Itinerary Help 1st night Bellagio or Verona
May 11th, 2010, 07:11 AM
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Itinerary Help 1st night Bellagio or Verona
We are 3 adult couples (with two of the couples celebrating 40th birthdays). Two of the couples have been to Italy before (Rome/Amalfi Coast). One couple has been to Rome/Amalfi Coast/Florence/Venice/Orvieto. The other couple hasnt been to Europe. We will be in Italy for 8 days and 8 nights in mid-September. Because we are using AA miles, we are flying in and out of Milan and arrive early on a Monday morning and are trying to decide where to go for our first night in Italy. We have reserved Florence for the Tuesday night through Sunday, with two nights at the end in Stresa. It is about an hour from Stresa to Malpensa for our flight home. We will not be renting a car, but using the train system and/or a private driver for some legs of the journey. The reason for the majority of the nights being spent in Florence is that we found a great deal on the Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco and didnt find hotels under 200 euros per night that could accommodate all 3 couples in Venice in mid-September. It also has good rail connections for side trips. The two must sees for the birthday couples are Florence and Venice, with a desire to see Siena, Verona and Bellagio.
Could anyone provide me with good advice regarding whether we should go to Bellagio the Monday morning we arrive (we have found a good price for a driver from the airport directly to the Albergo Metropole and a nice room for 150 euro per night) or whether we should go directly to Verona (Colomba D'Oro for 160 euro per night). Here is what my husband and I are thinking (the other two couples would love to see everything and are easy going so it is up to us-yikes!):
1. Bellagio-relatively easy to get to and relaxing first day off of a long flight, especially having a van take us directly there. Beautiful scenery, good food etc. Downside is the following day (Tuesday) we will be making our way to Florence (either via train, which appears to take about a total of 3.5 hours, or by car, which works out to the same price as the train tickets for all 6 of us, which will take 5 hours). This will make for a long second travel day; or
2. Verona-take the bus from the airport to Milan train station and take train to Verona (should arrive around 12pm). This seems like a lovely town, but the hotel doesnt seem as nice as the one in Bellagio. The town has many interesting sites we will want to see so it will make for a busy first day; however, on Tuesday we can take the one direct train to Florence in about an hour.
We are leaning towards the Bellagio option as we would be able to see Verona as a side trip from Florence, but are concerned about the travel time from Bellagio to Florence on the Tuesday. Your opinions between the two towns would be much appreciated. I recognize we are doing a lake town on the back end; however, we all love lakes/mountains and beautiful scenery so we wouldnt find this repetitive. Is Bellagio worth the extra travel time in your opinion or should we head directly to Verona. Thanks so much.
Could anyone provide me with good advice regarding whether we should go to Bellagio the Monday morning we arrive (we have found a good price for a driver from the airport directly to the Albergo Metropole and a nice room for 150 euro per night) or whether we should go directly to Verona (Colomba D'Oro for 160 euro per night). Here is what my husband and I are thinking (the other two couples would love to see everything and are easy going so it is up to us-yikes!):
1. Bellagio-relatively easy to get to and relaxing first day off of a long flight, especially having a van take us directly there. Beautiful scenery, good food etc. Downside is the following day (Tuesday) we will be making our way to Florence (either via train, which appears to take about a total of 3.5 hours, or by car, which works out to the same price as the train tickets for all 6 of us, which will take 5 hours). This will make for a long second travel day; or
2. Verona-take the bus from the airport to Milan train station and take train to Verona (should arrive around 12pm). This seems like a lovely town, but the hotel doesnt seem as nice as the one in Bellagio. The town has many interesting sites we will want to see so it will make for a busy first day; however, on Tuesday we can take the one direct train to Florence in about an hour.
We are leaning towards the Bellagio option as we would be able to see Verona as a side trip from Florence, but are concerned about the travel time from Bellagio to Florence on the Tuesday. Your opinions between the two towns would be much appreciated. I recognize we are doing a lake town on the back end; however, we all love lakes/mountains and beautiful scenery so we wouldnt find this repetitive. Is Bellagio worth the extra travel time in your opinion or should we head directly to Verona. Thanks so much.
