laurieco

Booked airfare to Milan on an impulse. Emirates was offering non-stop round-trip air for two JFK-MXP for $800, including all taxes and fees. DH and I weren't planning on going to Italy this Spring, but it was too good to pass up. DH and I have been to Rome and Pompeii, and to Sicily within the last few years. Those are the only places in Italy DH has been. I went to college in Siena in 1980 and went to Florence every weekend, and also traveled around and went to Venice for a few days, took trips around Tuscany, as well as other parts Italy. (I was also in Italy way back in 1970 when I went to Europe with my parents but that was so long ago). I haven't been back to Tuscany or northern Italy in 35 years. Neither of us have ever been to Milan. I was thinking of this as a possible way to spend the 10 days:

3 nights in Milan (one at the start, 2 at the end)
4 nights in Florence, with a day trip to Siena
3 nights in Venice

Suggestions? Would you spend more or less time in any of the places?

I would love to go to Cinque Terre or around Lake Como, but I really don't think it's feasible, unless I drastically cut something else down. We like cities, small towns, wineries, pretty much anything. I got a guidebook so I could read about the areas that are easily accessible from Milan to see if there is anything else I might want to substitute, but I thought I would ask the experts here at Fodor's. Thanks for any help, advice, etc.

dreamon

Unless your flight arrives very late in the day, I'll put all your time in Milan at the end to avoid a one night stop.

Jean

I wouldn't stay in Milan twice unless you arrive late in the day on Day 1. I would head immediately by train to either Florence (3 hrs.) or Venice (4 hrs.), then put all of the Milan nights at the end.

I like Milan more than most here, but you should consider what you want to see/do there and decide how much time you actually need. Most people would likely take away one night from Milan and add it to Venice.

Lake Como is close to Milan, but I would pick either the lake or the city but not both. IMO, the CT is too far from Florence for a day trip (3 hours each way), but some people do it. I wouldn't make the CT an overnight destination unless you can add a day or two to your trip.

flwrjen

I ll throw out a couple of other suggestions of places reasonably close to Milan. Venice and the Dolomites. Liguria and/or Piedmont regions. Emiliano Romogna. I just returned from Bologna and am high on that region. I also loved the Dolomites and the other places mentioned if you like landscapes and villages.

kybourbon

I agree about putting all of Milan at the end. Take the train to either Venice or Florence upon arrival.

If you put Venice first, then Florence, you could possibly stop in CT on your way back to Milan, but your luggage would be a problem. Only larger stations have a left luggage room. There are day tours to CT from Florence, but with a day trip to Siena already planned, I'm not sure your have enough time for two day trips while in Florence.

http://www.caftours.com/cinque-terre...ith-lunch.html

Pay attention to closings when you pick your city orders. Most museums in Florence with be closed on Monday.

>>>We like cities, small towns, wineries<<<

Turin is close to Milan and the excellent Barolo wines. You would need a car for the wine areas though.

sandralist

Which 10 days in Spring are you talking about? Do any of them include Easter? April 25 or May 1 or June 2?

The real question for me would be whether I wanted to go back to the places I had already seen or see someplace new. Also whether I wanted an all-train trip or would be willing to rent a car. Landing in Milan (does this Emirates flight arrive at noon?), you can really go just about anywhere in Italy -- including Rome, the trains are now so fast.

I like Milan well enough, but if you are more enthused about going other places, I would cut it.

I think you are right not to plan a trip that has you dashing all over the place, but you are not confined to places immediately around Milan. If you are willing to visit the seaside just south of Genoa instead of le Cinque Terre, that is a bit easier than le Cinque Terre if you are flying in and out of Milan.

sandralist

PS: Since you are leaving from Milan, if there are just a handful of things you want to see there, you could probably see them in half a day on your last day in Italy -- especially if the return flight from Emirates is leaving at 4pm.

Also, some people either begin or end their trip at Lago di Como if they are flying in and out of Milan.

laurieco

After reading the responses, I have decided we will go straight to Florence after flying into MXP. We will spend a night or two in Milan at the end of the trip. It looks like the best bet to get to Florence is to take a train from MXP to Milan central station and then to Florence (central?) if anyone has a better way by train, please do tell! And thanks for the advice given. It has been very helpful.

laurieco

Sandralist, we are going from May 5-16. Arrive MXP at 12:15 on May 6. Is MXP efficient at getting people cleared through immigration? Or should we plan on a long wait to leave the airport?

sandralist

Train to Florence is the best way. You shouldn't have any undue delays getting through passport control (10 minutes tops?) unless there is some very unforeseen unusual glitch at the airport that day. You are not traveling during any holidays, so no glitches there for your overall trip either.