My husband and I will be traveling to Italy this November. Although we will be flying into Milan, we will not be staying there at all. We would, however, love to see a few highlights of the city before moving on, like the Duomo, the Last Supper (which I know we need reservations for), and perhaps the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele. I think we've decided not to rent a car like previously planned, but will instead take the trains from place to place. Therefore, we will need a place to store our luggage for a number of hours while we see the above mentioned places. I've read about the "Left Luggage" services at both the Malpensa Airport as well as Centrale Stazione. It seems easier (and more secure) to store our luggage at the airport, then come back to get it when we're done. Any advice from those who have used this service at either location? Is the luggage secure? Any theft concerns? Also, I'm starting to freak out a little bit regarding all the warnings of train thieves. Is theft something that happens to just about everyone visiting Italy, or are these isolated incidents?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
The left luggage facilities in the large train stations are staffed. They often will take a picture of your passport and keep the copies with your picture with your luggage. You have to show your passport to get your luggage back. All luggage is stored behind a counter. The only thing you have to check is their hours of operation to make sure they are not closed when you return. Quite safe. Still, I wouldn't leave valuables there. About 1.5E-2.0E per bag as I recall our experiences in Pisa and Florence.
Posted by
Kirkwood, Missouri, USA
7 posts
My husband and I and 4 grandchildren just returned from seeing Italy in 9 days. Be happy to advise you on whatever. arrived in Milan and took Malpensa Express to Centrale Station where we stored our carry-ons but kept our backpacks. Very safe; inexpensive; George was our baggage man who met the bus at the station; did not know him beforehand, but he was the best and most helpful. No theft concerns. Did same in Venice at baggage check in train station. Then we took a taxi to the Duomo; be certain to observe the city from the rooftop; an elevator is available. Then we took taxi to see The Last Supper frescoe; get tickets ahead of time; just tickets and meet ticket person there.Saved us 700Euros by doing this ourselves w/out guide or taking walking tour through the city. You do not need a guide for Milan; can do it all yourself. Buy a Eurorail Pass; reserve your train dates and times; use first class passage only. Did not encounter train thieves. Gypsies walked thru seeking money; they were quickly escorted off train by police. Felt very safe especially traveling with grandchildren.Went from Milan to Florence to Pisa to Siena to Rome to Pompeii to Venice to Milan w/out missing history of Italy.
Posted by
OP
Temple
6 posts
Thanks so much to both of you! Such great information! I love the specifics. That helps me so much! Marilyn, first of all, good for you for taking your grandkids on such a fabulous trip! Do they know how lucky they are?! :-) Secondly, I may tap into your knowledge a bit more, if you don't mind, since it's still fresh in your mind. A couple of things: Is there a particular website you liked to get tickets to The Last Supper? Also, you said to schedule our train times in advance. That seems a bit risky to me, just because....what happens if you miss your train? Or is it the kind of thing where you just need to commit to staying on schedule? I like the idea of staying in first class though. That would make me feel more secure. I know that probably sounds....elitist, and I don't mean for it to. I'm just a bit of a Nervous Nellie, so that would be one thing I CAN control. Ha! And lastly, did you prefer Eurorail to Trenatalia? Is there a difference or does the Europass cover both?
Posted by
NLR, Ar USA
92 posts
Rachelle, when I was in Milan from a over night train trip from Germany, I put the luggage in the luggage center at the Central Rail Station and did not have a problem at all. During my short stay over before I continued on to Florence and then Arezzo, I visited the Galleria Emmanuele, the Opera House, and the Duomo and was able to go to the top of the Duomo and saw the city. You must go there, it is especially nice for photos of the area. Unfortuately, was not able to go see the Last Supper. I used a train all over Europe, from Holland, Germany, Beligium, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria and Italy buying a Eurail Pass for 30 days since I was there for that long of a period. It was great, the only thing I had to do is make sure I have a reservation for the long haul trains (ICE) from Amsterdam to Milan. Most of the other times, I could just hop on a train (1st class) and go to the next destination with no problems. However, on the more traveled routes, Milan, FLorence, Rome and even Naples, I would recommend a reservation. On some of the high speed trains, with a Eurail pass, the passage has been paid for, but there could be a supplement for a seat reservation. This also applies to the overnight trains from Germany, France or Switzerland, when you reserving a overnight bedroom for 2 persons.(instead of a couchette). Did not have any problem on the trains at all about thieves. You just have to be as careful as you would be in NYC, Chicago or any strange place that you not been in. Have a great trip., Jerry