Verona-Munich-Dolomites-Maybe Somewhere Else-Milan

Posted by timfear on 07/19/23 05:14 PM

I would appreciate advice on if my scheme is crazy. I have a business trip to Italy every year, usually ending in Verona. As often as we can, my wife flies out when the business part is done and meets me somewhere in Italy for a week of adventure. We usually try to do too much, but we always have fun.

This year I am thinking of having her fly into Munich and I will take the train from Verona to meet her. Then a day or two at Oktoberfest, then train to Bolzano for a couple of nights, then maybe somewhere else, then fly out of Milan. It's a lot, but we've always done a lot.

It's this crazy? Anyone done it? Is Oktoberfest and Munich worth it?

Thanks

Posted by Jazz+Travels

Chicago

07/19/23 05:36 PM

8126 posts

You may be a little behind looking for lodging in Munich.

Posted by timfear OP

07/19/23 06:03 PM

19 posts

Yes, good point. I know we'll have to pay premium, but I've found a place if we do this. Thanks!

Posted by epltd

07/19/23 07:05 PM

3122 posts

Oktoberfest in Munich is basically a huge beer hall tent affair. I guess it's worthwhile just to say you've done it -- or if you enjoy beer and traditional Bavarian beer-drinking camaraderie, then all the more so. I have no expertise on this, but I'm guessing people come from all over to experience it, so you might make friends from some other interesting places.

For a place to visit in between Bolzano and Milan, maybe Brescia or Bergamo? I haven't been, but they both look lovely.

Posted by lachera

Firenze, Italy

07/20/23 05:56 PM

1643 posts

Be sure to reserve international trains in time, in 2022 trains were packed

Posted by timfear OP

07/20/23 08:22 PM

19 posts

Thank you for the great advice!

Posted by Debbie

Narberth, PA

07/20/23 09:52 PM

1255 posts

It is the season of the almabtrieb (cow parade). Google that for Tirol, Bavaria, Innsbruck area to see dates. Oktoberfest and the crowds no longer hold any attraction for me, but then the Christmas market in Marienplatz is one I avoid, too. Masses of humanity and beer. I like beer, but not the crowds. I would investigate the corridor between Munich and Bolzano. So many possibilities. Myself, I would like to revisit Kloster Andechs, or at least research it, since I was last there in the 70s. I believe Rick has a video of it.

Posted by timfear OP

07/21/23 05:34 PM

19 posts

Wow, great tips, thank you.

Posted by Pat

back in the Americas

07/21/23 06:16 PM

706 posts

Options to consider on the way from Munich to Bolzano: Garmisch Partenkirchen, Mittenwald, Innsbruck, Vipiteno. Between Bolzano and Milano take a look at Merano, Trento, Brescia, a small town on either Lake Garda or Lake Iseo, or Bergamo. A little south of Verona you can research Mantova. All are worthy destinations, some bigger than others. Do you want more of a Bavarian or Italian experience? I know you said you have explored Italy a lot in past years so maybe focus on Germany or Austria? This past April I did a 17 day trip in northern Italy. We used Trento as a base for four nights and did a daytrip by train from there to Bolzano and on another day we hired a private car service for an 8 hour day to take us from Trento to the towns around the northern part of Lago di Garda. Very beautiful. Brescia was also a very pleasant two night stop. The historic center of the city is very compact with pretty piazzas, two duomos, Roman ruins, an archeology museum and castle. Plenty to do for one or two days.