May 11th, 2010, 07:39 AM
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Thanks for your input. Unfortunately, to get the deal on the Florence hotel, we had to pre-book those nights. We only have one night on the front end before we head to Florence (we could also head directly to Florence the first day and add a night at the Il Guelfo).
Yes, we would do day trips to Venice and/or Verona. There are direct trains from Florence to Verona that take about 1 hour and the Eurostar to Venice which takes 2 hours. We cant spend the night in Venice because of the hotel situation and 2 of the couples really want to see it. I fall in the category of people who dislike Venice (although i recognize i was there in August at the height of tourist season and smell
. We all enjoy taking day trips and see this as an option. Thanks again.
Yes, we would do day trips to Venice and/or Verona. There are direct trains from Florence to Verona that take about 1 hour and the Eurostar to Venice which takes 2 hours. We cant spend the night in Venice because of the hotel situation and 2 of the couples really want to see it. I fall in the category of people who dislike Venice (although i recognize i was there in August at the height of tourist season and smell
. We all enjoy taking day trips and see this as an option. Thanks again.
Jun 20th, 2010, 05:40 PM
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This is a fun dilemma. 
Sounds like you six will see some beautiful places in Italy. We're also returning to Italy this summer and intend to stay in Bellagio for a few nights upon landing in Milan, then stop over in Verona en route to the Dolomites.
In your case, what I would suggest--since you want to daytrip to Venice--is staying in Verona your first day/night. Then take a morning train to Venice your second day before training into Florence that evening. This way, you'll get the big Venice trip "out of the way" while you're already in the Veneto, so you can stay closer to Florence once you settle in there.
This option may mean less time on trains, which is nice. But I would check www.raileurope.com/trenitalia for rail times.
Happy travels!
JenniFTF
www.findthefound.org
Sounds like you six will see some beautiful places in Italy. We're also returning to Italy this summer and intend to stay in Bellagio for a few nights upon landing in Milan, then stop over in Verona en route to the Dolomites. In your case, what I would suggest--since you want to daytrip to Venice--is staying in Verona your first day/night. Then take a morning train to Venice your second day before training into Florence that evening. This way, you'll get the big Venice trip "out of the way" while you're already in the Veneto, so you can stay closer to Florence once you settle in there.
This option may mean less time on trains, which is nice. But I would check www.raileurope.com/trenitalia for rail times.
Happy travels!
JenniFTF
www.findthefound.org
Jun 20th, 2010, 06:21 PM
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Let me see if I have this straight. You are letting some good deal on a hotel dictate your total itinerary in Italy. It all sounds backwards to me. Bellagio, Venice and Florence would be a great itinerary---do that.
Jun 20th, 2010, 06:25 PM
#6
bob, I was thinking the same thing, but I couldn't square the desires of so many people. I was going to suggest only Verona/Venice and Florence with day trips, but I figured that wasn't going to satisfy anyone.
Jun 20th, 2010, 11:09 PM
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The first non stop train into Venice takes just over 2 hours and gets in a 10.33
The quickest non stop to Verona takes 1 hour 35 (not 1 hour as you believe) and gets in at 11.05 Leaving at 7.00 you have to change trains and you only arrive at 9.34
The 2 fast trains leave from the Campo di Marte station which is a distance from your hotel.
Why do you have to find a hotel in Venice? Why don't you split the distance between Venice and Verona choosing a hotel in Padova - a delightful city - which is a short train ride between the two.
The quickest non stop to Verona takes 1 hour 35 (not 1 hour as you believe) and gets in at 11.05 Leaving at 7.00 you have to change trains and you only arrive at 9.34
The 2 fast trains leave from the Campo di Marte station which is a distance from your hotel.
Why do you have to find a hotel in Venice? Why don't you split the distance between Venice and Verona choosing a hotel in Padova - a delightful city - which is a short train ride between the two.
