My wife and I will be visiting family in the Chiavenna area until we leave May 17, 2023. We fly out of Rome May 31, 2023. We prefer the charm of small towns/villages and scenic travels. We enjoy hiking and being immersed in the cultural experience. Since this is our first time in Italy, we don't want to miss "the must see" attractions. We will have access to a car. Any thoughts on planning the next 14 nights? ( base locations, day trips, places to stay?) Thanks Gerry
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8343 posts
You will be as far north in Italy as possible--with Switzerland on your back door and north of Lake Como . You can go any direction and the mountains will be as beautiful as you'll ever see. Many people would just stay there--for the scenery--and tour the region.
You'll obviously want to visit Lake Como's lake district and maybe Lugano.
Milan is just about 45 miles south of there, and it's got an incredible cathedral.
Many people would run over to Venice which is just over 200 miles to the east.
On the way to Rome, Florence would be worth at least two days' visit.
You'll be flying out of Rome, and it's such an important city worthy of all the time you can spend there.
Posted by
Calgary, AB
155 posts
Don’t worry about ‘must sees’. We’ve now been to Italy 4 times and this last October was the first time to Rome which people say is a ‘must see’. Our next trip in a couple of years will be Sicily and Calabria for about 3 weeks.
What do your family recommend seeing? I recommend taking your time, minimum 3 nights / 2 full days in any area although with a car and wanting small towns / villages you possibly could reduce this to 2n/1day. I say this as we slow down and don’t try to see everything.
Do you have to return your car to Chiavenna? You’re in the Dolomites or at least in the edge and there are numerous ‘must sees’ and good hiking at all levels in that area and a car may make it easier to visit the different towns and valleys although there is a reasonably good bus service. Ski season ends mid-April and a lot of businesses close in the shoulder seasons but late May should be good hiking. Be flexible.
You’re relatively close to Lake Como (Varenna) which has numerous small towns around the lake and a car is not really required there. Use the ferries, trains & buses. You’re not far from Venice which people say is a ‘must see’: we did it on our first trip in 1986 but didn’t spend enough time there. It isn’t a small town. Similarly Florence about 10 years ago. We stayed downtown but some friends stayed in Agroturismos around these 2 major cities. Before Florence, we used a car around the small Tuscan hill towns as bus service wasn’t very convenient.
Too many things to see and do. Enjoy.
Posted by
872 posts
Yes you are close to Varenna, train 2 hours from MXP with one change. Car rental Hertz in Lecco, but driving not recommended in that area.