CindyK

We have a 10:10am flight out of Malpensa, which I've read is quite a ways out of Milan and I'm wondering where we should stay to have a nice dinner and memorable last night in Italy before flying out. We won't get into the area the night before until around 7 pm (coming from Cinque Terre).
We were going to stay in Milan at the Antica Locanda dei Mercanti, but it's full and I've heard that Lake Como isn't too far away and very charming.
Even though we wouldn't see it in daylight, except for an hour or so in the morning, would it be worth it, or is that too far to try to get to the airport?
I don't really want to stay out of town next to the airport, because we'll be with a group of friends and want to go out that last night and enjoy a nice restaurant and maybe go to a couple of bars.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

cindy, Varenna is out of the question.
I suggest you either add a day to your
trip or stay at the south end of Lago
Maggiore. You will arrive there 2 hours
sooner from the CT and it is only an hour from Malpensa. Also, check out the Villa Malpensa if all else fails.
I am sure that Rick would tell you the
same. Get the Michelin map # 428, and
pray for good weather.

howard

Why not stay in the city of Como the night before? Granted that it's not as charming as Varenna, but it's not bad! It is definitely more doable. (Once you get past Como on the lake, the roads are very narrow and winding and take a long time to drive anywhere.) The city of Como is only about a half hour or so from Malpensa.

CindyK

Bob,

Thanks for your suggestions. Where at on Lago Maggiore do you suggest?

Is there a direct train/shuttle to Malpensa, or do you have to train to Milan first?

Thank you soooo much!

Tony

CindyK

There was a post on here a couple of weeks ago, which impressed me enough to copy it for future reference, regarding a hotel close to Malpensa airport, which was described as terrific, and appears to be the most practical option for you.
The hotel was called Hotel Villa Malpensa, 5 minutes from the airport, with a free shuttle bus service. The website is www.malpensa.it/Villa.htm
Seems like to would be worth checking this out as it will remove any hassles and leave you free for the memorable last supper!

Joe

It can be done. Did it this last July 24th. Takes about one and a half hours, Varenna to Malpensa. Make sure and take the secondary road to Malpensa, not the Auto Strada through Milan which takes three and one half hours (rush hour traffic that time of morning). Get directions from a local. If you are arriving at 7:00 PM the night before, I am not sure it is worth it.

Jose Luis Flores

To help you schedule your plans: the bus trip fron Milan to Malpensa is at least one hour long. Last may it took me 2 hours because a labor protest that blocked the roads. Take your time, its preety far away.

Deena

Regarding the Hotel Villa Malpensa, I stayed there five years ago and it was a very nice experience. The hotel is beautiful and there is a fantastic little restaurant in the tiny village behind the hotel (easily walkable). When we stayed there, however, they did not have a free shuttle service to the airport. We took a cab (fixed price) to the airport. You may want to check out if they have a shuttle service now. We would definately stay at the Villa Malpensa again for our early morning flights.

Christine

I cannot emphasize enough how awful rush hour traffic is in Milan! So do do do plan accordingly.