Hello!
I am looking to book a ten day to two-week trip to Northern Italy for early October or late October, ideally flying into and out of Milan direct from NYC, with stops in Milan, Lake Como, Venice (including days trips to Verona and Padua) and a stop in Bologna and perhaps another spot. Any other city/site recommendations? Too ambitious? Input greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
L
I would say it depends on how you are going to get around and how you feel about moving accommodations so often.
I would want at least one day and night in Milan, 3 in the Lakes, 3 in Venice and then you could move somewhere else for the remainder. I personally don't like to move more than 3 or 4 times in a 2 week trip but you might be fine with moving around more.
Two summers ago we did 3 nights in Venice and spent one day in Verona. I felt like that was a good amount of time for both.
There is a big difference 10 nights or +-14. Flights see www.skyscanner.com].
The first decision is whether or not you wish to actually stay in Milan, say at least 2 nights.
If so, pick the flight leaving MXP around noon; if not, pick one in the early AM.
Arrival at MXP take the train to Venice [Malpensa Aeroporto to Venezia S Lucia], 4 hours with a change downtown. If there are 2 day trips you would need to stay at least 4 nights [3 full days].
Milan yes, end the trip downtown, at least 2 nights. On departure day, be at Milano Centrale 4 hours before the flight for the Malpensa Express taking 50 minutes.
Milan no, end the trip in Malpensa; a hotel near the airport, not needing to arrive until dinner time; AM departing flight.
As a practicality, Bologna is a better base than Venice for day trips to Padua and Verona, because [1] getting to the train station in Venice can take a long time, in Bologna it should be a 10-15 minute walk and [2] because staying in Bologna is a lot less expensive. I would skip Milan entirely, take the train Lake Como when you arrive and only get to Milan for your last night, so you're close to the airport. Given the choice, I'd go as late in October as possible, fewer tourists, maybe lower hotel rates and probably lower temperatures, e.i. not as hot.
I agree with Chani in putting Milan at the end of your trip. But give yourself a day and a half there to enjoy much of the main sites. The trip to Varenna will take about 2 hours after you clear customs at Malpensa. About an hour to get to Milano Centrale and then about 50 minutes train to Varenna. Consider basing out of Verona for Bologna & Padua. You can also have a quick stop in Modena as well. Also, consider a short stop in Bergamo on the way back to Milan. The old town is a bit of a hike from the train station but worth it. However, you may want to ask others if there are luggage lockers at the station, as I have forgetten.
Don't know why a previous answer says 'you will be flying Alitalia'. There are many airlines that fly nonstop from New York City area to Milan. Also, you might consider booking multi-city into Venice and out of Milan. There are some airlines that offer non stops to both cities (Delta, United, maybe others?) and it would avoid backtracking. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you all for your tips and suggestions - it is much appreciated. Based on feedback, I will likely fly into Milan and go straight to Lake Como (Varenna or Bellagio?!?!) and then to Venice for a few nights and consider homesteading in Bologna for a bit to go to other sites. Any Bologna hotel recs?
As always, I appreciate the feedback from the Rick Steves crew!
Kind Regards,
Lisa
Hi Lisa. I stayed in a hotel in Bologna that was about a 10 minute walk to the train station or the historic center's main piazza. It was optimal for me, but I wouldn't recommend the hotel itself.
Thank you all for the lovely tips on Bologna - I never thought to make it our home base but it does seem to make sense!
