Next summer we will be spending 10 days in Italy. We have free accommodations in Milan for 7 nights and so will plan to take day trips from there. We also would like to drive down to Rome and spend three nights either along the way or all in Rome. Anyone have any ideas on day trips from Milan? How far a drive would it be from Milan to Venice? Any info would be very helpful!

Go to the lakes: Como or Maggiore. You will see a completely different sort of Italy to the soft south. <BR> <BR>And maybe Genoa? It's a long time since I was there- 25 years- but I keep reading what a hip place it's become for short breaks.

Train to Venice from Milan in 3-4 hours. However, Venice requires an additional day so you can spend the evening walking St Mark's square. Another trip of a day could be to Como on Lake Como. 1 hour from Milan by train. One of the favorite towns for a walk around the day. Take short boat rides to Cernobbio (Villa d'Este). If an extra day to sleep over take a 1 hour boat ride to Bellagio. Beautiful.

Venice is a must; you will need time there. Why not take the train to Rome and go via Venice. You will save yourselves a lot of aggravation. Be sure to make reservations for the train. If you take the Eurostar from Venice to Rome, it is much quicker. <BR> <BR>The lakes are wonderful!B <BR>

Sheryl, <BR> <BR>Try to fit in a trip to the Cinque Terre, on the coast just a short train ride from Milan. Some of the most breathtaking views I've seen. There are 5 little cliffside towns within walking distance of each other. There is a great walking path connecting the towns. This is one of Rick Steve's favorites, check out his book or website for more info. <BR> <BR>Anne

The distance from the center of Milan to Piazalle Roma in Venice is about 280 km and it should take you about 3 hours driving if there aren't traffic jams in Milan. To that you should add some for parking in Venice, which is normally quick if you park in Garage San Marco (the most expensive) but may take a while in summer if you decide for the Tronchetto lot or the Autorimessa Comunale (which I bet will be filled by the time you get there). <BR> <BR>The distance from Milan to Florence is about 300 km, and it should take you more than 3 1/2 hours driving + finding a place to park. <BR> <BR>Conclusion: if you consider daytrips to either Venice or Florence, take the train. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>