My sister and I will be flying into Milan on May 14th and Leaving May 17th. Should we spend the entire time in Milan or head to Lake Garna(I've heard Sirmione is nice)? or someplace else close for that matter? Any suggestions?
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
We just returned from Italy on Sunday. Milan was not a place that I'd want to spend 3 or 4 days in.
Have you considered Lake Como? It's a one hour train ride from Milan. We stayed in Varenna at Villa Elena--a deal at 45 Euro--in Rick's Italy book--phone 0341-830-575. Then traveled by boat to Belagio and Menaggio for day trips. Also loved Chef Moreno's cooking class described in Rick's book as well.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Have you seen Rick's DVD or TV show on Varenna at Lake Como. Go there for at least the nights of the 15th, and the 14th if you can get there before dark.
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
All of the lakes are stunning. Maggiore is closer to Milano, Como in the middle and Garda nearer to Verona. Either of them, take a ferry ride to some town or other for a lovely lunch. It will give you a chance to unwind from the cultural overload. Slow travel is by far superior to the 'I can now tick this one off the list of important sites' type of travel. Enjoy la dolce vita.
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
I think you mean Lake Garda.
Yes, Sirmione is beautiful, as is Desenzano, and Salo' as well. Basically that whole area around Lake Garda is beautiful, there are also ferries that go across the lake and make various stops. Since Lake Garda is in the orbit of Brescia, and you are coming to Milan, may I suggest Bergamo? It's right in middle between Milan and Brescia and a easy to get to. It's lovely, especially the Citta Alta', which you can either walk up or they have the funiculare which will run you up the side of the hill if you don't feel like walking. Read about it in your guide book, def. worth it, a low key city as well so you don't have to worry about feeling overwhelmed.