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Munich to Milan (or Florence?)

Hello gang.

I posted a version of my question at the general forum but may not have been specific enough.
In July, I will be in Munich and have about 5 nights free to travel elsewhere before going back to Munich for an event.

I have never been to Milan or Florence and was wondering how feasible it might be to do either or both in that window. Also not sure if it makes more sense to fly or take the train. A few things about me: I will be solo on this leg of the journey (so no quiet romantic spots), love history and museums, exploring a city on foot. Not really a foodie and don't drink. Will Florence be really hot in July versus Milan?

Am I being too ambitious to attempt both? I have ordered Ricks 2019 Italy book which may help me winnow this down but would love the input of the forum, which has been so helpful in the past.

Thanks!

Todd

Posted by
875 posts

Check bahn.com for more detailed train information, but it is about 8 to 9 hours by train from Munich to Milan, and Florence would be 7 to 8 hours. Berlin for a contrast is only 5 hours by train, Vienna 4 hours, the Rhineland 5 hours. Option 1 - fly into Milan, fly to Munich, fly home. Option 2 - fly Munich to Milan and return. Option 3 - spend 5 days somewhere closer to Munich.

Have fun!

Posted by
577 posts

I've been to both cities. My recommendation: choose just one city to visit - I suggest Florence. Trying to visit both cities in your time frame would be too rushed in my opinion.
You can fly directly from Munich for about half the time it will take on the train. The Florence airport is much closer to city center than the Milan airport. Check the Rome2Rio website for travel options.
Florence is easy to walk around and has tons of history and museums. Both cities will be hot - around high 80's to low 90's.
Milan is nice, too, and a trip is doable in your time frame. I suggest Florence because I love the city, it's smaller than Milan and easy to navigate on foot. Good luck!

Posted by
4105 posts

I'll echo visiting Florence. There's enough to keep you busy for the five days but there are some good day trips outside the city by both train and bus.

See if Air Dolomiti has flights between Munich and Florence. It would saves hours of travel.

Posted by
259 posts

Thanks for the speedy replies, everyone!

I believe I will tackle Florence based on your input. I knew this forum would be a great resource (for example, wouldn't have known that Florence's airport is closer to the city than Milan's airport is).

Posted by
616 posts

I would fly with Easyjet to Milan, (flights departs Munich around 7 am and departs Milan at 17:55 - some at the price of 17 euros) and stop to see Milan Duomo, look around a little bit and then take the train from Milan to Florence.

There are also direct Lufthansa flights to Florence but they are rather expensive.
Flights with a stop in Milan are less expensive.

You also have direct flights with Vueling. (Check with dreams) from Munich to Pisa (then you have one hour of bus transfer or train to Florence with Pisa Mover both very easy, I prefer train though).