helaine

hi everyone
i am planning an 8 day surprise trip for my husband. we will be arriving in Milan and want to see the lake district and cinque terre area. we have 8 days to visit.
we don't want to rent a car if possible.
we love all things italian specially the food, wine and the people
i know there are so many wonderful people that have traveled this area extensively and that could offer me wonderful help planning an itinerary: how many days in each area, what things you enjoyed seeing, and any other suggestions you would be kind enough to send.
we would like to hike in cinque terre and would also be interested in the boat rides. we also are interested in seeing the area around cinque terre.
we love italy but have never had the opportunity to visit this area
thank you in advance for your help
sunshine38

PalenQ

8 days

1- Milan
2- Train to Monterosso - change there for trains to each of the 5 lands
3- CT- hiking
4- Day trip to Portovenere or Portofino, etc
5- Day trip -maybe Genoa - a really sweeet old city
6- Day trip and hike CT area
7- Train to Como via Milan -boat to Bellagio or wherever you want to stay or train via Milan to Stresa and Lake Maggiore
8- Boat around either lake -get day boat pass.

All those trains can be done by Regional trains that are best bought as you go along-no discounts for advance booking. There are some IC trains possible perhaps Milan to CT but not much faster and cost more (though discounts possible from www.trenitalia.com) - seat reservations mandatory on IC trains -not possible on regional trains-for lots on Italian trains check: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

Lake Maggiore and Stresa IMO are just as nice as Lake Como- and Stresa has direct buses to Malpensa Airport- the three Borromean Islands are just off-shore -a different delight awaits on each:

https://www.google.com/search?q=borr...w=1536&bih=760

PalenQ

i apologize for leaving our travel dates out
we will arrive milan on june 3
sunshine38
PLEASE SEE PRIOR MESSAGE POSTED

THANKS SO MUCH

(Copied from other thread OP started)

Early June is a nice time for those areas -CT may be crowded but not nearly so much as as summer goes on. Earlier the better -do CT first.

helaine

thank you for your response. which of the 5 areas do you suggest we stay?
i also assume we can take the train to portofino I know that we can train it to genoa.
we are thinking of spending a full day in milan before we go off to cinque terres and the lake district. do you think that's enough time? i have read that several of the trails that connect the towns have been damaged by the rain and not restored so am i correct in assuming we will likely need the boat/train to get around?
i sure appreciate your time and input
helaine

neckervd

There are tons of panoramic (view to lakes and Alps) hiking trails above and around the major 3 North Italian Lakes (Maggiore, Lugano, Como) too. Most of them are well signmarked, but much less crowded than 5Terre.

vincenzo32951

Just my two cents:

I'd spend a couple of days in Milan. If you hope to see the Last Supper, get tix well in advance. There's a debate here about Milan and spending time there. I like it and think you could fill a couple of days.

For me, your trip entails too much travel and changes. I'd stick with just Milan and the Lakes, and leave CT for another time. Your 8 days appear to entail 3 day of travel from Point A to Point B. That wouldn't work for me.

PalenQ

also assume we can take the train to portofino>

well take a train to Santa Margharita Ligure - then bus or boat the few miles to Portofino - or do a lovely walk up and over rustic hills.

SML is a neat town -we based there and day tripped to CT. Lots of tourists but also a more real regional town where the daily catch is still brought in in late afternoon.

PalenQ

i have read that several of the trails that connect the towns have been damaged by the rain and not restored so am i correct in assuming we will likely need the boat/train to get around?
i sure appreciate your time and input>

there is a site updating trail conditions -unlikely all trails between all towns will be closed-maybe none.

ANUJ

My wife and I were in the CT last September and only 2 of the blue trails were open - Monterosso-Vernazza and Vernazza-Corniglia. Most of the higher red trails are open - we did not attempt these as I'm not a "serious" hiker. Have a look here http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/E...ri-outdoor.php

The trains are a convenient way to connect between towns - we bought a 2 day Cinque Terre card that allowed unlimited access to the hiking trails and regional trains between the villages http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/E...terre-card.php

annhig

many years ago we spent 2 weeks in a resort on Lake Maggiore and found loads to do so if you want to spend a few days in Milan itself, adding in the CT could just be overkill.

PalenQ

CT is the type of place that if you don't go you may always regret it. Even if it don't live up to expectations though it did mine the two times I've been there -crowds and all.