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Milan-Lake Como-France

So, after our first-very successful!-trip to Europe last year, we are considering a trip in the fall this year consisting roughly of Milan two nights, Lake Como 2-3 nights, then on to the south of France for three nights, which in this case means the Avignon-Montpellier-Marseille area, then on to Paris for seven nights. We would rent a car in the south to get around for our few days there.
With respect to the Italy legs, we saw an RS show from 2006 the other day on Milan, and it really appealed to us. Of course I have heard the praises of Lake Como-and Lake Garda by some on this forum-and it seems like an easy combo to start off our trip. I am interested in your opinion and experience with Milan in particular, and also of Lake Como. There is another new topic on the forum now on whether to stay in Varenna, or to be elsewhere on the Lake. I do realize that, as Rick says, Milan is not Rome or Florence, but we have been to Florence and the Cinque Terre, and are not going to attempt Rome this time-the lure of a large European city is strong.
Have you been to Milan? Was it worthwhile for a couple of nights?
I like the idea of flying into Milan and taking the train directly to the Lake, to ease us in, if you will, then go to Milan.
Our trip last year went well thanks in large measure to my reading and posting here, so I would appreciate any input, comments, or questions.

Thanks, Dave

Posted by
16238 posts

In the whole scheme of things, Milan is not Rome or Florence. Nevertheless, Milan is the economic capital of Italy, basically Italy's NYC, and like NYC, where there is wealth floating around, there come the fine niceties of life: art, entertainment, fashion, great food, top sports teams (think AC Milan and Inter Milan) etc.
Below is a website that I sometimes use to get the top 10 things to see and do in a city. It's in Italian only but it gives you some great clues, such as:

  1. The Duomo (cathedral)
  2. The Navigli ( canals)
  3. Sforza Castle and its many museums
  4. Pinacoteca di Brera (paintings museum, one of the top)
  5. Leonardo's Last Supper
  6. The Galleria, probably the first covered modern Mall.

I think there is much more than you can cover for the couple of days you plan to spend there.

http://www.10cose.it/milano/cosa-vedere-milano.html

Posted by
32405 posts

Dave,

Starting your trip on Lago di Como is a great idea, and Varenna is a perfect place to relax for a couple of days and recover from jet lag. It will take a few hours to get there after your flight, but well worth the effort.

Although it's not as popular as other locations in Italy, Milan is also certainly worthwhile for a couple of nights. If you're going to see the Duomo, be sure to also visit the roof area as the architecture is incredible. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is right next door, and also worth a look.

Posted by
11613 posts

Plenty to do in Milano for a couple of days, Roberto's and Ken's suggestions are great. I like your idea of unwinding in the Como area. You can easily spend a day on the ferry visiting some of the towns. There is also bus service for a different view. Como itself has lots of accommodations, although most posters here prefer Varenna or Bellagio.

Posted by
2262 posts

Thanks to all for your replies. I am rethinking this trip and we may just head for France; the Milan-Como idea is appealing, but with two weeks and the extra travel time and expense, I think we may head straight for Marseille and go from there. Roberto, thanks for a great list, I have marked it for later, we truly loved Italy;-))
Maybe I'll talk to you all out West, or….in the France forum.

Thanks again, Dave

Posted by
2 posts

Dave, My husband and I have been to Europe a number of times over the years, and from my perspective, it would be a pity to miss Lake Como/Varenna/Bellagio and Milan if you can swing it. My suggestion is to skip Marseille and do the Lake District. It's one of the most gorgeous places in Europe!

Donna

Posted by
1010 posts

My husband and I took the Wilhelm Tell boat adventure out of Lake Lucerne and ended by train in Lugano. The ride on the lake and in the Alps were spectacular. We stayed in Lugano for four nights. We then did day train trips from Lugano over to Milan, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. They are short train trips. We loved visiting all those places. Milan wasn't anything exciting, but we loved Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. We were glad we didn't stay in Milan. I agree with the above post, don't skip those pristine and quaint locations. We then took the Bernina Express out of Lugano. The first part of the trip was a bus ride. It was a gorgeous ride around Lake Maggiore. Eventually we got on two trains to go through the Alps. We ended our train day in Zurich. We would totally recommend the Wilhelm Tell or The Bernina Express.