Just returned from a 2 week trip to northern Italy. Flew in and out of Munich (due to cheap airfare), night train from Munich to Milan, the following stops were Florence, Bologna (with a day trip to Ferrara), Padua, Venice, night train from Venice to Munich. The first week was a bit showery with highs reaching mid 60's in Florence, I was in T-shirts! The second week was much cooler and sunny mid 30's to high 40's. Perhaps due to the end of shoulder season, I didn't expect the wide temperature swing. I made reservation for Galleria Academia and Uffizi following Rick's advice but it wasn't necessary at all. Felt very safe and secure as there were armed military presence at major sites. This is my first time traveling Italy extensively, loved every thing in Italy, art, monuments, food, culture, and most of all the people. Rick was right the Italians are more engaging than other Europeans. I was in a self service laundry shop struggling to find things out, all of a sudden this lady came out from the wall behind the washing machines and started speaking Italian to me. I had to use Google Translate since I don't understand Italian; interesting conversation and I told her I will return to Padua in a few years again, she gave a thumbs up! Best European trip ever.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Great to hear you enjoyed a wonderful trip. No wonder it's called 'la dolce vita', as Italian life is so easy to slip in to. The triangle between Milan, Florence and Venice, has so many great sights beyond those major cities. I spent some time in Milan, Padua, Ferrara and Florence in 2012, and can't wait to get back to Italy.
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Glad you had a good time. Spent 2 weeks in Northern Italy years ago and loved it. I think the Irish might take exception to the notion the Italians are more engaging than other Europeans though!! (yeah, well, probably I would too..... hard to beat Ireland for craic)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
Where are the details !!?? ☺☺
How was the night train? How did you like Bologna?
Posted by
OP
Seattle
48 posts
To Chani, I tend to be brief on my posting; it might put some people to sleep :). Bologna was probably my favorite city. There was almost something to see at every corner or at the end of an alley, it is probably too many to mention here, you really have to explore yourself to feel being flashed back in time a few hundred years. I plan to visit Bologna again and use it as a base to visit the region. As far as the night train goes, my original plan was to catch a flight from Munich to Milan, with only one hour for transfer, I decided to catch a night train, have a relaxed dinner in Munich with a night train to Milan and save one night of hotel. The train was great, the only thing was there was no hot water in the bathroom (oh well, not everything can go perfect), so I didn't take shower that evening. The train compartment was very tight, so it is important to travel with one carry-on. If you want to know more details, I am more happy to share. Happy travel.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
I spent 3-4 nights in Bologna a couple years ago. I asked because I've seen people who didn't like the city, which I don't understand. It was also where I was introduced to the Aperol Spritz ☺