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Help, last 5 nights Venice to Milan

Posted by (Louisiana, USA) on

Hey all! I am unsure how to end my 2 weeks in Italy. I just want to end the trip on a good note, and have heard that Milan may be a bit lacking. I am leaving Florence Oct 8 (Sat) and heading to Venice then on to Milan before the flight home (USA) on Oct 13, at 1PM so I wouldn't want to be too far from MXP on my last night. Flights already booked.

I'm thinking of staying 3 nights in Venice. Should I spend my last 2 nights at Lake Como? or maybe stop in Verona 1 night, then in Milan the last night?

My reservation about Lake Como is that it seems the most worthy place to stay would be Varenna, which makes a long train ride from Venice and is quite a distance from MXP. The town of Como seems much more convenient, but rarely recommended on here.

Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks!

Posted by
17562 posts

With a 1 pm flight to the US, you probably want to be at the airport by 10 am. If you stay in Varenna, that would mean taking the 7:35 am train to Milano Centrale, changing to the Malpensa Express which arrives at the airport at 9:46. The problem is that if your first train is running late, which regional trains often are, you could miss the Malpensa Express and have to wait an hour for the next one.

The same problem exists if you choose to stay in Como instead, there is no direct train so you have to transfer somewhere, and the overall time is not much less that the travel time from Varenna.

Two alternatives that have direct trains to MXP: Lugano (hourly train takes 1.5 hours) or Stresa (Alibus takes one hour, but only runs at 6:30 or 9:30). Both are lakeside towns.

https://www.safduemila.com/linee/alibus-malpensa-lago-maggiore/

The safest option is to spend the night in Milan and take the Malpensa Express the next morning. The Duomo is splendid and well worth a visit, especially to go up on the roof.

Posted by
5649 posts

There was just a post here that folks were having problems finding accommodations in Varenna for Oct, so hope that works out.
Varenna is one of my favorite places to be. We are going back again next May.
We are thinking about a car service from Varenna to Malpensa, because we are tired of standing on that regional train from Varenna to Milan Central.
Lola, thx for the info that there isn't a direct train from Como town to MXP. That was one consideration for the night before a flight home.
Daducher, hopefully you'll spend time in Venice, another of my favorite places.
Safe travels!

Posted by
77 posts

You could leave Florence on the train and stop for an overnight in Bologna. Explore the historic center for the afternoon and evening, shop (lots of shopping in the city), have fantastic food. The next day explore more of Bologna, or just take a morning train to Venice. Spend three nights in Venice. Then go on to spend one night in Milan before heading home. Milan has the Duomo and the Last Supper which are both worth seeing. I booked a private walking tour last summer in Milan for just a two hour period. Our guide tailored the tour to our interests. By doing that, you get to have someone steer you around any crowds and take you down uncrowded streets getting history and highlights along the way.

Posted by
7 posts

Lola, thank you for the great info regarding the trains!

Posted by
7 posts

Brenda, Yes! I was also considering Bologna, as I am a foodie at heart!

Posted by
7 posts

Pat, thanks for the info about potential trouble finding accommodations. Ive heard Varenna is beautiful. In fact theres a hundred other places Id like to visit lol. Future trips I suppose.

Ill be sure to toss a coin while visiting Trevi fountain!

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