Hi all!
My hubby and I have never been to Italy and are leaving Oct 5! Yikes! We are staying two nights in Venice and two nights in Lake Garda before heading to Padua. We are so excited and pray that the weather remains beautiful for our first experience!! At the end of the tour (Lake Orta), we are searching for the best place (s) to spend our time... Love the idea of the Tuscan area but not sure if we need to go back, as the tour spends four nights in the Tuscan countryside before heading to the Cinque Terre..
A friend said Monterrosso, but we're worried that if it's rainy, we may regret it. Wish we had MORE time, $$$, and a crystal ball!
Thanks for any advice! Ali
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8481 posts
Where will you fly home from?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16040 posts
Where are you flying out of?
I would not go back to Monterosso as you will be spending 2 nights in Levanto which is just the next town up so you can see it on your free day there.
I would also not add time to Lake Orta. I added an extra night and we were "done" by noon and wished we were moving on. I've not been to Stesa but Jean from the forum and our local meet up likes to head there when she lands in Milan. It's on Lake Maggiore. Maybe 2 nights there and if you are flying out of Milan, end with 2 nights there?
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Whoops, forgot some info: We fly into Venice, stay two nights, and then two nights at Lake Garda, San Sirmione. Then to Padua for the tour that ends on the 24th. We don't fly out of Milan until the 29th.
Ever since I watched Under the Tuscan Sun, I've wanted to travel there! I have a feeling that we may want to explore more in that area (altho my hub loves the coast!). I think small towns with fun vibes and cafes/restaurants, wineries, farmhouses... maybe weather permitting... rent bikes or go horseback riding. Pool? hot tub?
Not really into shopping or big cities, altho a day trip to Florence to see "David" is in the cards...
Do you think Vienza is too far? Saw some amazing villas while investigating area on Booking.
Thanks for your input!!
Ali
Posted by
Portland, OR
461 posts
I’m another fan of Lago Maggiore. It was the highlight of our second trip to Italy. We did the village Italy trip this spring and were disappointed in Lake Orta. The hotel was fine but the town itself was a bit of a downer, especially considering it was the last day/night on the tour.
This was our 4th tour to Italy and we haven’t begun to scratch the surface. Pick something interesting to you near your airport.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8481 posts
I assume you mean Pienza-which would require a car (as would Cortona and almost any hilltown other than Siena and Lucca)
It’s also a good distance from Milan airport
Stresa is lovely and you can reach MXP from there
No matter where you choose you will need to stay near MXP or in Milan night before departure so you really only have 3 nights.
Where from and when are you planning a day trip to Florence? On the tour?