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One day gap in itinerary

Due to some issues with availability of desired accommodations, we have a one day gap in our itinerary for a trip to Italy next fall that includes the Lake District, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Dolomites, Venice and Milan, in that order. The gap is between the Lakes and Bologna. I have ruled out the Cinque Terre - will save that for a future trip during a quieter season. We will be traveling by public transportation. It will be a long trip, so we don't need to pack lots of sight-seeing into every day. Would appreciate any suggestions for filling this gap. Thanks all.

UPDATE: I have three nights scheduled in the Lake District, and don't want to add a fourth. I have six nights scheduled in Bologna, and can't add a seventh because the apartment I'm booking isn't available, so I'd have to book a hotel room for a single night. I could do that, I suppose, but thought I'd solicit suggestions for other options. We will be visiting the major attractions in Emilia Romagna on day trips from Bologna, so I'm looking for options outside Emilia Romagna.

Posted by
7277 posts

Hi Mary Sue- don't know how long you're committed to each leg of your trip, but unless you're already spending plenty of time around the lakes and in Emilia Romagna, would you consider adding that extra day to one or the other?

Posted by
359 posts

I would just add a day in to a place you're already visiting. Don't try to do too much. :)

Posted by
7737 posts

I agree with sanderskn - Unless you're spending at least 3 days in each of your locations, I would add one day to a place you're already going to be staying in.

Posted by
11613 posts

The Amalfi Coast seems to be the longest journey, perhaps add a day there? Or Rome.

Posted by
2455 posts

Mary Sue, you say "next fall" which I assume means 2015, so you are certainly planning well in advance. And when you say Lake District I don't know which lake you mean, and the distances involved there. Taking what you say literally, meaning you don't want to extend stays in the locations you already have scheduled, I would suggest either: (1) Verona, a wonderful city that is easy to visit and wonderful to just stroll around, and eat and drink, or (2) some very small and beautiful town, or agriturismo, distant from any major city or tourist site, where you can unwind and experience a different side of Italian life. I have no specific recommendation, and knowing just where you are starting in the Lake District would likely help Roberto or others pull a wonderful recommendation out of their hats!

Posted by
121 posts

Thanks Larry and others who responded. We are staying just north of Stresa on Lake Maggiore. There appear to be decent train connections from there into Milan. The Worlds Fair will be in Milan in 2015, and I have considered going to see it. I have also considered a one day stop in Trento, but the trip is at least 4.5 hours long, and that is with some pretty short train connections. A trip to Padua is also on the list of potentials. I have been to Verona, and don't have a burning desire to return. Finally, I have considered eliminating Milan from the back end of the trip (and flying home from Venice) and spending one night there between Stesa and Bologna. The more I think about it, that might be the best option.