Hello,
I will be beginning a 52 day european adventure in March starting with 9 days in Rome. I have another 7 days before I need to be in Vienna. I plan to travel by train to get there (eurail pass is purchased). Can you suggest one other city I should base out of in Italy before heading to Vienna. I was considering Milan, however, I would be glad to hear your suggestions.
Thanks,
Frank
Florence or Venice have more to offer than Milan. You might read a guidebook on what each city has to see what most interests you. Art? Florence. History, architecture, and nothing like it in the world? Venice. I could pass a week in either and I've been to both multiple times.
Milan makes a good gateway to CT or the lakes but March seems a bit early for that. Florence is a very good hub for exploring Tuscany by day trips.
Venice allows you to day trip to places like Padua, Vicenza, Verona or even Bologna.
Another vote for either Florence or Venice. You really can't go wrong with either but I might choose Florence for a March stay. There are umpty great day trips you can make from that one.
Hi Frank,
I am extremely envious of your travel plans. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
This past summer I chose Verona as my home base for northern Italy and was very happy with my choice. It’s a beautiful town and allows for quick trips to Mantua, Vicenza, Padova, Venice, Lake Garda and Milan.
Most importantly, in my opinion, it’s very quick to get from downtown Verona to the train station for day trips. Sleeping in Venice is lovely, of course, but it takes longer to get to the train station (and Venice is generally more expensive). Padova would be another good home base, as there is plenty to do and the train station is well-situated (and is closer to Venice, if you plan on visiting there a couple times).
Milan is a great city, although less central if you are interested in any of the above towns (and will take longer to get to Vienna). I guess it depends on what experience you want. After Rome you might be in the mood for a smaller town.
No matter what you choose, I’m sure you will have a great time!
Rebekah
I don't think March is ideal, weather-wise, for northern Italy, but I'll join the others in saying that Milan wouldn't be my first choice. I also think it would be more expensive than some of the other options (though probably not more so than Venice). I'd probably choose Padua if I didn't want to spend all my time in Venice. In addition to the destinations already mentioned, a side-trip to Ferrara would be possible; it can take as little as 30 minutes. It would be a long ride (I think at least 2-1/2 hours), but you could even get to Bolzano to see the old town and the museum housing the Iceman. I think actually trying to get up into the Dolomites would be too far from Padua, however.
Thanks for the very helpful replies. I am leaning toward Padova. I had a chance to see the iceman in 2104 and that was well worth the trip Any suggestions for places to stay in Padova?
Frank