Jun 21st, 2010, 12:18 AM
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This is a month-old thread. You still there,december?
If so, I recommend that you just go to Venice upon arrival in Milan and spend two nights there. Eat the cost of missing your first night's reservation at the Florence hotel. Console yourself with the knowledge that you eliminated the cost of six train tickets to day trip Venice.
To see Verona, go there after you leave Venice, stowing your luggage at the train station. Tour the town, then proceed to Florence.
Were it me, I would rent a car to leave Florence and drive it to Lago di Como. I'd either spend two nights there, or split the nights between Bellagio and Stresa. Either way, I'd
drive the car to Malpensa and fly home.
If so, I recommend that you just go to Venice upon arrival in Milan and spend two nights there. Eat the cost of missing your first night's reservation at the Florence hotel. Console yourself with the knowledge that you eliminated the cost of six train tickets to day trip Venice.
To see Verona, go there after you leave Venice, stowing your luggage at the train station. Tour the town, then proceed to Florence.
Were it me, I would rent a car to leave Florence and drive it to Lago di Como. I'd either spend two nights there, or split the nights between Bellagio and Stresa. Either way, I'd
drive the car to Malpensa and fly home.
Jun 21st, 2010, 10:07 AM
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Zeppole makes a great suggestion! Straight to Venice with two nights in the enchanting city, then a stopover in Verona en route to Florence.
Also, I would consider staying in Bellagio instead of Stressa, since your group wants to visit B and it's arguably the more beautiful option.
Our family of 6 adults (parents & two daughters w/husbands) met in Venice a few years ago, then drove a 9-pax rental van to Tuscany. With driving instructions from Via Michelin, it is totally doable and allows for more flexibility. Plus, with the cost of inter-city train travel X 6, a large car will be far more convenient for trips outside the city.
Also, I would consider staying in Bellagio instead of Stressa, since your group wants to visit B and it's arguably the more beautiful option.
Our family of 6 adults (parents & two daughters w/husbands) met in Venice a few years ago, then drove a 9-pax rental van to Tuscany. With driving instructions from Via Michelin, it is totally doable and allows for more flexibility. Plus, with the cost of inter-city train travel X 6, a large car will be far more convenient for trips outside the city.
Jun 21st, 2010, 01:43 PM
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Why not somewhere in b/w MXP and Florence? Or why not go straight to Florence, settle in, and spend one of your days there on a day trip elsewhere - it doesn't have to be the very first day. IE why change hotels more than you have to?
Jun 22nd, 2010, 03:58 PM
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Thank you for all of this helpful information. Because we are moving as a group and to accommodate everyone's desires and concerns over driving, we are staying the first night in Bellagio (got a reasonable quote for a private transfer) at the albergo metropole. The next 5 nights in Florence at the il guelfo bianco, and the last two nights in Stresa at La Palma. Depending on everyone's preferences while we are in Florence, everyone can take a side trip from there. I attempted to find a hotel to everyone's liking and budget in Venice, but was unable to do so. It will have to be a day trip for those who wish to go. I think we will save Verona for another trip unless one day we decide we want another side trip. I will report back when we return. Thanks again.
Jun 22nd, 2010, 05:11 PM
#13
I think you're going to have a better time not trying to squeeze Venice/Verona into your short visit.
Unless your trip is out of high season, I suggest you email the Metropole in Bellagio and ask them to make a dinner reservation for your group for your only night there. You don't want to find out after you arrive jet-lagged that you can't get a table at a nice place until 9:00 pm. My personal favorite is Bilacus, but I also like the restaurant in the Hotel Florence (a little pricey), and others here have given good reviews of Barchetta.
Unless your trip is out of high season, I suggest you email the Metropole in Bellagio and ask them to make a dinner reservation for your group for your only night there. You don't want to find out after you arrive jet-lagged that you can't get a table at a nice place until 9:00 pm. My personal favorite is Bilacus, but I also like the restaurant in the Hotel Florence (a little pricey), and others here have given good reviews of Barchetta.
