Hi. We need to fly to Alicante for 2 days before starting our summer break. We thought if we flew out of Alicante into Milan or Bologna we could get a train or local buses to see a bit of the country before stopping off in one or two villages/small towns and then returning home. Due to a sudden illness my husband is unable to drive and nervous of me driving abroad for the first time so we thought this may be best for us. Problem is where to go? We have been to Italy on a few crusies and stopped at Florence, Pisa, Naples and Rome a few times. We have done Sorrento but Cinque Terre and Capri we loved! So do we try to go back there? (getting to Capri seems a long way?) or do we try for somewhere else? I should mention we would want to stay in little B&B's as apposed to big fancy hotels. Anyone want to help please?
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16747 posts
Hi -
So it sounds like you enjoy being near water? What about the Lake Como area? Varenna is very pretty (I've been although I have not stayed there) and very popular with RS posters, and it's easily reached by train from Milan. You can explore towns on the lake via ferry, and take the train to Bergamo and some other interesting places.
I can't tell what month you're looking to travel. May?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8371 posts
I agree with Kathy about Lake Como area being a good alternative. Since you've been to the other more popular tourist cities in Italy, it may be time for a change.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16747 posts
If you fly in and out of Milan, you might want to spend the day before your flight home in Milan itself if you haven't explored it yet? There's plenty to see in that one to fill your time.
Posted by
Boston
1816 posts
Modena and Parma are easily reached from Bologna and have a relaxed feeling appropriate for small beautiful cities. Both are compact with sophisticated art, architecture, and food in a cosmopolitan setting.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for all the replies. I haven't considered Lake Como because I thought it would be more touristy and expensive to stay. After hubby's illness we want to be low key, more fishing village than city if possible. We are traveling in July, which I know is not a great time to go but due to other commitments it's what we're left with.