we are flying into Milan and staying in Stresa for 5 nights before traveling to Lake Como for 4 nights and then to Bologna for 4 nights before returning to Milan and then back to the states Does that seem doable to do and does any one have recommendations for a better way to visit those cities
thanks
mschuch797
What time of year, and how big is your group? Safe travels!
The order makes sense but I would probably do
Stresa
Bologna
Lake Como
Milan
Just to split up the 2 lake visits
There are plenty of trains from Milan to Stresa, however I think you plan to go to Stresa from Malpensa airport, upon arrival, in which case there are multiple options to consider.
1. Direct bus from Malpensa Airport to Stresa. This is probably the best option if the bus departures work for you. https://www.safduemila.com/linee/alibus-malpensa-lago-maggiore/
2. Train from Malpensa to Stresa with one train change in Busto Arsizio.
www.trenitalia.com
Enter from MALPENSA AEROPORTO to STRESA
3. Taxi from Malpensa airport to Gallarate (20 min), then train from GALLARATE to STRESA.
More expensive than no. 2, but maybe a bit faster (the trains that go from Busto Arsizio to Stresa stop at Gallarate, which is near the airport, so you would intercept the train without having to train all the way to Busto first).
4. Rent a car at the airport and drive to Stresa, then drive to Lake Como. Return the car before you stay in Bologna, since you want to avoid to have a car while in a big city like Bologna or Milan.