Tuscany vs Lake Como

Hi Jesse,

My wife and I arrived in Milan on March 27th of this year and I must say the temperature was much higher than we expected. The daytime temperature averaged around 70 and the nights were about 50. We were told this was pretty much the average for that time of year. We stayed two full days in Milan and we had a wonderful time and never had a dull moment, so much to do and see. We also stayed a couple of days at Como actually Bellagio, good weather as well.Then we headed south to the Tuscany region and the weather and temperature was about the same as Milan area. I say it's a toss up of where to go and for how long, it's all beautiful.

Greg

Jesse - really depends on YOUR interests... having said that, if you'd have said that you would be coming in May, June, or July I'd say head for Lake Como.

But because you're coming in late March, which can still be a little tricky with the weather here, I'd say go to Florence and the Tuscany Region. Spend some time in Milan (Last Supper, Teatro de Scala, Duomo, SHOPPING!) and then head south! Claire from Bergamo can probably give you better advice - Claire??

Ciao,
Ron

We agree that Tuscany is a better choice for that time of year but we wholeheartedly disagree that you should spend ANY time in Milan. That would be a waste when there is so much elsewhere

Believe it or not, some people actually do enjoy Milan. Although it would not be on my list of highest priority places to go, the earlier posting above does point out that it has things in its favor. One of the highlights of my time there was wandering around on the roof of the Duomo - truly amazing High Gothic style. More flying buttresses than you can shake a biscotto at.

As for your original question, Tuscany is a little more open sky feeling and more what Americans expect of Italy while the Lakes are more alpine and the people are more northern (and a little restrained). It all depends on what you're looking for.

Lake Como is an easy hour train ride from Milan you could do a day trip with no notice. The weather might be your deciding factor but I would think some spring blossoms might entice you regardless of a little rain (sorry being from Seattle we go anyway if it rains). Depending on the length of your trip I would try to taste both areas. We spent a few days in Milan including a day trip to Como and a tour of the Sforza Castle.

Distances are short. You may not need to choose.

Lake Como is absolutely gorgeous. We stayed in Bellagio, and I would love to return some day. However, the hotel we stayed at, Hotel Villa Serbelloni (actually, we stayed at Residence L'Ulivo, apartments on the grounds of the Villa), is only open from April through November, so that must be some indication of the weather in March.

Ron is providing excellent advice (as usual, both he and Claire have the best advice on things Italian)..and to add my two cents worth...Milan was a very pleasant surprise for our family...we spent just two nights there in last September. If we were to go again soon, I would book another 2 or 3 nights...there is so much to do and see. It's like New York...if you don't like NYC you probably won't like Milan.

I forgot to add...La Scalla's opera is in session during March and April...when we were there, the season hadn't begun, so we missed out on one of the great attractions of Milan (we did do the Museum and saw the theater...)

While Tuscany is wonderful, Lake Como is so lovely it would be a shame to miss out. I understand the guide book talks a lot about Bellagio, but the whole area around the lake is really beautiful and you can find many places without being overwhelmed by tourists. My only advice would be avoid doing a lot of driving around the area on a Sunday when everyone comes up from the cities to enjoy the area, and therefore there tends to be a lot of traffic and not a lot of places to park.
While Milan isn't my favorite Italian city there are some great things to see as well, just keep in mind it is a real city and not a tourist's playground, and while you are at it, consider at least an afternoon in Bergamo, the Città Alta is amazing.

Claire - knew you could offer some great advice living in that area! We're still on for the glass of wine in Bergamo; My treat!

Ciao,
Ron