Help! Last Minute Trip to Northern Italy!

Bologna would be a good base, with side trips (Ravenna, Parma) easy by train. Bergamo is about an hour from Milano, very nice city. Lago di Como or Lago Maggiore would also be good options for some relaxed time.

Zoe is spot on about Lago di Como being a great place for some relaxed time and it is not that far from Milan.

Brian,

There are LOTS of possibilities!

One option you could consider would be to spend a few days in Stresa at the beginning of your trip, as that would be a great place to recover from jet lag. Stresa is easy to reach from MXP via Gallarate, and there are LOTS of nice hotels there in various price ranges. The posh places are mostly along the lake front and although I haven't stayed in any of them, I'm sure the prices are commensurate with the views. While there you could tour the beautiful Borromeo Islands, especially Isola Bella which has a grand Palace and ornate gardens (complete with Peacocks). Visiting nearby Mt. Mottarone is also a possibility, although the Cable Car is closed this year for it's "40 year tune-up" (I'm sure they have some alternative transportation). You could also take a day trip to Locarno (CH) via the scenic Cento Valli Railway, returning to Stresa in the evening by boat.

Lago di Como (Varenna) would also be good for a few days and that's also a great place to recover from jet lag. It's only an hour from Milano Centrale, so very easy to reach. While there you could tour other towns in the mid-lake area such as Bellagio, Menaggio, etc.

Whatever you decide, it would probably be a good idea to get some hotel bookings locked-in ASAP.

On Lake Garda there is a town named Sirmione. Great castle, great hotels, and secluded.

Lake Como is great too, maybe Belagio for a stay and take the ferry around the lake.

A villa for a couple of nights in Alba and drink and taste some wine.

"On Lake Garda there is a town named Sirmione."

Just be aware, Sirmione is not especially "convenient" to get to and from as there's no rail access. The nearest rail stations are in Peschiera or Desenzano and from there you'll have to use Taxi (expensive) or Bus (a bit awkward). Also, especially on weekends, it can be extremely crowded and hectic (I know as I've experienced that). If you want a more relaxing and pleasant experience, I stand by my previous suggestions for Stresa or Varenna.

Parma and Bologna are great for food. We took a food tour in Parma and spent the day going to the Parmagiano cheese factory, Parma ham factory, a winery for lunch, and Balsamic Vinegar house after. In Bologna, we wandered the town eating all kinds of meats, cheese, and pastas.

The Italian Riviera includes Cinque Terre, so if you've been there, skip it. Lake Como is very relaxing, especially Varenna. Very laid back. Bellagio is a little more busy and touristy. Both are easily accessible by ferry should you stay in one and want to visit the other.

Sat/Sun/Mon to Verona - allowing possible side excursions to Mantova, Vicenza, Padova.
or
Sat/Sun/Mon to Bologna - allowing possible side excursions to Parma, Modena, Ferrara, Ravenna.

I think Lake Como for the Tue/Wed nights is a good idea to have you close to Milan if you are looking to be there Thursday morning for World Expo.

I like Zoe's suggestions. David's too - if you can get a room in Verona. It's opera season, so chances are low, and it will be crowded.

My suggestion: Rent a mobile home on a camping site on the banks of Lago di Garda (http://www.camping-serenella.it/en/).

Take the train from Milano to Peschiera and the ferry to Bardolino.

Cook your own food or visit some of the restaurants in Bardolino and Garda.

We love being able to relax over breakfast for a couple of hours :-)

Hi Brian,
August 15 is a national holiday in Italy, Ferragosto, also a religious feast day celebrating the Assumption, which is the start to the vacation season when many Italians go on holiday so be sure to book asap as someone mentioned above. Many small, family-run restaurants and hotels may be closed. Beaches will probably be very busy. If you are planning to go to Lake Garda, there is a public ferry which runs from Desenzano to Sirmione (it takes only 20 minutes one way and costs only about 6 euros if I remember correctly from my trip 3 weeks ago). Try to get there by 8:30 am to beat the crowds. I like the suggestions made above re visiting lakes for relaxation, although, as you are probably well aware, there will be crowds, but that's unavoidable in summer in Europe unless you stay in smaller, out of the way towns.

And do you have Skype so you can check on your daughter ? ... the first time away is tough!! But worthwhile. Have a wonderful trip!