First time traveler to Italy

Christine, To begin with, it would be a good idea to have a look at the Italy guidebook, as it has a LOT of good information on travelling in the areas you mentioned. If you happen to be in Seattle one day, you could take a drive to Edmonds and use the free Library at ETBD (and also speak to Rick's travel experts). It appears that you only have about three days to work with, so I'm not sure if that's going to be enough time to see both the Dolomites and the Lakes. Keep in mind that you'll have to be Milan on the night of the 23rd, due to the early hour of your flight. Which towns are you hoping to visit in the Dolomites and the Lakes? YES, there is good rail transportation between towns and to Milan. I'd strongly recommend reading the "Rail Skills" section in Europe Through The Back Door as using trains in Italy can present some "challenges" (which could potentially be expensive if you don't "do your homework"). Especially as this is your first time in Italy, BE SURE to wear a Money Belt and be vigilant, especially in Milano Centrale. Be especially vigilant if any distractions occur around you. It will be easier to provide more specific transportation and Hotel suggestions if you could provide some idea where you want to visit. Good luck with your planning.

While you're waiting to get your books, check out the info posted on this site by RS himself. Scroll down to Northern Italy. http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/italy_menu.htm Also check out trenitalia.com to see distance and time info. That would let you know that it's a 3 hour train ride from Milan to Bolzano in the Dolomites. Google Maps is another great (free) resource to see distances. Happy travels.

I suggest that you browse Flickr and Flickr River to find the places in the Dolomites that you want to visit. There are several iconic images but these locations are not all in (aka above) the same valley. Same with Lake Garda. Then pick your top contenders and find them on Google Maps to puzzle through proposed possible itineraries using Trenitalia to see whether you can even get there by train. At that level, this Board will have plenty of eyewitness tips. Absent that, you will get more questions than information. FYI, having lived in Seattle and having skied the Cascades a lot, I predict that the Dolomites upper lifts will blow you away, with the possible (maybe) exception: breakfast summit Crystal Mt, view of Rainier.

If your flight leaves at 7 am, you probably have to be at the airport at 4 am. That means leaving Milan by taxi (as far as I know the earliest trains or buses to the airport start from Milan around 5 am) at around 3 am. At that time of night, and by taxi, it doesn't really matter where in Milan you stay.

You're talking about next month, right? You'll want to get hopping as September is still a very popular time for visiting Italy and lots of lodging will already be booked up. Definitely pick up at least the RS Italy 2011 book. One of Rick's biggest strenghts is demystifying the whole process for new travelers. Consider another guidebook as well, maybe the Blue Guide to Northern Italy. But you're talking about only four nights to fill. Don't do more than two places, otherwise you just won't enjoy them. Happy travels.

Thanks to all of you for your help and concerns. This is the only leg of my trip that I haven't gotten planned. I was hoping that I could find a monastery to stay at in the Dolomites or the Lakes. Was not successful at that. Would it be better to stay in Milan and take a day trip to the Lakes or the Dolomites. Is that a possibility? I am so happy that there are people out there who care enough to respond and help out. I will check out the books you have recommended. I have one tour book of Italy, but I'm sure RS's is the better choice. I am not a skier so don't need to worry about being blown away. In Ellensburg, Wa. the wind is so bad that I could be blown away just walking to my car. Thanks again and looking forward to your responses to my new questions. Christine

Christine, It's absolutely possible to take a day trip from Milan to the Lakes (I know, as I've done that). Two possibilities you might consider are: > Lago di Como & Varenna - this is one of Rick's favourite spots and has been featured in a number of his PBS shows. It's an incredibly beautiful smaller town right on the lake. While there you could visit the famed resort of Bellagio (20-minutes by Ferry) or just relax and enjoy a glass of Vino or some excellent Gelato. Here's an example: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Eh6UMfL7A > Lago Maggiore & Stresa - another beautiful town with lots to see. You could tour the Borromeo Islands (which will take the better part of a day) or perhaps take a day trip to Locarno, Switzerland on the scenic Cento Valli Railway. Return to Stresa in the evening by boat. Here's an example (sorry it's in Italian, but provides a great view of the scenery): www.youtube.com/watch?v=duPJCVrT41s&playnext=1&list=PL4B17AFA9A5097233 > Here's one view of the CentoValli railway: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F-Forla4fY Both Varenna and Stresa are about one hour from Milan by train, so very easy. Of course, staying at the lakes for a day or two would be a preferable choice. Cheers!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. All of you have been very helpful. I have decided to focus on the Lakes instead of trying to squeeze in the Dolomites and the Lakes. I found a hostel to stay in on lake como. I am going to enjoy the lake for 3 days and then zoom down to Milan and spend one night and fly home. I found a hotel that says it is only a few minutes away from the Linate airport. Hopefully I will be able to get a shuttle or taxi to the airport even at that early hour. So I am off on my very first european adventure, hopefully not my last. May you all have wonderful adventures wherever you go and I pray God will keep you safe. Happy Trails, Christine

