Hi,
I have planned a week long trip (7 nights -8 days) to Northern Italy, including Milan, Lake Como & Cinque terre. I had done the Venice, Tuscany and Rome circuit in my last trip to Italy.
We travel in the 1st week of May. Flying in and out of Milan. The itinerary is as follows - Milan (1 night) - Varenna (2 nights ) - Cinque terre (3 nights) - Milan (1 night). Travel in between destinations is by train. We wanted this to be a relaxed and art free vacation after our last art heavy trip to Italy.
- Any tips on weather and type of clothes to carry to those parts in May?
- Any must do sights in the region in the view of the members?
- Will swimming be possible in early May or will the water be too cold?
- Any suggested restaurants with vegetarian options in the above mentioned destinations?
Any tips from this forum is highly appreciated as this forum helped my previous trip to Italy very memorable.
Thanks
Yogesh
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
922 posts
I would change things up just a little. Instead of spending the first night in Milan, I would go straight to Varenna (2 nights) - Cinque Terre (3 nights) - Milan (2 nights). In Varenna, you may want to visit a couple of villas and gardens. Unless you like to hike a lot, 3 nights in the CT might be one too many. I think the water will be too cold for swimming in early May. Weather in May is generally mild, but you never know what will happen. I would check weather forecasts a couple of days before departure to get a better feel for what to pack. In MIlan, check out the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You may want to consider a day trip to Bergamo from Milan as well, but I would only do that if you add another night to Milan (i.e. - 2 nights in CT, 3 nights in Milan).
Posted by
St. Louis
13 posts
I agree with Stephen that you should spend your first night in Varenna. Easy trip from Milan and very relaxing. I would like to suggest one more place you could possibly add to your itinerary. Just 45 minutes south east of Varenna is Bergamo, an amazing Venetian city at the foothills of the Alps with great views. You take a funicular up to the old part of town, which is beautiful. It is very non-touristy so you get a feel of the real Italy without having to worry about pickpockets and scammers. Trains run from Bergamo to Milan all day long and its only about an hour ride. I would consider spending one less night in Milan and spending it in Bergamo.
I'm a little biased because I spent a summer semester in Bergamo, but I really suggest researching it.
Have fun on your trip.
Posted by
32 posts
You will love Lake Como we are returning in April and staying in Como as we stayed there last time and really liked the town.
We were in Lake Como in mid-April 2015 and I was surprised that the weather was quite mild, I expected it to be a lot cooler....it might be cooler this time as we will be there early April.
Posted by
OP
99 posts
Thanks for the replies and suggestions..
I changed from 3 nights in Vernazza to 2 nights in Vernazza with one night a little distance away at Santa Margherita Ligure to see what all the fuss is about at Portofino.
Any restaurant suggestions with vegetarian options would be great.
Thanks