My husband and I are traveling to Italy in April for 6 days/five nights. Flying into Milan. Thoughts on an itinerary? Husband has never been abroad, I was in Italy in May 2014 on pilgrimage to Assisi (which I loved!). We arrive Monday afternoon, I thought one night in Milan, see those sights, then head to cinque terra for three to four nights. I also was thinking rather than ct, maybe Florence? Taking the high speed train.
Husband is not interested in Venice.
Megan,
When in April will you be in Italy?
I'd go straight to Florence upon arrival (via high speed train- 1 Hr.,40 mins.) and you can take day trips to Siena, Lucca & Pisa then return to Milan (assuming you are flying out of there) and spend the last day & night there.
Have a wonderful trip!
You could split time between Cinque Terre and Florence if you have five nights (two in each plus one night in Milano); are you departing from Milano? If so, you should spend your last night there for your flight out.
5 nights are really 4 full days on the ground. When you say 6 days you probably include the travel days to/from Italy.
I agree with the comment above to go straight to your destination upon arrival rather than spending the first day in Milan since you will have to spend the day before the return flight in Milan.
I would spend the other 4 nights in one place only rather than split your stay in two locations since changing hotels is a time waster and you have very little time. From that location you can take day trips elsewhere too. Florence is ideal for that plan. Actually you can visit the Cinque Terre from Florence on a day trip as well, if you absolutely want to see the CT and it's a nice day. Weather in April is not necessarily good (often rainy) so I would leave the CT as a possible day trip but not make firm plans to allow for the possibility of rain (nothing to do at the CT on a rainy day).
It's a long day trip but you can do it if u leave early. If you want to visit Pisa along the way, do so in the evening on the return trip to Florence, when the Cinque Terre start to get dark. Cinque Terre have nothing to offer in the dark. Whereas the leaning tower is just as beautiful at night.
