Hello. My husband and I are thinking of taking the RS Best of Italy tour. We would like to arrive in Italy a couple of days prior to the tour to adjust. The tour starts in the Lake Como area, but I was considering flying into Venice and spending the first two days there, since the tour is only there for a short time and it is one of our biggest priorities. I have read that you can take a train from Venice to Milan and then on to Lake Como. So I was thinking about spending two days in Venice and then taking an early train the morning of the tour into Milan. Is there a place to store baggage at the train station in Milan? I am interested in seeing the Duomo in Milan, but not really spending extended time there. Then we could take an afternoon train to Lake Como to join up with the tour. Does this sound feasible/reasonable? Any input would be appreciated. Thank you so much!
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Yes, there is baggage storage at Milano Centrale. As I remember, the cost is about 5,50 euros per bag, for about 5 hours. Easy to use, but my only guidance would be that there can be quite a line, to check and then again to pick up, so allow enough time for that, especially when you go back to catch your train out to Lake Como.
Posted by
Green Bay
21386 posts
No problem. Yes, there are frequent fast trains from Venice to Milan, basically every hour. It takes 2 1/2 hours. And yes, there is luggage storage at Milano Centrale, so you could have 4 hours in Milan to see the Duomo. There is a 2:20 pm train to Varenna from Milano Centrale and takes about an hour. Plenty of time to make the 5 pm meeting. Be sure to validate your ticket.
You do realize the Best of Italy includes 2 nights in Venice as part of the tour. Nothing wrong with getting a jump on everybody.
Posted by
OP
Florida
610 posts
Thank you so much for your replies! You are very helpful. I do realize Venice is included on the tour, but was just hoping for a little extra time to wander and perhaps see Burano or Murano. It sounds like it won't be too difficult. Thank you again!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Looks like you're on the right track. Buon viaggio!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
8012 posts
Tamara, the Best of Italy is a fantastic tour - great choice. We went to Verona before meeting up with the group in Lake Como, so Venice shouldn't be a problem. Make sure to stay at a hotel on the islands - not the mainland.
I would recommend checking with the RS tour office to see what they do on your tour, so you can maximize your extra time by yourselves.
Venice is wonderful; one of our favorites!
Posted by
OP
Florida
610 posts
Thank you, Jean! I will definitely look for a hotel on the island. Thanks for the tip!