We are flying to Rome and taking the train to Milan and spending one night in Milan in early October. We have four and a half days to get a taste of Lake Como and the Dolomites by train. Our initial plan is to take the train from Milan to Varenna and spend two nights enjoying Lake Como. Then, take the train to Bergamo, spend a night there. Then on to Bolzano for one night before taking the train to Venice. Please tell us how much time we should allot to each destination. We are wondering if this itinerary is too ambitious and if the sights are worth all the time on the train. Hotel and restaurant recommendations in Verenna, Bergamo and Bolzano would also be appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
1 posts
Lucky you! I assume you are getting a tour of Milan by a local guide. I can recommend Lorenza Scorti. She is recommended in the RS Italy book. A day and a half in Milan will hit the highlights, if you have a guide the first day you arrive. We did the Last Supper the morning after our initial arrival day (the day we had Lorenza show us around), and then caught the train to Verenna at noon, or so.
Be sure to see the Villa di Balbianello across the lake from Bellagio. It is a fascinating museum. The gardens in Bellagio would be nice, as well, but in October most gardens are closing for winter, and not much is growing... 2 days in Verenna and with lake tours should be plenty.
Be sure to have some wood fired pizza at the little place across from the “fancy” restaurant in the town square. It is very good. I can’t think of it’s name but it is exceptional. The small church across the street is worth seeing, as well. While we were there multiple weddings were going on in town. We stayed at the Villa Cipressi and had a wedding almost every night we were in town! There were several weddings at the little church I mentioned, as well. We watched the bride and groom as they left the small private ceremony. Very fun!
We stayed near Castelrotto, above Bolzano, and loved it! There are several places in the RS book, I am sure, that you will find acceptable.
Have fun! the Dolomites are amazing!
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
As travel styles are very personal IMO this is too ambitious. I'd pick Lake Como and Bolzano and split my nights. We are car renters so I might have a different perspective but the drive from Lake Como to Bergamo is not scenic.
Do you have to spend a night in Milan? I'd skip it unless there is something compelling you want to see in Milan.
Posted by
Washington DC
28437 posts
Bergamo is charming, but I agree that you really don't have time to include it this time around.
Bolzano has a beautiful historic district as well as the museum housing the Iceman (very interesting), but it is not itself in the mountains. You need extra time to take the bus up to Ortisei or one of the other mountain villages. Unless more experienced people think there's a weather issue with the Dolomites in October, I suggest spending two nights in one of the villages. I visited the area in July, not in the fall.