North Italy - Trip Plan/Suggestions

With 3 nights in Milan, and coming from Varenna which is close by, you'll have time for a day trip; the Certosa di Pavia or Bergamo would be interesting ones.

Personally I experienced Milan as a crowded, mostly modern city that I didn't enjoy very much. Since your two top priority locations are Venice and Lake Como, would you consider making Verona your other stop? IMO it would give you more history and architecture, on the whole, than Milan.

Even Brescia or Bergamo (full disclosure, I haven't been to either of these) would be more appealing than Milan, but that's just me. See https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/compare/brescia-vs-bergamo-3181554-3182164

In the case of any of these choices, naturally it would come second, on your route between Venice and Lake Como.

Maybe an extra day in Lake Como, and do the RS suggested cooking class? We had a great time with that plan, pre-covid,

I would hold firm on Milan. I'm not much for going into things like galleries and museums, so I can't give you anything there BUT Milan is a treasure trove of beautiful architecture and you'll have to wear out some shoe leather to explore it all. A few of my favourites include the main train station, the Galleria (don't forget to pop into the Camparino in Galleria for a Negroni or a Spritz), the University of Milan, the Columns of St Lawrence, the Monumental Cemetery, the Gates of Porta Ticinese, the Portal Gate at Piazza Cavour, the Ermenegildo Zegna store facade, and the Church of Sant Alessandro in Zebedia, to name a few.

Trust me, Brescia, Bergamo, and Verona fall far below what Milan has to offer, and I have spent multiple days in all of them. Although, the Signorvino in Brescia, does lay out a helluva spread for Aperitivo.

I would take a day from Milan and add it to Lake Como. I would stay in Bellagio which offers many more dining choices and more frequent ferry service.

Great replies all. We’ve actually already been to Verona that’s why we didn’t consider it.

Was actually thinking maybe a day trip from Milan to either Parma or Bologna, would that be a good idea? I know they probably deserve more time.

Lastly, I’ve read Bellagio is pricier all together, that’s why I was thinking Varenna. For those that know, are hotel prices comparable? Not too worried about food prices, just more about hotel and in general of things to do.

A day trip from Milan to Parma or Bologna is a bad idea. Starting from Venice you’ll be closer than day tripping from Milan.

As for suggestions in Milan, do visit the monumental cemetary. It’s beautiful!

And I second the recommendation above to take the cooking class mentioned in the Rick Steves book if you are staying in Verona. The class is not in Verona, but the owner of the restaurant will pick you up and bring you back. It was a fantastic experience. I love the restaurant so much I went back the next night on my own.

Please note- The cooking class is in Varenna, Lake Como, not Verona.

In Como, Varenna offers the widest variety of mobility along with quiet evenings and mornings. Ferries are most regular here as well as having a train station. You can even rent a car in Varenna as well. Regarding dining, Varenna has several choice restaurants in/near the old town. Of course, you can always ferry to Bellagio, dine and take an evening ferry back to Varenna. In my opinion, Bellagio is over-crowded and over-rated. Expect to pay more for that privilege as well.

I second the suggestion on Bergamo. Lovely old town up on the hill. Easy train ride from Milan.

Have a great trip!

I loved Varenna. Bellagio was too upscale for my taste. Plus Varenna is more convenient.

I pretty much hated Milan, but I did like the duomo and loved seeing the Last Supper. We were there for fashion week (not on purpose) and it was super crowded, which partially accounted for my negative impression. I’m also not that enamored of large cities. I adored Venice though.

I think the pacing if your trip is fine. I hope you have a great time!