Two nights at Cique T or head toward Verona or Bergamo

You realize you're not going to get a unanimous response, right? Have you done any research into those three places to see which might best match specifically what YOU are looking for? There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to travel. (And BTW, it's "Cinque" Terre.) Good luck.

We really enjoyed Verona. I've seen photos of Bergamo and it looks interesting too, but I haven't been there. We also enjoyed the Cinque Terre. Do you have one night or two? Your question is a bit confusing. I would definitely not spend one night each in two different places. With such a short time, I would pick the place that takes the least time to travel to. That way, you are sightseeing, not spending so much time traveling.

I've arranged to spend two nights in a La Spezia hotel next month. I will have a day and a half to visit the towns, then catch a train to Pisa airport for my flight to Paris. If you are traveling from Milan, it should be easy to get to Monterosso to stay a couple of nights. From there you can visit the other towns by train or trail. I don't think you will need to go to La Spezia unless you want to.

thanks for comments! Hoping to do two nights in Monterroso, but was just a little leary since the storms that did damage there.
Sounds like two nights there will be great via train from Lake Como.... then train back to Milan. btw, I took 2 long time friends to Napa last weekend and had a great time... took them to the castle and hit Cindy's and Mustards too for meals.... we are spoiled to be so close to such a great area, aren't we?

You are so right that we have an abundance of great places to visit in our own backyard!

I think you have to answer a couple of questions to decide on your destination:Which lake will you be staying on, and do you want a small city or a more rural experience? If you are on Maggiore or Como, Cinque Terre is fairly close, a few hours by train, and, if you use Rick's links, you'll see that many businesses are reopening in Monterosso and Vernazza & really need tourist business. The other villages were not affected by the flood. If you are at Lake Garda & want city, go to Verona, or Venice, if you've never been. Another option from Lake Garda is to go north to Trento, a lovely little city in the Dolomites with a German influence. I had plans to go to Bergamo a few years ago, scuttled by a minor accident. My research indicated the alta city was small and charming, good for a day or two's investigation. Easy to get to from east or west lakes & not much travel time.
Have fun wherever you choose!