Hi, I am planning a trip to Italy in May for a family of 5 adults and am considering adding Varenna to the itinerary, which so far includes Venice, Florence, and hopefully the Bernina Express to Switzerland for a night or two. Will be flying in and out of Milan (hopefully fares go down sigh). If anyone has any suggestions (like is May too cold for Lake Como?) incl whether u would recommend airbnb for 5 people versus a hotel, would greatly appreciate it. Also do you think Cinque de Terre should be a must? Versus anything else? Thank you!!
Posted by
11606 posts
May is not too cold for Lake Como. We have visited there four times in the fall, always stay in Bellagio, but looking at temperatures it should be ok in May.
AirBnB vs a hotel is a personal choice. An AirBnB could house the whole group and give you time to hang out together more than a hotel would. You would have a washing machine too, maybe a dryer.
The Cinque Terre is somewhat spoiled now by becoming a “must see.” You have four major places on your itinerary. How long is your trip? Two weeks? A month or more?
Give Milan a few days too and book tickets to Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” well in advance. Milan offers excellent dining.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5648 posts
How about flying open jaw, into Milan and out of Zurich, if you're traveling on the spectacular Bernina Express route? I highly encourage using the regional trains, not the panoramic ones, for more flexible scheduling- the regional trains use the same route, same tracks.
I'll attach my 2021 Trip Report, where you can review the Bernina Express section.
I've been to Lake Como in both April and May, and both months have been great times to enjoy the area. I intend to return, I just love the area.
Skip the CT, another victim if it's Instagram success.
Have a great trip.
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
We've been to Lake Como in May. It shouldn't be cold. We too always stay in Bellagio. I wouldn't add Cinque Terra to your itinerary as it really isn't all that easy to get to. But that said it depends on how long your trip is - I might add it if I was in Italy more than 2 weeks given your other places so far. I prefer hotels to Airbnb my first time visiting a location. The hotel staff can prove invaluable. If you are traveling May 2024 you need to book your Lake Como accommodations sooner then later. We will be traveling to Bellagio end of May and most of the places I wanted were already booked.
I would second the open jaw flights.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much for all these helpful suggestions and the itinerary!!
Posted by
146 posts
I’ve been to Lake Como in May and was able to go swimming. Lake Como Italian’s school had a fun cooking class that might be interesting for your family in beautiful Menaggio.
Posted by
5 posts
Hi there
Thought I’d jump in on the Como thread. Any suggestions for Como in January. Probably won’t be swimming. 😏
It’s a day trip. Restaurants? Must see places?
Thank you
Posted by
San Diego, California
5648 posts
Not sure much is open in Lake Como in January , nor is the weather conducive. You can't see beautiful vistas through fog and rain clouds.
Safe travels!