beautiful and relaxing. I really appreciate your help!!!
Posted by
Webster Groves, MO
17 posts
Hi, Make sure you take ferries to see as much of Lake Como as possible as it is oh so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will love it!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks Susan, we will definitely be checking out the ferries!