Northern Italy trip itinerary

There are lots of options in northern Italy and time is limited. You could spend months in the area and still not see everything. Only you can decide what you want to visit.

Regarding your choices above, lake Maggiore is very close to the Milan Malpensa (MXP) airport, so if you fly to MXP, it's a perfect opportunity to start there. 4 nights in Stresa are good. You can also visit lake Orta from there.

Next I would go to Monterosso on the Cinque Terre. 3 or 4 nights would be adequate. Portofino is a short train ride from Monterosso and you can visit it from there.

Then you would work your way back to Milan, and go to Varenna next. 3 nights here are adequate.

Finally you'd go to Milan for 2 nights.

I've used 12 nights, if you have more you can add to the above or add another destination nearby. I'm not too fond of Genoa, but there are a few interesting things to see. You can also do it as a day trip from Monterosso. You just have to add another night there.

You don't seem to be getting allot of reposnses so let me add another prospective. Roberto is spot on, the train trip from Malpensa to Stresa is a short one. However, there is one other consideration before you book anything. You have targeted three bases, Stresa, Varenna, and the the Cinque Terre. To travel between any of those three destinations you will always connect through Milano Centrale. There are plenty of options to get from Milano Centrale to Varenna or Monterossa (just to pick a CT town). There aren't nearly as many to get to and from Stresa and they don't seems to sync very well with trains to Varenna or the CT.

Using Roberto's advice, map out your intinery and figure out on which day of the week you would be making your location transfers. Since you can't see schedules for September, look as far out as you can on that day of the week and see what's available. If the rail schedule works, then you're good. If not, then you have to rework the order of things.

i think what you may find, is that by going to Stresa last, you will have allot more flexibility with trains than you do with any other routing sequence. That way, if anyting goes wrong and you miss a train, there are still options. This will mean a little longer train ride the day you arrive to get to one of your other destinations. Personally, I don't experience much jet lag when travelling east so that wouldn't matter at all to me, but you may feel differently. I'm not sure there is one right way or better way to schedule this trip, just the way that works best for you.

Have you been to other areas in Northern Italy or Tuscany? I also wonder how relaxing the CT will be for you except for a relaxing time near the ocean. I would not bother to go to Portofino, especially if you go to CT. The CT is much more beautiful (IMHO) than Portofino. Have you considered spending some time in Florence? It is easily walkable with some beautiful museums, plazas and churches.
My suggestions: stay in Milan the first night to get over jet lag. Then on to Stresa or Varenna (4-5 nights in one). I wonder if both Lake Maggiore and Como might be too much of a good thing? That's why I am suggesting to mix it up a bit with Florence. Or maybe Turin? Or Verona? Stay in either for 4-5 nights, then back to one of the lakes before final night in Milan. My choice would be Florence or Verona.

Thanks so much for all your input and help. I have been to Florence twice so I will look into Verona and Turin. I'm thinking of taking the bus from malpensa to stresa and like you have all said, the rest is a matter if preference. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so we can enjoy the lakes and seaside villages. Anything I should focus on in Turin or Verona ?

I have not been to Turin or Verona but I would vote for Verona because of it's proximity to other areas such as Padua or Venice. If one day you want to take a day trip, train to Padua or Venice or who knows where. Verona is on my list to visit as is Padua. I think your mix of lake towns and small cities would be very relaxing. Or if you find the small city too much, go to Lake Garda, then back to Milan. If you look at a map of the area, all these places are in a relatively small geographic area making travel quite easy.

Hello all, this forum really give me good information. I am planning (2 couples) would like to self drive holiday in and around northern Italy, is self driving recommended?

Thks if any one can share.

harman_lin, you should start your own thread with your question. That will allow you to be notified of answers and won't confuse others since your topic is different from the OP.

If you search this forum (top of page) you will find lots of information on driving in Italy and things you need to consider.

North ? My favorites are small towns of Mantova and Treviso, smaller and less touristy. Verona is the best out of the larger cities and also good for staying because you can easily take a train from there to Venice. Vicenza, Padova ... also nice. Not much in Milano, Bergamo, Brescia. Lake Como and town of Como ok also. I would definitely get done with Milan area and head out to Verona, Mantova, Treviso and Venice.