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Trip Itinerary from Varenna to Venice/Florence/Cinque Terre

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Hi all-

I would love your insights while planning a Northern Italy itinerary for seven days 9/12 - 9/19. We’re hoping to see the Swiss Alps if possible too and plan to visit Venice, Florence, and maybe Cinque Terre if time allows. Our plan so far is:

Traveling from Milan to Varenna 9/12-9/15 for a wedding. We would love to take the Bernina Express train up to the Swiss Alps one day we’re in Lago di Como because we’ll be so close. We get in the afternoon of the 12th and wouldn’t have time on the 14th due to the wedding, but are thinking of going on the 13th or checking out on the 15th and going then and taking the train down into Italy on the way back to get us closer toward Venice. Any recommendations on if that’s doable and where to stay that’s between Varenna and Venice if it proves to be too much travel that day?

We’d like to stay in Venice at least one night, if not two. Then, on to Florence for at least one night. If we only spend one night in each spot we could try to go to Cinque Terre, but is it too tight in time if we fly out of Milan on the 19th at 10am? We’d probably like to stay in Milan for half a day on the 18th and overnight until we return home on the 19th.

I know this is a LOT to cram in. Recommendations on making it work in the time and locations we will be? Should we skip Bernina Express for more time in Varenna while already there? Or skip CT for more time in Venice and Florence? We’d love to do it all, but don’t want to spend all of our time on the train either.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can offer!

Posted by
45 posts

Hi Erin,

A good midway point would be Verona.

When I visited those places I did 3 days in Florence, 2 in Venice and 3 in Cinque Terre. I felt that was enough for Venice, but could have easily spent even more in the other 2 locations. Venice and Florence are only about 2 hours apart by high speed train, but you need to decide what will work best for you, as you have to also get back to Milan to fly out. Florence takes you a bit out of the way. Have you thought about staying North and doing Turin or the Langhe Wine area? (I am going there next year- similar to Tuscany but with less tourists).

As you are now, you probably will want to pick between either Florence or Venice. If you visit Venice, you could also do Verona. I recommend staying in Venice when you go there because during the day it is packed with tourists, but in the evening many leave and it is lovely. (same with Cinque Terre). As for which to go to, it depends on the experience you are looking for. Venice is unique and an area to walk around in. Florence is filled with art/culture/museums/food. I love them both for different reasons.

Are you able to extend your trip by a few days? You can then fit them both in without rushing. To be able to do all 3, I would give yourself 8 days minimum after the wedding to do so. Another option would be to fly open jaw and land in Venice prior to the wedding, give yourself 2 nights there, and then continue from there to Varenna.

Posted by
16895 posts

One night is not enough for either Venice or Florence. I would really rather have 3 nights in either one, with Venice my personal first choice. Otherwise, go straight to Venice on 9/15 and stay 2 nights, go to Florence early on 9/17 and stay 1 night, and go to Milan late on 9/18 to stay the night before your flight.

Skip the
Cinque Terre and skip the Bernina Express unless you do fit it in on 9/13. You'll have to depart Varenna at 8:20 to reach Pontresina (small town) or St. Moritz (bigger city) about 12:30. Return times with only one connection depart around 14:45 and 16:45. You can also connect at St. Moritz to continue past more mountain scenery to Filisur or Thusis before turning around. That adds 1.5-2 hours each way, including connection time.

Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it.

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