Last day in Italy - quandry

Here's my preference of your choices: 2 - extend your stay. If it's not possible, move on. I always recommend more time in Italy, though... 3 Check with pricing, this may prohibitive to your budget. However, if you bring a GPS with you, driving in Italy is a piece of cake, it's not all that different from anywhere else. In that region, the traffic won't be that bad. Make sure you get an Intl driver's permit from AAA if you go this route. This is where my list varies: If you really want to experience the Lake District: 4. This will be a wonder, albeit very short, visit to the district. I really like your attitude for an "arrivederci dinner and promise to return". You'll have a great time. If the Lake District is more of an afterthought:
1. You'll still have a great extra night in Castelrotto, (but after 2 nights, you might want a change of scenery)

Sounds like you have not bought your flight tickets yet, so you could extend a day? Then I'd say try for a second night in Varenna. If you can't do that, plan on spending the next day there and travelmto Milan in the early evening so you can catch a morning flight on Sunday. Hotels in Milan often offer reduced rates on weekend nights.

Thank you for your responses! We have not purchased our plane tickets yet but plan to do so as soon as we iron out this last issue ... hopefully by March 1. We have been leaning toward extending our stay in Varenna, and based on your advice, that is probably our best option. I hadn't thought of departing from Milan. We will look into that if Varenna is not possible.

Amy, My suggestion would be to extend your stay in Varenna by at least one day, especially as you haven't yet purchased your air tickets. Once you experience Varenna, you may not want to leave! I'd suggest contacting Albergo Milano ASAP to see whether the extra night will be a problem. If you book an afternoon flight from MXP on the way home, you shouldn't have any trouble getting to the airport as Varenna is only 1H:03M from Milano Centrale. In the same situation, I'd get an early start from Castelrotto, as you'll have to get to Bolzano by Bus. The best bet is probably a train departing Bolzano at 11:37, arriving Varenna-Esino at 17:23 (time 5H:46M, two changes at Verona and Milano). There's an earlier departure at 08:37, but that involves a longer "layover" in Verona. Rail schedules may change a bit by July, but probably not by much. Travel by car is probably not the best idea, as there are some "caveats" you'll need to be aware of. I doubt that it would save much time. Happy travels!

Thank you Darren, Lola and Ken for your practial and helpful advice. It is just what I needed to point me in the right direction. Fortunately, I was able to secure a second night at Albergo Milano. We booked our plane tickets last evening for even less than I had budgeted so the extra time in Varenna more than pays for itself.

I envy you right now. There are few days in the year that are as exciting to me as when I book our tickets to Europe. Except maybe for leaving for Europe...
Congrats!