New to travel abroad looking for recommendations

I'd take the train to/from each airport into/out of town. I don't take taxis - some people prefer them, especially if they have a lot of luggage. A taxi will take you directly to your lodgings. But you can also just get a taxi to/from the train station vs. all the way to the airport.

Don't worry about the language - you can get by just fine with English. Many people are fluent, especially younger people, and most can speak a few words at least. Even so, unless you are trying to have a conversation, you can always find a way to communicate. (A smart phone or tablet with Google Translate on it can help in a pinch just for basic communication; I used mine in Russia but have never need it in Italy.)

With such limited time, I'd probably skip the Cinque Terre on this trip. I'd probably stick to Rome and Milan - mostly Rome, maybe stop one night in Florence or something. Milan isn't my favorite city, and on such a short trip I probably wouldn't even spend a night there. I'd go from the airport by train to somewhere else the first night, unless you arrive very late flying into Milan. You could try to see The Last Supper in Milan if that interests you.

1. You can take the train into Milan, or if you’re heading immediately to Stresa, just take the bus from Malpensa, Milan’s airport, to Stresa.

2. Stay in the place you want to see, especially with your short time in Italy. Cinque Terre will take longer by transportation than your other two choices.

3. No problem bringing luggage on a train.

4. We really liked Hotel Cesare in Rome which is very close to the Pantheon. It has a nice rooftop bar seating area, also.

5. In Europe, I always opt for a non-American type hotel except occasionally for the first day of jet lag. Many of the name brands aren’t as central as you will want.

So you have 4 days total in Italy? Are you flying in to Milan bc you want to visit Milan or bc you got an especially cheap flight? Consider flying to Rome. You could take a side trip to Orvieto in Tuscany for a day or a day and night and spend the rest in Rome (and/or you could spend another side trip at Ostia Antica). Trains work very efficiently and easily in Europe. Many speak English. As for hotels, look at a map of Rome and read about it in a guide book. You will see how the city is divided into areas and you can pick one central. We found that most sites are 20 - 30 minute walk from a central area. When we waited for a bus it took longer. You don't really have time for the cinque Terre or lk. Como this time...

Consider convents in Rome-we stayed in one near the Coliseum but I don't remember the name. Do check that the sisters speak some English. You might want to consider just Milan and Lake Como and not go to Rome since your time is so limited, although Rome is one of my favorite places I've ever been.

Thanks everyone, our travel reservations had to go through the group we are going to Barcelona with since that was already scheduled and this was a last minute add on. The only reason we are going to Milan is because i really wanted to see cinque terre or lake Como and they recommended to fly into Milan for that. My son really wants to go to Rome and see the Colosseum. We originally had six days but the travel agent had to adjust the final departure day. I will do some research based on all the suggestions, i really appreciate all the input.

Como's much faster and easier to get to. Stay in Como. Then Rome. Don't spend time in Milan except to change trains - there's much more to enjoy in Como and Rome.

I've spent a total of 3-4 months in Italy over the past 10 years without speaking Italian, other than a few basic phrases of politeness.