Our trip actually starts in Milan and ends in Venice. Am able to use my AA miles round trip into and out of Venice . Thought we would just fly into Venice and catch the train to Milan to meet up with our group. Another thought is to leave a few days early and spend time at one of the lakes with rail transporation out of Milan and then meet our group in Milan on our departure day. Can anyone advise?
Given your circumstances, I'd go a few (3-4) days early and go to Varenna on Lake Como. It's a great place to get over jet lag and refresh for the tour. Another option is Verona, which is on a straight line between Venice and Milan. From Verona you can do a day trip to Vicenza. Padau is another possibility.
You can get the Aerobus to Venezia Mestre station to get a train to Milan.
Do you have any interest in Venice?
Think Varenna sounds perfect. Is there a train to Varrenna from Milan? Any hotel suggestions? My budget is around $250 a night or more. I’m assuming the hotel can help me with tours and ferries? Thank you so much
Verona and Venice are included in the tour. Great suggestions!
Not sure what their rates will be when you plan to visit, but check out Hotel Villa Cipressi in Varenna. Good location (can walk to it from train station), beautiful facility, good restaurant, and it overlooks the lake.