Hi, We plan to spend a few days in Milan to do side trips. We plan to take the train to lake cuomo and ferry to Varena on one day . Maybe Genoa or Turin ? Are these doable by ourselves or is it best to take the guided tours? Thanks.
Posted by
Washington DC
28483 posts
Side trips by train or public bus will be easy. It's helpful to have a map (electronic or printed out from the internet before you leave home) so you'll have a general idea of the path from the bus or train station to the historic district or particular sights you want to see.
I recommend Bergamo. Take the funicular to the medieval upper town.
I would consider a one-day tour if I wanted to hit a bunch of very small places for 1- to 2-hour stops. It's usually difficult to get to more than two destinations in one day if you are limited to public transportation.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Genova and Torino are about 1-1.5 hours away by fast train.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
68 posts
We tacked on a side trip to Val d'Aosta from Varenna. Ended up being the unexpected highlight of our trip. A manageable city of 100k people with an incredible Roman center and majestic views of mountains everywhere you turn.
Posted by
OP
san Francisco
735 posts
The more I look into it , it seems like there are lots of daytrips from Milan . I am almost incline just to focus on this part of italy ( Italian Rivera ) and do Santorini in another trip.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Bologna? We did it the other way round.