Milan MPX to Cortona

Debra, There are several ways you can use to travel from Malpensa / MXP to Milano Centrale (I assume you're arriving at Terminal 1?). > Malpensa Express (train) - frequent departures, travel time 43M to 52M, current fare €10 > Malpensa Shuttle (Bus) - frequent departures, travel time ~50M (depending on traffic), current fare €10 For the trip to Cortona, note that there are two destination stations you can choose - Camucia and Terontola. I'll describe Camucia, since I was there in September so it's still fresh in my memory. The trip from Milano Centrale to Camucia-Cortona is 3H:21M, and as you noted one change at Firenze SMN. NOTE that part of the this is via Freccia (high speed) trains which have compulsory reservations. You MUST ensure that you board the train specified on your ticket, as these are specific to a particular train. They may give you two tickets so you MUST validate the second ticket in the yellow machines (time & date stamp), as that's a Regionale. These steps are important to avoid being fined on the spot. Getting from the station in Camucia up to Cortona could be a bit "challenging". There is a Bus, but it's a small station so there may not be anywhere to buy a ticket. I was told that if you board the Bus, the driver may stop at a Tabacchi on the way and allow passengers to buy tickets (I was fortunate so didn't have to deal with that - it's a long story). It's easier on the way back to the station, as there's a Tabacchi close to Piazza Garibaldi, where the Bus departs.

Debra - Part 2..... To answer your numbered questions.... (1) Transportation options are as described. I've never had any issues with the "crime at the Milan Airport" so can't comment on that. I'd probably be more concerned at Milano Centrale. In any case, it's a good idea to wear a Money Belt, be vigilant and watch your luggage (which is also true for many places in Italy and the rest of Europe). When you're on board the train at Milano Centrale, you may encounter people asking for money (I always tell them to "take a hike") or a young guy that walks through the rail car placing a small card on each seat with a "hard luck story" on it and soliciting "donations". I usually tell them to "take a hike" also. Many of the people I've seen doing this are well dressed, smoking tailor-made cigarettes and carrying expensive Smartphones, so I have to question how "hard up" they really are. (2) According to the schedules I looked at, connections for Cortona are always at Firenze Santa Maria Novella. (3) "How long to clear customs" (Passport control) will vary according to conditions at the time. If a lot of flights arrive at the same time, the staff could be overwhelmed so of course it will take longer. I'd allow at least an hour after you disembark from the plane. Regarding the second part of you question, the TSA Website lists items which are allowed or prohibited in either carry-on or checked luggage. Is there a specific item you're considering? Happy travels!

Camuccia is closer to Cortona, it's a short bus ride. I took a taxi which last summer was less than 8 euro from Camuccia to my hotel near the main street of the town.

@Zoe, Just curious, were you in Hotel San Luca?

We travelled to Cortona from Florence station S.M Novella in 2010. It was really quite easy. You just jump on a train to Camucia, which takes about 1hr 20 mins. You can't book seats on this train as it's just a local line. This didn't present a problem & we had lots of luggage. Upon arrival at Camucia, just outside the train station there was a phone number for a taxi service. We rang this number & a taxi arrived in about 5 minutes. We were staying at Cory's Ristoarte Hotel, which was fabulous & just a 5 minute walk from 'Bramasole' Frances Hayes home from the movie Under The Tuscan Sun.I think it was about an 8 minute drive from Camucia & we thought the taxi fare was reasonable for this. I guess it depends on how far you need to travel from the station. I found with our trip that I would always ask the Hotel we were staying at for transport advice. They are usually quite helpful. Cortona is a lovely township with lots of shops selling, ceramics, linen, art & heaps of trattoria to enjoy a break in between shopping.
If your question regarding customs relates to Rome Airport, we arrrived at 5.30am & there was basically no customs in sight. We walked past what looked like a couple of customs officers, but no-one had their bags checked so we were unsure. We actually laughed & wondered if that was customs. With regard to restrictions we just followed the guidelines from Australian customs. Hope this helps

@Ken - You were very helpful. Thank You so much for your very detailed replies. I appreciate all it! @Lee - appreciate the information on the trains, Taxi and on on Cortona! Interesting on the Rome Customs-lol I am flying into Milan, so doesn't sound like I will get off that easy. ;) @Zoe - Thanks for the info on the Taxi and distance from Camuccia. Deb