Christine, Just curious, are you staying in the La Primula Hostel in Menaggio? If so, you might want to obtain an inexpensive HI Hostels Membership, which provides preferred booking and better rates than for non-members. This note from the Hostel website: To stay at the Hostel you must be a member of Hostelling International (IYHF - formerly known as the International Youth Hostel Federation). Non members can pay an extra €3/night to stay and will automatically receive a membership card after 6 nights. Cheers!

hi christine: looks like you have quite a few helping handsthat is good. You'll be fine and remember, you're more than likely going to meet up with other travelers and share activities or meals with them, so it won't seem so scary. The one tip i have for you-when i was in a European hostel (4,000 years ago), things were taken from my 'locker'.... so don't leave anything important hanging around the room. Keep all valuables on your person when running around and most of all, have a great time!

Hi Christine, I noticed you said your flight leaves "the Milan airport", and just want to make certain you know there is more than one. It wouldn't make sense to stay near Linate (LIN) if you're actually flying out of Malpensa (MXP)...

Hi, Thank you. I read this information about the hostel. I tried to go to the Intl. hostel site to get a membership but it says I can't purchase a membership there. Do you know how and where I can purchase one before I leave? That would be great. Please let me know asap. Thanks, Christine

Hi there, I forgot to answer your question about where I was staying. Yes I am staying at Menaggio La Primula Hostel. Do you have any info I should know about? I have never stayed in a hostel before. I am going to be sleeping (???????) in a room with 5 other women. Sounds like its either going to be a lot of fun or a nightmare. I'm hoping for the lot of fun. Nothing really bothers me so I will be fine. See ya. Christine

Christine, First of all, you should be able to obtain a Hostel membership online at This Website. Look for the "Become A Member" section in the centre of the page and then click the "Join Now" link. You'll need a credit card of course, but it's an easy process. You could also visit a local Hostel and pick-up the Membership on the spot. There are Two HI Hostels in your general area. As this is your first time in a Hostel, a few comments. > Be sure to pack a Towel, as Hostels don't normally provide them. The Micronet Travel Towels in Rick's Travel Store (see link at top) are a good choice. You'll need Soap too and possible a pair of Flip-Flops for trips to the Shower (unless the room has an ensuite). > Be sure to pack a small but robust Padlock for the Hostel Lockers. DON'T use the TSA luggage locks as they're simply not strong enough. I'd suggest a TSA Lock for your Backpack though. I've always found the people at Hostels to be honest, but I also believe it's a good idea to discourage "opportunistic theft". > I haven't stayed at that Hostel, but I've heard lots of good things about it from other travellers. I suspect you'll be eating well! You probably won't want to leave, as there are so many great activities in that area (and Hostels can be a lot of fun too). > The Hostel will generally provide a Sleepsack, which includes a pillow case. > If snoring bothers you, it might be an idea to pack some Ear Plugs (or in iPod with noise cancelling Headphones). What route were you planning to use to reach the Hostel from Milan?

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate your help with the security issues. I will use your info and be prepared. Do I need to take my one carry on bag (no backpack) with me wherever I go when I am at the hostel? I hope the lockers are big enough to put it in. Please someone let me know. thanks. Christine

Christine, can't help with the Dolomites question, but for hotels in Milano, I've stayed at Hotel Bernina a few times. It's on Via Napo Torriani, just across the piazza and down the street from the train station. I always have early morning trains to catch out of Milano, and this hotel is very convenient. A single w/bath and w/o breakfast (you'll be leaving too early for that anyway, but the coffee bar at the train station will be open) was 45 euros, and you can use the internet at the hotel for a couple of euros per hour. TV and a/c in the room as well. This street has lots of hotels on it, in varying price ranges, but for an overnight stop I found Hotel Bernina very convenient and inexpensive. I walked to the train station early in the morning (less than 5 minutes if you walk purposefully), about the time you noted, and felt very safe. Keep in mind that the Milano train station is big, but check the electronic board when you walk into the station for your train and track numbers. Milano also has self-service vending machines on the platforms (avoid the coffee) to purchase water, snacks, etc. I've been traveling to Europe alone for about 30 years, you'll meet lots of fellow journeyers and you will have a great time.